If I had $100 to buy tools, what would be most effective?

J

Jackson Miller

Well-known member
I was thinking this would be very helpful not just for me but for others. I want to do some DIY projects but have NO tools whatsoever other than screwriders, a hammer, a wrench, and pliers. What tools would get me farthest for $100? I am thinking mainly handhelp power tools that are cheap such as a drill? One of those multi tool saw things? A reciprocal saw? I hacksaw? I want to be able to cut through thing sheet metal, PVC, maybe aluminum pipes, etc. Maybe also a soldering iron. Anyways I am thinking out loud but I want to let all the experts give their advice and ALSO please tell me where I should buy these things. Would it be cheaper to buy them from an online store like harbor freight or from home depot or lowe's? Ace hardware (cheaper)? Are the one's from harbor frieght good quality?

Thanks a ton!
 
You're not going to get very far with that budget. Start with pawn shops and go from there. A good used Dewalt or Makita is much better than a brand new Black and Decker or no-name from Ace. Start with a good drill. Corded are cheaper. Get 18V min if you're going cordless.
 
Hi Jackson, most people are going to tell you wait until you have a project in mind and then see what you need, which is correct, but in addition to what you have, safety goggles, a vise, power drill and bits, try square, center punch, measure tape and a hacksaw are pretty basic. If you are careful and patient you probably can do most DIY projects with these tools. Just compare prices and quality at your local hardware stores and you can be under budget.
 
yeah you should get whatever tools you need when a specific project calls for it. But one thing i do recommend is to get a few extra tripod screws because i'm always seem to be short on those during DIY projects hehe.
 
Depends what sort of stuff you plan to make but if it's anything small to medium sized, a variable speed Dremel with a decent set of attachments is incredibly useful.

Is there no one who you can persuade to let you use their tools? Tool collections (heck, gear in general) is a bottomless pit and you can spend a shedload of money and still be lacking that one tool for the job...
 
Get a drill press. It will save you a lot a time drilling holes for diy projects and it is very precise and straight down. Drilling 4 holes on metal plate for a diy dolly using drill driver takes like ~20 min while trying to hold it down and be precise vs ~1 min using drill press. I paid $180 for Delta 300 but there are cheaper models out there. Drill press over drill driver.
 
My "Drill Press" takes the place of so many tools, and allows me to do things with any type of drill bit a regular drill can take, just be sure to let the bit do the work, and refrain from putting pressure on the drill head.
 
Safety glasses, dremel tool, and a drill have been used on every DIY I've ever done.

For bigger projects, dollys etc. an angle grinder was used to cut some metal pieces.

Recently, I've been digging the riveting tool that I picked up for ~$20.
 
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