Whether feathering a first nest or tackling fix-it tasks around the apartment, these basic tools can help beginners take projects from DIY to done.
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Light duty
At less than two pounds and sized to reach into tight spots, the Festool CXS Compact Drill Driver helps DIY beginners get a comfortable handle on projects like assembling furniture. Recharge the 10.8-volt lithium-ion battery in just 30 minutes. $255; includes two batteries and charger. (877) 783-8899; acetoolonline.com.
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Power trip
Enjoy powerful torque for drilling holes and driving screws, with plenty of battery life, with a Milwaukee M18 Fuel ½-inch Compact Drill Driver. The soft, contoured grip lets you work in comfort over an extended period of time. $279; includes two batteries and charger. (702) 891-8150; toolup.com.
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Five basics
Equip a powerful DIY toolbox, ready to build, install or repair, with the five-piece, cordless Ridgid Gen5x Combo Kit. It comes with a hammer drill, circular saw, reciprocating saw, impact driver and LED flashlight. $399; includes two batteries, charger, three belt hooks and more. (800) 466-3337; homedepot.com.
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Easy adjustments
Tap into power with the Black & Decker 20-volt Cordless Circular Saw. Whether you’re cutting wood to build a picnic table or a bookcase, you can adjust bevel cuts to 45- or 90-degree angles and easily make depth adjustments for different wood thicknesses. $49 for tool; battery sold separately. (877) 465-6937; lowes.com.
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All the angles
Cut out circles and other shapes with Hitachi’s Lithium-Ion Slide-Battery Jigsaw. The cordless, 18-volt tool has a base that adjusts up to 45 degrees, splinter guard, chip cover and an LED spotlight to illuminate the cutting area. $105. (866) 764-2976; bigskytool.com.
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Conversion cutter
Switch instantly from jigsaw to reciprocating saw—from cutting wood shapes to PVC pipe—with a Rockwell 12-volt Trans4mer 2-in-1. It offers six cutting positions and a dust blower to keep the cutting line visible. $250; includes battery, charger, wood and metal blades, and carrying bag. (866) 597-3850; toolbarn.com.
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No hands
Hands are free to work while you shine up to 130 lumens of light on projects in dark corners with a Black Diamond ReVolt Headlamp. Choose the setting for the amount of light you need. Batteries recharge via USB, and the lamps also operate on standard alkaline or lithium AAA batteries. $60. (800) 775-5552; blackdiamondequipment.com.
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Dark chaser
No need to stop work on that outdoor project after dark if you’re wearing LED Lenser’s XEO 19R headlamp. It chases away shadows with 2,000 powerful lumens for up to four hours. If a little light will do, the rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack can power on for 20 hours at 200 lumens. $330. (800) 650-1245; ledlenserusa.com.
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Bright spot
Plug in a Designers Edge Halogen Portable Power Light to put your light where your work is. The convenient handle ensures a safe grip, and it comes with two extra-bright 200-watt and 500-watt halogen bulbs. $44. (866) 530-4155; hayneedle.com.
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Live scan
The Zircon MultiScanner x85 OneStep is a multi-tasker that can quickly find the center and edges of wood or metal studs as well as locate electrical wiring and water-filled radiant-heat tubes. A big, backlit LCD screen makes the targets easy to see. $166. (800) 472-4643; grainger.com.
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Level best
A hands-free Johnson Level Hot Shot Laser Mouse adheres to the wall while you ensure that whatever you’re hanging is level. It has horizontal and vertical leveling vials and a laser line that can be projected 30 feet. $25; includes reusable adhesive strip, carrying case and two AA batteries. (800) 221-0516; northerntool.com.
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Get a grip
No tacks or tapes needed—suction from the vacuum base attaches the 3-inch Ryobi Air Grip Compact Laser Level to the wall. It sticks to flat and smooth surfaces and displays a light beam horizontally or vertically for easy leveling. $20. (800) 466-3337; homedepot.com.