The beginner's tool box for creative projects

In all the projects I have done or seen on the home improvement shows it seems that there are certain tools the do-it-yourselfer just can't do without. Here is a list of the basic tools that every do-it-yourselfer needs in their arsenal.

1. Cordless Drill A good cordless drill is essential for most projects. You can use a drill with a cord of course but it just doesn't give you the flexibility a cordless drill does to get into tight spots or even build where electricity may not be accessible. You can get all kinds of features in your drill now. The drill I just picked up can be switched from drilling to driving to hammer drill modes with just a flick of a switch. My recommendation is to pick a drill with the highest voltage that doesn't feel too heavy for you when handling it. I also recommend you get at least one extra battery. There is nothing worse than running out of juice in the middle of project and having to wait an hour for the battery to charge back up.
2. Drill Bit Set What good is a drill if you don't have the bits for it. I recommend getting a set with a good range of drill bit and driver types and sizes. Black and Decker has a nice set that comes in a plastic case that contains drill bits up to 3/8", all different lengths and types of drivers and even a few sockets. It covers about 99% of my project needs.
3. Circular Saw This is a good universal tool that you will use again and again especially for outdoor projects. Although I try to use the other saws on this list more frequently, there are times when you just can't do without a good circular saw. Stick with the corded version of this tool since chances are good it is going to be doing heavy work and sometimes the cordless versions just can't hack it.
4. Compound Miter Saw By far my favorite tool. I can't believe how much I use this for. Trim, framing, decking, furniture, stairs. The list just goes on and on. It makes fast work of both simple and complicated cuts and can be used to cut a variety of materials from 2x4s to vinyl siding. I recommend getting a saw that can cut at least a 6 inch board. That should cover 90% of your work. Also, don't skimp. Buy a saw from a quality manufacturer to be sure it cuts straight and true over and over. Believe me, its very frustrating to cut 45 degree angles and when you try to put them together you find I gap. Trust me on this one.
5. Table Saw A table saw is going to be a life saver when you have to cut long boards into thin pieces or need to cut plywood sheets down to a reasonable size. This is another piece of equipment you don't want to skimp on. Buy from a reputable manufacturer, make sure it takes standard size blades and pay particular attention to the fence. Make sure the fence locks quickly, straight and is accurate in its measurements. It is an unbelievable time saver to be able to lock your fence on the 2 inch mark, cut and have the wood come out 2 inches wide instead of having to measure the distance with a tape measure between the blade and the fence over and over.
6. Hammer/Nail Gun Everyone needs a hammer. That's a given. If you have a chance though, splurge on an air compressor and a nail gun. It is a life saver. I bought an 18 gauge finish nail gun and stapler and I use it for everything. It counter sinks the nail perfectly so you don't have to mess around with a nail set or ever worry about dinging up the wood when you miss the nail.18 gauge tends to work well for trim, furniture, outdoor projects and many others.
7. Screwdrivers Get a set of screwdrivers of different lengths, sizes and types. You just need them. You will use them all the time from putting together furniture to opening paint cans to putting together toys. Buy a good set and you will have them the rest of your life.
8. Pliers/Wrenches You will need these for just about as many things as the screwdrivers. You can get them in sets of different kinds and sizes for relatively cheaply. A good place to start is with needle nose pliers, flat nose pliers, crescent wrench, and bunch of different sized wrenches in a wrench set. The racheting kind work very well.