DIY projects can be exciting, empowering, and cost-effective—until you hit a wall (literally or figuratively) because you don’t have the right tool. Whether you’re a new homeowner, weekend warrior, or crafty creative, knowing which tool to use can be half the battle.
This guide pairs 10 common home projects with the perfect tool you can rent through Garage101, saving you money and garage space while helping you get the job done right.
1. Hanging Shelves or Wall Art
Recommended Tool: Power Drill with Level Attachment
Skip the manual screwdriver and guesswork. A power drill helps you anchor screws securely, and a level ensures everything is perfectly straight.
Bonus: Rent a stud finder too if you’re mounting on drywall.
2. Painting a Room or Accent Wall
Recommended Tool: Paint Sprayer
For smooth, professional finishes and quicker results, a paint sprayer beats rollers and brushes. It’s perfect for walls, ceilings, and large surfaces.
Tip: Also rent drop cloths and painter’s tape kits if available.
3. Installing a New Light Fixture
Recommended Tool: Voltage Tester & Ladder
Electrical projects require safety first. A voltage tester ensures no live wires before you begin, and a sturdy ladder gives you stable access.
Note: Always turn off power at the breaker before starting any electrical job.
4. Starting a Backyard Garden
Recommended Tool: Rototiller
Instead of hours of digging, a rototiller quickly breaks up soil, removes weeds, and prepares your garden bed for planting.
Why Rent: It’s large, seasonal, and rarely used more than once or twice a year.
5. Fixing a Leaky Pipe
Recommended Tool: Pipe Wrench + Plumbing Snake
A sturdy pipe wrench helps tighten or loosen connections, while a plumbing snake clears minor clogs that might be contributing to pressure issues.
Extra: Some renters also list pipe cutters or sealant kits for more advanced fixes.
6. Refinishing a Wooden Table or Chair
Recommended Tool: Orbital Sander
Strip away old paint or varnish smoothly and evenly with an electric sander. It’s essential for restoring furniture and wood decor.
Pro Tip: Rent sanding pads in different grits for better control.
7. Building a Fence or Raised Garden Bed
Recommended Tool: Nail Gun + Circular Saw
Nail guns speed up construction, and a circular saw ensures precise cuts. Combined, they help you build like a pro.
Why Rent: Both are high-performance tools that are expensive to buy for just one project.
8. Deep Cleaning a Deck or Driveway
Recommended Tool: Power Washer
Restore surfaces with high-pressure cleaning that removes mold, grime, and old stains. Ideal before sealing or staining wood, too.
Important: Some users offer eco-friendly detergent options with their rentals.
9. Mounting a TV or Floating Shelf
Recommended Tool: Drill + Stud Finder + Level
Mounting requires stability and alignment. This tool trio ensures your TV stays up and doesn’t tilt.
Extra: Rent a socket wrench set if you’re securing with lag bolts.
10. Removing Old Carpet or Flooring
Recommended Tool: Floor Scraper or Oscillating Multi-Tool
These tools make stripping old flooring far easier and faster. A must-have for renovation projects.
Tip: Protective gloves and kneepads are highly recommended.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to own every tool to be a capable DIYer. You just need to know what to use and where to find it. With Garage101, you can match your project with the right tool in your area—saving money, space, and stress.
Ready to tackle your next DIY?
Browse available rentals now on Garage101.com and get the job done right the first time.
