Diving into the DIY world feels like unlocking a new superpower. Suddenly, you can fix a leaking faucet, build a bookshelf, or transform a dull room with just a few simple tools. But as exciting as it is, many beginners make a costly mistake right out of the gate: buying a ton of expensive tools they’ll only use once or twice.
The smarter move? Rent first.
At Garage101, you can rent exactly what you need, when you need it, without draining your wallet—or cluttering your garage. Here’s a breakdown of the Top 7 tools every DIY beginner should rent before they decide to buy.
1. Power Drill 🔩
Why Rent First:
A power drill is one of the most versatile tools out there, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by choices: corded vs. cordless, different voltages, hammer function, adjustable clutch settings—you name it. Before you drop serious cash, rent a couple of different models and see which one fits your hand and your needs best.
Pro Tip:
If you’re only doing light jobs like hanging pictures or assembling furniture, a simple 12V cordless drill may be enough. For drilling into concrete or brick, you’ll need something with hammer action.
2. Circular Saw 🪚
Why Rent First:
Every DIYer dreams of building furniture or crafting wood projects—but if you’re brand new, a circular saw can feel intimidating. They’re powerful, loud, and dangerous if not used properly.
Renting allows you to practice safe handling before committing to a purchase. Plus, if your projects are only occasional, it might make more sense to rent every time you need one rather than own it outright.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to rent a guide rail with it! It’ll help you make straighter, safer cuts.
3. Power Sander 🪵
Why Rent First:
You don’t realize how much of DIY life is sanding until you’re deep into a project. Refinishing furniture, prepping a wall for painting, smoothing down edges—you’ll need a sander.
But different jobs call for different sanders:
- Orbital Sander for light smoothing
- Belt Sander for aggressive material removal
- Detail Sander for corners and tight spaces
Rent each type depending on your project and figure out which one you actually like using before committing to owning one.
Pro Tip:
Always check if the rental comes with sanding pads, or you may need to buy them separately.
4. Pressure Washer 💦
Why Rent First:
Do you really need a pressure washer of your own? Unless you’re cleaning decks, driveways, or house siding every other weekend, probably not.
Rent a pressure washer once or twice a year for big cleaning days. Trust us, your wallet and your storage space will thank you. Plus, you can experiment with electric vs. gas models through renting, depending on the job’s intensity.
Pro Tip:
Learn the pressure ratings (PSI) and flow rates (GPM) before you rent. Blasting too hard on delicate surfaces like wood or siding can cause serious damage.
5. Tile Cutter 🔧
Why Rent First:
Planning a bathroom renovation or a kitchen backsplash? You might be tempted to buy a tile cutter, but unless you’re opening your own home improvement business, this is a classic one-time use tool.
Manual tile cutters are cheap enough, but for precision cuts and intricate shapes, you’ll need a wet saw—and that’s something you’ll absolutely want to rent.
Pro Tip:
Make sure to grab safety gear like goggles and gloves when you rent a tile cutter or wet saw. Water and electricity don’t mix well, so caution is key!
6. Ladder 🧗♂️
Why Rent First:
You may think buying a ladder is an obvious move, but consider this:
- A small step ladder might be enough for basic tasks.
- For gutter cleaning, you’ll need a tall extension ladder.
- For painting stairwells or high ceilings, an adjustable multi-position ladder is ideal.
Rent the right size for each project instead of trying to cram a giant extension ladder into your garage for eternity.
Pro Tip:
Safety first! Always inspect a rented ladder for stability, and never stand on the top rung unless it’s designed for it.
7. Nail Gun 🔫
Why Rent First:
You haven’t truly lived the DIY life until you’ve fired your first nail gun… but again, buying one outright isn’t necessary for beginners.
Nail guns are pricey, require a compatible air compressor (unless it’s cordless), and can be dangerous if mishandled. Renting lets you test them out safely, and you can pick the best style for your project—whether it’s a framing nailer for large builds or a brad nailer for delicate trim work.
Pro Tip:
If you’re renting a pneumatic nail gun, make sure you rent (or already have) the correct air compressor with enough PSI output.
Why Renting Tools First is a DIY Power Move
✅ Save Money: Tools can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Renting cuts your startup costs dramatically.
✅ Learn What You Actually Need: Not every tool feels right. Some are heavier, noisier, or just less practical for the kind of projects you like.
✅ Avoid Storage Nightmares: Ladders, saws, and compressors take up major space. Don’t sacrifice your entire garage for tools you only use once a year.
✅ Try Before You Buy: Renting lets you get hands-on experience before you commit to an expensive purchase.
At Garage101, we believe DIY shouldn’t break the bank—or your back. Our marketplace makes it easy to rent the tools you need, when you need them, from people right in your community.
Ready to Build Smarter, Not Harder?
Before you splurge on expensive tools you might barely use, browse Garage101.
Rent what you need. Build what you want. Save what matters most. 💪
