I’ve got a screwdriver and hammer that’s it.
by
Sallie N
+5
I enjoy looking at these projects and think most of them are great. However almost all of them are way beyond my skill level. I don’t have a circular saw or nail gun or workshop space. I wonder what the other people who look at these project do. Do you admire it and keep on scrolling. Do you email the link to your handyman and see what he would charge. Or do you try to take it on yourself.
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If you want to learn new skills and how to use tools, then there are an abundance of video tutorials to teach. And, of course, there's tool rentals.
One huge tool, for me, was a cordless drill. I have adapters where I can use it as a screwdriver but it helps out in so many ways. If I had to Secret Santa myself, get that!
This is a great question. I recommend to peruse projects for inspiration and ideas. When you find a project you like, there is always a way to tailor it to fit your skill level. If you like a project, email the author and ask them if they can recommend a way to do it with very simple tools. It can't hurt to ask because you may get a set of instructions specifically for you or you may find someone willing to give you old tools they no longer use. In my experience, the DIY community helps one another.
My 2 cents...
Hope this Helps! Jeremy - https://do-daddy.com
Hi Sallie,
I have know idea how old you are, but i would suggest you get or ask for gifts of easy to use tools and a small project book to sharpen your skills on. All sorts of books available for beginners. You will soon be able to tackle one or two projects. You might also be able to find a local group of crafts folk - just ask around, you will be surprised at who maybe able to help you............
Hi Sally,
It's not a question of skill at this point. These skills are super easy to learn! Really, really easy.
The question now is whether that circular saw is too heavy to easily pickup and use. I have RA and some days are good and some days are not so good. I can handle the saw on the good days for about 10 cuts. Then I come back later...
Maybe ask your handy man or whoever to let you feel the weight of the tool and if it's okay, then practice a couple of cuts. Makita does make a lightweight circular saw, but the blade size is smaller; 5" I think.
Additionally, if you have a yard, then you have a shop!
But if all is good, then start with a circular saw or even a portable sliding miter saw - google it - more bang for your buck, but you'll need a place to store it. Then have the handy man make a work bench you can also fold up and store.
Yes, the drill would be next to get. A nail gun is a luxury, but a nice one...
YouTube is a boon for how to's. Search anything there; how to safely use the tool, how to get specific types of cuts, how to make a specific project, etc.
Once you know how to use the tools, you'll be making your own designs, projects, etc.
Good luck and ask questions.
There are lots of ways to learn how to use tools these days, from videos on the internet to your local home improvement store holding classes. You're never too old to learn something new and learning how to use tools is great knowledge to have.
You don't have to buy all the tools either. Check your area for a tool library, ask your friends or neighbors to borrow some, or your local home improvement store will have them for rent. They're not as hard to use as it may appear, promise!