Eight Useful Tool Accessories That Every DIYer Should Have.
I enjoy tinkering with my home. I’m not the best carpenter, electrician, or plumber, but I enjoy learning how things work and even enjoying my mistakes (sometimes). And most of all, I enjoy saving a ton of money on home maintenance and repairs. However, all this doesn’t mean doing everything yourself isn’t incredibly labor-intensive.
Luckily, living in a consumer society means companies are constantly inventing new gadgets I can buy, and some of them are incredibly useful for DIY enthusiasts. I highly recommend the eight tool accessories below. Each one can help make your next project a little faster, easier, and/or safer.
The multi-section bucket allows for neat painting and cleaning.
It’s one of those simple ideas that seems so obvious, it’s hard to believe it took so long to invent. The Multipail is a simple concept: a standard five-gallon bucket with a built-in scoop. It can also be used with a paint roller instead of a tray, and it has a spill-proof spout for mess-free pouring. You need a five-gallon bucket anyway, so why not use one with such useful features instead of buying two or three cumbersome accessories?
Gloves with a flashlight are a very convenient way to illuminate the work area.
There are many ways to illuminate your workspace, from standard flashlights to headlamps and flexible LED lights. But sometimes you just need to illuminate a small space by simply shining a light on the object. These flashlight gloves are inexpensive, waterproof, and make it easy to see what you’re doing without having to carry a separate flashlight.
The attached drill bit holder keeps all your drill bits within easy reach.
Cordless drills are one of the most common tools for DIY projects, but they have one major problem: all those dang drill bits. If you’re constantly swapping out drill bits and screwdrivers of different sizes, you know how difficult it is to keep organized (and not lose them).
Introducing a convenient drill holder that attaches to the bottom of your drill’s battery. It holds not only drill bits but also virtually anything, from utility knives to fasteners. Designed to work with virtually any brand of tool, it attaches to the bottom of the battery, allowing you to carry everything you need right on your drill.
The Backsaver device will reduce the load when drilling in the lower part of the well.
This drill attachment is probably overkill for most DIYers (and it’s not cheap!), but if you have a job that requires a lot of drilling in tight spaces, it could be the difference between a pleasant workday and a broken back. Instead of crawling on all fours or even lying down to see what you’re drilling into, the Backsaver allows you to work in a comfortable standing position, drilling at foot level. It takes a little practice before you can get started, but your back will definitely thank you for the time spent.
With the help of a panel lift you can move drywall and plywood.
Carrying large sheets or panels like drywall or plywood can be challenging. Maintaining your balance and balance is difficult, and maneuvering around corners and tight spaces often results in dropped items or scraped fingers.
This panel holder from Gator Lift simply clamps onto whatever you’re carrying (up to two sheets at a time) and makes one-handed carrying much easier—meaning you can open doors and maneuver easily while carrying those awkward, heavy sheets.
A ladder hook can save your neck.
I don’t know about you, but whenever I have to climb onto a roof to inspect or repair something (or clean the gutters), there’s always at least one terrifying moment when the ladder shakes and vibrates, and I think I’m going to die. Ladders are incredibly dangerous, but they’re especially dangerous when working on a roof. This ladder hook from Lock Jaw attaches to the roof and ensures the ladder doesn’t move, providing extra safety.
A socket with a clamping device will ensure a safe power supply.
Running electrical wiring to a job site can sometimes present a logistical challenge. There are many ways to run an extension cord to a site, but ensuring easy and safe access can sometimes require complex engineering solutions involving zip ties, tape, or unstable equipment.
This clip-on surge protector is much more convenient to use. It ensures you have plenty of outlets wherever you’re working. It can be mounted on a ladder, a beam or rafter, a table, a banister—literally anywhere. Power will always be within reach, and you’ll never have to remember to plug in corded tools before climbing a ladder.
A stair leveler will help you reach new heights without risk.
If you have a standard extension ladder, you know that your biggest enemy is an uneven surface. An unstable ladder is a potential disaster, but most DIYers have at least once climbed onto a shaky, tilted ladder, hoping for luck and a quick fix.
Instead, invest in a ladder stabilizer . Install it on your ladder, and it will automatically adjust the legs on each side, ensuring you have a perfectly balanced and stable ladder to climb, no matter how uneven the surface. Considering that half a million people end up in the emergency room each year due to ladder-related injuries , it’s probably a good idea to install one on your ladder.