Post #721536 by liabungalo on Wed, Jul 2, 2014 7:40 AM

Just a quick post about what tools have been a lifesaver during my Tiki Basement project. This is really for folks that are doing a crazy construction build-out like I'm doing. When I started my Tiki bar, I only had a hammer and a palm sander, so a ton of money has been spent on tools. These are the ones that I wish I had bought sooner. Please feel free to add to the list and explain what you use it for.

1. Circular Saw: When I started out, I was using a really crappy table saw and was miscutting wood left and right. I bought a Makita for about $100 with a nice little light, so I nail my cuts every time. This can be replaced with a better table saw or miter saw for a lot more money.

2. Framing Nail Gun: I did 90% of my basement toeing in every beam with my foot and a hammer. It sucked, but I learned how to nail studs like a champ. Then I noticed that Harbor Freight has a framing gun for under $100 that has great reviews. Bought it and never looked back.

3. Router: I bought a palm one for hanging doors and am now learning how to do some Tiki carving for the moulding. Well worth $100. I bought a DeWalt.

4. A Solid Drill: This should be obvious, but I was using a crappy Black and Decker that couldn't drill crap. Bought a $100 Dewalt with two batteries during a Father's Day sale. Worth every penny.

5. Staple and finishing gun: See Framing Nail Gun, but for tacking up moulding and Tiki wall coverings.

6. Various Size Levels: Don't just stick with a little one. Buy a few of varying sizes from Harbor Freight.

7. Multimeter: Those wires could be live. These are like $10 at Home Depot and could save your life.