🛠️ 5 Must-Have Tools for the Weekend Maker (You’ll Actually Use)

Whether you’re tinkering in the garage, crafting custom gifts, or finally tackling that home upgrade, the right tools make all the difference. We’ve rounded up 5 must-have tools that belong on every maker’s bench — beginner or pro. And yes, we’ve actually used them. Over the years we’ve upgraded some of these items, but most remain staples.

⚠️ Heads-up: Some links below are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. It helps keep the lights on (and the soldering iron hot).

1. 🔧 A Solid Rotary Tool

Why we love it: Perfect for engraving, sanding, polishing, and detail work. As with this entire list, this is a tool that could easily have a top 20 category. We’ve had several Dremel products and the 4300 remains staple in the tool box. With a powerful motor, variable speed (5,000–35,000 RPM), and a universal 3-jaw chuck, it’s compatible with all Dremel accessories. The pivot light, ergonomic grip, and airflow system make it a smooth operator even during long sessions. It’s hard to think of a better bang for the buck.

2. 🪛 Mini Screwdriver Set with Magnetic Tips

Why we love it: For electronics, toys, glasses, and tiny things that break at the worst times. The magnetized tips save your nerves. I’ve personally had a handful of these kids over the years and this is one that I finally upgraded when I reached big boy money and it was worth it. One area that I’ve always had issues with is defective extensions and some of the phillips bits wearing down. This Klein kit is the bees knees and if I could go back in time, I’d just tell my young self to spend the extra $15 once. Bonus points for the orange case, which is always easy to spot. I’ve gifted a few of these as well and people love them.

3. 💡 A Ride or Die Work Light

Why we love it: Good lighting is everything. The amount of time I’ve spent fumbling with a flashlight or stationary work light is laughable. For some reason I always thought head lamps were even beyond my nerdiness, but this is one of those I would slap my younger self over. OLIGHT knows a thing or two about lighting. I use their products in my EDC, bug out kits, medicine cabinets, and pretty much anywhere I want quality and serious lumens. This headlamp has been a lifesaver for me in the workshop and for chores all around the property as well as walking the fur friends. This one has 3000 lumens and even has a red light feature that is pretty neat. We have two, black and midnight blue, but the orange is pretty neat as well. Buy it right, buy it once.

4. 🧲 Magnetic Pickup Tool

Why we love it: Yep, I’m putting this in a top 5. Call me crazy, but nothing more frustrating than losing a screw in a tough spot to reach. If you wrench on anything with a motor, you know what I’m talking about. There are a variety of options out there. We like this one.

5. 🖊️ Precision Utility Knife with Replaceable Blades

Why we love it: For cutting, scoring, scraping, and channeling your inner X-Acto-wielding ninja. There is a utility knife in just about every room in our house and multiple in some areas. We have a few brands floating around from Husky to Fisker, but the one I carry around is the Gerber Gear EAB Lite Pocket Razor Knife with Money Clip. Nice quality and small footprint.

There you have it. A quick and dirty top 5 things you need to grab that will help in most of your weekend projects. We love reading and building gear guides, so we’ll curate some more options with some of the products and tips that have really helped us over the years. Thanks for reading!