Over the years I noticed that there were certain do-it-yourself supplies I was continually buying. You know; tape, glue, caulking and many others. Having these DIY supplies on-hand has saved me so much time and money that I decided to assemble a list of those indispensable and most used supplies you should have on-hand before taking on your next DIY project. I’ve also included photos of each for easier reference.

Since these supplies are used so often and are quite inexpensive, you’ll be glad to have them on hand. Also, not having to run to the store every time you need one of these supplies will save you time, money and frustration.

So here we go.

Do-it-Yourself Supplies

Cable Ties

This first one has saved me many times. Cable ties are the totally indispensable fastener. You’ll just be amazed of how many uses there are for these handy items. They come in many different sizes and colors and you can tie almost anything together with these. I have used them for hinges, clamps and even to temporarily hold up plumbing pipes. Definitely a 1001 uses and only about $12 for 650 pieces.

Wood Glue

First choice of glue is yellow carpenters wood glue.  This is a great multi-purpose glue used for joining all types wood. Used extensively in cabinet making and Popsicle stick houses.

Liquid Nails

Liquid Nails is great to have for heavy duty jobs, like laminating wood for a beam, installing sub-floors and extra holding power for outdoor jobs.  Remember, this adhesive is stronger than the wood it holds together, so once it’s glued, getting it apart will be quite improbable.

Liquid Nails also comes in small tubes and in clear as well.

There are many other types of liquid nails for masonry, mirrors, tub surrounds and more. Great for small projects as well.

Latex Caulk

Caulking is essential for giving projects a finished look.  The most popular is Latex painter caulk, used for filling the gaps in moldings, nail holes, sealing up doors and windows and many others. Latex caulking comes in different colors and is paintable.

Don’t forget the caulking-gun (one of many essential DIY tools you should own).

Silicone Caulk

Silicone caulk is great for kitchens, baths, doors and windows. It’s waterproof and comes in colors as well as clear.

Patching Plaster

Patching Plaster  is another must. Great for filling holes in drywall, trim and various finish jobs around the house. It’s easy to apply and can be sanded.

Masking Tape

Masking tape comes in different widths and colors.  The colors represent different applications, such as green is used for very fine line and curve masking. Blue works well for most applications.

Double Back Tape

Double back tape is great for steadying pictures from moving side to side, posting temporary art, holding rugs down and so much more.

Duct Tape

Duct tape is number one on the list of must haves. You know what they say, “duct tape and baling wire”, it’ll hold just about any thing together. There are many different brands, grades and colors, so buy the correct type for the job.

Teflon Tape

Teflon tape is applied to the threaded ends of pipes to improve the water tightness of a joint.  They also make teflon tape for gas pipes too.

Plumbers Tape

Plumbers tape is most often used for hanging pipes, giving them support, but this product is great for so many other uses because it is so pliable.

Drill Bit Gauge

A drill bit gauge is the easiest way to match the size bit you need to a particular screw or bolt.

Carpenter Pencils

A must have for any DIY project.

Coat Hanger

You laugh, but a piece of a coat hanger is great to have in your tool box. It can be used to hold things in place, reach for something you dropped, hang something you want to paint and a million other DIY uses. I’ve had a piece of coat hanger in my tool box for over 30 years–well not the same one.

Walnut Pick

These are great for cleaning out screw heads filled with paint or cleaning out any small area.

Lubricants

Tip, WD-40 is a solvent not a lubricant.
So use a teflon or silicone spray to lubricate.

Electrical Supplies

It nice to have various electrical supplies and connectors available for you home, car and others projects.  I would recommend picking up an assortment of connectors like this.

Many of these kits come with a wire-stripper and a crimping tool.

If you’re ever in a pinch you’ll be happy to have these DIY Essential Fasteners on hand.

Just one more way you can succeed with speed.

DIY article from: DIYAnswerGuy.com. Don't forget to follow me (@DIYAnswerGuy) on Twitter for more DIY answers. Thanks!

Essential DIY Supplies

Like anyone’s house, there’s always little projects and repairs to be done. You know, replace a deck board, hang a picture, install a ceiling fan… you get the idea. And so many times when you set off to take care of these projects or repairs you come up missing the right fastener for the job.

This can be very frustrating, as we all dislike running to the store for just one item. And it’s especially frustrating and costly if the hardware store or home center is 30 miles away, like it is for me.

So, if we’re missing the essential fastener we need, we end up either putting off those projects and repairs or do them improperly (only to end up having to do them again).

Life can be so much easier if you have right fasteners as well as the right tools for the job at hand. That’s why I’ve created this essential list of Do-It-Yourself Fasteners. You know, the ones you’ll use most often.

Types of Fasteners

Although there are many different types of fasteners; Screws, Nuts, Bolts, Washers, Pins — and available in a range of materials and grades; Metal, Plastic, Stainless, Standard, Industrial and Specialty — these are the fasteners to have on-hand because they’re the ones you will use the most.

Screws

Drywall Screws

Pick up a box (each) of these sizes of drywall screws. (3/4″, 1 1/4″, 2″ and 3″). Drywall screws are the great universal fastener and can be used in so many applications (note: indoor use only).

Torx Head Screws

Torx screws come in various sizes (1 1/4″, 1 3/4″, 2 1/2″ and 3″). These are self-drilling and great for building decks or any outdoor project. Pick up a box of each.

Nails

Finishing Nails

As far as nails go I don’t stock many because screws are definitely the fastener of choice these days. Having said that, I do keep some 1 1/4″ finish nails on hand for projects like hanging pictures and small repairs. I also keep some 16d galvanized finish nails around for deck repairs.

16d Vinyl Sinkers

The reason they’re called sinkers is that they have a vinyl coating, making them easier to drive and once in, hard to remove. 16d vinyl sinkers are the best choice for framing and 8d vinyl sinkers for the smaller jobs.

8d Galvanize Nails

Lastly I recommend having some 8d galvanized nails on hand. These are great for building and repairing smaller outdoor projects.

Nuts and Bolts

Nuts and bolts are a more difficult item to decide what to keep on hand. What I recommend is picking up a combination set. You know, like the ones that come in an organizer. Like this.

Overall, I find the need for nuts and bolts is pretty low and, typically, you’ll know in advance exactly what you’ll need for a particular project.

Also, here’s a nice Bolt and fastener chart from BoltDepot.com showing a selection of different types of fasteners, what they’re called, and a description of each.

You can also download a handy Standard US Hex Bolt Sizes and Thread Pitches Chart [PDF]

Wall Anchors

A must have for any DIY’er, wall anchors are invaluable for fastening just about anything to walls and tile. Pick up a couple packs of each of the various sizes and types listed below — and don’t forget to pick up the correct size screws to go with each size anchor.

Plastic Expansion Anchors

Plastic anchors are very popular but are mostly used for smaller jobs and for tile.

EZ-Anchors

EZ-Anchor fasteners (also called threaded drywall anchors) are one of the best inventions ever. Best used for attaching just about anything to drywall as they hold quite well. I find the EZ-Anchors the best wall anchors for mounting LCD and Plasma TV mounts.

These anchors come in several sizes and are easy to install as well as remove. Be sure to pick up some #6 and #8 sheet metal screws to go with them (note that small 3/4″ — 1 1/4″ drywall screws also work with these anchors).

Toggle Bolts

Toggle bolts are mostly used for fastening things to ceilings as they spread the load over a larger surface area. These too are removable.

Having the right fasteners on-hand will save you time, money, and frustration — and you’ll seldom have a problem holding things together.

So consider picking up these essential fasteners at your local home center or hardware store. Believe me, they will last quite a while and be well worth the investment.

Coming up next, a fantastic, lightweight and DIY tool box-organizer to hold all your hand tools or fasteners. This great tool box makes it so convenient to take all your hand tools or fasteners to your project. Also coming up, DIY Essential Supplies.

One more way to succeed with speed from your DIY Answer Guy.

Stop wasting money buying the wrong tools or tools you don’t really need!

DIY article from: DIYAnswerGuy.com. Don't forget to follow me (@DIYAnswerGuy) on Twitter for more DIY answers. Thanks!

DIY Essential Fasteners, Holding Things Together