The Best Cheap Tools We Tested for DIY Projects and Home Repairs

You don’t have to pay top dollar to get quality tools. Affordable options can still deliver reliable performance for DIY projects, home repairs, and light workshop tasks. In this guide, we’ve gathered the best budget tools from the hundreds tested by the Bob Vila team over the years.

These tools were used on real projects—from cutting lumber and driving screws to measuring layouts and installing trim—to determine which affordable options offer dependable performance.

Choosing inexpensive tools doesn’t mean settling for poor quality. In many cases, reputable brands offer entry-level tools that handle typical DIY work surprisingly well. Our top pick is the Greenworks 24V 7¼-Inch Cordless Circular Saw, which delivered powerful cutting performance while still being one of the most affordable cordless saws we evaluated.

Ahead, find our favorite budget picks across the most common tool categories. Our recommendations represent some of the best cheap tools for homeowners and DIYers looking to build or expand their tool collections without overspending.

1. BEST OVERALL: Greenworks 24V 7¼” Cordless Battery Circular Saw  
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Komelon Self-Lock 25-Foot Power Tape  
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3. BEST TABLE SAW:  Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless 8¼-Inch Table Saw  
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4. BEST JIGSAW: Ryobi PBLJS01B 18V One+ HP Brushless Jigsaw  
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5. BEST CORDLESS DRILL: Black+Decker LDX120C 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver  
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6. BEST HAMMER: Craftsman Hammer, Fiberglass, 16 oz.  
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7. BEST SCREWDRIVER SET:  Vickay 6-Piece Magnetic Screwdriver Set  
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8. BEST SOCKET SET: WorkPro 39-Piece Drive Socket Wrench Set  
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9. BEST BRAD NAILER: Wen 61721 18-Gauge Pneumatic Brad Nailer 
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10. BEST POWER TOOL SET: Ryobi 18V One+ 4-Tool Combo Kit  
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Our Top Picks

Our recommendations highlight budget-friendly tools that performed well during the BobVila.com team’s hands-on testing. We focused on reputable brands, practical features, and essential tools needed for the most common DIY projects without the higher price tags often associated with professional-grade equipment. The following picks represent some of the most reliable cheap tools we’ve tested across several categories.

The Greenworks 24V 7¼-inch cordless circular saw earned the top budget spot after we ran it alongside 10 circular saws in our shop tests. Despite its modest price, it cut plywood and dimensional lumber repeatedly without slowing down or heating up. The saw feels balanced in hand, and both the bevel and depth adjustments are quick to dial in, which helped when breaking down sheet goods and trimming framing lumber.

This wasn’t the fastest saw in the group, but its 4,500-RPM motor handled the types of cuts most DIYers make without bogging down. The controls are simple, the grip is comfortable, and the tool proved reliable through extended cutting sessions. For homeowners who want a capable cordless saw for weekend projects without paying contractor-grade prices, this Greenworks delivers impressive performance for the money.

The Komelon Self-Lock 25-Foot Power Tape impressed us with its practical design and reliable accuracy during our testing of 10 tape measures. Its automatic blade-locking feature holds the tape in place as soon as it’s extended, making one-handed measurements much easier and eliminating the need to fight with a stiff manual lock.

Clear markings on both edges allowed us to read either side of the blade, and the printed 16- and 19.2-inch framing increments were great for laying out studs or joists. The blade stayed stiff enough for longer measurements before needing support, which is solid performance for a tape in this price range. At extended lengths, the auto-lock can slip slightly, but the bright green button lets us quickly secure the blade or retract it smoothly. For routine measuring tasks, this Komelon offers accuracy and convenience without the higher price.

The Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless 8¼-inch table saw is a practical option for DIYers who want a portable saw without dragging extension cords across the shop or jobsite. Among the 25 table saws we tested, the Ryobi impressed us with its light weight and straightforward setup. The fence arrived square and parallel, and dialing in adjustments was quick. In use, it handled one-by lumber and composite decking without bogging down and had enough rip capacity to break down smaller sheet goods.

This isn’t a heavy-duty shop saw, but it covers the needs of most small projects. The cordless design is convenient for anyone already using Ryobi’s 18-volt platform, and the saw includes essentials like a blade guard, sliding fence, and all-purpose blade. We did notice that sawdust buildup can slow chip ejection, so connecting a shop vacuum will help keep your cuts cleaner.

The Ryobi PBLJS01B 18V ONE+ HP Brushless jigsaw offers impressive speed and runtime for a budget-friendly cordless tool. We tested eight jigsaws, and this Ryobi model won our budget award for its brushless motor and strong top speed of 3,400 strokes per minute. The roomy handle was comfortable for extended cutting sessions, and the tool balances upright on its battery, which helps prevent the blade from scratching nearby surfaces between cuts.

Cutting performance was quick and powerful through common DIY materials, and the 1-inch stroke length matches what we saw on more expensive saws. Pushing the saw hard on maximum orbital settings did produce some chip-out in plywood, and sawdust tends to collect near the blade, making the cutline harder to see. Even so, this Ryobi delivers solid performance and value for DIY projects and occasional shop work.

The Black+Decker LDX120C 20V MAX drill/driver proves you don’t need a premium tool for everyday projects. In our hands-on comparison of 13 cordless drills, this model stood out as a simple, affordable option that still delivers excellent performance for basic drilling and driving tasks around the home. The ⅜-inch keyless chuck makes bit changes quick, and the variable-speed trigger, paired with an 11-position clutch, gave us added control for driving screws or drilling small holes.

During use, the drill handled pine and typical DIY materials without much trouble, though it’s not meant for heavy-duty drilling or large auger bits. Its lightweight design and compact feel make it comfortable for longer tasks, and the built-in LED light helps when working in cabinets or other dim areas. For homeowners tackling routine repairs or projects, this Black+Decker offers reliable capability at a very approachable price point.

The Craftsman 16-ounce fiberglass hammer offers good performance for everyday household and workshop tasks without a steep price. In our hammer tests, which included five of today’s most popular models, the Craftsman was a well-balanced option that handled common jobs like nail-driving and pulling. Its forged steel head provided solid striking power, while the fiberglass handle reduced vibration during repeated swings.

The rubber over-molded grip added comfort and control and it absorbed shock well, so the hammer was easier on the hand than some budget models. One design feature that stood out was the pronounced curve in the handle. While it didn’t affect performance, it slightly changes the feel of the grip and may not appeal to everyone. Even so, this Craftsman hammer proved to be a reliable, affordable tool for routine projects.

The Vickay 6-Piece Magnetic Screwdriver Set tackles the basics most homeowners need without adding unnecessary tools or cost. In our testing of 13 top-selling screwdriver sets, this kit stood out for its solid functionality and comfortable grip. Each driver has a chrome-vanadium steel shaft with a magnetic tip that helps hold screws in place, which makes small repairs and assembly tasks a whole lot easier.

The trilobe handles provide a secure grip and help prevent the tools from rolling off a work surface, a feature that’s always appreciated while working at the bench. The set includes three Phillips and three slotted drivers sized for typical household repairs, electronics work, and light DIY projects. While the size range leans toward smaller tips, the magnets were among the strongest we encountered, giving these screwdrivers precise control when starting or driving screws.

The WorkPro 39-Piece Drive Socket Wrench Set provides a practical range of sizes for basic household repairs without the bulk or cost of a full mechanic’s kit. We hand-tested 13 socket sets, and the WordPro collection impressed it with both SAE and metric sockets, giving it enough versatility to tackle furniture assembly, light automotive work, and general maintenance tasks.

The set focuses mainly on smaller sockets, which makes it more useful for common home projects rather than heavy-duty mechanic tools. We liked the sturdy feel of the ⅜-inch ratchet and the included 3-inch extension bar for reaching recessed fasteners. A spin disk and socket spinner help remove loosened nuts quickly, speeding up repetitive work. The sockets are lighter than those in professional-grade tool kits, but they handled moderate tightening and loosening tasks without issue.

The Wen 61721 18-Gauge Pneumatic Brad Nailer delivers dependable trim-installing performance at a price that makes sense for DIYers building a home tool kit. We tested seven top-brand brad nailers, and the Wen demonstrated solid performance with an attractive price point. It drives brads ranging from ⅜ inch to 2 inches long, which gave us the ability to handle trim, molding, and other light carpentry projects.

The adjustable depth dial near the trigger makes it simple to fine-tune nail depth, and the spring-loaded magazine makes loading a snap. During extended use, the nailer drove both short and long brads cleanly into softwood and hardwood. The adjustable exhaust port was also helpful, letting us redirect the blast of air away from faces and dusty surfaces. It lacks bump firing, but for most DIY trim work, the single-fire mode works just fine.

The Ryobi 4-Tool One+ combo kit offers a practical way to build a cordless tool collection without overspending. Among the more than 40 power tool combo kits we’ve tested to date, this Ryobi has everything most homeowners need: a drill/driver, impact driver, circular saw, and LED work light. Each tool in the kit uses Ryobi’s 18-volt platform, and the kit includes a 1.5Ah battery, a 4Ah battery, a charger, and a storage bag.

The drill and impact driver delivered good working power for common DIY tasks, and they weigh slightly more than some pricier alternatives. The compact circular saw handles smaller lumber well and is best paired with the larger battery for longer cuts. While the brushed motors aren’t as efficient as brushless designs, this set of electric power tools is all you need for most weekend projects and basic home repairs.

FAQs

If you’re wondering which tool brands offer the best hand tools for the money or how purchasing battery-powered tools in a set can save you money, then read on for answers to these and other commonly asked questions about cheap tools and tool boxes​.

Q. What is the best value tool brand?

Craftsman, with its durably built tools and lifetime warranty, makes some of the best value-priced hand tools on the market, while Ryobi, The Home Depot’s signature tool brand, makes some of the most affordable quality power tools. 

Q. Is it cheaper to buy tools in a set?

Yes, much of the time. The cost is usually significantly cheaper when purchasing a set of tools versus purchasing them individually. In fact, you can spend up to 30 percent less on tools by purchasing them in sets. 

Q. What should every tool box have?

Every essential toolbox should have these hand tools: a hammer, a tape measure, a pair of pliers, a utility knife, a socket set, an adjustable wrench, and screwdrivers. While it may not fit inside the toolbox, a cordless drill is also a necessity. 

Q. What is the most versatile tool?

With its ability to drill holes, drive in fasteners, and even grind or sand (with the right attachment), the cordless drill is one of the most versatile woodworking tools in a workshop. 

Q. Are cheap power tools worth it?

Yes, inexpensive power tools can be worthwhile for light-duty projects and occasional use, especially when they come from reputable brands and include essential safety and performance features.

Q. How do I maintain my tools to make them last longer?

Clean your hand tools after use, store them in a dry place, keep blades and bits sharp, lubricate moving parts when needed, and recharge batteries before they fully drain.

 

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