My Top 10 Tools of 2020 (So Far)!

My Top 10 Tools of 2020 (So Far)!

I’ll admit it, I’m a bit of an addict for new tools! I’m constantly buying tools just to test them out or because they seem like a cool product or can save me time. I’m also fortunate to do this as a business and I occasionally get some sent to me for review pro bono! (I LOVE when this happens). With that said, I’m always discovering new *to me* tools that I think are awesome and that quickly become some of my “go-to” tools for a job.

I thought I would put together a list of tools I’ve gotten to use a lot in 2020 that I absolutely love in case you’re looking for some tools for yourself or the tool lover in your life this fall. This list is ever changing, but so far in 2020, these tools have my vote for favorites I’ve used this year!

Here’s the full list of tools via my Amazon storefront if you’d like to purchase any of them. You don’t pay any extra and it helps support the Mrfixitdiy brand.

1.) Collins Tool Co. Miter Spring Clamps

Collings Tool Miter Spring Clamps – <$50

These things are freaking excellent! Whether you’re doing interior trim work around the house or woodworking in the shop, these tools have become a staple for me anytime I’m doing any type of miter work. These are perfect for baseboards, window and door casings, hobby woodworking projects, you name it! If you’re looking to get something for yourself or the woodworker in your life under $50 then these are a no brainer in my opinion. You’ll find endless uses for them once you have them in your toolbox.

2.) Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18v Cordless Router

Milwaukee FUEL 18v Cordless Router – $200+

Of all the cordless lineups out there, the M18 Fuel lineup is by far my favorite (and I’m not paid to say that). The tremendous amount of tools that have been released that all run on the same battery platform is absolutely awesome in my opinion. Rather than extra chargers and different batteries each time you buy a new tool, you can buy the tool only if you already have other tools in the FUEL lineup. The router is the latest tool I’ve purchased to add to my arsenal of FUEL tools and it is A BEAST. It does everything it’s corded alternative did for me and the portability and ease of use makes it my go to anytime I need a router now. This is a must have for anyone that finds themselves working on the go or just wants a strong, reliable router for woodworking, trim, etc.

3.) Micro-Jig MATCHFIT Dovetail Clamps

Micro-Jig MATCHFIT Dovetail Clamps – $30

Every woodworker knows you can never have too many clamps. No matter how many you own, your newest project seems to involve every clamp you own. What’s awesome about these is you can create your own woodworking jigs and clamp rigs however and whenever you need them using any 14° dovetail router bit. You don’t need to spend a bunch of money on T-track or something to create a jig to hold your workpiece. These clamps slide into any dovetail channel and are super strong and easy to use. Their uses are almost limitless and having a versatile tool like them is really useful especially if you have a smaller workshop.

4.) Paslode Cordless XP 30° Framing Nailer

Paslode Cordless 30° Framing Nailer – $350+

Alright so this one I’ve had for several years now BUT I’ve continued to use it a lot this year and it continues to be one of my favorite all-time tool purchases. This thing just performs! Is it pricey? Absolutely. (Not that different than buying a compressor, hose, and a pneumatic gun though) It’s more than paid for itself in the amount of time it has saved me from lugging around and using an air compressor. It keeps the job site cleaner and safer (no tripping on hoses). The gas canisters last a really long time as does the battery. I honestly have zero complaints about this tool and I’m so glad I have it!  I also use it for cement composite siding projects. I’d highly recommend this tool for any framing or remodel projects you’re doing.

5.) WEN Variable Speed Drywall Sander

WEN Variable Speed Drywall Sander – $120

It’s no secret that I HATE drywall. I’ve been pretty vocal about how much I despise taping, mudding, and sanding drywall. Well that hasn’t really changed much, BUT I did invest in a drywall sander this year and it’s made keeping the annoying drywall dust under control MUCH easier. I always assumed a drywall sander was really expensive, but I found this WEN drywall sander very affordable and it was such a big help when I was working on the drywall for my office remodel this year. It’s one of those tools that I’m not sure how I’ve gone without. Needless to say, I won’t be doing drywall without it ever again!

6.) Rolgear 15 in 1 SILENT Ratchet Screwdriver

Rolgear 15 in 1 SILENT Ratchet Screwdriver – $30

A screwdriver is just a screwdriver, right? Well yeah, except for when it’s this one. I’ve actually had a set of these for a few years, but I started using this screwdriver all the time on my projects this year. With 15 interchangeable bits for every type of screw, and a super easy adjustment for ratcheting tight or loose, this screwdriver is awesome. And it’s completely silent so no ratchet clicking noise. It’s super comfortable in the hand, well balanced, and ergonomic. This tool is perfect for all sorts of applications but I use it a lot for electrical and mechanical maintenance projects around the house. If you’re looking for a “one size fits all” multi-purpose screwdriver I encourage you to check this one out.

7.) Kreg Crown Pro – Crown Molding Cutting Tool

Kreg Crown Pro – Crown Molding Cutting Tool – $30

This one is a bit of a specialty item. Do you need it? Well no, probably not if you’re not doing a bunch of crown molding. But if you have at least one room of crown molding to do like I did this year, it’s worth the investment. Finding the spring angle and setting up a jig for cutting crown molding on your miter saw can be a time suck and be a pain in the butt. This jig takes out all the guesswork and makes it a quick and easy setup. For $30, it’s well worth it simply to save yourself a headache. Crown molding takes some time to get used to and can be challenging so anything that helps simplify the process is worth it in my book!

8.) Aquor Water Systems House Hydrant

Aquor Water Systems House Hydrant – $80+

Ok so maybe this is more of a product than a tool, I don’t know. Regardless, I installed one of these this year as a how-to project video and I love it! It’s a slick modern upgrade to the traditional hose bib. What’s cool about it is that it’s self draining and the majority of the unit is actually in the wall. If you live in a cold climate, there’s no risk of freezing and breaking in the winter months, and no need to do a season ending water line drain before the frost. If you’re looking to upgrade your hose bibs around the house, I’d highly recommend checking out the House Hydrant.

9.) SENSE Home Energy Monitor

SENSE Home Energy Monitor – $299

This is another one of those “tools” that’s a little different but has been amazing for me in 2020. I installed this monitor on my home about a year ago and it has helped me prioritize money/energy saving projects on the house over the past year. For example, my old fridge was a complete energy suck and was costing a lot of money to run! It also helped me realize exactly how much money I was putting towards HVAC and it made me prioritize re-doing the insulation in my attic before the summer heat this year which has made a noticeable difference in my energy bills. The app interface is easy to use and learns your home over time to help identify each item and how much power they draw. I highly recommend it.

10.) Gerber Center-Drive Multi-Tool

Gerber Center-Drive Multi-Tool – $125

I was never much for a multi-tool as an everyday carry tool until this year. I got my hands on the Center-Drive from Gerber and I immediately fell in love with it. It has a lot of the features people love about a multi-tool in a small package and also has a built in screwdriver with a variety of interchangeable bits. It’s awesome to know that you have a tool in your pocket that can tackle a huge array of jobs.The only thing it’s missing in my opinion is a pocket clip!

So that’s it for this list! I hope you guys enjoyed checking out some of my favorites and I hope it helps you if you’re considering some new tools this year. As I mentioned, this is an every evolving list so I’ll do my best to share some more of my favorites as I come across them.

Here are some recent projects I’ve done utilizing some of the tools I mentioned above.

How to Monitor Your Home’s Energy Usage

How to Upgrade to a Modern Water Spigot