Eight Useful Tool Accessories Every DIYer Should Own

I like to get things done around the house. I’m not a great carpenter, electrician or plumber, but I like learning how things work and I even like learning from my mistakes (sometimes). And most of all, I like to save a lot of money on home maintenance and repairs. However, none of this means that DIY isn’t an incredible amount of work.

Fortunately, living in a consumer-based society means that companies are always inventing new gadgets that I can buy, and some of them are incredibly useful for DIYers. The eight tool accessories below are the ones I really recommend. Everyone can help make your next project a little faster, easier and/or safer.

A multi-bucket makes painting and cleaning neater

It’s one of those simple ideas that seems so obvious that it’s hard to believe it took this long to come up with. The Multipail is a simple concept: a standard five-gallon bucket with a built-in dustpan. It can also be used with a paint roller as a replacement for the tray and has a non-drip spout for spilling liquids without making a mess. You need a five-gallon bucket anyway, so why not use one that incorporates these useful features, instead of buying two or three wonky accessories?

Flashlight gloves are a very practical way to illuminate your work

There are many ways to light up your job site, from standard flashlights to headband lights to bendable LED lights. But sometimes you need to light up a small space and you need to be able to light up what you’re doing just by pointing at objects. These flashlight gloves are inexpensive, waterproof, and make it easy to see what you’re doing without having to hold a separate flashlight.

A removable bit holder will keep all your drill bits within easy reach

Cordless drills are one of the most commonly used tools in DIY projects, but they come with one major frustration: all those damn bits. If you’re constantly swapping different sized drill bits and different screwdriver bits, you know how difficult it can be to keep them organized (and how hard it is not to lose them).

Enter this nifty bit holder that attaches to the bottom of your drill’s battery. It doesn’t just contain bits, but just about everything from utility blades to fasteners. Designed to work with almost any manufacturer, it attaches to the bottom of the battery and lets you carry everything you need right on the tool.

The Backsaver will eliminate the hassle of drilling at shallow depths

This drill attachment is probably overkill for most DIYers (and it’s not cheap!), but if you have a job that requires a lot of drilling, it could be the difference between an enjoyable day at work and a broken back. Instead of getting on all fours or even lying down to see what you’re drilling, the Backsaver allows you to work in a comfortable standing position while drilling at foot level. It takes some practice before you can dive, but your back will definitely thank you for taking the time.

A panel rack can help you transport drywall and plywood

Transporting large sheets or panels like drywall or plywood can be difficult. It’s difficult to maintain your grip and balance, and navigating turns and tight spaces often results in falling objects or scraping your knuckles.

This panel carrier from Gator Lift simply attaches to whatever you’re carrying (up to two sheets at a time) and makes it very easy to carry with one hand, meaning you can actually open doors and maneuver easily while carrying those heavy, bulky sheets.

A Ladder Hook Could Save Your Sanity

I don’t know about you, but every time I have to climb on my roof to inspect or repair something (or clean the gutters), there’s always at least one terrifying moment where the ladder shakes and wobbles, and I think I’m about to die. Ladders are always incredibly dangerous, but they are especially dangerous when working on your roof. This ladder hook from Lock Jaw attaches to the roof and ensures that the ladder does not move, giving you that extra bit of security.

A clamp socket will allow your power supply to operate safely

Getting power to wherever you work can sometimes be a logistical challenge. There are many ways to install a power strip in your project, but ensuring easy and safe access to the power strip sometimes involves very complicated engineering involving zip ties, duct tape, or precariously balanced equipment.

This clamping power strip is much more civilized. This ensures that you will have plenty of outlets no matter where you work. It can attach to a ladder, joist or rafter, table, railing, literally anywhere. Power will always be nearby and you won’t need to remember to plug in your corded tools before climbing the ladder again.

A ladder leveler will help you reach new heights risk-free

If you own a standard extension ladder, you know that your biggest enemy is uneven ground. An unbalanced ladder is a disaster waiting to happen, but most DIYers have climbed a shaky, leaning ladder at least once in their life, hoping their luck will hold out long enough to complete a quick job.

Invest in a ladder stabilizer instead. Install it on your ladder and it automatically adjusts the legs on each side so that you have a perfectly balanced and perfectly stable ladder to climb, regardless of the unevenness of the ground. Given that half a million people go to the emergency room each year for ladder-related injuries, everyone should probably have one installed on their ladder.