Favorite DIY Stuff 2019
It’s that time already! We approach the end of AZ DIY Guy's 7th year so I'm sharing my 8th episode of my annual Favorite Stuff (2013 had 2).
2019 DIY Gift Guide
The stuff I feature on this list is a small selection of new DIY things I have used this year and and can honestly recommend adding to your kit.
This is stuff I think a self-respecting, DIY, weekend warrior bad-ass should love own. This is stuff in my workshop
I've included Amazon.com (affiliate) links for sourcing, but you can find most of this stuff at other retailers. If you purchase anything through these links, I'll earn a modest commission to help me run the site (at no cost to you!). Thank you for your support.
2019 has been a big year for new tools and stuff at AZ DIY Guy. So, once again, in no particular order, without further fanfare,...
Kreg KMA2900 Multi-Mark Marking and Measuring Tool
This is a handy little marking and measuring tool. I’ve used it a ton for trim work this year. It’s prefect for transferring offsets, measurements and angles. It even acts as a torpedo level.
DeWalt 10 INCH Molding Pry Bar
This little, wide-bladed pry bar is a perfect size. I keep it in my nail apron or cargo pocket when I’m doing my remodel stuff. I use it as a pry bar, a nail-puller, and sometimes a little hammer.
DEWALT 20V MAX Random Orbit Sander
I love this little gem more than my corded model. Its low stature makes it comfortable, despite the battery pack. I used it quite a bit on the wainscoting / plate rail project in the dining room.
Finally! My wish list tool for years!
I’d been waiting for DeWalt to come out with a cordless router for years!
There’s a reason this beauty is the #1 Best Selling Router on Amazon right now. It’s smooth and easy. I love the variable speed, electronic break, and LED lights.
Painting Power
Painting isn’t my favorite DIY task. It’s a pain in the ass. That’s why the word paint is spelled with “pain” included right in the front.
Shur-Line Silicone Mess-Free Store and Pour Collapsible Paint Can Lid
My issue with painting is the freaking mess. I can’t seem do anything without dripping, drooling, and drizzling paint like I’m pouring melted caramel over ice cream. I like ice cream; I don’t like painting.
I picked up this awesome paint can lid / spout, which eliminated my feeble fumbling and dripping. After I use it and the paint dries, it peels right off the silicone, neat and easy.
Wooster Pelican 1 Quart Pail
I’ve been using handheld paint pails in one form or another for years. The Pelican has a beefy and an internal rolling surface. I’ve used it with both brushes and 4” rollers. The best part is the optional disposable liners. The pail stays clean. I actually re-use the liners several times; I just letting the paint dry on them when I swap them to change colors. No cleanup.
Graco Ultra Cordless Airless Handheld Paint Sprayer
Compared to some truly great homeowner grade paint sprayers on the market, this is more of a pro-level unit and comes at a significant price point. It’s an indulgence. However, I chose it for several reasons: reviews were good, it uses pro-grade spray tips, it can spray any angle, including upside down, no paint-thinning is required, and I had a bunch of Amazon gift cards saved up.
Of course, I chose the cordless version. It’s powered by DeWalt and ships with two, 2 amp hour battery packs. Since I’m already using the Dewalt cordless ecosystem, I will love having more of these smaller, lighter batteries around.
The day before I brought sprayer out of storage, I’d ordered a larger paint cup system for it. Since I’d be spraying a big wall area, I wanted to cut down on the refills. The 42 oz bigger cup is 10 oz larger that the one included with the unit. For some reason, my local Home Depot only seems to stock the 42 oz liners, so it will be easier to run out and grab the right ones whenever needed.
Guardline Wireless Driveway Alarm
I’d done a sponsored install and review of these cool sensors earlier in the year. They’re still going strong with their original batteries and have become part of our daily life. We hear the sounds of dog’s barking when someone approaches the front door, the Indiana Jones theme song when someone enters my garage, and bubbles when someone slips beside the house towards the back yard.
Check out the whole story and hear the fun sounds playing in my original post.
DEWALT 20V Max Inflator
When the temperature drops, it seems like every single tire in Phoenix looses pressure all at once. I bought this tool on a whim when our three cars had seven tires with low pressure. It’s such an awesome tool that I took it to work and filled some of my friends tires. Some people loved it so much, they ordered one.
It’s so easy, you screw it onto your valve stem, set the pressure and push start. It reads tire pressure live, without need for another gauge. Plus, it can fill up balls, air mattresses, and pool toys.
This is another Amazon’s Choice product. I love this wierd-looking tool. It’s a massive clamping tripod thing that holds a work-piece tightly. I have the “Sheetmaster” version, which opens wide enough to hold a 4 foot wide sheet of plywood.
I’ve found a ton of uses for it.
I was shocked at how well this champ worked with the included blade. For my tile and stone “door mat” project, it was absolutely perfect. For a tool that cost less than 100 bucks it paid for itself, even if I never use it again, compared to what it would cost to rent a saw.
What every boy wants
I absolutely devastated a yard full of weeds with this big, sharp blade. I’ve unleashed my inner, Indiana Jones, sawing and hacking at branches and palm fronds.
Trust me, wrap that lanyard around your wrist so you don’t fling this beast across the yard.
Stump sunk
Laying out some AZ DIY GUY logos to make shirts
I was invited to become a Cricut Brand Ambassador this year. I’ve been discovering all the cool stuff, this CNC cutting machine and software can do.
So far, I’ve done vinyl decals for hidden wireless chargers and an iron-on project. I’m going to do some vehicle stickers next. It’s an incredible system and so much fun.
Thanks for reading friends and happy holidays. The affiliate links included in this post will net a small commission (at no cost you you) to help run the site. Please support the bloggers you enjoy reading by following the product links they include in their posts. Most reputable bloggers won’t steer you wrong and will only share links for product they have experience with and can honestly recommend.
THE BEST OF THE REST
My lists from prior years (some with the old logo!) are still chock-full of the tools and materials you see me using in my projects year-after-year. There’s some great stuff in here. You can also check out the AZ DIY Guy Store on Amazon to find nearly everything that you see in action on my projects.