Recommended PowerTools, Hand tools & PPE
Find all the tools & machines & PPE I use in Skill Up Online
If you’re starting your creative journey or joining one of my Salvage Sister courses, you’ll need reliable tools you can trust. Over the past decade of teaching DIY, upcycling, and power tool skills, I’ve tried and tested countless drills, saws, hand tools, and consumables. I know which brands to trust & which to avoid, and I know what to look for in a decent powertool and consumable.
Here, I’ve listed my favourite power tools, hand tools, and accessories– the exact ones I use in my workshops and personal projects.
I’ve chosen to link to Amazon for a few reasons:
I’ve chosen to link to Amazon for a few reasons:
- Convenience – You can order tools straight away and have them delivered quickly.
- Everything in One Place – From power-tools, drills & drill bits, powered saws, saw blades, hand tools, PPE & finishing products – Amazon stocks almost every tool, product and consumable I use.
- Competitive Prices – Great value without having to shop around, saving you time & money.
- Trusted & Global – Easy returns, reliable delivery, and a name you know.
- Supporting My Work – I’ve spent years recommending tools for free; buying via these links gives me a small commission (at no extra cost to you), helping me keep creating tutorials and affordable courses for you.
I only recommend tools I personally use and trust – if it’s on this page, it’s because it’s proven itself in my workshop & I am personality recommending it to you.
Affiliate Disclosure:
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Drill Tools, Accessories & Safety Gear for DIY Beginners
Starting DIY, creative crafts or my Drill course? Before you pick up a tool, let’s talk safety.
The right PPE (personal protective equipment) protects your eyes, ears, lungs, and feet – and gives you confidence to focus on the project. Below, you’ll find my recommended safety gear, drills, drill bits, and accessories – the same ones I use in my Salvage Sister workshops.
Safety Gear (PPE) for Drilling & DIY
Safety isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential. Whether you’re drilling wood, metal or masonry, protecting your eyes, hearing, lungs and feet means fewer accidents and more confidence. Here’s the exact PPE I use and recommend:
Safety Glasses (Impact-Rated)
Why you need them: Flying wood, metal or masonry dust can cause serious eye injuries. Choose impact-rated glasses that wrap around for full coverage;
Ear Protection – Plugs or Defenders
Why you need them: Drills and impact drivers can exceed safe noise levels. Foam earplugs are affordable and discreet; over-ear defenders block more sound and are reusable.
- ✅ Classic Yellow…
FFP3 Dust Mask / Respirator
Why you need it: FFP3 masks filter out fine dust and harmful particles – ideal for drilling masonry or sanding. They fit snugly and protect your lungs better than standard masks.
Steel Toe Cap Boots
Why you need them: Protects your feet from dropped tools, heavy timber or metal pieces – a must for any workshop. At the very least you should always wear shoes that protect your feet & ankles.
When looking for the perfect steel toe cap – bear in mind that some companies oversize their boots for thick work socks, always check the description fully, & see if what their returns policy is. I always check reviews too.
Personally I love a pull on, at the moment I have the Amblers (shown below) in black. The Cat’s are comfy, great boots but you may find the laces annoying if you need to change footwear a lot.
For some reason these boots are listed as ‘mens’, but don’t let that you put you off. Our feet our are the same & these work great – the Catapillar boots especially have a lot of sizes (starting from UK 4), & colours. You’ll find the Amblers Steel toe caps from size 5 UK which is what I wear.
The drills & powertools are coming!
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