The Most Useful DIY Tool? Your Drill.
You don’t need a full workshop to get started — just a cordless drill and a few smart ideas. These easy DIY projects with a drill are the perfect entry point for beginners who want to build, fix, or upgrade their home without diving into power tools they’ve never used.
They’re low-mess, beginner-friendly, and surprisingly impactful. No saws, no nail guns, and no need to know what a miter joint is — just real upgrades you can knock out in a weekend.
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1. Hang Shelves (That Actually Stay Put)
Floating shelves or bracket shelves are one of the fastest ways to add storage — and make a wall look finished. All you need is a level, a stud finder, and a drill.
Tools You’ll Use:
- Drill + drill bits
- Level
- Wall anchors (if no studs)
- Shelf brackets or mounting hardware
Related guide:
How to Install Floating Shelves
2. Build a Simple Wall Organizer
You can make a sleek key rack, mail sorter, or entryway catchall by screwing wood slats or hooks into a backing board — all done with just a drill and basic hardware.
Project ideas:
- Wall-mounted key rack
- Pegboard strip with cup hooks
- Mini shelf with hooks below
Tool Tip:
Make pilot holes first to avoid splitting wood when driving screws.
3. Replace Cabinet or Door Hardware
Most knobs, pulls, and handles are held by two screws. A drill makes swapping them out fast — and dramatically upgrades how your cabinets or doors look.
Easy upgrades:
- Kitchen and bath drawer pulls
- Interior door handles
- Wall hooks or towel bars
Top Pick:
RAVinte 30-Pack Cabinet Pulls (Matte Black)
4. Install Curtain Rods or Blinds
Window hardware seems intimidating — but it’s just a bracket, two screws, and a drill. Measure carefully, mark your holes, and let the drill do the work.
Bonus tip:
Use drywall anchors if you’re not drilling into studs or window framing.
Recommended tool:
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
5. Mount a Wall Cabinet or Garage Rack
If you’ve got an upper cabinet, wall cabinet, or even a garage track system that came flat-packed, a drill is all you need to assemble and mount it.
Important:
Use a stud finder and long wood screws for heavy-duty hanging.
See also:
Garage Storage Ideas You Can Actually Do This Weekend
6. Hang a TV (Without Calling for Backup)
You can mount a TV with just a drill and a good bracket kit. Mark your studs, level the bracket, pre-drill holes, and install lag screws. Done right, this takes under 30 minutes.
Top Pick:
SANUS Full Motion TV Wall Mount
Guide:
How to Mount a TV (The Right Way)
7. Assemble Furniture (Without Losing Your Mind)
Flat-pack furniture from IKEA, Amazon, or Target can almost always be done faster and sturdier with a drill. Use the clutch setting to avoid stripping out soft material.
Project types:
- Nightstands
- Bookcases
- Storage benches
Tool Tip:
Keep a small bit set with Phillips, flathead, and hex tips on hand.
Affiliate pick:
Makita 70-Piece Impact Drill Bit Set
One Drill = Dozens of Projects
You don’t need pro tools to get started with DIY — just a solid drill and a little direction. These projects prove you can upgrade your space, fix what’s broken, and build something useful without overthinking it.
Start with one, finish it, and build your confidence one screw at a time.
