DIY Skills Every Beginner Should Know (Start Here First)

1. How to Use a Drill Without Stripping Screws

Most beginners just “pull the trigger” and hope. But with a few simple tips, your drill becomes your most reliable tool.

What to Know:

• Start slow and steady — speed comes after the screw starts gripping.
• Match your screw bit to the screw head (a loose bit = stripped screw).
• Let the drill do the work — no need to force it.
• Use the clutch setting to prevent overtightening or damaging material.

Try it on: Hanging curtain rods, assembling furniture, mounting brackets

2. How to Measure and Mark Accurately

Bad measurements lead to bad results — crooked shelves, misaligned holes, wasted materials. The fix? A repeatable process.

What to Know:

• Use a locking tape measure to hold your place.
• Mark measurements clearly with a pencil and double-check before cutting.
• For walls, painter’s tape can act as a temporary guide or measuring line.
• Always measure twice — especially before you drill or cut.

Try it on: Hanging wall art, trimming shelf brackets, marking anchor points

3. How to Find a Stud in the Wall

If you’re hanging anything heavy (like shelves or a TV), finding a stud is critical.

What to Know:

• Use a basic electronic stud finder and scan slowly.
• Mark both sides of the stud for accuracy.
• Most studs are spaced 16 inches apart — verify before you drill.
• If there’s no stud where you need it, use wall anchors instead.

Try it on: Installing shelves, curtain rods, heavy mirrors

4. How to Patch Small Holes in Drywall

Nail holes, wall dings, and dents are a rite of passage — but they’re easy to fix.

What to Know:

• Use a lightweight spackling compound and a putty knife.
• Apply in thin layers and let it dry between coats.
• Sand lightly with a sanding block until smooth.
• Touch up with leftover wall paint or color-matched samples.

Try it on: Old nail holes, wall scuffs, door knob dents

5. How to Caulk Neatly (And Not Make a Mess)

Good caulking can make a space look professionally finished — especially around tubs, trim, or windows.

What to Know:

• Use painter’s tape to mark off a straight edge.
• Cut the caulk tube at a 45° angle and start with light pressure.
• Smooth with a wet finger or caulk tool, then peel the tape immediately.
• Clean up extra with a damp rag while it’s still wet.

Try it on: Bathroom corners, window trim, kitchen backsplashes

6. How to Drill a Pilot Hole

This one skill can save you from split wood, stripped screws, or lopsided shelves.

What to Know:

• Pilot holes let the screw grip without splitting the material.
• Use a bit slightly smaller than the screw’s core diameter.
• Drill straight and to the right depth — painter’s tape on the bit helps.
• Always use pilot holes when drilling into hardwood or trim.

Try it on: Installing curtain rods, floating shelves, wood trim

7. How to Sand and Smooth Surfaces

Whether you’re painting furniture or touching up a patch, sanding is what makes it clean and pro-looking.

What to Know:

• Start with a medium-grit (120–150) and finish with a fine (220+).
• Always sand with the grain of the wood.
• Use light pressure — don’t dig into the surface.
• Wipe with a damp cloth before painting or staining.

Try it on: Furniture flips, drywall patches, painted trim