Paint Brushes
I recently had to repaint the exterior of my house, which has T1-11 siding and wood trim. While I could have rented an airless sprayer, I decided to do the job by hand and avoid problems with overspray. I didn’t have any paintbrushes (rollers won’t work on T1-11 because of the grooves), and since I’m on a budget, I decided to give the Dollar Tree brushes a try. I bought a set of that included a 1.5- and 3-inch brush. The smaller brush had a tapered edge, so I used it for the trim, and the wider brush for the siding itself.
A frequent problem with cheap brushes is that they lose bristles, but these brushes didn’t. The smooth plastic handles were ergonomic and easy to use. After the job was complete, they cleaned up well and are now part of my tool collection.
- Total cost: $1.50 plus tax. That’s about a third of what similar brushes would cost at the hardware store.
Paint Rollers
Besides brushes, Dollar Tree also stocks 12-inch roller frames ($1.50) and roller sleeves (also $1.50). The sleeves have a 3/8-inch nap, which is suitable for most interior and exterior surfaces. The frame has a threaded handle, and a screw-on extension pole can be found in the section of the store that sells cleaning supplies. I didn’t find paint trays, but the clerk directed me to foil baking pans, which are sold with the cooking supplies and work just as well.
- Total cost: $3.00 for the roller frame and sleeve, $1.50 for the extension pole and $1.75 for the baking pan. Altogether, $6.25 plus tax.
Levels
I bought my 2-foot level 10 years ago when dollar store tools were still a dollar, and it’s the only one I use. It has a plastic body graduated in sixteenths of an inch and millimeters, and it features three bubbles — one for horizontal, one for vertical and one for diagonal measuring. The design of the current Dollar Tree offering has been improved to include a magnetic edge to ensure the tool stays put on metal surfaces.
Dollar Tree also stocks an 8-inch torpedo level with a magnetic edge, two bubble settings and a feature I’ve never seen before; a graduated gauge that tells you exactly how far your surface is out of level. This tool is perfect for straightening pictures and shelves, as well as for other home DIY repairs.
- Total cost: $1.50 plus tax for either tool.
Tape Measures
You won’t find a 16- or 25-foot tape for $1.50 on Amazon or anywhere else. Although the 16-foot model is fairly basic, the 25-foot one features a rubber casing and a ratcheting gear that prevents the tape from retracting until you press a button. Additionally, the tape is graduated in both fractions of an inch and millimeters. Either one provides all you need in a tape measure, and then some, so why would you get one anywhere else?
You can also find a 33-foot tape measure, but it’s a bit more expensive.
- Total cost: $1.50 for a 16- or 25-foot tape measure and $5.00 for a 33-foot one.
Pliers and Wrenches
A set that includes both standard and needle-nose pliers costs $1.50. I’ve never tried them, but they look capable of doing most plier-related jobs, including gripping screws and nails, twisting wires and bending metal. They’re sturdily built, and they have insulated handles, which you need for basic electrical work.
The store also stocks a 10-inch spanner for $5.00. Also for $5.00: Three hex wrench sets that include virtually every size of hex wrench — in both metric and Imperial units — you’ll ever need. Oh, and one more thing: a 40-piece socket wrench set for $7.00.
- Total cost: $18.00 for everything.
Screwdrivers and Driver Bits
One Dollar Tree offering is a set of two Phillips head or two flathead screwdrivers (your choice), one with a full-length shaft and one stubby one, for $1.50. But the best deal, in my opinion, is the ratcheting screwdriver with a 29-piece assortment of driver heads and sockets for $5.00. That’s hard to beat.
Dollar Tree also sells a 4-volt rechargeable screwdriver for $7.00. It might be suitable for minor DIY projects, but it’s relatively lightweight, and more powerful battery drills are available at an affordable price, so I’d recommend skipping this product.
- Total cost: $8.00 for a set of four standard screwdrivers and a ratcheting screwdriver with all the driving bits you’re likely to need.
Clamps
DIY woodworkers often need to clamp their work to a bench, and clamps are also useful for various other household purposes; however, they can be pretty expensive at the hardware store. Dollar Tree sells three types: 4-inch spring-loaded bench clamps ($1.50 per pair), 4-inch bar clamps ($3.00 per pair) and 6-inch bar clamps ($3.00 each).
- Total cost: $7.50 for an assortment of five clamps.
Utility Knives
Next to a hammer, the tool I most often reach for in my tool collection is a utility knife, and I’ve long been a fan of the heavy-duty one with a snap-off blade available at Dollar Tree for $1.50. It’s sturdy enough for most home improvement and construction purposes, and it comes with two extra blades. Also: A set of three smaller box-cutters with snap-off blades for $1.50.
- Total cost: $3.00 for all four knives.
Ropes, Bungees and Cable Ties
Ropes and bungees are often overlooked DIY supplies, but when you need them, you’ll be surprised at how expensive they can be. Dollar Tree has several offerings that can save you a bundle when you need to fasten something, tie it down or secure it to your truck:
- 25-foot para cord with winder ($1.50);
- Diamond braid rope: 40-foot ($1.50), 100-foot ($5.00)
- 10-piece bungee cord set ($5.00)
You’ll also find various assortments of cable ties, from short to medium lengths. They are available in sets that cost $1.50 each.
- Total cost: Less than $20.00 for all the rope, bungees and cable ties you’re likely to need.
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