Admit it. You don’t like to rely on outside contractors to fix things in your home. You’d rather tackle those projects yourself. You might not call yourself a weekend warrior, instead opting for DIY king or queen. Nonetheless, you certainly devote a chunk of your free time to home improvement.

Having a good set of tools to get your home in tip-top shape can make a huge difference. You won’t be running to the store, fixing blunders, and resorting to calling the pros. While you might already have some of the items you need, there are others you may have overlooked. These seven underrated tech gadgets can make DIY jobs a breeze while helping you achieve professional-looking results.

1. Headlamps

Ever tried to climb a ladder with a flashlight in your hand? It’s a delicate balance, literally. One misstep could put you in harm’s way. You’ve got your work cut out for you between holding the flashlight, staying steady, and focusing on the project.

But if you switch out flashlights for headlamps, you don’t have as much to juggle. Your hands remain free, and you can safely navigate tricky spaces or equipment. What’s nice about headlamps is that the light shines right in front of you. The light source also stays steady, and all you have to do is tilt your head if needed.

In other words, the light source moves directly with your vision. When you want to illuminate a ceiling or where a wall meets the ceiling, just look up. You can also turn your head to the side and downwards when necessary. Headlamps light up what’s directly in front of you. And the light stays mounted in place, so keeping it secure isn’t an issue.

2. Wet/Dry Vacuum

Home improvement projects mean there’s usually a mess to clean up. While the work itself might come out beautifully, leftover dust, particles, and materials are common. If you’re relying on a broom and a mop, you’re working harder on cleaning up than you should.

Adding a wet/dry vac to your DIY arsenal makes the clean-up process less of a chore. After you’ve put sweat equity into your home, messes can become overwhelming. A wet/dry vac takes care of spills, dust particles, and all the “leftovers.”

You’ll find the vacuums small enough to store in a garage work well for DIYers. Some wet/dry vacs roll around on wheels, making portability and maneuverability easier. Also, look for a vacuum with a stainless steel exterior so it can stand up to the toughest environments.

3. Levels

A level ensures everything comes out straight. From pictures hung on a wall to a new backsplash installed in the kitchen, it takes precision. Relying on the human eye usually isn’t reliable enough.

You can find levels in various lengths and digital versions. While you might want to invest in a variety, having at least one will help immensely. Levels also come in handy if you’re building furniture like shelves or installing built-in bookshelves on a wall.

4. Label Maker

DIYers usually have a garage full of tools. Maybe you’ve got a garage and a storage shed stocked with everything from caulk guns to nails. How do you find what you need in a jiffy? Do you waste time looking for something you could’ve sworn was on a certain shelf?

Organization can be key, especially as your weekend warrior supplies grow. A label maker helps you identify what’s in which compartment and what’s stored where. You can easily label drawers, shelf spaces, and storage chests. This way, if you recruit helpers, they’ll also know where to find all the supplies.

5. Stud and Live Wire Detector

If you’re going to be drilling into your home’s walls, a stud and live wire detector is a must. Some DIYers would consider it crazy not to have a detector on hand. One wrong move and your weekend project could turn into a costly, extended fix.

A detector alerts you to where studs, live circuits, and pipes are before you fire up the drill. Some people even use detectors when hanging pictures or wall shelves. A stud and live wire detector will usually set you back between $30 and $80. It’s a small price to pay for safety and accuracy.

6. Oscillating Multi-Tools

An oscillating multi-tool handles a variety of tasks, including sanding, cutting, grinding, and scraping. Getting one of these devices means you can cut down on the number of tools in your shed. However, you’ll still be able to get the most common DIY jobs done, like removing grout.

You can also scrape off paint, even from smaller corners. Switch to sanding the deck or porch railing. Then, get your new front door trimmed to a perfect fit before dinnertime.

7. Telescoping Ladders

Extension ladders help you reach heights you wouldn’t be able to otherwise. For jobs like cleaning gutters and applying exterior paint, a step ladder won’t do. But the truth is, extension ladders are awkward.

Traditional extension ladders are heavy and challenging to store. Telescoping ladders, on the other hand, extend when needed and compact for easy storage. When compacted, you can store them in a closet, on a smaller shelf, or in a corner. Telescoping ladders are also lightweight, making them easier to carry.

Underrated Tech Gadgets for DIY Enthusiasts

The DIY movement is strong. Companies and home improvement stores catering to homeowners had estimated sales of more than $328 billion in 2024. Whether you devote most of your week or the weekend to projects, what’s in your toolkit makes a difference. By including some of the most underrated tech gadgets, you can improve your home’s aesthetics and your DIY game.