In an effort to create the ultimate DIY toolkit, I have decided to create a list of “DIY essentials.” These are items that come in handy in so many projects that it is necessary to keep them on hand at all times. Often these are simple items that just have a ton of modding potential.

DUCT TAPE

Any respectable list of necessary DIY tools would be incomplete without at least mentioning duct tape (AKA gaffa tape). I decided to mention it first because it was the easiest and most obvious choice.

From wallets to prom dresses to bean bags, duct tape has earned it’s place at the top of the DIY scene. There have been books written on its many uses and websites devoted to cataloging extensive duct tape projects.

See: A Million Uses for Duct Tape, 101 Uses For Duct Tape, Packing Tape Sculptures, CD Cases Galore.

FILM CANISTERS

Film canisters are another handy item that can be made into all sorts of crafts, bombs, and containers/organizers. The fact that they are readily available to anyone who takes pictures (okay, not so much nowadays with digital cameras and all) makes them even more useful.

See: Remote Camera Trigger, Soldering Wire Holder, Film Canister Rocket.

LEDs

Any project or craft, electronic in nature or not, can be made better by attaching a few LEDs. With their low power consumption, wide availability of colors and styles, and small size, LEDs can be put in almost anything, anywhere for some added aesthetics. They can truly turn any project into an every day DIY to a feature in the next issue of MAKE.

LEDs can be purchased inexpensively or pilfered out of existing electronics. They have a long life and are fairly resilient to the elements.

See: LED Throwies (ghetto version), Wearable Pixels, Pimp Bed, Shake Light, Bright LED Flashlight.

Tip: A great way to find more DIY projects involving any tool like film canisters, duct tape, or LEDs, is to do a google image search. You may be surprised with what you find!

There are many more items that belong on the list. Send us your ideas for DIY essentials part 2 in the comments or at tips@diyhappy.com

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