10 Tools You Think You Need (But Never Use)

April 23, 2025

If you’re someone who handles many of the repairs around the house or you work on your car, you probably have a set of tools to get the job(s) done. However, many men go overboard when it comes to tools. Some things you’ll buy will go unused from the day you pull them off the shelf at Home Depot. Here are 10 tools everyone thinks they need, but often never use.

1. Stud Finder (When Knocking Works Just Fine)

At first glance, a stud finder seems essential for hanging shelves or mounting TVs. But in practice, most people end up just tapping on the wall or drilling a few test holes anyway. The batteries die, the readings are inconsistent, and the extra step often feels like a hassle. It’s one of those tools you think you need, but it rarely beats the trusty old knock-and-guess method. Unless you’re doing heavy-duty work often, save the drawer space.

2. Laser Level (Unless You’re Hanging a Gallery Wall Weekly)

A laser level feels high-tech and precise, and it is—in theory. But for most household projects, a basic bubble level does the trick just fine. The laser version requires setup, batteries, and calibration, which is often more trouble than it’s worth for a picture frame. It’s a prime example of tools you think you need, but quickly stash away after one use. If you’re not a contractor, it’s overkill.

3. Wire Stripper Tool (That You Use Once a Year—Maybe)

If you’re not an electrician or a DIY electronics enthusiast, your need for a wire stripper is probably rare. It’s a cool-looking tool, but for occasional wire jobs, a sharp utility knife or scissors can usually get the job done. Most homeowners buy one “just in case” and then forget it even exists. It’s one of those tools you think you need but don’t miss when it’s gone.

4. Electric Paint Sprayer (Too Much Work for a Little Wall)

Paint sprayers promise quick, flawless finishes—and they do deliver… if you’re painting a barn. For regular room painting, the cleanup, masking, and overspray issues make rollers the go-to choice. Many people use a paint sprayer once, get frustrated, and never bother again. It’s a classic on the list of tools you think you need, especially during home renovation hype.

5. Torque Wrench (Cool, But Mostly for Gearheads)

If you’re into fixing engines or doing detailed mechanical work, a torque wrench is a must. But for most household tasks, it just gathers dust. It’s one of those precision tools you think you need but rarely need unless you’re a serious DIY mechanic. For basic bolt tightening, a regular socket wrench does the job. Unless you’re rebuilding your car, skip it.

6. Oscillating Multi-Tool (Jack of All Trades, Master of None)

The name alone sounds powerful—but for many homeowners, it ends up being one more bulky gadget in the toolbox. Yes, it can cut, sand, and scrape—but not as well as a dedicated tool for each task. People often buy it thinking it’ll replace multiple tools, but then never use it beyond an initial test. It’s one of those tools you think you need because it sounds versatile.

7. Cordless Nail Gun (More Trouble Than a Hammer)

Cordless nail guns seem like a dream for quick fixes and furniture projects. But once you factor in battery charging, nail size compatibility, and safety concerns, that hammer starts looking pretty handy again. Most people don’t need rapid-fire nailing at home, making this another example of tools you think you need—but really don’t. For small tasks, simple tools still win.

8. Digital Caliper (Precision You’ll Never Use)

Digital calipers are great for measuring down to the thousandth of an inch, but ask yourself: when have you ever needed that? Unless you’re machining parts or working in engineering, you’ll likely never reach for this tool. It’s sleek, smart, and utterly unnecessary for most homeowners. Definitely a top contender for tools you think you need after watching too many how-to videos.

9. Rotary Tool Kits (A Lot of Attachments, Very Little Use)

These kits come with dozens of attachments for carving, grinding, sanding, and more. But in reality, most people never even figure out what half of them do. It’s easy to get excited about the possibilities—until you realize you don’t actually do any of those projects. A rotary tool kit often turns into a drawer full of missed intentions.

10. Tile Cutter (Used Once, Then Forgotten Forever)

Tiling your own bathroom sounds like a fun weekend project until the tile cutter enters the scene. It’s bulky, tricky to use, and usually ends up in the garage after a single use. If you’re not regularly laying tile, it’s a tool that quickly becomes irrelevant. Borrow or rent instead—don’t buy into this unnecessary addition to your collection.

Tools Are Only Useful If You Actually Use Them

When it comes to stocking your toolbox with amazing tools, you need to consider what you’ll actually use. Pick out quality tools that will fit your lifestyle and needs. This will help you avoid having a bunch of clutter. When in doubt, you can always rent or borrow the larger tools to get the job done, if needed. It’s more economical than spending a ton of money on tools you won’t use.

What tool did you buy thinking it would change your DIY game—only to never use it again? Drop your regrets (and dusty gadgets) in the comments!

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