Surprising Tools You Wouldn't Expect To Find At Dollar Tree

What's new in Dollar Tree's hardware aisle and online store might shock you. While still offering thousands of items at $1.25 each, Dollar Tree has now expanded its merchandise to include slightly higher price points of $3 and $5 under their Dollar Tree Plus line. Now, the hardware section has plenty of new options for DIY projects of any size, all priced for $5 or less. You can find even more handy picture-hanging must-haves, wood-prepping basics, and protective gear, representing a significant step up from the previous Dollar Tree offerings. Discover items like levels, screwdrivers, sandpaper kits, gloves, and goggles.

Shopping at the discount chain lets you outfit your toolbox with essentials without breaking the bank. The savings are especially apparent when you compare similar items sold by other retailers to the Dollar Tree merchandise. Whether you're making your first-ever hardware box with the tools every homeowner should have for simple fixes or just picking up a spare screwdriver as a backup option, you can keep your purchases within budget. Here are some surprising yet must-have tools you can find at Dollar Tree.

Mounting anything straight, be it a TV on your wall or a simple framed picture, can be tricky. A level will let you determine your chosen item's angle, whether you need to hang it at a perfect 45 or 90 degree angle. The 24-inch Tool Bench Magnetic Level will do just that for $3, so you aren't faced with a wonky shelf or a leaning gallery wall addition. If working with anything metal, the level's magnetic side lets you attach it directly to the object as you mount, ensuring the desired angle.

A good screwdriver is a necessity, especially for DIY projects or when you need to assemble a new piece of IKEA furniture. You can never have too many, but sometimes space is limited, which shows the versatility of this next Dollar Tree find: the $5 Tool Bench Ratcheting Screwdriver and Socket Set. Use it to tighten or loosen screws and bolts of various sizes. With 40 pieces, it's an all-purpose option packed in a convenient storage case.

The retailer also features several handy items for your workshop, especially if you want to try one of the many affordable Dollar Tree DIY decor ideas. A premier item is the $1.25 Tool Bench Hardware Sandpaper Pack, which features 36 sandpaper sheets. With it, you can sand your raw or painted wood, using both the waterproof paper or wood abrasive paper included. The package contains several grit strengths, including P80 through to P400, meeting your needs no matter if you need a light touch for a distressed effect or full paint removal. If you'd rather have a sanding block, try the Tool Bench Hand Sanding Block Kit, which offers a sanding sponge and refillable grip, with grain combinations of fine/medium and coarse/medium for $1.25.

To keep items steady and secure when sanding or performing a repair, use a tool bench clamp from Dollar Tree. The store features two versions for simple projects. The 6-inch Tool Bench Bar Clamps for $3 have an easily adjustable jaw so you can hold small, lightweight objects in place. Also available is the 2-piece Tool Bench 4-inch Mini Bar Clamp, which is also $3 and ideal for crafting or small projects requiring a steady hand.

As you work on your never-ending list of "to do" projects around the house, you'll need a good pair of gloves to shield your hands from injury or paint. Consider a set of the Dollar Tree Tool Bench Brown Jersey Work Gloves, a rugged set with textured palms for a secure grip. At $1.25 a pair, you're smart to buy several for painting, gardening, and other household uses. Another option is the Tool Bench Hardware Reusable Latex Work Gloves, available in the colors blue, green, and gray and priced at $1.25. The soft yet durable polyester body combined with latex keeps them stylish yet effective for your every need.

Speaking of protection, another surprising find at Dollar Tree is their work goggles. With the Tool Bench Hardware Safety Goggles for $1.25, you can keep your eyes shielded from paint, shavings, and dangerous fumes to avoid eye irritation or injury. The products come in two styles, one as glasses and one as goggles with an elastic strap for comfortable wear.