Welcome DIY project warriors! Ready to embark on your adventure of setting up a brand new, dazzling bathtub? This is the space where you morph from being just a homeowner to the super-hero of plumbing. Hold tight your horses! Before you plunge into the battle, you need the right armoury. We’re here to talk about all the essential tools you’ll need to install a bathtub.

Know Thy Bathtub

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of toolkits, let’s pause for a second to understand your object of attention – the bathtub. Knowing the type of tub you’re working with is crucial because it influences the types of tools you'll need. Are you dealing with an alcove tub, freestanding tub, drop-in, or clawfoot tub? Identify it, and half the battle is won!

Tool #1. Tape Measure and Framing square

Size does matter! Measurements are crucial to guarantee correct installation. A tape measure, or for the real pros, a laser measure, can take accurate dimensions of both the tub and the space you’re installing in. A framing square ensures everything is right angled to perfection.

Tool #2. Levels

No, we don’t want you operating at different levels of sanity during the install! A level, the tool, is your ally to ensure your bathtub isn't lopsided. Use a spirit level to make sure everything is balanced correctly.

Tool #3. Power Drill

You may feel like Thor wielding his hammer, but for this DIY adventure, a power drill is going to be your Mjolnir. A good drill with masonry, hole saw, and screwdriver bits can help you bore holes through tiles, walls and studs. Make sure you have a good set of drill bits designed for drilling through ceramics if you’re dealing with tiles.

Tool #4. Pliers, Pipe Wrench, and Adjustable wrench

A real plumber never leaves home without these. Use the adjustable wrench for smaller nuts and helps with an easy connect/disconnect of supply lines. Pliers and Pipe Wrench come handy while dealing with traditional iron pipes. Remember, lefty loosey, righty tighty!

Tool #5. Tubing Cutter

A tubing cutter is your best bet for dealing with copper pipes, providing a neat and clean cut every single time.

Tool #6. Caulking Gun and Silicone Sealant

Once the tub is in place, you'll need to ensure it's water-tight. The caulking gun is your tool of choice here along with a good silicone sealant.

Tool #7. Pry Bar or CrowBar

The Pry Bar or Crowbar, is like the Hodor in your tool collection – it ‘holds the door’ or in this case, the tub. This tool is great for lifting heavy objects into place.

Beyond The Tools

Patience. Yep, that’s not technically a tool, rather a virtue. But trust me, you��ll need loads of it. Installation is a process, don’t rush it, don’t force things to fit, and if you’re ever unsure, stop. Remember, Bruce Banner does not make a good plumber, so keep the anger at bay.

Safety is another intangible but paramount tool. Eyewear, gloves and correct footwear can mean the difference between a successful DIY or a trip to the emergency room. Prioritize it, always.

And…Voila!

Now that you’ve forgathered your toolkit, you’re ready to leap onto the DIY battlegrounds with valor. Remember not just to work hard, but work smart. Think through each process, measure twice (or thrice!) and cut once. And remember, at the end of the day, your attitude determines your direction. Happy DIY-ing, compadres!