Everyone needs a basic tool kit for their home. But if you’re feeling a bit lost and don’t know what handy tools to have, you’ve come to the right place to find out what essential DIY tools will transform your home projects from “What could go wrong?” to “Nailed it!” If your idea of fixing things involves reaching for duct tape as the universal problem-solver or wielding a hammer like it’s a demolition party, you’re in for a treat.
While we appreciate the charm of those trusty tools, you don’t want to limit your household tool kit to just two items. There’s a whole toolbox of essentials that every DIYer needs, ensuring you’re well-equipped to tackle any project that comes your way. So, if you’re wondering what you must have in your box of tools for your DIY endeavours, read on!
Table of Contents
- What do you need to wear for protection?
- What is in a basic tool kit?
- How do I organise my tools?
- Final thoughts
What do you need to wear for protection?
Before diving into your DIY project, always remember safety first. Make sure to protect yourself with the right gear. Your safety is paramount, so consider it your DIY armour. A few simple precautions can make a world of difference.
Gloves
A pair of durable work gloves will shield your hands from splinters and sharp edges while providing a comfortable grip for those intricate tasks. They should be thick enough for cushioning between your hand and the tool you’re using, ensuring comfort without sacrificing the tactility of your fingers.
Cloth gloves
Cloth gloves are breathable and often come equipped with leather patches for added reinforcement.
Insulated and waterproof gloves
When the task requires it, insulated and waterproof gloves will shield your hands from the elements. These specialised gloves provide an extra layer of protection, especially when dealing with materials or conditions that demand a higher level of durability and insulation.
Disposable plastic gloves
For painting endeavours, having a few pairs of disposable plastic gloves on hand is a practical choice. These lightweight gloves keep your hands clean and free from paint stains, allowing you to focus on perfecting your project without worrying about the aftermath on your skin.
Eyewear
Remember to protect your eyes! Investing in a reliable set of safety goggles or glasses will safeguard your eyes from potential hazards like flying debris or accidental splashes. Your vision is crucial, so keep it crystal clear and well-protected.
Ear protection
While the symphony of saws and the percussion of power tools might be soothing (said no one), you should safeguard your ears with proper protection, as prolonged exposure to such noises can have adverse effects on your hearing. Earplugs will keep general DIY noises at bay, while heavy-duty ear muffs are ideal for more extensive tasks, ensuring you can focus on your project without unwanted auditory surprises.
Dust Mask
Don’t forget to shield your respiratory system from the fine particles floating around. A quality dust mask is a must, especially when sanding or working with materials that produce airborne irritants.
Now you’re suited and booted for safety, you can conquer your DIY project!
What is in a basic tool kit?
Having the right essentials in your home DIY tool kit can make all the difference in your project endeavours. Here’s a comprehensive DIY tools list, including all the basic tools you’ll need:
1. Tape measure
From measuring furniture dimensions to marking spaces for installations, this indispensable tool is more than just a simple ruler. With its retractable, flexible tape, you can measure distances with precision. Look for a tape measure with both metric and imperial measurements, ensuring versatility for various projects.
2. Spirit level
Achieving perfection in your projects starts with a level foundation. Equipped with a bubble vial, a spirit level ensures surfaces are perfectly horizontal or vertical. This is crucial for tasks like installing shelves, hanging artwork, or even providing a straight line for painting.
3. Screwdriver
Screwdrivers are essential tools for your DIY toolkit. There’s nothing worse than finding yourself with a loose screw or needing to assemble furniture only to realise you lack the appropriate screwdriver. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all sonic screwdriver (shout out to all the Doctor Who fans), but here are a few you’ll find helpful.
Flat-head screwdrivers
Featuring a single, flat blade that fits into the slot of a corresponding screw, flat-head screwdrivers come in various sizes to accommodate different screw dimensions. For larger screws, you’ll need a wider and thicker flat head, while smaller screws call for a narrower one.
Crosshead screwdrivers
Crosshead screwdrivers, commonly known as Philips screwdrivers, are characterised by a cross-shaped tip. They are designed to fit into the corresponding cross-shaped slots in screws. Like flat-head screwdrivers, they come in different sizes, denoted by numbers. A smaller number is indicative of a smaller size, so matching the right size ensures a secure fit and effective turning power.
Electric screwdrivers
In addition to manual screwdrivers, an electric screwdriver is a game-changer. It not only saves time and effort but often comes with interchangeable bits, providing versatility for various screw types and sizes. This is particularly handy for larger projects where a range of screws may be encountered, making repetitive tasks easy.
4. Hammer
A hammer is a handy tool your box of DIY essentials can’t be without. Far from just a tool for pounding nails and demolishing things, a hammer is an indispensable companion. You’ll find a hammer in any well-equipped toolkit, ready to shape your home improvement projects.
Claw hammer
This classic tool features a curved claw for extracting nails and a flat, striking surface for general hammering tasks. It is a versatile choice for both construction and demolition projects.
Mallet
When finesse is required, a mallet with a softer striking surface becomes your go-to tool. It is excellent for tasks where you need to apply force without damaging the materials. Sometimes, you might even use it with a tapping block for further protection.
Club hammer
For heavy-duty tasks that require more force, a club hammer with a shorter handle and heavier head is the ideal choice. It is perfect for breaking concrete and general light-duty demolition tasks or driving chisels.
Sledgehammer
A sledgehammer is a robust force for heavy-duty tasks, boasting a large, flat, double-headed design that excels in tasks like demolishing concrete or breaking through stubborn materials. With its weight and momentum, it adds controlled power to your toolkit, making it an essential companion for projects demanding sheer impact. Plus, its shock-absorbent grip provides comfort.
This hammer might not fit in your regular toolbox, but it’s a fun tool to have in your collection!
5. Spanner
Spanners, also known as wrenches, are essential tools you’ll need for your home. They come in various forms, each designed to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts with precision and efficiency.
Adjustable spanners
An adjustable spanner is a useful tool designed to fit a variety of nuts and bolts, regardless of their size. It features an adjustable jaw, allowing you to change the width of the opening to match the specific dimensions.
It typically has a worm screw mechanism, which, when turned, adjusts the position of the jaw. To use, position the jaw on the nut or bolt, tighten the worm screw until it securely grips the fastener, and then apply the necessary force to turn or loosen it.
Open-ended spanners
The open-ended spanner features U-shaped jaws at both ends, with each jaw accommodating a specific size of nut or bolt. Its design provides a quick and straightforward grip, making it ideal for tasks where speed is essential. However, due to its open structure, it may slip on rounded fasteners, requiring careful handling.
Ring spanners
The ring spanner, also referred to as a box-end wrench, encircles the nut or bolt on all sides, offering a more secure grip compared to the open-ended spanner. Its closed-loop design provides better torque transmission and minimises the risk of slipping.
Combination spanners
Combining the features of both the open-ended and ring spanners, the combination spanner boasts an open end on one side and a closed ring on the other. This multipurpose design allows for quick application with the open end and enhanced grip and torque application with the ring end. It is a go-to tool for various applications, offering flexibility and convenience.
Ratchet spanner
The ratchet spanner is like a ring spanner but features a ratcheting mechanism on the closed end, enabling continuous rotation without needing to remove and reposition the spanner. This makes it particularly handy in tight spaces where a full rotation is challenging. It enhances efficiency and reduces the need for multiple movements during fastening or loosening tasks.
6. Pliers
Pliers come in various shapes to suit your DIY needs and are something that you must have in your kit, as they are essential tools for gripping and cutting tasks, offering precision for projects around your home.
Adjustable pliers
Adjustable pliers, also known as slip-joint pliers, have jaws that can be adjusted to different widths using multiple grooves. This adaptability makes them handy for gripping various sizes of nuts, bolts and pipes. They often feature both flat and curved gripping surfaces, providing adaptability in different scenarios.
Locking pliers
Locking pliers, commonly known as vice grip pliers, are designed to lock onto a workpiece and maintain a secure grip. This makes them particularly useful for holding objects firmly in place or clamping materials together. The adjustable locking mechanism allows for different levels of grip tightness.
Needle-nose pliers
With their long, slender jaws tapering to a point, needle-nose pliers excel in precision tasks. They are ideal for reaching into tight spaces, holding small objects or bending wires with accuracy. The narrow jaws improve control, making them a staple for intricate work.
Cutting pliers
Cutting pliers come in various types, including diagonal and end-cutting pliers. Diagonal cutting pliers have (surprise, surprise!) a diagonal cutting edge for cleanly cutting wires while end-cutting pliers cut materials perpendicular to the handles. These pliers are indispensable for tasks that involve cutting wires, cables or small metal components.
7. Cordless drill
This tool provides the power needed for tasks like drilling holes and driving screws efficiently. Powered by rechargeable batteries, the cordless drill offers mobility and flexibility, allowing you to work in various locations without being tethered to an outlet. They come equipped with variable speed settings, enabling you to adjust the rotation speed according to the specific task.
Many cordless drills feature adjustable clutch settings, allowing you to control the torque applied to screws. This feature is invaluable for preventing over-tightening or stripping screws, providing precision in various fastening applications.
The keyless chuck is a convenient feature that allows for quick and easy changing of drill bits by hand without the need for additional tools. This enhances efficiency when transitioning between drilling and screw-driving tasks. Drill bits come in various types and sizes, each tailored for specific applications.
Twist bits
Standard twist bits are suitable for general-purpose drilling into wood, plastic and metal.
Masonry bits
Designed with carbide tips, masonry bits are ideal for drilling into brick, concrete and stone surfaces.
Spade bits
These flat, paddle-shaped bits are excellent for drilling large holes in wood.
Forstner bits
For precision drilling in wood, Forstner bits create flat-bottomed holes with clean edges.
Step bits
Step bits are perfect for drilling holes of various diameters in thin materials like sheet metal.
Handy tip: For heavy-duty applications, you might want to use an impact driver, a powerhouse tool that excels in delivering high torque and force, making it the go-to choice for driving long screws into dense materials or tackling stubborn nuts and bolts with ease.
8. Utility knife
The utility knife, also known as a retractable blade knife (you might know it as a Stanley knife), is perfect for precision cutting tasks. Whether you’re scoring materials for precise cuts or opening packaging, a utility knife is a resourceful and essential tool.
9. Saw
Different projects call for differing types of saws. There are numerous options to choose from, each tailored to a specific task. Whether you’re looking for complex and intricate cuts or straight and efficient cuts in various materials, there’s a saw to suit your DIY endeavours.
Panel Saw
If you’re imagining a bog standard handsaw, you’ll probably think of a panel saw. It is designed for cutting through wood panels and large sheets. Its long, sharp blade, often with fine teeth, ensures straight and precise cuts. Ideal for tasks like trimming doors or cutting plywood, it is a reliable choice for accuracy and efficiency.
Hacksaw
A hacksaw is a handheld saw with a fine-toothed blade, perfect for cutting through metal pipes, rods and other small materials. Its compact size and ability to make precise cuts in confined spaces make it a valuable tool for plumbing and metalworking projects.
Jigsaw
The jigsaw is a power tool equipped with a reciprocating blade that moves up and down. It is perfect for intricate and curved cuts in various materials, including wood, plastic and metal. With its manoeuvrability and ability to make detailed cuts, a jigsaw is a must-have for projects involving irregular shapes or designs.
Circular saw
The circular saw is a powerful tool for making straight cuts in various materials. It features a circular blade that spins rapidly, making it suitable for cutting through wood, metal and even masonry with the appropriate blade. Whether you’re framing a house or tackling DIY woodworking projects, it ensures efficiency and precision.
Again, another tool that is too large to pack into your toolbox, but a handy option for keen DIYers, nonetheless.
Mitre saw
A mitre saw, also known as a chop saw, is a specialised cutting tool for making accurate angled cuts. It excels at creating bevels and mitre cuts, making it indispensable for a range of tasks, like framing, moulding and trimming.
A mitre box, often used in tandem with a handsaw, offers a manual alternative for precision cuts at specific angles, providing a controlled guide for achieving accuracy in woodworking projects.
10. Allen keys
Allen keys, also known as hex keys, are compact tools that come in a set of differently sized L-shaped keys designed to tighten or loosen hexagonal bolts. They’re essential for assembling furniture or working with items that use hexagonal fasteners.
While Allen keys are often supplied with the products they accompany, they may not be of the highest quality and investing in a comprehensive set ensures you have the right size for any project.
How do I organise my tools?
Now that you’ve assembled your toolkit with a variety of essential tools, you’re going to need somewhere to organise them. Here are some practical tips on how to keep your tools in order for easy access and a clutter-free workspace:
Toolbox
Invest in a sturdy toolbox or tool chest with multiple compartments and drawers. This allows you to categorise and separate different types of tools, making it easy to locate what you need quickly.
Shadow board
Create a shadow board or use a pegboard to hang your frequently used tools. Outline their shapes on the boards, making it obvious where each belongs. This visual organisation not only keeps things tidy but also helps you notice missing tools at a glance.
Drawer dividers
If you have a tool chest with drawers, use dividers to create sections for specific tool types. This prevents smaller tools from getting lost and ensures a neat arrangement.
Labelling
Consider labelling shelves, drawers or compartments to easily identify where each tool belongs. This is especially helpful if you have a large collection or multiple people use the same toolkit.
Mobile tool carts
For larger tool collections or workshops, a mobile tool cart with wheels provides manoeuvrability. You can move your tools to where you’re working and simply roll them back into storage when you’re done.
Storage bins
For smaller items like screws, nails or drill bits, use transparent or open storage bins or containers. This makes it straightforward to see the contents and keeps small parts organised.
By implementing these organisation strategies, you’ll not only maintain the longevity of your tools but also enhance your overall efficiency in completing DIY projects. A well-organised toolkit saves time, reduces frustration and allows you to focus on what matters most – the success of your home improvement endeavours.
Final thoughts
Your toolkit is the compass guiding you through the landscape of creativity and craftsmanship. From the precision of cordless drills to the versatility of pliers, each tool plays a vital role in transforming your visions into tangible reality. As you embark on your DIY journey, remember that the right tool isn’t just a means to an end – it’s the key to unlocking the full potential of your projects.
So, armed with knowledge, a well-equipped toolkit, and a commitment to safety, you can dive into your DIY projects with confidence. May each tool in your arsenal bring you closer to the realisation of your home improvement dreams. Happy crafting!