Basic Toolbox
Every home should have a tool kit that includes a few key tools that enable the most common DIY tasks to be completed.
ToolBox
A good toolbox not only keeps all your tools in one place, but also helps to keep them in good condition.
Safety Goggles
Any DIY task often creates potentially hazardous splinters, dust and splashes, so protect your eyes with a good set of safety goggles.
Torch
For any DIY task that requires working in confined space and/or with the electrics turned off, a torch is useful to have to hand so you can see what you’re doing.
Tape Measure
The number one rule of DIY is ‘Measure twice, cut once’, and this good advice cannot be followed without a tape measure. A 5m measure with imperial and metric calibrations will suit almost every job.
Hammer
To drive nails in or pull them out, for general carpentry, chiselling and even some light demolition, a claw hammer is a must-have in any tool box.
Handsaw
For cutting any length or sheet of wood, and for mitring joins between them, a handsaw is indispensable.
Multi-Screwdriver
Screws are usually involved in fixing anything to anything, so a good screwdriver, with a set of changeable heads to suit the screw type and size is a vital part of any tool box.
Drill
An electric drill is often the only power tool that the average home improver owns as it’s vital for making holes in wood, masonry and metal to complete just about any significant DIY task. They’re often useful for tightening and loosening screws too, making them great time-savers.
- Choosing the right power drill
There are a number of factors to choosing a new power drill, see our guide for more
Drill Bits
A power drill must be fitted with drill bits appropriate to the substrate, such as wood, masonry or metal, and of a size to cut holes of the correct diameter. You will always need to buy the odd drill bit here and there for more specific tasks, but a starter set will allow you to complete most drilling jobs.
Spirit Level
Walls are often not built quite square, so when erecting anything from shelves to garden posts, a sprit level allows you to independently and accurately tell whether your surface is exactly horizontal, vertical or at 45 degrees. A spirit level has a vial of fluid relevant to each of these angles, which are accurate when the bubble sits symmetrically inside the notches.
Set Square
When drawing cutting lines on any surface, a set square helps you to achieve accurate 90 degree angles.
Mitre Box
To create neat carpentry joins, a mitre box is a great tool for guiding saw strokes so you can cut accurately across lengths of wood at various preset angles, most commonly 90o and 45o.
Utility Knife
An excellent, multi-purpose tool for trimming, cutting and slicing. Choose a retractable knife where the blade can be pulled back into the casing for safety.
Ladder
For any work at height, a decent ladder is necessary to do the job safely. The most versatile, multi-purpose ladder is a combination ladder, which can be used as an inverted ‘V’ shape for mid-height work, fully extended for projects at height, or offset for work on unlevel ground.
Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable wrench allows you to tighten or undo most commonly found nuts and bolts.
Pliers with Wire Cutter
A really useful tool, pliers are perfect for pulling nails and staples out, and generally clamping any object that cannot be gripped by fingers. Most pliers also include a pair of wire-cutting blades which come in handy for small electrical jobs such as wiring a plug. Locking pliers maintain a firm grip and avoid slippage.
Chisels
To make small, accurate incisions into wood, for general carpentry and hanging a door, a small set of bevelled chisels, and a hammer, are very useful for everyday tasks.
Hacksaw
With a hardened blade, a hacksaw can cut metal pipes, bars and sheets.
Sealant Gun
Many sealants and glues come in standard sized tubes which require an application gun to distribute the contents. The guns allow a considerable degree of control over the flow.
Stud, Wire and Pipe Detector
When drilling into walls and floors, it is very important to avoid hitting a water pipe or live wire. Similarly, it is often a great help to specifically target a wooden stud for extra support. A detector can tell you the location of these things beneath solid plaster, brick and concrete, up to a maximum depth.
G-Clamp
Really useful for holding items in place on a bench or two glued surfaces together while the adhesive sets. Look for a quick release function for safety.
Further information and useful links
- Find a Power Tools supplier near you
- Find a Builders Merchants near you
- Find a Tool Hire Centre near you
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