Whether you’ve got a DIY project on the horizon or you just want to have tools handy for quick fixes around the home, a toolbox is a must-have. If you’re a DIY novice you might be wondering exactly what tools you might need. Read on to discover the essential tools for your DIY toolbox.
Hammer
You can pick up a standard hammer from any hardware shop. Most are ‘claw hammers’ meaning they have a claw shape on the reverse of the hammerhead, which can be used for removing unwanted or bent nails. A hammer is needed for all kinds of DIY projects including hanging pictures, fixing fences and building furniture. If you’re starting a toolbox, a hammer is one of the first essentials you should buy.
Tape Measure
A tape measure is another essential piece of kit for your toolbox. Tape measures are handy for measuring spaces or furniture in your home, hanging pictures and for finding the centre of something, like a piece of flatpack furniture. Make sure you choose a sturdy tape measure that’s a decent length (ideally at least 5 metres long.)
Screwdrivers
You’ll definitely want to include screwdrivers in your toolbox. Make sure you have both Philips head and flathead screwdrivers, ideally in big and small sizes. You might also want to invest in a set of tiny screwdrivers for those fiddly tasks around the home and a set of Allen keys, which are often used to build and dismantle furniture.
Cordless Drill Driver
A cordless drill driver is designed to drill holes and drive screws. It will make DIY tasks around the home quicker and easier and since it’s cordless, you can work in any space you need to without worrying about nearby plug sockets or trailing extension wires. You can also get drill drivers that come with a hammer drill setting to make DIY even easier, such as these cordless Milwaukee drill drivers which are handy for building furniture and carrying out other DIY jobs in the home.
Set of Pliers
A set of pliers is a handy addition to your toolbox. Pliers allow you to get a good grip on something that needs tightening, loosening or removing. They can also be used to straighten out bent cords and for lots of other DIY tasks and repairs around the home. Make sure you choose pliers with insulated handles for safety.
Spirit Level
A spirit level is a clever tool that can be used to tell you if something is level, such as a surface for example. Spirit levels are available in different sizes and they are absolutely essential if you’re planning any DIY task that needs to be level and even. This might include hanging a picture, installing a cabinet or laying flooring of any kind, such as tiles, laminate wood flooring or patio flags.
