Thinking of tackling that next home renovation project yourself? If you want to get professional results, then you need to make sure that you have the right tool for the job with a comprehensive toolbox. In this blog, we’ll look at the essential items that should be in any DIY enthusiast’s toolbox as well as a couple of additional tools that will make your life easier.
Hammer
One of the most basic toolbox items is a claw hammer as this is a good option for a number of jobs from hanging pictures to remove nails from flooring. While hammers come in many different shapes and sizes, a standard 16oz claw hammer will be suitable for a wide range of tasks. A great inexpensive tool that should be in everyone’s toolbox.
Screwdrivers
There are two main types of screw heads, flat-head and Philips which has a cross in the middle. Screwdrivers sets are cheap to buy and will give you a wide range of screwdrivers in different sizes suitable for a wide range of jobs. From assembling flatpack furniture to tightening hinges and removing screws, a choice of screwdrivers is essential for all types of home repair.
Stanley knife
Sharp and versatile, a good utility knife will help with many jobs such as trimming wallpaper, cutting plasterboard and opening boxes. Whether you choose a knife with a retractable of fixed blade is up to you, but always made sure you pick one with changeable blades so you can fit a new blade once it becomes dull.
Handsaw
When it comes to home DIY projects woodwork is often up there as one of the most popular items to tackle. This is where a good handsaw comes into its own, helping you to make straight cuts with ease. We’d recommend getting a few saws such as – timber crosscut saw with 8 teeth per inch (tpi), a decent hacksaw for cutting metal and a mitre saw for doing angled cuts.
Adjustable spanner
While a spanner or socket set is a worthwhile investment an adjustable spanner is an absolute must as it can be used for nuts and bolts of all sizes. Teamed with a pair of pliers and you can undo or tighten a huge range of fixings and fastenings around the house, on bicycles or even on your car.
Tape measure
When it comes to renovation projects around the home a tape measure is an often-overlooked item but one that is invaluable. Accurate measurement will ensure a perfect finish for everything from wallpapering and painting to putting up shelves or making sure a mirror is in the middle of a wall. You’d be surprised by how often you’ll find yourself reaching for a tape measure around the home.
Spirit level
Speaking of home DIY projects how do you make sure that your shelves are level? A spirit level is a simple tool but one that you will find yourself using on a variety of jobs. Not only will it help to ensure that you hang your wallpaper in a straight line, but it will also help to stop your shelves from being wonky.
Cordless drill
A good cordless drill will quickly pay for itself as it can serve a number of uses from drilling holes to driving screws. It also helps make assembling flatpack furniture less of a chore but may not actually make the instructions any easier to follow. While corded drills are often the cheapest option it really pays to have the freedom of a cordless tool and picking one with a hammer function will give plenty of versatility around the home.