Getting stuck into a new project? Whether it’s a shed for the garden or shelving in the living room, DIY ideas can manifest into the most amazing features for your home.
No matter your experience in building, repairing and creating new things, you’ll need some reliable tools on hand to help you get the job done right.
In this article, we’ve listed ten of the most essential tools any enthusiast should have in their arsenal. Although the bigger the job, the more power tools will make it easier and quicker.
10 tools every DIY enthusiast needs
Drill/Driver
A cordless drill is one of the most versatile tools out there. It can handle almost anything you throw at it, including drilling holes in wood or plasterboard and driving a screw into tough materials. We recommend choosing one with torque and adjustable speed settings to ensure versatility.
But even an impact driver with a hammer setting will make hard work of drilling masonry for jobs like putting up curtain rails. If you are doing more than casual DIY tasks like a house renovation, you will probably want something more heavy duty if regularly drilling into brick. A decent power drill you can get your shoulder behind is needed.
Retractable Sharp Utility knife
Commonly called a Stanley blade in my generation thanks to the brand, this versatile cutting tool makes all the difference when it comes to opening packages and getting through everyday materials like foam or drywall.
You can get box cutters or craft knives for opening cardboard boxes. But for trimming down carpet, the best utility knife is one that helps you breeze through everyday tasks as doesn’t snap the blade.
Screwdriver set
You’ll need a sturdy set of screwdrivers for almost any DIY project you commence, and they are handy for every homeowner. Whether you’re assembling furniture or tightening those pesky loose screws, the right screwdriver makes all the difference. Choose one with insulated handles if you’re working on live electrical wires, and look for a set that has hex allen keys.
Chainsaw for garden owners
DIY does extend into the outdoor space so you need the right tools there too. Chainsaws play a vital role in outdoor projects involving wood or cutting back trees. From landscaping to cutting firewood, it’s important to choose a chainsaw fit for a variety of tasks. For longer projects off the grid, rechargeable battery chainsaws simplify getting the work done faster outside.
Spirit Level
There’s nothing worse than accidentally leaving a surface or material wonky, especially if you worked for hours on a project. Using a spirit level helps you achieve professional-looking results and perfectly straight edges. You can also buy digital and LED spirit levels to keep things modern.
Tape measure
Though it might be an old-fashioned piece of kit, you can’t go wrong with keeping a sturdy tape measure in your toolbox. You never know when you might need to take additional measurements, even if you’re already familiar with the project. We suggest choosing one that locks and retracts safely and easily.
Safety gear
Don’t be fooled into thinking that you don’t need to wear safety gear for DIY projects, there is no looking cool sitting in A&E. It’s likely that the jobs you’re doing carry the same physical and health risks as those seen in professional construction and electrical industries.
If you’re into woodworking, renovating in the loft or another dusty area, don’t underestimate the importance of respiratory protective equipment. Too many middle aged carpenters are being diagnosed with emphysema to ignore it, especially if you are cutting MDF.
Claw Hammer
A versatile tool for hammering nails, or removing them. It’s also very handy for breaking objects apart like old furniture. The rule of thumb is to use a wooden mallet on wood, and a hammer on metal, So if you have just one and need to knock in a wooden dowel, be gentle to avoid damage.
One last tip, if you are prone to hitting your finger and thumb holding the nail, try holding it fork prongs.
Pliers
Pliers are versatile hand tools used for gripping, bending, cutting, and manipulating various materials. They are commonly used for tasks such as gripping and turning nuts and bolts, bending wires, holding objects in place, and removing nails or staples. If you have a good pair it negates the need for a wrench.
There are different types of pliers designed for specific tasks, such as needle-nose pliers for working in tight spaces, cutting pliers for trimming wires, and locking pliers for holding objects securely.
Hand Saw
A handsaw is useful for a variety of reasons but is one of those tools not used that often, but a godsend when you need one. For the price, it’s worth having in your tool box, even if only used to cut the end of the Christmas tree.
Just be aware these are for wood only. Hacksaws are for cutting through metal, although rarely used in standard DIY and you can use pliers to get through non-galvanised metal.
Conclusion
The most essential DIY tools can be sourced on a budget. If possible, try to choose industry-approved brands tried and tested by professional tradespeople. You can source good quality kit through online marketplaces, local stores, or even by asking a friend.
Don’t forget to maintain your tools and keep them tidy, too. The more effort you put into your setup, the more you’ll get out of it! An organised layout helps you pick out the tools you need faster, enhancing each task as you work through a project.
