You don’t need all these tools to get by for basic home DIY but this list includes items you should definitely consider first as you start building up your tool kit.
Cordless Drill
The first item in any toolkit has to be a cordless drill, sometimes called a battery operated drill. What you’re using them for will dictate the strength needed but even a simple drill will become your most reached-for item. There’re varying degrees of strengths with the hammer driver, drill driver and combination drill. A basic hammer drill should cover most basic DIY jobs.
Measuring tape
“Measure twice. Cut once” is a good safety rule to live by. Rarely is there a job that doesn’t require the use of a measuring tape. Whether it’s to measure furniture to fit into a room, align a picture or measure blinds to fit a window, a good sturdy tape measure is a cheap and useful investment.
Hand Saw
A simple hand held saw can be more ‘handy’. They’re great for getting a cleaner cuts, more precise detail and don’t need to be powered up so can be used when there’s no electricity present. Perfect for sawing out in the garden like a proper lumber-jack then.
Claw hammer
Probably where all DIY once began, sometimes it’s quicker and easier to just grab a simple hammer. One end is used to drive nails in, the other side to pull nails out. Rubber, plastic, or vinyl handles offer shock absorption and a better grip.
Power tools:
If you must get a power tool then a rotary power drill is probably the most used item by construction professionals and DIYers everywhere. When a normal drill just doesn’t cut it, and you need something more powerful to drive into harder materials, then you’re going need a Hammer Drill or Impact Driver. A Hammer Drill records thousands of blows per minute (bpm) and will give you that extra kick to whack screws and nails into concrete or masonry. An Impact Driver is more useful to a home DIYer and features increased torque via an anvil mechanism that spins the bit with more power when strong resistance is encountered. Best used for installing cabinets and driving long screws through drywall.
Multi-tool
If you only want to have one item in your toolkit then a multi-tool is your man. These are perfect for an amateur or a home DIYer. These tools are interchangeable to allow you to sand wood, trim door casings, remove old paint and remove grout and caulk to name but a few uses
Ratchet screwdriver
Another really useful tool to have in your toolbox. Best get one with a full selection of bits to choose from. This screwdriver can be set to drive or remove screws
Spirit level
There’s nothing more unsettling than crooked photos on a wall. You’re just itching to get up and nudge them back in line. Forgo this problem with a sturdy spirit level and bring some order back into your life.
Extension ladder
Not essential when a lowly chair will do but if looking to tackle multiple DIY jobs about the house such as fixing lights and painting rooms and exteriors, then a good-quality extension ladder is a safe bet.
Pliers
These can be one of the easiest items to grab for quick jobs like holding a nail in place while you hammer it in, cutting wire (some have built-in cutters)
Torch
Obviously in a power cut having a good torch to hand will be extremely useful but when it comes to DIY it’s handy for those dark corners in cupboards or for checking out those hard-to-reach areas like behind the tv set. A small thin torch is preferable as can be held between your teeth, like a pro, while you work.
WD-40
This is a much-raved about product fo4r DIY housework. Handy for many duties such as lubricate metal parts like door hinges and zippers, cleaning sticky residue off windows and protection wooden and metal handles on your essential tools.
