25 Must-Have Tools for DIY to Keep in Your Toolbox
If you have a home-DIY project in mind, whether it’s a large or small one, these tools are worth investing in as they will greatly simplify your life.
1. A toolbox
It can be quite frustrating to misplace all of your tools in the depths of a cupboard or the notorious “man drawer”. Therefore, it is highly advisable to invest in a box, as it will prove to be exceedingly useful and you will not have any regrets.
2. Hammers
Ideally, a claw hammer that is suitable for extracting nails, lifting floorboards, and also doubles as a miniature crowbar. Additionally, a 4lb lump hammer is recommended for more strenuous tasks (just be cautious not to accidentally drop it on your foot).
3. Screwdrivers
To ensure you are prepared, it is necessary to have both a large and small Phillips screwdriver, as well as a large and small flat-head screwdriver. Additionally, having a sturdy set of tiny screwdrivers similar to those obtained from a Christmas cracker, but more durable, and a set of Allen keys is also essential. The complimentary ones from Ikea tend to get misplaced, and the need for them can arise at any unexpected moment.
Instead of going through all these steps, you have the option to acquire a versatile set of multi-bit screwdrivers. Not only does this set make an excellent housewarming gift, but you can also insert the bits into a cordless drill.
4. A cordless drill
It is advisable to utilize a hammer drill setting, preferably, for nearly all of your DIY tasks.
5. A Stanley Knife (and spare blades)
Having a sharp and retractable blade Stanley knife is essential, whether you need it for simple tasks like sharpening a pencil or more complex ones like cutting kitchen lino. Stanley knives become ineffective when they are blunt, making it crucial to ensure their blades remain sharp.
James Durr from Sheffield auction company Property Solvers suggests that having multipurpose Swiss army knives in your back pocket is incredibly beneficial.
6. Saws
In order to assist your carpentry, it is necessary to have a panel saw and a junior hacksaw. If you are up for the challenge, consider acquiring a coping saw as well, but ensure that you have additional blades as they tend to break easily. The panel saw is equipped with angles of 45 and 90 degrees.
7. Wood chisels
In order to have the necessary tools for carpentry, it is essential to possess a one-inch chisel, a half-inch chisel, and an 1/8-inch chisel, all of which come with protective covers for their blades. It is important not to misplace these covers, as doing so would result in the blunting of the chisels. It is worth mentioning that these chisels are precision tools, and for adequate maintenance, a high-quality sharpening stone is also required.
8. Cold chisel and a bolster
Try to remove floorboards without the assistance of these two friends, and you’ll soon discover their invincibility.
9. A tape measure
Make sure to avoid getting a weak one. Opt for something that has a wide tape as it will be significantly more beneficial. Confirm that it has a minimum length of 5 meters.
10. Headtorch
If you don’t have a head torch for your DIY tasks, you’ll end up tired of holding a regular torch between your teeth while in the cupboard under the stairs.
11. A set of pliers and an adjustable spanner
Pliers sets are readily available anywhere and offer great usefulness. It is recommended to possess a set consisting of combination pliers, long-nosed pliers, and side cutters at the very least. Ensure your pliers are new with insulated handles; avoid using your father’s old tools as they may pose the risk of an unpleasant electric shock.
12. Neon screwdriver
Ensure that you utilize this mains detector screwdriver on a source that yields a positive test result to confirm its functionality, as it can truly be a lifesaver.
13. A stud/cable detector
By utilizing this, you can avoid the need to drill into cables and locate fixings on stud walls more easily.
14. Screws, plugs and nails
Ensure that you acquire fixings kits that include compartments from a majority of stores; otherwise, you will spend unnecessary time hunting for the appropriate ones.
15. A spirit level
If you can, choose a one-meter long measuring tool, as it will be highly beneficial when it comes to marking lines on walls, like for shelves. Additionally, if you have the space, consider obtaining a boat level as well.
16. Step ladder
It is crucial for everyone to possess a ladder, one that suits the height of their ceiling, in order to avoid the need to ascend on furniture when painting, altering light fixtures, or engaging in any other desired tasks.
17. Gooseneck Wrecking Bar
When many individuals envision demo, sledgehammers typically come to mind. However, in most cases, a pry bar and a regular hammer are the necessary tools. An extended wrecking bar can serve various purposes, such as tearing out plaster, eliminating damaged trim, chipping away tile fragments, and functioning as a lever to detach items that are nailed, glued, or firmly affixed with paint.
18. Pry Bar Set (3-Piece)
If you want to preserve something, it is clear that you should exercise caution. Employ a hammer along with a three-piece pry-bar set to gradually detach each piece from the walls. Furthermore, this set will come in handy for various other tasks such as extracting nails.
19. Grout Removal Oscillating Multi-Tool Blade
If the tile is in good shape but the grout is not, you can save time by using an oscillating tool or a stand-alone tool to remove the grout. Once it is removed, you can apply new grout, and the tile will look brand new again.
20. Steel Pipe Wrench
If you need to attach to valves, it would be useful to have a pipe wrench which can effortlessly grip pipes or plumbing. This is particularly beneficial if your steam heat is leaking due to a loose valve or if you have to temporarily remove a radiator to fix or upgrade your flooring. Although longer wrenches offer greater leverage for valves that are extremely stuck, they might be challenging to fit into tight spaces.
21. Voltage Tester/Non-Contact Voltage Tester
Make sure to exercise caution when handling any electrical components, whether it’s replacing a light fixture or fixing a damaged plaster wall. Prior to starting, make sure to switch off the electricity and verify that it is indeed switched off using a noncontact voltage tester, which can detect any live wires. Additionally, ensure you have a couple of long extension cords and work lights to illuminate your workspace, without the need for expensive options.
22. Plastic Drop Cloth
Obtain a few plastic sheets for the purpose of safeguarding furniture or establishing a separation between areas.
23. Contractor Bags
It is advisable to buy a larger quantity of contractor bags than you initially anticipate. Having an excess is always beneficial, as these bags are more suitable for such projects than regular residential trash bags due to their increased thickness and resistance to tearing, even in the event of punctures.
24. Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum
Consider purchasing a shop vac as it is highly likely that there will be an abundance of dust and debris, and this remarkable tool can swiftly eliminate them. Nevertheless, it is equally important to have an excellent broom and a durable dustpan.
25. N95 Masks
You may be tired of wearing N95 masks, but it is essential to wear one for most demolition activities, such as taking down drywall or plaster, scraping wallpaper, cutting paneling off walls, and removing tile. If you are working in hot weather, consider purchasing the valved version of the mask, as it allows for easier exhalation. While this mask may not provide adequate protection against COVID-19, it is suitable for these specific circumstances. Additionally, it is recommended to have a pair of affordable safety glasses, disposable gloves or full-grain leather gloves for added protection, durable pants like Carhartts, and boots with a thick sole and preferably a steel shank, such as these Blundstones. This is because there will likely be instances where you may step on nails.
