Get your Toolkit Sorted Out
Whether you’re an avid DIYer, a hands-on handyman or an emergency fixer-upper, every home needs a basic toolkit. Keep the butterknives safely in the kitchen drawer and away from stubborn screws with this list of ten basic tools to get those jobs on the to-do list done in no time!
Tip: Keep this toolbox in a quick to reach spot such as under the sink or in a passage cupboard to avoid the temptation to “fix it later”.
Measuring Tape
Measure twice, cut once. An 8-meter measuring tape is perfect for most home projects. Depending on the projects you usually do, a 5-meter or even a smaller 3-meter measuring tape could also do the trick.
Pencils
Don’t get caught without something to record your measurements with. Keeping a few pencils in your toolkit will ensure you are always prepared when the need to mark where a nail needs to go or where you need to cut something is.
Screwdrivers
At a minimum, you’ll need two screwdrivers, one flat head or slotted and one Phillips or cross head. Investing in a quality set will ensure you can easily tighten, loosen or open whatever you need to fix quickly. Your toolkit can never have enough.
Hammer
Whether its knocking in some nails or taking them out, a trusty claw hammer is the best option for small projects around the house.
Nails and Screws
Save a trip to the hardware by having a selection of nails and screws on hand for when you need them. Storing them in individual tubs or a divided box will help not having to dig around in your toolbox for the size or type you are looking for.
Pliers
Like screwdrivers, a selection of pliers is best to ensure you have the right tool for the job. Start with a pair of needle-nose and grooved pliers to get your collection going. Wire cutting and vice-grip pliers are also a great investment for tricker jobs.
Spirit Level
The eye can be deceiving, make sure all your projects are perfectly straight with a quality spirit level that will last a lifetime. A must for your toolkit at home.
Spanner
Throw a spanner in the works in the best way with a combination spanner set. An adjustable or shifting spanner is also a great option for tightening or loosening bolts, nuts and fasteners.
Tape
Feel like a real-life “MacGyver” by always having some duct tape on hand to get you out of a sticky situation. Rolls of masking and packing tape are also useful to have in your toolbox for a range of projects or emergencies.
Drill and Drill Bits
Likely the most expensive purchase for your toolkit will be a drill. From drilling pilot holes to driving screws, investing in a quality drill will make DIYing that much easier.
Need some professional help around the house or prefer to call a guy than DIY? Find a vetted home expert right here on HOMEMAKERS.
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Top tools for any DIY project
For anyone wanting to tackle a DIY job around the house or garden, there are some essential tools that are needed to get the job done. Good quality tools do not come cheap, so be prepared to spend a fair amount of money on them. Choose quality over price when it comes to buying tools, so treat each purchase as an investment.
It will be better to save up and buy one good quality tool at a time. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither should your toolbox be!
Good Quality Tape Measure
The biggest mistake people make when they buy a measuring tape is they don’t buy a big enough or a good enough one. If your measuring tape droops after rolling it out only a few cm then opt for one that’s at least 1″ wide. The wider the tape, the longer you’ll be able to stretch it out without it bending. Ensure your tape measure is made from a durable material and includes a hooking function on the end in order for you to be able to measure on your own without having a second person hold the other end for you.
Handsaw
Depending on the type of job you require the saw for, there are different characteristics that define them, including number of teeth, length and material used. As your saw will more than likely be used for an array of different tasks, opt for a multi-purpose saw, such as a crosscut saw. As you grow your tool box, you can invest in saws that offer various specialised roles. Take the time to properly care for your saw, and learn how to correctly make the cutting action in order to achieve the best results.
Glue Gun
The glue gun is a hand held tool into which you feed a solid glue stick. A heating element in the body of the gun melts the glue, and the adhesive flows out the glue gun’s metal, cone-shaped tip. Decide on the type of materials you will mostly be working on, for more delicate surfaces a glue gun of 250 degrees will do the job just fine. Should you need something a little stronger for wood or metal, a higher temperature gun of 380 degrees would work better. Opt for a trigger-free model so that you don’t have to manually feed the glue stick through.
Screwdriver set
Rather than fiddling around with several different screwdrivers, for the various different DIY tasks, invest in a multi-bit screwdriver that comes standard with interchangeable adapters. Look for a screwdriver set that comes complete with carry bag or mini tool bag in order to keep all the bits and pieces in one safe place.
Drill and drill bits
If you’re new to DIY, a cordless power drill with rechargeable battery may be the best for you. They might be a bit less powerful than a drill with a cord and plug, but the advantages are they are lightweight, and a lot easier to handle. Most of them come with a second battery which helps if longer jobs are needed to be done. If you are already an expert DIY guru, then you can go all out with a high power and extra torque of a corded drill. Regardless of the drill you choose, take into consideration: the power rating, hammer action, speed setting and the chuck size.
Claw Hammer
Many claw hammers come as a two piece hammer. This hammer is constructed from a forged steel head with a hole for fixing a handle. One end is made to fit the hole in the hammer head, and a steel wedge is driven into the wood which forces it to expand and secure the hammer head to the handle. Another type of claw hammer is single-piece forged heat-treated steel where the head and handle are integral. In order to decrease vibrations when the hammer is used, opt for one that comes with a polymer grip.
Multi-tool
A multi-tool is any one of a range of portable, versatile hand tools that combines several individual functions in a single unit consisting of pliers, saws, scissors, screwdrivers, bottle openers among other tools.
Laser level
In this case the bigger the better. When buying a laser level check the specifications on the box for the accuracy level, and select one that has a reading of less than 1mm. Choose a laser level with a good projection range which is especially important for outdoor projects. If you are using your laser level for both indoor and outdoor DIY projects a rotary laser level receiver will have a bright beam to allow the line to be visible in sunlight. It also works exceptionally well indoors.
Torch or portable light
Not all DIY projects are planned and there will always be an emergency that needs to be fixed in poor lighting or the dark. Make sure you have a handy light on hand, preferably one that can stand on its own or a head lamp. Often small spaces will require you to shine a light on them while working.
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Powered up tools
The increase in the popularity of DIY has helped many people save costs when it comes to maintaining and decorating their homes. There are many things that should just be left to the professionals but DIY gives you the chance to give your home an authentic flare. There is a sense of achievement that comes with creating something yourself. Luckily, the power tool industry has gotten on board to make using power tools simpler and for some, a little less intimidating. Here are three things to look for and look forward to in the world of power tools.
Smart Power Tools
You may be sick of everything becoming “smart” but you can’t deny that technology does make life a whole lot easier. We may not be quite there when it comes to user-less robotic tools but some power tools can now be app controlled.
Using Bluetooth technology, your tools can now be connected to a manufacture app that lets you control your tools remotely. You can turn the tool on and off, check battery life, overheating or take more accurate measurement by changing the settings on the app without having to move the device. Some work lights can also be controlled via the app so you can light up your work space at the touch of a button.
Friendly Tools
Manufacturers have recognised the need for more user-friendly tools and have responded by making DIY-focused tools. Cordless ranges with extended battery life and added safety features make them less intimidating. Newer ranges are also generally easier to maintain.
You’ve got the Power
The cross-over of being able to use one battery for multiple tools is a great way to save some money. When you are building up your toolkit consider buying two or three batteries and bare tools that use the same batteries. This way you can rotate the batteries to prolong battery life and save by not having the added cost on all your tools. Just ensure your batteries are compatible with all your tools.
When starting your power tool kit, always look at what extras are included and what you need to purchase. If you are serious about taking up DIY, look for kits that have all the basic compatible power tools you need. If you’re still lost, a hand drill is the best place to start as it can be used for a number of DIY projects. Remember that power tools may be expensive but quality power tools are a valuable investment that will last for many years to come.
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