The toolbox essentials - A beginner’s guide
Everyone has odd jobs around their home that they want to complete, but may not have the tools to do so. Whether it is fixing a leaking pipe or a wobbling shelf, we can always find a little job to do on the weekends. The problem is, when we go to complete these tasks we often need to borrow tools from a parent or hire a handy man, which starts getting expensive. We believe everyone has it in them to tackle small DIY projects themselves as long as you have the tools to do so, so we’ve put together a list of essential tools to help you start your tool box!
Allen Keys
If you have ever put together flat pack furniture, you’ll know how important an Allen key set is! Having a set of different sizes means you will always have the correct one to hand! Most flat packs seem to come with the one for the task at hand but it never seems to be around when you need to tighten that one bolt in 6 months’ time.
Screwdrivers
If you look around your home, nearly everything is held together with a screw. They hold together your furniture, lamps and they are even in your PlayStation or Xbox! Therefore, when you need to fix any of these items you will need a screwdriver. Not one size will fit all so make you have the right one for the job. Having a box set ensures you’ll have the right size and head available when it is needed.
Pliers
When doing DIY, you’ll often need to grab something so you can pull it or twist it. You try using your fingers but you often just end up with a sore finger and a broken nail. This is where your pliers will come in handy. The grip and leverage you get from a plier will save you a lot of time. You will use them to loosen nuts, pull out nails and pinching wires together.
Spanner/adjustable spanner
It’s not necessarily a tool you’ll use the most, but when it is needed, you’ll thank yourself you have them. They could be seen as the most valuable tool you’ve got when it saves you an unnecessary plumbing bill for a leaking radiator which just needed a bolt tightening.
Spirit level – Something that seems so simple, but so important! Accuracy is a must in DIY and nothing will wind you up more than realising the blood, sweat and tears that went into hanging your new selves, has ended up slanted.
Tape measure
You’ll need a good tape measure you check the size of a pipe or hang a picture in the perfect place. Getting a locking tape measure is probably the better option, as it will mean you can feed the tape measure without it moving about, giving you time to jot down those important measurements.
It’s definitely worth investing in a sturdy metal measure with at least 5 meters available.
Pencil
No, we’re serious. Making sure you have a pencil nearby whilst completing your project will save you a lot of heartache. Imagine measuring out a point on the wall, finding the perfect centre point and not having anything to mark it with. You’d end up doing yourself an injury trying to keep your finger in that exact spot and reaching for the drill! So simply pop a pencil behind your ear and you’ll never find yourself stuck.
Hammer
I think we can all admit that we have used various household items as hammers at one point or another. Shoes, pots, wooden spoons, you name it, we’ve used it! But there is a reason why hammers were invented. They get the job done properly, safely and mostly without damaging the surface you are working on.
Electric Drill
A more complex tool but a very important one. You don’t need to be a DIY genius to operate it so don’t splash out on the very best model. Our best recommendation would be to invest in a wireless screwdriver/drill that includes a ‘hammer drill’ function, meaning it can get a hole into the majority of home surfaces.
After using the drill function to make your desired hole, you can then replace the drill bit with a screwdriver bit, saving you time on needless arm numbing, manual screwing.
Safety gear
Although you now have all the tools to get the job done, it is important to make sure it is done as safely as possible. A pair of work gloves will protect your hands from damage, goggles will help protect your eyes from debris in the air and a dust mask will protect you from inhaling particles whilst you work. It may seem simple, but these three things can protect you from a serious injury or lasting damage.
A final factor to include with any tool is to not jump at the best price. The saying ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ is so true for tools so consider browsing for an established brand with a better reputation.
With these very basics in your toolbox, you’re ready for the majority of tasks that ‘DIY improvements’ can throw at you. Find out more of our product range on Simply Tools.
