Whether you’re a keen DIY-er looking to save money on home maintenance during the cost-of-living crisis or a tradesperson who wants to be prepared for all eventualities, having the right tools in your toolbox makes the world of difference.
If you’re not sure which tools you need, here are our top five items that’ll help you complete the job at hand.
- Spirit level
A spirit level is crucial for ensuring accuracy in your work, whether you’re hanging pictures, installing shelves or laying floors. A spirit level will help you get a perfectly horizontal or vertical alignment so you can avoid every DIYer’s worst nightmare: a crooked shelf.
- Adhesives
Adhesives are essential for both minor and major repairs. If you need a quick fix, your best bet is opting for super glue. If you need something a little more heavy-duty, consider investing in some epoxy resins as they’re extremely strong and can adhere to pretty much any surface.
As a general rule, it’s best to purchase a few different types of adhesives and glues from suppliers like RS to make sure you have what you need to repair a variety of items.
When working with adhesives, make sure to follow COSHH guidelines to ensure you don’t end up injuring yourself.
- Tape measure
While it might seem obvious, if you don’t already have a tape measure in your toolkit, you’re missing out!
A tape measure lets you take accurate measurements – whether you’re cutting materials to size, spacing out installations or sizing up for that brand-new sofa you’ve had your eye on.
If you’re not sure which type of tape measure to get, think about what you’ll be using yours for. For large, outdoor projects, a wider and thicker tape measure is your best bet. If you’ll be measuring smaller items or angles, a slighter tape measure is likely to be more precise.
- Screwdriver
A screwdriver allows you to tackle a wide range of tasks, from assembling flat-pack furniture to tightening hinges and opening up electronic devices.
To make sure you can open whatever life throws at you, try to make sure you have the following heads in your toolkit:
- Flathead: One of the most common types, this screwdriver has a straight blade that fits into a single slot on the screw head.
- Phillips: Tapers to a dull point and has four edges that form a cross shape.
- Torx: Has a six-pointed, star-shaped pattern that provides a higher torque transfer compared to Phillips or flathead screws.
- Hex: Shaped like a hexagon, these screws are driven with an Allen wrench and are frequently used for furniture assembly.
- Robertson: A square-shaped head allows more torque and less slippage compared to a Phillips.
- Torch
Lastly, a durable and bright torch is an essential component of any toolkit. It’s useful when you’re dealing with power outages, working in poorly lit areas or just need to illuminate a tight spot during a repair.
Final thoughts…
Filling your toolkit with these five essential items means you’re always prepared for home repairs or tasks around the house. From precise measurements and alignments to emergency repairs and installations, these tools can accomplish pretty much anything. How does your toolkit compare?