You might not be the most proficient individual at DIY, but sometimes it’s useful to learn some basics so you don’t have to pay for other people to carry out simple jobs around your house, and you won’t have to wait to fix broken pieces of furniture or to hang pictures on your wall. However, to be able to do these odd jobs around the house you will need to have a basic tool kit. These are five tools you should have at home so you can do small DIY projects yourself.
1. Hammer
Hammers are used for a range of different jobs, from banging nails and picture hooks into walls, to more complicated tasks such as constructing items of furniture. You should make sure you have at least one or two hammers in your toolbox as you’re likely to need them for any DIY project at home. A claw hammer is the most common one you can buy, but joiner’s mallets are better for woodwork, and a sledgehammer is necessary if you’re breaking up large pieces of materials like patio slabs in the garden.
2. Saw
Another useful tool to have at hand is a saw. Handheld saws are good for cutting small pieces of wood if you’re building shelving units from scratch, or for other carpentry projects. If you’re a keen gardener you might want to look into purchasing an electric saw to trim back the trees, or if you’re constructing larger items like a summerhouse or pergola yourself, an electric circular saw will be more proficient. You can find more heavy-duty trade saws and other tools at Tradefix Direct.
3. Spirit Level
Every toolbox should contain a spirit level, as these will help you make sure you’re putting up shelves, pictures, etc., properly. Without a spirit level, you run the risk of having wonky shelves that won’t be supportive of the items you’re putting up and instead they could end up being a safety hazard. A spirit level is another DIY item that is used for a variety of jobs, and if you want a professional finish you must have one in your tool collection.
4. Nails, Nut, and Bolts
Having a collection of nails, nuts, and bolts in your toolbox will be very useful. It’s not a case of one-size-fits-all, which is why you should have a variety of sizes to choose from. They’re inexpensive, so building up a collection over time won’t break the bank, but could save you having to make a trip to the hardware store every time you decide to take on a project at home. If you’re buying pre-packaged furniture to build at home it should come with the right nails, screws, etc., but having some spares is always a good idea.
5. Electric Screwdriver
Manual screwdrivers with different heads should be in your toolbox anyway, but an electric one could help you finish your DIY projects quickly and are much easier on your hands. They might be a little more expensive to buy, but it’s worth it for the convenience.
Whether you enjoy DIY projects or not, it’s always good to have a basic tool kit at home for the occasions when you have to fix problems yourself. Make sure you have these five items in your toolbox to make these jobs easier.