Ever spotted a damaged item at home and wondered if you could fix it yourself? Believe it or not, depending on the weight or level of damage, you can! All you need is the right knowledge and DIY tools.
Unfortunately, with so many products on the market posing to be the best and top-rated, how do you know or purchase high-quality options that would actually get the job done and won’t break the bank ?
Well, that’s where this guide comes in. We aim to provide affordable, high-quality tools that will get the job done and potentially last a lifetime, to be used over and over again, depending on how well you care for them.
So in this guide, we will cover a range of household needs:
- Safety and Maintenance Tools
- Precise measuring tools for accurate work
- Versatile power options for efficiency
- Specialised instruments for plumbing and electrical tasks
In each section, we’ll explain what each tool does, why it’s useful, and how to choose a quality option that fits your budget. You’ll also find practical tips to help you use these tools effectively and safely.
Enough talk—let’s get into jotting, doing, and possibly purchasing!
1. Safety Goggles, Ear Protection, and Work Gloves
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Price Range: £20-£50 / $25-$65 for a set
While not traditional “tools,” safety gear is essential for any DIYer.
Safety goggles protect your eyes from flying debris, whether you’re sawing wood or drilling into concrete. Don’t rely on regular glasses – proper safety goggles should be wrapped around to protect your eyes from all angles.
Ear protection is crucial when using power tools, especially for extended periods. Even if a tool doesn’t seem loud, prolonged exposure can damage your hearing. Opt for comfortable earmuffs or earplugs.
Work gloves protect your hands from splinters, cuts, and burns. Look for gloves that fit well—too loose, and you lose dexterity; too tight, and they’ll be uncomfortable for long projects.
2. Adjustable Wrench
Price Range: £10-£30 / $15-$40
An adjustable wrench adapts to fit a wide range of nuts and bolts, making it invaluable for plumbing tasks, assembling furniture, or tightening loose fixtures.
A 10-inch wrench strikes a good balance between versatility and manageability for most home tasks. Look for one with smooth jaw movement and clear size markings.
When using the wrench, turn it so that the force is applied to the fixed jaw, not the movable one. This reduces the risk of slipping and rounding off nuts. Remember, this tool is designed for flexibility, not brute force – for serious torque, a dedicated socket set might be a better choice.
3. Pliers Set
Price Range: £15-£40 / $20-$50
A good set of pliers can get you out of countless DIY jams. At a minimum, you’ll want needle-nose pliers for precision work and handling small objects, and slip-joint pliers for more general gripping and turning tasks.
When using pliers on finished surfaces, consider wrapping the jaws with tape or using rubber jaw covers to prevent marring. Needle-nose pliers can double as an impromptu wire stripper in a pinch – just be gentle to avoid nicking the wire itself.
Remember, pliers aren’t a substitute for a wrench on nuts and bolts – they can damage the fastener’s edges. Use them for their intended purpose, and they’ll serve you well for years.
4. Tape Measure
Price Range: £5-£15 / $7-$20
A reliable tape measure can prevent expensive mistakes and frustrating do-overs. Whether you’re hanging a gallery wall or ensuring a new couch will fit through your door, this tool is indispensable.
Look for a tape measure that’s at least 25 feet long and has a sturdy locking mechanism. The best ones have both imperial and metric measurements, which is helpful when following tutorials from different parts of the world. Opt for one with large, easy-to-read numbers – you’ll appreciate this feature when measuring in dimly lit spaces. (See Our Recommendation Above)
Remember the carpenter’s adage, “Measure twice, cut once”? It can mean the difference between a successful project and a costly trip to the hardware store for replacement materials.
5. Spirit Level
Price Range: £10-£30 / $15-$40
A spirit level is your guard against the dreaded tilt when hanging shelves or pictures. While smartphone apps can help, nothing beats the reliability and precision of a traditional bubble level.
For most home projects, a 24-inch model will serve you well. It’s long enough for larger jobs like hanging cabinets but still manageable for smaller tasks like levelling picture frames.
Quick-Tip
When working on larger surfaces, place the level in multiple spots to ensure everything is truly even. Floors and walls aren’t always perfectly straight, so relying on just one measurement can lead to errors.
6. Utility Knife
Price Range: £5-£20 / $7-$25
The utility knife is a versatile tool that punches above its weight class. From opening packages to scoring drywall, this blade will quickly become one of your most-used tools.
When shopping for a utility knife, prioritise models with easily replaceable blades. Dull blades are not only ineffective but also dangerous. Look for knives with built-in blade storage—a small feature that makes a big difference when you need a fresh blade mid-project.
Always cut away from yourself and retract the blade when not in use. It might seem overly cautious, but safety with sharp tools is paramount.
7. Handsaw
Price Range: £15-£40 / $20-$50
In an era of power tools, a handsaw remains invaluable for quick cuts without the need for cords or batteries. For general home use, a 15-inch backsaw is a good starting point. It’s manageable in size and suitable for most small to medium-sized cutting tasks.
The advantage of a handsaw isn’t just its simplicity – it also offers a level of control and precision that’s hard to match with power tools, especially in tight spaces.
Invest in a quality saw with a comfortable grip and sharp, rust-resistant teeth. Remember to let the saw do the work – if you’re forcing it, you’re either using the wrong saw for the job or it’s time for a new blade.
8. Screwdriver Set – One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Price Range: £20-£50 / $25-$65
You might think a single screwdriver is enough, but trust me, the day will come when you’re faced with a screw that your go-to driver just won’t budge. A good screwdriver set is like a Swiss Army knife for your DIY projects.
Look for a set that includes various sizes of both flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers. Some kits even come with less common heads, like Torx or Robertson—they might seem unnecessary now, but you’ll be glad to have them when you encounter that oddball screw in an appliance or piece of furniture.
Here’s a tip that’ll save you countless headaches:
Invest in screwdrivers with magnetic tips. They’ll hold onto screws, preventing that infuriating moment when a screw falls into an unreachable crevice just as you’re about to place it.
9. Hammer – Not Just for Nails
Price Range: £10-£30 / $15-$40
A hammer is one of those tools that you don’t think much about until you need one. Then you need one. For most home DIY tasks, a 16-ounce claw hammer will serve you well. It’s hefty enough to drive nails effectively, but not so heavy that you’ll tire quickly.
When choosing a hammer, pay attention to the grip. A good rubber or synthetic handle will absorb shock and prevent slipping, even if your hands get sweaty. The claw end isn’t just for removing nails – it’s surprisingly useful for prying things apart or doing light demolition work.
Remember, a hammer isn’t a precision tool. If you find yourself getting frustrated trying to start a nail, use a smaller tack hammer or even needle-nose pliers to hold the nail while you get it started. Your thumbs will thank you.
10. Allen Wrench Set
Price Range: £5-£15 / $7-$20
Also known as hex keys, Allen wrenches are essential for assembling furniture, working on bicycles, and tightening various household items. A set with both metric and imperial sizes will cover most needs.
Look for a set with a convenient storage case to keep the wrenches organised and easily accessible. The L-shape of these tools provides leverage for tightening or loosening bolts in tight spaces where other tools might not fit.
11. Cordless Drill
Price Range: £50-£150 / $65-$200
A cordless drill can revolutionise your DIY capabilities. It’s not just about driving screws faster – it’s about tackling projects you might not have attempted otherwise.
When shopping for a drill, consider the battery life and charging time. There’s nothing more frustrating than having your project interrupted because you’re waiting for a battery to charge. Look for models with lithium-ion batteries – they hold a charge longer and don’t have the “memory effect” of older battery types.
For most home projects, a 12V or 18V drill will be more than sufficient. The super-powerful models might seem tempting, but they’re often overkill for household use and can be unwieldy for precision work.
12. Caulking Gun
Price Range: £5-£20 / $7-$25
A caulking gun is surprisingly versatile. From sealing gaps around windows to waterproofing your bathroom, this tool can save you money on energy bills and prevent water damage.
Using a caulking gun effectively requires consistent pressure and a steady hand. Before tackling a visible area, practice on a piece of cardboard to get a feel for how the caulk flows.
After applying caulk, wet your finger and run it along the bead to smooth it out for a clean, professional-looking finish. Keep a damp cloth handy to wipe your fingers between passes.
13. Phase Testing Screwdriver: “Getting Zapped Isn’t Part of the Plan”
Price Range: £5-£15 / $7-$20
A phase-testing screwdriver, also known as a voltage tester, lets you check if an electrical circuit is live before you start working on it. This simple tool could save your life.
Using one is straightforward: touch the tip of the wire or outlet you’re testing. If the indicator lights up, there’s a live current. Always test before you touch, even if you’re sure the power is off.
While this tool is great for basic checks, it’s not a substitute for a proper multimeter if you’re doing more complex electrical work. If you’re ever in doubt about an electrical job, don’t hesitate to call in a professional. Some risks aren’t worth taking.
Conclusion
Nowyou’re truly equipped with a comprehensive toolkit for tackling a wide array of home repairs and improvements. These 13 tools form the backbone of any serious DIY kit, enabling you to handle everything from minor fixes to major renovations.
Read on: 25 Easy DIY Fixes You Need To Know For Common Household Repairs
Furthermore, as you use these tools and take on more projects, you’ll develop your skills and probably find yourself eyeing more specialised equipment. But with this foundation, you’re well-prepared to face most household challenges head-on.
Your DIY Journey Starts Here
Don’t be discouraged if things don’t go perfectly at first – every DIY expert started as a beginner. The key is to start small, learn from each project, and gradually build your confidence along with your skill set. Before you know it, you’ll be impressing friends and family with your home improvement prowess.
We’d love to hear about your DIY adventures!
- Which of these tools have you found most useful?
- Do you have any clever hacks or tips to share?
