Everyone’s toolbox should have a variety of tools to help with everyday tasks such as tightening screws on locks and handles to adjusting the level of your kitchen cupboard doors along with any other DIY projects you fancy turning your hand at. You will find some tools will be picked up and used more than others as they are needed for a vast majority of jobs, here we have 7 essential tools that you simply cannot do without.
The Claw Hammer
The trusty hammer is one of the many tools no handy man should ever be without. When looking for a hammer you will find that there is actually a wide variety of different hammers, some specialise for particular jobs but one of the most versatile hammers is the simple claw hammer. Some have wooden or plastic handles which are slightly lighter than the claw hammers with a metal hand and a rubber grip, the metal claw hammers last longer and are helpful when demolishing or taking apart joints and furniture. You never see a builder turn up to a job without his hammer, so you shouldn’t be without one in your toolbox.
The Chalk Line
Chalk lines are by far one of the most underrated tools that everyone needs. Any DIY project will be made easier with a chalk line. The chalk line will make a clear line for cutting along whether you are laying laminate flooring to anything that needs a long straight line to follow like worktops. They are essential to anyone putting up plasterboard sheets, you need the chalk line to mark where the joists are that you will be screwing into. Without it expect several holes where you have undoubtably missed the joist. If you don’t know how to do it properly, see ToolsDiary.
Adjustable Spanner
The adjustable spanner can be the saving grace of any one’s DIY project and you will find you use this all around the house whilst undertaking most general maintenance. Perfect for bolts, radiators and fixings, you will find yourself reaching for the adjustable spanner. Again, these come in a variety of sizes, our favourite adjustable spanner are ones with an extra wide mouth opening and a thin profile as these are more versatile and will be better at getting into the smaller spaces and fit a greater variety of sizes.
Bow Saw or Frame Saw
The bow saw otherwise known as the Frame saw are great at performing intricate cuts for any DIY project from the small detailed cut outs for laminate flooring to making dove tail joints for draws and dressers. These saws are designed for precise cuts, they are light and can move around the wood to achieve most angles. The blades are easily changed depending on the material you want to cut.
A Pair of Pliers
On anyone’s tool belt you will see a pair of pliers in a pocket. That’s because they are so handy, and you often need them to get you out of a pinch. If you need to grip something but can get enough purchase on it, you go for the pliers. If you need wire stripped or cut, you go for the pliers. You can use them to help bend or pull anything you can’t quite get your fingers on.
Cordless Drill
With the right drill bits and drill you can make a hole in pretty much anything. Brick, metal, plastic and wood, the cordless drill can do it all. Look for a drill with 2 speed settings and different torque settings, these usually range from 1 to 12. Also, a good cordless drill should also have a screwdriver setting and a hammer setting. 12-volt lithium batteries are best for prolonged use and if you have a big project look for one with 2 battery’s as you can charge one whilst you use the other and alternate.
Screwdriver Set
A good screwdriver set is invaluable, from small projects to big projects you will always need a screwdriver set. Look for a set with long and short screwdrivers with flat and Philips heads. The long screw drivers can get to screws that you cannot reach with a small screwdriver, they generally will have a bigger handle that helps get some power to turn the screw. The small stubby screwdrivers get into small places that you will find you can’t get a drill in.
Final Thoughts
Although there is a huge variety of tools out on the market, you will find that you will always need these tools to help with the majority of your DIY projects, which is why they are essentials. Once these are in your toolbox you will have a good base set to be able to tackle most tasks. Remember that this is just the beginning you can always add tools to your toolbox to help with different and specific jobs, but with our help you will be able to make a good start.
