A prerequisite to good DIY work is a decent, basic toolkit. Being in possession of an adequate DIY kit will prevent a homeowner from making unnecessary trips to their local DIY superstore when carrying out the most minor of household repairs.
Many of the tools found in DIY stores can be used to perform a variety of tasks. However, a few tools are specific to particular types of DIY work, such as plumbing and woodwork. A good tool kit will feature an adjustable spanner opening to a minimum of 25 millimetres. This piece of equipment will take care of most plumbing jobs. An electrician’s screwdriver with an insulated handle, meanwhile, can help to protect a homeowner against contact with live wires. A set of pincers and pliers, both square-nosed and narrow, and at least one with a wire-cutter, will prove handy for pulling nails, wiring plugs and installing fiddly fittings.
Many small DIY jobs revolve around fixing things with screws. A bradawl can be used to make starter holes. A set of screwdrivers with flat heads and cross-section heads can also prove useful. Try to attain a variety of screwdriver head sizes suitable for a range of screw heads as using a small screwdriver to fix a large screw will prove impossible and vice versa.
A portable workbench, general purpose saw, mini hacksaw, craft knife with disposable blades, claw hammer, pin hammer and lump hammer are all required for a range of DIY tasks. To ensure that shelves, pictures and TV brackets are level, a steel measuring tape, steel rule, soft pencil and spirit level are essential.
Finally, wood needs cutting everywhere in the home. Necessary saws are tenon, crosscut and floorboard saws. Other essential items include a pair of fine blade chisels (12 and 25 millimetre) and a sandpaper block for finishing.