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Tools for DIY and Home Repairs

Here is an A to Z of the various tools that you might need for a DIY project or when carrying out repairs to your home.

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Note that some of the tools listed here are only required for specialized tasks so you will probably find it better to hire those from the local tool-hire shop when you need them rather than buying them. A basic set of tools such as those listed below will enable you to carryout most of the simpler repair tasks in your home.

Don't be tempted to save money by buying cheap tools, a set of quality tools will last for years if you look after them. Start with a basic toolkit and add to it as your DIY skills progress.

A basic toolkit for use in your home

Adjustable spanner - Get one with a jaw opening of 35 mm (1 3/8 in). You will find it useful for various tasks around the home..
Craft knife - With easily replaceable blades this is useful for cutting vinyl, cork, card and paper.
Drills - A selection of HSS twist and masonry drills. You can buy these in sets or individually.
Electric or cordless drill - If you want to be able to drill holes in masonry walls for hanging pictures or putting up shelves, buy a drill with a hammer action.
Electrician's pliers - These are useful for all sorts of jobs as well as any wiring work.
Extension lead - One with about 6 metres (20ft) of cable with two outlets and a built-in overload trip is ideal for your electric drill and other household appliances.
Flashlight - Useful when the electric power goes off. If anything goes wrong, inside or out, it will always be on a dark winter's night. Check regularly that the batteries have not gone flat.
Hammers - A cross-pein and a claw will be useful. A claw hammer is good for pulling nails andt a cross-pein is a good general purpose tool. The pein is used for starting nails.
Household oil - A small can of light household oil will ease all sorts of problems throughout the house such as squeaking door hinges.
Junior hacksaw - For cutting small pieces of metal.
Portable workbench - Makes it easier when cutting or drilling materials.
Screwdrivers - You will need several sizes of single-slot and cross-slot (Phillips) screwdrivers. They can be purchased individually or in a set. An insulated one is a good idea if you are going to work on electrical connections.
Spirit level - Required when you are putting up shelves to check that they are perfectly horizontal.
Steel measuring tape - One marked in both metric and imperial sizes and about 3.5 m (12 ft) long is useful about the house.
Steel rule - Helps when you need to mark a straight line and as a guide when cutting with a craft knife.
Stepladders - Very useful for general household cleaning and maintenance as well as any decorating work.
Toolbag - Buy a toolbag large enough to hold all of your toolkit and always put your tools in it after you have finished using them.
Try-square - For when you need to mark a right angle on a piece of wood or metal.
Wood saws - A tenon saw is very good for cutting smaller pieces of wood. For cutting larger pieces of wood a cross-cut saw will be required.