For many of us knowing which tool does what to make a DIY job happen is about as clear as mud! We all have a tool or two around the home but not many of us have a tool box full of what we would need for the majority of odd jobs around the home. Often a job comes up around the home that we could fix, if we knew the right tool to use. So Jake has put together what he considers to be the basic requirements for a home tool box. Remember that EVERYONE should have a basic tool box; it’s like a first aid kit for the house, from a single mum to a first time out of home. Tools can be expensive but with a little bit of care, the good quality tools can last a life time. It really is important to get the best you can afford. There is no point breaking the bank, so why not buy your tools over time. A good place to look for quality tools that are a little cheaper are markets, trash and treasure stalls, online and at sales.
What you should have in your tool kit at home:
Jake’s top picks:
1. A claw hammer. A claw hammer is great because the claw helps you to remove as well as put in.
2. A tape measure. The longer the better and check that it’s metric as well.
3. A screwdriver set a good range of sizes is best; maybe think about a combination set.
4. A wood saw. Try to get one that is tip top quality, so it lasts and lasts.
5. Pointy nose Pliers. These work wonders for so many thing, twisting curling and cutting wires but also as a pair of hands for those tiny jobs.
6. A cordless drill. This is like the holy grail of tools, for hanging pictures, doors and hinges to kids toys and door knobs, this is a must have tool.
7. Allen Keys. These are miracle items. If you have ever been to a little shop called Ikea you will understand.
What you should get next:
8. Gloves. Safety is another must and gloves don’t just help with safety they make sure you don’t get old man hands in seconds.
9. Safety goggles. You might feel like a tool wearing these but I think that is better than losing a body part!
10. Handy hacksaw. If you need to cut into metal this is the tool, great for screws that have worn away the thread at the top.
11. A utility knife. A knife is imperative for anything from cardboard boxes, carpet and lino.
12. Vice grips. These can be great for locking into place the item you are working on, and like another pair of hands.
13. A shifting spanner. This is the must have tool for anything nuts and bolts related.
14. A spirit level. This makes hanging a picture one of the easiest jobs around.
15. Clamps. If you need to hold things in place but you only have two hands, these will double as a ‘helper’.
16. Chisels. Most chisels come in a 3 pack, make sure to get ones with split proof handles.
17. Scrapper or putty knife. Scraping, mixing and patching are just the beginning uses for these handy items.
18. A Staple Gun. This is such a handy tool for a quick fix with fabrics or a solid fix with panels.
19. A combination square. If you need a right angle or a 45 degree angle this will make sure you are right.
20. A stud finder. If you don’t feel comfortable sounding out the studs in the wall with a hammer then this will make you feel confident when hanging a picture.
21. A flashlight. Everyone has one but a good place for it is the tool box, nothing worse than trying to fix something in the dark.
22. A small wrecking bar. Sounds like something you never use but believe me, when you need one nothing else will do.
And of course:
23. Tool Box. You will need something to store all these together. You can go all out and get a tool box that has all the trays, bells and whistles, but if you only want to keep them together, a plastic storage box would work just as well.
This should give you all you need and as you go you can add to it until you have a tool box to rival Jake’s own tool box.
