Whether you’ve just moved into a new place or you’re working to keep your property in good nick while it’s on the market, then you need a well-equipped toolbox. You never know when you’ll need to re-hang a picture, remove scuff marks from the wall or tighten a loose tap, right? Well, actually, you usually need to do at least one of these things ten minutes before a viewing… This is why you need to have at least the basics already to go.
Stocking up on the essentials
It can cost quite a bit, getting an entire toolbox together, so you should start with the basics – a set of screwdrivers, spanners, Allen keys and a hammer or two.
You can always rent tools and equipment like sanders if you need them, but if you know you’ll probably be using a particular item once or twice a year, then buy it.
Getting really minimalist
You can actually do a lot of DIY jobs with the bare minimum to hand – some WD-40, adjustable pliers and duct tape. WD-40 has literally hundreds of uses (including removing crayon marks from walls) and we all know that a roll of duct tape will one day save the entire world. Fact.
Add in a multi-tool of some sort when you can, ingratiate yourself with the neighbours and you’re sorted.
A basic-but-comprehensive toolbox
A slight upgrade on the minimalist kit features these ten tools at the least:
• a tape measure;
• sturdy pliers;
• a set of at least 10-15 screwdrivers;
• an adjustable wrench;
• a claw hammer;
• a spirit level;
• an electric drill;
• a torch;
• a hacksaw, and
• a utility knife.
These are the basics that you need for rewiring a plug, putting up shelves, cutting up pipes and making sure your furniture will fit the new place (this involves the tape measure, not the hacksaw…).
Safety first
Make sure you have goggles, strong gloves and a first aid kit too!
A more involved toolkit
Once you’ve undertaken a few DIY tasks and you’re feeling handier, you can expand your toolkit to include a stud finder so you can locate studs in the walls to hang shelves more securely. It’s also a good idea to get a putty knife and a combination square, as well as some socket wrenches for plumbing and fixing bikes.
If you find you have a real flair for a particular area of DIY, then invest more in the tools you need for it and let your friends and neighbours know so that you can pool your equipment and expertise to improve all of your homes.
