Top 10 Items for Your First DIY Toolkit
Published on October 10, 2024
Top 10 Items for Your First DIY Toolkit
Starting out in the world of DIY can be exciting, but it’s important to have the right tools in your toolkit to ensure that your projects go smoothly. Here are the top 10 essential items that every beginner should have in their first DIY toolkit. Whether you’re doing some home maintenance or working on your first project, these tools will come in handy time and time again.
1. Screwdrivers
Overview
A good set of screwdrivers is a must-have for any DIY enthusiast. Make sure to have both flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers in various sizes to cover all types of screws you’ll encounter.
Why You Need It
- Tightening and loosening screws
- Assembling furniture
- General household maintenance
We like the Stanley STHT0-62141 34 Piece Screwdriver Set. It has a good range of sizes and is a good quality set.
2. Claw Hammer
Overview
A claw hammer is essential for driving nails into wood and for prying them out. The dual-purpose nature of the claw makes it ideal for both construction and demolition.
Why You Need It
- Hanging pictures or shelves
- General carpentry tasks
- Removing nails
You can’t really go wrong with a STANLEY Fiberglass Curved Claw Hammer.
3. Tape Measure
Overview
You need to measure materials accurately for almost any DIY task. A retractable tape measure is essential for ensuring everything fits and looks right.
Why You Need It
- Measuring walls, furniture, and materials
- Ensuring accurate cuts
- Planning projects
Another Stanley recommendation in the STANLEY TYLON Tape Measure 5M. Its very good quality and at very, very good price.
4. Hand Saw
Overview
A hand saw is a versatile tool that’s perfect for cutting wood to size for small projects. It’s great for trimming or adjusting pieces of wood where precision isn’t as critical.
Why You Need It
- Cutting timber or MDF to size
- General woodworking projects
- Building shelves or garden projects
The Bahco 244-22-U7/8-HP Hardpoint Handsaw is our favourite, hands down.
5. Cordless Drill/Driver
Overview
A cordless drill is an essential power tool that allows you to drill holes and drive screws quickly and efficiently. Make sure to have a set of drill bits and driver bits to go along with it.
Why You Need It
- Drilling holes in wood, metal, or masonry
- Assembling flatpack furniture
- Hanging shelves or curtain rails
The Bosch PSB 1800 LI-2 Cordless Drill is a great choice and comes with two batteries, so its great for larger projects too.
6. Utility Knife
Overview
A utility knife is a handy cutting tool that can be used for a variety of purposes, from trimming wallpaper to opening boxes. Make sure to keep replacement blades on hand for when it gets dull.
Why You Need It
- Cutting through cardboard or plastic
- Trimming materials like wallpaper or carpet
- General cutting tasks around the house
The Stanley Quickslide Utility Knife is a good choice for the money as it’s well built and easy to change the blades.
7. Spirit Level
Overview
A spirit level is a tool that helps you ensure that everything you’re hanging or building is perfectly horizontal or vertical. It’s invaluable when accuracy matters.
Why You Need It
- Hanging shelves and picture frames
- Ensuring furniture or structures are level
- Getting accurate measurements for framing
The STANLEY 0-43-624 FATMAX Pro Box Beam Level is a good choice and available in a few different sizes.
8. Adjustable Spanner (Wrench)
Overview
An adjustable spanner is useful for tightening or loosening nuts and bolts. With an adjustable jaw, it can adapt to various sizes, making it a versatile tool for plumbing or mechanical work.
Why You Need It
- Plumbing repairs
- Tightening bolts in flatpack furniture
- General maintenance work
The STANLEY MAXSTEEL Adjustable Wrench is a good choice, and will last a while.
9. Pliers
Overview
Pliers are handy for gripping, bending, and cutting wire. A combination plier can be particularly useful, as it has both a gripping surface and a cutting edge.
Why You Need It
- Gripping and turning nuts or bolts
- Cutting wire
- Holding small items securely
The Draper Redline® 3 Piece 160mm Plier Set has a plier, wire cuttter and needlenose pliers, so its a good all rounder.
10. SpeedSquare
Overview
A speed square helps you ensure that your measurements are perfectly straight and at right angles.
Why You Need It
- Marking materials for cutting
- Ensuring right-angle cuts
- Planning out woodwork projects
The Speed Square Set is a good choice, and is easy to use. Don’t forget the pencil!
Bonus Item: Tool Bag
Overview
A tool bag is a convenient way to keep all of your essential tools organised and portable. It ensures that your tools are always easy to find and makes transporting them to different locations much simpler.
Why You Need It
- Keeps tools organised and easy to find
- Makes transporting tools more convenient
- Protects tools from damage
The STANLEY Tool Bag is very well made, and is available with a range of tools, saving money in the long run.
Putting Together Your First Toolkit
When putting together your first toolkit, focus on getting versatile, high-quality tools that will serve multiple purposes. You don’t need to get the most expensive tools on the market, but investing in quality will ensure that your toolkit lasts for years. With these 10 essential items, you’ll be ready to tackle a wide range of DIY tasks around your home.
Looking for more tips on building an affordable toolkit? Check out this video by Shadowfoam on finding the ultimate toolkit for under £100.
Final Thoughts
Having the right tools in your first toolkit will make your DIY projects faster, easier, and more enjoyable. As you become more experienced, you can expand your toolkit with more specialised tools, but with these basics, you’ll be well-equipped to start your DIY journey. Happy building!