By The Anything & Everything Team
A loose cupboard handle, flat-pack furniture waiting to be built, a picture that needs hanging: the small jobs soon add up. A well-chosen toolkit makes it easier to get started and keep your home in good order.
You do not need a workshop full of equipment. Start with a few tools that suit the jobs you actually do, then build your kit as you need it. Here is what to look for.
Start with measuring and marking
A tape measure, pencil and spirit level earn their place early. Measure the space, mark the position and check the alignment before making a permanent fixing. For furniture, remember to allow room for doors, drawers and the route into the room.
Look for a tape with clear markings and a lock that is comfortable to use. A compact spirit level is useful for smaller jobs; a longer one may suit wider shelves and larger projects.
Choose screwdrivers that fit properly
A screwdriver should fit the screw head closely. The wrong size or profile can slip and damage the head, making a simple job harder. Flat, Phillips and Pozidriv heads are different, so match the tool to the screw rather than choosing the nearest-looking tip.
A small selection of screwdrivers or a handle with interchangeable bits is a practical starting point. Keep the hex keys supplied with furniture together in a labelled pouch for later adjustments.
A hammer, pliers and an adjustable spanner
A claw hammer is useful for suitable nailing and nail-removal tasks. Choose one that feels balanced and manageable in your hand, with a secure grip. A heavier hammer is not automatically the better choice for every job.
Pliers help with gripping and bending appropriate materials, while an adjustable spanner can suit nuts and bolt heads of different sizes. Each has its own purpose: using pliers on a fitting that needs a spanner can mark it or round its edges.
Match fixings to the wall and the load
The fixing is just as important as the tool. Solid masonry, plasterboard and other surfaces need different approaches. Choose screws, plugs or anchors that are suitable for the wall construction, the item being fitted and its intended load, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Before drilling, check for concealed cables and pipes and establish where it is safe to work. If you cannot identify the wall or what is behind it, get competent help before making holes. Heavy or safety-critical fittings deserve particular care.
Add power tools when the job calls for them
A drill can be a useful next step if you regularly assemble, fit or repair things. Choose it around the material and the work: drilling wood, making holes in masonry and driving screws are different tasks, with different bits and settings.
For cordless tools, check whether the battery and charger are included. Think about weight, grip and how often you will use the tool, alongside the specifications. Follow the tool's instructions and use the protection appropriate to the task.
Keep the supporting essentials together
The small items are often what stop a job halfway through. Before starting, check whether you need:
- Suitable fixings: the correct screws, plugs, hooks or brackets for the job.
- Preparation supplies: the right tape, abrasive or adhesive for the material and finish.
- Task lighting: a torch or work light so you can see what you are doing clearly.
- Protection: suitable eye, hearing, hand or respiratory protection where the task requires it.
- Storage: a toolbox or organiser that keeps sharp items protected and small parts easy to find.
Read adhesive labels before use: check the materials it can bond, preparation requirements and curing time. A quick repair is only useful if the product is right for the application.
Buy for the next job, then build from there
A useful toolkit grows around experience. If you mostly assemble furniture, start with measuring tools and the right drivers. If you are decorating, preparation tools may be the priority. Avoid buying a large set simply for the number of pieces; consider which ones you will use and how well they suit your hands.
Keep tools clean and dry, check them for damage before use and store them securely away from children. Leave gas work, electrical installation and work beyond your competence to appropriately qualified professionals.
Find the right starting point
Explore our DIY Tools & Hardware department for the current online range. For help finding an item, message Anything & Everything on WhatsApp: 07377 720005. Send a clear photo and a short description of the job so we can help you check what to look for.