Tool Box Must Haves
This guide will walk you through ten of the most essential tools to own so you can approach every project with confidence.
Intro
Choosing to embark on a decorating or building project can be daunting, regardless of whether you are a beginner or a DIY virtuoso. Anything could go wrong, from making a mess to serious injury. That is why adequate planning and preparation is crucial. One great place to start is your toolbox; do you have everything you need for the job? Is everything in good working condition? Are you looking to try some new brands or ranges?
Tape Measure
How to Read a Tape Measure
Most tape measures feature imperial and metric units of measurement. Learning to read one is simple.
- The bold numbers at the top signify inches. Certain tape measures have a foot marking every 12 inches.
- The second largest markings are half inches. Most tape measures do not display numbers on these markings.
- The tiny lines on the top of the tape measure are one-eighth inches.
- At the bottom of the tape, you will find the metric units (cm and mm).
How to use a Tape Measure
Before measuring, ensure your pencil is sharp enough to mark the correct unit. Hook the metal end, also known as the tang, over the edge of the surface and make a small mark at the desired measurement. You will notice that there is a slight wobble between the tang and the tape; this is to provide accurate measurements both internally and externally.
Spirit Level
What is a Spirit Level?
A spirit level, or bubble level, is used to aid the levelling of a surface, like a shelf or a picture frame, in relation to the earth. Most levelling tasks can be carried out with a carpenter's level; however, for measuring surfaces like walls, you should consider investing in a larger masons level. Alternatively, a torpedo level is ideal if you need something more portable. When the bubble falls between the two guidelines, you have found a true horizontal, vertical or 45° angle.
How to use a Spirit Level
- Ensure your spirit level is clean. Any dirt or debris could obscure an accurate reading or throw off the level.
- Position it in the centre of the object you would like to level.
- Check the level is not defective by moving it away from the centre, then repositioning it to ensure the reading is the same.
- Take the necessary steps to ensure your object reaches a true horizontal, vertical or 45° angle.
Top Picks
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| OX Pro Spirit Level 600mm | Stabila 120cm Level 70-2-120 | Stabila 70-2 Combination Level Set |
Pliers
What are Pliers Used for?
There are loads of types of pliers. Pliers for cutting, gripping, twisting, removing pins, skinning wire and a whole host of other functions. Engineers pliers, also known as electricians pliers or linesman pliers, firmly grip and cut materials like sheet metal. They are also great for twisting wires together.
Side cutters are often used on wires to strip the sheathing away without damaging the conductors underneath. They are unsuitable for hard materials like nails and screws, which can cause tool damage.
Long nose pliers, also known as needle nose pliers are ideal for reaching into awkward areas and more delicate precision-based projects.
For even more about pliers, check out this Pro Tool Reviews article on Types of Pliers and Their Uses.
Wrench
What is a Wrench?
A wrench has an adjustable lower jaw that can tighten, loosen, grip and turn rotary fasteners like nuts and bolts. The Stanley Maxsteel range is available in various sizes and are best suited for jobs with limited space available.
What is an Impact Wrench?
An impact wrench is a power tool that can achieve a much higher torque than a standard wrench. It's commonly used in the automotive industry when loosening or tightening lug nuts. Impact wrenches are used less often in DIY projects because they are overpowered compared to impact drivers or standard adjustable wrenches.
Sanders
What is an Orbital Sander?
An orbital sander vibrates and rotates against a surface to render it smooth. Orbital sanders move in a consistent circular pattern, which can sometimes cause scratch marks. Using a random orbital sander will result in fewer scratch marks and a more appealing finish due to its random rotation pattern. These sanders are perfect for stripping paint, removing rust from metal and sanding for woodworking applications. The Dewalt Random Orbital Sander is a brilliant choice for quick, easy and satisfying sanding.
What is a Belt Sander?
A belt sander, or strip sander, is best for quick sanding. It's most commonly used to prepare a rough surface for more gentle sanding performed by a random orbital sander and is only suitable for flat surfaces. It's also a brilliant tool for easy varnish and paint stripping. This tool will remove large amounts of material at once, so it’s crucial to be as careful as possible when operating it.
Top Picks
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| Mirka DEROS 650CV Random Orbital Sander | Makita BO5031 125mm Random Orbital Sander |
Screwdriver Sets
Screwdriver Set
A screwdriver is a staple in any toolbox. It’s used for loosening and tightening screws and will prove invaluable for a range of tasks, like building flat-pack furniture. There are many heads to choose from, the most popular types are Pozidrive (PZ), Phillips (PH), Flathead and Torx. Investing in a set of screwdrivers, like the Draper Soft Grip Screwdriver Set, is a great way to ensure you always have the correct head handy.
| Screwdriver Type | Corresponding Screw |
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| Pozidriv Screwdriver |
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| Phillips Screwdriver |
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| Flathead Screwdriver |
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| Torx Screwdriver |
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Hacksaw
What is a Hacksaw Used For?
A hacksaw is a hand tool with small teeth used to cut materials harder than wood, like plastics and thin metal. When a hacksaw blade becomes dull, it can be easily replaced with a new one. To avoid any damage, a hacksaw should be used firmly in a forward motion.
How to use a Hacksaw
- Secure the item you are sawing in the vice and mark the point you would like to saw with a pencil
- Choose an appropriate blade. Large teeth are best for soft materials, like wood
- Make a notch in the material with the blade
- Begin sawing the material. Press firmly when sawing forward but release pressure with your backwards stroke
Top Picks
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| Rothenberger Junior Hacksaw | Stanley Enclosed Grip Hacksaw | Draper Junior Hacksaw With Blade |
Claw Hammer
What is a Claw Hammer Used For?
A claw hammer has a few functions. The round head is for knocking nails into objects, like wood and drywall. The claw end is for prying nails out, splitting wood and other demolition-based jobs.
Top Picks
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| Stanley Fibreglass Claw Hammer | Draper Fibreglass Shaft Claw Hammer |
Combi Drill
What is a Combi Drill?
The combi drill is loved for its versatility. It can drill, drive and drill with hammer action, meaning it's perfect for concrete and masonry. This tool is a must-have for DIYers.
What is an Impact Driver?
An impact driver is also used to drive fasteners into a material. As well as rotating, when the impact driver reaches a point of resistance, it will employ a hammer function to create more power to push the screw or bolt in. Impact drivers are perfect for dense or knotty wood because of these sequential bursts of high power. DeWalt has a great range of impact drivers that feature an additional PrecisionDrive mode that improves control.
What is the Difference between Drill and Impact Driver?
The main difference between a combi drill and an impact driver is that when additional torque is required, the latter will generate blasts of force. An impact driver is unsuitable for smaller, precision-based projects due to these bursts of high energy. Therefore, owning both tools will be an asset to your toolbox. Often, combi drills and impact drivers are sold as twin packs so you can effortlessly drive larger screws into tough material and perform more delicate drilling and boring projects from one easily transportable case.
Top Picks
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| DeWalt DCK276P2 XR 18V Cordless Brushless Combi & Impact Driver | Makita DLX2180TJ 18V Cordless Combi Drill & Impact Driver | Makita DLX2131TJ 18V Cordless Combi Drill & Impact Driver |
Utility Knife
What is a Utility Knife Used for?
A utility knife will often come in handy when cutting materials such as cardboard, plastic, tile grout and insulation. Its compact design means it’s easy and comfortable to use. Many knives have retractable blades meaning you can clean and switch them out. The most well-known of these is deservedly the Stanley Knife, known for its bright yellow and black colour scheme.
How to Change a Stanley Knife Blade
Top Picks
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| Stanley Fatmax Retractable Utility Knife | Makita Folding Utility Knife | OX Pro Fixed Blade Folding Knife |
What Tool Box to Buy
You’ll need a tool box for your tools and there are actually quite a few things to consider before you choose one. For example, how many tools do you have? Do you need to lock your tools away? How about a toolbox with wheels? How about a tool bag?
Toughbuilt have a fantastic and varied selection of tool storage, including pouches to add to your tool belt, backpacks and tote bags. Why not try their Massive Mouth Bag, which features durable off-road wheels, clip on pouches and a large opening for accessibility.