Owning a home and managing a household of 5 comes with plenty of responsibilities. Things break, furniture needs fixing and there are always little jobs that need doing. While you can call someone out to fix everything, there are plenty of jobs around the house that you can tackle yourself with a few basic tools.
Over the years, I’ve realised that having the right tools makes a big difference and not having the right tool creates a negative experience which usually means I won’t enjoy it as much as I could/should . Something as simple as tightening a loose cupboard handle or hanging a picture can become surprisingly frustrating when you don’t have what you need.
You don’t need an expensive workshop or a garage full of equipment to deal with everyday household jobs. A relatively small collection of tools will cover most of the basics and save you time, money and a few unnecessary trips to the hardware shop.
Here’s what I’d recommend having in your toolbox if you’re a homeowner.
1. Start with the basics
If you’re putting together your first toolbox, start with the essentials. It’s tempting to buy a big collection of tools, especially when you see a complete set on offer. However, you’ll probably find yourself using the same handful of tools for most jobs.
I’d start with the following:
- Screwdriver set: A selection of Phillips and flathead screwdrivers in different sizes. You’ll use these for everything from assembling furniture to tightening door handles.
- Adjustable spanner: Useful for tightening nuts and bolts, particularly when you’re doing basic repairs around the house.
- Pliers: A decent pair of combination pliers will come in handy for gripping, bending and pulling things.
- Hammer: A claw hammer is useful for putting up pictures, removing nails and tackling small DIY jobs.
- Tape measure: Essential for measuring furniture, checking spaces and making sure things fit before you start drilling or cutting.
- Utility knife: Handy for opening packaging, cutting materials and all sorts of small jobs.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on these tools. I’d rather have a small collection of decent-quality tools that I use regularly than a huge set of cheap ones that spend most of their time gathering dust.
2. Invest in a decent cordless drill
If there’s one power tool I’d recommend buying as a homeowner, it’s a cordless drill.
Whether you’re putting up shelves, assembling furniture or hanging pictures, a drill can make life considerably easier. It also saves you from spending ages trying to drive screws into materials by hand.
I’d recommend buying a cordless drill that can also be used as a screwdriver. Having one tool that does both jobs saves space and makes it more versatile.
It’s also worth buying a selection of drill bits. Different materials require different bits, so make sure you have the right ones for wood, metal and masonry.
A few other useful additions include:
- A spirit level for making sure shelves and pictures are straight.
- A torch for working in dark cupboards or awkward spaces.
- An extension lead if you need to use power tools away from a socket.
- A small sanding tool for preparing surfaces and smoothing rough edges.
You don’t need to buy all of these immediately. Start with a drill and the accessories you’ll actually use, then add to your collection as you take on more projects.
3. Don’t underestimate measuring tools
There’s nothing more frustrating than spending time putting something together only to discover that it doesn’t fit.
Accurate measurements can save you a lot of time and money, particularly when you’re installing shelves, buying furniture or making changes around the house.
A tape measure is an obvious starting point, but there are a few other useful tools worth having.
- Spirit level: Helps you make sure shelves, pictures and other fittings are straight.
- Stud finder: Useful for locating studs behind plasterboard when you’re hanging heavier items.
- Pencil: For marking measurements and indicating where you need to drill.
- Straightedge: Helps you draw straight lines and check measurements.
- Combination square: Useful for checking right angles and marking out certain DIY projects.
One thing I’ve learned is that taking an extra minute to measure something properly can save a lot of frustration later.
It’s particularly important when drilling holes or cutting materials. Once you’ve made a mistake, it isn’t always easy to put things right.
4. Keep a few supplies for everyday repairs
Tools are only part of the equation. It’s also worth keeping a small collection of everyday supplies for those little jobs that inevitably crop up around the house.
There’s little point having a screwdriver if you don’t have the right screws to use with it.
I’d recommend keeping a small box containing:
- Assorted screws
- Nails
- Wall plugs and anchors
- Cable ties
- Duct tape
- Replacement batteries
These are relatively inexpensive items, but they’re incredibly useful when you need them.
Duct tape, for example, can be useful for temporary fixes, securing loose items or dealing with minor problems until you can carry out a proper repair.
Just remember that temporary fixes aren’t always suitable as permanent solutions. If something needs repairing properly, it’s worth taking the time to do it right.
5. Make safety a priority
It’s easy to get carried away with a DIY project and forget about safety. Even relatively simple jobs can cause injuries if you’re not careful.
A few basic safety items are worth keeping in your toolbox.
Safety glasses
Whenever you’re drilling, cutting or working with materials that might produce flying particles, wear safety glasses. They’re inexpensive and can protect your eyes from potentially serious injuries.
Work gloves
A decent pair of work gloves can protect your hands when handling rough materials, moving equipment or carrying out certain repairs.
Dust mask
If you’re sanding wood, drilling into dusty materials or working in an environment where there’s a lot of dust, a suitable mask can help protect your lungs.
It’s also important to know your limits. There’s no shame in calling a professional if a job is beyond your experience or requires specialist knowledge.
6. Have a few basic plumbing tools
You don’t need to become a plumber to deal with every minor problem around the house. However, having a few basic items available can be useful when something goes wrong.
For example, a loose connection or a minor leak might be relatively straightforward to investigate, provided you understand what you’re doing.
I’d recommend keeping the following:
- Adjustable spanner
- Pliers
- Bucket
- Old towels or absorbent cloths
- PTFE tape for suitable threaded connections
A bucket and some old towels might not seem like particularly exciting additions to your toolbox, but they can be invaluable if you ever have to deal with a leak.
Of course, there’s a difference between tightening a loose connection and attempting to repair damaged pipework. If you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, it’s better to get professional help.
7. Be careful with electrical repairs
Electrical work is one area where I’d be particularly cautious.
There are some simple things homeowners can do, but working with electricity can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
A non-contact voltage tester can help identify the possible presence of electrical voltage, although it shouldn’t be relied upon as the only way to establish that a circuit is safe.
You might also find the following useful:
- Insulated screwdrivers
- A torch
- Cable ties
- Label tape
However, having the right tools doesn’t automatically mean you should attempt electrical repairs. Anything involving unfamiliar wiring, electrical panels or potentially dangerous installations is best left to a qualified electrician.
It’s always worth understanding what you can safely do yourself and when you need professional help.
8. Keep your tools organised
There’s not much point having a great collection of tools if you can never find what you’re looking for.
I’ve found that keeping things organised makes DIY jobs much less frustrating. There’s nothing worse than starting a project and spending the next 20 minutes searching for a screwdriver or trying to remember where you put the drill bits.
You don’t need an expensive storage system. A basic toolbox or a few plastic storage containers will do the job.
A few simple habits can make a big difference:
- Keep smaller items, such as screws and drill bits, in separate compartments.
- Label storage boxes so you know what’s inside.
- Keep sharp tools protected.
- Store power tools somewhere dry and safe.
- Check rechargeable batteries occasionally.
- Put everything back in its proper place after finishing a job.
Once you’ve built up a collection of tools, keeping them organised will save you a surprising amount of time.
9. Don’t buy everything at once
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when starting out with DIY is buying too much equipment before you actually need it.
It’s easy to get carried away when you visit a hardware shop or start browsing online. There are so many different tools and accessories available that you can quickly end up spending hundreds of pounds.
My advice would be to start with the essentials and build your collection gradually.
Buy a decent screwdriver set, hammer, pliers, tape measure and cordless drill. These will cover a surprising number of everyday jobs.
When you come across a project that requires something more specialised, consider whether it’s worth buying the tool or whether hiring one would make more sense.
I’d also avoid buying multiple versions of the same tool unless you genuinely need them. There’s little point having five screwdrivers of almost identical sizes when you don’t have a decent tape measure.
When buying tools, look for something that feels comfortable to use and is well made. You don’t necessarily need professional equipment, but buying the cheapest option isn’t always the most economical choice in the long run.
10. Learn a few basic DIY skills
Having a toolbox is one thing. Knowing how to use it is another.
If you’re new to DIY, start with a few simple projects and build your confidence over time.
There are plenty of straightforward jobs you can learn to do yourself, including:
- Tightening loose cupboard handles and door hinges.
- Assembling flat-pack furniture.
- Hanging pictures and mirrors.
- Measuring spaces for furniture.
- Replacing simple fixtures where it’s safe and appropriate.
- Carrying out minor household maintenance.
You can find plenty of useful instructions and demonstrations online. Just make sure you’re following reliable guidance and understand any safety precautions before getting started.
The more experience you gain, the more comfortable you’ll become with using your tools and tackling small projects.
There’s also something satisfying about fixing something yourself rather than having to call someone out every time a minor problem appears.
My recommended homeowner toolkit
If I were putting together a basic toolbox for someone starting from scratch, this is what I’d include.
| Tool or item | Why you need it |
|---|---|
| Screwdriver set | Tightening screws and assembling furniture |
| Adjustable spanner | Tightening nuts and bolts |
| Pliers | Gripping, bending and pulling |
| Claw hammer | Hammering and removing nails |
| Cordless drill | Drilling holes and driving screws |
| Drill bit set | Working with different materials |
| Tape measure | Measuring spaces and materials |
| Spirit level | Making sure things are straight |
| Utility knife | Cutting and opening packaging |
| Safety glasses | Protecting your eyes |
| Work gloves | Protecting your hands |
| Torch | Working in poorly lit areas |
| Assorted screws and wall plugs | Everyday repairs and installations |
| Duct tape and cable ties | Temporary fixes and securing items |
This is more than enough to get started with most basic household jobs. You can always add more tools as you gain experience.
Final thoughts
You don’t need to be particularly handy to benefit from having a decent set of tools at home.
There will always be jobs that require a professional, but there are plenty of smaller tasks that you can deal with yourself. Having the right equipment makes those jobs easier and can save you money in the process.
My advice is to start small. Buy the tools you’re most likely to use, learn how to use them properly and build your collection as you go.
You might find that you enjoy DIY more than you expected. Even if you don’t, having a few basic tools around the house means you’re better prepared when something inevitably needs fixing.
And remember, being a capable homeowner isn’t about being able to fix absolutely everything. Sometimes, knowing when to put the tools down and call a professional is just as important.
