What did you do to while away the long and lonely hours of lockdown? According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), many of us spent our time carrying out those home improvements and gardening tasks we previously overlooked. As a result, wallpaper and paint sales soared, and the demand for compost, plants and artificial grass skyrocketed. The lockdown DIY boom saw a new era of handymen (and women) emerge. And while many of us have packed away our toolkits now that life has returned to a kind of normality, others have embraced their newfound passion for interior design, landscaping, and fixing things. But of course, a handyman is only as good as his (or her) tools and, whether you are a trade professional or a DIY enthusiast, you need our ten essentials in your toolbox.
10 Essentials Every DIY Enthusiast & Handyman Should Own
Stepladder
Stepladders are essential for changing light bulbs, painting ceilings, tiling bathrooms, and reaching those hard-to-reach corners. They are relatively inexpensive compared to other DIY tools, and they are certainly much safer than standing on chairs. Every well-prepared handyperson should own a set of folding steps, and once you have one, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Screwdriver Set
Every handyman needs a set of screwdrivers for putting up pictures, hanging mirrors, fixing shelves, and carrying out everyday tasks and repairs. You’ll need both flathead and Phillips screwdrivers in your toolbox, with a good mix of sizes to fit every screw.
Measuring Tape
Almost every DIY task requires a measuring tape, so make sure you have one in your toolbox. If you want to look like a pro (who doesn’t?), go for a pocket tape measure with an auto-lock function to keep it securely in places as you write down measurements. If you want to be really flashy, choose one that you can hook on your toolbelt for the essential handyman look!
Stanley Knife
Something as simple as a utility knife can make complex DIY jobs so much easier to complete. They are ideal for cutting, marking, and scoring materials and perfect for fiddly tasks where scissors won’t work. A Stanley knife is only as good as its blade, so keep a pack of replacement blades in your toolbox at all times.
Spirit Level
There is nothing more frustrating than hanging a picture or mirror, only to find that it’s not level. A spirit level will help you avoid common DIY mistakes and impress your family and friends with your handyman skills.
Pliers
A good set of pliers is like an extra set of hands, so you can never have enough of them in your toolkit. Pliers are perfect for pulling out nails, compressing materials, holding hot items when soldering, bending stuff, and so much more. They are just so handy!
Hammer
Sometimes you need to bash things, and hammers are the perfect weapon of mass destruction. You’ll need one for carpentry, upholstering, and cabinetry, and they are essential for straightening bent blades, pulling nails, and assembling flat-pack furniture. Every handyman and handywoman needs a hammer – it’s the most versatile DIY tool out there and a true handyman essential!
Cordless Drill
Practical, portable and perfect for DIY projects. Cordless drills make light work of maintenance jobs, repairs, assembling things, and creating holes wherever you need them. While you don’t have to go for a cordless model, they are much more convenient than standard electric drills. You can use them indoors and out without worrying about extension cables. Cordless combi drills are ideal for professional handymen and serious DIYers, but there are some great budget options available for beginners.
Socket Set
You could buy a selection of wrenches to loosen nuts and bolts, but socket sets are much easier to use. Most sets include a handle and a selection of socket heads in multiple sizes boxed in a convenient carry case. They are ideal for mechanical repairs and plumbing tasks and perfect for unscrewing the tightest of bolts.
Pencil
If there is one essential that every handyman should own, it’s a pencil. You could splash out on a fancy carpenter’s pencil, but if you are new to the world of DIY, one from your kid’s pencil case will do! This simple must-have will transform the way you mark measurements on building materials, fabrics, landscaping textiles and walls. Remember if you make a mistake, you can rub it out and start again.
We hope that we’ve sorted your handyman needs! If you’d like more tips and articles, check out the rest of our blog.