DIY: the basic toolbox
The essential tools to get started, without overspending or cluttering up on tools you'll never use.
The essentials to start
| Tool | What it's for |
|---|---|
| Hammer | Driving/pulling nails, small adjustments |
| Multi-bit screwdriver (Phillips + flathead) | The vast majority of everyday screws |
| Tape measure | Measuring before buying or cutting |
| Spirit level | Hanging a frame or shelf perfectly straight |
| Adjustable pliers | Gripping, loosening, holding various parts |
| Utility knife | Quickly opening boxes and packaging |
| Cordless drill/driver | Drilling and driving screws efficiently — the tool that changes everyday life the most |
A cordless drill/driver with a set of bits alone covers a large share of everyday DIY needs — often the best first purchase.
Add as needed
- Wall anchors matched to the surface: plaster, concrete and drywall don't use the same anchors — getting it wrong is the #1 cause of something falling off the wall.
- Silicone caulk gun: for seals and small repairs.
- A stable stepladder: more useful and safer than a chair for overhead work.
Storage
Keeping tools visible and accessible (a wall panel, a compartmented toolbox) genuinely increases the odds you'll use them — and put them back afterward.
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