Most households have some form of DIY tool kit for those small, domestic jobs around the house. Whether it’s a shelf that needs erecting, a leaking tap that needs fixing or a light switch that requires wiring, there are some essential tools that can come in handy, whatever the job.
We’ll take a look at what to include in your household DIY tool kit and how they can be useful for tackling some of the most common tasks.
A cordless drill
A versatile tool, handy for just about every home DIY job or project, a cordless drill can put holes in a variety of materials including wood. Electric drills are ideal for shelving, pictures, curtain rails and anchoring items into the ground.
Hammer
Whether you’re assembling furniture items, hanging wall art or removing nails, a hammer can be a useful tool for almost anyone. There are different types depending on the job requirements and the material being worked on. A claw hammer is generally considered the most standard version and can be used across multiple applications.

Screwdriver
It’s useful to have a range of screwdrivers to cover any DIY task. They’re often used to remove plug sockets, fix cabinets or appliances and assemble flat-packed furniture. The flathead and the Phillips head are the most common types of screwdrivers.
Stanley knife
Ideal for cutting, sharpening and trimming across a range of materials, a Stanley knife is a must-have tool for the home DIY amateur and professional alike. Useful for cutting flooring, paper or carpets as well as for those garden improvement jobs, a well-sharpened Stanley knife is a compact, practical piece of kit. Don’t forget to keep some spare blades in your toolbox too.
Tape measure
Whether you need to measure for a new carpet or a piece of furniture, or you’re wanting to identify the centre of an item or wall, a tape measure is a crucial addition to any DIY kit.
Safety equipment
Some basic safety items such as gloves, glasses and a mask are a good idea to include in your kit. These can help protect against injury and irritation to the skin and eyes from substances or dust.
A toolbox
Where better to store all your essentials, than in a handy toolbox? Choose one that you can easily add to or one that already contains the basics for ease. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you might want to expand your range over time or include different tools for various tasks and projects.
Whilst this list is by no means extensive, these items should provide the essentials for those relatively small domestic jobs. If you plan on taking on larger or more specialised tasks, you might want to look at other tools and equipment to add to your kit.

