The primary consideration when purchasing DIY tools must be the application(s), i.e. the jobs to be completed. It is extremely frustrating to attempt any DIY task without the appropriate equipment. The available budget will be the deciding factor as to the quality and quantity of tools that can be bought. Endeavour to buy the best quality tools available within the range of the allocated budget. Over a period, a DIY enthusiast will acquire any number of tools. However, for those just starting out, several basic items are essential components of any DIY toolkit.

HAND TOOLS

Hammers
Any DIY toolkit should include a high-quality claw hammer, used for driving and pulling nails. The quality of such tools varies greatly, but a more expensive hammer will be better balanced and easier to use. A small pin hammer is also useful for use with panel pins and small nails.

Screwdrivers
A good selection of screwdrivers and nut spinners is useful. Screwdrivers should include several sizes of "blade" screwdriver, along with those for no.1 and no.2 posidrive and Philips screws. A pointed bradawl is also useful for starting small screws. Try to avoid cheap screwdriver sets, as these tend to be of inferior quality and contain many items you will never need. Nut spinners should be suitable for the common sizes of nut found in the home, namely 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and 12mm.

Saws
As with a hammer, a good quality handsaw forms a vital part of any toolkit. A twenty or twenty two-inch hardpoint panel saw, with about eight teeth to the inch, has a wide variety of timber cutting uses. Additionally, a twelve-inch hacksaw is useful for cutting metal and plastics. A six-inch "junior" hacksaw can be used for smaller jobs.

Pliers
There is a vast range of types of pliers on the market, including top cutters, side cutters etc. However, the basic toolkit should contain a pair of substantial "linesman" pliers for general-purpose cutting, along with narrow-nosed "radio" pliers for more delicate work.
Wire strippers will make simple electrical tasks, such as changing a plug, far easier.

Miscellaneous Hand Tools
The range of hand tools available is seemingly endless. However, the basic toolkit need only contain a small proportion of these. Useful and versatile tools to have include:
  • Measuring tape: The steel, retractable type is best. A length of 5 metres should be adequate for most household tasks.
  • "Stanley" knife, for various cutting and trimming jobs.
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Small "Stillson" wrench
  • Allen keys
  • Rechargeable torch
  • "G" clamps, for holding work pieces
  • Spirit level
  • Portable workbench. The work surface opens into two halves and can be used as a vice.
POWER TOOLS

Drills
Selecting the correct power drill can be a tricky business. It is recommended that a DIY toolkit should include a corded electric drill, about 700 watts, with a 10mm chuck. Additionally, a quality set of bits for masonry, wood and metal is recommended. High speed steel bits (for wood and metal) in sizes from 3mm to 8mm should cover the majority of DIY chores. Masonry bits in the most commonly used sizes between 4mm and 8mm should be included. A cordless drill / screwdriver is also a handy addition.

Sanders
Several types of sanders may be needed. A belt sander is great for bigger jobs that need extra power. However, smaller hand-held sanders are better for the fine sanding jobs. A good sanding block with various grades of abrasive paper will be needed for finishing small projects.

DECORATING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
At some stage in their career, all DIY enthusiasts will have some form of home decorating project to undertake. The following tools and equipment should take care of most interior decorating jobs.

Stepladder
A pair of steps, or preferably a three-way ladder, should give sufficient height for any decorating task. Look for models in lightweight aluminium.

Paint Brushes
Quality brushes are worth the extra money. Three of four brushes, in sizes from 10mm to 100mm, along with a 20mm or 25mm "fitching" brush (with the bristles cut at 45 degrees, for woodwork) should be adequate for any painting job.

Paint Scrapers
These have stiff blades for stripping paint and paper. A narrow and a wide scraper should meet most needs.

Filling Knife
Similar in appearance to a stripping knife, but with a flexible blade for smoothing filler.

Paint Stirrer
Commercially available paint stirrers are long metal rods for stirring paint and levering off lids. An old screwdriver works just as well. However, for those using large quantities of paint that requires a good deal of stirring, investing in a stirring attachment for a power drill is a worthwhile exercise.

Plumbline
A line with a weight attached at one end. Ensures wall-coverings etc. are hung vertically.

Paint Roller and Tray
Use to decorate walls and ceilings with emulsion paint. Choose a roller with a sleeve about 20cm wide. Extension handles are available for ceilings and stairwells.

Wallpaper Pasting Table
Essential for any wallpapering job, and very inexpensive.

Paste Brush
A pasting brush is essentially a four-inch emulsion brush. Some have attachments allowing them to fit onto the side of a paste bucket, which is convenient and reduces mess.
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