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Buy now, pay later interest freeOne of the most essential kits in the home is the tool kit. Having the right tools on hand helps you tackle those unexpected repairs or DIY projects both in and around the home.
Yet, you don’t have to be a DIY expert to have a tool kit. The idea is that by keeping all these essential items in one place, everything you need is close to hand when you need to use them!
To help you maintain your home and keep it in working order, there are several tools that are considered the basics. So, here at City Plumbing, we’ve put together a quick handy checklist to help you get that tool kit started.
Essential Home Tool Kit Items
Many experienced DIYers will attest to the importance of having a well-stocked tool kit. Over the years, most of us will learn the hard way that you never know when a leaky tap, loose doorknob, or creaky floorboard will suddenly become an issue that needs immediate attention.
Yet, by having a set of essential tools at your disposal, you can save yourself time, money, and stress by being able to fix these problems yourself without having to call in a professional straightway.
Below are some of the must-have items for every homeowner's tool kit. From basic hand tools to more specialised equipment, we cover those functional tools that will help you handle common household maintenance and repair tasks with ease.
- Hammer
A hammer is a versatile tool that every homeowner should have in their kit. From hanging up various frames and pictures to assembling a selection of furniture, a good hammer is essential for a wide range of tasks around the house. Make sure to choose one that offers a comfortable grip and a sturdy head for maximum efficiency. Those claw-style hammers are ideal for DIY tasks.
City Plumbing Recommends the Stanley Steelmaster Curved Claw Hammer.
- Screwdriver Set and Hex Keys
A set of screwdrivers that offers various sizes and types is ideal for a home tool kit. Whether you need to tighten a loose screw on a cabinet door or put together a piece of flat-pack furniture, being able to quickly pick the right screwdriver makes the job quick and easy. Good quality sets will go the distance and make tasks easier. Likewise, a set of hex keys (also known as Allen Keys) are equally helpful when dealing with bolts and screws, especially for flatpack furniture.
City Plumbing Recommends Ox Pro 7 Piece Screwdriver Set and Stanley 8 Piece Metric Folding Hex Key Set
- Tape Measure
A tape measure is another small but essential tool for homeowners. Whether you're measuring for new furniture or trying to figure out if that new appliance will fit in your space, a reliable tape measure is a must-have item for any household. Metal tape measures offer more accurate measurements. Look for those that measure five meters or more for practicality.
City Plumbing Recommends Stanley Tylon 8M Tape Measure
- Blade Knife (Retractable)
A sharp knife is handy for a variety of tasks, from opening packages to cutting through drywall and many other household materials. Make sure to keep replacement blades on hand so you can always have a sharp edge when you need it. Some blade knives offer an extra blade storage compartment for this very purpose. This tool should be a retractable type and kept safely stored and locked away in your tool kit.
City Plumbing Recommends Holdon Viper Retractable Folding Knife.
- Pliers
Having a pair of pliers is thoroughly helpful for those tasks that involve gripping, twisting, and cutting wires, as well as for a variety of other tasks. Consider adding both needle-nose pliers and standard pliers for maximum versatility.
City Plumbing Recommends Irwin Vise-Grip Diagonal Cutting Pliers
- Spirit Level
A spirit level is a thoroughly helpful aid when ensuring that shelves, photos, and other items are hung straight and level. Making sure you don’t have to rely on your eye alone, a spirit level will help you achieve a professional-looking finish every time.
City Plumbing Recommends Stabila STB-H-0009 Spirit Toolbox Level
- Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable wrench is a versatile tool that can be used for a wide range of tasks, from tightening nuts and bolts to assembling furniture. Ideal for plumbing emergencies, an adjustable wrench can also help you loosen and tighten pipes. Look for an ergonomic design that will be comfortable to use for extended periods.
City Plumbing Recommends Draper 200mm Soft Grip Adjustable Wrench
- Drill
Though initially a small investment, a drill can be used for so many projects throughout the home and makes for an easy DIY experience each time. Those cordless rechargeable electric drills are ideal here as you’re not limited by the reach of the cable. Look to drills that offer an all-in-one solution, including battery, charger, and versatile options.
City Plumbing Recommends Bosch 12v Flexclick Drill
- A Selection of Nuts, Bolt, Screws, and Wall Plugs
A good overall selection of different types and sizes of nuts, bolts, and screws will always come in handy when you keep a tool kit.
Consider separating them all as necessary and keeping them stored in small containers, rather than letting them just float around the bottom of your tool kit. This will pay off greatly when working on projects and you need to lay your hands on the right ones quickly.
Likewise, an assortment of differently sized and coloured wall (raw) plugs are also valuable tool kit additions.
- Wall Filler and Putty Knife
When performing many DIY tasks, there are often a few repairs to be made afterwards in the appearance of visible holes. Small multi-surface filler tubs for both interior and exterior use are an ideal addition to the tool kit, as too is a small putty knife. This way, once you've finished your project, you can swiftly cover up and repair the immediate area afterwards.
City Plumbing Recommends 4TRADE Ready Mixed Filler and Harris Ultimate Putty Knife
- Torch
Finally, adding a torch to your tool kit can be crucial for those unexpected power cuts, and even those times when you need to get into dark spaces to carry out work. Just make sure to keep a supply of spare batteries aside for this, just to be on the safe side!
City Plumbing Recommends Rothenberger Combined Torch and Inspection Light
The Best Tool Kits Available at City Plumbing
Overall, having a well-equipped tool kit is essential for every homeowner. By investing in the right tools and keeping them organised and easily accessible, you can save yourself time, money, and stress when it comes to maintaining your home. So make sure you have all the essential tool kit items mentioned above on hand, and you'll be prepared for anything that comes your way.
At City Plumbing we’re the number one for tools. From plumbing tools to power tools, hand tools, to screws, nails, and fixings, we’ve got you covered.
For further help and guidance, take a look at our City Plumbing website as well as our sought-after help and advice section for plentiful information.
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