Every household should have a basic collection of tools. ‘Even if you intend to hire people to carry out repairs and improvements, you might need to tighten a screw, fix a leak under the sink or nail a picture hook into the wall,’ says Roberto Crovini, one of our home experts. ‘Sometimes, a temporary repair you do yourself can prevent a problem from becoming worse until professional help arrives. If you ever require urgent assistance with repairs, call us and we can arrange for the relevant expert to come out to you as soon as possible.’
The price of tools varies greatly. The general rule is to buy the best you can afford, but if you will only be using the tools occasionally, the basic range available at any home improvement store will be adequate. This equipment doesn’t have to be kept in a toolbox, but it’s important to store it in a dry and easily accessible place.
Basic tools
While it’s impossible to buy every tool you might need, this selection of tools and accessories will enable you to carry out quick repairs and will cover many common jobs necessary in the home. If you’d like to make it easy and have us supply you with a kit that our experts have put together for you, just give us a call.
- Claw hammer – a 16-ounce hammer with a metal or fibreglass handle and rubber grip.
- Screwdrivers – two flathead and two crosshead, or a multi-purpose screwdriver with changeable bits.
- A selection of nails and screws – most DIY stores will sell small selection packs which can be topped up with screws and nails left over from other projects.
- Pliers – a pair of combination pliers will do most jobs, but needle nose and cutting pliers will also be useful.
- Adjustable spanner – to tighten or loosen nuts.
- Craft or utility knife – metal is more durable than plastic. Choose one with a retractable blade.
- Small spirit level – enables you to accurately mark where to put fittings so that objects are perfectly horizontal or vertical.
- Measuring tape – metal is best because it won’t stretch. Buy one that locks in an open position.
- Plunger – for unblocking a sink or toilet.
- Sandpaper – of various grades.
- Strong multi-purpose glue
- Gaffer or duct tape
- Safety glasses or goggles
‘Also, it’s a good idea to have a torch and candles in case of a power cut,’ says Roberto. ‘And make sure you know where to turn off the water and gas at the mains if there’s a leak.’
For the home improver
After stocking a basic tool kit, it’s usually best to buy tools as and when they’re needed. But if you’re improving your home, it’s worth adding these extra items:
- Electric drill and selection of drill bits
- General purpose handsaw
- Putty knife
- Chisel
- Selection of paintbrushes
- Disposable dust masks
- Small eight-ounce hammer, for light work
- Electric stud and wire finder
You might also find the following items of use:
- Caulking gun
- Bolster chisel (can be used for cutting bricks and levering up floorboards)
- Mallet
- Crowbar
- Hacksaw (although for some jobs an old bread knife might do the job)
- Wire brush
Hiring tools
If an expensive tool is needed for a single job only, consider hiring it. You can find tool hire places online. If the item is heavy, such as a floor sander, check if the company can deliver – some will do so free of charge. Most hire centres are closed on Sundays, so items hired on a Saturday can sometimes be kept for two days for the price of one. Remember also that we’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can always give us a call if you’re in a bind and we’ll get you sorted with everything you need.
