10 Essential Tools Every Handyman Needs

Whether you’ve just moved into your first home or you’re looking to put together a starter toolbox for a loved one, we’ve got you covered. Our list of 10 essential tools every handyman needs in their toolbox will ensure that you are ready for common household tasks as well as extensive DIY projects.

Wellers Hill Hardware is your local Brisbane Southside hardware store offering quality big brand tools at a great price, and with the great customer service you can only get from your local. Visit our Tarragindi store today or give us a call on 07 3848 1682 for more information on our available tools.

 

1) Claw Hammer

A claw hammer is an absolute essential in any tool box. It can be used for a wide range of household jobs, from hammering in and removing nails to prying things apart and minor demolition.

A quality hammer will last you a lifetime. When buying your claw hammer, choose a medium weight hammer with a comfortable rubber handle to prevent slipping (avoid wooden handles as they can easily break). Make sure that the hammer you choose feels comfortable and balanced in your hand and is not too heavy for easy use.

 

2) Screwdriver Set

If you’ve ever tried to put together flat packed furniture, tighten a loose screw, or even open a paint tin, you’ll know that a screwdriver set is an essential part of any handyman’s toolkit. Screws come in all different shapes and sizes so you’ll need a set of screwdrivers of varying sizes and types (both phillips head and flathead).

Alternatively, you can buy a screwdriver with interchangeable heads. This way you can use the same screwdriver for any job by attaching the correct screwdriver head for the job.

 

3) Needle Nose Pliers

Pliers are a great multipurpose tool that are great for holding small nails in place, as well as bending and cutting wires and fencing. You’ll be surprised at how often you reach for your needle nose pliers once you have them in your tool box.

 

4) Tape Measure

Another essential for any tool box, tape measures are needed for most home DIY projects. When choosing which tape measure to buy, it’s best to go for one that’s around 8m in length as it will be long enough to measure most rooms.

Additionally, ensure that the tape measure can be locked into place, has easy to read numbers and markings, and is durable enough to survive being dropped or stood on.

 

5) Hand Saw

Many home DIY projects will involve timber which means you will need a quality handsaw. Hand saws come in a range of widths and styles that you can buy as needed, but a good starting handsaw is a hardpoint saw with around 12 teeth per 25mm.

6) Cordless Drill

A cordless drill can be used to make quick work of most home DIY projects. Although it will probably be the most expensive tool in your toolbox, it will also likely get the most use so it’s important to buy quality.

Cheap, low quality cordless drills will lose power quickly and take too long to charge up so look for a minimum 12V drill that comes with two good quality batteries. You will also need to purchase drill bits for driving in various types of screws.

 

7) Spirit Level

Another home DIY essential is a spirit level. Whether you’re hanging a picture or building a house, you will need a spirit level to find the true horizontal. The size of the spirit level you need will depend on the types of tasks you will undertake. For smaller jobs like hanging frames and shelves, a 30cm spirit level is sufficient. However, if you plan to hang doors and install windows, consider buying a 60cm level.

 

8) Utility Knife

Another handy tool to have around the house is a utility knife or stanley knife. Utility knives are relatively inexpensive, designed for cutting soft materials such as cardboard, carpet, vinyl, and even soft timbers. However, there are a whole range of other little household tasks where a utility knife will come in handy, from opening a box, sharpening your carpenters pencil, and even kids craft projects.

 

9) Adjustable Spanner

A wide range of common DIY home projects involve the tightening or loosening of nuts and bolts. For this purpose you will need a quality adjustable spanner. Choosing an adjustable spanner ensures that you will only need one tool to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts of varying sizes and shapes by adjusting the jaws of the spanner.

 

10) Torch

Finally, having a torch in your toolbox is definitely essential. This will allow you to work in dark areas of your home (such as under the house or in a dark corner) as well as at night or during a power outage if the need arises. Choose a torch that is powerful enough to emit enough light for you to safely work in a pitch black environment.

If you’re looking for a quality, local hardware store to purchase your toolbox essentials, look no further than wellers Hill Hardware. We offer big brand quality at a great price. Visit us in store today on the corner of Denham Terrace in Tarragindi or give us a call on 07 3848 1682 for product details and availability.