The essential home tool kit
There are just a few things any home needs if you're going to tackle all those niggly jobs – properly!
Pencil
Keep one with your tools - it's essential for hanging pictures or putting up shelves, where careful marking is vital.
Claw hammer
There are numerous types of hammer, but go for this type, which has a claw for removing bent nails. Test the weight - if it feels too heavy for you, go for a lighter version.
Adjustable spanner
Used for undoing or tightening nuts and bolts, and for simple plumbing tasks like fixing a tap or replacing a washer.
Fuses
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
A quick change of fuse in a plug can bring a small appliance back to life. 3, 5 and 13-amp fuses are the most common ones.
Nails and screws
Always keep a box full of different sizes - there are an infinite number of jobs you might need them for.
Combination pliers
Look for pliers that incorporate a wire cutter and stripper (useful for changing fuses), plus a good handle grip to make pulling on loose nails or straightening bent nails easier.
Multihead screwdriver
Pick a design with interchangeable standard and Philips/cross heads. Older fixings will tend to have used standard screws, so having both types to hand is essential.
Tape measure
From hanging pictures to measuring curtains or checking a sofa will fit through the door - few tools are as useful. Buy one with a tape lock so you can do measurements on your own. For DIY, choose a metal tape; for sewing, go for heavy plastic-coated fabric as it will lie flat.
Radiator key
The thing you can never find when you need to bleed your radiators. Keep it safely with the rest of your tools.
Need some DIY help? Hire a tradesman today with our handy tool!
Millie Hurst was Senior Content Editor at Ideal Home from 2020-2022, and is now Section Editor at Homes & Gardens. Before stepping into the world of interiors, she worked as a Senior SEO Editor for News UK in both London and New York. You can usually find her looking up trending terms and finding real-life budget makeovers our readers love. Millie came up with the website's daily dupes article which gives readers ways to curate a stylish home for less.
-
Do your bedside lamps need to match? Design experts agree on this approach for a calming scheme
Looking to switch up your bedside lamps but not sure whether to go matchy-matchy or mix things up a bit?
By Holly Walsh
-
This 59p product drastically reduced the condensation on my windows - and you probably have it in your cupboards already
You probably already have this everyday essential in your cupboards, but I bet you didn’t know that it’s a natural dehumidifier
By Lauren Bradbury
-
Can heated airers cause damp? Experts explain this common problem and how to combat it
Find out how to quickly dry your clothes this winter while keeping your home mould-free
By Eilidh Williams