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
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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.
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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.