Tool Kit Essentials - Our Pick of the Best

Looking to tackle DIY projects this weekend? Whether you're planning to decorate, upcycle or do odd jobs, we’ve picked a selection of essentials that every tool kit needs.

Before getting stuck in to decorating projects this weekend, make sure you have the complete tool set to get the job done properly. If you’re tackling odd jobs and repairs, we’ve found really reasonably priced tool kits to cover a wealth of household repairs. If you’re doing more heavy-duty repairs consider investing in a power tool to make the task a little easier. Giving walls a refresh? Why not take some of the hard work out by ditching the brush and embracing a paint sprayer. Whether wallpapering or getting creative with a fix-it-up project, a work bench is a really handy aid – providing the perfect place to work without having to clear alternative surfaces. Whatever the job, take a look at our selection of tool kit essentials to give you a helping hand.

Annie Sloan Sponge rollers

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

1. Sponge Rollers

Specifications

Dimensions: Large sponge roller head 10cm.

These high quality sponge rollers are the perfect complement to the Annie Sloan Stencil collection. Available in Small and Large, they each feature an ergonomic wooden handle. Refill sponge packs are also available in both sizes and contain seven replacement sponge heads per pack. 

Sponge Rollers, £6, Annie Sloan

Forest Shed Workbench

(Image credit: Argos)

2. Forest Shed Workbench

Specifications

Dimensions: H94 W120 D63cm.

Tool bench ideal for use in workshops or in the garage for home projects. Features a storage shelf, base and includes two wooden blocks for use with a vice or a clamp. 

Forest Shed Workbench, £113, Argos

Rose and Grey pink toolbox filled with craft materials

(Image credit: TBC)

3. Pink Toolbox

Specifications

Dimensions: H11.5cm W42 D20cm.

Pretty in pink this robust, yet stylish, solid steel toolbox is ideal for storing a range of handy tools, for those little jobs around the house. Also great for artists and creatives to carry their art and craft supplies. 

Pink Toolbox, £40, Rose and Grey

Bosch PFS 55 Fine Spray System

(Image credit: Bosch)

4. Bosch PFS 55 Fine Spray System

Put down the paint brush and embrace the Bosch PFS 55 fine spray system. More than just a paint sprayer, it can varnish, glaze, apply pesticides to lawns and more. Extremely lightweight for horizontal or vertical maneuverability - it's also highly accurate for a minimum of mess and misting. Get the results you need every time. Includes 600-ml tank Measuring cup 100ml Handle extension and Training DVD.

Bosch PFS 55 Fine Spray System, £60, John Lewis

Loft Ditsy Floral Apron

(Image credit: Marks and Spencer)

5. Loft Ditsy Floral Apron

Specifications

Size: L90cm.

Protect your clothes from splashes and spills with this stylish apron. Machine washable for added convenience. 100% Pure cotton apron with front pocket, adjustable halter neck and waist tie fastening. 

Loft Ditsy Floral Apron, £15, Marks and Spencer

General Tool Kit bag and tools

(Image credit: Homebase)

6. General Tool Kit

This 53 Piece General Tool Kit is ideal for variety of home projects and general maintenance repairs. Everything you need for any simple DIY task, including 2 slotted screwdriver, 3 Philips, 1 Pozi, magnetic bits holder, 20 piece 25mm bits, combination pliers, adjustable wrench, 8 piece metric hex key set, tape measure, junior hacksaw, utility knife, 10pc blades, claw hammer, 2 piece spring clamps, durable tool bag.

General Tool Kit, £30, Homebase

Shed Caddy in Petrol Blue

(Image credit: English Heritage)

7. Shed Caddy in Petrol Blue

Specifications

Dimensions: H17.5 W28 D20cm.

A stylish Shed Tidy in Petrol Blue from Burgon & Ball. The perfect gift for any gardener or diy fan to help store all those bits and bobs.

Shed Caddy in Petrol Blue, £20, English Heritage

Liberty London Betsy Print Tape Measure

(Image credit: Liberty)

8. Liberty London Betsy Print Tape Measure

Specifications

Dimensions: Case 5cm diameter.

Put the finishing touches to your haberdashery collection or tool kit with this fabric tape measure featuring a pretty Liberty print.

Liberty London Betsy Print Tape Measure, £7, Liberty

OPP Household Tool Kit

(Image credit: OPP)

9. OPP Household Tool Kit

This reasonably priced toolkit can help with a variety of home projects and general maintenance repairs. Complete with 41 tools, including Long nose pliers, a Drive bit driver, Precision screwdriver set, Tape measure, Stainless steel scissors, Extension bar, Snap-off knife, Claw hammer and Hex key set.

OPP Household Tool Kit, £17, B&Q

Every Day Value 230V Orbital Sander

(Image credit: Wilko)

10. Every Day Value 230V Orbital Sander

Specifications

Dimensions: H15.8 W28.6cm

Get the job done with this great value Wilko Sheet Sander. Features quick change sheet clamps, soft grip handle and a dust extraction facility for a cleaner, healthier work environment. Pack includes 3 sanding sheets in fine, medium and coarse. Appropriate safety equipment should be worn. Keep away from children. Always read instructions.

Every Day Value 230V Orbital Sander, £20, Wilko

4 Tread Step Ladder

(Image credit: John Lewis)

11. 4 Tread Step Ladder

Specifications

Dimensions: H139 W41.5 D3.5cm.

A powder coated steel ladder with non slip feet and silicone treads for added safety. Ideal for virtually any job inside or outside the home, or in the garage. 

4 Tread Step Ladder, £45, John Lewis

Wickes Wall and Emulsion Paint Brush

(Image credit: Wickes)

12. Wall and Emulsion Paint Brush

Get stuck into decorating with this generously sized paint brush, suitable for applying emulsion to large areas.

Wall and Emulsion Paint Brush, £10, Wickes

DeWalt Cordless 18V Li-Ion Combi Drill

(Image credit: DeWalt)

13. DeWalt Cordless 18V Li-Ion Combi Drill

Tackle any DIY job with this multi-functioning appliance, that's a Drill, hammer drill and screwdriver all-in-one. Comes supplied with 1 x 1.3Ah Li-ion battery, battery charger, heavy duty kit box, rubber coated grip handle and an LED work light.

DeWalt Cordless 18V Li-Ion Combi Drill, £86, B&Q

Contributor

Tamara was Ideal Home's Digital Editor before joining the Woman & Home team in 2022. She has spent the last 15 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, both now at Future PLC. It’s with these award wining interiors teams that she's honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing. Tamara is always ahead of the curve when it comes to interiors trends – and is great at seeking out designer dupes on the high street.