Putting Together the Basic Household Tool Kit: The Must-Haves

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There is one item that should be by your side at all times, and that is your household tool kit.

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It is easy to think that doing home repairs is out of your league—the task itself seems too ‘professional’. This is especially true if you do not know how to tinker, to begin with.

But with the right household tool kit, you do not need to call a pro to do the job. Having these repair supplies makes it more convenient to solve common household headaches.

Electrical issues? Roof repair? Water pipe damage? Problem solved!

Enhance your home improvement game with this list of top tools. Whether you are a budding builder or DIY dab hand, this household tool kit guide will be very useful.

The Essentials Household Tool Kit

From DIYs to bigger home projects, nothing is more important than having the right tools. Make sure to have these in your household tool kit!

1. Tool box

You will need something to organise, carry, and protect your tools—enter toolboxes. This is where your household tool kit will come together.

Every toolbox should have a handle, making it easier to carry around. Yours can be of different types serving different purposes.

You can have one for your tailoring or DIY works, one for the garage, or a separate one for carpentry and plumbing. And when you have a well-organized toolbox, you will feel more accomplished and ready for the task at hand.

Below are several important tools that you should always keep on hand inside.

2. Screwdrivers

If there is one item your toolbox should always have, that is a screwdriver. Screwdrivers are versatile tools, ideal for many house repairs.

They are often used for more than just tightening screws. Use them to repair, assemble furniture, and install light switches.

Invest in a screwdriver set with various sizes in both Phillips and flathead shapes.

Phillips screws are good for woodworking and construction uses. You can identify them by a flared “+” on their heads.

Meanwhile, flathead ones are great for small cabinet making, repairs and electrical applications. And yes, they are for more than just prying lids off paint cans!

Get your Phillips and Flathead screwdrivers from us!

Pro Grade Phillips Screwdriver / Pro Grade Slotted Screwdriver

Product codes: TL435x / TL434x

Both feature an ergonomic soft rubber handle. They also have chrome vanadium shafts with magnetic tips.

3. Pliers

Pliers are multi-purpose hand tools with opposing jaws for gripping and bending. The two cross metal limbs provide tough leverage, letting you hold the tool with more strength.

Like screwdrivers, they have multiple uses at home, which makes them an essential part of a toolbox. There are five common types of pliers: slip-joint, water-pump, linesman, locking and needle-nose.

Depending on the type, you can use it for gripping something round like a pipe or rod. Or for twisting or even cutting wires.

Get your pliers from us! We have a great selection ideal for a wide range of tasks, from jewellery work to cutting small-gauge wire.

 

115mm Combination Pliers

Product code: L8010

A must-have plier for gripping, twisting and bending wire and cable.

 

140mm Needlenose Pliers

Product code: L8035

Your answer to bending small wires and electrical wiring when your hand or a related tool is not fit for the job.

 

130mm Bent Long Nose Pliers

Product code: TL8040

High-quality 130mm Bent Long Nose Pliers with stainless steel jaws. Features plastic bow handles for a secure grip. Plus, a spring action return to reduce tiredness after extended use.

Great for gripping small objects, holding wires, bending loops, attaching wires, and more. We also have the standard long nose plier in 130mm (TL8030).

 

130mm Flat Nose Pliers

Product code: TL8055

Designed for making sharp bends and right angles in wires. You can also use it to grip flat objects, straighten bent wire, or open jump rings and chain links.

4. Hammer

No toolbox is complete without a classic builder’s claw hammer. A hammer is used for carpentry, framing, cabinet making, nail pulling, assembling, and so on.

With one, you can either destroy and re-shape an item or create something better and sturdier with it. But keep in mind that hammers are designed according to the intended purpose.

Consider the size and whether you will use it for delicate projects or construction. Pick one that feels right for you and fits your budget. The handle should fit in your hand comfortably, and the weight should be easy for you to handle.

5. Wire cutters

Save your scissors for other household use, and opt for this essential tool! A wire cutter makes snipping wire for crafts and electrical repairs a lot easier.

It is suitable for cutting copper, brass, iron, aluminium, and steel wire. It also comes in various sizes and features a range of pincers and joints, such as:

• Side cutters – Ideal for stripping insulation, holding, splicing or cutting leads. Products to look out for: Fujiya Precision Side Cutters 110mm (JTH2332). Also, Precision Side Cutters 127mm Angled (JTH1897).
• Cable cutters – Perfect use for both electrical and industrial applications.
• Flush cutters – Works best in trimming eye pins, headpins, and beading wire.
• End cutters – Great for working with leads, springs, nails, bolts and rivets. Check out these 115mm End Cutters (TL8050)!
• Diagonal cutters – Excellent for gripping, cutting, and stripping insulation from cables. This Precision Side Cutters – Diagonal Cutting Nipper (JTH1891) is a must-have item! Also, the 115mm Diagonal Cutters (TL8020).

6. Tape measure

At least one tape measure should be in your household tool kit. It is inexpensive and practical for many uses.

With one, it can bring you results on the spot without the use of any complex technology or math solutions. It especially comes in handy when you need to know the length of something.

It could be for measuring the windows, a whole room for new flooring, or your home’s space for new furniture. Most tape measures are marked in millimetres, centimetres, and meters.

The common length is 12 feet (3.6m), a.k.a. the handiest type of tape measure. 25 feet (7.6m) is also known as the builder’s tape. Lastly, 100 feet (30.5m) is used for determining property boundaries and other exterior measurements.

7. Level

There is nothing better than getting an accurate level of measurement. Owning the right level also means you do not have to call for a professional when drilling holes in a level line.

This includes mounting towel bars perfectly or even checking your tabletop alignment. A level features a long, narrow unit that contains one or more small tubes with bubbles inside.

The bubbles let you determine if the level if it is perfectly vertical or horizontal. If the bubbles are in the exact centre, this signifies that the surface is well-levelled.

8. Cordless Drill / Combi drill

A good cordless drill allows you to do a job much more efficiently than fiddling with your hands. The right drill can be used to bore holes, loosen or tighten screws and even chisel away materials.

Moreover, you can put up a shelf and assemble flat pack furniture. Having one of these at hand will help you with most household tasks.

Most cordless drills come with two rechargeable batteries. This enables you to keep one on charge and swap it out when the one you are using gets low.

Do not forget to pick up a set of drill bits, too!

Drill Bit Pack (Pack of 12)

Product code: TL9300

These bits are designed to drill holes in various common materials. The pack is a convenient and economical solution to buying essential drill bits.

It includes all the common types:

• 2 x 3.5mm drill bits
• 2 x 1.5mm drill bits
• 4 x 1mm drill bits
• 4 x 0.8mm drill bits

9. Sander

When it comes to repairing and decorating, a sander is your go-to tool. It is a powerful tool that uses sandpaper to smooth down surfaces like wood.

It makes quick work of sanding most surfaces as well as getting into tight spaces like bannisters. For painting projects, you can save time and effort by using a handheld sander.

Depending on the product, it can also be great for cleaning glass and removing rust.

10. Small tools

Fill your compartment storage case with a set of Allen keys and electrical and duct tapes. Add a builder’s knife and pencils to the list as well!

An adjustable wrench also comes in handy for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts. You can keep these small items in a separate storage box if your toolbox is already full.

19 Compartment Storage Case

Product code: CA4019

This 19-compartment storage case has varying sizes and is great for a parts storage box. It has a transparent plastic top cover, allowing the contents to be viewed even when closed.

Made of sturdy ABS with solid clasps and removable compartment trays so you can bring parts to the job.

Polypropylene Plastic Case – Translucent

Product code: CA4041

This sturdy build quality plastic case is suitable for general storage purposes. It consists of a single compartment ideal for storing DIY tapes and pencils.

The Bottom Line

Do not forget your toolbox, including the appropriate safety gear for all your DIY needs! Keep your tool kit organised and ensure the tools are always easy to find.

This article was originally published in April 2021 and has been updated.