An Affordable Basic (quality) Tool Kit
Just like a few good cooking tools, investing in some good DIY tools makes this far easier and safer. For around £60, HOBO’s basic tool set is a find.
Obviously get professionals in for safety issues (gas registered engineers, electrics, plumbing etc). But for everyday fixes and repairs, it’s good to either learn to fix things. Or if you’re a natural fixer, you could volunteer at a repair café.
There is also a more extensive screwdriver tool kit and one for DIY people and professionals. It includes just a few quality items in a beautiful box including:
- A magnetic or cordless screwdriver (premium set)
- A self-locking tape measure
- A claw hammer with rubber cap
- A multi-purpose needle-nose plier
- A bit sit (10 pieces)
- An adjustable spanner
- A brush drill (premium set only)
What To Include in a Good Tool Kit
.Getting jobs done around the house is easier with the right tools. A simple, quality tool kit saves time, money, and keeps things stress-free. Below you’ll find all the essential pieces every affordable basic tool kit should include.
- A claw hammer helps drive nails into wood and remove them with ease. Look for a hammer with a comfortable grip and a solid head. Fifteen or sixteen ounces is a good weight for most home tasks.
- A multi-bit screwdriver allows you to swap between flathead and Phillips bits, which covers most screws in furniture and appliances. Choose a strong handle and bits that grip screws firmly. Magnetised tips help when working in tight spots.
- An adjustable spanner (or wrench) handles nuts and bolts of different sizes. It’s more flexible than having a bunch of fixed-size spanners. Check for a smooth adjustment mechanism. Handy for assembling furniture and tightening plumbing fixtures.
- A measuring tape helps with hanging pictures, cutting materials, and making sure things fit just right. Choose one that’s at least five metres long, easy to lock in place, and readable in metric and imperial units. A thumb lock is a useful feature for one-handed measurement.
- Combination pliers offer grip, twist, bend, and cutting functions in one tool. Use them for pulling nails, holding wires, or twisting metal. Quality pliers have insulated handles and strong jaws that keep their grip.
- A sharp utility knife handles unpacking boxes, trimming carpet, and scoring materials. Look for one with a retractable blade and replaceable refills. It should feel steady in your hand and cut cleanly. Keep spare blades in your kit.
- A spirit level prevents crooked shelves and frames. Basic models are compact and light yet accurate. Choose one that’s at least 23cm for most home jobs. Some have magnets or hanging holes for easier use in awkward spaces.
- A Hex Key (Allen Key) Set is useful for flat-pack furniture and fixing bikes. Get one that uses both metric and imperial measurements, in a holder so you don’t misplace sizes.
- Needle-nose pliers reach into small spaces where regular pliers can’t. They’re good for jewellery repairs, electronics, or gripping fine items. A strong, narrow tip makes precise work simple and prevents damage to items.
- A simple but tough case keeps your tools tidy and ready to go. Shelving or trays help organise parts, and a sturdy latch prevents spills. Find with an easy-grip handle, that won’t break under weight.
Where to Recycle Unwanted Tools
Get your community involved, to set up a Terracycle Tool Recycling Program, to get all unwanted tools out of your town forever, to make into other things.
Sponsored by industry, this program is free. Just find a place to put the box, then when it’s full, order collection.
