Millions of people enjoy DIY and making their own home improvements.
Millions of people enjoy DIY and making their own home improvements. Many are capable of gaining advice and tips for building dream treehouses for kids, while others stick to smaller projects.
While some people are professional craftsmen, many others would consider themselves amateurs, competent and enthusiastic, but not wholly professional. However, there are also many beginners, and it is this group that may appreciate advice from more seasoned enthusiasts.
Over the last year, many people have picked up new hobbies, and DIY and home improvements are two of them. If you are one of the newcomers, you may appreciate understanding what to put into your new toolbox.
Why is it important to get the right tools in your toolbox?
In 2019, nearly 39,500,000 people were injured in their homes and needed to consult medical professionals. Plenty of these injuries could have been avoided. Some of them would have involved tools or machinery.
While having the right tools cannot prevent slips, or falls, they can prevent other injuries from happening. Many accidents that happen while constructing, or making repairs, come from using the wrong tools.
So, on that note, here is a list of tools that everyone should have, and one or two optional ones too.
All the tools you need to make up a useful toolbox
The main thing to understand when you are putting together a toolbox is that it will grow and evolve over time. Don’t try to buy a dozen types of each tool. Although it can be frustrating to find you are missing something, it is perhaps better to make extra purchases when needed, rather than have many unused tools lying around.
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Screwdrivers
This is a good example of not buying too many tools at once. Of course, screws come in different sizes and types, and some need reaching by long shaft screwdrivers Others are tiny but easy to reach. But this doesn't mean you have to buy many screwdrivers at once.
Start with a Phillips-head screwdriver and a flat-head one too. Contemplate what you will be making in your workshop and then choose a couple of sizes for each type. This should get you started ok.
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Tape measure
This is indispensable. Stanley has been manufacturing tape measures for years, and they are available everywhere. Buy a traditional one or a heavy-duty version depending on your needs.
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Handheld reciprocating saw
This is more of an optional choice, but it may come in useful if you are planning on doing construction. Actually, they are possibly more useful for demolition.
If you are looking to do some remodeling then a reciprocating saw can really speed up the work. Compare these types of saws at WiseMakr.com and look for a cordless one if you want it to be portable.
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Adjustable wrench
Buying an adjustable crescent wrench means avoiding paying out for a set of different-sized spanners. Adjustable wrenches can be used for many purposes and every toolbox should have one.
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Electric handheld drill
Just as you may want a cordless reciprocating saw, you might also want to consider a similar purchase in a drill. Look for good battery life and a rugged exterior.
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Spirit or bubble level
This tool is simple but incredibly effective at helping people to keep straight lines when hanging objects. Investing in one of these means you will never put up wonky picture frames again.
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Work gloves
Not sharpening tools is a recipe for disaster when it comes to slips, and using the wrong tool for a job can lead to hand or finger injuries. But, not having any protection at all is even worse.
Include some purpose-made work gloves to protect your skin from dust, chemicals, and cuts.
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Pliers and grips
Pliers are handy for removing nails but vise grip pliers are a much better tool. These can be clamped into place and released with just one hand which makes them very useful.
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Safety goggles
Along with the work gloves, safety goggles give you some extra protection. These are especially useful for protection when cutting, sawing, or filing. Metal and wood dust can irritate and damage eyes, so keep them covered.
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Sander
Useful for making sure surfaces are smooth before painting or treating them. Especially good if you will be working with wooden surfaces a lot.
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Essential extras
Things such as pens, markers, and utility or craft knives are extremely valuable. Keeping these in your toolbox means you won’t be scratching around for a biro or felt tip.
Summary
Making a perfect toolbox isn’t entirely straightforward as much depends on what you will be using it for. Other tools that could be introduced include saws, socket sets, an angle grinder, paintbrushes, and more.
To make the perfect toolbox, consider what you will be using it for and what you want to achieve. You no doubt understand the importance of building something right, so now you need to build the best toolbox for the job.
