I'm going to move into my own place soon and was thinking about investing in a few tools so I'm not completely depedent on others to do simple chores around the house.
What would you suggest as must-have tools for a beginner's tool box?
You'll need at least one of these!
Hi Kellie, I agree with @Kermit
Every household needs a screw driver set! You can pick up a basic set for $10 from Craftright or your classic Stanley set for $28.90. Screw drivers always come in handy and both of these sets also comes with smaller prescision screwdrivers.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/craftright-19-piece-screwdriver-set_p6060225
https://www.bunnings.com.au/stanley-20-piece-screwdriver-set_p6061822
If your stuggeling to work out what else you might needs you cant go wrong with the 105 piece tool bag from Supatool. It contains entry level tools but they are perfect for around the home and for $40 you get alot of bang for you buck!
https://www.bunnings.com.au/supatool-105-piece-tool-kit-in-tool-bag_p6117930
Hi @KellieMy wife Carol had the same questionSo I put together a few tools just for her to fit in the laundry cupboard..
It has all the basics & weighs approx. 3kgs approx 30 tools
Here's a tip
if you have more than one tool set take photos
OT My favourite tool set Studleys tool chest sold for 250K, 150kgs, 300+tools
I'd take this set out of the laundry and hang it in my study
I'd suggest screwdrivers, a hammer, a drill, an adjustible wrench and a set of hex (allen) keys.
Once you start doing little projects around the house, you might also want to look at an orbital sander and/or a multi tool.
@Kellie
This really depends on what you intend to do, however the following should set you up.
Screwdriver set incl jewellers.
Combination and longnose pliers.
Large and small adjustable wrench (saves on buying spanners and sockets).
Tape measure.
Hammer.
Stanley/box knife.
Roll of electrical/duct tape.
Packet of zip ties.
Good set of gloves.
Can of Inox/RP7 or alternative lubricating product (good for door rollers, hinges etc)
Bag to store neatly in one place so it's always ready to go.
You can always expand your kit and there will always be a task that you will need a specialized tool (ie tap spanners for changing washers, saw for cutting wood/metal etc).
Mentioned previously is a cordless drill and attachments but you should look to see if you really need it before purchasing. The batteries don't last if they are not used.
Cheers'n'beers
Daryl
Hi Project Pete ✌🏽
I'm a huge fan of yours on Instagram and when I asked this very question I was given this link.
So I was just wandering if you could perhaps expand a little when it comes to tool essentials..?
I currently have an electric sander and just got a drop saw.
My newest project is hopefully making a pallet bed base for my queen size mattress. I'm thinking I'll need some type of wood glue?
Any suggestions you have would be awesome Pete ✌🏽
Thanks, Bindi
Hi @Bindi_Graham,
Many thanks for joining in the discussion. It's great to have you as a member of the Workshop community. I trust you will find plenty of helpful information and inspiration on the site.
I believe @ProjectPete is on holidays at present, but hopefully he'll be back soon and able to help. Other community members might also be able to assist, including some of our keen woodworkers like @She_Skills, @Johnnynl, @Brad, @gbaker1512, @Rusty-Saw and @AndrewJones.
Have you made a plan of what you're planning to build? It might help if community members could see what you have in mind.
Please let me know if you ever need a hand getting the most from Workshop.
Jason
OMG I have a "huge fan"! Thanks @Bindi_Graham 🙂
Definitely add the old wood glue to the list.
A dropsaw is super handy and obviously the sander is somethign you'll use on a lot of projects. So going beyond the bare essentials of a tool kit into tools for proper DIY you should look at the following...
(I've linked to the ones I use - also consider the battery versions but then you've got to stick with the same brand all round)
When you're putting that bed base together, I'd suggest some simple bracing to keep it tightly/firmly in place in addition to your wood glue.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Not wishing to repeat what many have suggested, I would just pass this comment. Dont buy the cheapest version of tool sets, there is a lot of rubbish out there that will need replacing too often. If you buy a Quality brand DIY model it will last you a lifetime, lol that is unless you then become a tradesman and do it full time lol.There are many quality manufacturers who do Professional Trade Tools as well as Good quality DIY, eg Makita (trade) and (Mactech) Quality DIY. I would suggest you visit a tool shop in your local area and talk to the tool specialist. Ask for a quality DIY tools. Having spent many years sourcing woodworking and engineering tools from Europe, Japan, taiwan, China, Korea, for a Local nz trade/DIY outlet, ive seen both ends of the market here in nz,Depending on just what things you plan on doing in future, most of the items already suggested from ProjectPete cover the basics, a set of good drillbits 1-13mm, a drill sharpener, a nail punch, a centre punch, and when buying a portable drill/driver, get lithium ion 18v version, if a planer is required I would suggest a hand (push) model, 🙂 as you are likely to make less errors The rest buy it as you need it.
Not sure about the addition of a combination square on this list - I don't think I'll be doing miter cuts anytime soon!
https://www.domain.com.au/living/every-homeowners-20-must-tools
Hi all,
Just thought I would add these helpful guides to this very popular discussion:
Hope they are useful to you. Feel free to post anytime you need a tool or product recommendation for your project.
I want to buy best and cheapest tool kit to do DIY projects ( although, I don't have any experience or idea). For now want to make books case for kids, office desktop and dining table etc and it should be used for other general home maintenance.
Please guide me...I don't know about price for now.. say may be $100 ? Is this sufficient or need more...
Hello @rajeshk
If you are after a basic tool set that will allow you to fix and assemble cabinetry, repair household items and take apart various garden equipment. I suggest looking at the Supatool 105 Piece Tool Bag Kit and adding a basic handsaw and an Ozito 710W Hammer Drill.
I also suggest having a look at these helpful guides:
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Hi Kellie,
Something to consider:
Tools in a bag-
Easy to add tools and other useful items like small can of lube spray and cable ties but downside is tools may go missing and you have to rummage through to find what you need.
Tools in a moulded case-
Everything on display and you know at a glance that something is missing but downside is you will need a bag to add tools and other useful items.
The moulded case can be frustrating, they usually open like a book and tools can fall out or the reverse you can't press a tool back into its home spot.
Buy tool bag add selected tools-
Members have already posted tool lists.
Maybe one of these:
And this as you first addition.
Warning: Once you get bitten by the DIY bug you are doomed - there is no cure.
Cheers
