Essential tools
Screwdriver
You will need two types of screwdriver, a flat-head and a cross-head, which one you use for a job will depend on the types of screws you have. A power screwdriver is a great investment as you can change the heads accordingly and they are much quicker and easier to use, they also work in reverse for undoing screws.
Hammer
A claw hammer will help you knock in nails and take them out as well.
Pliers
There are various styles of pliers to choose from, some also have a section for cutting wire. Their main use is for gripping small and fiddly objects so you can squeeze, twist or pull them as you need.
Stanley Knife
A good stanley knife will cut through anything from cardboard to carpet. Make sure you get one with replacable blades so you can change them when they get blunt.
Tape measure
For measuring things, obviously. Get a retractable tape measure so you don't have to worry about it getting tangles up.
Sandpaper
Buy a pack of sandpaper with a selection of surfaces then you can select what you need for each job, it's also useful to have a small soap sized block of wood to wrap the paper round.
Spirit Level
Cheap and easy to buy, but vital for checking shelves or surfaces are perfectly straight, they can be used for horizontal or vertical angles.
Adjustable wrench
Useful for tightening and undoing nuts and bolts, an adjustable one can be altered to fit any size nut.
Hacksaw
Eventually you may need a few different types of saw, but for now a small hacksaw is useful for small bits of wood, plastic and pipes.
Oil
Handy to have for loosening anything that's a bit tight.
Bradawl
Not vital but useful for marking holes and making pilot holes for nails, screws and hooks.
Screws
It's also useful to build a small collection of different screws, wallplugs and nails so you're prepared for simple odd tasks.
essential tools | diy tips | when to use a professional