A toolbox is a personal thing, and what finds its way into yours is likely to be reflected in the type of DIY you enjoy. Having the right tools for the right job can make a DIY job quicker, easier and safer.

That's why we've put together a list of suggested all-round tools to help turn your DIY disasters into DIY masterpieces.

Safety First
Depending on the job at hand, it's very important to consider the necessary protection. As a rule of thumb, have the following to hand:
- goggles - eyewear protection is a must with power tools.
- gloves - to protect against splinters and raw edges
- ear defenders - if youre planning on hammering for a consistently long time.
- dust mask - good for nuisance dust from brick and cement.
- hard hat - useful for any overhead work.
Further advice on taking DIY care.

For general D.I.Y., you're most likely going use one of these for plumbing tasks, notably changing tap washers. For this sort of task, bearing in mind how rarely it gets done, an adjustable will be adequate.

A very capable, yet potentially very dangerous tool. ALWAYS wear eye protection when you use one. Make sure you use the right sort of disc. The 4.5" size are increasingly affordable.

When pulled tight with pliers they come close to the holding power of Jubilee clips. Useful for keeping wires safely at bay when using power tools up a ladder.

A masonry drill bit with a tungsten carbide bit. These do wear out, so when your progress into the walls slows down, it is time to get a new one. It is possible to resharpen them.

A very useful bit of kit, whether you're planning to drill through walls or use power tools outside.

A flat medium-cut file will be useful for cleaning up the edges of the metal cut with a hacksaw. Don't forget to do both edges as a hacksaw leaves behind a jagged finish which can cause a nasty laceration if left unattended.

A "junior"-sized saw will probably cope with most of the jobs you will be tackling.

All sorts of uses applications such as insulating wires, pipe wrapping and oven door seals.

Best for making sure that the flatpack furniture you assemble stays that way. All sorts of other uses e.g. putting together a wood floor.

One of the most common D.I.Y. tasks involves fixing something to a wall. One of the best ways of achieving this is to use rawlplugs - they tend to come in a "block" of 100 as it is more economical to buy in bulk.

One medium pozidriv, one medium slot type, and an engineers screwdriver are the bare minimum.

Especially useful for stripping paint from complex mouldings.

Ideally a 1 metre level is very useful, but quite often you cannot use one in a confined space. Perfect to ensure surfaces (such as pictures and mirrors) are 100% horizontal or vertical.

Generally used to strip wallpaper.

Has all sorts of uses, including stopping your tools going rusty and dealing with creaky door hinges.

From sofas and armchairs, to beds and cabinets - M&S has it covered. So why not update your home for the new year?

What online tool would you find most useful to help you redecorate your home?

A room planner to help visualise where furniture and units could be placed

A 3D virtual decorator to preview various colour changes according to room

A "mood board" to bring together colours and designs I like

An landscape gardener to suggest plants and designs for my garden

What's your next big project?

Fitting a new kitchen

A loft extension or interior building renovations

Landscaping the garden

Fitting a new bathroom

Rewiring the home

Big up your box!
We show you how to make the most of the small areas in your home to maximise your living space.

Tool boxes & Tool Storage
Pick up a bargain tool box on eBay.co.uk and keep your spanners and screwdivers in tip-top condition.

"Reader's Digest" DIY Manual
With a fresh new design, new artwork and photography and whole new sections, this manual is a worthy successor to the renowned Complete DIY Manual.
 £14.99

First-time Homeowner's DIY Manual
With easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, illustrated with photographs and diagrams, this essential DIY manual guides the novice through the tasks they are most likely to tackle, everything from unblocking a sink and bleeding a radiator to putting up curtains.
 £7.49

DIY Diva Drill
Power tools don't have to be big, green and ugly. This gold ergonomic drill fits neatly into the palm of the hand, is mains rechargeable and has 20 attachments.
 £17.99

Products for the home
From kitchen cloths to drinks machines, we've tried and tested to help you make up your mind.

Smoby Black and Decker DIY Centre
If your little ones try to "help" when you are doing DIY and just end up getting under your feet, this DIY centre by Smoby is the ideal solution.
 £29.95

Stanley Powerlock Rule - 8m/26'
Every toolbox worth its weigh in nails needs a good quality tape meaure. Check out what we think of the Stanley Powerlock tape meaure.