Tool guide

Got a selection of rusty tools but no idea what they are or how to use them? We've manaaged to narrow down the essentials for every DIYer's tool box.

What's in your box?

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.

Adjustable spanner

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.

Cable ties

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.

Extension lead

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

Hacksaw

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

PVA wood glue

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.

Screwdrivers

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

Spirit level

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.

WD 40

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

Angle grinder

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.

Drill bits

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 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.

Insulating tape

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

Rawlplugs

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.