Basic tools you'll need for DIY

Anyone doing DIY will need some basic tools to hand when doing repairs around the house, but what should you have in your basic tool kit?

DIY Tools are often offered in complete sets at bargain prices, but they tend to be of a lower quality. The best way is to build up a good quality DIY tool kit over time and spread the cost.

Let's get down to business and work out a basic DIY Tool Kit...

Screwdriver

Yep. One of the most basic tools for doing anything from screwing in screws to opening tins of paint! Screwdrivers with a flat slotted bit in three sizes (small, medium, large) and two of each type of cross-headed drivers (small, large) are all you need for your basic tool kit.

An electrician's screwdriver with a voltage tester would be a useful addition as well.

Tape Measure

A good tape measure is an esential tool for measuring up before you buy.

Spirit Level

Essential for most jobs that require levels. A long and a short one would be ideal.

Hammer

A claw hammer is great for knocking in nails and good for pulling them out if you bend them!

Pliers

A pair of pliers or Lineman's pliers to be correct, are good for gripping, cutting and stripping wire and generally squeezing things together.

Mole Grips

Locking pliers sometimes called vice grips. Great for applying real pressure and gripping things.

Spanners

A few combination spanners are best with both open and round ends. A selection from 6mm to 12 mm. Invest in reasonable quality where possible.

Adjustable Spanner

A useful tool but beware of cheap ones which might make a mess of your nut.

Stepladder

A good step ladder is a useful tool to have. Storage may be an issue, if so, go for one that folds up neatly.

That should be enough for starters, and of course a nice tool bag would be useful to keep them all in.