When it comes to home DIY, it’s not about quantity, but quality and practicality. A core set of basic tools can solve over 80% of common minor household problems.
Below is a list of the most commonly used tools for home DIY, organized from the most essential to the most advanced, with explanations of their uses. You can gradually assemble them based on your needs.
- Essential Tools (“Toolbox Big Four”)
These are universal tools, essential for almost any DIY project.
1.1 Screwdriver Sets
Recommendation: Buy a set that includes bits of varying sizes and types.
Type: Interchangeable-head screwdrivers are preferred (a set of handles comes with a variety of bits), as they save space and offer comprehensive functionality.
Essential Bits: Phillips (PH1 and PH2 are most commonly used), slotted, and hexagonal/hexagonal (commonly used for furniture assembly). Electric screwdriver bits are also generally universal.
Uses: Assembling furniture, disassembling appliance casings, tightening any loose screws, etc.
1.2 Hammer
Recommendation: A 16-ounce (approximately 450-gram) claw hammer is the best choice.
Purpose: The claw end is used for hammering (such as hammering nails and expansion bolts), while the forked end is used for pulling out nails. It’s essential for hanging pictures and hooks.
1.3 Tape Measure
Recommendation: A 5-meter tape measure is fully sufficient for household needs.
Purpose: Measuring furniture dimensions, planning room layouts, and positioning items for installation. Measure twice, cut once is the golden rule for DIY.
1.4 Adjustable Wrench/Open-End Wrench Set
Recommendation: A set of open-end or combination wrenches for tightening nuts, plus an adjustable adjustable wrench (commonly known as a “throat pliers”) for emergencies and clamping nuts of various sizes. This is very convenient for household repairs such as plumbing and bicycle repairs.
2 Practical Expansion Tools (They Make Things More Convenient)
Once you’ve solved basic problems, these tools can greatly improve your efficiency and experience.
2.1 Pliers Set
Recommended: Prepare at least two types:
Needle-nose pliers: For gripping and bending wires or small parts in tight spaces.
Wire cutters/pliers: For cutting wires and iron wire, providing strong grip.
Uses: Wiring circuits (always disconnect the power!), crafts, and plumbing repairs.
2.2 Utility Knife
Recommended: Choose one with replaceable blades and a locking mechanism for safety.
Uses: Unpacking packages, cutting boxes, cutting carpet/wallpaper, and scraping—it’s incredibly versatile.
2.3 Level
Recommended: A digital level approximately 60 cm long or a traditional bubble level.
Uses: Ensure items are installed horizontally and vertically. Essential for hanging pictures, installing curtain rods, and assembling bookshelves to prevent crooked installation.
2.4 Tape
Electrical tape: For insulating and wrapping wires. Duct tape/Material tape: Extremely tough, used for temporary fixes, bundling, or repairs.
Tray tape: Essential for plumbing installation, wrapped around threaded joints to prevent leaks.
3 Advanced Tools (Power Tool Basics)
As you begin tackling more complex projects, power tools will greatly enhance your productivity.
3.1 Electric Drill (The most recommended first power tool)
Recommended: Choose a rechargeable lithium-ion electric drill/driver. A 12V model is perfectly adequate for home use, lightweight, and easy to use.
Essential accessories: A drill bit set (including various sizes of woodworking and metal drill bits) and an impact drill bit (for drilling holes in tile and concrete).
Uses: Screwing (many times faster than manual operation) and drilling. Essential tools for installing shelving, curtains, and assembling large furniture.
3.2 Hand Saw
Recommended: A hand saw for cutting wood; a hacksaw for cutting metal pipes or PVC pipes. Uses: Cutting wood, trimming excess pipes, etc. If you only occasionally work with small pieces of wood, a jigsaw is more flexible and lightweight.
3.3 Electrical Tester/Wire Finder/Stud Finder
Recommended: Choose a model with a wall-scanning function to detect metal, wires, and pipes inside the wall.
Use: Before drilling holes in the wall, ensure safety to avoid drilling into wires or pipes; locate wooden studs inside the wall to securely hang heavy objects.
4 Safety and Accessories
Safety always comes first!
Work gloves: Protect your hands from cuts, scrapes, and stains.
Safety glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris, especially when hammering, drilling, and cutting.
Respirator: Use when sanding or drilling creates dust.
Tool box/Tool bag: Organize all tools neatly for easy access and storage.
Summary and Recommendations:
Starter Kit:
Screwdriver Set + Claw Hammer + Tape Measure + Adjustable Wrench + Needle-Nose Pliers + Utility Knife + Level + Various Tapes
Recommended First Upgrade:
A Cordless Hand Drill – This is the most revolutionary upgrade and will greatly expand your DIY capabilities.
You can start with a basic tool kit (purchase as needed), which typically includes the most commonly used hand tools. Then, gradually add specialty tools as specific project requirements arise (e.g., a level for hanging a picture, Allen keys for assembling furniture).
We hope this list is helpful and wish you happy DIYing!
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Household Tools Kit – Workshop Furniture,Office Furniture,Home Furniture-ChaoFan Group Co.Ltd
