A short list of tools that handles most everyday household and gadget fixes, plus how to store them so they are there when needed.
You do not need a garage full of equipment to handle most small repairs. A modest kit, kept in one place, covers the majority of jobs around a typical home and saves you the scramble of hunting for a screwdriver when a cupboard door drops on its hinge.
The core tools
- Screwdriver set. Flat and cross-head in a few sizes, or one handle with interchangeable bits.
- Adjustable spanner. For tap parts, nuts and fittings.
- Pliers. A combination pair and a narrow needle-nose pair.
- Claw hammer. For picture hooks and the odd loose nail.
- Tape measure and spirit level. So shelves end up straight.
- Utility knife. With spare blades and a safe way to store it.
- Torch or head torch. Most fixes happen in dark corners.
Useful extras
- A plunger and a drain hair-catcher
- A small precision screwdriver set for gadgets, remotes and glasses
- Plumbing tape, a tube of sealant and a few spare tap washers
- A socket tester, used only to check sockets, never to work on wiring
- Lubricant spray for hinges and locks
Safety gear belongs in the kit
Add safety glasses, work gloves and a dust mask. They take up little space and you are far more likely to wear them if they live alongside the tools. Know where your stopcock, electricity cut-off and gas shut-off are before you need them, and label them if others in the house might have to find them.
Store it so you can find it
One sturdy box or bag with a spot for each tool works better than tools scattered around drawers. Keep small parts like screws, washers and wall plugs in a divided organizer. When you use the last of something, add it to your shopping list straight away.
Buy as you go
Start with the core tools and add others when a real job calls for them. Mid-range tools from a hardware store are fine for household use. Specialist tools for one-off jobs can often be borrowed or hired instead of bought.
Put it to work
With this kit you can tackle most of the jobs in the fix-it guides, from a dripping tap to a squeaky hinge. And when a job needs more than a toolbox, call in a professional.