Essential DIY Tools

The starter kit that covers 90% of home repairs.

💰Full kit costs £69–159. Plumbers charge that for one visit.

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Screwdriver Set

£5–15

What it is: A set of flat-head and Phillips (cross-head) screwdrivers in a few sizes.

When you need it: Literally everything. Flat-pack furniture, light switches, door handles, curtain brackets.

💡 Get a set not just one — you'll quickly find screws in many sizes.

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Cordless Drill

£30–60

What it is: An electric drill that runs on a rechargeable battery. Drills holes and drives screws.

When you need it: Putting up shelves, curtain poles, picture frames, mirrors. Most jobs with screws.

💡 Buy a combo kit that includes drill bits and screwdriver bits. Look for 18V.

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Tape Measure

£3–8

What it is: A retractable metal measuring tape, usually 5m long.

When you need it: Before cutting, drilling, or buying anything. Measure twice, cut once.

💡 Get one with a locking mechanism so it holds in place when you're measuring alone.

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Spirit Level

£5–15

What it is: A straight tool with a bubble in a tube that shows you if something is perfectly horizontal.

When you need it: Hanging shelves, curtain poles, pictures, TVs — anything that looks wrong if not level.

💡 A 60cm level works for most jobs. Worth buying a decent one — cheap ones can be inaccurate.

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Hammer

£8–20

What it is: A claw hammer — one end drives nails, the other end pulls them out.

When you need it: Driving nails, picture hooks, light demolition, tapping things into place.

💡 A 450g (16oz) weight is versatile. The claw end is great for pulling up old flooring.

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Adjustable Spanner

£8–15

What it is: A wrench with a movable jaw that fits nuts and bolts of almost any size.

When you need it: Fixing taps, plumbing under sinks, assembling furniture, any nut or bolt.

💡 A 200mm adjustable spanner covers most household jobs. Keep it well oiled.

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Pliers

£5–12

What it is: Metal gripping tools — general pliers for gripping, needle-nose for tight spaces.

When you need it: Gripping pipes, pulling nails, holding small parts, twisting wire.

💡 A small set of three (general, needle-nose, wire cutters) covers all bases.

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Stanley / Utility Knife

£3–8

What it is: A retractable blade in a handle for cutting straight lines.

When you need it: Cutting carpet, vinyl flooring, opening packaging, scoring wallpaper, trimming sealant.

💡 Buy a pack of spare blades. A sharp blade is safer than a dull one.

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Radiator Bleed Key

£1–3

What it is: A small square key that opens the valve at the top of a radiator.

When you need it: Bleeding radiators every autumn — takes 5 minutes and can save £50+ on heating.

💡 Keep one on your keyring. They're tiny and you'll thank yourself every October.

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PTFE Tape

£1–3

What it is: White thread-seal tape that wraps around pipe threads to prevent leaks.

When you need it: Any plumbing job — fitting taps, shower heads, pipe connectors.

💡 Wrap clockwise (when looking at the thread end) 3–5 times. Essential for any plumbing.

Ready to put these tools to use?

Start with the easiest jobs and build your confidence.

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