Everyone can do DIY, but not everyone has the confidence to
try.
One thing that can help is having the right tools for the
job.
In this post, we’ll go over the best versatile DIY tools for
your toolbox.
Common DIY Jobs & Their Respective Tools
To understand the best DIY tools, we need to first understand the most common DIY jobs, which are:
- Painting walls/wallpapering
- Installing shelves
- Tiling
- Installing or fixing a tap
- Tightening or replacing doorknobs
- Repairing plaster
- Installing/replacing light fittings
- Assembling furniture
- Building a raised bed
- Installing or repairing a fence
- Deck repair
- Lawn care
- Installing and fixing appliances
- Hanging pictures
- Installing laminate flooring
- Installing security lighting
Before we go into the specific tools for each job, here are our top 5 DIY tools for a variety of jobs:
Best All Round Tools for DIY
Multi-Purpose Pliers:
Our choice: Side Cutter Parallel Pliers
Reasons to buy:
- A versatile tool, that allows you to both grip
and cut without changing tools.
- Ideal for a range of DIY jobs.
- Compound-lever action gives it double the force
of a traditional scissor-action plier, so you generate more cutting force.
- The side cutter edges are hardened for
durability, to HRC 57 for smaller tools and to class-leading HRC 62-65 for the
200 mm pliers.
- Parallel jaws allow it to grip evenly along the
whole length of its jaws (as opposed to scissor-action pliers, which only have
a small, single point of contact).
- When gripping hexagonal fastenings, it’s like
having an instantly adjustable wrench.
- Excellent for straightening and removing kinks
in wire.
- Serrated jaws for additional grip, and a V-slot in
one jaw for extra grip on wire or rod.
- A return spring option makes the tool
self-opening, speeding up repetitive cutting and removing the need for that
awkward “little finger” motion to push the pliers open again.
Click
here to view the product online
Diagonal Cutters
Our choice: Diagonal Cutting Pliers
Reasons to buy:
- Perfect for a range of DIY cutting tasks.
- Cut through normal and even hardened wire.
- HRC 64 induction hardened cutting edges for
exceptional durability and a long service life.
- High leverage – they come with a compound-lever
action that multiplies your hand force by either 18x or 22x, depending on the
size of tool you choose.
- The long-lasting return spring makes them easy
to use.
- Available with metal or comfort grips.
Click
here to view the product online
Measuring Tool
Our choice: Metal Safety Rulers
Reasons to buy:
- Measure, score and cut material accurately.
- Keep your fingers away from the cutting edge
with the M-shaped profile.
- Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Option of metric or imperial measurements.
- Much more durable than plastic or wooden rulers.
- High quality stainless steel.
- 2-year warranty when registered.
Click
here to view the product online
.
Large Scoring Tool
Winner: Aluminium Safety Straight Edges
Reasons to buy:
- Mark perfect straight lines over large material
lengths.
- Ideal for marking wallpaper or flooring for
cutting.
- Recessed area to prevent fingers from accidents.
- Non-slip back to prevent mistakes on glossy or
slip surfaces.
- A bevelled edge for unobstructed vision when
marking.
- Multiple lengths available.
Click
here to view the product online
Best DIY Tools by Job
Here we go over the best DIY tools for common DIY jobs across your home:
Tools for Painting/Wallpapering:
- Paint brushes (various sizes)
- Paint rollers
- Paint trays
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloths
- Paint scraper
- Wallpaper smoother or brush
- Wallpaper adhesive and tools (if wallpapering)
Tools for Installing Shelves:
- Drill
- Screws and anchors
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Screwdriver set
- Stud finder
- Pencil
Tools for Tiling:
- Tile cutter
- Notched trowel
- Grout float
- Tile spacers
- Tile saw (for complex cuts)
- Tile adhesive and grout
- Sponge
Tools for Installing/Fixing Taps:
- Adjustable wrench
- Pipe wrench
- Plumber’s tape (Teflon tape)
- Replacement washers and seals
- Bucket or basin
Tools for Tightening/Replacing Doorknobs:
- Screwdriver set
- Drill (for new holes)
- Replacement doorknob set
- Measuring tape
Tools for Repairing Plaster:
- Putty knife
- Joint compound
- Sandpaper
- Drywall patch
- Utility knife
- Paint for finishing
Tools for Installing/Replacing Light Fittings:
- Screwdriver set
- Wire stripper
- Wire connectors
- Voltage tester
- Replacement light fixture
- Ladder or step stool
Tools for Assembling Furniture:
- Screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead)
- Allen wrenches
- Hammer
- Rubber mallet
- Tape measure
Tools for Building a Raised Bed:
- Shovel
- Rake
- Hammer
- Nails or screws
- Saw
- Measuring tape
- Lumber or pre-cut kit
Tools for Installing a Fence:
- Post hole digger
- Shovel
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Nails or screws
- Hammer
- Fence panels and posts
Tools for Repairing Decking:
- Decking board replacement
- Screwdriver set
- Drill
- Screws
- Pry bar or crowbar
- Saw (if cutting new boards)
- Hammer
Tools for Fixing Appliances:
- Screwdriver set
- Pliers
- Multimeter (for electrical issues)
- Replacement parts (if necessary)
- User manual for reference
Tools for Hanging Pictures:
- Picture hangers
- Nails or hooks
- Hammer
- Level
- Measuring tape
Tools for Installing Laminate Flooring:
- Flooring cutter
- Tapping block
- Pull bar
- Knee pads
- Measuring tape
- Underlayment
- Spacers
Tools for Installing Security Lighting:
- Drill
- Screws and anchors
- Motion sensor security light
- Wire stripper
- Voltage tester
- Wire connectors
What makes a good DIY tool?
A good tool for DIY should be easy to use, be useful for multiple jobs, and be strong enough to handle use by a novice. The best DIY tools are pliers, screwdrivers, a hammer, wire cutters, measuring tapes, stud detectors, and a flexible wallpaper scraper/filling knife.
Is DIY cheaper than hiring a professional?
Yes, DIY will be cheaper than hiring a professional, but you may struggle to achieve the same finish as a proper tradesman. You also run the risk of making mistakes that will cost your more money to fix, for example if you DIY your new light fitting and cut the power by mistake, you may need an electrician to diagnose and fix the issue.
Best Gripping Pliers
Our choice: Flat Nose Parallel Pliers
Reasons to buy:
- Ideal for gripping square and hexagonal
fastenings evenly.
- Parallel-action jaws allow for an even grip,
with less slipping.
- Manipulate or straighten wire with ease.
- Serrated jaws provide a vice-like grip.
- A V-slot in one jaw allows full contact with
wire or rod for extra grip.
- Optional return spring for easier handling.
- Available in metal or comfort grips.
Click
here to view the product online
.
Discover our Flat Nose Plier in action.
Best DIY Jewellery Tool
Our choice: Jewellery Making Tool Kit Platinum 6 Pliers
Reasons to buy:
- A set of tools that’s perfect for making your
own jewellery.
- Contains 6 useful jewellery pliers in one pack.
- Great value for money, saves 33% on full price
tools.
- Covers gripping, wire work, ring bending and
loop making.
- Smooth and nylon jaws won’t damage your
workpiece.
- Built to last, robust construction and a
rust-proof finish.
- Jaws case hardened to HRC 57 for durability.
Click
here to view the product online
.
Best End Cutting Pliers
Our choice: End Cutting Pliers
Reasons to buy:
- Ideal for flush cuts of wires or nails close to
other objects.
- Get a clean cut every time.
- 14x hand force multiplier – using a
compound-lever action mechanism, they multiply your hand force by 14, creating
a compact, but very powerful cutting tool with minimal hand effort.
- HRC 64 hardened cutting edges for durability and
longevity.
- Long lasting return spring.
- Designed for cutting hard wire.
- Available in zinc plated handles for better
grip, or soft plastic for comfort.
- Can also handle cutting hard wire up to 2 mm
diameter, and piano wire up to 1.6 mm.
- The smaller size fits nicely in your hand and
avoids excess weight.
Click
here to view the product online
.
Best Olive Cutting Tool for Plumbing
Our choice: Olive Cutters
Reasons to buy:
- Perfect for plumbing DIY jobs.
- Remove compression olives, rings or ferrules fast
without damaging the copper pipe.
- Great for adjusting radiator or tap
installations.
- Minimal hand pressure required.
- No risk of injuries from a hacksaw slip.
- Hardened and tempered HRC 45 blades.
Click here to
view the product online
.
Extra DIY Tools
Other Vital DIY Tools Include:
- Tape measures.
- Spirit levels.
- Squares.
- Screwdrivers.
- Cordless drills.
- Stanley knives.
- Hammers.
- Saws.
- Wood chisels.
- Head torch.
- Adjustable spanners.
- Cable detector.
- Screws and wall plugs.
- Nails.
- Wallpaper scraper.
- Clamps.
- Electrical tape.
- PPE.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our post on the best DIY tools.
Browse our related posts below, or contact us with any
questions:
- What
is a Straight Edge Tool
- 10
Types of Pliers
- What
are Diagonal Cutters
- Best
Leather Working Tools
- Best
Model Making Tools