DIY Essentials: Top 5 DIY Items Everyone Needs

We've all been there: we were helping a buddy put together some furniture when suddenly your friend asked where you kept your tools, and you got stuck for a moment because you didn’t remember. Or worse, you don't have a screw to give to your friend! Either way, you lost your "adult" bet because what adult does not have a toolbox at home? 

Living in Ireland, it is necessary to test your DIY skills now and then because Irish people are nothing if not handy.  We've used hundreds of tools throughout the course of our lives, and we are, without a doubt, tool nerds. So, to save you from the embarrassment of not owning handy DIY essentials, we present our carefully curated list of the five tools everyone should have at home. We've simplified it to the basics so that you may have a compact, manageable, and very practical toolkit for any do-it-yourself project. 

Flathead Screwdriver

No toolbox, no matter how basic or extreme, is complete without a medium-sized flat-headed screwdriver. They have a wide variety of uses; you can use them to build custom furniture, fit doors into entrances, tighten frying pan knobs, and open paint cans. Although many would argue that you should never use a tool for anything other than its designated use, you could discover creative uses for a screwdriver if you're looking to keep your toolbox compact and agile. Do you happen to have a flat-head screwdriver on hand but a cross-head screw? Not an issue. You may use a flat-headed screwdriver on a cross-head screw if it fits. Missing tool? You'll discover that the flat-headed screwdriver has an endless number of potential uses in all your DIY projects, so never miss this. 

Paint Roller

We know a paint roller probably isn't on the list of necessities, but let us explain why is it on our list. Changing the colour scheme of a space is as simple as using a paint roller. No, we aren't saying you should put on your overalls, climb a full-length ladder, and redecorate your whole home. However, you can create a feature wall if you have paint, a roller, and some space in your house. A room's aesthetic may be transformed with little work and time spent on it by just adding this. 

And not to mention, you must have seen all these influencers renovating their house walls. It may be your old bathroom that needs some touch-up or your living room's featured wall. A paint roller can come really handy.

Measuring Tape

The old saying goes something like you should always measure twice, only cut once, and in the world of do-it-yourself projects, that couldn't be truer. Every toolbox should include a basic tape measure. You will want a tape measure if you intend to measure rooms, hang artwork, or construct shelves. Give it a miss, and you'll realise that it's not worth the risk. And if anyone tells you that you don't need a measuring tape, that person definitely doesn't have a toolbox at home!

Drill

We would say that a power drill, though being one of the most costly equipment, is basically necessary if you want to take on any complicated do-it-yourself projects around the house. You may use it to drill holes in walls, chip away at different materials, and tighten or loosen fasteners that aren't working out by hand. 

Hammer

The hammer, after all, would not be missing from any comprehensive list. You can use a hammer for literally anything from hanging artwork and constructing furniture to removing screws and even popping wine bottles. No matter how many times you'll need one, a hammer is an essential piece of equipment that no handyman should be without. 

Bonus DIY Checklist Items

• Stud Finder: You most likely already have a stud finder, but if not, you should get one without delay! If you can readily locate the wall studs, hanging large objects like mirrors or wall sconces will be a breeze.

• Hooks and Anchors: The ability to quickly and easily hang anything requires a toolbox full of an assortment of hooks and anchors, which every do-it-yourselfer should always have on hand. Now, you can't run to the store for every nuke and bolt you need.

• Variety of Nails: Next comes the nails. Very similar to the previous ones but just as important. Nails are used in DIY projects and household work, so you never have enough of these small buddies. 

• Pillers Pair: A sturdy pair of pliers is essential for many household tasks, including grasping objects, cutting cables, and extracting nails.

• Socket Wrench Set: Not many people use it that often, but trust us when we say that this is a necessity.  Every household should have one for different jobs. These are the tools you'll need for any bolts or sockets.

• Safety Eyewear: Always wear protective eyewear whenever you use a saw. We hope you're not going to get a splinter in your eye.

• Face Masks: COVID-19 made using masks a regular thing, but this is not only for medical use. A dust mask is essential while working with wood or spray paint so you would not inhale the chemicals. 

• Caulking Gun: A caulking gun is an absolute must-have for any ornamental wood project, including mouldings and trimwork, since caulk is required to seal any gaps.

In addition to collecting the DIY essentials, having a toolbox to keep your new tools in is equally important. You don’t want your tools to be scattered in multiple places around your house. So, to keep them organised, always get a handy toolbox. 

Bottom Line

A great approach to save money and unleash your imagination is to stock up on hardware for do-it-yourself projects. Almost anything may be constructed with the correct equipment, including cabinets, window frames, and furniture. Making your components for a do-it-yourself project may be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience if you're well-prepared and patient.