UK homeowners are finding it more difficult than ever to get tradespeople to their homes, with a 2022 report from Rated People showing demand increasing by 50% in just two years, and 62% of tradespeople saying 2021 was the busiest year ever.

The answer for many has been to do it themselves, but if you’re one of the 52% of Brits surveyed by YouGov who say they do DIY, what are the most crucial tools to have at your disposal? To help you create a kit that lets you surmount as many tasks as possible, here are some of the most important.

Screwdrivers

Screwdrivers let you remove and install screws quickly and easily. At the very least, get yourself a Phillips head (cross-shaped) screwdriver as well as a flat head screwdriver so you can tackle the main two types. Of course, craws come in all kinds of sizes, so if you’re working with tiny screws or large ones, consider expanding your screwdriver collection accordingly.

Electric drill

An electric drill power tool is a must-have to make light work out of a whole host of drilling and screwing tasks. Nowadays, there are plenty of 12V and more powerful 18V rechargeable electric drills on the market, making mincemeat out of tasks a regular screwdriver would certainly struggle with.

Spanners

Getting hold of a spanner set will ensure you can make light of all shapes and sizes of nuts and bolts – important when working with furniture, garden structures, and much more. Just one spanner really isn’t going to cut it given the sheer number of sizes used, so we’re recommend a set or adjustable tool instead.

Pliers

When you need to manipulate items or materials, nothing less than a pair of pliers will suffice. It’s a good idea to get a thin, needle-nose set to work in tight spaces, and a larger pair of pump pliers for handling tougher tasks.

A hammer

Important for removing nails and hammering them into materials like wood, a hammer can also be used for light-duty demolition tasks. A regular claw hammer is a must-have, and if you’re doing DIY on heavier materials, a mallet can be a good choice too.

Tape measure

You want your DIY work to be precise, and the only way to do that is with proper measuring equipment. A tape measure should therefore always be at hand – a metal, retractable model is a good heavy-duty option that’ll serve you well, and make sure it marks both inches and centimetres too.

Stud finder

An electronic stud finder will let you understand where studs and wiring are within your walls, preventing you from drilling or nailing materials into them and damaging your electrics. This tool is therefore very important in preventing much more expensive jobs that will almost certainly call for a professional tradesperson.

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