Our DIY tool tips for beginners will help get you off to a good start, whatever job tops your list. Several popular home upgrades are well within the reach of a novice do-it-yourselfer, but preparation and the right tools are the keys to success.
Taking on a home improvement project can be very satisfying as well as a money-saving option. Remember to take your time and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Here are our best DIY tool tips for beginners.
Can you do the job safely?
The top DIY tool tip for beginners is the answer to the question; can you reach what you want to do? Let’s say you want to install a new curtain rail or decorate a room. Do you have a step stool or short step ladder that you can use?
Using chairs, boxes, or other items of furniture can put you at risk. A folding step ladder won’t take up much room and will come in handy for tackling many DIY jobs safely.
Have you got the right tools?
Having a standard toolkit available for jobs around the house is always a good idea.
Screwdriver:
A screwdriver with interchangeable bits is an ideal addition to a home toolkit. It means you only need one screwdriver handle and a collection of attachments that fit every fitting.
Tape Measure:
Get a brightly coloured wide tape measure with clearly marked measurements. A 5-metre (16 ft) tape measure will be adequate for most projects.
Adjustable Spanner:
If you purchase a set of spanners, chances are there will be some that you will never use. It’s better to get an adjustable spanner that can cope with every task, from removing a radiator to adjusting the height and level of your white goods.
Pliers:
For when your fingers won’t do, pliers can grip and hold something in position, stop a nut from spinning as you tighten a bolt, or pull out a nail.
Claw Hammer:
Hammers should be bought in-store so you can feel the weight of the tool in your hand. A standard hammer will come in 16-ounce and 20-ounce variations. The lighter size is adequate for most light DIY tasks.
Level:
Perhaps the most contentious item for any DIYer is the discussion over whether a shelf, a picture, or a television bracket is properly level. They say you can’t argue with a bubble, so don’t start a job without a reasonable quality box beam spirit level.
Safety Utility Knife:
These days everything seems to come wrapped and taped in so many protective layers that a decent safety utility knife becomes an essential tool to unpack anything.
Utility knives are known for their razor-sharp blades, which makes them perfect for tough cutting jobs. The safety utility knife automatically retracts the blade when it is not in use, making it a safer option for the DIY beginner.
Power Tools:
Power tools can be a lot of fun, making noise, mess and taking on bigger projects. Our top DIY tool tip for beginners is not to spend a lot of money. When you’re starting out, the discount brands will be perfectly adequate, and you can always upgrade later.
