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Though simple, tackling some entry-level D.I.Y. tasks – such as hanging pictures, putting up shelves, fixing wobbly table legs, or replacing handles – is incredibly satisfying and rewarding. And it makes all the difference to have the right tools on hand, including these, our essential picks for a beginner's toolkit.
Equip yourself with these basics then get cracking on a D.I.Y. project!
Every toolkit needs a hammer, to use on everything from the obvious – hammering in nails – to light demolition work, shaping of materials, and more. Look for a non-slip, anti-vibration shaft or grip that sits well in your hand and a well-curved claw with a deep, fine V, so even small nails can be extracted.
You need this must-have tool for accurately checking a line or object is level (horizontal) or plumb (vertical). A spirit level is generally an aluminium box or bar structure, which holds fixed vials of liquid marked with lines and containing a large bubble. Hold it against a surface and when the bubble is between the lines, it's level (or plumb).
Nuts and bolts are a D.I.Y. inevitability. But the wrong spanner can slip and may damage and round off the nut or bolt head. An adjustable medium size wrench (200mm) is ideal if you only want one tool. A spanner set gives you accurate sizing within the range and slipping will be less likely.
"I'm always going to the toolkit to get the hex keys to assemble or disassemble some furniture,” says Bunnings Tool Buyer Paul Bailey. Available in various sizes in sets, in metric and/or imperial measurements, these handy devices are an essential piece of kit for almost all flat-pack construction projects.
This is your go to tool for measuring anything from timber before cutting to working out if that new couch will fit. When extended, the metal measure is semi rigid – a ‘stop' button holds it in place. The most popular and practical length is 8 metres, but you can get smaller tape measures (2 or 5 metres) or up to 30 metres.
A general-purpose timber saw is a must. Stanley Black & Decker National Training Manager Matt Francis says a saw's teeth per inch (TPI) indicates the type of finish it'll give you. “A higher number, such as 10TPI, will cut more smoothly, whereas a saw with 6TPI will have larger teeth and give you a rougher cut,” he says.
Drilling a hole in a wall is a common but potentially risky D.I.Y. task. Pipes and wiring lurk behind walls, hitting them can be disastrous. Missing the timber stud also means holes to patch. A stud finder can tell you where the centre of a stud is for accurate drilling and screwing. Some also warn of live wires in the vicinity.
The combination squares rigid and moveable steel blade is at a right angle to the handle, which has a level-bubble and wide faces for positioning against a surface when marking or measuring. It also has a 45-degree shoulder for angle marking. Uses include marking timber for straight or angle cuts, and scribing a line on a long surface.
You'll always need conventional screwdrivers for their accuracy and control. An extended set will reduce the possibility of damage to screw heads from using the wrong screwdriver tip size. Aim to have at least two Phillips head and two flat-head screwdrivers; ideally, short and long shafted drivers, and colour-coded for different head types.
A circular saw makes larger projects easier and does things like ripping – that is, cutting a piece of timber from end-to-end – with ease. Battery models are useful for many D.I.Y. tasks – just select a model that's within your existing battery ecosystem – or you may prefer a traditional corded model.
With a rotating and forward hammering action, this drill makes holes in masonry surfaces (for anchoring plugs or bolts) with ease. “Think about future tools you're likely to want when buying into an 18V platform,” suggests Paul Bailey. Select a model with a battery that can interchange with other power tools as your kit grows.
One of the most important D.I.Y. skills is knowing when you should step aside for the professionals.
Pro tip: “Find a quality tool belt to hold your most-needed tools, like a hammer, tape measure, carpenter's pencil, utility knife, 25mm chisel and combination square, as well as nails and screws,” says builder Brandt McRitchie.
Photo credit: Cath Muscat
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
