Best hand tools to keep around the house

Get ready for everyday DIY with a few well-chosen hand tools. A compact home tool kit can help you tackle common tasks such as assembling furniture, hanging pictures, measuring spaces and making quick repairs with confidence. Start with the essentials and expand your collection as new projects come along. If you'd prefer everything in one place, a ready-made tool kit offers a convenient way to stock up on the tools you'll use most often. Let's take a look at the types of tools and the basics you may need for your home.

A basic home tool kit can cover the jobs most people do around the house: measuring, tightening, gripping, cutting, levelling and light fixing. You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with the tools you're most likely to use frequently, and add more specific ones as your skills and requirements grow.

A little preparation can make all the difference when it comes to DIY. Whether you're measuring a space for new furniture or checking that a shelf is level, these tools can help you plan ahead and get the job done right first time.

Tape measure

Ideal for measuring rooms, furniture, curtains, shelves and materials before starting a project. A 5m tape measure is a practical choice for most household DIY jobs, giving enough reach without being bulky.
Handling tip: Use the lock to hold measurements in place and let the tape retract slowly to prevent damage to the blade or injury to your hands.

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Spirit level

Helps ensure shelves, mirrors, pictures and curtain poles are installed straight and level. A compact spirit level is suitable for most indoor DIY tasks and is easy to store.
Handling tip: Place the level on a flat surface and check that the bubble sits centrally between the guide lines before making adjustments.

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Laser measure

Useful for measuring larger spaces, planning layouts and calculating distances quickly. Choose a model with a clear display and simple controls for easier operation.
Handling tip: Point the laser at a solid surface, keep the lens clean and avoid directing the beam towards anyone's eyes.

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From putting together flat-pack furniture to tackling quick fixes around the home, these are the tools you'll probably reach for most often. They can help make everyday jobs simpler, whether you're tightening a loose fitting or carrying out basic repairs.

Screwdriver set or multi-bit screwdriver

Essential for assembling furniture, tightening hinges, replacing fittings and carrying out everyday repairs. A multi-bit screwdriver can cover a range of common screw types while taking up less storage space.
Handling tip: Always match the screwdriver tip to the screw head and apply steady pressure to avoid slipping or damaging the screw.

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Small hammer or claw hammer

Useful for hanging pictures, driving nails and tackling light assembly tasks. Look for a hammer with a comfortable, non-slip grip and a weight that feels easy to control.
Handling tip: Hold the handle near the end for greater leverage and keep your focus on the nail head when striking.

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Adjustable wrench

Designed for tightening and loosening nuts, bolts and fittings of different sizes. Choose a wrench with smooth jaw adjustment and clearly visible size markings.
Handling tip: Adjust the jaws so they fit snugly around the fixing and pull rather than push where possible for better control.

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Pliers

Suitable for gripping, bending, twisting and pulling a variety of materials. Combination pliers are a versatile option that can handle many common household tasks.
Handling tip: Keep your fingers clear of the jaws and avoid using pliers as a substitute for tools designed for cutting or hammering. Some pliers are combination tools and can cut certain types of wire. So make sure to check product specifications/manufacturer's instructions before use or purchase.

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Radiator valve key

Used to bleed compatible radiators and release trapped air from heating systems. A sturdy metal key is often more durable than plastic alternatives.
Handling tip: Turn the valve slowly and keep a cloth or container nearby to catch any small drips of water.

Wood filler or putty

Helps repair small holes, dents and cracks in wooden surfaces before decorating. Select a filler suited to your project, whether it's for indoor use, outdoor use, painting or staining.
Handling tip: Apply thin layers with a filling knife, allow each layer to dry fully and sand smooth before finishing.

These handy tools can help with the finishing touches and day-to-day tasks that keep your home running smoothly. From opening packages and trimming materials to organising cables and lighting up hard-to-reach spaces, they're useful to have close at hand when DIY jobs pop up.

Utility knife

Handy for opening boxes, trimming materials and cutting cardboard or packaging. A retractable blade design can improve safety and make storage easier.
Handling tip: Always cut away from your body, keep fingers clear of the cutting path and retract the blade immediately after use.

Hacksaw

Suitable for cutting metal, plastic and other materials when used with the correct blade. Check that replacement blades are widely available and compatible with a range of materials.
Handling tip: Secure the material before cutting and use controlled, even strokes instead of forcing the blade.

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Zip ties

Useful for tidying cables, bundling items together and creating temporary fixes. Keep a variety of lengths and strengths on hand to suit different tasks.
Handling tip: Tighten only as much as needed, particularly around electrical cables, and carefully trim excess ends after fastening.

Torch or work light

Provides illumination when working in dark cupboards, lofts, garages or during power cuts. LED models are energy-efficient, bright and typically offer longer battery life.
Handling tip: Position the light to minimise shadows in your work area and check batteries or charge levels regularly so it's ready when needed.

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Take a look at the difference between a tool kit and a tool set to choose the right one for you.

Choosing the right hand tools starts with thinking about the jobs you're most likely to tackle. For most households, a small collection of versatile tools can help with everyday DIY tasks such as assembling furniture, hanging pictures, making minor repairs and carrying out routine maintenance.

Start with the essentials

Build your tool kit around core items you'll reach for regularly, including:

• A tape measure for accurate measurements
• A screwdriver set for assembly and repairs
• A claw hammer for basic fixing tasks
• Pliers for gripping and bending materials
• An adjustable wrench for nuts and bolts
• A spirit level for shelves, frames and wall-mounted items

These tools can help tackle many common household tasks, from furniture assembly and measuring to basic maintenance and repairs.

Prioritise comfort and ease of use

A tool is only useful if it's comfortable to work with. Look for ergonomic, non-slip handles, a balanced weight that's easy to control, and smooth-moving parts on adjustable tools.

Think about future projects

Start with the basics and expand your collection as your confidence grows. Rather than buying specialist tools immediately, consider investing in them when a specific project requires them. This approach can help you build a tool kit that suits your home, budget and DIY interests.

Top tip: If you're unsure where to begin, a compact household tool kit can be a convenient way to get a range of essential tools in one purchase.

Looking after your tools can help keep them safe to use, easier to find and ready for your next DIY project. A little maintenance can also help prevent unnecessary wear and tear over time.

• Keep tools clean after use: Wipe away dust, dirt, paint, grease or moisture before putting tools away. Clean tools are easier to inspect and maintain.
• Store tools in a dry place: Damp conditions can lead to rust and corrosion. A toolbox, cupboard, garage shelf or storage case can help protect your tools from moisture and dust.
• Organise tools by type: Keep similar items together, such as screwdrivers, pliers and measuring tools. This makes it easier to find what you need and reduces clutter.
• Use protective storage for sharp tools: Retract utility knife blades, cover sharp edges and store cutting tools securely to help prevent accidental injuries.
• Keep small accessories contained: Store screws, wall plugs, nails, zip ties and spare blades in labelled containers or organiser trays so they don't get lost.
• Check tools regularly for damage: Look for loose handles, worn grips, damaged blades or signs of rust before use. Replace or repair damaged tools where appropriate.
• Keep moving parts working smoothly: Hinged tools such as pliers, cutters and adjustable wrenches may benefit from occasional lubrication to help them operate smoothly.
• Avoid overloading toolboxes: Carrying too many tools in one container can make them difficult to access and may cause unnecessary wear.
• Store batteries separately when needed: For battery-powered tools, follow the manufacturer's guidance on charging and storage, especially if the tool won't be used for an extended period.
• Keep tools out of reach of children and pets: Store tools securely when not in use, particularly sharp or heavy items that could cause injury.

Create a dedicated storage space for your DIY equipment and return tools to the same place after every job. This can save time and help ensure your tools are ready whenever you need them.

Hand tools can make everyday DIY tasks quicker and easier, but using them correctly is important for both safety and accuracy. Taking a few simple precautions before, during and after a job can help reduce the risk of injury and protect both your tools and the surfaces you're working on.

• Choose the right tool for the job: Using a tool as intended helps improve results and reduces unnecessary strain. For example, use a screwdriver for screws, pliers for gripping and a hammer for driving nails rather than substituting one tool for another.
• Inspect your tools before using them: Check for loose handles, worn grips, damaged blades or signs of rust. If a tool appears damaged or unsafe, repair or replace it before starting work.
• Wear suitable safety equipment: Depending on the task, consider wearing safety glasses, ear defenders, work gloves or protective footwear. This can be particularly important when cutting materials, hammering nails or working with sharp edges.
• Keep your work area tidy: A clear workspace can help prevent trips, slips and misplaced tools. Remove unnecessary clutter and ensure there is enough lighting to see what you're doing clearly.
• Maintain a secure grip: Always hold tools firmly and use both hands where appropriate. Comfortable, non-slip handles can help improve control and reduce hand fatigue during longer tasks.
• Cut away from your body: When using utility knives or other cutting tools, keep fingers clear of the cutting path and direct the blade away from yourself whenever possible.
• Secure materials before working on them: Whether you're measuring, sawing or drilling, keeping the material stable can help improve accuracy and reduce the risk of slips.
• Avoid using excessive force: Let the tool do the work. Applying too much pressure can damage materials, wear out tools more quickly and increase the likelihood of accidents.
• Be mindful of others nearby: Keep children, pets and anyone not involved in the task away from the work area, especially when you're using sharp tools or handling heavy materials.

If you're unsure how to carry out a particular repair or maintenance task safely, refer to the manufacturer's instructions or seek advice from a qualified professional before getting started.