A basic set of tools is essential for any handyman to get jobs done and get them done right (first time) – whether that be hammering nails or tightening screws. And for any self respecting handyman there are a couple of tools that they need above all others
If you want help deciding what other tools you should be buying for yourself, click here to read.
After a long and hard deliberation on this subject, we finally settled on a quality hammer and a good set of screwdrivers as the first two tools that should go into your tool box.
Hammer
In our opinion, a hammer is the essential handyman tool and is more important than any other. If we could have only one tool in our tool box it would be a good quality hammer.
A claw hammer is our preference over a ball peen hammer as it has the added ability to not only drive nails in but also extract them.
In particular we like the Estwing Hammer – 16 oz Straight Rip Claw with Smooth Face & Shock Reduction Grip – E3-16S
Pros
- Good build quality
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Gives off an audible ring when being used
- The chrome plating is prone to coming off after time
Specifications
- A total weight of 16 oz
- A smooth face
- A curved claw
Screwdrivers
In our opinion, a good set of screwdrivers is second to only a hammer and is absolutely essential to any fully stocked tool box. Without this you are unable to do the simplest of tasks such as assembling flat pack furniture.
In particular we like the Stanley FMHT62052 6 Piece FatMax Diamond Tip Screwdriver Set.
The set comes with rubberized grips for added comfort, have magnetic tips, and both flathead and Phillips heads.
Pros
- Coloured handles make them easy to identify
Cons
- Handles are slippery if you have any moisture on your hands
Specifications
- A total weight of 748 g
- Diamond tipped
- Magnetic tips
- Colour coded handles
- Resistant to corrosion
Conclusion
With both these tools you have the basics, and a good start for any handyman’s tool box. You will now be able to perform simple jobs, but as your skill set develops, so will you need for a wider range of more advanced tools.
These may include, but are not limited to…a putty knife, wire cutters, an adjustable wrench, a soft mallet, sand paper, locking pliers, a caulking gun, duct tape, a metal file, a wood saw, a measuring tape, a wood chisel set, safety glasses, a hack saw…
…a crowbar, a spirit level, a chalk line, a staple gun, digital callipers, a pipe wrench, a pair or loppers, a utility knife, a hex key set, a pair of industrial shears, a shovel, bar clamps, a pair of nose pliers, a rotary tool, a socket wrench set, a stud finder…
…a sledge hammer, a multi tool, a chainsaw, a jigsaw, a nail gun, a bench vise, an impact driver, a pair of step ladders, and of course, a robust tool box to put them all in.