The Tools You Need to Have Everything Covered
The unexpected has a funny way of rearing its head at undesirable times. A burst pipe just before you leave for work, a power-cut in the middle of the night or a collapsing shelf will only hinder you if you’re not equipped. As they say, preparation is everything.
Hiring a professional is usually one’s initial reaction when handy work is required. However, you don’t need this article to tell you how expensive that can be. So here’s a checklist of tools to ensure that you have everything you need for those surprise DIY moments:
Swiss Army Knife
While this little tool may not seem like the obvious answer to many household questions – it’s an understated device that can go a long way. There are various models of Swiss Army knives available that offer different tools – most commonly including: a blade, tweezers, toothpick, corkscrew, can opener, slotted/flat-head screwdriver, file, scissors, saw, magnifying glass, and a ballpoint pen for when all else fails and you need to write down the phone number of a plumber.
Torch
A very obvious one – but by ensuring that your torch always has full batteries, power-cuts will be nothing to fear, and every nook and cranny can be uncovered with the press of a button. At the very least, it will help you uncover the shelf bracket that fell behind the sofa during your DIY shelf building mission.
Drill
Drills come in many different shapes and sizes – and cover a multitude of needs. For the crème de le crème of drills, look no further than the Special Direct System Drill (SDS). The SDS is extremely powerful, perfect for heavy duty jobs, and offers three functions: normal drill, hammer action and chisel.
Screwdriver
Small, versatile and great for the odd jobs around the house, screwdrivers perfect for a multitude of household jobs. Alternatively, you could invest in a powered screwdriver to do all the hard work for you. The higher the voltage the more power you’ll get out of it. For a great auto-feed screwdriver, try Silverline power tools.
Sander
A sander is the perfect tool to smooth surfaces and remove paint and rust. For a sander to rival all other sanders, try one with a belt – which has a continuous roll of sand paper for sanding larger surfaces.
Power Tools
There’s nothing wrong with being a bit dramatic sometimes – and there’s no better way to do so than by unleashing a power tool to get the job done whilst intriguing the neighbours. As seen above, many tools come with the option of a power upgrade – so you can use more force and expel less energy. For a safe bet, go for Bosch power tools, as Bosch is a very well-established supplier of power tools.
Plumbing Tools
In some instances, the Swiss Army Knife just won’t suffice. When it comes to plumbing emergencies, certain, more specialised tools are often required. Luckily, drain and pipe cleaning tools, wrenches and pipe cutters come at a very low price.
Not only is doing it yourself a cheaper option, but self-sufficiency offers a unique sense of achievement. By investing in your own tools, you can save the time, cups of tea, money and awkward small talk that come with professional help.