What would be a good range of tools which a person should keep in tool bag for general home DIY ?

Question

I came to my tool bag today and found I didn't even have a pair of pliers, which I realised would be useful for the job at hand.

Did a search and theres loads of different types of pliers, from combination pliers / diagnol side / longnose / circlip... its confusing.

And I think there's probably loads of standard tools which should have in toolbag - but only ever find out I could use it when I need them.

Fortunately I had a full set of torx bits when needed them recently. And please what's the name of the device which you run across and area of the wall... and if it finds metal or live cables it will beep ? A 20 year old one which was given to me is broken and needs replacing - and these things are useful to avoid electrocution.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

i think the gadget you describe is called a stud locator. describe it in any good diy store and they will find it for you.

basic tool kit ideas
selection of flat and cross head screw drivers
pliers, both snub and longnose
claw hammer
hack saw
drill
selection of screws and matching wall plugs
selection of tacks and nails
Stanley knife
wallpaper scrapers
mastick gun
paint brushes
tape measure
electrical tape
duct tape
sandpaper
spirit level

these are items i always always have in my house. if doing a specific job then you would buy tools for that job, ie paint rollers and tray etc. get decent quality too because they last longer.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Great answers - thanks.

I've ordered a few of the items in your answers from an online professional diy store and should receive them this week. Thx again.

Answer 2

Vise grips, for sure. Maybe big ones and little ones.
(In addition to the nice list above)
A crescent wrench (Adjustable open-end wrench)
WD-40
A pocket knife.
A hammer.
Putty knife.
That thing is a stud finder, by the way. Stanley makes a nice one.

Answer 3

hammer.pliers,staple gun duct tape,glue gun,screw drivers,tape measure,oh sorry you're a guy you will need specilized tools for every job lol !

Answer 4

I recommend a small cordless driver drill set (12V), hammer, pliers (regular + needle nose), cigarette lighter, several screwdrivers, channel locks, crescent wrench, and most important: FLASHLIGHT.

The device that 'tones' when it comes near hot electrical wires is sometimes referred to as a 'ticker' or voltage probe. I'm not a big fan of these as they are prone to false readings. I recommend buying a volt/ohm meter. You can get a good one for around $20 that will tell you for certain if a circuit is hot or not. Read the instructions before using.

Depending on the projects you're doing will determine what more, if any, tools you'll need. Important note: don't bite off more than you can chew. Contractors make it look easy because we've been doing it for years and (sic) have the aptitude for the project at hand. Know your limitations.

Source(s):

Contractor for 12 years

Answer 5

I have found that it is best to keep your tool bag as simple as possible as when you put to many tools in it you spend more time trying to find the tool you need than it takes to complete most minor repairs.

I keep a set of screw drivers, a combination wire stripper, cutter and crimper, a hammer, a 6 inch and 8 inch crescent wrench, small multimeter, needle nose pliers,a plastic organizer with wire connectors, screws and nails, a pair of channel lock pliers, tape measure, electrical tape, Teflon tape and my favorite tool I carry is my Black and Decker auto leveling laser level with a stud finder and electrical cable sensor built in.

I keep a large tool box in the garage with my other tools that I don't use as often.

Answer 6

Screwdrivers: Flat and Phillips
adjustable Allen wrench
hammer w/ nail remover
needle-nose pliers
vice-grip pliers
flashlight
measuring tape (25' or longer)
razor knife w/ snip-off blades
small chisel
small crowbar
WD-40

That's what I have in the bottom drawer of my kitchen!

Answer 7

A standard socket set , hammer, screwdrivers, and adjustable pliers.

Answer 8

Go to B&Q you can buy a tool kit for household use