A renovation project you’ve been putting off is finally underway. You’ve set aside some money and decided to make a substantial saving by handling the assembly and installation yourself. Your inspiration comes from YouTube DIY channels that show just how easy it all looks. The ambition is admirable, but the impression can be misleading.
Even with plenty of motivation, you risk making things harder for yourself if you don’t have the right tools. Your efficiency and comfort while working on your projects are directly linked to how suitable your power tools are. Let’s look at the minimum equipment you’ll need for most home DIY jobs.
The five essential tools
Which five powered tools should be part of every basic household toolkit?
The drill
This is without doubt the most versatile tool for any DIYer. Besides its main role, which is to drill holes, it can be used for other tasks such as mixing mortar or polishing a surface. All it takes is changing the bit to suit the job.
The cordless screwdriver / driver
This specialised tool should be distinguished from the drill. The driver is a simple device optimised for driving and removing screws. It is the ideal tool for lighter-duty work and essentially serves as an electric screwdriver. Unlike a drill, it is designed primarily for screwdriver bits.
The circular saw
You can cut wood by hand, but the effort quickly becomes exhausting. A circular saw is the answer if you need to cut quickly and accurately through boards and plywood sheets. It saves you time and spares your hands.
The saw for curved cuts
This tool is ideal for jobs that require finesse and precision. A jigsaw is often used to cut out specific shapes that a circular saw simply couldn’t manage. If you need to cut an opening in a worktop to fit an inset appliance, this tool is indispensable. Be aware, though, that if you want perfectly straight edges, you should use the circular saw instead.
The sander / grinder
Under this heading you’ll find angle grinders and orbital sanders. Each has its own role. Angle grinders, with a change of disc, can cut or grind different materials. A standard sander that uses sandpaper offers better precision for finishing surfaces, but is less versatile in use than an angle grinder.
Corded or battery-powered: the portability question
Mains-powered tools and those running on a battery each have their own pros and cons. As the right choice depends on how you’ll use them, we’ll outline the advantages and drawbacks of cordless tools to help you decide.
The advantages of going cordless
- Portability: With no power lead to worry about, you enjoy much easier handling and greater freedom of movement.
- Less clutter: Cordless tools are often sold as kits with a charger, two batteries and a carry case, which makes them easy to store.
The downsides of cordless tools
- Power runs out: Lithium-ion batteries are generally reliable, but their capacity decreases with heavy use or over time. If run-time becomes an issue, it’s worth considering a replacement with a new screwdriver battery or a new battery for the relevant tool.
- Extra weight: Adding a battery increases the overall weight of the tool. High-capacity batteries, needed for power-hungry tools (such as SDS drills or breakers), make the machine noticeably heavier to handle.
Some manufacturers offer tool sets (driver, drill, etc.) that run on the same interchangeable battery. These kits with batteries and chargers allow you to get the most out of your equipment. However, these sets are often aimed at professionals and are more expensive. If you only use your tools occasionally, it’s more economical to go for cheaper options.
