Building Your Toolkit: What You Need to Know

The Hosemaster

August 19, 2024

Building Your Toolkit: What You Need to Know

Whether you’re an at-home DIYer, make your living as a plumber or carpenter, or indeed work in any of the other trades, you need to have the right tools for the job – which means you need to be able to build a toolkit that meets your needs.

But, what are some of the must-haves you should keep in your toolkit? To help you out, the team at The Hosemaster have picked out some of the tools we consider ‘toolkit essentials’ to get you started on building the ultimate tool collection.

Toolkit essentials

It seems obvious, but stocking your toolkit with the right gear will make your life a lot easier. For starters, having the right tools means you can get stuck straight into a task, saving you a lot of wasted time. Building your own toolkit also allows you to have total control over the items you buy.

But, even with this in mind, there are several key items that every toolkit should have, which includes the following.

Note: we’ve split our toolkit essentials into three different categories to make it easier to see what you need.

Hand tools

A hand tool, as the name suggests, is one that’s powered by hand rather than a motor. Whilst they tend to require more energy to use, the main advantage of hand tools is that you can use them anywhere; there’s no reliance on a power supply, or awkward cables that can get in the way when you’re working.

Below, we’ve picked out some basic hand tools you should include in your toolkit.

Hammer

Used to build and destroy, a hammer is an obvious hand tool to include when you’re building a toolkit. Whilst there are several types you can choose from, the most commonly featured hammer in basic toolkits is the claw hammer.

Claw hammers have a circular flat face at one end, which is used to drive-in items like nails into wood during construction. On the other side of the hammer is a two-pronged curved metal ‘claw’ that gives this distinctive design its name. This end can be used to pull nails out of wood, or to pry materials apart (like a makeshift crowbar).

Other types of hammer you might want to add to your toolkit are:

Sledgehammer: built evenly with a double-sided head, sledgehammers are designed for heavy-duty applications like demolition, or driving stakes into the ground. To fulfil this need, sledgehammers are heavy, and should be wielded with two hands like an axe.
Mallet: mallets are similar in shape to a sledgehammer, but are smaller and lighter. Made with rubber heads, these are perfect for applications where you don’t want to cause damage or leave a mark, like when you’re tiling or laying flooring.
Tack hammer: designed with smaller, finer points, tack hammers are useful for more delicate or precise work that require more attention to detail (like upholstery).

Top tip: for a basic toolkit, most tasks can be completed with a claw hammer. If you have more specific needs, we recommend branching out and building a more varied collection.

Screwdriver

Although their base function is fairly limited to tightening and loosening fastenings, the breadth of applications this is required for means that screwdrivers are definitely an essential part of any toolkit.

For example, whether you’re working on small scale electronics, fixing machinery, or screwing two components together, you’ll need the right screwdriver to get the job done. But, screwdrivers aren’t ‘one size fits all’. Rather, there are a few different types you’ll need to choose between depending on the hardware you’re using.

Phillips head screwdriver: known for the distinctive cross-shaped head, this screwdriver was specifically designed to fit in Phillips head screws (hence the name).
Insulated screwdriver: for electricians, an insulated screwdriver is a must-have hand tool. Built using non-conductive materials like rubber, you may also know these as safety screwdrivers.
Flathead screwdriver: as the name suggests, this type of screwdriver has a tapered head to fit into screws with a linear indent.
Precision screwdriver: this is perfect for smaller devices, where you need more control.

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Other useful screwdrivers you might want to consider when you’re building a comprehensive toolkit are the Pozidriv screwdriver, which mimics the cross head of a Phillips screwdriver, but is built to reduce cam-out (where the head slips from the grooves of a screw); a Square screwdriver, which is used for square-headed screws; or even an electric screwdriver to save you time.

Top tip: pay attention to size with this hand tool too! Smaller fastenings will need a smaller screwdriver, and vice versa.

Wrenches and spanners

Wrenches and spanners are frequently grouped together, as we’ve done here, because they are ultimately designed to perform the same function of tightening and loosening nuts and bolts. However, there is a clear distinction between construction and use that separates these hand tools, and means that you should make sure to have a selection of both as part of your toolkit.

This difference can be found in the design of wrenches and spanners. Wrenches have an adjustable lower ‘jaw’, which can be loosened and tightened to fit around different nuts and bolts. This means that one tool can be used for multiple applications, which can save you time. However, because they have a more general grip on the fastening, there is potentially a higher risk of ‘rounding’ the hardware (which is where the edges wear away, making the fastening harder to use in the future).

This is where spanners can be more useful. Spanners are size-specific, meaning the openings are designed to fit snugly to the edges of a nut/bolt. This affords you better grip during use. Spanners are also usually smaller and lighter, which means you can use them in narrower spaces, or for more precise applications. But, this does mean you will tend to need a range of sizes to meet the differing demands of your task.

Top tip: get the best of both worlds by keeping a selection of wrenches and spanners in your toolkit.

Socket wrenches

Falling somewhere between wrenches and spanners in terms of customisable design, socket wrenches have multiple sized cylinders that can be attached to the same handle. These cylinders are designed to fit securely onto nuts and bolts. The main advantage of a socket wrench is that the ratcheting technology gives you a way to easily apply more torque and save you energy.

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Allen keys

Allen keys, or hex keys as you may know them, are similar to screwdrivers, spanners and wrenches, in that they’re used to tighten and loosen fastenings. In this case, they’re specifically designed with a six-sided head to fit into hexagonally shaped bolts.

Top tip: since they usually lack a handle, allen keys can be difficult to keep your grip on as a beginner. If possible, try to get a case that can give you more to hold onto during use.

Due to the rise in DIY furniture, bike maintenance, and other more mainstream applications, you’re likely to own an hex key already. But, you can also buy these in sized sets, which is ideal when you need a specific size to complete a task.

Pliers

Pliers serve multiple functions, including holding onto small pieces of hardware or cutting through and stripping wires and cables. When it comes to building out your toolkit, consider buying one, or several, of the following types of this hand tool.

Needle nose pliers: the nose of these pliers taper inwards to make it easier to work in confined or narrow spaces. The finer ends, with teeth for improved grip, means this hand tool is useful for holding smaller fastenings (where your hands may be a hindrance).
Waterpump pliers: a key addition to any collection of plumbing tools, these pliers have long handles and serrated jaws to help you grip pipes in otherwise hard-to-reach areas. They also have an adjustable pivot to change the angle of use.
Flat nose pliers: alongside needle nose pliers, these are the hand tools that are most likely to be found in basic toolkits. As the name suggests, these pliers have flat ends that make it easier to hold onto small components.
Diagonal pliers: the nose of this hand tool is bevelled, meaning it has a sloping edge. While not immediately sharp, between this edge and pressure from the user, diagonal pliers are able to effectively cut through wires, cables, and other materials.

Utility knife

Often known as a Stanley knife in the UK, a utility knife is made up of a retractable blade encased in a plastic or metal handle. These are incredibly sharp, and can be used across a wide range of applications; from cutting through pipes, tape, and wood, to sharpening your pencil.

Top tip: this hand tool is not to be confused with a box cutter, which has the blade nested in the hook for more protection. As the name suggests, box cutters are more frequently used to cut through tape on boxes.

Handsaws

If you work within the industry, or do regular DIY around the house, a handsaw or two is the perfect way to round out your tool collection.

Arguably the most common type of handsaw for conventional use, a hardpoint saw has one long, flat, fixed blade with a handle at the heel. This type of saw is an easy way to cut most types of wood down to size and should be a ready inclusion into your toolkit. You may also wish to consider buying a coping saw. This has a thin tensioned blade, and is useful for more precision work on wood, plastic or ceramics.

Top tip: hand tools are incredibly useful, but if you’re an experienced craftsperson, you might wish to invest in electric or power tools for your toolkit. These can save you time and energy in the long run, especially on larger projects.

Cordless drill

A cordless drill isn’t quite your traditional hand tool, considering it uses battery power, but it’s still a useful addition to your toolkit. Drills are useful for everything from boring holes into a broad range of materials, to screwing in hardware – making them a valuable piece of kit whatever your profession.

Toolkit accessories

Moving away from hand tools, there are a selection of accessories that we recommend keeping in your toolkit to make your life much easier.

Tape measure: considering the expression is ‘measure twice, cut once’, we recommend keeping a tape measure in your toolkit to reduce the chances of measuring mistakes.
PPE: whenever you’re working with tools, you need to put safety first. That’s why we suggest keeping a stock of protective equipment like face masks, work gloves, and safety goggles in your toolkit to take with you when you work.
Spirit level: there’s nothing more frustrating than finishing installing a pipe or shelf, and realising it’s not level – so make sure to put a few spirit levels of different sizes in your toolkit.
Torch: whether you’re fitting pipes in a wall cavity, or need to see behind something on the job, a torch will always come in handy.

Toolkit consumables

Alongside your tools, you should consider kitting out your tool collection with a range of consumables that are essential for the job, including:

Hardware like screws, nails, nuts and bolts.
Masking tape and duct tape.
Sandpaper, either in sheets or blocks.
Plenty of pencils and markers.

Having these consumables to hand means you can crack on with a job, rather than waiting for the right hardware.

Top tip: as these are consumable, make sure you remember to replace items as and when you use them.

Tips for building your toolkit

Once you have a basic idea of the types of tools you can include, it’s time to actually build your toolkit. Below we’ve included some advice to help you make the best toolkit for your needs.

Choose the right tool box

Part of what makes a toolkit so valuable is that it’s portable, allowing you to bring it with you if you’re working on location. So, when you’re building your own, make sure you choose the right kind of tool box for your needs. Ask yourself:

What material should my tool box be? Metal tool boxes are incredibly durable, but heavy, while fabric toolkits are easier to carry around, but may be prone to damage more easily.
What style do I want? Fabric tool bags and backpacks are great for working on the go because you can spread the weight more evenly. They also usually have a range of pockets for organisation, and can take up less space. Tool boxes are more hardwearing, but take up more space.

Top tip: if you work with tools a lot, why not get both? A toolbox is ideal for storing heavy and lesser-used tools, while your tool bag can be filled with common supplies you need more often.

Buy quality tools

You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘buy nice or buy twice’. This definitely rings true when you’re buying tools. Investing in high-quality tools (when you can) will save you money and time in the long run, especially if you work with them often.

On the other hand, if you’re a casual DIYer, you may not need tools with all the bells and whistles of more expensive models – or as many. We recommend doing your research and buying within your budget when building your own toolkit.

Buy what you use, rent what you don’t

Another option is to buy what you use frequently, and rent what you don’t. For example, unless you require them for your job, you don’t need to own larger power tools – instead, it may be cheaper to rent them. This will also save on storage space in your toolkit, giving you room for the tools you use more often.

Customise your toolkit

There’s nothing wrong with buying a toolkit as seen. Pre-made toolkits are excellent value for money, give you a wide collection of basic tools, and come in a custom built box for easy storage.

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However, if you work in specific trades, you might want to consider customising your toolkit to meet the demands of your job. For example, plumbers will need more specific plumbing tools like plungers, hacksaws, and pipe wrenches that may not come as part of a ready-made toolkit. By customising and building your own toolkit, you can make sure you have exactly what you need for the job.

Build your toolkit with The Hosemaster

With everything from hand tools, to plumbing tools, and much more in between, explore our range of tools and toolkits today to find the best items for your needs.

Still not sure what you need? Our customer service team is here to help with any sales or technical queries. Simply contact us online, or call 01282 604 002 for information and assistance.