6 essential hand tools for beginners

If you’re just getting into DIY, you’re probably wondering where to begin when it comes to building your toolkit. With so many tools available, each serving a unique purpose, it can be challenging to narrow down your choices to just the essentials. That’s where we come in.

At Smiths Hire, we’re experts in the world of tool hire. With over 50 years of experience, we equip our customers with everything they need to get the job done from our various tool hire depots and website. While we can handle all the bulkier and specialist tools for any DIY task you can think of, here are six easy-to-come hand tools that we recommend any avid DIYer keep handy in their toolbox and why. Let’s take a look!

1. A handheld hammer

First on our list is the trusty hammer. This tool is a must-have for any DIY toolkit and it’s essential for tackling general repairs around your home and garden. Whether you’re hanging pictures, assembling furniture, or working on a small project like building a birdhouse or patching up fence boards, having a hammer on hand makes these tasks much easier.

Hammers come in different styles, like the classic claw hammer for driving and removing nails or a rubber mallet, perfect for tapping things into place without damaging the surrounding surface or material. Or the trusty sledge hammer which is ideal for builders or contractors. One of each is ideal, but if you had to pick between them for whatever reason, the versatility of the claw hammer makes it a classic.

2. A selection of screwdrivers

Next up, let’s talk about screwdrivers! It’s absolutely essential to have a selection of both flathead and Phillips screwdrivers in your toolkit. These handy tools are indispensable when it comes to a range of DIY tasks, from assembling furniture to tightening screws and minor repairs around the house and out in the garden.

Whether you’re putting together some IKEA furniture, fixing something or installing light fixtures, the right screwdriver makes all the difference. Flathead screwdrivers are ideal for turning the slotted screws that you commonly find in furniture or on electrical covers. In contrast, Phillips screwdrivers work with cross-shaped screws, making them perfect for attaching hinges or securing light switch covers. With both types in your toolkit, you’ll pretty much guarantee you’ll always be able to handle the vast majority of odd jobs that pop up. (Or if you don’t want to use a traditional screwdriver, you can always check out our range of electric screwdrivers – making the task even easier!) 

3. A tape measure

Accurate measurements are crucial for any DIY project, which makes a tape measure an essential tool. Compact and easy to carry, a tape measure can conveniently fit in your back pocket, so it’s always within reach when inspiration strikes. Whether you’re planning a new garden layout, measuring materials for renovations, or making sure that furniture fits perfectly in a space, a tape measure is an invaluable bit of kit.

And its usefulness doesn’t stop there! You might find yourself needing to measure items unexpectedly, like checking the dimensions for a new piece of furniture before making a purchase. With a tape measure handy, you can quickly find out whether that gorgeous sofa or stylish dining table will fit in your home, saving you time and hassle.

4. Adjustable spanner

No DIY toolkit is complete without an adjustable spanner. Any adjustable tool is handy to have. An adjustable spanner is perfect for tightening and loosening nuts and bolts, making it essential for plumbing tasks and assembling/disassembling a variety of other fixtures.

Need to tighten bolts on your outdoor furniture or tackle a stubborn plumbing connection? You’re all set! Plus, you can easily stash it in your toolbox or slip it into your back pocket for quick access. With an adjustable spanner in hand, you’ll be ready to take on a wide range of repairs and installations without a second thought.

5. A pair of pliers

Pliers are always good to have close by when you’re doing any kind of work that you need to get a good grip on – they’re also perfect for twisting and cutting wires. Pliers work well in a variety of DIY environments, from repairing electrical wiring to bending metal or pulling nails out of wood. Their firm grip makes them indispensable for any project where you need reliable control. You can also use them to hold small objects in place while working on fine details. They’re versatile enough to help with anything from plumbing repairs to even jewellery repairs – so they’re good to have on hand!

6. A spirit level

Last but certainly not least, we have the spirit level. They’re easy to overlook but a mighty asset to have, especially when it comes to DIY jobs around the house. A spirit level makes sure that your shelves and other fixtures are perfectly straight, which gives you that professional finish that every DIY enthusiast craves. Whether you’re hanging picture frames, installing new cabinets, or putting up shelving units, a spirit level is essential for maintaining accurate and even lines (you don’t want your candles sliding off because your shelf is slanted). This tool is especially helpful for projects like laying out wall panelling, drilling holes or anything where precision is key. Or for a really professional application we offer a range of Multi-directional visible Laser Levels, ideal for the construction and surveying industry. 

And of course, for any larger tools and equipment you may need for your upcoming DIY tasks, you can count on us to provide exactly what you need to complete any job, big or small.

Here at Smiths Hire we’ve been providing quality equipment and tool hire services to the DIY and trade sectors for more than 50 years, operating from our 17 tool hire depots across the North West and Yorkshire, including several in cities hubs like Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds.

If you have any questions about any of our products and services, feel free to give our team a call on 0333 323 2100.  We’re always happy to help!