12 Essential Tools and Fixings You Need for Your Toolbox

Whether you’re getting into DIY or the professional trades industry, you’ll need a good and handy toolbox to accompany you on different projects and tasks.

No longer will you be running any last-minute errands to find a screwdriver or hammer for installations and repairs; Efixings has put together an essential list so you can create a toolbox fit for any task!

So, if you think you're ready to tackle a household project on your own, check that you have the basic tools and fixings first! If not, we’re here for all of your needs. Contact us today for more sales information.

1. Screwdrivers

Screwdrivers are one of the most common tools you’ll find yourself reaching for when completing building work.

From assembling furniture to making household repairs, a trusty screwdriver is worth investing in. While there’s no one-size-fits-all screwdriver out there (we wish), the following are good places to start.

Flat-head screwdriver: With a single, flat blade, flat-head screwdrivers are perfect for simple tasks such as tightening or loosening screws in wood, metal, or plastic materials. These come in different sizes for various screw dimensions.
Philips screwdrivers: Philips screwdrivers feature a cross-shaped tip, offering a precise grip and better torque when turning screws. Tasks like assembling furniture, fixing appliances, or installing electrical fixtures benefit from a Phillips screwdriver, as they require strong and secure connections.

2. Drills

A drill is a non-negotiable item for every toolbox; they’re more effective and help you cut down on downtime.No longer will you be struggling to manually drill a screw into a wall. A reliable drill can tackle projects involving metal, wood, and masonry.

If you’re a builder who’s constantly on the go, a cordless drill will be your best friend. Say goodbye to wired cables and hello to a portable tool that comes equipped with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and various speed settings.

Then, you can gather all of the drill bits you need for your projects:

Twist drill bits: Common and versatile, these have a simple, cylindrical shape with a pointed tip that allows them to penetrate metal, wood, plastic, and more.
Masonry drill bits: With a carbide tip, these are designed to drill through hard materials like brick, stone, and concrete.
Spade drill bits: If you’re a plumber, then these handy tools will allow you to drill through pipes, create holes for dowels and pegs, and run electrical wiring with ease.

3. Measuring tape

Does this need an explanation? If you want to create accurate cuts and align materials evenly, like tiles and floorboards, then throw one of these in your toolbox.

If you’re going to be using it more often than normal, invest in a measuring tape with a locking mechanism to keep the tape in place. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later when you aren’t scrambling for someone to hold it in place for you!

Look for a tape measure with both imperial and metric measurements so you can use it across more applications.

4. Level

If you’re hanging shelves, installing tiles, or building furniture, then you’ll need a spirit level.

This is more beneficial for smaller projects where you need to make sure each material is straight and aligned. Now, you can avoid wonky picture frames, misaligned floorboards, and uneven table legs.

Invest in a laser level for better precision in large, professional projects.

5. Wall plugs

Wall plugs are powerful anchors that can add strength and durability when fixing items onto solid walls, such as masonry or drywall.

These anchors create a secure hold for screws and bolts to remain fastened in the wall when under constant pressure or stress. When installed, your screws have a better chance of remaining in place, perfect for cabinets, shelves, and wall hangings.

6. Hammer

A hammer is one of the most used household and professional tools. From driving nails to tapping loose materials into place, a hammer serves many purposes that you’d be lost without.

Here are some hammers you need for your toolbox:

Claw hammer: This is the most classic type of hammer that involves a curved edge for removing nails and a flat, smooth surface for hammering.
Sledgehammer: When it comes to breaking stones, bricks, or concrete, a sledgehammer is your guy. The heavy, rectangular head delivers excellent strength for demolition work.
Rubber mallet: With a soft, non-marring head, a rubber mallet is best for projects where you need to prevent damage to the surface. It absorbs shock for smaller tasks like tapping tiles into place.

7. Chalk line

A chalk line is a simple but effective tool, one you don’t want to miss out on in your toolbox!

When planning and measuring a project, a chalk line helps to create straight, precise marks for cuts or aligning and installing materials. A standard chalk line will serve you well, especially for household tasks.

Choose one with a cotton or nylon cord for the best widespread use.

8. Utility knife

A utility knife is used to make precise cuts in materials like carpet, wood, and plastic.

With an easy grip handle and a sharp blade, these versatile tools are small but mighty. Its compact size makes it easy to slip into your toolbox whenever you need it. The two most common types of utility knives include:

Retractable knife: A retractable utility knife provides extra safety, as the blade can be extended and retracted when not in use. These are ideal for general-purpose tasks.
Fixed-blade knife: A fixed-blade utility knife features a non-retractable blade. These blades are ideal for cutting tough materials, such as rubber, heavy plastic, or carpet, where more strength is required.

9. Saws

Saws are an indispensable tool for any construction project; they provide unmatched strength, precision, and speed for tasks.

With a wide range of designs to choose from, you can find a saw for cutting wood furniture to slicing through metal pipes with ease. We suggest adding the following to your toolbox:

Hand saws: Also known as panel saws, hand saws feature a long, straight blade with teeth designed for cutting through wood.
Circular saws: One of the most common power tools in construction and woodworking, circular saws feature a round disc blade. This blade rotates at high speeds to make straight cuts in wood, plywood, and metal.
Jigsaws: With a reciprocating blade that moves up and down, jigsaws can cut through curves, create intricate patterns, and produce straight cuts in metal, wood, plastic, and ceramic.

10. Pliers

Available in a range of shapes and designs, pliers are versatile, making them a key tool for construction, electrical work, plumbing, automotive, and general DIY projects.

Gripping and twisting to bending, cutting, and pulling, pliers can handle anything from minor repairs to heavy duty. You’ll need the following for your toolbox:

Slip-joint pliers: Designed for gripping and manipulating materials, these are the most common types of pliers. An adjustable pivot point increases the width of the jaw opening to grip small or large objects with ease.
Needle-nose pliers: With long, thin, tapered jaws, needle-nose pliers are used for gripping small objects or pinching wires in tight and confined spaces.
Locking pliers: Also known as Vice-Grips, locking pliers lock onto any material and hold it in place without the need for constant pressure. This is ideal for plumbing, automotive repairs, metalworking, and construction tasks.

11. Wood screws

As a homeowner or professional tradesman, wood is one of the most common types of materials you’ll have to work with.

Having a few high-quality wood screws in your toolbox will make sure you’re always prepared for an unexpected installation or repair. Standard wood screws feature a coarse thread for better gripping, while drywall screws have a fine thread for attaching drywall to wooden posts.

12. Spanners

Spanners are used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts, making them essential for your toolbox.

A reliable spanner can make all the difference between a complicated, time-consuming task and a quick and easy installation. Some of the most common types of spanners to throw into your toolbox include:

Open-end spanners: Includes two jaws with U-shaped openings to grip the flat side of a nut or bolt. These are needed for tasks that require extra force or where space is tight.
Box-end spanners: With a fully enclosed head, these typically feature a six-point or twelve-point design. Box-end spanners provide a better grip as they cover all sides of the fastener.
Adjustable spanners: A movable jaw allows them to grip a wide range of fastener sizes without needing multiple tools. Adjustable spanners are commonly used for plumbing, automotive repairs, and mechanical work.

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