Collaborative post
If you are constantly seeking home improvement projects to tackle, you are not alone. According to a study of 2,000 Brits, about 80% of the UK population tried some type of DIY during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are numerous reasons for choosing the DIY approach to tackling home repairs, from saving money to challenging yourself. Nevertheless, it is critical to have the right tools to assist you with your DIY projects, irrespective of your reason for taking them on. Here are a few essential tools to have in your DIY arsenal.
- Ladder
You don’t need a 12-foot ladder if you live in an apartment maintained by a property manager. However, you could do with a short stepladder to get a great angle when hanging artwork and other wall decors. Also, this ladder can give you the height boost you need to handle home repairs in many areas of the house, from your bedroom to the kitchen. Additionally, you can buy a taller ladder to clean out your home’s gutters and reach the highest spots in your home when decorating, cleaning, or painting.
- Glue gun
There is no denying that several DIY projects involve repairs that can be strengthened with some extra sealant. Consequently, a glue gun is a versatile tool that should be in your DIY toolbox since it would come in handy in numerous situations. You can use your glue gun to back up nails and screws for wood projects. Also, you can use a glue gun to quickly fix a pair of broken glasses and salvage countless toys and tattered books. Glue guns are particularly helpful because they work fast. The hot melted adhesive typically bonds in under a minute to give you a firm hold compared to other types of adhesive that may take several minutes to set properly. You can purchase a durable glue gun from a reputable supplier like Glue Guns Direct.
- Tape measure
As the popular DIY mantra goes, ” Measure twice, cut once.” Therefore, a tape measure is one of the basic tools to own as a DIYer. You will need your tape measure for almost every project, so investing in a great one with excellent features like an auto-lock and a magnetic end is worthwhile. However, you can always stick to a standard retractable and lockable one that gets the job done if you don’t want to splurge on anything fancy. Your tape measure will come in handy for projects like framing your artwork, installing a new wall in the kitchen, cutting wood for a bookshelf, installing a runner on your stairs, among others.
- Safety glasses
Eye protection is an essential part of many DIY projects since you will likely be sawing, drilling, creating debris, or spraying paint. Therefore, invest in a great pair of safety glasses to protect your eyes regardless of your skill level. Alternatively, you can invest in a couple of safety glasses and stash them around your work area so you can easily grab one and slip it on before handling any project. You can spend as little as £15 on a standard pair of safety glasses or purchase more sophisticated safety glasses that cost up to £100.
- The internet
A study commissioned by British Gas reveals that the average Brit will turn to the internet about thirty times weekly for cooking advice, TV show searchers, and DIY hacks. Indeed, the internet is a repository of information that many people use in their daily lives. Therefore, feel free to leverage free online resources to help you with your projects, especially if you are new to DIY. You may not always know the best way to make something, make repairs, or undertake maintenance you have never done before. Luckily, the internet is filled with informational videos and articles on numerous DIY advice sites to help you better understand what must be done. This way, you can become more self-sufficient in your efforts and avoid making too many costly mistakes that will come back to haunt you.
- Handsaw
Many DIY experts recommend purchasing a great handsaw that will come in during basic woodworking projects if you have money for only one saw. However, it is best to purchase a handsaw with bigger teeth since they cut faster. In addition, pay attention to differences in teeth-per-inch since this significantly influences cutting ability.
- Drill
Certain DIY projects need some additional power to succeed, so great power tools like drills are worth having. A drill will come in handy as you advance in DIY and need to put holes in plastic, wood, and other materials. You can watch tutorials to know the right drill bit for specific projects. Finally, always use eye protection when using a drill to safeguard your vision.