Posted by Rok Hardware
on March 30, 2017
There are many types of 'Do It Yourself'ers out there—the craft DIYers (those who make cards, home decor, jewelry, and other crafts), the sewing DIYers (those who make clothing, bags, pillows, etc.), and the home improvement DIYers (those who do things like installing their own cabinets, building furniture, or remodeling bathrooms).
If you do it all, that’t amazing! But depending on the type of DIYer you are, you probably have basic essentials that you use in most of your projects. If you’re a newbie like me, then you may not even own all of the essentials just yet. To make life a little easier, I’ve put together a list of essential items (a Survival Kit for DIYers, you might say). The survival kit I’m talking about is more for the Home Improvement DIYer. These are just some basic items that you’ll probably need over and over again as you start doing more projects.
Note: If you buy a small, basic tool kit, you could quickly check off a lot of things on this list. This list may seem long, but honestly, you probably have at least a few of these things already lying around.
1. Drill
A drill can be used for any number of projects from easy tasks like hanging up a curtain rod to difficult ones like building your own furniture.
Photo Credit: “Drills” by Mark Hunter licensed under CC BY 2.0
2. Variety of Hardware
Hardware is cheap so it probably won’t hurt to keep some extra nails and screws or other random pieces in your tool box. It will come in handy.
3. Wood Glue
Most wood glue can be used on more than just wood (cloth, leather and other porous materials).
4. Measuring Tape
You’ll need a measuring tape for almost any project. I keep two actually, since I lose things a lot.
5. Hammer
I think it’s obvious what sorts of things you’ll need a hammer for. But make sure you have the kind that can not only hammer nails in, but that can also pull them out.
Photo Credit: “Hammer” by James Bowe licensed under CC BY 2.0
6. Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable wrench can fit a variety of nuts and bolts, depending on your current project.
Photo Credit: “Adjustable Wrench” by Connie Posites licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
7. Pliers
Pliers can be used to hold things in place, pull things out of place, or to turn things. You’re bound to need them at some point.
Photo Credit: “Pliers" by Tellessa Myles licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
8. Screwdriver
You’ll want a flathead (or slot head) as well as a Phillips (or cross head). Theses are the two types of screwdrivers you’ll use most often.
You’ll probably add items to your kit as you do more and more DIY projects; or if you’re already experienced, you may have a few more items in your essentials kit already, depending on what sorts of projects you most commonly do. But this list should get you started at least. Have fun!
