Home DIY tool kit essentials for renters

Beds, tables, chairs, and storage units are all home essentials commonly held together by bolts with hexagon sockets. Eventually, these sockets will need to be tightened or undone to ensure their safety or move their position. For these kinds of tasks, an Allen or hexagon key is required. 

Get ahead of the game by securing these handy keys in your home DIY kit long before you need them. A set of keys can typically be picked up for as little as a couple of pounds and is well worth its weight in gold when tackling these minor inconveniences. 

So many items are held together with or adjusted by screws that require a screwdriver to be tightened or removed. A few people seem to get by without buying this home toolkit essential – but only because they borrow someone else’s. One screwdriver isn’t the perfect fit for all occasions, so we suggest investing in a flat-bladed and a star-shaped design for the bare minimum. Alternatively, you could opt for a screwdriver set with changeable heads that include both types to nail any DIY job. 

There’s a never-ending list of situations where a trusty hammer is needed. A hammer can help with picture hanging, pinning the backs on wardrobes, and various other household jobs. Just try not to get carried away; if you’re a little heavy-handed, the hammer can make nasty dents.

Making holes in your walls, or any other material for that matter, isn’t a guaranteed way to impress your landlord. In fact, you should always check with your housing provider before hanging those pictures or mirrors.  

If you can hang items from your walls, you’ll need a power drill to do the job. Some come with a free set of attachments, so if you’re lucky enough to grab one with a drill driver, you can also skip the need for a separate screwdriver. Remember, always follow the manufactures instructions for safe use and charging.

Nuts and bolts are the glue that keeps our homes together. If something needs adjusting or swapping out on your bike or certain appliances, a spanner that fits is a must-have. Although it has some limitations, an adjustable spanner meets the need without requiring a range of tools. They fit most everyday nuts and bolts, saving you the faffing of looking for the right tool for the job. 

This might not be a tool, but oil is essential in any home DIY kit. Typically, in a nozzle or aerosol format, a can of oil will quickly silence any squeaking hinge or unstiffen a snagging lock. It’s also great for lubricating some tools that have moving parts too.

The shelves looked straight when you put them up, but on closer inspection, they look a little on the wonky side. You could claim it’s an artistic expression, but we all know the truth. The only way of truly knowing whether an item is straight is to use a spirit level. These handy tools can be picked up at most DIY stores for a reasonable price and can save you a world of hardship later down the line.  

If you’d like to learn more about fitting a shelf correctly, check out our step-by-step guide.  

Maybe you need to establish if that dream sideboard will fit in your space or estimate how much wallpaper you’ll need. To understand the size or quantity you require, you’ll need a measuring device. With a measuring tape, you’ve got it under control in a quick and convenient format that can easily be transported around. 

Everything should have its place in your home, and your tools are no different. Investing in a specific bag for your tools can prevent you from losing them around your home, saving you both time and money in the long run. It’ll also make it much more convenient if you move property or help a loved one out with their home improvements.