Toolbox Basics: Gear you should own, even if you're not a DIY Pro.
You might think you need to be a DIY expert to have a well-equipped toolbox, but that’s not true at all. There are a few essential tools we think every home should have, even if you don't know how to use them yet.
We know from talking to the folks who come to our courses some of these can seem a bit scary at first but we also know that when you learn how to handle them right, these tools will change what you can get done around the house yourself, and also save you a ton of money in the process.
So let’s talk about the five key tools we think can make home maintenance and repairs much easier: drills and drivers, a circular saw, a jigsaw, a multi-tool, and an angle grinder.
1. Drill and Driver You will find yourself using these two for so much round the house, if you're hanging pictures, putting together furniture, or just tackling minor repairs around the place, a good drill can handle it all. Anyone can learn to use a drill with a bit of practice, and once you get a handle on it, you’ll wonder how you survived without it.
2. Circular Saw At first, this one might seem a touch intimidating, but it’s essential for cutting through large pieces of wood quickly and accurately. Whether you're creating a new piece of furniture or cutting down lumber for a garden project, a circular saw is vital, it’ll make straight cuts effortless and is great for anyone feeling brave enough to tackle those larger DIY projects at home.
3. Jigsaw For more detailed work, a jigsaw is your best friend. It’s perfect for making curved cuts or cutting shapes out of wood, metal, or plastic. If you’re upcycling old furniture or creating one-of-a-kind shelves, this tool will make the job so much easier. It gives you precision and control, which is great for those more detailed jobs.
4. Multi-Tool This one is a jack-of-all-trades, it can cut, sand, scrape, and grind. This tool’s small, oscillating blade can get into tight spaces where other tools can’t reach, making it ideal for a whole load of household tasks. Whether you’re renovating, making repairs, or doing more detailed work, we think the multi-tool is an incredibly handy addition to your toolbox.
5. Angle Grinder Now you may be thinking that an angle grinder is something only professionals use, but it’s great for home projects too. It can cut, grind, and polish materials like metal and stone. If you’re planning on doing any kind of metalwork, masonry, or even just need to remove rust, an angle grinder is very useful.
Learning to use these tools not only equips you to handle home repairs and maintenance but also saves you a lot of money. Hiring professionals for minor jobs can be expensive, and with these tools, you can literally do- it-yourself. Also, the confidence you gain from learning how to use these tools is, well, priceless. You’ll feel more self-reliant and capable of taking on new projects, from upcycling old furniture and minor jobs to maybe gaining the confidence to make more major alterations in your home.
Each small victory gotten from seeing each successful task get ticked off the list, will boost your self-assurance and make you ready and keen to take on the next challenge, and then bring that enthusiasm and confidence to whatever the next project is that you have lined up.
So, even if you’re a complete beginner, consider investing in these essential tools. Learning how to use them around your house means you're not just building projects but confidence too, and who knows what that's going to inspire you to take on next!
Our Build School at Common Knowledge is designed for beginners and the more experienced alike. The courses start from the basics for everyone, with extensive tool training from the off so you feel confident before you even get to any practical part. Our instructors break down each task into simple, easy-to-follow steps and you’ll learn at a comfortable pace that’s right for you, and there’ll always be someone around to help if you get stuck or have questions. So no prior knowledge required—just bring your enthusiasm, curiosity and a can-do attitude and we’ll show you how to become confident enough to tackle those plans for what you want to get done at home.
“The instructors were good fun and made building and power tools a less daunting prospect! I’ve been putting the skills to good use and have surprised myself with how easy it is to build when you know how!.”
