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How to choose tools for your toolbox

A table with several useful tools laid out on it

Overview

There are some tools everyone needs for home handy work. We’ll show you the basic safety equipment, hand and power tools you need for all kinds of jobs around the house. Plus, we’ll get a few suggestions for more advanced tools for your kit.

Steps

1Safety equipment for your tool box

When you're doing D.I.Y. jobs around the home, the most important thing is safety. So make sure your tool box has safety glasses and ear muffs. It's also worth having a pair of leather gloves to protect your hands from blades and splinters.

A table with several useful tools laid out on it

2Basic hand tools for your tool box

The hammer is a great general purpose tool - it's good for nailing, knocking and pulling. Add in a wrecking bar, handsaw, measuring tape and pencil, and you've got most basic building jobs covered. For taking apart and putting back together, include a set of screwdrivers, pair of pliers, adjustable wrench, shifting spanner and pair of clamps. Finally, put in a caulking gun for basic gluing and applying silicone sealant.
A pencil and tape measure

3Power tools for your tool box

The drill is one of the most useful power tools you can have. If you decide to get a battery-powered one, choose long-life lithium batteries. Some brands have interchangeable batteries that you can swap with other tools like an impact driver and circular saw. It's also worth getting a few different driver bits for flat head, hex head and Phillips head screws.

Several power drills

4Spirit level and a tool bag

A spirit level is very useful for a lot of building jobs. It is also great to have around for basic jobs like making sure your picture frames are straight and your fridge is sitting level. You should also get yourself a tool bag to store and carry everything around
A heavy duty storage bag for tools

5Other tools you might need

Once you get beyond the basic jobs, there are a few other tools to consider. A hacksaw is great for cutting metal, plastic, screws and nails. Chisels, a nail punch and a combination mitre square are helpful for carpentry. A utility knife is always useful for trimming jobs and a file is great for taking rough edges off metal. Finally, if you are working with nuts and bolts, get some open ended spanners or a socket set.

A square rule, saw, chisels, spanners and boxcutter
Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.