Even if you are not a clever craftsman, you still have to drill a hole in the wall every now and then. We’ll tell you which tool you actually need.
Complete tool cases are available in stores. You don’t do anything wrong with that, but you don’t really do anything right either. You always get things that you don’t need and others are missing. Of course, you can buy what is missing. Besides, suitcases equipped with tools are not cheap if they are of usable quality, cheap offers are worthless. Don’t be fooled by old reputable names when it comes to offers. Many of the companies no longer exist, only the name is stuck on everything possible. The main disadvantage of the all-in-one solution: The supplied case only offers space for the purchased tools – everything else has to be stored separately. It is better to buy a tool box right away, in which tools and necessary accessories such as dowels, screws and the power tool can be stored.
quality
What quality should you buy? Simple answer: the best that can and want to afford. A good tool is an acquisition for life. Even if you are not a do-it-yourselfer, it is not worth saving on screwdrivers and saws. Especially when you are not the perfect craftsman, bad equipment robs you of your last nerve. In general, one can say: the best that is offered in the hardware store corresponds to lower professional quality. You should seek advice from specialist retailers. A layman does not have to spend 200 euros for a set of open-ended wrenches.
Hammer
Nails have gone out of style, but one is still the number one tool. However, you will rarely drive in a nail; you will need the hammer as a striking tool. So don’t use a light hammer, but one that weighs 500 grams.
pincers
The next classic and also a must. You always have to pull something out. Depending on the size of your hand, you should choose one of the two smaller sizes (160 or 180 millimeters). If you also have to do rough work in the garden, allotment garden or shed, you need a second, larger pair of pliers. A rubber coating strengthens the handle.
screwdriver
Nails have practically died out, and for decades people have only been screwed. Unfortunately with a lot of different screw heads. Unfortunately, the times when you could get by with two slotted turners are over. You will encounter a wide variety of types of screws in every household today. You can either get a complete set of screwdrivers, which can then be used to record slotted, Pozidriv, Phillips recess and Torx screws. A set is much cheaper than buying it individually. Since you need the lathe in several sizes, they take up a lot of space. A screwdriver with a bit magazine can also be used for occasional use. You should definitely not take a cheap offer here. If you don’t have any other screwdrivers, you’ll need a set of long bits to get all of the screws. An example from the upper price range: . A little tip: Buy your own screws with only one type of head (Pozidriv or Torx) so that the variety does not get out of hand.
Phase checker
A secured electric screwdriver – slot – is also required. A light emitting diode warns when current is flowing. If you don’t know what phase or neutral means, you’d better not use it.
Hexagon
Speaking of screwdriving: a set of hex keys is also essential. The individual tools should be housed in a holder, otherwise the small hex keys are easily lost. Storage on a ring with metal springs is not recommended. You can hardly get the keys back into their springs after use. Better wrenches have a hexagonal “ball” head on one side so that the hexagon can still be inserted at a slight angle.
For me
One is suitable for fixing, pinching and bending – a must. If you also want to use the cutting surface as a side cutter, the pliers should not be too small, but still have to fit in your hand.
Rohrzange
Pipe wrenches are available in a wide variety of sizes. If you only want to buy one, the jaws should be around 50 millimeters wide. The pipe wrench is adjustable and must therefore be manufactured precisely so that it does not wobble. Drains can be tackled with a pipe wrench. But remember that it is a rough tool and will leave marks. You can work more gently with an additional pliers wrench, such as the .
spatula
You definitely need a spatula – it should be one with a medium width and a firm grip.
Key phrase
If you just want to fix the feet of the washing machine, there is no getting around a set of keys. The best choice for the initial equipment is a set of open-end wrenches. Pay attention to quality, an open-end wrench must have a precise fit. A combination wrench set is better, but more extensive. Of that costs about 40 euros.
Ratchet set
You will also need a set of ratchets. In the household, the “small” 1/4 drive is sufficient. Such a set from Gedore Red is relatively inexpensive.
Nicer variants from Wera or in Gedore professional quality are three to four times as expensive.
saw
A small bow saw with a blade that cuts wood, plastic and metal is sufficient here.
Folding rule and tape measure
A folding rule of two meters and a tape measure of five meters should not be missing. A plastic folding rule won’t break.
Spirit level
So that it gets straight. A long scale is better, it becomes more practical if it still fits in the tool box.
box cutter
A knife with a razor-sharp demolition blade should not be missing. The knife must fix the blade and lie comfortably in the hand. A knife with particularly wide blades is recommended and is more stable.
scissors
You need sturdy and heavy household scissors – no office scissors made from recycled tin cans.
Store
In a pinch, a larger set square will also do so so you can draw a straight angle. It is better to use a special angle made of metal, which you can also use as a cutting edge.
Bicycle tool
There are no other special tools here, but since there is a bicycle in almost every household, we are an exception. You need an air pump. It should work with all valves and have a pressure gauge. You can take an extendable pump with you. Against a flat tire: repair kit and spare tube, possibly sealing spray. It seals normal holes without having to remove the wheel. Lifter for the coats: There are special tool sets for bikes. Very small tools for on the go are always a bit fiddly, they fit in the jacket pocket. That’s good . A set like that is more pleasant from Wera, but it is also significantly larger. Given the rest of the tools in our selection, a small set will do. If you want to completely dismantle a wheel, you need additional special tools.
Multifunction tool
You don’t necessarily need such a multi-tool. But it still helps, as a reinforcement and because you can easily take it with you. But the acquisition needs to be considered. A tool that is good at something is expensive. A costs almost 130 euros – you should do without it if you are on a tight budget.
Power tools
Cordless screwdriver
If your walls are not as hard as a bunker, you can also get smaller dowel holes with a cordless screwdriver without hitting the wall. Then the device must not be too weak on the chest. It should be 12 or better 18 volts. An inexpensive standard device is sufficient for occasional use. Screwdrivers that craftsmen use are unfortunately four times as expensive with a battery. A Einhell also does it for household use . The device costs around 55 euros.
accesories
For the screwdriver you need a bit set with inserts for screwing. Plus a set of multi-purpose drills and special stone drills. If you want to use a cordless screwdriver in the wall, you shouldn’t skimp on stone or concrete drilling.
Multiwerkzeug
A multitool is not one of the classic tools, but it can take on many tasks for the do-it-yourselfer. At the front of the head there is a tool holder that oscillates slightly. The multi-tool can therefore be used for sanding like an orbital sander. But also as an electric saw. Advantage for the layman: The device saws slowly and very controlled. It is not suitable for thick beams, but it is perfect for shortening a strip or sawing recesses in laminate. Even tiles can be processed with the appropriate attachments. Professional devices work more precisely and they dampen vibrations much better. This is important if you work with the device for hours, it is not so important for small assignments. In addition, only your own high-quality and high-priced attachments fit into the holder for branded devices. We would therefore rather recommend a cordless device, which should, however, be operated with 18 volts if the budget allows it. Cable devices are significantly cheaper.
Consumables
You will not be happy with tools alone. You also need material to work with. Sets of different sizes are recommended for screws and dowels. But don’t use a non-name set, this is where quality pays off.
Set of screws (Spax with Pozidriv or Torx head)
Set of dowels from Fischer. If you have “hollow” drywall, you will need special wall plugs
Luster terminals
electrical tape
Gaffa-Tape
Double-sided tape
Tool case – tool bag
All the material fits in a large tool case, the only question is whether you can still carry the case loosely. If not, two boxes are better, the power tool goes in one. Take a close look at the suitcases before buying. We prefer boxes that have a sophisticated storage system for small items in the lid. Whether you have a plastic box or a bag like that prefer is ultimately a matter of taste.
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
