What Tools You Need in Your Tool Box for Small DIY Projects
Posted by Laura Rice | Published 22nd May 2025
If you’re wondering what you need in your tool box for small DIY projects, you’ve come to the right place. Having the right tools on-hand will contribute to the smooth running of your projects by maximising efficiency and helping to reduce costly tool-related mistakes.
Small DIY projects are gaining popularity in the UK with the country’s DIY market expected to reach $35.82b in 2025. And with the likes of YouTube providing tutorials on pretty much any DIY project you can think of, there’s no better time to get your tool box contents together in preparation for those tasks.
This guide will talk you through the 8 must-haves in your tool box for DIY projects:
Essential Tools for Your DIY Tool Box
- Screwdriver Set
- Claw Hammer
- Adjustable wrench
- Pliers
- Cordless Drill and Drill Bits
- Utility Knife
- Stud Finder
- Spirit Level
Top 8 Tools Every DIYer Needs in Their Tool Box
Here are the top 8 tools every DIYer needs in their tool box:
Screwdriver Set
Stanley Multi-Bit Ratchet Screwdriver Set With 10 Bits
It’s a good idea to have a screwdriver set that includes a variety of screwdrivers like Phillips, flat head, torx, and hex. You can also keep different lengths to allow you to reach more spaces. Using the wrong screwdriver for the job can result in damage to materials or screws. It’s important you use the screwdriver with the correct torque and head.
The Stanley screwdriver set above comes with 10 interchangeable bits for a space-saving set of screwdrivers.
Claw Hammer
Stanley FatMax Black AntiVibe All Steel Curved Claw Hammer 20oz
There are multiple types of hammers but the most important one for your DIY tool box is the claw hammer. This is suitable for general hammering tasks, particularly around the home. It’s a versatile tool with which you can hang pictures, put up shelving, and build fences. You can also use the claw head to remove nails.
The Stanley claw hammer in the image above is part of the FatMax range and is a 20oz steel hammer. It features patented AntiVibe® technology to minimise shock at impact.
Adjustable Wrench
Bahco 9073 Black Ergo Adjustable Wrench 12in
Buying an adjustable wrench will enable you to work with nuts and bolts of a variety of sizes without having to swap between tools. This will save you time, money, and space. Adjustable wrenches can help you with a wide range of DIY jobs including plumbing, furniture assembly, and mechanical work.
The above image shows a Bahco adjustable wrench with a 34mm jaw capacity. It’s a professional quality, 12-inch wrench that’s both oil and chemical-resistant.
Pliers
If you have a set of pliers, DIY projects that involve cutting, bending, and tightening can be carried out easier. Wiring work, for example, often requires a decent set of pliers, making them a staple addition to your DIY tool box. There are lots of types of pliers, such as long nose pliers, crimping pliers, and combination pliers, to name just a few.
The above image depicts the Amtech 3pc Superior Plier set. It includes 8" Combination plier, 8" Diagonal cutting plier, and 8" Long nose plier.
Cordless Drill and Drill Bits
Einhell 18V Power X-Change Combi Drill
A cordless drill and drill bits are essential inclusion to a tool box for small DIY projects. Whether you’re putting up curtain poles, putting furniture together, or replacing electrical sockets, your drill is going to help you greatly. Drills are also really useful for quickly screwing and unscrewing screws, as well as making holes.
The Einhell 18V Power X-Change Combi Drill you’ll see above is a powerful tool that can handle all your drilling, screwing, and hammer drilling DIY tasks.
Utility Knife
A utility knife is a versatile tool that belongs in practically every tool box. It is a retracting or folding knife that’s designed for a variety of tasks like cutting carpet, sharpening pencils, carving wood, and removing grout from tiles. Save money in the long run by purchasing a durable utility knife with extra blades. Some also have little storage containers for the spare blades.
The Amtech Sliding Utility Knife above is a compact retractable utility knife that comes complete with three extra blades.
Stud Finder
If you’re drilling into drywall or wooden walls to put up shelves, TVs, or mirrors, you’ll need a stud finder. These can detect metal or wooden studs within your walls that provide structural support for walls, enabling you to find the sturdiest places to mount your heavier items. You can also use a stud detector to help you avoid drilling into electrical wires in your walls.
The Bosch Stud Cable Detector pictured above reliably detects objects in your walls for safer DIY projects.
Spirit Level
Stanely FatMax Torpedo Spirit Level
Last on our list of items you need in your tool box for small DIY projects is a spirit level. Their purpose is to determine whether a surface is vertical or horizontal. These are essential for avoiding hanging wonky shelves, pictures, and mirrors. You can also use a spirit level to help you hang wallpaper straight.
The Stanley FatMax Torpedo Spirit Level above provides consistently accurate results and will also fit comfortably in your tool box at 25cm long.
Conclusion
This is a list of essential tools to keep in your tool box for small DIY projects around the home. Use this list as a starting point for your tool box contents and build on your tool selection over time and as you take on more projects.
Need help choosing a tool box? We’ve put together a list of the best tool boxes to suit different trades, including DIYers.