Best DIY tools for your garden projects

If you love to see a project through from start to finish and enjoy home projects, then look no further than our ultimate guide to DIY tools that will help you effortlessly finish your vision as you embark on home improvements. The home DIYer can do countless projects and tasks like building your own garden wall bar without bringing in a professional if you have the right kit.

With around 40 per cent of house sales taking place between May and August, first-time buyers are going to need to be prepped and ready with a list of essential tools ready for their first DIY projects to improve their homes and gardens.

These essential tools will make you the ultimate DIYer and you'll be able to complete most tasks without the help of a joiner or builder. Often doing something yourself can make the task that extra bit satisfying when it is complete. Depending on what things you undertake at home and in your garden, there are some tools on our list that will be useful and will last the test of time.

The top 10 buys for garden upgrades and upcycling endeavours

Here are Modern Gardens Magazine writer Geoff Hodge's favourite DIY tools.

What tools should I have in my toolkit for home improvements?

If you're looking for a quick list of tools to get started, Toolstation, in collaboration with construction expert, Chris Lawson, Managing Director at CK Architectural, has devised a list to invest in that will cost around £200, or cheaper if you can borrow a drill!

Drill driver – around £110 (+ £15 for bits)

Designed to both drill holes and drive in screws, whether you’re putting up blinds or curtains, assembling furniture or installing shelves, this versatile tool will make life much easier. This is an investment so if you can borrow one, by all means, go ahead. Remember, you’ll also need some drill bits and screwdriver bits.

Screwdrivers – around £10

You’ll use manual screwdrivers for more precise jobs like tightening furniture and opening tins of paint. Go for a set of screwdrivers or a multibit screwdriver with interchangeable heads for maximum versatility.

Tape measure – around £5

A tape measure doesn’t need much explanation. A top tip is to take your tape measure with you when going DIY or furniture shopping so there’s never any room for error.

Spirit level – around £8

A spirit level can also be called a bubble level and indicates whether a surface is horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb). Relatively low cost, spirit levels avoid bodged jobs when erecting shelves, hanging mirrors or perfecting a gallery wall.

Claw hammer – around £5

The head of a claw hammer is used for driving in the nails needed to hang things like hooks and photo frames, while the claw is great for retrieving any picture hooks, nails or raw plugs left in the walls. It can also be used for tasks like prising up old carpets.

Step ladder – around £50

A step ladder will come in handy for all sorts of DIY tasks including painting ceilings, changing lightbulbs, and hanging pictures. If you're strapped for cash, a chair may suffice but ask somebody to keep it steady.

Toolbox – around £8

It’s not strictly essential but you’ll want a toolbox to store all your new tools in.

(Bonus) Shared tool libraries

For more challenging DIY jobs, it’s worth checking out local shared tool libraries. These are repositories of tools, like power tools, you can hire.

In our in-depth guide, we have listed the best tools and divided them into six sections:

In terms of DIY tools, some trustworthy brands include Bosch Green, Ryobi, Einhell, Irwin, Stanley and Draper. We have done hours of research to ensure all our recommendations are of the highest quality and value.

The first section is on the best power tools such as the best drill, sander, saw and grinder.

The second is the best saw blades and gloves.

The third section is on the best hand tools such as the handsaw and hacksaw.

The fourth section is the best screwdrivers and spanners.

The fifth is on the best level, vice, clamp, hammer and crowbars.

The last section is on measuring tools and other useful kits and devices.

With that in mind let's jump into the list of the best DIY tools and their uses.

The best power tools: drill, sander, saw and grinder

The best saw blades and gloves

The best hand tools

The best screwdrivers and spanners

The best level, vice, clamp, hammer and crowbar

Best measuring tool and other useful items

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