Your toolbox is there to equip you for the job at hand. But whether it’s a quick fix or a long project, it’s important to ensure that your tools support your safety and comfort. That’s where ergonomic design comes in. Increasingly, tools are being designed to reduce user stress and fatigue, while also promoting long product life. So, whether you’re taking on your first restoration project, or you’re a DIY aficionado looking to update your toolbox, our guide to the top ten toolbox essentials will help you get kitted out with the right tools for the job.

Claw hammer

You can’t have a toolbox without a hammer, and finding the best hammer for you is the first step in building up your tool collection. A claw hammer is a good place to start. They are suitable for most home DIY projects, used to drive a nail into the wall, and extract it out.

If you haven’t replaced your hammer for years, it’s worth considering an upgrade. Newer hammers are ergonomically designed for comfortable use and a long life span.

Instead of choosing a wooden-handled hammer, which can split after extended use, a hammer with a fibreglass handle such as our Faithfull Claw Hammer will not only last for years to come, but will dampen shock and vibration to reduce user fatigue.

Electric drill

An electric drill is a DIY essential. The first thing to consider is if you want to go corded or cordless. Because they don’t need a heavy battery pack, corded drills are usually lighter than their cordless equivalents. However, you will need to purchase an extension lead to allow greater mobility during use.

The major advantage of a cordless drill is that you can take it anywhere without being restricted by cable lengths or a lack of mains sockets. Cordless drills now use efficient and fast-charging lithium-ion batteries, a new technology which allows the battery to hold its power for longer and charge more quickly. If you need a new drill or are considering updating an older model, we recommend the DeWalt Combi Drill, a great all-rounder suitable for use on a range of materials including wood, steel and masonry and supplied with a 4.0Ah Li-Ion battery.

Tape measure

The humble tape measure is one of the most widely used tools in the world, and an absolute must-have. At Covers, we stock a wide range of tape measures. We recommend opting for an 8m length, to ensure suitability for both large and small rooms. Look out for measures with a nylon coated steel blade – this ensures a longer product life.

Wrench

 A wrench is essentially an adjustable spanner. With jaws that can be narrowed or widened as required, they are a very flexible tool. The Bahco Ajustable Wrench Triple Pack is a good choice. It contains three wrenches of 150mm, 200mm and 150mm, with 20-30mm capacities, meaning you can find the perfect size for a huge range of nuts and bolts.

Knife

From cutting dry lining, vinyl and carpet to scoring plasterboard or simply opening packaging, a good knife is essential for your toolbox. A utility knife is the most versatile for everyday use. For safety, make sure you choose a knife with a retractable blade, such as the Stanley Instant Change Retract Knife.

Hand Saw

When choosing a saw, it’s useful to consider the number of teeth per inch. More teeth will give a finer cut, and fewer will produce faster, but rougher results. Our Jack 880 UN Universal Hand Saw, with 8 TPI is a good all-round tool, suitable for a wide range of DIY and building projects.

Pliers

If you don’t yet own a pair of pliers, the most useful, all-around choice are combination pliers. The jaws are designed to grip, twist and cut a range of materials. Our OX Pro Combination Pliers are made using high quality hardened chrome steel, with hardened edges for a strong grip. We also stock a range of pliers for trade use, including waterpump pliers and long nose pliers.

Spirit Level

Used to check the alignment of vertical and horizontal surfaces, a good quality spirit level is essential for projects requiring accuracy of measurement. We recommend the Ox Pro Level. It features dual view, individually calibrated vials for precise levelling and a magnified vial for better readability.

Sanding

Electric and industrial sanders are invaluable when sanding concrete, metal, plastic and large, or especially rough, wood surfaces. However, for most home DIY projects, hand-sanding will be sufficient. The OX Pro Hand Sander is designed with a soft grip handle, to reduce fatigue while sanding large surfaces.

Screwdrivers

When it comes to screwdrivers, you really do need the right tool for the job. Screws come in a wide range of sizes, and you need the screwdrivers to match. Our Fold Out Screwdriver Set contains standard and precision bits and sockets which will suit any job, with interchangeable screwheads attached to the blade with a powerful magnetiser/demagnetiser system.

At Covers, we supply a wide array of tools to everyone from professional tradespeople and construction workers, to DIYers. If you need any further help or would like to speak to one of our friendly team about the other services we offer, give us a call on 0800 2100 458, or visit your nearest depot for some in-person advice.