Essential Tools and Accessories for Beginner DIY Enthusiast
DIY - or do-it-yourself - is one of the fastest-growing trends over the last few years, and we have a list of the essential tools and accessories to get you started.
04/01/2020
I have been doing-it-myself for over 40 years and in the last 14 to 15 years have seen a massive jump in interest for those wanting to learn more about DIY or do-it-yourself crafts and projects. More and more people are realising the value of acquiring a few basic skills to fix, make, repair or improve.
Not only does knowing how to do-it-yourself save you money if done properly, but it also equips you with the basic skills to do basic home maintenance and essential repairs, as well as tackle smaller home improvement projects on your own.
If you are thinking about learning a few DIY skills to make decor accessories or projects, or be able to tackle home maintenance and repairs, there are a few tools and accessories you are going to need. Consider this your 'Essential DIY Tool Kit' for starting out.
POWER TOOLS
First off, you are most definitely going to need three basic power tools, and if you are buying the Bosch 'green' brand, you can start with the entry-level models, as these are powerful enough to get most jobs done for the home DIY enthusiast. And if you're asking why Bosch, my answer would be that Bosch 'green' power tools are perfectly positioned in the market to offer both value for money and get what you pay for - both of which I firmly believe in. I don't see the point of buying cheaper tools that will need to be replaced in a year or two, or more expensive tools with all the 'bells and whistles' you will never use.
• Drill / Driver
Every DIY enthusiast needs a quality drill / driver whether you are making stuff, fixing or repairing, or doing home improvement. Today's drill / drivers are what makes DIY so easy for everyone. Now you never need to use a screwdriver again!
When shopping for a drill / driver, you want to buy a model that does everything, and that includes being able to drill into masonry or bricks and concrete. The Bosch PSB 1800 LI-2 does that. Take a look below and you will see that this model functions as a screwdriver, a drill and has a hammer function. That means you can use this drill / driver to drill holes in walls and concrete, as well as for your DIY projects. Priced from around R2,300, this model offers the best value for money when compared to similar models that don't have the hammer function.
• Sander
While not essential if you are making, repairing or restoring, a quality sander is a handy tool if you do plan on making decor accessories or furniture, restoring or upcycling pieces, or doing home improvement projects. At the DIY-Divas workshops, I generally mention that you need 2 sanders: an Orbital sander and a Random Orbit sander.
I'm not going to go into detail in this article, as you will find more information on both the Orbital and Random Orbit sanders on this page, but an orbital sander is used for general sanding while the random orbit sander is more of a finishing sander. You're only going to need a random orbit sander for projects where a finish is applied, whether sealer, varnish or paint, as it gives a professional finish.
• Jigsaw
If you are making or assembling projects, you might need to do a bit of trimming, cut curves or corners, or trim wood down to size. For this, you are going to need a jigsaw or other cutting tool. Priced at around R650 for the entry-level model, the Bosch Jigsaw does all that you need for home DIY projects. You can buy jigsaw blades to cut acrylic or Perspex, mild steel or aluminium, and timber and board. It's just one of those tools that are handy to have for when the occasion arises.
ACCESSORIES & SUPPLIES
Over and above the power tools, you will also need to purchase a few accessories and supplies. This includes items such as a tape measure, steel ruler, clamps, workbench, as well as accessories for use with the above power tools. We have compiled a list of essentials you will need to stock up your toolbox:
• Tape Measure
• Sturdy Clamps - at least 2 - we recommend Bessey Kliklamp
• Foldable Workbench - or make your own mobile workbench
• Steel Rule - that can be used as a straightedge guide when cutting
• Screwdriver & Drill Bit Sets - we recommend Alpen drill bits
• Electronic Detector - if drilling into tiles or walls
• Safety Gear - Dust mask - safety glasses - gloves
Other consumable supplies include:
• Screws & Fasteners
• Glue & Adhesives
• Wood Filler & Acrylic or Silicone Sealants
Anything else and you can purchase as you need or a project-by-project basis, and all of which you can buy at your nearest Builders store or select online.
