Category: Tools & Hardware

Every home needs a basic tool kit to resolve the more straightforward household issues as they arise. Such problems usually occur when you least expect it, so being equipped in advance is half the battle. No shed or toolbox is complete without the following 10 items.

Shopping List

Tape measure | Drill | Drill bits | Torch | Screwdriver | Hammer | Adjustable wrench | Hand saw | Torpedo level | Needle-nose pliers | Utility knife

1. Tape Measure
Having a reliable method of taking accurate measurements is essential. The fact that the tape measure is used daily by professionals across a variety of fields says it all! It offers pin-point accuracy when measuring anything from the diameter of a small hole to the dimensions of a large room.

We recommend a retractable tape with a thumb lock for ease of use.

2. Electric Drill & Bits
The drill is one of the most versatile tools out there. Like the tape measure, it is used widely across various industries. It makes the creation of a hole or the insertion of a screw effortless.

3. Torch
A torch is a necessity in every home, especially for DIY jobs in dark corners, under the stairs or in the attic. It also has its time to shine when there’s a problem with the electricity.

4. Screwdriver
The screwdriver is yet another vital item, which is dynamic in its uses.

The Phillips screwdriver is generally preferable due to its increased strength; however, a flat screwdriver is needed for its matching screw types.

5. Hammer
Having a hammer in your shed is a no-brainer! Its primary function is of course to drive items into places such as nails into a shelf or a wooden garden post into the ground. We recommend a hammer with a claw on one end to remove nails.

You should choose a hammer with a comfortable grip that is a suitable size and weight for your needs.

6. Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable wrench is a multi-purpose gripping tool, ideal for undertaking various household tasks.

A fixed-size wrench is generally stronger than its adjustable relation, though can only be used if the feature that needs to be loosened or tightened fits the wrench.

7. Hand Saw
Around since Ancient Rome, the hand saw remains a valued tool, even with the motor-powered saws now available on the market. Its portability is an advantage; it is light and doesn’t require a power source. Manual sawing also allows for more detailed work and is safer. It is more agile for tight, confined spaces where a powered saw would be dangerous.

8. Torpedo Level
After a dripping tap, is there anything more annoying than a picture or mirror not hanging straight? A torpedo level is essential for the installation of anything that needs to be straight or aligned, e.g. shelves, skirting boards, cupboards, etc.

9. Needle-Nose Pliers
Having a pair of needle-nose pliers to hand can be of immense value across a wide variety of common household tasks. Its most popular use is by electricians working with the wiring. Other uses include assembling furniture and holding nails in place while hammering.

10. Utility Knife
A utility knife is highly useful for the swift and precise cutting of light material. There will always be cutting jobs that require a simpler solution than a hand saw or power tool and this is the solution.

We recommend a retractable utility knife. Retracting the blade when not in use is safer and also helps maintain the blade.

A well-organised shed will save you the time and energy otherwise wasted rooting for what you need or trying to squeeze your lawnmower back in. Our clever and easy shed storage and organisation ideas will help you organise your shed.

1. Keep hand tools handy! Install hooks on the wall or the back of the door to hang small hand tools and paint brushes.

2. Hang long-handled garden tools, so they are easily accessible but out of the way. Attach a tool hanger to the wall and store your long-handled tools like rakes and shovels, in a neat and orderly line.

3. Use a garden carry-all. Keep frequently used items together, such as gloves, hand tools, twine, pruning shears and weed killer in a handy basket, crate or carry-all bag. This makes it quick and easy to grab what you need and go, rather than rummaging around collecting all the same bits each time you want to tend to your garden.

4. Take advantage of the power of magnets. Use magnets to hold and organise metal tools such as pruning shears, trowels, screwdrivers and even drill bits. Mount a strong magnetic bar in an easy-to-reach spot on the wall.

5. Shed Shelving is Essential. As you may be gathering from our first few tips, the key to a tidy and organised shed is getting as much off the floor as possible. That means optimising all available wall space. Shelves tend to become untidy quickly, but a few are necessary to store tool cases, plant pots, etc. to free up floor space.

6. Use jars to store small objects. Jars make an ideal and cheap storage place for screws, bolts, nuts and bits. Choose see-through jars so you can spot what you’re looking for easier. Mounting jars to the underside of a shelf will save yourself valuable shelf or counter space. Simply attach the lid of the jar to the underside of the shelf with two or three screws, and you can then unscrew the jar from the lid when you need it.

7. Use the ceiling space. Make the most of the shed space by using the ceiling to create overhead storage. There are hooks and rails available from which you can hang storage crates. Take care to mount objects safely so there is no risk of them falling down. You will also need to be aware of the construction of your shed and the maximum weight the ceiling can safely support.

8. Label everything. There’s no bigger frustration when it comes to shed organisation than having to open box after box to find what you’re looking for. Use a label machine or a good, old-fashioned marker to clearly mark what is in each box.

9. Keep your hose untangled. Untangling a garden hose is a difficult job for even the most experienced gardener! Keep your hose tangle free by hanging it on a hanger or reel, or by wrapping it around an old bucket.

10. Clear out. Every now and again make sure to clear out junk from your shed. Get rid of any unwanted or broken garden items that are just taking up valuable space in your shed. If unwanted or unused items are in good condition, consider selling them online or better again, donating them to your local charity shop.