Basic equipment for DIY enthusiasts and do-it-yourself professionals!

A basic set of tools is essential for practically every household.

We have taken the liberty of briefly presenting and summarizing the most important tools to give you an overview of the basic equipment you need.

Hammer

The hammer is the classic among DIY tools and rightly so: Whether a picture needs to be hung, something needs to be chiselled or even just workpieces need to be bent,

A solid hammer is a must for any DIY enthusiast. Since the hammer is one of the oldest tools, a wide variety of hammer shapes, some of them even bizarre, have evolved over the millennia.

However, our recommendation is the "standard" engineer's hammer with a smooth, square face and a rounded fin. These are available in weight classes from 50g to 2,500g.

For general-purpose use, a 300 or 500g hammer is recommended. If you regularly perform smaller jobs, such as nailing small wire pins into thin wood, a 100-200g hammer would also be a good option.

Tape measure / folding rule

In order to hang a picture neatly and straightly using the hammer mentioned above, a measuring tool is essential. The most commonly used tools here, and not without reason, are the tape measure or steel measuring tape and the folding rule.

While the tape measure, with its small slider that can be attached to workpieces and is characterized by its accuracy and compact size, the folding rule is more commonly used in the construction industry. This is usually somewhat more robust, made of wood or plastic, and somewhat less accurate than the tape measure.

Utility knife

Utility knives and carpet knives cut a wide variety of materials precisely and cleanly. The sharp blade can be easily broken off gradually after wear or replaced with a new one.

The handle is usually reused. For frequent use, it is recommended to purchase a knife with a metal casing and an ergonomic shape.

Side cutters

Where the cutter knife reaches its limits, a side cutter can usually quickly provide a solution.

Unlike scissors, where both cutting edges slide past each other, side cutters perform a biting cut, like pliers.

The direct contact of the two cutting edges allows wires, nails, plastics and many other materials to be cut easily.

If you frequently cut nails or steel, both cutting edges should definitely be hardened. The larger the pliers, the more force they can transfer to the workpiece.

Combination pliers

The all-rounder among pliers, also equipped with a side cutting function, but also versatile in use, for example for bending, holding or pulling.

A quality feature of the pliers is easy to determine: If the pliers can be used easily with one hand and wire can be cut easily.

spirit level

Whether you are hanging a shelf or laying a floor – everything should of course be nicely “level” – ideally right from the start of installation.

Spirit levels are available in a variety of lengths and shapes. We recommend a length of 60-100 cm for home use. This makes the scale easy to store while still being long enough to allow for accurate measurements.

Pipe wrench, water pump pliers or wrench pliers

The classic piping tool for the plumbing sector. Here, too, there are countless sub- and special types for specific areas of use and applications.

The most common pliers in this area are so-called self-locking pliers. These prevent slipping or loosening. However, excessive force can cause permanent damage to this mechanism.

However, for household or DIY purposes, this function is practical and is almost always sufficient.

Metal saw bow / foxtail

There's nothing better for cutting metals and/or wood at home. If something needs to be cut or sawed out quickly, this tool provides a quick and easy solution.

With appropriate guides, both tools can also be used to cut mitres (e.g. skirting boards, handrails, etc.).

screwdriver

There's something for screws almost everywhere. And that's just how it is: As a DIY enthusiast, you won't get very far without a screwdriver set.

When purchasing, be aware that there are different types of screws available. One tool may require a slotted screwdriver, another a Phillips screwdriver, and yet another a Torx or Allen key. Phillips screwdrivers also come with a Pozidrive tip, which features an additional cross-shaped drive for extra grip.

Two-component handles facilitate power transmission and, as a positive side effect, also protect the wrists.

wrench

These wrenches are used for loosening and tightening hex bolts. Whether double-ended, combination, or open-end wrenches, everyone should have a basic set at home.

We recommend a set with sizes from 8-19mm; larger wrench sizes can also be retrofitted individually if required.

A special sub-type are wrenches with a ratchet function, where the ratchet function is integrated directly into each wrench and makes the work process much easier and faster, even in confined spaces.

Ratchet set

A good ratchet set with a reversible ratchet and the most common socket wrenches, which are available in a wide variety of shapes, makes the work much easier.

It's important to consider the socket size (the square drive on the ratchet), which is measured in inches. The most common sizes are ¼", 3/8", ½", and ¾". The larger the socket, the larger the ratchet should be.

The do-it-yourselfer and DIY professional should be best served with a set in the size ½”, which fits almost any key size.