Where to Start When You Have Nothing
Everyone who now has a well-stocked toolkit started with an empty one. And the truth is, you don't need to fill it all at once — you need to start with the tools that solve the most problems and add from there.
This guide is written for someone who genuinely has no tools and wants to build a practical, useful toolkit without wasting money on things they won't use.
Phase 1: Buy These First (£50–60 total)
These are the tools you'll reach for on your first five repairs. Every single one earns its place.
Screwdriver set with multiple heads — £8–12
A good set with Phillips (cross-head) and flathead bits in multiple sizes, ideally with a ratchet handle, covers almost every screw you'll meet at home. This is the most-used tool in any household.
Hammer — £10–15
A 16oz claw hammer. The claw end pulls nails. The flat end drives them. You'll also use it to tap in wall plugs, disassemble furniture, and a hundred other persuasion tasks.
Tape measure — £5–8
5-metre locking metal tape. You'll use this every time you hang anything, buy anything for the house, or cut anything to size.
Spirit level — £8–12
Nothing looks worse than a picture hung at an angle. A 60cm spirit level ensures everything you hang is straight. This is one of those tools whose absence is obvious every time you use it.
Pipe and cable detector — £15–20
Buy this before you drill anything. It detects hidden cables and pipes inside walls. One pipe hit or one electrocution risk is more expensive and more dangerous than the cost of this tool.
Phase 2: Add These Within the First Month (£60–80)
Cordless drill/combi drill — £35–60
The biggest single investment in Phase 2 — and well worth it. Drives screws in seconds, drills holes for wall fixings, and opens up dozens of repairs that aren't practical without one. An 18V compact with two batteries is the recommendation.
Adjustable wrench — £8–12
For plumbing work: tightening and loosening nuts on pipes, valves, and tap fittings. One adjustable wrench replaces a large set of fixed spanners.
Pliers — £8–12
Combination pliers for gripping, bending, and manipulating. The unsung hero of tool kits.
Ready-mixed filler + filling knife — £8–10
For wall repairs. Fill holes, cracks, and screw holes in about 5 minutes.
Phase 3: As Repairs Come Up
After Phase 1 and 2, add tools as specific jobs arise. For bathroom sealant work, buy a caulk gun (£10) and silicone sealant. For plumbing jobs, a drain snake (£5–15) and a plunger (£6–10). For electrical work, a non-contact voltage tester (£10–15) is essential.
Organising Your Toolkit
Keep tools in a proper toolbox, not loose in a drawer. A basic plastic toolbox (£10–15) keeps everything in one place, prevents tools from rusting in damp drawers, and means you can find what you need when you need it.
Where to Buy
For the UK, Screwfix, Toolstation, and B&Q offer good value on reliable mid-range brands. Amazon is useful for comparison, but verify you're buying branded tools, not unbranded copies. Brands to trust: Draper, Silverline, Stanley, Makita (for power tools), Bahco (for hand tools).
Your first toolkit is an investment in your home and in yourself. Start with Phase 1 today.