Whether you’re hanging a shelf, refreshing a room, or tackling a garden project, having the right tools can transform a tricky task into a satisfying achievement.

For Irish homeowners, a small but well-chosen toolkit not only reduces frustration and saves time, but also ensures that every job is completed safely and to a professional standard.

From essential hand tools to versatile power tools, the right equipment allows you to approach projects with confidence, efficiency, and pride in a job done properly.

Below, we’ve rounded up the essential tools every DIYer should own, with practical guidance and tips for making the most of them.

In this guide, we cover:

Essential hand tools — the basics for everyday DIY tasks, from measuring and cutting to fastening

Cutting & shaping — techniques and tools to work accurately with timber, metal, and other materials

Power tools — making larger or more complex projects quicker, easier, and more precise

Fixings & fasteners — securing your work safely and ensuring long-lasting results

Safety gear — protecting yourself while tackling any DIY project

Building your DIY toolkit — how to grow a reliable, well-rounded toolkit over time and maintain your tools for longevity

DIY Toolkit Checklist — All the tools you’ll need for home and garden projects

Let’s dive in:

Hand tools – The basics for everyday DIY tasks

Every DIY project starts with a solid set of hand tools.

A well-chosen hammer, like the Stanley Blue Strike Claw Hammer (16oz), is indispensable for driving nails, prising out old fixtures, or performing light demolition work.

Its balanced weight ensures accuracy while reducing wrist strain, making even repetitive tasks easier.

For heavier jobs, such as breaking concrete or tackling more robust demolition, a 10lb Sledge Hammer with Timber Handle provides the extra force needed, turning tough jobs into manageable tasks.

Fastening tools are just as important.

A Pozidriv Cushion Grip Screwdriver is comfortable in the hand, offering extra torque for stubborn screws, while a set of Philips No.2 Screwdriver Bits can be fitted into a compatible screwdriver or drill, providing versatility across a variety of tasks, from assembling flat-pack furniture to hanging cabinets.

Using the right screwdriver reduces hand fatigue and helps prevent stripped screws — a common frustration for any DIYer.

Accurate measurements and level surfaces are vital, particularly in Irish homes where older properties often have uneven floors or walls.

A Dargan Measuring Tape (5m or 50m) is compact, easy to use, and reliable for doors, windows, or furniture projects.

Pair it with a Stanley Fatmax Level (120cm) or a DeWalt Laser Level to ensure everything — from shelves to picture frames — is perfectly aligned.

Tip: measure twice, mark carefully with a carpenter’s pencil, and you’ll avoid wasted materials and time-consuming mistakes.

For cutting and trimming, a Stanley 99E Retractable Blade Knife or Jefferson Utility Knife is essential.

These knives are safe, precise, and versatile, ideal for scoring drywall, trimming boards, or opening packaging efficiently.

Meanwhile, a pair of Combination Pliers (8") and a Dargan 8" Adjustable Wrench will cover most gripping, bending, and tightening jobs around the home or garden, from plumbing fixes to assembling outdoor furniture.

Tips for using hand tools effectively:

• Keep tools organised in a sturdy toolbox or drawer — this saves time and prolongs their life.
• Use a soft mallet or lump hammer for delicate surfaces to avoid marks or damage.
• Store screwdrivers in holders to maintain tip shape and prevent slippage.

Ultimately, hand tools form the backbone of every DIYer’s toolkit.

They are versatile, reliable, and essential for tackling everyday repairs, garden tasks, or home improvements.

With a thoughtfully selected set you’ll be prepared to approach any project with confidence, efficiency, and pride in a job done properly.

Cutting & shaping – Precision at your fingertips

Not every DIY job can be solved with just a hammer and screwdriver.

When it comes to timber, a reliable handsaw is essential, and the 22″ Bahco Handsaw is a perfect choice.

Its sharp, durable blade allows clean, straight cuts with minimal effort, making it ideal for shelving, furniture assembly, or garden projects.

For metal or plastic pipes, a compact Junior Hacksaw (6") is surprisingly powerful, providing precision cuts without taking up much space in your toolkit.

Woodworking requires an extra level of finesse, and the Stanley Dynagrip Wood Chisel is invaluable for refining joints, shaping edges, or making fine adjustments.

Its ergonomic handle ensures control and reduces hand fatigue, which is particularly important during detailed work.

Keeping your tools sharp is just as important as having the right ones.

A Nicholson Chainsaw File is a small but essential accessory — maintaining sharp blades not only speeds up work but also increases safety.

Dull tools require more force, increase the risk of slips, and can damage your materials, which is especially frustrating when working with reclaimed timber or older wood commonly found in Irish homes.

Tips for cutting & shaping

• Always work on a stable surface to maintain control.
• Secure materials with a heavy-duty clamp, such as a Dargan 6″ or 8″ G Clamp, to prevent slips and ensure precision.
• When chiselling or cutting timber, take your time and make incremental adjustments rather than forcing the tool. These will improve accuracy and protect both your materials and your hands.

By combining the right tools with careful technique, cutting and shaping becomes not just easier but genuinely satisfying.

Power tools – Upgrading your DIY game

Once you’ve got the basics covered, a few quality power tools can completely transform how you approach DIY.

Tasks that once took hours — drilling, cutting, or sanding — can now be done in minutes, with more accuracy and less effort.

A Makita 18V LXT 2 Piece Combo Kit, which includes a drill and impact driver, is a true game-changer.

Cordless and versatile, it allows you to drill holes, drive screws, and assemble furniture without being tethered by trailing cables, making it ideal for use anywhere in the home or garden.

Pair it with the correct drill bits — masonry bits for walls, timber bits for wood, or metal bits for steel and aluminium — and you’ll tackle tasks quickly and safely.

For cutting curves or awkward shapes, the Worx WX543.9 Jigsaw (20v) delivers both precision and flexibility.

It’s perfect for creating shelves, furniture components, or garden projects, and its ergonomic design keeps hand fatigue to a minimum during longer cuts.

If you need something tougher, the DeWalt 18V XR Brushless Angle Grinder is indispensable.

It handles cutting, grinding, and polishing harder materials such as metal, tiles, or concrete with efficiency that manual tools simply can’t match.

Surface preparation is another area where power tools shine.

The Draper 20V Mouse Sander and Makita Sheet Orbital Sander make smoothing timber, walls, or furniture far quicker and more precise than sanding by hand.

A smooth surface improves the final finish and reduces the risk of mistakes during painting or varnishing.

Tips for using power tools

• Always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye and ear protection.
• Keep batteries charged, but store them separately to prolong their life.
• Use clamps or a stable surface when cutting or sanding to maintain accuracy.

Investing in these few key tools transforms a DIYer from a keen amateur into an efficient home improver, equipping you to handle larger, more complex projects confidently and professionally — whether it’s furniture, garden structures, or home renovations.

Fixings & fasteners – Securing your work safely

Even the most carefully measured, cut, or shaped project won’t stand the test of time without the right fixings.

Choosing high-quality nails, screws, wall plugs, and clamps ensures that your work is secure, durable, and safe — essential in Irish homes where solid block walls and older timber are common.

For general household tasks such as fixing skirting boards, picture frames, or light shelving, Round Wire Nails (1kg) are a versatile staple.

When working with masonry or block walls, Thorsman Red Wall Plugs (5.5×35) provide a strong and reliable anchor, giving confidence that heavier fittings — like cabinets or mirrors — will stay securely in place.

Matching the right screws and plugs to the material is key; using the wrong type can result in splitting, slipping, or even accidents.

Clamps are often underestimated but are essential for safe, precise work.

A Dargan Heavy Duty G Clamp (6") holds materials steady during cutting, drilling, or gluing, reducing slips and mistakes while keeping your hands safe.

For more specialised projects, Roofing Punch Tools allow accurate nail placement without damaging surrounding materials, while packs of Paslode Bright Ring Nails are ideal for timber framing or decking.

Tips:

• For woodworking, applying even pressure with clamps for at least 30 minutes when gluing ensures a solid, lasting bond.
• Keep fasteners organised in trays or boxes to save time and prevent frustration mid-project.
• Store nails and screws in dry conditions to protect them from rust — a particular concern in Ireland’s damp climate.
• Always pre-drill holes in harder materials to prevent splitting.
• Check that plugs and screws are rated for the weight of the item being fixed.
• Use clamps whenever possible to stabilise your work.

By combining the right tools with the correct fixings, your DIY projects are not only easier to complete but built to last.

Safety gear – Protect yourself first

DIY can be hugely rewarding, but it’s only enjoyable if you stay safe.

Even a small mishap can turn a simple project into a stressful or painful experience, which is why protecting your hands, eyes, lungs, and ears is non-negotiable.

Work gloves, like Showa Green Gloves, provide reliable protection against cuts, scrapes, and splinters while giving extra grip for handling tools and materials.

For chemical handling or wetter tasks, Chemco Long PVC Gloves offer added protection without compromising dexterity.

Eye protection is equally important: Safety Specs Blue or Clear Face Shield Safety Visors shield your eyes from flying debris when cutting, drilling, or grinding.

Dust and fine particles are often overlooked hazards, especially during sanding, painting, or insulation work.

A Valved Dust Mask (FFP2) filters out harmful dust and irritants, helping to prevent long-term respiratory problems.

Similarly, exposure to loud tools — from grinders to saws — can damage hearing over time.

Ear Muffs provide simple yet effective protection, making noisy tasks safer and more comfortable.

Tips for consistent safety:

• Choose gloves that fit well and masks that are breathable.
• Always check that eye protection fits securely.
• Store your safety gear alongside your main toolkit so it’s never an afterthought.

By investing in quality safety equipment and using it consistently, you not only protect yourself but also make DIY tasks more efficient and enjoyable, knowing that safety comes first.

Building your DIY toolkit – Grow a reliable, well-rounded kit

Creating a reliable DIY toolkit doesn’t happen all at once — it grows with experience and the projects you take on.

Begin with the hand tools you’ll use most often.

As you gain confidence, gradually add power tools, fixings and safety gear.

Opting for trusted brands like Stanley, Bahco, Makita, DeWalt, Draper, and Worx ensures tools that last, giving you the confidence to tackle projects around your home or garden.

Tip: take care of your tools by cleaning them, sharpening blades regularly, and checking batteries or moving parts. Even simple maintenance keeps tools performing reliably and makes every project smoother and more satisfying.

DIY Toolkit Checklist – All the tools you’ll need

Every successful DIY project starts with the right tools at your fingertips.

This checklist is designed to help Irish homeowners and DIY enthusiasts build a well-rounded toolkit, covering everything from essential hand tools and cutting equipment to power tools, fixings and safety gear.

Tick off each item as you assemble your kit, and you’ll be fully prepared to tackle home and garden projects efficiently, safely, and with confidence.

Or Download the printable version of the Checklist

Hand Tools
[ ] Stanley Blue Strike Claw Hammer (16oz)
[ ] 10lb Sledge Hammer with Timber Handle
[ ] Pozidriv Cushion Grip Screwdrivers
[ ] Philips No.2 Screwdriver Bits set
[ ] Dargan Measuring Tape (5m or 50m)
[ ] Stanley Fatmax Level (120cm)
[ ] DeWalt Laser Level
[ ] Stanley 99E Retractable Blade Knife
[ ] Jefferson Utility Knife
[ ] Combination Pliers (8")
[ ] Dargan 8" Adjustable Wrench

Cutting & Shaping Tools
[ ] 22" Bahco Handsaw
[ ] Junior Hacksaw (6")
[ ] Stanley Dynagrip Wood Chisel
[ ] Nicholson Chainsaw File
[ ] Dargan Heavy Duty G Clamp (6" or 8")

Power Tools
[ ] Makita 18V LXT 2 Piece Combo Kit (Drill & Impact Driver)
[ ] Worx WX543.9 Jigsaw (20v)
[ ] DeWalt 18V XR Brushless Angle Grinder
[ ] Draper 20V Mouse Sander
[ ] Makita Sheet Orbital Sander
[ ] Drill bits: masonry, wood, and metal

Fixings & Fasteners
[ ] Round Wire Nails (1kg)
[ ] Thorsman Red Wall Plugs (5.5×35)
[ ] Screws matched to wall or material type
[ ] Roofing Punch Tools (optional)
[ ] Paslode Bright Ring Nails (for timber framing or decking)

Safety Gear
[ ] Showa Green Gloves
[ ] Chemco Long PVC Gloves
[ ] Safety Specs Blue
[ ] Clear Face Shield Safety Visor
[ ] Valved Dust Mask (FFP2)
[ ] Ear Muffs

Need help building the perfect DIY toolkit?

At MyBuildingSupplies.ie, we understand that a well-equipped toolkit is the foundation of every successful home or garden project.

That’s why we provide expert guidance, practical tips, and advice on assembling a reliable, safe, and versatile set of tools — from hand tools and cutting equipment to power tools, fixings, and safety gear.

Whether you’re tackling everyday repairs, ambitious DIY projects, or simply looking to improve efficiency and safety around your home, our insights will help you work smarter and with confidence.

With the right tools, techniques, and safety practices, you can approach any DIY task with pride, knowing your projects are built to last.

Your home and garden deserve the best — and with the right toolkit, you’ll be ready for anything.