Welcome

There are a few essentials which really are worth having close to hand.

Screwdrivers
A set of screwdrivers in a range of sizes and different shaped tips, including a cross-headed screwdriver

Hammer
A medium weight claw hammer is useful when hanging pictures or removing nails

Wrench
An adjustable wrench is essential for fixing small leaks in pipes and radiators. Make sure that the weight is appropriate for the person who is likely to be using it

Drill
A rechargeable battery powered drill.They are more convenient for drilling the odd hole here and there

Spirit level
Essential for putting up shelves and ensuring they are level

Tape measure
Retractable steel and the bigger the better

DIY Toolkit -
Every home should have one

Know your purlin from your pointing If you are one of those people who can never find a tape measure when you need one, or you’re always searching for the right screwdriver, now is the time to get yourself a decent home toolkit.

Blown or Live plaster
Plaster that’s lost its bond with the wall

Cavity Wall
Usual construction for external walls with an inner and outer leaf and a space for insulation

Damp-Proof Course
Layers of impervious material to prevent passage of water

Efflorescence
Natural salt in bricks. May cause white stains

Flashing
Weather-proofing at the junction of a roof with a wall

Gable
Side end of property

Header Tank
Small open cistern (tank) that feeds water to central heating system

Lintel
Beam, normally of concrete or metal (sometimes timber), spanning doors and
window openings to support wall above

Pointing
Mortar in joints between bricks

Purlin
Horizontal timbers in roof space, which provide intermediate support to rafters

Reveal
Vertical side of face of opening for window or door between frame and face of wall

Render (Harling in Scotland)
Sand-cement coating on external walls

RSJ
Reinforced steel joist

Screed
Sand and cement mix used to provide smooth surface prior to floor finish

Second Fixing
Items fitted following plastering – including joinery, cupboards, plumbing and
electrical fittings

Skim
Finishing coat of plaster

Gaffer Tape
Thick black tape that’s strong enough to bind things together, stop small leaks or cover a hole in a window until the experts arrive

Plastic tool box
It’s lighter than metal and it won’t rust. Make sure it’s big enough; it is amazing how toolkits grow. Keep spare plugs and fuses in it and a list of local emergency
numbers

Torch
A rechargeable one kept in an easy to reach place so that if the power fails you can find it

A word of advice In general the more you pay for tools the better quality they are. It really is worth paying a little more to get tools which will last much longer and, if you look after them, they will continue to work more efficiently for their lifetime.