Home Renovation Tools
What Tools Do I Need? Tool Lists for 12 Common Home Jobs
Quick tool and materials lists for common jobs: hang a shelf, assemble furniture, lay tile, change an outlet, hang curtains, mount a TV, fix a door, seal a bath and more.
Instead of starting from the tool, start from the job. Below are tool lists for the most common home tasks, split into must-have tools and helpful extras. Each links to a detailed guide or project where we have one. For an interactive version, try the Tool Finder.
Hang a shelf
Tools
- Drill (combi drill or rotary hammer for masonry)
- Drill bits for the wall type
- Stud / wire detector
- Spirit level (or laser level)
- Tape measure, pencil
- Screwdriver or bit
- Wall anchors suited to the wall and load
Full walkthrough: how to hang a shelf.
Assemble flat-pack furniture
Tools
- Screwdrivers PH2 / PZ2 and flat
- Hex keys (usually supplied)
- Drill-driver on low clutch (optional)
- Rubber mallet
- Utility knife for packaging
- Spirit level; wall anchors for anti-tip kits
See flat-pack furniture assembly.
Lay floor or wall tiles
Tools
- Tile cutter, tile nippers, diamond blade or wet saw
- Notched trowel, margin trowel
- Paddle mixer and buckets
- Spirit level, laser level, spacers, levelling clips
- Grout float, sponges, silicone gun
- Knee pads, safety glasses, gloves
Details: tiling tools.
Replace an outlet or switch
Tools
- Two-pole voltage tester and non-contact tester
- Insulated screwdrivers
- Wire strippers, side cutters
- Headlamp, breaker lock-off
- Spirit level
Follow the outlet replacement guide and check local rules first.
Mount a TV on the wall
Tools
- Drill or rotary hammer, correct bits
- Stud finder / wire detector
- Spirit level
- Socket set or wrench for lag bolts
- Heavy-duty anchors rated for the TV and mount
See how to mount a TV.
Hang curtain rods or blinds
Tools
- Drill with suitable bits, wall anchors
- Spirit level, tape measure, pencil
- Stepladder
- Screwdriver
Patch a hole in drywall
Tools
- Utility knife, jab saw
- Filling knives 100 mm and 250 mm
- Patch kit or offcut of plasterboard, mesh tape
- Joint compound, sanding block
See how to patch drywall.
Paint a room
Tools
- Roller, covers, extension pole, tray
- Angled brush for cutting in
- Painter's tape, drop cloths
- Filler, knife, sanding block
- Stepladder
See painting tools.
Re-seal a bath or shower
Tools
- Sealant remover tool or plastic scraper, utility knife
- Isopropyl alcohol and cloths
- Sanitary silicone, caulking gun
- Masking tape, smoothing tool
Fix a sticking or sagging door
Tools
- Screwdriver or drill-driver
- Longer screws for hinge fixings
- Hand plane or sander
- Wood chisel, pencil
Replace a tap (faucet)
Tools
- Adjustable wrenches, basin wrench
- Water pump pliers
- Bucket, towels, headlamp
- PTFE tape, silicone
Lay laminate flooring
Tools
- Tapping block, pull bar, spacers, rubber mallet
- Jigsaw or mitre saw; utility knife
- Oscillating multi-tool
- Tape measure, square, pencil, knee pads
Frequently asked questions
What tool is used most across home jobs?
A drill-driver, closely followed by a spirit level, tape measure and screwdrivers.
Should I buy tools for every job?
No. Buy core tools and rent or borrow specialist ones. See buy, rent or borrow.
This guide is general information, not professional advice. Always read your tool's manual, use the right protective equipment and follow local building and electrical codes. See our disclaimer.