So, you’re taking on a home renovation project. Whether it be replacing an old fireplace, gutting and replacing your kitchen, or simply re-decorating the lounge, you’ll need some home renovation tools that won’t let you down!
Five years ago, we purchased our first renovation project, a 1960s three-bed house with a VERY overgrown garden and a dated interior. We rather naively decided that we would be able to just re-decorate and move in within a few months…
A re-wire, re-plumb, and a dormer extension later, we were finally ready to even begin to think about the decorations. We also played down the need for a proper set of home renovation tools, so we started to invest, and it was the very best thing we could have done.
1. Invest in a Quality Drill and Battery
We did the usual and googled ‘best drill,’ but you’re met with thousands of reviews online about drills that are perfect for different types of projects. So, we took the plunge and bought an Einhell brushless drill with a 4 amp hours charger, and this thing has been incredible.
We’re not techy people, and we’re not people who wanted to know the ins and outs of which drill was best; we just wanted a good drill that would be a ‘Jack of all’ and stop us from having to use hand tools. I’m not exaggerating when I say that this is now the first tool that we reach for whenever we start a new project. It has not let us down in the three years we were renovating our first home and the year we’ve now been doing this new home. A must-have, and I would recommend the whole set of tools by Einhell if I could. Plus, they’re not mega expensive, so even more reason to invest.
2. A Good Pry Bar or Crowbar
This sounds ridiculous, but you’ll need a crowbar for more things than you dare to think of—lifting floorboards, opening paint tins, prying out old nails/pieces of wood. There are countless times where they’ll come in handy.
We got ours from Wickes, and it was a cheap and cheerful one. At the end of the day, a solid metal bar is a solid metal bar regardless of the brand, and it’s a home renovation tool you’ll use again and again.
3. A Hammer Drill
I’m going to level with you; when a hammer drill needs to come out, you know it’s going to be a hot, sweaty job that includes lots of swearing and throwing things. But maybe that’s just me…
As home improvement tools go, a good hammer drill has been an absolute lifesaver. Here’s where they come in handy:
- Drilling into Brick: If you’ve ever drilled into brick, you’ll know that it can be a son of a b!tch sometimes. If you’re trying to do it with a regular brushless drill like I used to back in our first renovation, you’ll know that it’s basically impossible. Here’s where the hammer drill comes in. They are usually attached to the mains because of the amount of power they kick off, but sometimes you can get a battery-powered option. Ours, again from Wickes, does a great job of getting into brick walls, which is more apparent in our new renovation where nearly every wall is brick…
- Hanging Curtain Poles and Blinds into Lintels: This is my least favourite job by far—hanging blinds and curtain poles into lintels which are usually always above a window is an absolute farce. However, a hammer drill does make all the difference here and is the perfect home renovation tool. Sometimes you start to drill and it glides through easily with a little force. Other times you’re pushing your whole bodyweight onto the wall with your other half behind pushing you too. There’s no in-between. This is because lintels are just solid concrete blocks and drilling through them is next to impossible if you pick the wrong bit. Expect to completely ruin your plaster and have to backfill once you’ve drilled the hole—this is normal.
4. A Good Stanley Knife or Cutting Blade
This is pretty self-explanatory, but you’ll use a good Stanley knife for a lot of things and things you didn’t even think you’d need them for. Sharpening pencils, opening the tops of No More Nails, opening packaging, cutting out old caulk, or even cutting plasterboard—there’s plenty of reasons why a Stanley knife should make it into your list of home renovation tools.
5. A Solid Tape Measure
You’ll use a tape measure almost every single day of your renovating life. This is why it’s made it onto the list of important home renovation tools. But there are some important things to consider when selecting your tape measure from our own renovating experience:
- Get a Tape Measure that’s 5m-10m in Length: Stanley tape measures seem to be the best of the bunch for us, and they do 5m-10m lengths. This may sound like overkill, but trust me, you’ll need it. Why buy a larger size? Because of your garden and any larger rooms you may have. A 3m tape just won’t cut it, and in those rooms, while you’re measuring, you’ll end up getting stressed out because it’s at the end of its tether—literally. A 5m tape might do the job, but a 10m tape from Stanley will be the tool you’ve always wanted and won’t let you down.
- Don’t Buy a Cheaper Brand: We’ve bought tape measures before that were cheap and cheerful, and they break at the slightest bit of tension or the slightest drop from height, which you will do. Invest in a good one like a Stanley—it won’t let you down.
6. A Circular Saw or Good Wood Saw
A reliable saw, whether it’s a circular saw or a high-quality wood saw, is a cornerstone of any home renovation toolkit. Why? Because precision cuts are the foundation of professional-looking results. A circular saw is perfect for cutting large sheets of wood, making quick, straight cuts with ease. It’s versatile and powerful, handling everything from framing to crafting custom furniture pieces. If you’re dealing with more intricate woodwork, a good wood saw will give you the control and finesse needed for detailed projects. Investing in a high-quality saw ensures you have the versatility and precision required to tackle a wide range of renovation tasks.
7. Orbital Sander
An orbital sander is another tool that often flies under the radar but is crucial for achieving smooth, professional finishes. Whether you’re refinishing old furniture, prepping walls for painting, or installing new flooring, an orbital sander saves you hours of manual sanding. Its rapid, consistent motion ensures an even finish, removing imperfections and preparing surfaces for the next stage of your renovation. For anyone serious about home improvement, this tool is a game-changer, turning rough surfaces into polished perfection with minimal effort.
8. A Laminate Flooring Hook
Finally, the humble laminate flooring hook. This might not be the most glamorous tool, but if you’re installing laminate flooring, it’s indispensable. This tool helps you fit those tricky last rows of laminate perfectly against the wall, ensuring a snug, secure fit without damaging the boards. It makes the installation process smoother and more efficient, saving you from potential headaches down the line. With a laminate flooring hook, you’ll achieve a professional finish, making your new floors look seamless and pristine.
Conclusion
Diving into a home renovation project is no easy task, but having the right tools can make the journey significantly smoother and more enjoyable. Each of these tools plays a specific role in ensuring your renovations are done right the first time. Whether it’s the precision of a circular saw, the smooth finish achieved by an orbital sander, or the perfect fit ensured by a laminate flooring hook, these tools are indispensable. So, equip yourself with these essential home renovation tools, and turn your renovation dreams into reality with confidence and ease.
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