Do you fancy yourself as a handyman? DIY sales soared last year as more and more of us tried our hands at home improvements while stuck indoors. It can be a rewarding and productive pastime – and could even become a part or full-time profession.
But before you get your name out there as a go-to DIYer, you’ll need to make sure you have the right tools for the job. Below are some of the key items to add to your shopping list depending on your skillset.
Hand tools
Basic hand tools offer a foundation for a wide variety of tasks. Your kit list should include a sturdy hammer, a range of wrenches and screwdrivers, and at least one size of plier. Other odd items to add include chisels, files and paint scrapers.
Drills (and drill bits!)
Every handyman needs at least one quality drill. A cordless drill with a hammer motion will get to work on a range of surfaces and materials as long as you have the right mix of standard and specialist bits too, like pilot and hole saw drill bits.
PPE
It’s all too easy to injure yourself while tackling DIY tasks – as shown by the spike in A&E visits at the start of the first lockdown. Key items of PPE include eye and ear protection, knee pads, gloves and sturdy boots.
Ladders
Whether fixing, installing or decorating, there’s a good chance you’ll need a set of ladders. Step ladders often prove crucial for interior jobs, while an extension ladder will help you reach new levels of handiness.
Painting supplies
Painting is one of those seemingly simple yet time-consuming jobs that many of us would rather outsource. Make sure you’re ready to muck in by investing in a range of quality brushes and rollers, plus painter’s tape and protective sheets.
Gardening tools
Do you have green fingers too? Many of us take great pride in our outdoor spaces, so garden work could offer another business opportunity. A list of equipment you might want to have on hand includes a mower, rake, shovel and hedge trimmer.
Toolbox
While the saying goes that only a bad workman blames his tools, it’s essential to keep yours organised and in good condition for optimum results. Invest in secure cabinets for home and sturdy toolboxes for the road to make every job as easy as possible.
Cleaning supplies
Tidying up after yourself will leave a good impression and could increase your business opportunities through referrals. From brushes to cloths and specialist cleansers, tailor your cleaning supplies to the task and mess at hand.
Are you ready to start helping people out in your local area? Equip yourself with the items above and watch the opportunities roll in.


