Why a basic DIY kit earns its keep

Most homes don't need a workshop full of specialist gear. A wobbly chair, a loose hinge, a flat-pack chest of drawers — these everyday jobs call for a handful of reliable tools, not a professional setup. The good news is that you can handle the vast majority of simple repairs and furniture assembly with just four items: a claw hammer, a screwdriver set, a tape measure and a cordless drill. Everything else is a bonus. If you're starting from scratch, this is the foundation to build on.

The four tools that cover almost everything

Choose each of these with care. Spending a little more now will save you frustration later.

• Claw hammer. A 450g (16oz) head with a comfortable grip is ideal. The claw pulls nails; the flat face drives them in. Look for a fibreglass or hickory handle — it absorbs shock better than steel. This is your go-to for tapping dowels into place or persuading a shelf bracket to sit flush.
• Screwdriver set. You need flat-head and cross-head (Phillips and Pozidriv) in a few sizes. Hardened steel tips resist rounding off, and magnetic tips are a genuine help when you're working at awkward angles. For flat-pack furniture, a Pozidriv is often the correct fit — using the wrong type will chew the screw head.
• Tape measure. A 5-metre tape with a locking mechanism and a stiff blade is perfect. You'll use it constantly: checking gaps, measuring shelves, working out if that sofa will fit through the door. A flimsy hook or a blade that buckles after a metre will drive you mad.
• Cordless drill. An 18V drill with two batteries and a set of drill and driver bits handles wood, metal and masonry (with the right bit). Look for a keyless chuck, variable speed and a clutch to stop you over-driving screws. It turns a fiddly job into a two-minute task.

How to choose tools that last

You don't need to spend a fortune, but avoid the very cheapest options. Own-brand tools from a reputable DIY shop are often perfectly good for occasional use. Pick up a hammer or screwdriver and check the balance — does it feel solid? Are the grips comfortable? For a drill, consider the battery system: a brand with a wide range of tools sharing the same batteries lets you expand later without buying new chargers. Second-hand tools can be a bargain, especially old hammers and screwdrivers that often outlast modern budget versions. Just avoid cracked handles or rusted, rounded tips.

Storing and looking after your kit

A tool bag or small toolbox keeps everything together and stops you hunting through kitchen drawers. A bag with a shoulder strap is easier to carry up ladders. Whatever you choose, a few simple habits will keep your tools ready for action:

• Wipe tools down after use, especially if they've been outside or in damp conditions.
• Put a drop of oil on the drill chuck and hammer pivot occasionally.
• Store drill bits in a case so they don't get lost or blunt against each other.
• Keep your tape measure closed when not in use — the spring will last longer.
• Never leave batteries on charge indefinitely; follow the manufacturer's advice.

A little care means your kit will be ready when you need it, even if that's six months from now.

Simple jobs you can tackle straight away

With these four tools, you can handle a surprising range of tasks. Here are a few to get you started:

• Assembling flat-pack furniture — wardrobes, bookcases, bed frames.
• Hanging pictures, mirrors and shelves (using the drill for wall plugs).
• Tightening loose chair legs, door handles and cabinet hinges.
• Building a simple garden planter or repairing a fence panel.
• Putting up a curtain rail or blinds.
• Replacing a plug (with the screwdriver) or fixing a squeaky floorboard (with the hammer and nails).

Start with something small, like assembling a side table, and you'll quickly gain confidence. The four essentials will cover most of what you need for years — add a spirit level, pliers or an adjustable spanner only when a specific job demands them. Before long, you'll have a kit that feels personal and capable, and you'll wonder how you ever managed without it.