Hand Tools

After five years of DIY homeownership — shelves, flooring, a full bathroom renovation, a deck, a partition wall and more — I have a pretty clear idea of which tools genuinely earn their place in a home and which ones just collect dust. This is the list I’d give any new homeowner: the tools you’ll reach for constantly, the ones that will save you money for years, and the ones that are genuinely worth spending a little more on.

I own about 15 clamps right now and I dream about owning more. My wife thinks I’m slightly unhinged, and honestly? I get it. But ask any woodworker and they’ll tell you the same thing — you can never have too many clamps, and you’ll never truly understand why until you’re mid-project with glue setting and not enough hands. This guide covers every type worth owning, the best brands, and how to build your collection sensibly.

My current tool storage situation is one orange plastic toolbox from B&Q with a handle. It’s simple. It works. But as my tool collection has grown, it’s starting to feel like trying to fit a wardrobe into a suitcase. This guide covers everything from starter boxes (including why a basic one is absolutely fine to begin with) to the proper modular systems worth investing in once your toolkit outgrows it.