Toolbox essentials for DIY projects
20.8.2025
Translation: Katherine Martin
Pictures: Anika Schulz
If you’re planning on getting into home improvement, you’ll need more than just a hammer and nails. Here’s what’s in my DIY starter pack.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my chaotic kitchen renovation, it’s that I need good tools. That way, I’ll be able to do minor repairs myself in future. In a pinch recently, I had to shorten my new siphon’s immersion pipe using a very blunt saw. It wasn’t fun. And I managed to cut my hand too.
Still, things are looking up. Until now, my «toolbox» consisted of an old moving box full of screws, plugs and drill bits. (For good reason, there’s no photo of it.) After a little tidying up, it’s a completely different story. My DIY stuff is reasonably well organised, sorted into two transparent boxes that I can easily slide under the bed.
Basic tools
If you’re looking to stock up your toolbox too, here are the things I’d consider basic essentials.
- Screws and wall plugs
You can never have enough of these. My dad (a car mechanic) always used to say: «Kid, use Fischer wall plugs. They’re good.» So there you go.
- Screwdriver set (Phillips, slotted head, Torx)
Better to have screwdrivers to hand than find yourself needing one. Especially the star-shaped Torx variety.
Screwdrivers
EUR129,–
PB Swiss Tools Allround set
Phillipps cross recess (PH), Torx (TX), Allen screw, 6-Lobe (Hexalobe), Pozidriv cross recess (PZ), Slotted screws
- Nails for wood and concrete
Wooden nails are for building shelves. Steel nails are for hanging pictures on your wall.
- Hammer
Your nails won’t be much use without a hammer, will they?
- Pipe wrench
Pipe wrenches are used to tighten up water supply connection points. Just be careful not to use too much force, or you could end up damaging it.
- Spirit level
If the floor of your apartment is anywhere near as slanted as mine, one of these tools will be crucial for getting your furniture in a level position.
- Percussion drill
For drilling holes in walls. Thick, hard walls. Wrrrrmmmm. The 18-volt battery pack certainly has some oomph.
Drills + Cordless screwdriver
EUR275,73
Makita DHP482RTJ 18V 2x rechargeable battery-powered impact drill
Rechargeable battery operated
- Electric screwdriver
Technically, the Makita drill I just mentioned also has a screwdriver function. However, if the device is too big for your liking, its little brother from a competing brand will do the job too.
- Silicone spray as a lubricant
Rusty screws or creaky doors to contend with? This spray will get them buttery smooth.
- Small hacksaw
I could’ve used one of these when I was cutting my siphon down to size. They’re also good for sawing nails and other small metal components.
- Ripsaw
This one’s for sawing wood.
- Hose clamps
Use these to make sure the connection between your washing machine or dishwasher and the water supply is watertight.
- Sealing silicone
As my handyman always says, «silicone will fix it.» And he’s right. If you find yourself with a leaky sink, simply apply silicone, let it dry and there you have it.
- Duct tape
This may not be a permanent solution if want to repair something, but it’ll do in the short term.
- Plasters
Because… you know how it is.
- Wheeled storage boxes
I got my boxes from a flea market, but if you’re based in Switzerland, you can order them from Galaxus.
Have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments!
Header image: Anika Schulz
Anika Schulz
Teamleader Editorial
Anika.Schulz@galaxus.deAs a child, I was socialised with Mario Kart on SNES before ending up in journalism after graduating from high school. As a team leader at Galaxus, I'm responsible for news. I'm also a trekkie and an engineer.
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