The right DIY equipment

Screwdriver: Screwdrivers with a flat slotted bit in three sizes (small, medium, large) and two of each type of cross-headed drivers (small, large) are sufficient for household use. You should also have an electrician’s screwdriver at home. It is used as a voltage tester. Ideal for DIYers: The Bosch IXO cordless screwdriver is particularly handy and has all imaginable screwdriver bits.

Hammer: The cross-peen hammer with a heavy head is the classical hammer. It is suitable for knocking in nails and for light chiselling work. It is better to use a lighter hammer for knocking in thin pins.

Gripping pliers or cutting pliers: This simple tool enables you to pull out nails and to clip off soft wires and pins.

Spanners: You usually only need this tool in a few sizes (key width 6 – 12 mm). It is better to buy a few brandname spanners rather than complete sets of cheap tools.

Stepladder: This is not one of the tools but it is indispensable for safe working around the house. It is better to invest a few euros in a sturdy stepladder instead of trying to balance on unsteady chairs.