Are you someone that enjoys having a go at fixing things around the house? If so, you’ve probably got a few tools you keep in a toolbox. You’ll undoubtedly use some things more than others, such as screwdrivers, adjustable spanners, and electrical tape.
But did you know that it makes sense to add a few unusual tools to your collection? At first glance, you might not think you need them, and you may even question why any DIYer would have them in the first place.
However, they can prove invaluable for various jobs at home, especially ones where you might not necessarily need to use standard tools. With that in mind, take a look at the following unusual things you should consider adding to your toolbox:
1. Clamps
You may not think it right now, but there will come a time where you need to join two pieces of wood or other surfaces together. To do that, you’d usually glue, nail, or screw those items together.
Clamps can come in handy because they’re perfect for keeping glued surfaces together while the adhesive sets. Plus, even if you’re not glueing things together, clamps are ideal for keeping two materials stuck together while you’re driving nails or screws through them.
You can get clamps in various sizes, and it’s possible to buy a multi-pack of clamps to suit different sized applications. They’re great for small projects or complex ones like kitchen renovations, for example.
2. Glue Gun
You probably use superglue for affixing small items that have broken. However, there will be times where you need to use a substantial amount of glue, such as for sealing gaps or surfaces.
A glue gun is a perfect addition to your toolbox that can take care of such requirements. Websites like Glue Guns Direct sell various sized glue guns as the glue sticks you can use in them come in different size diameters.
Glue guns are versatile in that you can use them for all kinds of applications around the home.
3. PTFE Tape
As you probably know, the pipes going in and out of central heating radiators can sometimes leak at their connection points. That’s due to the constant expansion and contraction of the metal surfaces.
Over time, those connections might have a build-up of scale or rust in the system, and they can impact sealing points. One way to virtually guarantee leak-free radiators is by using PTFE tape around the threads of pipe connection points.
PTFE tape is very thin and easy to apply. It also takes up little space in a toolbox, and it’s extremely cheap to buy. It’s always worth having some just in case you need it.
4. Multi-Angle Measuring Tool
You’ve probably got a ruler at home that you use when you need to measure things. But, it can be pretty cumbersome to use a single ruler for several measurements, especially when you’re dealing with angles.
Did you know that one time-saving item you could keep in your toolbox for such purposes is a multi-angle measuring tool? Take a look at this review from Fully Instrumented on the different types of multi-angle measuring tools on the market.
When you get this tool, you’ll soon wonder why you didn’t get one sooner!
5. Laser Measure
Most people have a standard measuring tape in their toolboxes. They are cheap and practical tools that help you measure all kinds of things, and because they get made from thin metal, you can bend them slightly on uneven surfaces.
The only downside to measuring tapes is they have a habit of recoiling unless you push the little tab down to hold it in place. Plus, if the ends don’t grab onto something correctly, they could end up coming off and falling down into inconvenient gaps or areas.
One solution, albeit a slightly expensive one, is to invest in a laser measure. As the name suggests, they project light beams onto surfaces to give highly accurate reference points for measurements.
6. LED Head Torch
Sometimes you might find that you need to carry out specific DIY jobs in confined spaces. Those locations are often dark and unlit, and you might find it challenging to use an ordinary torch to illuminate your working area.
Thankfully, one neat solution that resolves the problem is an LED head torch. It’s a simple and inexpensive solution, yet one that will save you a lot of time and frustration! LED head torches are adjustable and are, of course, extremely bright when they get turned on.