What tools does a handyman need?

Of course, this depends on the type of work that you’re carrying out, but the nature of the job means that you’ll be doing a variety of tasks, so having a broad range of tools and equipment at your disposal only helps make jobs easier.

There’s plenty to consider when starting out as a self-employed Handyman, not least how do you set up a business, how do your market yourself as well as figuring out what insurance you need. But having the correct tools also plays a key part. Here’s some to consider:

Essential Hand Tools

You’ll find these packing out your toolbox, and you may well need to consider another, but they’ll be essential for your day to day, and you’ll probably struggle to get by without them.

• Hammer

• Screwdriver set (flathead and Phillips)

• Pliers (combination, long-nose, and locking)

• Chisel set

• Hand saw

• Adjustable wrench and spanner set

• Socket set

• Utility knife

• Allen keys

• Drill bits

• Claw bar

• Hacksaw

• Wire cutters

• Tin snips

• Staple gun

• Adjustable square

• Nail punch

• Files

• Hex drivers

Painting & Decorating Tools

If you find yourself taking on plenty of painting and decorating jobs, you’ll need the following for the bulk of the work plus touch-ups and finishes. We’ve not included paint on the list, we figured your customer might have a say in that, but it’s worth knowing that Rhino customers get 10% off at TradePoint and Wickes TradePro when taking out cover.

• Paint brushes

• Paint rollers and trays

• Buckets

• Paint opener

• Dust sheets

• Masking tape

• Filling knives

• Sanding blocks

• Caulking gun

• Paint scraper

Best Power Tools

Hand tools are great, but power tools help get the job done that little bit quicker and help you complete jobs to high-standard. We won’t get into the battle around which brands are best, we’ll leave you to search elsewhere and make up your own mind there but you’ll probably want to consider the following:

• Cordless drill/driver

• Impact driver

• Circular saw

• Jigsaw

• Orbital sander

• Multi-tool

• Angle grinder

• Heat gun

• Rotary hammer drill

Measuring & Levelling Tools

We’ve all seen DIY bodge jobs with shelves on pointing at 20 to 3, and there’s a reason why you, the professional, has been called in. Making sure that your work is level, straight and cut to size is one of the first things that customers pick up, so make sure you’ve got the right bits of kit for it:

• Tape measure

• Spirit level

• Laser level

• Combination square

• Digital angle finder

• Stud finder

Working at height

There’ll be times when you need to work at height too. So consider the following:

• Step ladder

• Extension ladder

• Work platform

• Knee pads

Adhesives & Consumables

You’ll find yourself using them on most jobs, and keeping a stock of the most common adhesives and fixings will save you countless trips to and from the local hardware store.

• Electrical tape

• Duct tape

• Masking tape

• Wood glue

• Super glue

• Silicone sealant

• Decorators' caulk

• Expanding foam

• Assorted screws, nails, wall plugs, and fixings

Clean-Up Equipment

As well as doing the work to the standard expected, customers want their homes to be left as they’ve been found. Leaving a workspace clean and tidy is part of providing a professional service, and is often brought up when word of mouth recommendations are made. You’ll want to consider taking the following to site:

• Dustpan and brush

• Broom

• Heavy-duty rubbish bags

• Vacuum

• Cleaning cloths

• Disposable wipes

A well-equipped handyman doesn't need every specialist tool from day one, but building a reliable toolkit over time will allow you to take on a wider range of jobs with confidence and deliver a professional service to your customers.

How can Rhino help?

Whilst we can’t provide the tools listed above, we can provide cover for your purchased tools if they’re lost, damaged or stolen. Should you have an active Public Liability Insurance policy in place with Rhino, then you can also take out our Tools in Transit Insurance as well.

Tool theft continues to be a growing problem for tradespeople with over 80% of Rhino customers knowing someone that has fallen victim themselves. Whilst having insurance may not stop the theft of your tools, it can provide the finances to purchase replacements to get you back on site as quickly as possible. Take a deep-dive into Rhino’s Tools In Transit Insurance, and should you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Please note that we do not offer standalone Tools in Transit Insurance – you need an active Public Liability Insurance policy to be able to purchase.