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The top 10 essentials for your home DIY toolkit

November 17, 2015 Leave a Comment

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Sponsored by Trojan Tools

Spring is the perfect time to get out and tackle some of the projects youโ€™ve been planning to complete for a while, from simple things like fixing a fly screen to more challenging jobs like repairing the boat or starting a renovation. Make sure you replenish your toolkit with Trojanโ€™s top 10 tools for home DIY before you start.

A_Trojan Lifestyle shot 2

Darren Simpson, product manager for Trojan hand tools, says: โ€œMost people feel inspired to tackle odd jobs once the weather warms up. Simple tools like spring clamps to help hold items in place, screwdrivers with interchangeable bits for all types of screws, and utility knives that cut almost anything around the home, are some of our most popular items.โ€

The following Trojan products are available at Bunnings Warehouseย and many cost less than $10!

1. Ratchet Driver A ratchet screwdriver is a DIY must-have. The screwdriver bits remain locked in, while the ratchet locks onto the bit, allowing the screwdriver handle to turn freely. No more re-adjusting your hand position after each turn, with extra power supplied by the ratchet instead of your wrist. Try the Trojan 6 in 1 Ratchet Driver (RRP $9.98) which has three position switches โ€“ forward, reverse and lock.

Trojan Stubby Ratchet Driver

2. Wallboard Saw If you need to cut small holes in your plaster walls, a wallboard saw is the perfect tool. A wallboard saw has serrated edges and a sharp tip that pierces the wall, allowing you to carve through it with ease. Try the Trojan Folding Wallboard Saw (RRP $17.98) which offers a strong alloy blade that cuts on both push and pull strokes.

3. Spring Clamp You can never have enough spring clamps in your toolbox; they are ideal for acting as a third hand to hold items for painting or gluing, for example, securing molding as itโ€™s being nailed in place. Trojanโ€™s 140mm Spring Clamp (RRP $5.98) has a maximum opening of 50mm and maximum depth of 56mm, perfect for small jobs.

4. Magnetic Stubby Level Spirit levels are important for determining true horizontal or vertical direction by centering an oil bubble in a glass tube of alcohol, with smaller models fitting into spaces that are too cramped for longer levels, and magnetic models adhering to metal fixtures. Try the Trojan 240mm Magnetic Stubby Level (RRP $22) with three easy-to-read vials (horizontal, vertical and 45ยฐ).

Trojan Magnetic Stubby Level

5. Utility Knife Every toolbox needs a versatile utility knife, ideal for precision cutting around the home or garage, from the most flexible to resistant materials, which includes paper, cardboard, plastic and leather. The best knives offer single hand operation with a fast slide open and close. Trojanโ€™s Turbo Knife (RRP $13.98) includes five replacement blades, that can be easily replaced with the quick dial blade release.

6. Rubber Mallet Rubber mallets are ideal for use when softer blows than those delivered by a metal hammer are required, for example, with sheet metal work, when shifting plasterboard into place, forcing tightfitting wooden parts together, and hammering down metal tacks while upholstering. With the Trojan Rubber Mallet (RRP $15.60), youโ€™ll experience greater control and comfort thanks to its ergonomic soft grip.

7. Multifunction Tool Multi-function tools are another tool box must-have, and are essentially pliers that you use for gripping, bending and cutting. Trojanโ€™s Multifunction Tool (RRP $21.98) is stainless steel, features a LED light, bottle opener, mini saw, and scissors. It folds to 100mm and comes with a nylon belt pouch and a lifetime guarantee.

Trojan Mulitfunction Tool

8. Staple Gun Staple guns are perfect for stapling upholstery, while woodworking, creating craft projects or picture frames, and hanging low-voltage Christmas decorations. The Trojan 3 in 1 Medium Duty Staple Gun (RRP $22.50) is suitable for soft or medium timbers, including Pine, Oregon, MDF and particle board.

9. Hand Riveter Riveters are designed to join two pieces of metal together through a pre-drilled hole, and are great for repairs around the house like re-attaching a loose piece of guttering. Rivets come in various thicknesses and lengths to suit a variety of household and workshop project. Trojanโ€™s Hand Riveter (RRP $26.90) comes with a multi-size head, so no need to change the nozzle, plus 100 rivets.

10. Precision Screwdriver Most DIYers own a basic screwdriver set, but a single screwdriver that allows you to access a number of interchangeable bits, which can be switched depending on the project at hand, is a great tool for the box. Precision screwdrivers are particularly useful for smaller screws and precision jobs. Try the Trojan 26 Piece Precision Screwdriver Set (RRP $9.98), which includes 24 nickel plated Chrome Vanadium bits.

Trojan Precision Screwdriver

For further information.

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Charlie doesn't recommend running head first into Charlie doesn't recommend running head first into tiled steps ๐Ÿค•

Oh what a night. Thankfully Hornsby Hospital were as amazing as always and we avoided stitches. All taped and glued  back together and now to keep him calm for the next few days (๐Ÿคช) and watch for signs of concussion. 

Bravest little patient ever. Yes I've had a ๐Ÿท

Funny how we go into super organised mama mode in times like these. Grabbed dinosaurs, textas and scrapbook on the way out in case we had a long wait!
Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressi Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressive!

The new @studio.xox ONLY sells Australian brands. Like @nood_co coloured basins, lead-free eco brass from @faucetstrommen and @lindseywherrett's  ceramic basins made by hand in Tassie.

And as for their Sydney showroom (they also sell online): WOW.

See and read more on the blog now via link in bio.

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I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new @madeinaustshow in Sydney this August.

๐Ÿฆ˜๐ŸจForget every tacky association you ever had about touristy Australian made and prepare to see a showcase of the best of home, lifestyle, fashion and beauty made right here. If the pandemic has made you appreciate buying local even more, this is for you.

It's the first business to business trade event connecting retailers with Australian made products to champion our local makers๐Ÿ™

Apply to exhibit or find out more at their website, via their bio, now!

Are YOU buying more Australian made post covid?

#madeinaustralia #australianmade #aussiemade #aussiedesign
Do I recommend a timber vanity top? A big fat NOP Do I recommend a timber vanity top?

A big fat NOPE! ๐Ÿ’ง 

Which is why we have recently covered ours with a Caesarstone top (thanks to @justinplace_sydney for the advice and supply) and the sweet RELIEF of not having to worry about this high traffic area anymore, I'm telling you!๐Ÿค—

Doesn't matter what they tell you or how many times it's sealed, I'm not sure it's a great idea in a room which is so, well, wet!

I love having the warmth of timber in the bathroom and it's a beautiful piece, but timber on the top? Never again.

Ours probably lasted a year (if that) before it started to go downhill (and we want a good decade out of a bathroom, right?!). 2.5 years on, everything else in this bathroom looks virtually brand new and the water marked vanity top was really letting the side down and making me sad!

But I'm so pleased with this solution, I have to say! Took the plumber less than an hour to remove the sink, install the top and connect the sink back up. We didn't need to move the tap and it isn't too close to the basin.

The kids are allowed to brush their teeth and wash their hands (liquid soap ๐Ÿฅด) in here again and I can leave my hair straightener on there with gay abandon ๐Ÿ˜†

The reflective surface (which I can clean with whatever I like!๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป) brightens the room up too!

Next week I'll tell you what I really think of my brass tile trim too ๐Ÿ˜‰

#interiorsaddictbathroomreno2 #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #timbervanity
Is there a more decadent and delicious soup than F Is there a more decadent and delicious soup than French onion?

I think not!

Grab the recipe on the blog this morning via link in bio.
Get to know me! I haven't done one of these in YE Get to know me!

I haven't done one of these in YEARS so there's possibly thousands of you who don't know my back story. Here's a few things you may not know about me!

โœ”๏ธ I'm English ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ and I moved here (just for one year) back in 2008๐Ÿ˜† 

โœ”๏ธ I can't end the day without a bath, even if I get home really late or on a really hot day. It's a mental health thing and my happy place. ๐Ÿ› 

โœ”๏ธ Before becoming a blogger and running my own small business, I was a journalist from the age of 18. My favourite news gathering times were as a newspaper crime reporter (bit different to interiors!) ๐Ÿ““ 

โœ”๏ธ I once worked at New Scotland Yard in London ๐Ÿš” 

โœ”๏ธI had an interview at Oxford (didn't get in!) but chose not to go to uni at all after being offered a job on the local paper #universityoflife ๐Ÿ˜

โœ”๏ธ My mum died when I was 3, I have an excellent dad and one sister (younger) in the UK โค๏ธ ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง 

โœ”๏ธ At school, my favourite subject was French ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท and I was head girl ๐Ÿค“๐Ÿค“

โœ”๏ธ I'm addicted to โ˜•๏ธ , long hot baths and๐Ÿ’„ (been wearing it since I was about 14!)

โœ”๏ธ I'm not a phonecall person and will never ever pick up an unknown number. Ever. They can leave a message ๐Ÿ˜

โœ”๏ธ My favourite cuisine is Japanese ๐Ÿฃ ๐Ÿœ and Damian and I honeymooned in Tokyo and Venice 

โœ”๏ธ I have zero design qualifications. I just started blogging about my passion, which is trying to persuade everyone to #heartyourhome That was 11 years ago...

โœ”๏ธ My favourite tipple is a good GnT or๐Ÿท 

โœ”๏ธ Cheesy as it sounds, ๐Ÿ’โ€โ™€๏ธbeing a mum is my absolute biggest joy in life ๐Ÿง’๐Ÿ‘ฆ

โœ”๏ธ I will never give up my old school paper diary! Has to be A5 and week to view ๐Ÿ“– 

โœ”๏ธ My official surname isn't Bishop. I kept my maiden name for work after I got married but changed it for everything else. Often confuse myself!

โœ”๏ธ I didn't get my Ps until I was 37 and I'm still a terrible parker ๐Ÿ˜ฏ ๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ

Hope you feel like you know me a bit better ๐Ÿ˜˜

๐Ÿ“ธ @vanlowvanlow
Blue, green or lilac? ๐ŸŽจ @nood_co coloured con Blue, green or lilac? ๐ŸŽจ 

@nood_co coloured concrete basins is a great Aussie business success story. Although co founder Matt Di Costa first found fame as one half of Matt and Kim on The Block, he hasn't relied on this to build his brand.

โ€œWe are very honoured to have been a part ofย The Block, and all they have done for us. I am, however, a believer in letting the product take centre stage,โ€ he says.

Read our interview with Matt via link in bio now.

๐Ÿ™Share your favourite colour basin in the comments!

#colouredconcrete #noodco #colouredbasin #blockheads #the block #bathroomtrends2022

Pic 1 by @naibudesign_ and 2 by @twostyleinteriors
I'd love to see more colour in Aussie interiors! I'd love to see more colour in Aussie  interiors! ๐ŸŽจ 

At the end of the day though, it's a matter of personal taste. I love pops of colour but it's not for everyone. 

We couldn't resist featuring this Canadian house tour today. The amazing Kelly Green  hutch (swipe) was an upcycled $200 find ๐Ÿค—

Head over to the blog via link in bio to see the rest including one of the best playrooms we've seen in ages!

Project by @in.house.design
๐Ÿ“ธ @philcrozier
Create an unexpected city oasis with an emphasis o Create an unexpected city oasis with an emphasis on light and nature.

That was the brief for the conversion of a corner shop and a warehouse bakery into a luxury family home in Sydney's Newtown. And how about the library?!

Take the tour of this very special @annacarindesign project on the blog now, via link in bio.

Pic: @justinalexanderphoto
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

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Comments

  1. AvatarThe Flat Pack Mate says

    November 18, 2015 at 10:01 pm

    Not only professional furniture assemblers need and use toolkits. In my humble personal opinion , even the regular home owner should have a decent set of tools. I’ve seen a tens if not hundreds of furnishing issues that people could have fixed by themselves. Not every problem has a DIY solution, but still a screwdriver and a hammer are a must for any household, while a staple gun can be priceless!

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