Small tools every Aussie shed and home should have
You don't need a wall of power tools to keep a house running. Most jobs around an Australian home, from hanging a picture to assembling flat-pack and measuring up for new blinds, come down to a handful of small, reliable tools. This guide covers three compact picks that punch above their size, plus the cheaper basics that fill out a starter kit.
Start with the basics
Before anything fancy, every shed or laundry cupboard should have:
- A tape measure and a pencil
- A claw hammer
- A set of screwdrivers, or a multi-bit driver
- Pliers and an adjustable spanner
- A utility knife with spare blades
- A spirit level
- A stud finder if you live in a house with plasterboard walls
A basic household tool kit is a reasonable way to get most of these in one go if you're starting from nothing, such as moving into your first rental or apartment. Quality varies, so read the listing and check what's actually included.
Bosch AdvancedDistance 50C laser measure
The Bosch AdvancedDistance 50C is Bosch's digital laser measure, with a range of up to 50 metres and a colour touchscreen display. It can send measurements by Bluetooth to Bosch's MeasureOn app, where you can add photos, draw floor plans and add notes. It comes with a case and 3 AAA batteries.
Laser measures read a distance at the press of a button, and many models, this category included, can calculate areas for you. That replaces the classic two-person tape job, which is handy when you're measuring a room for flooring, paint or a new rug on your own. They work best indoors, where the laser dot is easy to see against a wall.
Trade-offs. A laser measure doesn't replace a tape for short measurements, cutting timber or checking a gap. Outdoors in bright Australian sun, any laser dot can be hard to spot. The app features are only useful if you'll actually use them.
Who should skip it. If you rarely measure anything larger than a shelf, a good tape is enough. Renovators and anyone planning floors, curtains or furniture layouts will get more out of it. Check the listing for the full feature list before you buy.
Wera Kraftform Kompakt 20
The Wera Kraftform Kompakt 20 is a 7-piece set from the German hand-tool brand Wera: one Kraftform handle plus bits that store inside the handle. The idea is that one compact tool covers the common screw types around the house, so you're not digging through a drawer of mismatched screwdrivers.
Wera's Kraftform handles are commonly mentioned for their comfortable grip, and owners often report that a compact set like this becomes the screwdriver they grab first, whether it lives in the kitchen drawer, the car or the camper.
Trade-offs. With only a handful of bits, it won't cover every specialist screw, and bits stored in a handle can go missing if they're not put back. It's also a premium hand-tool brand, so it costs more than generic multi-bit drivers.
Who should skip it. If you already have a full set of screwdrivers you like, this is a nice-to-have rather than a must-have. A budget multi-bit screwdriver does a similar job for occasional use.
Bosch IXO cordless screwdriver
The Bosch IXO 8 Basic is a small 4.0 V cordless screwdriver with 6.5 Nm of torque. It comes with 10 screwdriver bits and a storage case, charges by USB-C and has an exchangeable 2.0 Ah battery.
This is the tool for light, repetitive jobs: flat-pack furniture, cabinet hinges, battery covers on kids' toys and switch plates. It saves your wrist on a big flat-pack build and is far less clumsy than a full-size drill in tight spots.
Trade-offs. It's not a drill. It won't drill into brick, concrete or besser block, and it isn't built for driving long screws into hardwood decking. It also sits outside the big battery platforms, so it won't share batteries with Ryobi ONE+, Makita LXT, Milwaukee M18 or DeWalt tools.
Who should skip it. If you already own an 18 V drill-driver and don't mind its size, you may not need a separate screwdriver. If you need to drill masonry, look at a hammer drill on the platform you already own.
Australian things to check
- Plugs and charging. USB-C charging makes the IXO easy to top up from a phone charger. For anything with a mains charger, make sure it suits Australian 240 V power and comes with an Australian plug.
- Warranty. The Australian Consumer Law gives you consumer guarantees, but warranty terms vary by brand and seller. Check who's selling before you buy.
- Heat. Lithium batteries don't love a 40 °C shed. Store cordless tools and spare batteries somewhere shaded and cool.
- Price. Prices change often, especially around sales. Check the listing for the current price.
Bottom line
A tape, a comfortable screwdriver set and a small cordless screwdriver cover most household jobs. Add a laser measure if you're planning floors, furniture or renovations. Once your kit grows, our garage tool storage guide helps you keep it organised.
FAQ
Is a laser measure accurate enough for DIY?
For measuring rooms, walls and floor areas, laser measures are widely used by DIYers and trades. Check the listing for the stated accuracy, and use a tape for short cuts and fiddly gaps.
Can the Bosch IXO drill holes?
It's designed as a screwdriver for light jobs like flat-pack and hinges. For drilling into timber, brick or concrete, use a drill or hammer drill.
Do I need a cordless screwdriver if I have a drill?
Not strictly, but a small screwdriver is lighter and easier in tight spots, and less likely to overdrive screws in soft flat-pack board.
What's special about Wera screwdrivers?
Wera is a German hand-tool brand known for its Kraftform handles. The Kompakt 20 puts one handle and its bits in a single compact tool.