Individual renovation projects will demand specific supplies, but there’s some stuff that’s always worth having around before emergencies arise. Here’s our favourite items which we figure no handyperson’s cupboard should be without.
Picture by Joshin Yamada
As part of Renovation Week, we’ve already covered the absolute essentials you need in your toolbox. This list covers the other half of the equation: stuff that’s always useful to have around and make projects go smoothly.
3M Command Strips
We already mentioned these as a tenant’s best friend, but even if you do own your own place, it makes much more sense to use these for mounting posters, pictures and all kinds of other items (I attached up one of my household smoke alarms with the velcro versions). They’re particularly handy for keeping powerboards in place without damaging the furniture they get attached to.
Blu-tak
I wouldn’t use it for posters, but it’s handy for keeping wires out of the way, ensuring screws stay attached to screwdrivers, and even for keeping printers running
WD-40
Essential for jammed and squeaky doors, dodgy screws that won’t come out, and other DIY challenges. You can also use it to clean printer cartridges.
Superglue
Not strong enough for serious wall-level stuff, but ideal for minor repairs to watch bands, toys, crockery and other items. Just make sure you’ve got some nail polish remover on hand to remove any that gets on your hands. I personally favour the 10 pack for $2 from my local bargain store; that way, if the lid gets stuck between uses, it’s no great drama. Picture by [imgclear]
Tacks
While you need to match nails to the project in many instances, general-purpose tacks are always handy for keeping stuff in place or fast picture hanging off the sides of bookshelves.
Electrical tape
For grouping cables, temporarily holding stuff in place, temporarily fixing shoes, and literally dozens of other projects, which our US colleagues have celebrated under the America-centric name of duct tape
Wooden chopsticks
This might seem like an odd-inclusion, but I bought a cheap packet of these from an Asian supermarket years ago and use them constantly: as paint stirrers when I’m dealing with a small tin, for making small filler plugs, and if I run out of dowels when assembling IKEA furniture.
This list is based on my own hard-won experience and consultation with the rest of the Allure crew; what would you add to it?
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