Equipping your workshop: Essential tools for the hobbyist enthusiast

Hobbies can range drastically. You could be keen to get stuck into arts and crafts, or something a little more practical involving woodwork. Reports have shown that our hobbies have altered slightly since the start of the pandemic, due to people spending more time at home and rediscovering activities that bring them joy. The Toys Hobby and DIY market is projected to grow to 47.5 million users by 2027, which shows that there are no signs of stopping. 

Either way, you need to set up your workshop with the correct tools so that you can work comfortably knowing that you have everything you need. Each workshop will look a little different, so make sure you tailor your space to the type of hobbies you enjoy doing.

Hand tools – the foundation of your workshop:

Hand tools come in all shapes and sizes. Screwdrivers and pliers can be used to apply precision to your craft, while wire cutters and strippers can be handy for anything involving electronics. Wrenches and clamps can aid heavy-duty tasks, while files can help you neaten up your project and remove rough edges. Meanwhile, drill and drill bits are another essential for most hobbies involving tools of some kind. 

The best thing about hand tools is their versatility and even if you’re not a hardcore DIY hobbyist, the likelihood is that these tools will come in useful one way or another.

Power tools for efficiency and precision:

While hand tools are powered by hand, power tools tend to be powered with a motor. Essential for woodwork, carpentry and other forms of DIY, power tools can assist you in many ways. 

They can be used to help cut, shape, drill and polish whatever it is you’re working on – and that barely scratches the surfaces. Examples of power tools include cordless drills, jigsaws and electronic sanders. You’ll find that more advanced DIY hobbyists will own power tools such as these to work on more complicated tasks.

Measurement and marking tools – precision at every step:

Accuracy and clear measurements are fundamental for most projects, as the importance of measuring and marking tools often flies under the radar. 

Tools include rulers, marking gauges, spirit levels and callipers. Without tools like these, you won’t be able to maintain consistency across your projects.

Sealants and adhesives – binding creations together:

Sealants and adhesives are key to many DIY projects, helping furniture crafting, for example, come together. They often turn transparent when dry, which makes them handy when it comes to keeping your work neat and long-lasting. You can get water-based latex, acrylic, butyl and silicone sealants amongst others and each has its own advantages.