Tools shed checklist: Everything you need to get started

Tool shed checklist

☐ Pencils 

This underrated tool is one thing DIY-ers can’t do without. From marking stuff to listing measurements, a pencil is essential to have in your tool shed.

☐ Screwdriver set

The best tools sheds carry inside a good set of screwdrivers. This comes in handy for house maintenance and unscrewing appliances for repair or cleaning.

☐ Tape measure and ruler

Starting a new project, replacing a chair’s broken leg, or building a small tool shed or a plant rack means taking measurements. A tape measure and ruler are a must-have for any at-home handyperson.

☐ Framing square and protractor

These measuring tools help you take perfect measurements and determine the right angles for marking every time.

☐ Protective gear

For a safe DIY job, have gloves and goggles ready to protect yourself from injury and toxic chemicals. Keep a couple of these on hand, and don’t forget to put them on, especially when using power tools.

☐ Line level

Installing a new shelf or an appliance you just purchased? Make sure it’s lying flat with the help of a line level.

☐ Nails and screws

Have a packet of these on hand for DIY projects as well as odd home maintenance jobs. Keep things tidy and organised by setting aside a box or drawer just for nails and screws.

☐ Hammer

This is a basic tool you must have in your shed for hammering nails, bending or straightening materials, and small demolition tasks. It's essential for general carpentry tasks, pulling out old nails, or even hammering down on wrenches for a better grip.

☐ Pliers and wire cutters

Good tools sheds have a great set of pliers and wire cutters, too! These hand tools are useful for plumbing, electric work, and other cutting and tightening work.

☐ Wrenches

There are many wrenches to choose from in your local hardware store, but having a combination wrench, an adjustable wrench, and a pipe wrench can be sufficient for starters. 

☐ C-clamp

A C-clamp comes in handy if you need to hold things in place, especially when nailing and gluing materials. For instance, you can hold planks together while you saw, glue, or chisel.

☐ Axe

An axe is the tool you need for splitting firewood, clearing bushes and tree branches, and more. Learn how to use one properly to avoid accidents or injuries.

☐ Crowbar

From busting open crates to prying up old flooring, a good crowbar will help pull objects apart and move heavy things. 

☐ Chisel and file

Keeping a chisel in your tools shed is great for woodworking projects as well as some carpentry work. Meanwhile, a file is great for smoothing and shaping metal objects.

☐ Saw and hacksaw

Have a saw on hand to cut wood and a hacksaw for projects that require cutting through plastic and even steel. Note that hacksaws also come in different sizes, so pick the one that fits your shed’s size and your needs.

☐ Electric drill

An electric drill is the most basic power tool you can have. You can even upgrade your current drill into a rechargeable unit to make work easier.

☐ Utility knife

A utility knife is one of man's oldest and most fundamental hand tools, and the best sheds should never be without one.

☐ Putty knife or scraper

You may occasionally have projects that require spreading putty, paint, drywall, filler, or other compounds. These tools are perfect to get such tasks done. 

☐ Paint brushes, rollers, sprayers

Your shed should have these paint materials on hand, plus a paint tray and some drop sheets in case you need to do some repainting work.

☐ Ladder

Having a ladder on site makes any DIY project or regular household maintenance easier. 

☐ Step-stool

A step stool might be a better option when carrying a ladder isn’t necessary and the work or concerned area isn’t too high.

☐ Rake

A rake is ideal for cleaning up a backyard full of leaves and breaking up hard soil.

☐ Shovel

If you don’t have one yet, you should add a shovel to your tools shed. Use it to move snow, dig dirt, mulch, gravel, or soil, clean up after a small demolition task, and more.

☐ Trowel

Trowels are like small shovels; they let you be more careful and precise when handling plants and doing carpentry work. Use it for digging up plants, repotting flowers, applying fertiliser, or spreading concrete.

☐ Cart and wheelbarrow

Moving large piles of soil or lots of tools around your garden can be tiring, so having a cart and wheelbarrow will help lug things around with as few trips back and forth as possible.

☐ Electric sander

Electric sanders ensure a smooth, even finish on wooden surfaces. Get one of these if you want to save on sandpaper and elbow grease.

☐ Extension cord

Operating your power tools is easier with an extension cord. This also makes it easier to drill or sand things while away from the power outlet in your tools shed.

☐ Fire extinguisher

You never know when you might need a fire extinguisher, so it’s ideal that you secure one for your shed.

☐ Pressure washer

If cleaning is a regular home maintenance work for you, having a pressure washer makes it easier to clean areas like your driveway and garage.

☐ First aid kit

Accidents happen, even to veteran gardeners and DIY-ers. It’s best to have a first aid kit right in your shed for your own safety and peace of mind.