MAKER MUST-HAVES

ARM YOURSELF WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS TO POWER THROUGH HOME-MAINTENANCE AND UPCYCLING PROJECTS

Words KYLIE JACKES

With DIY July upon us, style editor Samantha Pointon and interior stylist Tilly Roberts share their favourite tried-and-trusted tools – essential when tackling design, reno and craft projects around your home. Here’s what’s in their kits.

2 Staple gun Whether you’re keen to make an upholstered bedhead, re-cover a chair or craft a timber frame for artwork, Tilly recommends adding a staple gun to your DIY kit. “It’s a simple tool to use, which extends your DIY capabilities for easy updates around the home,” she says.

3 Paint tin opener Sam carries a paint tin opener in her back pocket whenever she’s using paint. “It makes it quick and easy to open a paint can and ensures the rim of the lid doesn’t get damaged, which is important when storing leftover paint,” she says. In the kitchen they’re also handy for opening cans.

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Saw and mitre box If you’re not confident with power tools, Sam recommends a handsaw and mitre box. “The box provides angle guides so you can make bevel, 45- and 90-degree cuts – ideal when working with dowel or mouldings,” she explains.

5 Screwdriver set “A good set of screwdrivers will get a lot of use,” says Tilly. “I use them when switching out cabinet handles to create a new feel in the kitchen and bedroom, and they’re a must when assembling furniture.”

6 Wire cutter “Wire is a stylist’s best-kept secret, so I always have a cutter on hand,” says Tilly. “It could be to trim chicken wire to sit inside a vase and support flowers, or to adjust picture-hanging wire. They’re handy when making Christmas decorations.”

7 Clamps If tackling a project on your own, clamps can serve as a second set of hands to hold materials in place when cutting, drilling and gluing. “It also makes life easier if you have something precarious that needs to dry in exactly the right position,” adds Tilly.

1 Ryobi ONE+ 18V HP brushless compact drill driver, $139/skin only (battery and charger sold separately), I/N: 0295343. 2 Arrow ‘T50’ heavy duty all purpose staple gun, $56, I/N: 5911696. 3 Uni-Pro metal paint can opener, $0.65, I/N: 1670452. 4 Magnet mitre box, $11.50, I/N: 5822889. 5 Craftright 19 piece screwdriver set, $11.98, I/N: 6060225. 6 Pinnacle wire cutter, $14.90, I/N: 0358171. 7 Irwin ‘Quick Grip’ 300mm mini clamps, $33.98/pack of 2, I/N: 0215574. 8 Paint Partner 270mm paint roller kit, $10.25, I/N: 0328955, and Pro Renovator 63mm wall paintbrush, $9, I/N: 1661753. 9 Ryobi 180W multipad sander, $119, I/N: 6210548. 10 Vileda ‘Colours’ microfibre cloths, $12.89/pack of 8, I/N: 0065913. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

8Paintbrush and roller

“Beyond walls, look to any piece of furniture or homewares – bricks, vases, bowls, walls, side tables – that could do with a change and try mixing paint with bicarb soda for a textured finish that adheres to glazed surfaces,” says Tilly.

9 Sander An electric or batteryoperated sander is essential for any sanding project – stripping back furniture, removing rust or prepping a surface for paint. “It halves the time it takes to hand sand and the dust catcher helps contain mess,” says Sam.

10 Microfibre cloths These are probably Sam’s most used ‘tool’ for wet or dry projects: “I use them to mop up paint spills, polish metal, clean surfaces and wipe away sawdust.” Best of all they can be washed and re-used countless times.