Tools and Hardware Buying Guide NZ: Kit Out Your Home

The starter kit

• Claw hammer and a set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
• Adjustable spanner and pliers
• Tape measure and a spirit level
• Utility knife and a hacksaw
• Assorted screws, nails, wall plugs and picture hooks

Add these next

A cordless drill changes what jobs feel possible — flatpack furniture, shelving, curtain rails. Pair it with a driver bit set and masonry bits if you have block or brick walls.

Choosing quality on a budget

Spend more on tools you will use often and where failure is annoying — drills, tape measures, screwdrivers. Save on single-use or occasional items. Look for comfortable grips and hardened tips rather than brand names alone.

Fixings are half the job

The right wall plug matters more than the screw. Gib board needs a hollow-wall anchor; timber framing takes a straight screw; masonry needs a plug and a masonry bit. Buying an assorted fixings box saves repeat trips.

Storage

A basic toolbox or wall board keeps everything findable. Tools that live in a pile get lost or rust in a damp Kiwi garage.

Delivery

We deliver tools and hardware NZ-wide, with free shipping on orders over $75.