Every dad should build their toolkit with theses 10 DIY gadgets

While having a bunch of dedicated screwdrivers in all sizes and fastener types is awesome, I find that it's hard to beat the convenience -- not to mention price -- of a multi-bit screwdriver set. And if that set comes with a few sockets and a small ratchet, well, I'm now ready to tackle a whole range of tasks, from assembling home and garden furniture, to basic stuff like fixing lawn mowers and garden tractors.

My vote for the best multi-bit screwdriver kit here goes to the Wera Tool Check Plus kits. These come in imperial or metric sizes, have a selection of screwdriver bits and sockets, and additionally includes a tiny but immensely powerful ratchet.

The carrying case keeps everything secure and stops things from getting lost in the chaos of a job.

 A decent drill is still a must-have in my opinion, especially one that can do triple duty -- drill into wood and metal, hammer drill into concrete, and also drive screwdriver bits.

I prefer cordless tools not only because they are more convenient, but also because I won't trip and fall over the cord. For the screwdriving job, my brand of choice has got to be Dewalt. Its tools are durable, last years of use and abuse (this drill has been used as a hammer more than once!), and are reasonably priced. 

This 20V Max Cordless Drill Driver is currently priced at $100 (and discounted by $60). It offers two speeds, a 2.0Ah battery, and comes packed with a charger. 

Another mainstay of every toolbox. Perfect for undoing fasteners, pulling out nails, holding nails to hammer them, cutting wire, and much more. If you're constantly coming across rounded off fasteners, then there are specialist pliers for that job, otherwise, a set of general purpose pliers, like this one from Lineman's, is what you need. 

These pliers are made from carbon steel and covered in a non-slip material for easy gripping. 

There are all sorts of digital measuring tools nowadays, including the native app on your iPhone, but nothing beats the ease of use and cheapness of a good ole tape measure. I don't feel like overspending on a measuring tape because they tend to wander into other people's possession, and the one I'm using now I picked up as a freebie when I bought something from a lumber yard.

If you don't frequent a generous lumber yard, you can always pick one up for under $20. This one from Stanley does the job. 

I use both adjustable wrenches and water pump pliers for the wide variety of nuts and bolts I work with. Between the two types of tools, these give me the ability to work with all sorts of fasteners, from nuts and bolts (this is where the adjustable wrench shines) to plumbing fixtures (the forte of the water pump pliers). The longer the handle, the more force you generate with an adjustable wrench and the stronger your grip with a pipe wrench.

I also have a selection of small water pump pliers, and while these look like toys, they out-perform the pliers on almost any multitool out there, so if you want to be prepared for any nuts and bolts you encounter, these are also a must-have for you.

I've owned a number of traditional Stanley utility knives, but I've moved away from them in recent years. Most are heavy lumps made of metal and are ergonomic nightmares.

I prefer lightweight plastic utility knives, like this one from Stanley. I buy blades and fit them into handles that I've 3D printed (again, like tape measures, utility knives have a habit of wandering off), or I use scissors instead (medical trauma shears are perfect). I also like the new ceramic utility blades -- these are ultra sharp and last a long time.

Yes, most smartphones have a level feature, but I find that using a smartphone as a level for anything but the most basic of tasks is a headache. A spirit level is perfect for everything from putting up a picture or some shelves in the home to decking or fencing in the garden.

You can get tiny ones, small ones, or big ones, and even spirit levels with a laser. 

There are a lot of different adhesives out there to cater to a wide variety of applications -- hot glue, epoxy, soft rubber glue, and spray adhesives to name but a few -- but none are more versatile (and well known) than cyanoacrylate adhesive, more popularly known as super glue. 

This adhesive will work on a variety of surfaces, from glass, ceramics, plastics, rubbers and more, creating a tough, long-lasting bond in seconds -- just don't get it on your hands like I've done in the above photo (maybe wear some gloves!).

I've been using tools since I was a kid -- my oldest memory is of using a small plastic hammer to "help" my grandpa fix a clock. While I wouldn't call myself an avid DIYer (more a begrudging DIYer), between things in my home breaking and my car breaking, I'm often found with tools in my hand. And, to be honest, I'm quite good at fixing things. 

This is why I started reviewing and recommending tools here on ZDNET. Take, for example, the above photo. I moved my 3D printer about 12 inches and then had to reseat the connector for the level sensor. 

Replacement batteries for power tools from the big names such as DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita are quite pricey and if you're looking for a spare battery you'll undoubtedly come across cheaper "clones." 

I've tested a whole bunch of these clones over the years and found them all lacking. Some don't work, and those that do are missing the safety features that prevent batteries from overcharging and overheating, and as such could not only damage your tools but also be dangerous. 

My recommendation is to avoid the clones, and go for the originals.