When you think of the perfect DIY kit, the temptation is to think that it would consist of a wide variety of state-of-the-art tools. While certainly most home tool kits are packed to the brim with a variety of screwdrivers, hammers, spanners and similar utensils, quite often it is the smaller items that are easily forgotten. This can be equally problematic and frustrating to have to track them down when trying to complete a job. So, in addition to a decent set of DIY tools, what other small and often forgotten items should your tool kit never be without?

1. Cable Ties

One of the most popular DIY jobs over the past few years has been the installation of new high-definition television sets. Many of these have been wall-mounted and while they look stylish, the large number of cables that stretch from your television to the power socket, games console and DVD player can look unsightly. Cable ties are cheap, simple and offer an easy solution to make these cables look much tidier and tangle-free. Additionally, they are ideal for use on desktop computers, which also have many wires that should be kept secure and tidy. Best of all, it is possible to order a large number of cable ties online for an outstanding price. They are even available in a range of colours to suit your home or office.

2. Screws

It seems so obvious that we need screws, but specific jobs frequently require different types of screws. Electrical jobs, for example changing a light switch, require very different screws to those required for putting up a shelf. Having a good collection of screws of varying length, type, size and thread will make finding the screw you need for the job at hand much easier and once again, ordering them online in bulk packs is a great way to improve your selection at a cheap price.

3. Allen Keys

Many items of flat-packed furniture are assembled with screws that take Allen keys rather than a traditional screwdriver. Rather than keep a vast assortment of different sized Allen keys, a good idea is to buy a pack and keep them in your toolbox so that when you need to tighten or disassemble a piece of furniture, you have the Allen key you need to hand.

4. WD40

One of the most common jobs people have around the home is fixing the annoying squeak of un-oiled metal. Whether it is a door hinge that is continually squeaking, a lock that seems to have jammed shut or a padlock that has rusted, there is one item that can do the trick. WD40, or an equivalent, is a perfect addition to any toolbox in that it is small, has a variety of uses and is relatively inexpensive.

5. Computer Screwdrivers

Many DIY projects around the home involve modern technology and occasionally, there is a need to fix something faulty on a desktop PC or games console. Unfortunately, many of these items use tiny screws that conventional screwdrivers are too big to undo. Investing in a relatively cheap pack of screwdrivers for use on computers, games consoles and other new technology is a wise move. Fixing a broken laptop screen, for example, is very simple provided you have the right equipment. You can often save large amounts of money repairing your equipment instead of sending it off to be fixed by an expert. The good news is that no great technological knowledge is required; just basic DIY skills and the right tools.

So, when it comes to checking whether your tool kit is up to standard, remember it is often the smaller items that ensure your next DIY task runs smoothly.