For the jobbing electrician, builder or plumber a well stocked and sturdy tool kit is integral to his profession.  For the handyman on the move, a van vault is equally necessary.So you've just treated yourself to a new toolbox and you look like a seasoned professional.Just one question remains - what tools should you put inside it?It doesn't matter whether you have extensive experience in DIY or whether you are a relative novice, there are a few basic tools that everyone should have in their toolboxes.Just follow this simple guide and you'll be kitted out in no time.

Remember that it’s safety first and that you should start by purchasing a pair of goggles.Make sure that you always wear them whenever you are doing a job that could result in bits of solid or liquid material flying into your face.

Next on your tool shopping list should be a solid claw hammer.It's a very versatile tool that is as adept at knocking in nails as it is pulling up floor boards.  Also as essential is a set of phillips screwdrivers with varying heads.  It is also useful to have a couple of screwdrivers that have shorter handles for those awkward to reach areas.

You will always need various 'gripping' tools for those annoying jobs where you would ideally need 3 hands available.An adjustable wrench and needlenose pliers will prepare you for both delicate and more heavy handed jobs.

Accurate measuring is key so you will need a good long tape measure (preferably at least 12 feet) and a spirit level to make sure all those surfaces are perfectly flat and a set square so that all right angles are accurately measured.

A final essential piece to buy of kit is a screwdriver.It is highly advisable to buy a portable drill so that you aren't restrained by the reach of a mains cable.  As the drill's battery is only limited it is wise to have a second battery on charge so that you can simply switch the two when one runs out.

Whether you own or are renting the home you are living in, it doesn't matter if you are living on your own or with others - there are always going to be the odd DIY job that is going to need doing..It may be that you have furniture that you need to assemble, pictures to hang or shelves to put up.Whatever job you are going to undertake, you are going to need a very well stocked toolbox.  Don't worry - this need not be an expensive investment.  After making sure that you have bought a secure tool box or van vault how should you go about building a good home tool kit? 

You need to ensure that you have all of the essential tools.  Start by getting a set of good screwdrivers. Ideally this will consist of a set of 2 or 3 screwdrivers each with a different shape head (flat blade, phillips and square head).You will also need to buy a set of pliers.  A good set will consist of needle-nose pliers, slip-joint pliers and of course, wire cutters.

Althought there are plenty of tools that can be used to drive a nail into a wall, you should still make sure that you purchase a good hammer as it is designed specifically for the task and has much less chance of damaging the wall.They come in various shapes and sizes so find one of the a suitable weight that will fit your hand comfortably.

No DIY job can be done accurately without a tape measure.It may take longer then estimating or using rough guide measurements but you will be so thankful when your project is assembled perfectly first time.Other useful tools that it could be worth including should include a utility knife for cutting and trimming jobs, an adjustable wrench for any bolts that need holding and of course a reliable spirit level to ensure accuracy in placement of shelves, etc.