After years of turning up to jobs and finding I've forgotten something, I've developed a system. Here's what's actually in the van and why.
The Everyday Essentials
These go to every single job, no exceptions.
Power Tools
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Combi Drill + Impact Driver My daily drivers. The combi handles drilling into anything - wood, brick, concrete. The impact driver makes screws effortless. Both run on the same batteries.
Why Milwaukee? I've tried DeWalt, Makita, Bosch. Milwaukee has the best power-to-weight ratio and the batteries last. They're not cheap but they're bomb-proof.
Batteries: I carry 4x 5.0Ah batteries. Always charging two while using two. Nothing worse than running out of power mid-job.
Hand Tools (Belt Bag)
What's on my belt at every job:
- Tape measure (8m, fat blade)
- Pencil (carpenter's pencil, always)
- Utility knife (with spare blades)
- Multi-bit screwdriver (Phillips, flat, Torx)
- Speed square (checking right angles)
- Torpedo level (quick level checks)
- Pliers (needle-nose)
- Side cutters
- Adjustable spanner (medium)
Hand Tools (Box)
The bigger stuff:
- Full screwdriver set
- Hammer (16oz claw)
- Dead blow mallet
- Pry bar
- Chisels (set of 4)
- Hand saw (Irwin toolbox saw - best there is)
- Hacksaw
- Files (flat and round)
- Spirit levels (600mm and 1200mm)
- Clamps (various)
- Allen keys (metric and imperial)
- Socket set (1/4" and 3/8")
- Combination spanners
Specialist Tool Bags
I keep these organised by trade.
Plumbing Bag
- Pipe cutters (15mm, 22mm)
- Pipe slice
- Adjustable wrenches (2 sizes)
- Basin wrench
- PTFE tape
- Olive sets
- Compression fittings (common sizes)
- Tap washers (assorted)
- O-rings
- Silicone grease
- Drain snake (3m)
- Plunger
Electrical Bag
- Voltage tester (non-contact)
- Multimeter
- Wire strippers
- Crimping tool
- Terminal screwdriver set
- Cable clips
- Electrical tape
- Connector blocks
- Spare fuses (3A, 5A, 13A)
- Plug tops
Wall Fixings Box
This deserves its own section:
- Rawlplugs (every colour/size)
- Spring toggles
- Hollow wall anchors
- Grip-Its
- Shield anchors
- Resin anchor kit
- Coach screws
- Wood screws (every size)
- Machine screws
- Wall bolts
- Masonry screws
I've learned: you never have the right fixing unless you carry them all.
Power Tools (In Van)
Not every job, but often needed:
- Jigsaw - Cutting curves and awkward shapes
- Circular saw - Straight cuts in sheet materials
- Multi-tool - Cutting, scraping, sanding awkward spots
- SDS drill - Serious masonry work
- Angle grinder - Metal cutting, rust removal
- Planer - Door trimming
- Random orbital sander - Finishing work
- Nail gun - Trim work
- Heat gun - Paint stripping, shrink wrap
Consumables
The stuff that gets used up:
- Sandpaper (assorted grits, sheets and discs)
- Masking tape (3 widths)
- Duct tape
- Cable ties
- WD-40
- Silicone spray
- Wood glue (PVA)
- Super glue
- Grab adhesive (No More Nails type)
- 2-part epoxy
- Wood filler (multiple colours)
- All-purpose filler
- Silicone sealant (white, clear, sanitary)
- Decorator's caulk
Safety Gear
Non-negotiable:
- Safety glasses (multiple pairs - they get scratched)
- Ear defenders
- Dust mask (disposable and reusable)
- Knee pads
- Work gloves (several types)
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
Measuring and Marking
Getting it right first time:
- Tape measures (5m and 8m)
- Steel rule (1m)
- Spirit levels (torpedo, 600mm, 1200mm, laser)
- Combination square
- Speed square
- Angle finder
- Chalk line
- Stud finder
- Pipe/cable detector
- Laser level
- Pencils (carpenter's and regular)
- Sharpies
The "You Never Know" Stuff
Things that sit in the van for months then save the day:
- Mirror and inspection light (for seeing behind things)
- Magnet on stick (dropped screws)
- Claw tool (removing nails)
- Pry bars (various sizes)
- Door wedges
- Dust sheets
- Bin bags
- Blue roll
- Hand cleaner
- Torch (headlamp style)
- Phone charger
What I Don't Carry
Some things aren't worth the space:
- Full scaffolding - Hire when needed
- Tile cutters - Rent for tiling jobs
- Specialist plumbing - Hire if needed
- Heavy-duty lifting gear - Job-specific
Organisation is Everything
The key to carrying all this:
- Everything has a place - Same spot every time
- Restock daily - End of day, check what's used
- Tool bags by type - Plumbing, electrical, fixings
- Van layout matters - Most-used stuff most accessible
Time spent looking for tools is time not earning.
What Would I Add?
If money was no object:
- Festool track saw
- Better laser level
- Cordless router
- More Milwaukee stuff
But honestly, this kit handles 95% of what I do.
Want to see these tools in action? Give me a call with your job. 01392 964094 or get a quote.
Sam Hembury
Sam is the founder of Hembury Contracting, providing professional handyman services across Exeter and Devon. With years of experience in property maintenance, he shares practical tips to help homeowners tackle common tasks.