It might be growing colder outside, but that just means we’ve got more of an excuse to spend time in our homes, garages, workshops or garden sheds working on a favourite project or transforming the spaces around us.
If you’re looking for a bit of inspiration this autumn, then we’ve got you covered with four great projects that are small(ish) in scope but can make a big impact on your home – and the tools you need to make those projects a reality.
Project 1: Upcycling furniture
Upcycling has been all the rage over the last few years and it’s not hard to see why: it can be an easy and cost-effective way to give an old piece of furniture a new lease of life or transform it into something new entirely.
Whether you want to turn some crates into wall storage boxes or some pallets into a coffee table, there are going to be some tools that you need in your arsenal. To give you a helping hand, we’ve pulled together some of our top picks and just what makes them so special.
| Tools | Why we love them |
| Halfords Rubber Mallet (16oz) | Larger striking surface
Made of bounce-resistant rubber Provides a softer blow and greater control than traditional hammers |
| Halfords Advanced 8-Piece Hammer, Punch and Chisel Set | Includes 2 hammers, 3 chisels and 3 punches
Comes with a lifetime guarantee Part of the Halfords Advanced modular tray range that lets you build your own toolkit |
| Draper 125mm Sanding and Polishing Kit | Suitable for a wide range of sanding and polishing tasks
Simply attaches to your rotary drill Contains fibre sanding discs of various sizes |
| Can Gun 1 Spray Can Tool | Designed to grip standard aerosol cans
Easy to fit and remove Gives an even paint coverage |
| Halfords Advanced 10-Piece Screwdriver Set | Includes durable crosspoint and plain slot screwdrivers
Comes with a lifetime guarantee Part of the Halfords Advanced modular tray range that lets you build your own toolkit |
For a more exhaustive list of tools that’ll come in handy for upcycling, check out our recent blog on 10 tools to get you started on an upcycling project.
Project 2: DIY wall panelling
DIY wall panelling is another big trend right now and a simple way to add character to your home. It can help to make walls look more interesting, add depth to a room and even be used to cover any walls that might need filling or uneven surfaces.
While it might seem like a bit of a daunting job at first, the truth is that as long as you get your measurements down correctly then it’s a job that anyone with basic DIY skills can do. And here are some of our favourite tools to help you pull it off.
| Tools | Why we love them |
| Stanley Classic Box Spirit Level (60cm) | Provides reliable, consistent and accurate measurements
Large, high visibility, side vials Rugged and lightweight |
| Stanley Sharpcut 11TPI Saw (20”/500mm) | 11 teeth per inch for fine finish cutting
Induction-hardened double-grounded teeth Ergonomic handle for better comfort and control |
| Laser Anti-Static Gloves (10 pack) | Lint-free, nylon anti-static gloves
PU coating and nylon carbon anti-static liner Reduces the risk of expensive accidental damage to electrical components |
| Draper Boiler Suit | Available in M, L and XL
Elasticated back for comfort and safety Fits over normal clothes |
| Ryobi 18V ONE+ Random Orbit Sander (bare tool) | Cordless, with fast and efficient stock removal
Built-in dust extraction system Part of Ryobi’s ONE+ system of cordless tools |
Project 3: Transforming hardwood flooring
If you’re lucky enough to have an older property with original wood flooring, then the chances are that it might be showing its age. When not spend some time this autumn restoring it to its former glory by sanding and staining? You never know what amazing finish you might discover once the passage of time has been removed!
Here are some tools to get you started.
| Tools | Why we love them |
| Draper Safety Googles | Compact and light PVC frame
Tough polycarbonate lens Vented body keeps air circulating |
| Ryobi 18V ONE+ Angle Grinder Starter Kit | 115mm grinding disc with three-position handle
Comes with a 4.0Ah battery and charger Part of Ryobi’s ONE+ system of cordless tools |
| Halfords Assorted Pry Bar Set | Includes four pry bars of various sizes
Constructed from heavy-duty plastic Great for furniture repair, soft and hard woods |
| Halfords 5-Piece Mini Pliers Set with Pouch | Pliers made from high quality steel for strength and durability
Non-slip handles Comes with a handy pouch |
| Draper Detail Sanding Sheets (93 x 93 x 93mm) | 10 sheets of different grades to smooth out any job
Ideal for use with detail sanders Hole punched and hook-and-loop backed |
Project 4: Built-in storage
We’ve all got those places in our homes where furniture we can purchase from a shop just won’t quite fit. Where the angles are a bit strange, the walls are a bit wonky or the ceiling’s too low. Well, why not take on a project to make use of this wasted space by creating some bespoke built-in storage?
You may want to get a bit of help with this one if you don’t feel you have the skills yourself. While this might be a pricier investment than others on our list, we think it’s well worth it in the long-run and here are some of the tools we’d recommend.
| Tools | Why we love them |
| Draper Disposable Dust Masks | 5-pack of masks
Provide protection against non-toxic dusts and powers Suitable to reduce discomfort caused by exposure to coarse non-toxic particles |
| Ryobi 18V ONE+ Combi Drill Starter Kit | Cordless percussion drill
Ideal for drilling wood or metal, driving screws or drilling in masonry Part of Ryobi’s ONE+ system of cordless tools |
| Ryobi 18V ONE+ Angle Grinder (bare tool) | Cordless 115m grinder ideal for a variety of cutting and grinding applications
Three-position handle for better control Part of Ryobi’s ONE+ system of cordless tools |
| Halfords Assorted Hex Head Self Drill Screws | Approximately 90 of the most common screw sizes
Comes in a handy storage box |
| Laser Insulating Safety Gloves | Available in a large size
Helps to protect your hands against the risk of an electric shock |
We hope you’ve found this article inspirational and that it’s given you a few ideas about how you can spend your time this autumn. To check out our full range of tools, head on over to Halfords.com.
