With Christmas just around the corner, everyone is getting their house ready. While some people buy new décor stuff for their house to show the holiday spirit, others prefer DIYing them to get a custom piece for their home. If you fall under the latter group, here are some tools and equipment that might be useful this Christmas.
Measuring And Marking Tools
Measuring Tape
- What It Is: A retractable, flexible ruler used to measure length or distance.
- Where It’s Used: Measuring garlands, lights, tree height, or spacing between wall hangings.
- How To Use It: Extend the tape, align it to the object or area, and read the measurement.
- Why It’s Handy: Ensures decorations fit perfectly and are evenly spaced for a polished look.
Ruler Or Straight Edge
- What It Is: A straight tool for measuring and drawing straight lines.
- Where It’s Used: Cutting wrapping paper, crafting ornaments, or creating straight-edged DIY décor.
- How To Use It: Place it against the material to mark or cut along its edge.
- Why It’s Handy: Helps achieve a professional finish, particularly for crafts and gift wrapping.
Level
- What It Is: A tool used to determine if a surface is horizontally or vertically level.
- Where It’s Used: Hanging picture frames, shelves, or decorations.
- How To Use It: Place the level on the surface; adjust until the bubble is centred in the vial.
- Why It’s Handy: Ensures straight lines, preventing crooked displays that detract from your décor.
Laser Measure
- What It Is: A device using lasers to accurately measure distances.
- Where It’s Used: Measuring large areas like ceilings, walls, or outdoor spaces for lights or garlands.
- How To Use It: Point the laser at the target and read the measurement on the device.
- Why It’s Handy: It saves time and effort, especially for high- or hard-to-reach places.
Cutting Tools
Utility Knife
- What It Is: A retractable knife used for cutting various materials.
- Where It’s Used: Cutting cardboard, foam, ribbons, or trimming wrapping paper.
- How To Use It: Extend the blade, cut along the desired line, and retract for safety.
- Why It’s Handy: Its sharp blade makes precise cuts, which is ideal for intricate décor work.
Scissors
- What It Is: A pair of sharp, pivoting blades for cutting.
- Where It’s Used: Wrapping gifts, cutting fabric, or trimming paper crafts.
- How To Use It: Hold by the handles and align the blades to the material for a clean cut.
- Why It’s Handy: A versatile tool for almost every decorating task.
Saw
- What It Is: A hand or power tool with a toothed blade for cutting wood or similar materials.
- Where It’s Used: Cutting wood for DIY decorations or trimming a fresh Christmas tree.
- How To Use It: Hold the wood firmly, position the saw, and move it back and forth to cut.
- Why It’s Handy: It makes working with more extensive or tougher materials manageable.
Hanging And Mounting Tools
Hammer
- What It Is: A tool for driving nails into or removing them from surfaces.
- Where It’s Used: Securing hooks, tacking garlands, or setting up frames.
- How To Use It: Hold the nail steady, position the hammerhead, and gently drive it in.
- Why It’s Handy: Reliable for creating secure mounting points for decorations.
Screwdriver
- What It Is: A tool used for driving screws into surfaces or objects.
- Where It’s Used: Assembling furniture, attaching brackets, or securing light fixtures.
- How To Use It: Align the screwdriver with the screw head and turn clockwise to secure.
- Why It’s Handy: Offers more precision than a hammer, especially for delicate items.
Drill
- What It Is: A power tool used for making holes or driving screws.
- Where It’s Used: Hanging heavy decorations or setting up electrical fixtures.
- How To Use It: Select the right drill bit, position it, and press the trigger to drill.
- Why It’s Handy: Provides strength and stability for heavier or larger decorations.
Decorating Accessories
Staple Gun
- What It Is: A tool for fastening materials and staples.
- Where It’s Used: Attaching fabric, lightweight ornaments, or garlands to wooden surfaces.
- How To Use It: Position the material, press the gun against it, and pull the trigger to staple it.
- Why It’s Handy: Quick and efficient for securing decorations.
Sandpaper
- What It Is: A material with a rough surface used to smooth or polish wood or other surfaces.
- Where It’s Used: Smoothing rough wood edges for DIY projects or refurbishing old ornaments.
- How To Use It: Rub it against the surface in a circular motion until smooth.
- Why It’s Handy: Helps achieve a refined and safe finish for handmade décor.
Lighting And Electrical Tools
Wire Cutter/Stripper
- What It Is: A tool used to cut wires or strip the insulation off electrical wires.
- Where It’s Used: Customizing light strands, repairing broken lights, or setting up electrical fixtures.
- How To Use It: Place the wire between the tool’s blades, squeeze, and cut or strip.
- Why It’s Handy: Ensures your lighting is tailored perfectly to your décor needs.
Conclusion
The holiday season is the perfect time to unleash your creativity and transform your home into a festive wonderland. Armed with these essential tools, you’ll save time and effort and ensure your décor is safe, secure, and visually stunning. From precise measuring and cutting to effortless hanging and lighting setup, these tools are your ultimate companions for a magical Christmas experience.

