The toaster is broken and needs to be repaired. No problem, you are familiar with the technology and the workshop is well equipped. But that’s where many problems begin. There are special screws for which no bit can be found in the workshop. Once you’ve got it out, one rolls over behind the cupboard or falls into the toaster during assembly. How do I get there? It is better to put all the screws in a box right away, but do not knock them over, otherwise the search will start all over again.

There are tons of tools that can prevent many problems from the outset. We would like to introduce some of them here.

This guide is one of our guides on everything to do with workshops and DIY. For example, the following articles have appeared here:

When assembling, assembling or fastening you should work accurately, suitable tools and aids are essential. For example, if you want to drill several holes exactly in a row, you usually work with a ruler or spirit level. For some work steps, however, there are easier ways to get there. In order to easily and conveniently mark a desired distance from an edge, it is worth purchasing a marking gauge. This is a metal ruler with a lockable stop. The prices for such a Mark are between 10 and 20 euros, the choice of variants is huge. Miter angles with an integrated marking for perfectly parallel lines are somewhat less flexible, but just as effective. The Plastic version from Wolfcraft is available from 5 euros. If you want to correctly mark the distance on a rounded table top, you will get a suitable one Versions from around 30 euros. With a 3D printer, craftsmen can even make such helpers themselves. Print templates for Thema Marking Gauge (Marking theory) is available on Thingiverse, for example.

Precise work is also important when assembling technical devices or pictures. In addition to the angle, the distances between the screws and the suspension must be correct. Precise measurement is essential here. Or you use the Drillstamp. This ingenious drilling aid helps to mark the correct distances for the screw receptacle of the device to be suspended. The application is very easy, as the following video shows. The drillstamps are available in double and quadruple packs for between 4 and 9 euros.

When laying laminate or attaching wood cladding, various curves and steps may have to be removed. Errors can easily creep in when measuring.

It’s faster, safer and easier with a so-called Contour theory. This consists of many small strips that are pressed against the contour and thus take up the shape. The contour gauge is then removed again and the shape can be transferred to the material to be cut.

Tip: Such contour gauges are available from well-known manufacturers as well as in the cheap segment. When buying, however, you should pay attention to a few details. How wide is the contour gauge? How many segments does it consist of and can even small radii be removed exactly? Can the contour gauge be locked after the mold is removed?

There aren’t many things that competing companies can agree on. But at least for screws and screw drives there are standards and a basic set of bits is sufficient to be able to loosen common screw connections.

In most cases, three sizes of Phillips bits (PH and PZ), different sizes of Torx bits, hexagon socket and rarely a few slotted bits are sufficient. You are already well prepared to do most of the work.

However, some manufacturers do not like to see their products opened by unauthorized persons and therefore use special screws that cannot be opened with common bits. Then the slot is suddenly no longer continuous, the cross slot is staggered or has only three notches and there is a pin in the hole of the Torx screw that prevents the Torx bit from being inserted. Now good advice is quite expensive.

Therefore there is Bits assortmentthat are intended precisely for such special screws. You don’t even have to spend a lot of money for that, here it can also be a no-name manufacturer. After all, the bits are not in constant use and if they are needed, you can work a little more carefully.

Special help with damaged and worn screw heads Screw extractor bits further. Even if they are rarely used, these parts are very practical and worth the investment when needed.

It looks similar with that Universal socket wrench out. Although this theoretically replaces a whole set of classic wrenches, this is usually already available. It is much more exciting to use it for hooks or eye bolts. While these can usually only be gripped by hand or pliers, the universal socket wrench enables the use of a cordless screwdriver.

If technical devices are dismantled for repairs in the home workshop, it is important to sort the screws precisely. If possible, none should be lost.

Small jars or even better are helpful Magnetschalen. They are available in different sizes and shapes and the highlight is a large magnet underneath the bowl. As a result, screws are held securely in the shell, their position can even be sorted within the shell and if metal surfaces are available, even the shell stays in place thanks to the magnet. This is advantageous if you are working on your own car, for example.

If screwing is always done well at the workplace, it is also worth taking a look at Heat-resistant work pads made of silicone. These usually also have integrated magnetic storage surfaces and thus also help to keep things tidy. The soft and durable silicone work surface also protects sensitive surfaces.

Anyone who has to work in hard-to-reach places gets the magnetic bracelet a mobile alternative to the magnetic bowl. The textile bracelet has integrated magnets and slots for bits, drills, screws or, for example, nails. These are then always tidy and ready to hand.

If you want to get yourself a couple of magnetic bowls or a magnetic bracelet, you just need to keep your eyes open. Although cheap ones can also be found online, some discounters have them on offer every now and then and then the price is unbeatable. Otherwise, these practical helpers are also available from Amazon and Co.

If it happens despite the magnetic shell and a screw rolls into the most remote corner, it has to be pulled out there somehow. Long wires and rods are useful, and a folding rule is almost always at hand. However, it becomes critical when the screw has to be lifted because it is behind the cabinet.

The only thing that helps is a magnet or an extendable one Telescopic rod with magnet. It can be bought cheaply and is hardly bigger than a ballpoint pen. If the length is not sufficient, such a magnetic stick can also be attached to the folding rule or broomstick with some adhesive tape.

If you want to be more flexible, buy a small neodymium magnet and attach it to a rod. Neodymium magnets are extremely strong and can therefore be used even with very small dimensions.

Tip: Many a tape measure has a magnetic hook to make it easier to measure distances to metal parts. Such a tape measure is well suited to collect “hidden” screws.

Are magnetic too Inclinometer, only they serve to align stationary circular saws at the correct angle. This works just as well at right angles as with any other cutting angle.

If the saw blade has to be exactly perpendicular to the base, it can be easily aligned with an angle or a right-angled piece of wood. However, when other angles are required, things get complicated. This is where the inclinometer comes in.

The inclinometer doesn’t care whether the saw is straight or crooked. It is placed on the saw table and set to zero. Then you attach it with its magnetic surface to the saw blade and tilt it until the desired angle is displayed. The angle is not measured to the horizontal, but to the previous position on the saw table. So no matter how crooked the saw is on the ground: the inclinometer always works.

A classic spirit level is indispensable in every workshop. But how about an upgrade? Water truck with integrated laser expand the possibilities of use and make the application more convenient.

When measuring and marking boreholes, thanks to the laser, the scale no longer has to be constantly shifted and realigned. The line laser (s) increase the measuring range by tens of meters. For larger construction projects or, for example, when hanging up pictures, the 15 to 20 euros are very well invested.

Who needs one Labeling device? Probably nobody at home. But when you own one, you get to know the benefits. How often do you open the small drawers in the workshop before you catch the one in which the small screws were? Or after installing the surround system, who still knows which cable is coming from which loudspeaker?

The motto is labeling. Not only does it look neat with a label maker, it also makes it a lot easier. Printed labels do not need a specific colored background so that the writing is legible. They don’t care if they get dirty either – they have a foil coating and can simply be wiped off. They also have no problem with cables, many have a “cable format” with which the label is placed around the cable and then sticks out as a flag.

A labeling machine certainly means a small investment, but in the long run it pays off with less searching and more order.

There are plenty of devices with which dowel holes can be precisely drilled. And of course these also have their price. It’s cheaper with Dowel tips – small cylinders with a collar and a point. Depending on the dowel hole, they are available with diameters from 4 to 12 mm.

If a dowel connection is to be made, the dowel hole is marked on a board and drilled. Then you put the dowel tip into the hole and position the second board in its later position. Briefly pressing the board and the dowel tip marks the exact position for the opposite dowel hole. Simply, quickly and effectively.

Many small aids are not new and some have been using them for ages. Many gadgets don’t even cost 10 € or are even cheaper to find at discount stores. Even if you “don’t need it” at the moment, our tip: don’t save at the wrong end and take it with you. The next moment when you say to yourself: “Oh, if I had …” is bound to come.