Need some "entry level" DIY tools - where is a good place to get them from?

mr_fishbulb

I'm renting at the moment so haven't built up many DIY tools as I haven had call for them. I have a set of screwdrivers, a drill-driver, a tape measure and some glue - that's it.

My parents are going to start asking me what I want for xmas soon (yeah, I know!) so want to start building up my collection for when I become a home-owner.

I don't want anything fancy, but I'd like to ask for stuff of good quality which will last.

Can anyone give any tips as to what brands to ask for and which DIY items every household needs?

27col

I would not worry too much about brands. In any event there are so many that it would be difficult to choose one over the other. It would probably be just as well to ask for money. Then you can buy what you need and what catches your eye. The thing about DIY is that the tools do not usually get used all that heavily and will therefore last a long time with care. In my opinion, what you need to do is to buy whatever tool you need for a particular job, and never make the mistake of trying to do a job with what are obviously the wrong tools.
A set of wood chisels and an oil stone would be handy to have. Also a claw hammer and a smaller hammer, suitable for panel pins. A mastic gun is handy. Also plenty of scrapers and filling knives.You can never have too many screw drivers. I must have collected hundreds of tools over the years. Tools for plumbing, electrics, wood work, brickwork, the list is endless, but the point is, most of them were not very expensive.

ormus

unless you are a serial DIYer like me, you dont really need the best hand tools on the market.
the pound shop, hand tools will do the job in most cases. (and they are very cheap!).
when you need half decent power tools then start with say wickes own brand. ive owned them for yrs. ive had one 240v drill over 10 yrs now.

Halloway

I've always found Halfords screwdrivers, socket sets and spanners to be reasonably good value and decent quality. As for power tools, I've tended to go with Bosch, again because the quality is good and the prices fair, particularly if you shop around.

Ebe_Scrooge

The best advice I would offer is to buy a tool to do a job as you need it. So if you find you need a ring spanner, for instance, buy a basic set of ring spanners covering the most common range of sizes ( e.g. 10mm - 22mm is a good start for most basic DIY jobs ). Use it for the specific job, and you've then got it for when you need it again - which you will if you do DIY. There are occasional tools that you'll find you need that you wont use regularly, so it may be worth considering hiring those, but this situation is quite rare - mostly you'll find you'll use them over and over. Over the years you'll build up a decent toolkit without a massive outlay at one time.

In terms of quality, avoid the very cheap tools, but there's no need to go overboard. You need to make a sensible judgement as to how much use they'll get. I do a lot of DIY, and if I were to value my toolkit now it's probably worth several hundred. But having said that, the vast majority of stuff is things that I bought 20 years ago and they're still going strong.

wallbash

Take the advice of those who have already posted..... its good

Apart from quote A set of wood chisels and an oil stone would be handy to have

Sorry but could a dozen items required before I shopped for a wood chisel .

To add to the list , Spirit level , workmate. Stanley knife and a sander.

Also a toolbox to keep all the stuff together
Personally have become too like the tool bags which have appeared over the past few years.


Why not have a guess on how much 'santa' might throw your way
I bet we could all come up with a shopping list.

mr_fishbulb

wallbash wrote: »

Why not have a guess on how much 'santa' might throw your way
I bet we could all come up with a shopping list.

I'd say santa may go for £100 (or maybe a little more - max £150).

Just remembered I do have a spirit level also. And some pliers with a curved nose.

wallbash

Right I have £125 will look at the screwfix cat. As that will get me free del.

Wont include the items you already have .
Basic kit for a beginner.

Give me something to do over my lunch time sandwich .

mr_fishbulb

Brilliant! Thanks wallbash.

Coincidentally it was seeing the advert for screwfix during the football yesterday which got me thinking about this.

Atelier

I would personally get a hammer drill, hammer and one of the miscellaneous drill bit sets (e.g. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-Piece-Titanium-Drill-Screwdriver/dp/B000P4IQN4)

With your screwdrivers, level etc then you will be able to hang things on the wall and take things apart.

If you then get a mixture of screws / rawl plugs from somewhere like Screwfix then you will generally be self-sufficient and not have to pop out for the odd screw.

Optionally pick up a mini tool kit for things like pliers, spanners etc (e.g. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-Value-71369-Automotive-Tool/dp/B0001KA1OO)

I keep these things in a cupboard in the house and rarely have to disappear down to the shed when something goes wrong or there is a picture to go up.

Leave the purchase of more task specific tools until you need them.


HTH

mr_fishbulb wrote: »

I'm renting at the moment so haven't built up many DIY tools as I haven had call for them. I have a set of screwdrivers, a drill-driver, a tape measure and some glue - that's it.

My parents are going to start asking me what I want for xmas soon (yeah, I know!) so want to start building up my collection for when I become a home-owner.

I don't want anything fancy, but I'd like to ask for stuff of good quality which will last.

Can anyone give any tips as to what brands to ask for and which DIY items every household needs?

wallbash

Here we are

Sealant gun £4 .15
Box of screws 5.50
Araldite 4 .10
Duck tape 6.20
Filler/strip knife set 5.70
Brushes 10.00
Leather gloves 9.00
ear defenders 3.00
safety goggles 5.70
Claw hammer 10 .00

Panel saw 10.00
Knife 5.00

Work mate ( cheap ) 15.00

Tool Bag 12.25
Sander 18.00



I think thats about £123

Yes I know you could get some cheaper by shopping around , but trying to keep it simple.. If anyone wants to disagree :eek: with an alteration , wot would you change ??