What tools do I need?

bouicca21

I may be tempting fate but I hope to exchange on a flat in very near future. There is a maintenance arrangement for the building but I will want to be putting up shelves and pictures, plus obviously odd little maintenance jobs internally in the flat and in the garage (en bloc). Since living on my own in rented I have bought a little socket set (I've even used it). I've been told an electric screwdriver would be useful. What else am I likely to need?

And while I am asking does anyone have any thoughts on the diy courses run by B&Q?

wallbash

Well done on the flat, fantastic you have used a socket set

First.... don't rush out and buy expensive tools.

Wait for the posts who will say, expensive tools are worth while.
They are ! but if left on the shelf for months/years not being used .... what a waste.

You are in a flat, so your DIY projects are going to be small.

So my advice, wait until you want to tackle something and THEN ask for advice.But do a little research, is there a BQ ( other sheds are also worthwhile) nearby. Get yourself a free screwfix catalogue.

As for courses by BQ , have never heard a bad thing about one, but never felt the need to use one.

BlueC

A cordless multi-purpose drill i.e. one that can be used as a screwdriver, drill, and hammer drill. If you'll be using it a lot get a relatively decent one not the cheapest.

A set of bits for said drill. Again, don't buy cheap rubbish.

A hammer.

A set of decent manual screwdrivers.

Some pliers, both long nose and bull nose.

gmgmgm

Screwfix often does a £25 "everything" kit which will get you moving. Good value and while the quality it's top-notch, it's good enough. You don't need to spend £100 on a hammer (and yes, you can!) to do simple maintenance around a house.

You don't need an electric screwdriver :-)

lee111s

Screwfix have an excellent tool kit with carry bag on offer now for £29.99. A very worthwhile investment. It's by forge steel. Check it out on their site http://m.screwfix.com/p/forge-steel-general-tool-kit-47-piece-set/84541?source=aw&awc=1228_1401886531_04cc0f3f3b4e72682ac939603f256012&cm_mmc=AffiliateWindow-_-DeepLink-_-Na-_-47868

Ectophile

As an alternative to an electric screwdriver, consider a ratchet one with interchangeable bits. They aren't expensive, and are easier to use than traditional screwdrivers.

You'll probably end up needing a hammer and an electric drill.

Most other things are best bought as and when you need them.

Procrastinator333

I would agree, only buy tools as you need them. Though with the exception of a decent drill/screwdriver. Odds on you will at the very least be building a lot of flat packs and putting up shelves. £100- £150 on a drill is well worth it imo for those sort of tasks.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/makita-dhp453sy-18v-1-5ah-li-ion-cordless-combi-drill/57626

http://www.screwfix.com/p/makita-p-67832-101-piece-accessory-set/96659

After that, I would just say find out the right way to do a job and just get the tools / parts as and when you need them. But that is me. Good luck and have fun!

A.Penny.Saved

gmgmgm wrote: »

Screwfix often does a £25 "everything" kit which will get you moving. Good value and while the quality it's top-notch, it's good enough. You don't need to spend £100 on a hammer (and yes, you can!) to do simple maintenance around a house.

You don't need an electric screwdriver :-)

I agree, for a normal person who does not put in many screws they are more of a hassle. The battery is likely to be flat when you come to use it.

A manual screwdriver set with slot and cross/philips types are all that is needed.

A basic kit sounds ideal.

cyclonebri1

A.Penny.Saved wrote: »

I agree, for a normal person who does not put in many screws they are more of a hassle. The battery is likely to be flat when you come to use it.

A manual screwdriver set with slot and cross/philips types are all that is needed.

A basic kit sounds ideal.

Before you take a step further or drill a single hole in a wall, get yourself a stud and metal/power detector.
This allows you to find the position of studs behind pleaster ceiling and in partition wall and also to detect cables and pipes buried in walls etc, more importantly it even detects if they are live.

I had 1 golden rule rule when I was collecting together a tool kit donkies years ago;
Don't buy a thing until you need it, even I have tools that have never been used.

I suppose the other rules is that if you are going to need a major item, and are going to use it many times, buy it at the onset and don't struggle for years as I did in my case before I bought a cement mixer (OK, a little advanced for your position I suppose but I'm sure you get the drift););)


Sorry APS, this was directed at the OP not you

bouicca21

If I do need a drill ... Lidl are advertising a 10.8v Li-Lon cordless drill for a mere £29.99 as next week's special offer. Is this likely to be a good deal or is it too cheap and a false economy?

As I think will be obvious from this thread I have absolutely no clue about tools (in my day girls did needlework ...). Really grateful for all the advice.

BlueC

bouicca21 wrote: »

If I do need a drill ... Lidl are advertising a 10.8v Li-Lon cordless drill for a mere £29.99 as next week's special offer. Is this likely to be a good deal or is it too cheap and a false economy?

As I think will be obvious from this thread I have absolutely no clue about tools (in my day girls did needlework ...). Really grateful for all the advice.

IMO a cheap drill will be a source of irritation and not worthwhile. 10.8v is ok for driving screws but nowhere near enough power to be useful as a drill. I'd be looking for an 18v Li-Ion which will set you back about £80-£100 including battery and charger.