What tools do I need?

cyclonebri1

andydiysaver wrote: »

true, but in my experience they're more accurate for alternating current than they are pipe, where they can often take the approach that any mass is bad- be that breeze block or be that pipe - they're far too skittish and are red more times than they're green. bit of common sense needs mixing in at this point, where do pipes lead up from on prev room/floor etc, don't go above or below a socket, odds are higher that electric is run there. do your test holes before really going for it etc.


I do use a stud myself - bosch one pretty good and I still say the things are hit/miss, you have to combo it up with a bit of common sense

I've had or used many of these over the years, the oldest, simplest and cheapest Plasplugs one I have that must be 20 years old has proved the best.

Yes you can get a good idea where cables and pipes run but a great deal of care has to be taken, some jokers or "extra fervent moneysavers" still think it's fine to run cables at 45 deg across walls:eek::eek:

A.Penny.Saved

That Aldi drill has a conventional chuck which means it takes standard drill bits which are easily available. No need for more expensive SDS drill bits which are not suitable for drilling what you want to drill.

Yes it's very inexpensive but it does have a 3 year warranty which means it will last you at the very least 3 years or they fix/replace it. That is £5 per year for drilling a few holes!

Admittedly some of the Aldi tools are pretty crap IMO. I have purchased a few things which I have returned for a refund. However some of it is great and very good value.

I don't think you can go far wrong with a 3 year warranty behind it.

If there is an open box take it out and hold it to see if the size and weight is okay.

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If you keep your eyes open or check the Aldi website, you might find a hand held metal/cable/stud etc detector.

Not drilling near light switches/power sockets etc should help prevent any problems but a metal/cable detector would make sure of it. Cut off the power to any unused area before you begin to be safe.

A.Penny.Saved

Or the B&Q hammer for £30 with a keyless chuck. In store only and the deal started on Saturday so it could expire very soon. The Aldi hammer has an older style keyed chuck which you use to tighten up the drill bit.

Or a Bosche hammer for £29.99 @ homebase. Again with a keyed chuck but lower power @500W. The Aldi is 800W, B&Q 680W. The power could affect the drill weight. Therefore you might not need a high powered drill, especially for light drilling jobs.

1. What's the smallest power size that you think she could get away with?

Aldi £15

A keyless chuck might be less suitable for a woman because they might require more strength to tighten/lock the drill bit. A keyed chuck is a bit more fiddly but they can usually be tightened up fairly easily. I prefer them in many ways. The keyless mechanism could make all the difference but there is still often a problem getting the drill bit tight and having it spin around. I have two Bosch hammer drills with keyless chucks and they work well. My main corded drill that I have, I can lock the drive by setting it to hammer only which allows for easier tightening of the keyless chuck. I wouldn't be keen on a drill with a keyless chuck without that feature. The cheaper hammers, I paid £200 for mine, might not have a drive lock feature. Many higher end drills have three settings, drill only, drill with hammer and a drive lock/hammer only setting for chiselling type of jobs.

My father had an old Black and Decker drill, which I inherited, with a keyed chuck. He fitted the key to a chain which was attached to the power cord so it never got lost.

I know I have made a few jokes but I am in no way putting down your efforts because I admire that you believe that you can do it. All to often people say "I can't do that" without ever trying. A person, male or female can do anything if they try enough times, learning each time. If a person tries and fails and tries again multiple times and fails then maybe that is reason to think that they cannot do it but that is rare IMO because people can usually learn to do anything that they put their minds to.

The beauty of the internet is that you can search for tips on doing things and benefit from other people's experience and then DIY which reduces the chance of making mistakes and still make a decent job of it.

bouicca21

Make as many jokes as you like - I can take it, especially when accompanied by such useful advice. Risking 15 quid on a drill that I discover I can't use is a whole different matter to risking over 100!

I might decide that its easier and cheaper to get someone in to do things for me, but I'll have a damn good go at learning how to do it first.