Advice on Tools for DIY

Maggie.Moo_2

I've read a few threads but thought I'd start one a bit more specific to my situation (moderators feel free to move or merge).

I will soon be renting a new build apartment from a housing association and I will be building a lot Ikea furniture, most of which "must be fixed to the wall with the enclosed wall fastener", as well as putting up shelves and hanging mirrors/photo frames/etc.

I have built a desk and small bookcase before and I know I enjoy DIY but I have yet to acquire any tools beyond a few screwdrivers. I have looked at a few lists of "essential tools" as well as tool kits available to purchase and I was wondering what you all thought of this B&Q 50 Piece Tool Kit for a basic DIYer (it doesn't have a list of items but I can identify some of the basics!) I have looked at a few other options but I must admit I am not familiar with a lot of the kit so I am not convinced that I would need all of it and I'm also weary of the quality versus price.

I've also picked out this Bosch 680 W Corded Compact Hammer Drill PSB 680 RE and this Bosch 50 Piece X-Line Mixed Drill Bit Accessory Set based on ratings (and price) but I'm even more clueless about power tools than hand tools so I'd really appreciate some advice here. I expect I'll be drilling into masonry and plaster if that helps.

I know I had other questions but I can't remember them at this moment in time, maybe some discussion will stimulate my memory! Feel free to give additional advice regarding DIY etc as I'm sure I haven't thought this through due to the complete lack of exposure to DIY.

Thanks in advance

wallbash

Not a great fan of the 50 piece tool kit, will always have items you are unlikely to ever use, but the price is reasonable.
I like the drill.
Drills are also good, little OTT for now, but a good investment

VoucherMan

Maggie.Moo wrote: »

B&Q 50 Piece Tool Kit for a basic DIYer (it doesn't have a list of items)

The names may not be correct, I'm only a DIYer myself, but

Tape measure
Allen keys (8?)
Hex bit driver
20 hex bits
5 screwdrivers
Scissors
Spirit level
Pliers
Adjustable wrench
Hammer
Knife
Spare blade(s)
6 piece mini screwdriver set
Toolbox & tray

It would probably cover most of my 'basic projects'. If you decide later that you'll be doing a lot more DIY you can always buy better quality tools then.

On the other hand, unless you think you'll progress beyond assembling a few flat pack units, do you need more than a few screwdrivers? Tape, hammer and pliers I would consider useful for flat pack building, and a spirit level for putting up shelves, but you can pick those up, often for less than £1 each. A local hardware store may be best, if you have one. Also, I find long nosed pliers more useful, especially when holding small nails, trying to keep my fingers safe.:o

Maggie.Moo_2

Thanks for replying guys.

wallbash wrote: »

Drills are also good, little OTT for now, but a good investment

I expected as much regarding the drill bit kit, I noticed Ruski recommended the Bosch Multipurpose Drill Bit Set 4Pcs in another thread where there was some debate over the use of multipurpose drill bits, however I think that OP intended to do more DIY than me.

VoucherMan wrote: »

On the other hand, unless you think you'll progress beyond assembling a few flat pack units, do you need more than a few screwdrivers? Tape, hammer and pliers I would consider useful for flat pack building, and a spirit level for putting up shelves, but you can pick those up, often for less than £1 each. A local hardware store may be best, if you have one. Also, I find long nosed pliers more useful, especially when holding small nails, trying to keep my fingers safe.:o

This sounds about right but I started doubting myself when I wet in search of "essential" tools lists Screwdrivers, tape measure, hammer, long nosed pliers, spirit level and a tool box/bag to keep them in. It's interesting you've mentioned picking them up for a £1 or so each as I wasn't convinced that cheap tools were worthwhile (although I suppose the 50 piece tool kit works out at around 40p each!)

I've remembered one of my questions - stud/cable detectors, is there much difference between a cheap and a not-so-cheap one? Any recommendations?

Thanks again

wallbash

Buy a tape measure for £1 . yes
Buy a screwdriver for a £1 ....... would think twice.
Spirit level yes
long nosed pliers, No

xyz123

If assembling wooden furniture one thing I found most useful is a rubber mullet hammer. Helps get those dowels in place and connecting two items using dowels so easily and without any damage as well... Got mine of eBay for £3.50.

RS2000.

xyz123 wrote: »

If assembling wooden furniture one thing I found most useful is a rubber mullet hammer. Helps get those dowels in place and connecting two items using dowels so easily and without any damage as well... Got mine of eBay for £3.50.

Don't you find the mullet so 80s?

xyz123

RS2000. wrote: »

Don't you find the mullet so 80s?

I was born in 80s and living of UK so no idea what u r talking about..

Le_Kirk

Get the longest spirit level you can afford/fit in your storage cupboard. This will help with accuracy. I have found that cheaper metal/cable/nail detectors do not seem to go to the same depth as more expensive/powerful ones.

southcoastrgi

look at the hitachi drill

robatwork

Best thing I ever bought was a gimlet - starts off holes in wood or walls so you can screw/drill. I use it a lot!