Recommended "starter" kit for DIY toolbox

Ebe_Scrooge

trailingspouse wrote: »

dust sheets

I agree with you - but for "dust sheets" read "old quilt covers and bed sheets from school/church/scouts/whatever jumble sales for 10p a shot" :-)

My wife goes mad because I'll never chuck stuff away - but the number of times I've used old tatty quilt covers when decorating, or sheets to cover the garage floor when doing oil changes on the car ..... stuff she was was going to throw in the bin

Norman_Castle

To use up a voucher I bought one of these last year. I often work in other peoples homes and find it really handy. Its a good starter set for £10. https://www.bosch-do-it.com/gb/en/diy/accessories/34-piece-x-line-classic-drill-bit-and-screwdriver-bit-set-201451-57689.jsp
Add a 6" bit holder.

I like Bosch power tools. They're good quality DIY tools which are often nice to use. Soft start on a drill or jigsaw makes them much more controllable.

Avoid cheap power tool accessories. Drill bits, screwdriver bits and jigsaw blades. They are never shaped or sharpened properly and will fail quickly.

Jonesya

Buy yourself a decent wratched screwdriver, absolutely invaluable

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stanley-Multibit-Ratchet-Screw-Driver/dp/B0001IW7OS

SuzieSue

Ebe_Scrooge wrote: »

I agree with you - but for "dust sheets" read "old quilt covers and bed sheets from school/church/scouts/whatever jumble sales for 10p a shot" :-)

I agree. Old duvet covers are much better than the dust sheets you can buy. And you can easily wash them if necessary.

badmemory

If space for a workbench is an issue, then a spare ironing board cover for a decent ironing board. My ironing board gets used most days & not for ironing!

Ebe_Scrooge

Jonesya wrote: »

Buy yourself a decent wratched screwdriver, absolutely invaluable

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stanley-Multibit-Ratchet-Screw-Driver/dp/B0001IW7OS

Couldn't agree more. I've got a pretty comprehensive screwdriver set, and a top-end cordless drill which I use for heavy-duty screwing jobs ( oh-eer Matron ! ), but I bought this a couple of years ago : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bahco-808050-Ratchet-Screwdriver-Bits/dp/B001DZI2VK/ref=sr_1_1?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1505770515&sr=1-1&keywords=bahco+ratchet+screwdriver

It really is the dog's whotsits, and for everyday jobs where you just need a quick screw ( OK, OK, when will the innuendoes ever end !!! ), it really does take some beating. But yeah, I agree 100% - something like this is a really useful all-round everyday tool. And not expensive.

LandyAndy

One thing I would recommend now, that I'd never thought of before I had some building work done last year, is a hop-up. I got one and I've made lots of use of mine since and it is far easier to manoeuvre and use than step ladders in a lot of situations.


eg


https://www.toolstation.com/shop/Ladders+%26+Storage/d110/Platforms/sd3319/Trade+Platform/p26625

LandyAndy

I've also made a huge amount of use of my Black and Decker Workmate over the years. It was a present from my Dad about 35 years ago and is still going strong.

Jackmydad

You'll want a square of some sort as well. (Can't see it's been mentioned)
The combination type are handy. http://!!!!!!/2xP3636
Get a big toolbox as well and make a habit of putting your kit away clean after use.
It's there for the next time then.