DIY toolset recommendations

theoretica

Another thought - check if his area has a tool library or library of things with tools.  All the tools, when he needs them.

They quote that the average electric drill is used for about 11 minutes in its lifetime...

https://wasteless.zerowastescotland.org.uk/articles/tool-library

Gavin83

I agree with a lot of the others here. There are a whole host of jobs you need a drill, screwdriver and hammer for so they should certainly be the first purchases made, along with a selection of bits. Makita do a really good set with all the drill+driver bits in you’ll likely need.

After this you’ll often need to measure and make sure things are straight so I’d get a decent tape measure and spirit level next.

Finally you need to think about cutting. If it’ll be something done very infrequently you could get a handsaw but personally I’d pick up a circular saw. They aren’t mega expensive and will provide a huge variety of cuts.

After this I’d just buy tools as and when needed. I own a lot of tools I wouldn’t be without (mitre saw and impact driver spring to mind) but you don’t need them for basic DIY.

chrisw

The one tool I've never really used is a cordless drill screwdriver. I've had a couple over the years but they're always flat when you come to use them or not powerful enough.

A decent corded drill is fairly cheap, always ready to use, powerful and will go most places with an extension lead. I do have a Bosch cordless screwdriver which has been an absolute god send.

greenface2

I stepped up my game a while back using Makita and milwalkie cordless tools . so much trust in these I gave up my 110v which are now gathering dust in the back of the garage . All my site work now is cordless . Also have an inverter and charging set up for both attached to my van back door so always at least 2 batteries on charge .  

FreeBear

theoretica said: They quote that the average electric drill is used for about 11 minutes in its lifetime...

https://wasteless.zerowastescotland.org.uk/articles/tool-library

I use mine with various whisks & paddles - If I'm mixing a tub of lime plaster, it will be 10 minutes at least. A bucket of render this afternoon. That was another 5 minutes of use...

Megaross

Just buy tools seperately. Go to Screwfix or Toolstation and build up a toolkit

Obviously you build up tools over time but £100 should get the bare essentials - hammer, scewwys, spanners, mole grips, redneck wrench, saws, chisels, multimeter.

Or buy him a drill. Or a ladder. Both are often used in a new home

maisie_cat

Grenage said:

A good cordless combi drill is probably the tool I use the most.

Agreed, if not 2 of them, we have 3 identical ones from Makita and have a selection of other tools using the same batteries. 

Money_Grabber13579

FreeBear said:

Grenage said: A good cordless combi drill is probably the tool I use the most.

And a little bit of instruction on using one might be prudent for the OP. Or we might get a repeat of this thread - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6362770/removing-a-sheared-drill-chuck-retaining-screw

Oops. Didn’t realise I was going to become infamous! But yes, knowledge of how to use tools is a good thing, and not by trial and error, as in my case…

FreeBear

Money_Grabber13579 said: knowledge of how to use tools is a good thing, and not by trial and error, as in my case…

We all have to start somewhere and learn as we go along.

The last few days, I've been tackling stuff I've not done before. Lead work on a small pitched roof, rendering the outside of *this house (cursing the scaffolders in the process)..

theoretica

FreeBear said:

theoretica said: They quote that the average electric drill is used for about 11 minutes in its lifetime...

https://wasteless.zerowastescotland.org.uk/articles/tool-library

I use mine with various whisks & paddles - If I'm mixing a tub of lime plaster, it will be 10 minutes at least. A bucket of render this afternoon. That was another 5 minutes of use...

So think how little many drills must be used to bring the average down...  An electric drill is something I have never felt I needed to buy (unless you count a dremel type thing for crafting) - my hand drill has always done the job perfectly well, or I have access to all the power tools at a community makerspace workshop.