Forum Topic

Tools for DIY

Calling all DIYers. What are the most useful and important tools in your toolbox?I ask because we’ve promised to buy a toolbox full of useful everyday tools as a wedding present for a young couple. We are going to spend c£200 and I would like advice about which tools to buy to fill the toolbox(excluding electrical power tools – that’s the subject of other presents on the couple’s wedding gift list). I’m utterly hopeless about hand tools( I don’t know the difference between a bradall and a bowsaw) so I’d appreciate your advice. Thanks.And whereabouts in Ealing should I go to buy good tools? Thanks again.

Gerry Tan ● 6246d10 Comments

Perhaps a work-mate collapsible bench/vice. Not necessarily a Black and Decker one, Wolfcraft is very good.Besides a short step-ladder, vice, saw bench, they are very good for sitting on, placing cups of coffee, beer cans, ashtrays...

Alan Brainsby ● 6243d

Oops! I hadn't noticed you had excluded power tools.

Account suspended ● 6243d

Oops! I hadn't noticed you had excluded power tools.

Account suspended ● 6243d

An absolute essential IMHO is an 18volt battery hammer drill.Most of these have 2 speeds and torque settings, so they can be used for use as a screwdiver as well. Good shatter proof safety glasses a must also.

Account suspended ● 6244d

Thanks guys!  The step ladder is also a good suggestion - it's on the young couple's wedding gift list too.

Gerry Tan ● 6244d

I agree about good, comfortable, screwdrivers, you should never skimp on those. Personally I would go for a ratchet with changeable bits.Here is a link for Screwfix, its worth a browse even if you go to Ealing Boards and Timber later.                    www.screwfix.com

Peter Wright ● 6244d

Go to Ealing Boards and Timber - they have a good selection of toolboxes/tools, and are often less expensive than the DiY stores.

David Fox ● 6245d

screwfix and Wickes both do "instant tool sets" in a handy bag/box. very useful and easy to wrap.step ladder good ideaselection of screws/light bulbs/fuses/nails too

David Eales ● 6246d

Yes, make sure the screwdrivers don't hurt your hands tho - A measure tape, There's a screwfix opened in Hanwell - by Matalan

Viv Ellis ● 6246d

After doing up several houses here's what I always pack first (excluding power toys !):A stepladderA good set of screwdrivers A good set of lossless paintbrushesDustsheets - not plastic!Spirit levels (long and short)Bucket (for rubbish as well as liquid)I would recommend screwfix (both store and mailorder) for all things DIY - many a happy hour reading the catalogue for all the goodies.

Niall Connolly ● 6246d