Forum Topic

Useful wedding present - tools.

Our best friends' son is getting married next Spring. We would very much like to give him a comprehensive set of quality useful tools he could keep for a lifetime and tool boxes in which to store them. Apart from the obvious hammers, screwdrivers and electric drills, what other items of tools would you suggest and which tool supplier would be the best to approach please. Thanks for the advice.

Gerry Tan ● 4520d11 Comments

Thanks for that info!

Philippa Bond ● 4516d

Thanks folks for the soumd advice. I hope my young married friends find the tools helpful - I still have some of the tools I had when we got married(half a century ago!).

Gerry Tan ● 4518d

I was always losing chuck keys until I bought a keyless chuck. Hold one part and turn the other and it works well.Your can 'retrofit' them to most drills.

Nigel Brooks ● 4518d

Some women have to like DIY! I used to have a really nice ratchet screwdriver with the handle full of different sized and shaped bits.  Then I (no probably my husband) was given a rechargeable cordless electric one which was big and heavy but that doesn't work any more - and that really really irritates me.I've noticed that some of the electric ones now come with a light that shines on whatever you're doing which seems a very good idea.Have any of the drills got a neat way of keeping the chuck key safe from loss?  Taping it to the wire is not very practical.

Philippa Bond ● 4518d

Some women are quite good at diy although Gerry I would cover both bases. Also buy a set of saucepans label 1 bride and groom and the other groom and bride, she may like diy and he cooking. My opinion on drills is Dewalt are the best but as a handyman you don’t need a 18v or 24v, 12v can do most things around the house I have had a bosch 12v for years and its still going strong. But on the job (not a sexual reference) It’s always Dewalt.

Tony Maxey ● 4518d

Yes I agree with David.  If they (the present is for both I assume) have no interest in, or need for DIY, then it is a waste.  If they are really keen then I suspect they will have very selective ideas on type,quality and the brand name.Also if the groom is a DIYer and the bride is not I am not sure what the reaction will be of the latter with the hammer drills, mole grips etc etc on the present table along with coffee maker, bed linen, picture frames etc etc.

Philip Coe ● 4519d

I bought a beautiful set of tools for my brother in law about 10 years ago with an amazing DIY manual. I don't think he's used them once or looked at the book ever. Best to check first

David P Archer ● 4519d

This is a cracking idea.D Downey - specifically what power tools would you suggest?From my own perspective, the tools that have been of most use to me over the years are:- Electric screwdriver: currently a Black & Decker 2.4 v.  I used to think these were gimmicky but they are excellent, plenty of torque and save so much time and effort.  Several years ago I was especially pleased to find an allen key bit matching the standard Ikea size.  The main issue with these is that having 2 is better than 1.- Claw hammer- Pincers - for removing nails, tacks, etc- Decent pliers- Easy adjustable water pump pliers.  These are fantastic for all sorts of jobs, including changing washers.  E.g. once a nut has been loosened by a wrench, it can be removed with these far more easily than constantly re-applying the wrench.  Also great when working on the car.- Adjustable spanner- Socket set with ratchet and various snap on additions.  I love using  my sockets, I find them so much more ergonomic than spanners when applicable.  They are probably more useful on the car than around the house but were invaluable last year when changing a ceramic disc "washer" in the kitchen.Makes: I tend to use Bosch, Draper and Stanley but old-timers will always tell you they're not as good as they used to be.

Phil Kay ● 4519d

What a brilliant idea for a wedding present.I'm sure you'll get many answers but my penny worth.Handtools, go for the professional ranges if you choose the likes of draper but for me its Bahco,bahco,bahco started with a solid set of drivers and progressed from there.Power tools I like both Makita but have a good number of wickes own brand and cost/performance is just as good

D Downey ● 4519d

Molegrips, plumber's tape, tenon saw, hacksaw, adjustable wrench.

Keith Iddon ● 4520d

What a cracking, practical idea.For quality tools (no one will thank you for screwdrivers that bend), I would suggest you take a trip to Twickenham.D&M Tools are based at 73-81 Heath Road, Twickenham, Middlesex, TW1 4AW. 020 8892 3813  A family-run business that I have used for years. they are mong the cheapest for quality tools and their service is, from experience excellent.As to toolS.Claw hammer, tack hammer, electrician's tool-kit (this normally contains screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters and the like), a 'stud-finder' - essential for checking what's in the wall BEFORE you drill, a good rechargeable electric hammer drill, a good spirit level, and extending tape, a pair of safety glasses/goggles and a good tool box.

Nigel Brooks ● 4520d