PLEASE can someone tell me what tools/drill to get to assemble furniture? Actually in tears

[frall]

I’m a newly single parent so a bit delicate at the moment. I need to assemble a new bed for my daughter and I don’t know where to start. I’m not an idiot (generally!) but this stuff flaws me. I have no tools at all. How do you know what sort of drill to get? Does one drill do all sorts of furniture sizes? Where do you even get one from? Is an electric one best? Feel very overwhelmed

Stubby Phillips screwdriver £3.49 from B&Q. I bought one yesterday for my son to put a bed frame together.

Flat pack furniture? You don’t need a drill for most things. Just a set of screwdrivers with different sized and types of heads. Maybe a set of Allen keys in different sizes but often these come with the packs when you order them.

Do you need a drill? I've always found you can assemble pretty much anything with an electric screwdriver.

Most flat pack furniture uses just an Allan key (provided in most flat packs) and you could do with one flat head and one cross head screwdriver. You shouldn’t need a drill etc.

You don't need a drill to put a flat pack bed together. Especially a child size one. It will come it's an Allen/hex key and all
You need is a screwdriver.

Right. Firstly make a cup of tea and sit down.

I've never used power tools to assemble any furniture, they usually come with most things you need. Can you get the stuff that came with it, and lay it out on the table or in a tray and take a photo? And post that on here. Usually a hexagonal key will come with it which is what you will use.

If it's flat pack, the instructions tell you what tools you need

Have you bought the bed?
Generally if it comes from IKEA or Argos or somewhere, it comes with an Allen key and then all you need is a screwdriver. I've put together everything from bunk beds to wardrobes to bookshelves and don't own a drill.
Occasionally, there will be awkward bits where a second person is helpful but, if your DD is older than a toddler, she'll be able to be that second person.

You tube is great for this.

You don't need a drill.
Screwdriver or Allen key is normally used

You can do it OP.

Yeah, don’t freak out if it says it needs two people, I’ve assembled wardrobes and a cabin bed on my own before. There’s the odd fun balancing moment but that’s all part of the joy!

The furniture will say what tools you need to assemble it. If it is a screwdriver I highly recommend getting a cheap electric one, it takes all the hard work out if it. Argos usually have them for about £10-£15.

Probably need a screwdriver as others have said. You get different sizes and it will depend on what you’re building what size you need. I suggest a wee trip to b&q or if you have local hardware shop. I would recommend and electric one - but needs to be a decent one - no b&m.

As others have said, you shouldn't need a drill for assembling flat pack.

A decent ratchet screwdriver with multiple heads is super useful. Something like this:

amzn.eu/d/01HYxav3

If you're building bookcases you might need a hammer for tapping the nails that hold the back on.

Get an electric screwdriver with changeable heads - that should cover you for most situations. A set of Allen keys can be useful for some furniture types. If IKEA still sell their small tool kit then I'd recommend it - mines still going strong after 15 years (has hammer, screwdriver, wrench etc).

The staff in places like B&Q are usually really helpful so just ask if you need advice. Good luck! (Ps I'm no DIY expert - I completely failed to assemble a small bookcase a few years ago - drove me to tears - and so it sat there half built until my dad spotted it one day and got it properly put together - self-assembly can be infuriating!)

Does the bed come with any assembly instructions? They often specify the type of tools you need.

To assemble a bed, it's unlikely that you'd need a drill. A screwdriver (or two), an adjustable spanner and possibily allen keys may be needed. Have a look at the fixings that came with the bed - look at the ends of them. What shape are they? You could take them to a hardware store and ask for the appropriate tools to use with them....

This. And if you want to be a bit fancy then this type of screwdriver is great, I still have the one I bought twenty five years ago when I moved into my first house. https://www.diy.com/departments/draper-stubby-ratchet-screwdriver-and-bit-set-7-piece-01050/5010559010509_BQ.prd?alt=true

Get yourself a wee toolbox with hammer, set of screwdrivers (flat head and Phillips head ones), set of alun keys, some duct tape, WD-40. This should sort you with most things going forward. A pack of picture hooks and wire is also useful.
If it's a flat pack piece of furniture it should come with an Alun key if needed.

For Flat pack furniture it will come with Allan keys.

You also need a Philips screwdriver, flat head screwdriver and a hammer.

I've never needed anything else.

Don't bother with a drill.

A pack of screwdrivers is really useful. Screwfix is fairly good for tools you can order online and then pick up in store. Go for mid priced ones as they’ll be better. Probably all you’ll need for this job.

A cordless drill is very handy. I’ve got a makita one, I can put curtain rails up etc with it. 2 battery and a charger. Makes jobs quicker.
Bosch drill bits are good and not expensive
A saw is handy as well. Panel saws are cheap
A pair of pliers, pair of pincers, small spirit level, claw hammer and wire cutters are also handy. Pliers often come in packs with wire cutters. Electric (as it lights up if it senses a current) useful
It’s very useful to have a few tools and lots of little jobs are quite easy to do

Just had a Quick Look on b&q and something like the pic below is what you need. I would also, if you’re building up a little tool kit a set of Allen keys, a small hammer, a set of manual screwdrivers and a Stanley knife and a small can of wd40. You’ve got this!

Google the name of your child's bed (shop or model name) and click on videos. It's surprising how many videos are posted on assembling this type of thing and even if you can't find an exact match, you'll probably be able to find something similar. They can be very helpful if you're starting from a position of minimal knowledge/experience in self-assembly of flat-pack (and lots of other DIY tasks)

Calm down, have a cold drink and then take a photo of the instructions on your phone and post it here.

There's probably a bag of bolts/fixings and an Allan key (L shaped thing) lurking in the packaging.

But first - breathe.

Lots of great advice already, just wanted to pop on and say you've got this op 💪🏻💪🏻

We believe in you OP!

Link/post what you've got on here & let's make that furniture together!

I have a very nice drill, but I’ve never used it for putting furniture together.

I have a set of Allen keys and a variety of screwdrivers. Long screwdrivers are easier to use than short screwdrivers, but you need both because some screws are difficult to access. You need both flat head and cross head in both lengths.

So in summary: four screwdrivers and a set of Allen keys will be enough for almost anything, unless you’re building it from scratch (in which case, you need a variety of saws etc.)

As others have said, a hammer can sometimes be useful, if you’re buying tools anyway. And of course a tool box to keep them all in.

I’ve put together about 12 beds by myself over the years. And I’m quite dyspraxic so it doesn’t come easily, but it’s do-able. Take your time and drink plenty of tea. You’ve got this!