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Talk to me about power tools

7 replies

Callmecordelia · 08/08/2013 14:41

We have exchanged on a house, and inevitably that will mean ikea, and picture hooks etc. We have rented until now, and I have somehow never needed to drill holes etc, but I really want to now. I also don't want to put everything together with an allan key.

I thought I should get a cordless drill /screwdriver, but which one?

What should I be looking for?

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PigletJohn · 08/08/2013 16:33

if you are very weedy, you will find a powerful drill heavy to hold. I would suggest a cordless drill/driver of about 8v to 10v which will be light but not powerful, and an 18v or 24v combination drill with reverse and hammer action. If you can get one with a spare battery at a reasonable price you will find it useful. Low price B&D are not very good.

Inexpensive cordless tools have NiCad batteries which fail after a couple of years. Replacment batteries cost more than a new tool.

You may as well buy inexpensive cordless tools that you will not mind throwing away after two years or so.

You can cheap own-brand tools in Aldi and Lidl that are good value in mens sizes. The own-brand Supermarket ones are not very good. You can get cheap Draper brand in the high street. Wickes do a cheap own-brand range that are not bad. With cheap tools you are relying on the guarantee since they are more likely to go wrong that big names like Ryobi or Makita. If you get one with a 2 year guarantee then it will be a bonus if it lasts longer.

If you are doing a lot of work, or heavier work, a mains power percussion drill will be better. If you are drilling brick or concrete a mains-power SDS+ drill which can also chisel, but it will be very heavy. Screwfix do a cheap range of corded tool that are much heavier than expensive brands, but tend to be surprisingly sturdy, and have a good guarantee. Read the instructions very carefully, at least twice, put the ain a plastic bag and store in the tool box. Hammer drill often need regular greasing. If you are buying substantial tools, buy them just before you are about to start a big job; so that if they are going to break down, you can take them back straight away. Don't loise the receipts. mains power tools can be expected to last a long time.

Power tools with rigid plastic case are very neat and handy. Only the very cheapest come without a carry case now.

Youi will also need a good range of screwdrivers. only buy sets made of chrome-vanadium steel. Not carbon steel. Not chromed steel. Not forged steel. This is important . Also CV if you are buying spanners. You can always find cheap sets at Screwfix.

Try not to buy "100-piece tool kits" as they are usually rubbish.

SuddenlySingleAgain · 08/08/2013 20:42

my local B&Q do workshops to help you get to grips with all sorts of DIY . so maybe check out your local store too . the post above Is very informative too.

Callmecordelia · 08/08/2013 20:51

Amazing post PigletJohn, thank you.

Good idea about b&q too, thanks Suddenly.

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PolterGoose · 09/08/2013 08:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TheWookiesWife · 09/08/2013 22:26

I have an ikea electric screwdriver - it's been just what the doc ordered for most of my DIY ! was under £20 too ! bargain !!

superlambanana · 10/08/2013 14:17

I love our Bosch cordless screwdriver. Saves masses of time, is very light but sturdy and easy to use.

Callmecordelia · 10/08/2013 18:56

This is all the sort of thing I need. Our landlord's handyman put our cot together as a favour, and it took him no time at all. I think I have been envious of electric screwdrivers ever since!

It seems so ridiculous to have to call someone in to put in a stair gate or put up some solid proper picture hooks. I am sure that it is a skill I can learn....

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