Tool box - recommendations

[mypoornips]

I want to get a tool box for general DIY, any recommendations please?

Get a plastic one, it will not hurt your leg so much. Not a huge one as it will be too heavy to carry when full. A lift-out internal tray is useful, and little boxes in the lid for screws and small things.

If you meant a kit in a box, ready filled, don't get one. They are generally poor quality and contain things you will never use.

What DIY do you contemplate doing?

How rich are you?

Thanks, that's useful.

I was planning on getting a filled box but won't now. I'm just doing general DIY, about to fit some wardrobes, change some light fittings, that type of stuff.

A large set of screwdrivers, and pliers, is an essential start.

For these (and spanners, but not adjustable wrenches) look for tools made of Chrome Vanadium steel, which is a hard alloy. "Chromed" steel or Carbon steel is a cheap substitute that will not last. It will be stamped on each tool, and emblazoned on the packaging. It's useful to have Stubby drivers as well as regular length.

You can usually get a comprehensive set from places like Screwfix and Wickes. You will need flat slot screwdrivers, and Pozidriv in three sizes. You are unlikely to need Phillips unless you have an old car or move to America. Beware of sets made for the US market, like Stanley, which often have Phillips drivers instead of Pozi.

The little "bits" that go in an adaptor or cordless drill can be useful, but you need real drivers as well.

this is a comprehensive set

don't get this one, it has Phillips not Pozi

good value

If you ever wear a driver out (this can happen if you use the wrong size) buy a really good replacement to fill the gap in your set. You will find that you have a couple of sizes you use al the time, and others you hardly ever use.

pincers for woodwork

good set of pliers with plastic grips, if you need them

for undoing plumbing things

inexpensive toolbox If you break it, get a more expensive one next time.

claw hammer

You will also need an electric drill. An 18v Combi with two batteries will do most jobs. If you can't afford that yet, a mains one is cheaper and more powerful and OK indoors where you have a socket.

Get one that is sturdy enough that you can use it as a step. Saves getting the step or ladder out if you only need to go up a little bit!

Things I use all the time:

• my set of allen keys
• adjustable wrench (I love the word wrench)
• my set of nice screwdrivers with soft rubber handles that don't hurt my hands when I use them, and are nice and long so I don't have to strain to turn things. I have a set of tiny screwdrivers as well, but the handles on them are so tiny and thin they are hard to use.
• my hammers (two sizes of claw hammer and a big one I don't know the name of for whacking things with in demolition)
• pliers! Useful for everything!
• my proper hardcore utility knife... so useful!
• my power circuit breaker that means I won't electrocute myself
• tape measure! Get a really long one!
• an awl. This is a surprisingly useful thing for starting off holes.
• my Bosch battery powered electric drill - I spent £200 on a good one, with a good battery, but it's fabulous and you can use it inside and out as a drill and screwdriver.
• my spirit level with lots of different blibbly bits so I can take lots of levels at once.
• stud/electric/pipe detector. May save your bacon!

The one thing I don't have - and mean to buy really soon - is a really good handsaw.

This us all really useful stuff, thank you.

I've got a Bosch drill and a mishmash of screwdrivers but may invest in a decent set. Interesting to know the difference between Phillips and Ponzi as I've not heard of the latter before.

Please do add anything else that may be useful. I'm going to start putting it all together over the next couple of weeks.

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_screw_drives useful pic]]

when you feel a screwdriver that is a perfect fit in the screwhead, you'll know it.

observe the extra thin cross on the Pozidriv.

For entertainment, look at the pig nose!