New to DIY, so which tools?

MRc · Post by **MRc** » Mon May 01, 2006 8:55 pm

unspec wrote:
matt wrote:Hi,

What sort of DIY jobs do you anticipate doing? For example, do you expect to be doing a lot of joinery and, if so, will it be cabinet making or door linings and surrounds etc? What about plumbing, electrics, and building?

The reason for asking is that it affects where you spend your budget and what tools you should plan for in your budget.
Basic DIY, however I will be doing some light plumbing (fitting new taps) as well as tiling a bathroom. Later on I'll try and fit a kitchen but I can see general decorating and ripping nasty wood panelling being the first tasks.

I still don't have a hammer!

Once I'm in I'll have a better idea of the tasks, and the order in which they need done.

I changed my basin taps a week or so ago, followed the instructions here-http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/diy_p ... n_taps.htm

Make sure when you get an adjustable basin wrench that the bit that grips the nut is sprung, some do not have a spring on and mean that you need 3 hands to use them!

amarg · Post by **amarg** » Tue May 02, 2006 8:11 pm

ultimatehandyman wrote:Hi unspec,

Welcome to the forum.

I have never tried Ryobi personally apart from an 1/2 router that I have not used yet.

Two good things about Ryobi are price and the fact that they sell everything individually.

Check this out-
http://www.itslondon.co.uk/SearchResult ... eria=ryobi

Good link ulti-

They are even cheaper than ryobidirect and you also get freebies

unspec · Post by **unspec** » Mon May 08, 2006 7:11 am

Would this be OTT?

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro ... 6&ts=71418#

Keeping in mind that we have a whole house to do, and I have no tools at all (apart from an electric screwdriver :D).

tim'll fix it · Post by **tim'll fix it** » Mon May 08, 2006 7:14 pm

unspec wrote:Would this be OTT?

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro ... 6&ts=71418#

Keeping in mind that we have a whole house to do, and I have no tools at all (apart from an electric screwdriver :D).

it looks ok

Can you get other naked 18v ryobi tools (i.e. tools without the battery) this will be useful if you want something else, a planner for example.
Can you get spare batteries/charger.

I would check this before buying

unspec · Post by **unspec** » Mon May 29, 2006 11:42 am

tim'll fix it wrote:
unspec wrote:Would this be OTT?

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro ... 6&ts=71418#

Keeping in mind that we have a whole house to do, and I have no tools at all (apart from an electric screwdriver :D).
it looks ok

Can you get other naked 18v ryobi tools (i.e. tools without the battery) this will be useful if you want something else, a planner for example.
Can you get spare batteries/charger.

I would check this before buying

I decided in the end to get one reasonable quality drill that is part of the one+ battery system (so I can buy other bare tools later).

This was the one, as I was getting a few other bits from screwfix at the same time.

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro ... 6&ts=02891

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Mon May 29, 2006 1:23 pm

That is a good buy unspec. I have purchased a few items from screwfix for the monthly competitions and they are very good!

Hopefully that Drill will last you a long time

unspec · Post by **unspec** » Tue May 30, 2006 8:22 pm

ultimatehandyman wrote:

That is a good buy unspec. I have purchased a few items from screwfix for the monthly competitions and they are very good!

Hopefully that Drill will last you a long time

I have to say that's it's a fine drill. It really looks the part.

I'm afraid to say, I did get carried away when I unpacked it.

Post by **ultimatehandyman** » Wed May 31, 2006 11:59 am

Be careful you don't damage your watch!

Have fun

Inky Pete · Post by **Inky Pete** » Wed May 31, 2006 4:21 pm

That's the drill I've got, very nice to use.

I saw the 6 piece set of drill, right angle drill (only need it occasionally, but then it's an absolute lifesaver), circ saw (excellent toy!!), jigsaw, sander and vacuum cleaner, plus charger, bag and 3 batteries in my local B&Q for Â£299 the lot. Was mulling it over when I happened to be in another B&Q and saw the same set marked up as on offer for Â£220.

Grabbed it and bought it - well once we'd got the manager over to authorise it - girl on the till, "computer says no."

Since added the drill driver which is brilliant, light and powerful enough and am wondering what I'd find to use the omni saw on.

Enjoy using yours.

unspec · Post by **unspec** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 8:08 am

Now I have this lovely drill, is there anything I should do to keep it in tip-top condition? I don't mind a bit of extra effort to ensure that it lasts good long time.

FirstFit · Post by **FirstFit** » Sat Jun 03, 2006 9:13 pm

I dont know whether or not the batteries are ni-cad or NIMH
but if they are nicad, then make sure they are completely drained before re-charging, otherwise you will seriously damage the battery life.

Inky Pete · Post by **Inky Pete** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 9:06 pm

Good point. I've recently got the torch for my cordless kit. Didn't need a torch as such but it was under a tenner and means I can easily run each battery completely flat before re-charging. After a few charge/discharge cycles I'm finding my battery performance seems to be significantly better.

dirtydeeds · Post by **dirtydeeds** » Thu Oct 05, 2006 9:25 pm

unspec, to keep your new tool in good condition

you dont have to look after it, its a tool, its built for abuse

if it wont take abuse it isnt a tool