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My SIL is moving into a new house tomorrow and doubtless her soon to be ex, and not happy about it husband will have grabbed all of the tools he can. If I'm being honest this is also so I don't get lumbered with going round to do loads of small jobs.
Reasonable quality, normal household tools. Not mad expensive, but not monkey metal either. No need for sockets and a ratchet handle for example.
Ta.
A couple of years I built a similar toolkit for basic household repairs from Aldi for a mate, big tool bag filled with drill/drill bits/screwdrivers/spanners/screws/wall plugs/duct tape/cableties/measuring tape/hammer/small saw etc, all in I think I spent £80ish for a complete kit that whilst isn’t “peak stw” would comfortably manage all household tasks with ease
Black and Decker do one specifically for women...
I got my sister this for xmas. Good enough I reckon for putting up shelves, fixing loosened hinges and the like.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/355224478720
I know these days its all 18v 5ah etc etc, but bitd 12v was all that was on offer, even for professionals.
Magnusson one looks good. Lidl occasionally do a similar for half the price. But that is a smart kit.
Ha, that's my missis tool kit WCA!
That Magnussen one is not bad, but why the VDE screwdrivers? Who is doing live electrical work themselves at home?!
Realistically, what is she are they going to need/use? Pliers, adjustable spanner, size 1 and 2 screwdrivers in Pozi and Philips (not that most people know the difference) and a couple of flatblades, Stanley knife, spirit level and a claw hammer? If it were me gifting it I'd look to put one together from bits because kits tend to come with crap no-one will ever use, and it adds a personal touch.
Day-to-day my most used DIY tools are probably my IXO electric screwdriver (which is ace), a pair of side cutters or a tape measure.
Decent quality screwdrivers that won't get chewed up or shatter will be less off-putting and more useful in the long run.
Hardwall hooks if she has a lot of pictures to hang, which also means hammer.
Knippex Cobra type pliers for stuff that needs gripping.
Get a screwdriver set that holds a wide range of hex bits. Plus a couple of regular screwdrivers for prising lids off paint cans, etc. I’ve got a really cheap set with one handle and a couple of rows of different sizes and format hex bits that I bought years ago, probably from Wilco’s, and it’s one of my most often used tools. The thing is, there are things like multitools, little compact drivers, electric drills, etc that use the same bits, that can be added to the kit later to take advantage of them. Sets of the most used bits can be added later or if on offer as spares in the event of damage.
I'd build it up out of individual items as opposed to a set.
Start with one of those terminal screwdrivers that checks if things are live or not. Side cutters, hammer, hex / Allen bit ratchet screwdriver, spirit level, WD40, pliers or molgrips, drill bit set for masonry & HSS, Duct tape, super glue etc and a bag to put it all in.
Ha, that’s my missis tool kit WCA!
That Magnussen one is not bad, but why the VDE screwdrivers? Who is doing live electrical work themselves at home?!
Screwfix is a trade counter, not a DIY shop.
Start with one of those terminal screwdrivers that checks if things are live or not.
And put it directly in the bin. They shouldn't even be for sale let alone given to someone who doesn't know what they are doing.
If it lights up it's hot, if it doesn't light up it might not be hot. That's not a safety device that should be handed out willynilly.
That Magnussen one is not bad, but why the VDE screwdrivers
Mine didn't come with them to be fair, and was cheaper when I bought it if I recall.
They must have updated the kit.
What @dyna-ti says - don't forget to get her a cordless drill and a set of drill bits. I've got a fairly cheap Black and Decker one, also does screwdriving duties.
Screwfix is a trade counter, not a DIY shop.
True, but the description calls it a basic set for everyday repairs. Think I'm erring on the side of building it myself, good suggestions. If nothing else it'll mean it's in a bag that can be added to rather than a blow mould case with no additional capacity.
Not considered a battery drill, will ponder that.
Not considered a battery drill, will ponder that.
I got one of these on offer:
And a big box of bits:
Given I use the drill maybe twice a year? it should last for a long time. You certainly don't need anything particularly expensive if you're not planning on doing that much DIY.
I needed to put together a kit for work and just bought Magnuson stuff at Screwfix. It's not Wera or Bacho quality, but it's lasted and doesn't get 'borrowed' quite as much.
With the exception of a box cutter/craft knife that was lethal (as the blade wasn't held in by the lock, so would slide out as you pulled the knife towards you) everything has been great and lasted well.
Always buy several PZ2 screwdrivers. It's worth having a set just so you can do a Philips screw when needed, but when 90% of the world is PZ2, it's worth having n+1 of them.
Useful thread, MCJnr will be setting up home in the summer....
I'd build one myself.
Good tool bag and just add bits to it.
Screwdrivers,hammer,plier set, maybe a small spirit level as 300mm one. Tape measure
That would cover a fair amount
I'm with Count Zero on the hex bit screwdriver approach for irregular DIY use. I've a ratchet one that does a vast amount of our everyday DIY combined with a little electric screwdriver that takes the same hex bits. There is one in that Magnusson kit, which looks like a good start point to me.
Add some molgrips (not the one on here) and a bradawl (didn't see one), 12v combi drill and low voltage electric screwdriver (whatever house/budget brand from b&q or Screwfix) and some half decent bits and you're good for most basic jobs I reckon
A combi drill AND battery screwdriver- you must really like my sister in law! 🤣
I just had a look at our 'indoors toolkit' that we keep for little jobs around the house. If a job needs more that what is in the tool box then we need to either get someone else to do it or we need to think about it before starting.
- A couple of flat head and cross head screw drivers to tighten cupboard or door hinges
- A panel pin hammer for picture hooks and light hitting duties
- A couple of pencils, a rule and a spirit level to picture hanging and general measuring and marking
- A pair of pliers with wire cutters/strippers for removing plugs and stuff
- A set of jewellers screw drivers (from a Christmas cracker) for the tiny screws inside a plug.
- A radiator valve bleeder
- A bag of mixed fuses
- An extending magnetic pick up stick with a light on the end
- A small LED torch
A radiator valve bleeder
Thats a good shout.
If you are looking at power tools (drill, screwdriver) then check out the McAllister range at B&Q. My go to now and I can't fault them.
i would go quality with a wera maintenance set like
https://www.toolstation.com/wera-kraftform-kompakt-maintenance-set-1/p48744
you cant go wrong with that
Sister in law has the exact same set Kayak recommended. Absolutely no complaints. All the tools have been used since she moved in.
That Wera set is just stupid, what do you hammer picture hooks in with? How do you level it out? Christ, my SIL is terrified of tape measures and they even got that right (auto hold, push to wind).
Always buy several PZ2 screwdrivers. It’s worth having a set just so you can do a Philips screw when needed, but when 90% of the world is PZ2, it’s worth having n+1 of them.
Or just buy a PH2 and be done with it. JIS2 if you're really smart (your mechs will thank you).
small electric screwdriver - not a big heavy combo drill driver
Sister in law has the exact same set Kayak recommended. Absolutely no complaints. All the tools have been used since she moved in.
That's a good basic tool kit...I would get something like that and then buy new tools on an as-needed basis. Not point buying a more comprehensive tool set for £££££ as you'll probably never use most of it.
A cheap cordless drill is VERY handy, and can also double up as an electric screw driver to take the hassle out of assembling flat pack furniture etc.
Yeah 12v FTW though, otherwise it's just an unwieldy lump.
I have one of the USB powered Aldi specials, as a powered driver it's not bad and I managed to cut a sheet of lino (not vinyl) with the shear attachment!