[Closed] Talk to me about your tool(s)

A set of decent quality screwdriver, wera for example.

I have a workmate and there are jobs I'd have struggled to do without it but it's not an essential.

A hammer, adjustable plier, pz2, pz1 and flat scewdriver.

Box of nails, screws and plugs.

You could leave it at that.

First thing you need is a decent tool box..... i prefer the drawer type as it keeps things separate and easy to get to then (in no particular order)
metric socket set
metic combi spanners (up to 20mm)
decent set of screwdrivers (pz and flat)
ratchet screwdriver and bits inclucing torx
decent metric allen keys
multimeter
couple of sets of mole grips
various hammers (including one soft face)
cordless drill/driver
cheap sds drill
saws for both metal and wood
dremel....
workmate can come in handy
decent set of drill bits
spirit level
tape measure

I'd say that with those you can tackle most ordinary jobs around the house. you can add stuff as you need it for specialist stuff.... most power tools excluding drills just speed stuff up and you wont be knackered if you are using them all day but if you are doing a lot of one thing then you can get the best tool for the job.

You don't need much to get going but extra tools do make certain jobs easier. Its nice to treat yourself to something when you start a new job. Hammer drill, jigsaw, chopsaw, specialist tools for plumbing.

Workmate is pretty usesul. Personally I think two of the basic £10 ones is way more useful than the fancy ones.

A short stepladder is useful too.

Finally a bit if safety gear. A few pairs if specs, gloves, ear defenders. Easy to forget to use them when at home but more important than at work.

Oh, and knee pads are nice to have, or a foam pad to kneel on.

Decent screwdriver set, pliers and side cutters, claw hammer, drill/driver, spanners 10mm, 13mm and decent adjustable (bit of a bodgers tool), multi-meter
Best bet is don't buy a 'set' but just to buy tools as you need them for a job. Sets tend to include items you don't need and generally poorer quality unless you spend big money.

Edit. Read above. I'm a slow at typing

claw hammer , hand drill , ratchet screw drivers stubby screwdrivers (Philips and flat) spirit level, pliers , pincers , plane and chisels , mallet. awl , tennon saw, wood saw , power drill with masonry bits socket set.

What ever isn't on that list that you need for the next job like bike maintenance the right tool makes any job easier.

Not sure what people are using sockets and spanners for at home. Don't get me wrong a love a good spanner but the only job that springs to mind is plumbing and I tend to use an adjustable.

Not sure what people are using sockets and spanners for at home.

+1

What you need depends on what sort of DIY you're aiming to do. I have several different tool boxes, one for Electrics, one for plumbing (water and gas), which contain tools specific to those activities.

Then the more generic stuff: hammer, drill, screw drivers etc.

Proper range of screwdrivers, no trying to screw in a No2 philips with a No1 Pozi.

It depends on what you're planning to do. Painting and decorating, with the odd bit of curtain poles and blinds? Or house renovation?

First would be a hammer drill, you can't drill bricks with a battery screwdriver. Then a good quality battery drill-driver. Invaluable.

A decent set of screwdrivers, pipegrips, claw hammer, pin hammer, a decent set of wood and masonry drills, adjustable spanner, paint scrapers, filling knives, tape measure, a couple of rules, a couple of different wood saws, hacksaw and a junior, a couple of files.

Buy the rest as you need it.

Basin wrench/ Tap spanners. At some point you will need these.

Knipex plier wrench - genuinely the best/most useful tool I own. Far better than a normal adjustable.

[img] [/img]

Though I do like my Halfords Advanced ratchet spanners too.

First would be a hammer drill, you can't drill bricks with a battery screwdriver.

You sure?

I pretty much only use by 18v Bosch for drilling holes in bricks. Only get the mains SDS out for big jobs like using core drills etc.

Re: B&D Workmates - it depends on whether you have a good surface already.
They are a useful surface that can fold away and they are stable enough to jigsaw on, etc.
But, if you've already got access to a kitchen table and don't mind using it, then it's just as useful with a couple of clamps.

Talking of clamps - 2 of these are essential for holding work:
https://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product/Irwin-Quick-Grip-Q-G518Qcn-5706915000085-New-Quick-Change-Bar-Clamp-450Mm-18In
(these are the usefully longer ones).

I'm not sure where to start as a new home owner..!

Do you mean the owner of a newly built home or new to owning a home?

With a hammer and a drill and and some screwdrivers and a spirit level, some pliers and an adjustable spanner you'd be able to do most things. What you might need in addition to that depends on the jobs you actually want to do.

Unless the house is falling down or you plan to make major alterations to it then just having those things to hand is sufficient - and you'd be able to get all them, bar the drill, in a nice bag for about £20 from most DIY stores.

If you find you use any of those things a lot buy a better version of it.

I don't think I've ever bought tools because I "wanted some tools," rather I've bought them over the years as jobs broke out which required them. I bought a heating pump spanner earlier this year in order to liberate (oddly enough) a failed heating pump. It was absolutely essential for the job in hand, but I've lived 40-odd years without oever needing it before.

Absolute basics: a few decent screwdrivers, hammer, pliers, adjustable spanner, WD-40, duct tape, zip ties. Oh, and a tool box. (-:

Beyond that, what are you going to be doing? Fixing things to walls for instance: a drill, screws, plugs, ghostbuster, safety glasses (you can get funky ones now, so you don't like you're doing school Chemistry in the 1980s).

If you find you use any of those things a lot buy a better version of it.

Buy cheap, buy twice. Life is too short to own shit screwdrivers.

On the drill front, If i could just have one then I'd go for a good quality corded hammer drill. It will feel a bit unwieldy for some jobs and a bit underpowered for others but you'll get 90% of the jobs done around the house with it. If you've more money to spend and can afford two drills then I'd go with a corded SDS drill and a lightweight rechargeable.

Life is too short to own shit screwdrivers.

Can't disagree with that.

metric socket set
metic combi spanners (up to 20mm)

Don't think I've ever used my socket set or a spanner on something inside the house.

And a multi-meter is only any good if you know what to do with it.

For plumbing jobs a couple of sets of these are perfect

[img] [/img]

Will the OP please clue us up on what a "typical" job is?

personally;
decent set of screwdrivers
decent cordless drill
selection of masonry bits
hammer

That pretty much gets you around most furniture and shelving type jobs.

Don't think I've ever used my socket set or a spanner on something inside the house.

I use a pair or Bahco adjustable spanners for radiators etc

[img] [/img]

Do you mean the owner of a newly built home or new to owning a home?

both, I'm the new (first) owner of a new build property.

I don't think I've ever bought tools because I "wanted some tools," rather I've bought them over the years as jobs broke out which required them.

Neither have I- that's why I didn't say i "wanted to by some tools" I'm looking for experience and wisdom of those that have gone before me in the home DIY game. This is not based on having lots of spare income lying around because see above.

Some decent pliers are also a good investment - if money's tight the wide head type are more useful IME than the needle nose.

First would be a hammer drill, you can't drill bricks with a battery screwdriver.

You sure?

Depends on your house really - theres hardly anywhere I've worked where a regular battery combi driver doesn't manage absolutely fine so long as you've got a good drill bit
.
But occasionally you get a local brick thats very difficult to drill - my inlaws house being an example, weird local bricks that are black on the inside and an absolute devil to drill with anything other than an SDS. But I'd imagine a new build house you'd be lucky to find anything that is brick behind the plaster and blocks are easy enough to drill - concrete lintels can be a pain maybe.

both, I'm the new (first) owner of a new build property.

We'll you'll not be doing major renovations then I guess. Hang a few pictures and some curtains?

2 12" adjustables
a hammer
a set of flat bladed and Phillips screwdrivers.
tapemeasure
spirit level
drill

Will the OP please clue us up on what a "typical" job is?

I'm a new home owner, its a new property and I'm limited in my personal tool collection. I want to see what ppl have found most useful around the home over the years of average or 'typical' home ownership and what they would consider the most useful in terms of investment. I'm not talking about knocking through walls or converting a loft etc or building a replica Parthenon- just yet. Whilst i understand most typically buy as they need for a given job, I've been curious if there's been a certain item that stands one in good stead. Simply, good tools to have for the amateur DIY'r.

Thanks for all the responses people, some things cropping up that have caught my eye. The mention of concrete lintels DOES apply funnily enough. Goosed a drill bit recently on a lintel hanging the lightest of blinds- user error there and lessons were learned. SDS/corded drill is on the list..

We'll you'll not be doing major renovations then I guess. Hang a few pictures and some curtains?

more or less yeah, some bespoke but simple MDF shelving for cupboards/airing closets are on the to do list.

Owning a 1930s house that's suffered a lot of bodging over the years my most useful (and favourite) tools are...

...angle grinder, circular saw, and SDS drill!

Decent drill and decent multitool on the electrical front...
Then you scale up depending on the job.

I've got loads of stuff ... some used more frequently than others but I'd say if you start off with a good drill and multitool plus a couple and hand saws and a hand hacksaw, set of screwdrivers and spanners, files etc. you buy as you exceed what they can manage. (I Could also add cold chisels and wood chisels, a decent ruler, F clamps)

A few bricks are OK on a 18V but drilling a load its worth a decent mains SDS that you only use for heavy jobs... That said I've pretty much gutted everything so I ended up with way more than I really need now its all done....

e.g. I have a HUGE mitre saw.... which was great for cutting 300mm wide tiles... chopping a RSJ up etc and once you have it great for loads of stuff but I only bought it when I needed to cut a load of really thick and tough tiles...

A multitool however will cut the bottom off a architrave in place, can be fitted with a diamond cutter etc. and a sander... other than cuttings architraves a proper tool is better for many things but sometimes its simpler to use what's at hand.

Cock, I totally forgot a tape measure. So useful I actually carry one around with me.

I'm surprised no one else has mentioned one yet but my most useful, most used house tool is my Leatherman. You can keep all your battery powered stuff that when you come to use it, the batteries flat! The only other tool you would need is a good quality adjustable spanner. Job done.
However I do also love all my other tools i.e. Reciprocating saw, combo drill, angle grinder and all the car tools.......

If I was making a list a long as some of those up there I'd also add a set-square to them.

In my defence, my list is a throw back to my days as a site engineer where we had that as a basic kit. interestingly we were not allowed to used pipe grips or adjustable spanners etc due to the habit of slippage which damaged the user and more importantly the thing you were trying to undo. I've tried using leatherman type tools but generally found them compromised compared to stand alone tools which i'm likely to have anyway. as for tools i've bought but never really used... basin wrench and immersion heater element spanner, firt one used once in 10 years and second became redundant when we got a combi boiler, oh and i bought some spring compressors at the weekend which i doubt i'll use again.

Buy cheap, buy twice. Life is too short to own shit screwdrivers.

Or buy expensive and don't use. You can have a full set of top quality screwdrivers but you'll only use one of them 95% of the time. Buy cheap to have one of everything, the sizes and shapes you actually need to spend good money on will make themselves evident.

Stud / pipe / wiring detector.

Will save holes where you don't want them and water and smoke coming out of the walls.... 🙂

I've got what I would call 'the usual' tools for getting most DIY jobs done around the house; hammer, screwdrivers, tape measure, spirit level, Stanley knife, pencil and a sharpener, a small square, a pry set etc.

Then there are the tools that get used a lot less frequently, but are more than worth having: jigsaw, hand-held circular saw, 1/4 sheet sander, Dremel, SDS drill etc.

All of my tools have been bought over the years & none of it is top of the range - for an occasional DIYer I reckon you don't need to splash out a lot of money to get good results. Obviously if there are certain things you are doing, then it might be worth splashing out a bit more on a decent tool.

I realised a long time ago that DIY is enough of a chore as it is; battling with the wrong tool, just prolongs the pain & you end up doing a half assed job.
Now (within reason) I just buy the tool I need to get the job done. For example - the mini-circular saw was only about £45 and used to get some tongue & groove boards up with a minimum of over-cut and to minimise the risk of hitting any pipes. It was worth the money for that one job.
And the SDS drill - I bought it to demolish a pond that the previous owner had built. After a weekend making slow progress with a lump hammer and cold chisel, I decided to splash out on a decent SDS drill with various bits. It was soooo much quicker doing the job with this. I was happy to have spent the money on it, just for that one job.
But, in reality I have used it for a ton of jobs - it is my go to drill for going into brick/masonry; much better than my hammer action Black & Decker.

Tools can seem like an expensive outlay - but if you buy what you need for each job then over the years you can accumulate a decent collection without spending a load in one go.

The next tool on my 'want' list is one of those vibrating multi-tools. I borrowed a friend's for a quick job last year & it made the task so much quicker; it completely changed the way I could achieve what I was trying to do.

These folding work station/bench things are pretty handy and are solid.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/folding-work-station/2320p

[IMG] [/IMG]

Or buy expensive and don't use. You can have a full set of top quality screwdrivers but you'll only use one of them 95% of the time. Buy cheap to have one of everything, the sizes and shapes you actually need to spend good money on will make themselves evident.

Sure, I wasn't suggesting running out and buying a full Snap-On set. Rather, paying a little extra for something that isn't made of cheese is worth it rather than having hours of frustration, rounded-off bolts and screw heads and the like.

I've never needed a set square, saw blade & handle has always served me fine

15mm spanner what does it ever get used for other than pedals although thined down to fit. The occasional car brake caliper maybe.
The circlip pliers you can't go wrong with them maybe once every decade
Favourite is my bahco socket set just wee bits maybe up to 13mm but has torx 25 brilliant
£20

I've never needed a set square

Me either but i wouldn't be without a [url= https://www.toolstation.com/shop/p36432?table=no ]combination square[/url]. It's my go to tool for all sorts of marking out and measuring. If I'm called upon to do a job at my mum or sister place it's the first tool that goes in the travelling tool box.

THere's loads of 'obvious tools' above, whish I'd agree with (haven;t read all the replies..

However, I've also found really useful are a plastic faced hammer, especially for bikes, and a huge torque wrench for BBs etc

DrP

These folding work station/bench things are pretty handy and are solid.

Yep - came here to recommend exactly that instead of a Workmate. It's a useful portable work-table instead of just a clamping saw horse. Even use it sometimes when working on the bike in the yard as it gives me somewhere to put all the bits.

Regarding essential tools: I don't know if the OP has kids, but the most used tool in our house is a small screwdriver bit set like this:

[img] [/img]
http://amzn.eu/g0uxXZ7 (£5)

Lives under the sink, it's fairly crap quality but invaluable for opening battery compartments on kids toys! A decent Stanley knife is also very useful (for cutting through the impenetrable plastic packaging that toys come in).

However I do also love all my other tools i.e. Reciprocating saw,

And clearly it loves you too.

If I was making a list a long as some of those up there I'd also add a set-square to them.

I keep meaning to buy a Wrong Angle. I live in an 1890s terrace and there isn't a right-angle in the place.

^^^
I've a free 'toolstation' one of them in my 'man drawer'.. VERY sueful, I agree!

DrP

As well as the obvious, these are the things I end up using most:

Speed clamps
Long spirit level
A 1m metal straight edge
Combination set of small impact driver and drill - a luxury, but not changing bits for an entire job is such a nice one.

Most importantly...... Don't get silverline.... Owners of the largest tool shaped cheese factory in China....

Don't spend too much on screwdrivers or screwdriver bits as you need to be prepared to replace them when they wear. Don't buy the cheapest crap either though

A workbench is a great thing as well if you are doing more than putting up shelves

If it were me I'd get a basic all in "beginner" tool kit from B&Q or somewhere similarly consumer friendly. By this I mean something that has a few different screwdrivers, a hammer, pliers (needle nose are handy as well as regular ones), an adjustable spanner or two, a chisel or two, a tenon saw and a bradawl.

Something like this

[url= http://www.diy.com/departments/workpro-74-piece-tool-kit/1410720_BQ.prd?ecamp=Seapla&ppc_type=shopping&ds_kids=92700020209611035&gclid=Cj0KCQjwwLHLBRDEARIsAN1A1Q5JaChBtrUQRT5KGJ0m2ijGg5xyuWp6iiETRWm8ZWv9GN8vKAIzsGEaAr0ZEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds.ds&dclid=CMO9ioPakNUCFcGGUQoddNEK8Q ]b and q[/url]

I'd also add a small (20") panel saw with a coarse blade (7 or 8 teeth per inch) and

a cheap combi hammer drill/driver (12V+).

[url= http://www.diy.com/departments/mac-allister-cordless-144v-13ah-li-ion-combi-drill-1-battery-mshd144-li/592620_BQ.prd ]like this[/url]

As you use stuff you will find what you use most and what is poorest at its job. Then when those tools are knackered buy better ones.

If you're into tools for tools' sake or they are the tools of your trade then it's different you will appreciate and get the benefit of them daily but for the odd mortice joint or door handle change or putting some shelves up you don't need the Porsche of screwdrivers or chisels a Kia will do.

By way of example I have some b&q value chisels that are ten years old. I have some marginally better ones too. I use them all on and off on little things at home. The cheap ones need a regular sharpening as they don't hold their edge but they will cut well enough for the odd bit of woodwork. The pricier ones ARE nicer but the other ones still work well enough.

When the chisels are knackered another cheap set will follow.

Screwdrivers I will buy a little nicer quality and panel saws too. They last better and get used a lot more.

Slight hijack: Someone mentioned a "cheap SDS drill"

Any recommendations? I don't need it every day, but I do [i]occasionally[/i] need to drill into our walls to mount stuff and the old bricks and concrete of this house seem to shrug off a hammer-action + masonry bit.

Slight hijack: Someone mentioned a "cheap SDS drill"

Any recommendations?

Screwfix normally have something on offer e.g. my first SDS was a £99 Dewalt from SF. Since upgraded to one with a clutch for using core drills.

Spit drills but you need a yellow box, 522 get a second hand one it should last a diyer a lifetime

Robertson screwdriver, for those square drive screws sparks use.

Second the stud/wire detector... I saved some money but fitting the kitchen extract fan myself. Unfortunately I core drilled thro the cooker main (wondered what the flash was...). Then obviously had to pay sparks to sort it out.....

start with a few of the above basics, our first house new ish had interior walls made from some sort of compressed straw !!, maybe get the feel for the walls etc and tool up to suit specific jobs

Suggsey - Member
I'm surprised no one else has mentioned one yet but my most useful, most used house tool is my Leatherman. You can keep all your battery powered stuff that when you come to use it, the batteries flat! The only other tool you would need is a good quality adjustable spanner. Job done.
However I do also love all my other tools i.e. Reciprocating saw, combo drill, angle grinder and all the car tools.......

One of the best 'tools' you can actually but isn't a tool but a decent selection of screws - nothing fancy and spendy like Spax or Screwtite (although the latter are frikkin brilliant) but screwfix's basic own brand 'gold screws' are absolutely fine. A selection box to give you all the key sizes. The reason for this is every screw you'll get in the packet with of brackets, hinges, curtain rail or shelf will be unrelentingly shit, so you're best being equipped to bin them and substitute in something better.

GrahamS - Member
Slight hijack: Someone mentioned a "cheap SDS drill"

Any recommendations? I don't need it every day, but I do occasionally need to drill into our walls to mount stuff and the old bricks and concrete of this house seem to shrug off a hammer-action + masonry bit.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-gbh-2-24-d-corded-sds-plus-drill-240v/61945

Mine is similar to this one. I initially bought a Makita one, that chucked all it's gearbox oil up my arm. I did the job I needed it for (demolish pond) and then took it back & swapped it for the Bosch which has been great.

When using it for 'normal' drilling duties, I tend to go a mm or so smaller on the hole I need using the SDS setting, then finish the hole with the correct size bit just using it as a normal drill. A couple of times I went straight in with the right sized bit using the SDS and the vibrations meant that the hole was a bit over-sized and the rawlplugs were too loose in the holes....

I'm surprised nobody seems to have suggested one of these:

[img] [/img]

The single answer to so many of life's little problems...

I know others say to not buy a kit but if you have nothing to start with then something like this covers the essentials:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/forge-steel-hand-tool-kit-55-piece-set/7045g

Bought one when on offer, just to save going back and forth to the garage all the time for tools in drawers or on the wall. I keep rawlplugs, selection of screws, etc in there and the tools have been fine. They won't last a lifetime, buy better as and when you wear them out.

That, a decent combi drill and an Irwin Jack saw will cover a lot of stuff. More specialist tools just pick up as you go.

G-Clamps

[img][url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/8952786224_250a5e2c16_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/8952786224_250a5e2c16_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/eD8nrb ]Snap-on box[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/94658862@N08/ ]Martin Robbo[/url], on Flickr[/img]

I'm often embarrassed by the amount of tools I have, they have cost me thousands but then they have saved me that amount tenfold, if you have the right mindset then you can reap rewards.

Only today I have ordered the parts to fix a shower that is under warranty to save me taking time off work, the parts were a tenner including postage, a day off work is worth much more, having the tools to fix the problem makes it a no brainer.

Cheers.

In addition to what marcusiskeen said above proper Rawl plugs are worth it too as is a half decent set of masonry and high speed drill bits.

I may be about to get a slapping from the pros who know better but I bought some Black and Decker Piranha masonry bits a year or two back, which have been the best DIY quality ones I've had for a while. The budget own brand ones are often a bit pants.

I initially bought a Makita one, that chucked all it's gearbox oil up my arm. I did the job I needed it for (demolish pond) and then took it back & swapped it for the Bosch...

Just to add a bit of a counterpoint; Most of my tools are Bosch apart from a makita sds+ drill I bought about 3/4 years ago.
It was very cheap due to a voucher code combined with a sale so I figured I'd have a punt. So far the amount of work(abuse) it's stood up to is ridiculous:
3 house renovations back from bare brick and further, breaking up concrete slab gardens, stripping out a full house worth of old pointing, 4" core drilling in to solid concrete (took a while due to the clutch kicking in often but it got there) and a million other things. It's probably been the best power tool purchase I've made purely on a value for money basis so don't discount them if you can find one cheap. With the warranty on them they're usually a fairly safe bet.

If you get yourself a cordless 18v drill/impact driver set along the lines of the ones usually on some sort of offer at screwfix and want to stick to that for the time being, get some Bosch multiconstruction bits (blue spiral in the flutes, sharper tip than a normal masonry bit).
They make drilling with a cordless combi less painful, the holes it makes are much neater and as the name suggests it'll do for various Materials.
There have been times where I've used them over an sds such as when drilling close to the edge of a brick I'm worried might blow out with the impact from one.

A decent,small led worklight and a headtorch are handy to have. I bought a cheap one off Amazon that has a stand, a hook and a magnet on the back so it's pretty versatile. It's great having the right tool but no fun at all if you can't see what you're doing with them! Torches are ok but a bit of a faff when you're working without a lovely assistant to hold it...

I've recently gone from being an owner-occupier with a "full" set of tools, to a tenant with a small "everyday" toolbox.

As others have said, there are some basics I would buy up-front - but tools are usually accumulated over time, in-line with the jobs you need to do. If you want to build a shelving unit from scratch, you are going to want some slightly different tools to your everyday toolbox (eg, circular saw, clamps etc)

The basics:
Drill/driver combo. My advice is that 18v, lithium battery with a hammer setting is the sweet spot for most jobs. Turns assembling ikea furniture into a breeze, but you can also use it for drilling holes into blockwork.

Full set of drill and screwdriver bits for the above.

Set of screwdrivers. I wouldn't go overboard on number - I tend to end up using my cordless for most things. Thinking back, the (hand) screwdriver I use the most is the small electrical one for replacing plugs.

Decent set of regular pliers, and some needle-nose pliers.

Stanley knife

Adjustable spanner. Used infrequently - but don't wait until something is leaking before you go out and by one!

PTFE tape. As above

Mole grips

Cable ties

Gaffer tape

Small can WD40

Claw hammer

Measuring tape

Small (the biggest you can fit in your toolbox) spirit level

Junior hacksaw

FIRST AID KIT

Workmates are over-rated. I have massive 6x3' workbench, an 8x4' fold down workbench for working with large sheets of ply, and a workmate.

The workmate hardly ever gets used and is rusting in the corner. The fold down bench is used loads but thats because I'm halfway through a camper conversion. The workbench gets used for smaller fiddly stuff but is mainly a storage/dumping area.

The most used item, is a 2' square pine coffee table that I [s]got[/s] swiped from the local tip. With a couple of quick clamps its the perfect height to hammer/saw/chop/drill stuff on, I've screwed a couple of blocks onto it so I can chop and split kindling on it. Its also good for standing on, or holding stuff with your knee if you can't be bothered to clamp it.

Workmates...too light, fiddly, loadsa silly twirly handles and isn't actually that good at clamping stuff, or having stuff clamped onto it.

There's a special place in hell reserved for those that use an adjustable spanner in the home.

For field repairs they are just about acceptable but in the home there's no excuse.

Simply, good tools to have for the amateur DIY'r.

Claw hammer, set of screwdrivers and a retired mechanic FIL

There's a special place in hell reserved for those that use an adjustable spanner in the home.

For field repairs they are just about acceptable but in the home there's no excuse.

Here's my excuse: I've yet to encounter a general home maintenance task that I needed a full set of spanners to achieve, because an adjustable wasn't up to the task. Can you name one?

Generally any nut the previous owner of my house has touched.

There's a special place in hell reserved for those that use an adjustable spanner in the home.
For field repairs they are just about acceptable but in the home there's no excuse.

Non of the houses I've done work on were held together with nuts and bolts.

There's a special place in hell reserved for those that use an adjustable spanner in the home.

For correct effect, you have to read that out in a James May voice. 🙂

A set of the adjustable plier wrenches from page 1 takes care of most 'nipping up' issues round here.

Electrical (current detecting) screwdriver gets a fair bit of use too. It's an incompetence backstop.

Ageing Bosch corded drill gets used and abused for drilling and driving screws.

I think I'm the anti-trail rat. 🙂

As others have said, spanners are going to get virtually no use in the home past plumbing and yours is a new build.

For me, I'd go for a decent battery drill / driver, with a hammer action first. Virtually no job gets done without mine coming out.

Get decent masonary bits (dewalt & bosch are good) and some decent pozi drive bits (go for dewalt or wera)

Tape measure
Level
Hammer (claw and pin)
Live wire finder

With all tools, buy cheap, but twice...

Then each time you need to do a 'big' job, think it through and go shopping. Do not use Homebase (for anything!!) but get used to looking in the screwfix / tool station catalog and making the list. If you need help, ask on here.

No taps or compression fittings in the houses you work on maccruisekeen?

Pliers wrenches from knipex would be an acceptable solution as they hold tight . With the best will in the world and the best adjustable crescent wremch in the world it's nearly always a sloppy fit.

I've used two sets of footprints on plumbing jobs for nearly 30 years and never felt the need for anything else. The only spanner I've ever seen a plumber use is a cranked tap spanner.

But occasionally you get a local brick thats very difficult to drill - my inlaws house being an example, weird local bricks that are black on the inside and an absolute devil to drill with anything other than an SDS. But I'd imagine a new build house you'd be lucky to find anything that is brick behind the plaster and blocks are easy enough to drill - concrete lintels can be a pain maybe.

Ayrshire-ish 60's build?

Believe those hateful things originate from Dalry, my house is built with them, between that and the lime filled plaster that breaks apart if you just look at it funny it's an ordeal getting anything attached to a wall, every radiator was redone with 100mm shield anchors.

There's a special place in hell reserved for those that use an adjustable spanner in the home.

For field repairs they are just about acceptable but in the home there's no excuse.

Can't beat an adjustable plumbing spanner when the alternative is to wait several days to buy a load of "proper" oversize ones I'll probably never use again. The one I have is tight as a *ahem* nut.

And whilst I would agree with Marcus that anything Silverline is generally best flung straight into the recycling the SDS drill my dad got had done an admirable job of demolishing various bits and bobs as well as cutting a few cores out (my flue needed a 160mm core, no bother) thanks to the fact it has a clutch.

Various tools in the garage (full height cabinet, plus wall, plus filing cabinet, plus racking unit etc)

But in the kitchen drawer lives a few useful bits that deal with quick jobs when I need to do something and CBA going to the garage. It's amazing how much stuff this deals with
- small ratchet screwdriver with flat, philips, torx and hex bits
- 6 inch long flat screwdriver (great for gentle prying!)
- tape measure
- standard pair of combination pliers
- knipex plier wrench
- folding allen key set (i.e. bike multitool)

Sounds like a lot but it's really not, lives in one of the bits next to the sections next to the cutlery. My wife often uses something in there if she needs to do something, saves her trying to work out where to look in the garage