DIY guides?

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Snookums

Soldato
Joined
27 Mar 2013
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3,864
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Nottingham
So finally we are moving next weekend, super excited to have an actual 3 bed detached house. Unfurnished and I'll have a few jobs to do before moving in just wondered if anyone knows anywhere good for guides on simple things. I am pretty much a complete DIY novice, most I've done is put together furniture and mount some shelves. Oh and mounted a TV :P. So anyone now anywhere decent to find some DIy guides? Just basic things really.
 
Google what you want to do, read a few different sites and resources. You'll find some conflicting advice over various topics and it's best to canvas opinion. YouTube also.

There is one piece of advice I will give you - Right tool for the job. Makes life SO much easier using the right gear rather than messing about with some half-assed way about it or bodging.
 
I would suggest YouTube but be careful not to follow some of the guides across the pond. Try looking for UK ones.
Also check Amazon for a general basic fit book.
Otherwise just ask specifics here.
Andi.
 
Yeah youtube and here seems to be the best option as there are some very skilled people who post.

I'd echo the above about the best tool for the job. Soon you'll be posting a build log of your new shed to store everything!

Not sure if you have many tools but this is a great starter set. I was after a tote bag and saw this. I've a few of their tools and it's decent quality.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/forge-st...gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CJDz2-PEtdwCFYwe0wod4H0PNg
 
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Collins DIY guide is very good, massive hardback edition lots of pictures and descriptions and covers a very wide range of subjects. It won't make you a master craftsman but it will help you get started. And if you don't like it, there is still some functionality left in dealing with spiders :p

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Collins-Co...6&sr=8-1&keywords=collins+diy+complete+manual

The beauty of a book over the internet is you can flick through to find what you want when you don't know what it is you want.

But YouTube etc is very good for specific techniques.
 
Sin_Chase said:
There is one piece of advice I will give you - Right tool for the job. Makes life SO much easier using the right gear rather than messing about with some half-assed way about it or bodging.
Click to expand...

Second that - if you are just starting out, then buy yourself some half decent tools before you begin.

Don't be tempted to go for an "all-in-one" set, just buy a few decent bit as you go along. Stuff like Wera screwdrivers and Bahco socket sets are long lasting, and whilst initially seem expensive, you do get what you pay for in terms of ergonomics and actually doing a decent job (e.g. not rounding off bolts or churning up screw heads)
 
Sin_Chase said:
Google what you want to do, read a few different sites and resources. You'll find some conflicting advice over various topics and it's best to canvas opinion. YouTube also.

There is one piece of advice I will give you - Right tool for the job. Makes life SO much easier using the right gear rather than messing about with some half-assed way about it or bodging.
Click to expand...

Yeah i think tools are going to be a whole other thread :P Internal walls are strawboard so that'll be an experience!

Marvt74 said:
Yeah youtube and here seems to be the best option as there are some very skilled people who post.

I'd echo the above about the best tool for the job. Soon you'll be posting a build log of your new shed to store everything!

Not sure if you have many tools but this is a great starter set. I was after a tote bag and saw this. I've a few of their tools and it's decent quality.

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Click to expand...

Already have a garage and a summer house so plenty of storage options. Not Entirely sure what else to use the summer house for. We are both ginger so dont enjoy the sun! :P
 
Armageus said:
Second that - if you are just starting out, then buy yourself some half decent tools before you begin.

Don't be tempted to go for an "all-in-one" set, just buy a few decent bit as you go along. Stuff like Wera screwdrivers and Bahco socket sets are long lasting, and whilst initially seem expensive, you do get what you pay for in terms of ergonomics and actually doing a decent job (e.g. not rounding off bolts or churning up screw heads)
Click to expand...


And in this vein, invest in a decent box of assorted screws. Turbo gold or similar. Use them instead of the screws supplied with things (correct size obviously).. Far better quality than the cheese/metal alloy a lot seem to supply.
 
Haha 2 conflicting posts there from me and @Armageus !

Agree with getting good screws too. Screwfix usually have deals on those assorted packs for around £30
 
Marvt74 said:
Haha 2 conflicting posts there from me and @Armageus !

Agree with getting good screws too. Screwfix usually have deals on those assorted packs for around £30
Click to expand...

Not sure if its just me but that link looks very broken :P

Powertools I have nothing but I do a lot of car bits myself so have plenty decent screwdrivers etc im used to using
 
samcat said:
And in this vein, invest in a decent box of assorted screws. Turbo gold or similar. Use them instead of the screws supplied with things (correct size obviously).. Far better quality than the cheese/metal alloy a lot seem to supply.
Click to expand...

Any specific screws/plugs that should be used in a straw board wall?
 
Marvt74 said:
Not sure if you have many tools but this is a great starter set. I was after a tote bag and saw this. I've a few of their tools and it's decent quality.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/forge-st...gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CJDz2-PEtdwCFYwe0wod4H0PNg
Click to expand...

Marvt74 said:
Haha 2 conflicting posts there from me and @Armageus !
Click to expand...

It's not that that's a bad set, just that screwdrivers tend to be one of the most used tools, and cheaper ones can end up being very frustrating (e.g. when removing older screws or tightening new screws when up a ladder etc).

Everything else in that set will likely be fine, and would still be worth it for all the odd things like pliers, file, hex keys etc that don't get as much use.

Personally I'd get a set of Wera screwdrivers: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wera-Kraftform-300-Screwdriver-Piece/dp/B000297UE
And use the other screwdrivers in any situations where screwdrivers otherwise end up abused (e.g. opening paint tins, or as a makeshift chisel)
 
Yeah i definately agree with that.

As mentioned i wanted a tote bag anyway which was looking to be around £15 so an extra for the extra spare tools was well worth it.

I'd definately recommend a Tote bag, carrying tools around is now super easy!
 
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You'll want to invest in a decent drill driver. You'll use it plenty and it's worth the extra spend.

Between 125 and 200 will get you a solid unit with 3-4AH liIon battery and quality to boot. I personally have a Bosch 18V which cost me £180
 
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