Power Tools & General Tools Recommendations & Advice

[b0rn2sk8]

Screwfix and toolstation have something suitable on offer always. Twin packs are normally better value.

I’d honestly just get brushless, more power, smaller tool. Buy cheap buy twice and all that. The price difference isn’t that significant, particularly if you go down the twin pack route.

Screwfix currently have a dewalt brushed drill and 2 batteries for £100. They also have a twin pack with a more powerful brushless drill, brushless impact driver and 2 batteries for £180.

I’d definitely be getting the latter. They also do mowers etc. if you go that route.

Check tool station also.

 

[Junglist]

I'm just not sure I need an impact driver also? I don't even know what level of DIY I'm at... -5 maybe? Just checking to see what they have. No doubt once I start putting bits up it'll become clear I need extra tools but I've no idea where to start.

DeWalt DCD709D2T-GB 18V XR Brushless Compact Combi Drill

Powerful yet compact, the DeWalt DCD709D2T combi drill guarantees impressive performance in the tightest of spaces. At just 175mm in length and weighing only 1.6kg with the battery attached, this drill gets the job done when there's not much room to manoeuvre.Powered by a two-speed brushless...

www.toolstation.com

This a bit better? I've got some naff drill bits which i got from IKEA. I would assume they'd be fine for drilling into plasterboard or should I account for those as well?

I literally only need it to hang a few shelves and secure a few things in place. Probably need a stud detector too thinking about it

 

[dlockers]

The Ryobi drill is a good shout if you want to start buying more Ryobi gardening type stuff.

 

[b0rn2sk8]

That’s better than the screwfix deal IMO.

I’d factor in a good set of drill bits. There are 3 types you’ll need, masonry, wood and HSS (metal).

Also decent wall plugs, I’d recommend a hybrid, use it anywhere plug. Fisher duo power is my go to. Standard plugs do not work in plasterboard walls.

I’d not be to concerned by not having a stud detector in first instance, I didn’t have one for years and years and even now I rarely get it out.

If you really need to go into a stud (E.g. for a TV mount) then you’d find it with a magnet. Just be careful not to drill into any cables or pipes. Have a look at the ‘safe zones’ for cabling online, avoid those. Pipes can be plastic and they won’t show up on a stud detector either way.

 

[Junglist]

The Ryobi drill is a good shout if you want to start buying more Ryobi gardening type stuff.

I hate mowing the lawn but I feel if it was cordless it would be harder to make an excuse to avoid doing it. So that part of Ryobi intrigues me but it's not the most important thing.

I have to be honest, I like that it's only £80 vs the £109 for the DeWalt.

That’s better than the screwfix deal IMO.

I’d factor in a good set of drill bits. There are 3 types you’ll need, masonry, wood and HSS (metal).

Also decent wall plugs, I’d recommend a hybrid, use it anywhere plug. Fisher duo power is my go to. Standard plugs do not work in plasterboard walls.

I’d not be to concerned by not having a stud detector in first instance, I didn’t have one for years and years and even now I rarely get it out.

If you really need to go into a stud (E.g. for a TV mount) then you’d find it with a magnet. Just be careful not to drill into any cables or pipes. Have a look at the ‘safe zones’ for cabling online, avoid those. Pipes can be plastic and they won’t show up on a stud detector either way.

The DeWalt one? I'm not really sure how much, if any, masonry work I'll be doing but I suppose if I'm buying something I may as well start building up a tool selection.

Until now I've got by with a screwdriver set and a hammer

 

[Armageus]

Thanks for the reply though you've made me realise I really no nothing and not sure if I should even be allowed to use a drill without supervision!

Safe to assume if I pick this up on my way home, it wont be awful?

That Ryobi would likely be fine but...

DeWalt DCD709D2T-GB 18V XR Brushless Compact Combi Drill

Powerful yet compact, the DeWalt DCD709D2T combi drill guarantees impressive performance in the tightest of spaces. At just 175mm in length and weighing only 1.6kg with the battery attached, this drill gets the job done when there's not much room to manoeuvre.Powered by a two-speed brushless...

www.toolstation.com

This a bit better?

For only £30 more that is a much better deal - brushless and 2x batteries



For drill bits (and also screwdriver bits), one of the combination sets will cover almost everything for a start, and then just buy individual bits or specific bit sets as needed:

DeWalt Combination Screwdriver Drill & Holesaw Set

Set contains: 69 x screwdriver bits (PZ1 x 2, PZ2 x 23, PZ3 x 2, PH1 x 2, PH2 x 23, PH3 x 1, T10 x 2, T15 x 2, T20 x 2, T25 x 2, T27 x 2, T30 x 2, SL5, SL6, SL7.2mm), 1x magnetic bit holder, 8 x masonry drill bits (4, 5, 5.5, 6 x 2, 8 x 2, 10mm), 12 x HSS metal drill bits (1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5...

www.toolstation.com

DeWalt Multi-Material Drill Bit Set 100 Pieces - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Combination set of both drill and screwdriver bits. Includes bits suitable for drilling in metal, wood, plastic and masonry along with all the most common screwdriver sizes. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

 

[Junglist]

Ha. Of course the combination drill set on Toolstation isn't in stock and the 10% discount on Screwfix doesn't have the drill I was looking at!

So are the Fishcer duopower plugs. Any others I should look at?

Appreciate all the help, gents. I am clueless but about to order the DeWalt drill

 

[Armageus]

A bit more expensive, but both likely in stock

Bosch Mixed Professional Drill and Screwdriver Bit Set

Robust set that can be used for a variety of drilling and screwdriving tasks. Moulded display carry case.• Large assortment of accessories that covers all common applications. • Equipped for all wood, masonry and metal tasks. • Fits all power tool brands. • Easy to handle. • Organised in a...

www.toolstation.com

Makita Screwdriver & Drill Bit Set

Includes:• Bits for drilling into metal, wood, masonry materials.• Features the inclusion of a countersink, centre punch, magnetic bit holder, nutsetters.• Enclosed in carry case with integral handle. Includes bits for drilling into metal, wood and masonry materials as well as Pozi, Philips...

www.toolstation.com

 

[Junglist]

A bit more expensive, but both likely in stock

Bosch Mixed Professional Drill and Screwdriver Bit Set

Robust set that can be used for a variety of drilling and screwdriving tasks. Moulded display carry case.• Large assortment of accessories that covers all common applications. • Equipped for all wood, masonry and metal tasks. • Fits all power tool brands. • Easy to handle. • Organised in a...

www.toolstation.com

Makita Screwdriver & Drill Bit Set

Includes:• Bits for drilling into metal, wood, masonry materials.• Features the inclusion of a countersink, centre punch, magnetic bit holder, nutsetters.• Enclosed in carry case with integral handle. Includes bits for drilling into metal, wood and masonry materials as well as Pozi, Philips...

www.toolstation.com

I'm sure the answer is it's fine as I expect they're made to specific generic sizes but there is no reason the cheaper Makita one wont work with the dewalt drill, is there?

 

[b0rn2sk8]

So are the Fishcer duopower plugs. Any others I should look at?

Those plugs in 6mm form should cover 95% of your needs. You’ll want some 4mm screws in various lengths. You can also use 3.5mm screws which have a slightly smaller head if needed.

Pro tip, if anything comes with wall fixings and screws, immediately bin them. The screws will be made of cheese and the plugs won’t be suitable for plasterboard.

I'm sure the answer is it's fine as I expect they're made to specific generic sizes but there is no reason the cheaper Makita one wont work with the dewalt drill, is there?

No, they are universal.

 

[Armageus]

I'm sure the answer is it's fine as I expect they're made to specific generic sizes but there is no reason the cheaper Makita one wont work with the dewalt drill, is there?

Any make of drill bits will work in any drill (Except SDS bits which only work in SDS drills). It's nice to have matching kit from an aesthetic point of view, but nothing more.
You'll likely end up with all kinds of Drill bits from different brands, as not all manufacturers have all types of drill bits (e.g. there aren't many good alternatives to Bosch multi material), or purely availability as you've already found.

Pro tip, if anything comes with wall fixings and screws, immediately bin them. The screws will be made of cheese and the plugs won’t be suitable for plasterboard.

This is great advice and needs repeating. Even the cheapest of screws from Screwfix are vastly superior in quality to the bundled ones that are made of chineseium and strips as soon as you look at them.

 

[dlockers]

For drill bits; I've never had an issue with these.

DeWalt Combination Drill Bit Set

This professional DeWalt drill bit set will ensure you’re ready to take on all kinds of jobs – the 23-piece kit includes bits for masonry, wood, metal and plastics in a wide range of sizes.The set comes with three holders to separate the masonry, wood and metal drill bits. Each one is clearly...

www.toolstation.com

And for bits;

DeWalt Screwdriver Bit Set

Whether you're making an ornate bookshelf or simply hanging a picture frame, you can confidently tackle your next DIY job with this DeWalt screwdriver bit set. The multi-purpose kit contains the most common screwdriver heads, so you're all set for all kinds of home improvement tasks.This...

www.toolstation.com

That Makita set at £35 quid looks good value though.

The DeWalt drill looks pretty good value at 110 too.

 

[Junglist]

Those plugs in 6mm form should cover 95% of your needs. You’ll want some 4mm screws in various lengths. You can also use 3.5mm screws which have a slightly smaller head if needed.

Pro tip, if anything comes with wall fixings and screws, immediately bin them. The screws will be made of cheese and the plugs won’t be suitable for plasterboard.


No, they are universal.

The 6x30mm ones? Sweet. Added to the basket

 

[dlockers]

The 6x30mm ones? Sweet. Added to the basket

If you want to save a fraction of headache, they actually do a plugs and screws kit for £25:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fischer-fixtainer-wall-anchor-535969/dp/B016G0IPP4/ref=sr_1_7?crid=DVOTHLGVATS5&keywords=duo+power&qid=1696855654&sprefix=du%2Caps%2C713&sr=8-7

It's a good way to get to grips with different screw sizes/plug sizes.... Whilst a 6 is generally fine, on crap surfaces I sometimes whack in a big boy, and then slot a 6 inside of it.

 

[Junglist]

Why is it this forum always makes me spend more money than I intend to

I've ordered the dewalt drill, makita bits and the 6x30mm wall plugs. I'll get some more bits as and when needed.

You guys are life savers as always

 

[dlockers]

Why is it this forum always makes me spend more money than I intend to

I've ordered the dewalt drill, makita bits and the 6x30mm wall plugs. I'll get some more bits as and when needed.

You guys are life savers as always

You wanna know something ironic?

I went to buy a £50 Black and Decker drill but then remembered that brand often falls apart. So I know of DeWalt

(I jest, B&D is their budget range. It isn't the same gear at all).

 

[Junglist]

You wanna know something ironic?

(I jest, B&D is their budget range. It isn't the same gear at all).

!!!!

I've been hoodwinked, bamboozled, lead astray, run amok and flat out deceived!

 

[200sols]

You wanna know something ironic?

(I jest, B&D is their budget range. It isn't the same gear at all).

Makita is better

 

[NickK]

I was looking at jointers earlier in the week... basically the cheap ones have very bad in/out tables which turn straight wood into bent.. the Wen has cheap blades that dull quickly with harder wood (hard maple for example - precisely the wood I'd be using). Only other options are £1600+ so it looks like I'll be manually planing.

 

[Junglist]

Well the items turned up.

Missing the wall plugs and was sent an impact driver and not the combination drill I ordered!