DIY

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A place to discuss UK-centric DIY. No sheetrock or drywall.

Wikipedia details DIY as a form of anti-consumerism, ain't that something.

Useful places to learn things: (taking suggestions!)

https://www.diynot.com/

A UK how-to and forum site. People tend to argue a bit, but a good place to get an idea.

Useful places to buy things:

https://www.toolstation.com https://www.screwfix.com/

Wide range of tools and fixings, shop format is like Argos. Always worth comparing prices between them. Don't sell lumber.

https://diy.com https://www.wickes.co.uk/

B&Q and Wickes. Often more expensive than TS/SF, but carries lumber and garden supplies too.

Wickes deals can bring prices in line with builders merchants.

Watch out with B&Q's website, as they do that thing like amazon, where people sell through them (often overpriced)

founded 1 year ago

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GreatAlbatross

Tools you couldn't live without (self.diy)

submitted 1 year ago by GreatAlbatross to c/diy

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In 2018, I built a deck, using a massive box of screws, a slightly knackered corded hammer drill, a philips bit I found in the cupboard when I moved in, a rusty old saw, and some decking I got off Gumtree.

I was sawing everything by hand, trying to keep things straight. Driving screws in with a drill that had only two real speeds, fast, and lightspeed. And the bit kept disappearing into the chuck, as it only held so tightly.

A few years later, I started buying proper powertools, and did another deck. And oh my word...The difference.

Cutting a 2x3 takes seconds with the circular, and the line is actually straight. Driving a 100mm screw is no longer a 5 minute job, now I have an impact driver. And not having to run an extension cord for every little job? A proper perk.

I don't think I could go back to doing DIY without my new friends. Has anyone else here had a similar revelation after finally buying the right tools for the job?

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[–] doublejay3000 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

the natural cheapskate in me has still avoided investing in petrol hedge trimmers and strimmers.

nope, i buy a cheap electric one every year and there are currently 3 broken ones in the garage.

my brain is yet to make the connection.

[–] GreatAlbatross 5 points 1 year ago

Every time I take my corded hedge trimmer out, I accidentally turn it into a cordless one at some point.

I think it's the Adam Savage tool principle that says that you should buy a reasonably priced tool first, then if it fails, you probably used it enough to justify the big one.