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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[–] GreatAlbatross 2 points 1 year ago

I got the impact first, then the combi, then the saw. Honestly, the combi gets a lot more use (torque setting on screws is fantastic), but when you have a job that needs the impact, you need it.

I'm also constantly trying to work out what's worth spending extra for cordless on. The cordless angle grinder for my range is about £75 on offer, whereas toolstation had a basic corded one for £25...No question, for the amount of use I make of it.

The saw on the other hand, battery all the way. Being able to just wander into the garden with it is fantastic.