Best basic household tool kit
Discussion
Not for me, for my stepdaughter.
Any ideas? Ideally below 50 quid, and just for emergency repairs or if I turn up she suddenly springs something on me.
I’m sick to death of going there (fortunately only 8 miles away) for a normal visit, only to have to come back with good tools (which have a tendency of disappearing into the ether) because of ‘oh, can you have a look at this’.
Halfords, screwfix or something else?
Any ideas? Ideally below 50 quid, and just for emergency repairs or if I turn up she suddenly springs something on me.
I’m sick to death of going there (fortunately only 8 miles away) for a normal visit, only to have to come back with good tools (which have a tendency of disappearing into the ether) because of ‘oh, can you have a look at this’.
Halfords, screwfix or something else?
I bought one of these for occasional jobs away from home
https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/top-tech-102-piece-...
not the best quality but actually it has done everything I have asked of it with a few surprising bits in there. Combine it with a cheap drill and impact driver, I bought a set from the slightly iffy ukhs.tv site and it's all I need. At £29 for the pair how bad can it be?
https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/top-tech-102-piece-...
not the best quality but actually it has done everything I have asked of it with a few surprising bits in there. Combine it with a cheap drill and impact driver, I bought a set from the slightly iffy ukhs.tv site and it's all I need. At £29 for the pair how bad can it be?
My personal suggestion -
Anticipate what repairs she might want to or need to and then buy the appropriate tools and extras.
Eg
Change a socket.
Put up shelves.
Change a euro lock.
240v Electrical Tester Plug.
Spanner sized for plumbing.
Etc.
Each repair, the tools and extras go into a specific bag/box.
That way should help her have the tools needed for each job.
It doesn't necessarily mean more expense, but it does mean she has the proper tools for the job.
Secondly, these inclusive tool kits have a lot of tool "fluff" in that will never be used.
An 18v drill would be a must.
I could go on but I hope you get the idea.
Anticipate what repairs she might want to or need to and then buy the appropriate tools and extras.
Eg
Change a socket.
Put up shelves.
Change a euro lock.
240v Electrical Tester Plug.
Spanner sized for plumbing.
Etc.
Each repair, the tools and extras go into a specific bag/box.
That way should help her have the tools needed for each job.
It doesn't necessarily mean more expense, but it does mean she has the proper tools for the job.
Secondly, these inclusive tool kits have a lot of tool "fluff" in that will never be used.
An 18v drill would be a must.
I could go on but I hope you get the idea.
RGG said:
It doesn't necessarily mean more expense, but it does mean she has the proper tools for the job.
Secondly, these inclusive tool kits have a lot of tool "fluff" in that will never be used.
Agreed. However individual tools will get squirreled away in different drawers and then it's 'Can't find the pliers!' So I'd consider a small toolbox to keep them all together, eg https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CXJHCJMR?th=1Secondly, these inclusive tool kits have a lot of tool "fluff" in that will never be used.
I'd just go to Toolstation/Screwfix and buy a toolbag and then a half decent set of screwdrivers, pliers/side snips, tape measure, chisels, scrapers, a hand saw, hack saw, square, hammer, bradawl, Stanley type knife, spirit level, files to mention the basics. Plus the usual drill/bits and wall plug and screw selection pack.
Any moulded case set wont have all you need and you can't add to it, so you'll end up with that plus another toolbox/bag.
Any moulded case set wont have all you need and you can't add to it, so you'll end up with that plus another toolbox/bag.
Most would laugh at my suggestion
but my most used tool is the precision screwdriver set!! Something like this:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175690101737?_skw=mini+...
Perfect for the small jobs around the house such putting up child flat pack toy furnitures, opening toys or car remote battery, tightening sunglasses etc..

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175690101737?_skw=mini+...
Perfect for the small jobs around the house such putting up child flat pack toy furnitures, opening toys or car remote battery, tightening sunglasses etc..
chip* said:
Most would laugh at my suggestion
but my most used tool is the precision screwdriver set!! Something like this:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175690101737?_skw=mini+...
Perfect for the small jobs around the house such putting up child flat pack toy furnitures, opening toys or car remote battery, tightening sunglasses etc..
I am laughing. "small jobs"... those are for f
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175690101737?_skw=mini+...
Perfect for the small jobs around the house such putting up child flat pack toy furnitures, opening toys or car remote battery, tightening sunglasses etc..

OP - just get some cheapo tools from Aldi.Lidl. Drill driver, screw drivers, pliers, that kind of stuff. No point spending when it won't get used unless you are there.
chip* said:
Most would laugh at my suggestion
but my most used tool is the precision screwdriver set!! Something like this:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175690101737?_skw=mini+...
Perfect for the small jobs around the house such putting up child flat pack toy furnitures, opening toys or car remote battery, tightening sunglasses etc..
I have something similar - and a workshop full of tools but this set is the best. Heart emoji
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175690101737?_skw=mini+...
Perfect for the small jobs around the house such putting up child flat pack toy furnitures, opening toys or car remote battery, tightening sunglasses etc..
Griffith4ever said:
I am laughing. "small jobs"... those are for f
king TINY jobs. I have that kit :-) its for really really small stuff.
OP - just get some cheapo tools from Aldi.Lidl. Drill driver, screw drivers, pliers, that kind of stuff. No point spending when it won't get used unless you are there.
Agreed, Lidl/Aldi tools are perfectly adequate for the DIYer and good value. They occasionally do an assortment in a case, or just buy the essentials (pliers, adjustable spanner, mole grips, hammer, mallet, combination spanners) individually as they have them. Add on one of these 94 piece socket sets for around £30 and you have everything covered. I've had one of these sets for a couple of years, done a lot with it and not managed to break anything yet.
OP - just get some cheapo tools from Aldi.Lidl. Drill driver, screw drivers, pliers, that kind of stuff. No point spending when it won't get used unless you are there.
If Lidl still have their cordless drill with battery and charger for around £30, get that. Otherwise, one of these with two batteries is ok. I bought one, and the only dodgy thing about it is the maker's name.
Edited by GliderRider on Saturday 16th August 22:31
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