DIY retard

[mattdazz]

Hey guys - I've just bought my first house. Although the place is pretty much ready to go, there will be several jobs that need doing... Putting up shelves, cabinets and stuff. Which decent tool (Black and Decker kinda thing) should I go for. I need a hand held odd job man.

[Clanad]

The most useful power tool, in my opinion, will be a battery powered drill. At least a 14Volt model. Not only can it be used as a drill, but it is indispensable for driving screws. It will be multi-speed and reverseable. It should come with two batteries and a charger for the batteries. You'll need a few screwdriver tips or "bits' for it as well as an assortment of drill bits. Beyond that, a decent claw hammer, a selection of a few various tipped hand screwdrivers, (Phillips, Star, etc.) and a small selection of wrenches and a ratchet drive for a small assortment of sockets. Good enough to start... Good luck!

[ipek]

I second that Clanad - out of all the wonderful power tools we have, it's the cordless drill/screwdiver that gets used most. We got one that had a torch that used the same batteries and you can swivel the head....I've often used them together when having to drill holes with the electricity turned off for safety. Talking of which - get a battery powered pipe/electric/wood detector so you can scan a wall before drilling through the water pipes!! Don't assume the electric wires are where they should be, either.

A spirit level is useful for shelves - get one that has 2 bubbles, both horizontal and vertical. A small electric palm sander for rubbing down filled in holes and window sills, etc before painting is much easier (and gives a better finish) than a hand block & paper. B&D used to do one called a mouse with a pointed end to get into corners.

Other than that, you'll collect tools as you need to do more complicated jobs....but these are some good basics.