Best 5 Tools...

Power tools:

2) Trend T5 Router - smooth accurate control

4) Makita 4340FCT Jigsaw - redefines what you thought possible with a jigsaw. (BTW Axminster have these on special at 99 quid at the mo)

Hand tools:

2) Simple scissor action cable strippers, like

5) Can't decide between:

or

I bought one probably about 5 years ago, and there were no DIY ones at that time. I paid around £300 for a Metabo professional tool. There may have been some slightly cheaper ones around, but that was near the bottom of the price range at that time. OTOH, it is a professional quality tool which is still going strong. Around a year later, the ~£100 DIY ones started appearing (initially with no lock on the roto-stop, no clutch, etc).

Oh of course! There's no room in the garage so Spouse has to use his workmate in the carport. In conjunction with the other workmate.

Mary>

I wish I could get Spouse to use a mask when working with bone and horn :-(

Mary

I must say that a *proper* compound action crimp tool is well worth buying.

Quite a selection ... or is this more of an, err, "habit"?

;-)

Alex

Cannot really decide a top 5 as all tools have a function they work best at.

But one tool I would not be without was one of the cheapest purchases.

A gimlet bought from a tool traders remainder box for 15p.

Makes getting a screw accurately on the mark and providing a start for it so much easier. Especially if it is one of those situations where there is limited space and light such as mounting something under a shelf or worktop into a dense material. And in this age of battery powered everything the Yankee screw driver can still hold its own in a lot of situations IMHO. No spare battery and charger to lug around either.

G.Harman.

Just the one, my trusty wrecking bar. ;-)

Mark S.

Not at all. All are useful and pleasurable...

I have others that are more useful or more pleasurable. This selection represents the best of both worlds......

Cordless Drill Driver

Gorilla Bar - removes almost anything - nails, bolts, lathe ceilings, concrete floors :-)

Hammer

Large Hammer

Sledgehammer

But if the last three count as one add a compound sliding mitre saw and a pair of 25kg props - support plasterboard ceilings, push skirting boards into place while the glue sets and so on.

Ahh, that one /so/ nearly made it in at no 5 on my list and was only pipped at the post by the club hammer due to its multipurpose-ness (hammer, dead weight, door stop etc etc).

Alex.