For peer review, new FAQ section: Power Tools.

[John Stumbles]

Yes, I thought they were pretty firmly in the Pro camp: certainly equiv to Bosch blue rather than green.

[John Rumm]

That is certainly where their traditional image and market was, although these days it seems that some of the better B&D kit has crept into the low end DW range, hence my inclusion there.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

I've got a fairly ancient B&D Tradesman which is excellent for screw driving on its slowest speed. Only the one (same) slow speed in reverse though. No torque control, but not a problem in practice - the speed is slow enough to 'feel' when it's tight.

Could be this sort of drill isn't easily available these days - given everyone wants cordless for DIY.

It's got a two speed gearbox as well as the electronic control, and the only similar one in spec in the Screwfix cat is the DeWalt 505 at over 90 quid. The Bosch GSB13RE at 43 quid is variable speed and reversing, but only one gear and not capable of 1/2" in steel which I do need.

[nightjar]

That's a good idea - breed your own tools:-)

Colin Bignell

[Andy Hall]

Yes, but can you imagine giving birth to a circular saw? ;-)

[Doctor Evil]

Approx £90-100 Bosch. There may be other makes around.

The problem with battery drills is that the batteries run down and have to be expensively replaced. Most DIYers, once a project is done, leave the drill in the cupboard for maybe years on end. A mains drill will always work and has far more torque than a battery drill.

That is project work which is another matter to normal DIY.

Masonry bits for hammering, if you don't you blunt them pronto.

One drill for driving and drilling, without hammer. One for masonry (SDS) One general purpose main cheeapy (can be a £15 job). High speed for wood and hammer if needed for light work.

All covered.

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[Doctor Evil]

I beg to differ. Rebadged B&D most of it.

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[Doctor Evil]

Kress (Wickes) is firmly pro, and aimed at that market.

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[Doctor Evil]

Screwfix has about 6 drills all about the same.

The model I had in mind is the Bosch PSB750-2RPE which seems to be £99.99 in most places. The P in the part number mean "Bosch Power Control" which has settings for screwdrivering.

Other makers must do one of these.

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[Andy Hall]

That's way too much of a sweeping statement.

That's generally true.

But what is "normal DIY". We already covered the point that it's different things to different people.

>

[Doctor Evil]

Doing a large job, like ripping out the bathroom and replacing all, even bath, tiles, lights, floor, etc, is a project. Replacing a basin or putting up shelves is a very different. Light DIY vs heavy DIY. Most fall into the former.

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[Roger]

The message from "Doctor Evil" contains these words:

It is all diy. Ripping out a bathroom is only minor work anyway. I ripped out mine years ago so I could replace the floor and the minor joists. Still haven't got round to replacing it yet (I use it as a store). The jury rigged bathroom in the small bedroom next to it (also on a new floor) functions adequately even if the plumbing is above the floor. Meanwhile the new bathroom suite which I bought in an excess of enthusiasm several years ago gathers dust.

[Doctor Evil]

............go away..............you don't say.....

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[bigcat]

possible use

the purpose is to avoid physical injury, which is liable to happen with sds if the bit jams. SDS use lower gearing and higher torques than trad mains drills, and are a genuine risk.

NT

[quisquiliae]

Mine mutate. Well how else to explain why whenever I start a new job the ever growing collection in the tool box are never the right ones.

[Andy Hall]

I find those definitions way too limiting, so I think that it's a good idea that the FAQ article will cover this.

[Jeff]

Jumping off a 6 foot wall is a serious risk, unless you are prepared for it ;-)...... My point is that in this case the drill is crippled by the clutch, I would rather have a tool that lets me use its full power at my own risk (subject to the above exceptions)

Regards Jeff

[Phil Addison]

A nice contribution John, thanks very much for the effort. I haven't read the follow-ups yet, so apologies if any of this has already been mentioned.

Having read it all through and inserted some detailed comments below, my overall impression is that it is very useful information, but would fit better if presented in a more informal way. That should condensed it somewhat too, and it could then be an excellent lead-in to a discussion of which tools are needed for specific tasks (why should I want an electric drill?), and which are specialist tools without which certain tasks cannot realistically be achieved, eg Worktop jig and router.

Following that, a section on what to look for on specific tools would be good. e.g. if you buy a router make sure it has dust extraction if you ever want to use it indoors.

Maybe others will add these contributions.

Thanks again.

Phil

... or because you have been caught by cowboys before!

Where can the beginner find them?

1) DIY centres like B&Q. 2) Tool shops which specialise in power tools 3) online

(if it breaks)

Examples of these makes?

Maker?? should that be 'supplier'?

Do you mean you can get the exact same tool from these different sources, or just the same kind of tool, but made by different manufacturers?

e.g weight, noise, mess (dust collection or not)

Good point. Perhaps mention 'Hired Tool' in the 'class' list above? Also hiring is a very good way of trying out a type of tool you are not familiar with.

Also a good way of evaluating the tool class. e.g if you have never used an electric drill, *ever*, there is much to be said for buying nothing more than a B&Q cheapie.

actually that can be a huge and totally confusing range so far as the newbie is concerned!

Yes, hire tools are usually top of range - or were when purchased. You can get some clapped ones if you don't watch out.

Mention that this is a pretty recent phenomenon?

Do you mean you buy duplicates in the first instance? Surely not.

Yes, and very useful too, but this is actually the reason for buying duplicates. But then they are not really duplicates, you bought them

*because* you wanted that convenience.

I'm not sure about this listing of pros/cons. It may be more concise to merge them into one paragraph. Especially if the con is simply the inverse of the pro.

OK, you have covered this now.

Phil The uk.d-i-y FAQ is at

Google uk.d-i-y archive is at NOSPAM from address to email me

[Phil Addison]

.... for drilling. But a cordless is invaluable for screw driving.

Phil The uk.d-i-y FAQ is at

Google uk.d-i-y archive is at NOSPAM from address to email me

[Phil Addison]

Don't know if its just my cheapie, but once you swap the sds chuck for a keyless, you loose the hammer. This means there is not much point if you have a normal electric drill as well.

Phil The uk.d-i-y FAQ is at

Google uk.d-i-y archive is at NOSPAM from address to email me