Tool tips for DIY Divas & DIY Guys

The do-it-yourself trend continues to grow throughout South Africa as DIY Divas and DIY Guys realise the benefits of having the knowledge and basic skills to tackle home improvement, maintenance and repairs.

 

 

 

 

 

The do-it-yourself trend continues to grow throughout South Africa as DIY Divas and DIY Guys realise the benefits of having the knowledge and basic skills to tackle home improvement, maintenance and repairs, and be able to make your own furniture and accessories with a few basic hand tools and Bosch power tools.

 

 

Attendance at DIY Divas and DIY Guys workshops is an indication of how DIY is gaining more acceptance as a way to save money and be more empowered. But doing-it-yourself requires more than a half-hearted approach if you want jobs done right, it requires having the knowledge and tools to do the job right.

 

 

You can acquire the knowledge and skills by attending a DIY Divas or DIY Guys workshop at venues around the country. Plus, you need to equip yourself with tools that will make the job easier and ensure a professional result. The DIY Divas can tailor a workshop for couples, families, a group of friends, or you can attend one of the many Beginner and Basic workshops.

 

 

With knowledge and skills sorted, there are a few basic hand and power tools that you will need for DIY projects in and around the home:

 

 

Hand tools

Stanley Tape measure
Stanley knife or Olfa craft knife
Irwin quick clamps (at least 2x)
Folding or free-standing workbench
Safety gear: dust mask and safety glasses

 

 

Power Tools

Drill/Driver* - Set of accessories that includes drill and screwdriver bits
Sander* - Sanding pads ranging from 60- to 240-grit
Jigsaw* - Pack of clean-cut jigsaw blades

 

 

*Bosch power tools are used at our DIY workshops and have proven themselves to be a worthwhile investment. If they can withstand continued use under hard-working conditions, these tools won't let you down when you need them.

 

 

 

 

What is a drill/driver?

A drill/driver is a combination screwdriver and drill. With two settings (screw control and drill) you can use a drill/driver as a screwdriver for routine tasks in and around the home or, simply by setting onto drill function, you can convert a drill/driver into a powerful tool that can drill into timber and board, as well as plaster, tiles, soft steel, plastics, etc.

 

 

What model should I buy?

Depending on how much you want to spend and how often you will use your drill/driver, the Bosch PSR 14.4 LI2 is an entry-level drill/driver that is still powerful enough for basic DIY projects. The Bosch PSR 18 LI2 is even more powerful and recommended for those with plenty of projects to do.

 

 

The new Bosch PSB combi drill adds even more functionality to the drill/driver by switching to impact drill mode - making it possible to drill into masonry without having to change drills. Having said that, the portable combi drill is considerably heavier than the standard drill/driver range and I wouldn't recommend this for everyday DIY projects.

 

 

 

 

Why do I need a sander?

You will definitely need a sander if you plan to make your own DIY projects. But a sander comes in handy in many other ways as well. For any painting projects - indoors or outdoors - owning a sander means you can finish projects professionally.

 

 

What model should I buy?

An all-round sander, the Bosch PSS 200 AC can be used to most sanding projects. For professional finishing on furniture projects we recommend the Bosch PEX 220 A or PEX 300 AE random orbit sanders.

 

 

 

 

When will I use a jigsaw?

While you can have all your timber and board cut to size at your local Builders Warehouse, bear in mind that they don't cut curves or shapes other than squares and rectangles. A jigsaw is a handy power tool for cutting corners and curves, adding detail and even for cutting wood to size. Additionally, you will often find that timber and board is not cut to exact size and may need a bit of trimming here and there.

 

 

What model should I buy?

The Bosch PST 650 or 700 is more than adequate for home DIY projects. It's powerful enough to cut through soft- and medium-hardwoods and board products. If you are planning DIY projects that are outdoors or won't have access to power, then the Bosch PST 18 LI lithium-ion battery powered jigsaw is ideal.