I just brought a power drill. One of those cordless jobs that doubles up as an electric screwdriver and has a satisfyingly large battery pack at the base of the handle. At the same time I bought some shelf brackets, screws, wall-plugs and a saw, along with some courgette seeds.
What can this mean? (Other than I’m putting up some shelves…)
Don’t do it Pete. For God’s sake. I once set out on that path and it is dangerous and addictive. Oh yes, a couple of shelves here, a picture rail there, you can give up any time you want, right? Don’t kid yourself. You will get ambitious and use your drilling powers to fix a bike stand high up into your wall. You will be very pleased with yourself, until one day you are innocently answering the telephone and your bike lands on your head. And don’t think those curtain rails are staying up either.
My advice? If you can’t fix it with a hammer, get a man in.
Point is, a couple of years ago I’d agree with you but I’ve been using all manner of tools and building all manner of things since leaving bookselling, yet my personal tool kit consists of a few screwdrivers and a ten year old socket set. I’m nearly 32 and have just bought my first power tool. This late developer has some catching up to do…
A socket set? That’s advanced stuff in my book. A man who has succesfully brandished one of those mean fellows need have no fear of the humble power drill. Good luck to you.
As far as I’m concerend a socket set is just like a screwdriver only for bolts. I can’t remember the last time I tightened a bolt.