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How to learn to use tools safely?

I want to renovate my house. It is an unfinished time capsule from 2016 when my husband left. I know no one. I can only afford to do the work myself. Why aren't Bunnings running workshops anymore?

I've tried joining a Men's Shed but can't coz I'm a woman. Please help. Don't want to resort to dating a Builder with Benefits.

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Jason

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Kath1. We're so pleased to have you join us and are really passionate about wanting to help you build your D.I.Y. skills and confidence so you can improve your home. You'll note that we have many wonderful and inspiring members in the community sharing inspiring projects, including @Tara86, @2Belindas, @She_Skills and @prettyliving. Check out their stories in our About Us section as many are self-taught and were a similar situation to you not long ago.

Apologies that we are not currently able to run D.I.Y. workshops within Bunnings stores. We certainly look forward to providing this service again as soon as possible. In the meantime, you might like to start by taking a look through our How To section as we have many easy-to-follow step-by-step articles labelled with their level of difficulty. Tackling a small project can really help build skills and confidence. The guides Essential hand tools for beginners and Essential power tools for beginners and beyond might also be a great starting point for what tools you might need. Of course there's also the Bunnings D.I.Y. Advice section with many step-by-step guides and videos on how to complete an incredibly wide variety of jobs around your house and garden.

We understand that it can feel overwhelming not knowing how or where to start. So we would encourage you to think about what room in your house most needs attention and what project in that room might be best to start with. Then you can share some photos and some detail about what you'd like to achieve, and our members will be more than happy to provide specific advice. Incredibly helpful members like @redracer01 and our very own @MitchellMc might even be able to create 3D rendered diagrams for you so you can better visualise what the end result might be.

We're looking forward to seeing what you can achieve with some help from the Workshop community.

Jason

Kath1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/12630#Comment_12630

Thanks Jason. I've checked out Bunnings vids on using handtools. Some are only 30 secs long. I want to know how to use them safely. And actual trade techniques so I don't wreck expensive material or hurt myself.

If I could, I'd enrol in a Cert 2 Construction at TAFE. Just so I can learn how to fix my dodgy house. But can't afford to leave my day job.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/68779#Comment_68779

It's great to hear how keen you are to complete some D.I.Y. projects @Kath1!

As @Jason has mentioned, we'd be more than happy to walk you through the process of completing your first project. Are there any areas that need fixing or improving around your home?

I believe there are various Women's sheds popping up all around the place, so it might be worth checking those out. I know the Men's sheds in my area are very open to having women join and are certainly not as exclusive as they once were. It might also be worth enquiring with a TAFE near you if there were any evening courses available. Our team in-store are always happy to show you the safety equipment needed when using our tools.

I look forward to hearing more about what projects you would like to complete and assisting you on your D.I.Y. adventure.

Mitchell

Kath1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/97345#Comment_97345

Thanks Mitchell,

There's a women's shed 70km from my house. It's at Huonville. Hope one opens on the eastern shore soon.

KevinMall

Hi @Kath1,

Sometimes you can strike gold with a google search starting with how to fix..... Or how to repair........there are literally dozens if not hundreds of videos and you tube movies covering a vast array of jobs/tasks. Remember the vast majority of labour is often spent doing preparation work, so please don't let that put you off. One important safety tip .. please never work with power tools if fatigued/tired as this can severely affect and impact on your concentration levels. I know and it almost cost me my finger a month ago.

Kath1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/12734#Comment_12734

Thanks for the advice 🙂

REL-B

Hi everyone,

Before I begin please be aware that I’m a complete NEWBIE in regards to home improvements so please be patient with my very basic questions and inquiries.

I would like to know the best way to learn how to use an electric drill as I want to mount security cameras to the outside of my house. I have a drill and all screws ets needed but just want to learn how to use it first before I get up on the ladder and try it.

Thank you for your help and again please be patient with me !!! 🤓

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/24646#Comment_24646

Hi @REL-B

Every single person in the forum started with zero skills so it is really good you want to learn @REL-B The more people you learn off the broarder your skills will be. As your skills grow you will learn similar skills more faster like a snow ball down hill

We can help you naterally but typing responses isnt as good as as watching plenty of you tubes and bunning how to videos on the side to fast track your knowlegde.

Do you own a drill yet please share you drill type as different drills work best with certain techniques we can mention.

So I will talk you through the first steps I am hoping you wont understand everything which is a great opertunity to ask more questions along the way.

Now about you planned job Camera job make sure you have a comfortable safe non wobbly ladder as you will need to be close to ceiling to drill comfortably with cameras. It would be best to practice screwing into a scrape bit of wood at waist height with good support and comfortable foot spacing to get the hang of this. First learn to screw downwards into wood.

Lets put a few dots on your practice wood as screw targets, (note the smaller the wood you will need to clamp it to you work bench so it dosnt spin. Larger pieces of wood will sit and not spin as they are bigger and heavier you will learn this in time.

Now at Bunning ask the bunnings guys in your tool shop you need to match your screw driver tip with the screws you have as there are several screw types if they dont match they wont engage to screw properly and the bit and screw will just sit there grinding each other. Tell the Bunnings people what you are planning and ask them if you need any thing else to help you. Now your knowledge is building. While your at it get a magnetic screw driver tips they greatly help beginners and pros alike as they hold your screw while you position for screwing upwards and down wards.

So now you have your screws and matching magnetic driver tip your practice timber hope full pine for starters

These rules apply to any powertool use as a guide.

Walk up the the timber try not have people to close to you especially children or distractions as you are learning power tools now. make sure your work area is free of clutter and obsticals Position your feet comfortly and evenly spaced Have your timber infront of you in easy reach load a screw into the screw driver make sure it is set for drilling or screwing via the selector usually near the chuck of the drill. the magnetic tip will stop screw falling out point the screw and driver downwards and move screw tip to first target screw point . Gently rest the screw point onto the timber at the same time pull the trigger on the drill 1/4 way to spin the drill in slowly to start screw. (note if the drill falls over you are pushing too hard in the very begining to start the screw off. Hold the wieght of the drill and try again) Once the screw has started to go in push down harder on the drill with you drill hand and place yuor other hand on the back of the drill to help put pressure on the drill and help push and screw it in..

If the screw dosnt go in fully first time or crooked reverse the drill and reverse the screw a few turns then forwrds again pushing the drill and driver it hard and fast with both hands on drill untill the screws in properly

While you are learning you should be standing over you screw point and drill and looking down vertically (you wont see the screw now ) The idea is to open your eyes and seen all 4 top sides of the drill at the same time to know your drill is vertical .

(to visualize this concept stand a pen pencil on a desk and stand over it, if you are seeing the side of the pencil it isnt straight. move the pencil until only the top edges are visable.)

see I told you learning of visual off vidoes will be easier. Screwing is not easy please make lots of mistakes like we diid because they all will teach you Ultimatly when you have it right.

Well I will let you ask more questions now

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/24646#Comment_24646

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @REL-B. It's amazing to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about learning to use a drill.

As @Jewelleryrescue mentioned, if you can post a picture of your drill, it will help us provide tailored advice. Also, will you be drilling into timber or masonry?

Practice is really the key. Grab that board @Jewelleryrescue was recommending and put 20 screws into it from different angles. By the end, you'll be a pro. When you do go to install your video camera, please ensure that there are no power cables or water pipes in the area you'll be drilling into.

Here's a great guide on How to use a power drill. Also, I've included a few videos below, which you'll find useful.

Please let us know if you have any questions, as we're here to help.

Mitchell

REL-B

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74976#Comment_74976

Hi everyone

ok firstly let me apologise for the late reply - life bit me on the butt over the last week or so!!!

Secondly, thank you so very much for the detailed reply and the tutorials. I’m on a break for the next 4 days so will take myself off to Bunnings tomorrow and get what I need to experiment and practise. Will let you know how I go!!!

Love that this is a welcoming and supportive space to ask questions and learn.

Thank you once again

Narelle.

MikeTNZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74972#Comment_74972

Hi @Jewelleryrescue,

You should be really proud of that advice you just gave.

We all started somewhere, often at the bottom, it is the people we ask for advice from when needed that make the difference.

Thank you.

Mike T.

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/101233#Comment_101233

Hi @MikeTNZ

Well thanks for saying so.

I think its my nature to do so why because some one showed me once as they showed us all .

What a waste of accumilated knowledge if we dont share it

Sounds like you done some @MikeTNZ training too because you value the gift it is. Bloody hard to do across a keyboard though. lol

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/24646#Comment_24646

Hi @REL-B

It's wonderful to hear that you've received excellent advice from our members. Since you are going to the store tomorrow, I suggest maximizing your shopping trip. Would it be possible to post a photo of the camera you are planning to mount and the wall you're going to drill into? This will give our members a chance to assess the area. We can then make recommendations on what type of wall fixings to use. Because sometimes using a screw is not enough to keep items anchored to your wall.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Hi there

My name is Julie and I'm new to this community .

Would like to ask if there's regular workshop going on at Eastgarden Bunning centre . I would love to learn how to use tools for my home . No point buying tools from your store yet not knowing how to use lol . I've a ladder which i'm hoping to hang my hanging pots on my bathroom ceiling. Is there a simplest yet efficient suspension rod I can use or chain to hold the ladder etc .....

Will be awesome if you can assist in this area.

Thank you very much

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/25742#Comment_25742

Hello @ju

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's a pleasure to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about how to use tools.

There are some excellent discussions that I encourage you to have a look at - How to get started with joining specific classes? by @Elly2 and Where to find women's DIY workshops? by @LCT915. Please feel free to contact the Activities Organiser at Eastgarden to find out if the in-store workshops have started up again. I trust they would be more than happy to hear about your interest in a D.I.Y. session on power tools. I'm sure they'll do their best to organise one.

There is also an introductory on tools - What tools does a beginner need? and What tools do you recommend for a beginner? I don't want to overload you with information and get you all confused. In regards to your ladder on a ceiling project would it be possible for you to post a photo of the ladder itself? Can you also please include its size and weight? Our members can then have a good look at the ladder, we can then make recommendations on how to proceed.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/75553#Comment_75553

Hi Eric

Thank you for your prompt reply

Heres the information

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/75553#Comment_75553

Weight of the ladder is 3.3 kg

length 2100 width 420

length of the board ceiling is 2800

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/101559#Comment_101559

Hello @ju

Thank you very much for that information about your ladder. My first suggestion is to find out how low will the hanging plants be once you hook it on to your ladder. It's important to know this so that you can estimate how low you can hang the ladder. You can imagine the surprise you'll get when you run into your plants because they are too low. The next thing we need to find out is how heavy are the plants and how many are you planning to hang? This information will let us determine the type of chain we need to choose so that the ladder and the plants don't fall down.

Once you have all this information you can now begin to choose which type of chain to get and the hooks you'll be needing. In an ideal situation you would use a stud finder and locate the ceilings timber stud frame and screw into that. I propose looking at the Zenith 9.5 x 100 x 25mm Zinc Plated Eye Screw as a possible hook for the ceiling. In order to link the chain to the eye screw, I suggest using a Zenith 8mm Galvanised D Shackle.

I recommend a minimum of at least six points of contact on the ladder so that it is very secure. I recommend attaching Zenith M8 x 82 x 19mm Galvanised Eye Bolt on each corner of the ladder and two in the middle. Once you have the estimate of the weight of the plants you'll be hanging, I can make a recommendation on the size of the chain you can use.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117739#Comment_117739

Morning Eric

Thank you so much for your time . Talk about how many pots of hanging plants I have no idea to be honest . Bunnings have so many fun new collections and I’ve bought 6 small hanging pots now possibly will add another 4 or 6 . Aiming for more small pots and maybe couple of medium size . Not intending to hang low . Is it even possible to get a solid chain and just simply attach from one end to the other , if ladder method is complicated ? If so what kind of attachment and chain ?
Thank you 🙏🏻

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/127155#Comment_127155

Hello @ju

If you're putting that many plants on the ladder it's going to get heavy fast and it's important that you install the eyehook in the timber ceiling stud. If you miss the stud the fittings on ceiling might pull out. To hang the plants in an easier fashion you can use the Everhang 25mm Anodised Screw Eye Toggle - 2 Pack. This hook can be installed directly to your ceiling, it's important though that you drill a pilot hole before the installation of the eyehook.

I suggest having a look at the Lotus 25cm Terracotta Plastic Hanging Basket or similar to hang your plant from the ceiling. I've placed an image below to give you an idea of how the hooks and chains come together to hang your ladder from the ceiling. As to the size of the chain I recommend having a look at the Zenith 3.5mm x 2m Zinc Plated Machine Chain. The chain can be cut at the store, please make sure to double-check your lengths before having it cut.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/133381#Comment_133381

Thank you very much Eric very helpful

Appreciate your help

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/137208#Comment_137208

Please keep us updated on your project @ju, and reach out if you need further assistance.

Mitchell

Lori16

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Lori16. It's a pleasure to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about using a drill.

To use a power drill, first, you'll need to select the right drill for your material. You can choose from various types, including corded drills, which provide consistent power but have limited mobility due to the cord, or cordless drills, which offer greater mobility as they run on rechargeable batteries. Additionally, there are hammer drills, ideal for drilling into masonry and concrete, as they combine drilling with a hammering action for more effective penetration. If you need to drive screws and bolts, consider an impact driver, which applies high rotational torque while preventing the wrist from twisting. Have a read through this guide: How to choose the right drill for the job.

Secure the workpiece firmly and hold the drill with both hands. Position the bit on the mark and start drilling with a slow, steady pressure. Increase pressure as needed until you reach the desired depth. Release the trigger to stop. Use safety gear like goggles and ear protection. It's a great idea to practice on some scrap material before your main project.

Please let me know if you have further questions, as I'd be delighted to assist.

Mitchell

TamannaPatil

hi All,

This is Tami here. I am so glad to join this community and be part of it.

We are going to start constructing our home very soon and once it is completed I am planning to do some DIY projects for my home, like geometrical feature walls, coffee tables, bedside tables etc. I have so many ideas in mind to start with.

But I want to first get hands on all the tools before I start purchasing them. So are there any tools workshops that I can join or any DIY project that I can be part of??

I am currently living in Macquarie park, so any workshops near the area would be of great help.

Thanks

Tami

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/30798#Comment_30798

Hello @TamannaPatil,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about getting hands on experience with tools.

I suggest starting by having a look at our step-by-step How To project guides. You can find the How To section by clicking on the menu in the top right corner of any Workshop screen. You can also use the search bar to search for simple topics. The topic "Coffee Table" alone has over a dozen project entries. By choosing a simple project you'll see the tools that are involved, and this should give you an idea of where to start and how to build your confidence.

I recommend starting with basic tools such as a handsaw, hammer, tape measure, ruler and a pencil. Getting experience means dipping your toe into some D.I.Y. projects over the weekend. I suggest having a look at this project - Weekend project - stools that double as flowerpot holders. This is an easy project that you can put together yourself that does not involve power tools or complex steps.

I also recommend having a look at this discussion Where to find women's DIY workshops? by @LCT915. The closest store to Macquarie Park NSW is Bunnings Gladesville. Here is a link to their in-store events. You can also speak to their activities organiser and ask if there are any adult D.I.Y classes being held at the store.

I also suggest having a look at @Tara86's inspirational story - How to build your D.I.Y. confidence.

Here are some more handy links:

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

vgautam

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/24646#Comment_24646

Dave-1

Evening @vgautam

I can remember the first time I started using power tools and it terrified me! Not because I was concerned about using the drill/grinder but what would happen if I managed to break it. Looking back I shake my head at myself. So I do understand where you could be coming from.

I had a watch of this video just now and it describes a bunch of different drill types and what they are used for. I think it would be an excellent place to go through and watch and then scroll down and have a read of the extended answers underneath. Tools 101: how to use power drills

Its actually a Bunnings how to video 🙂 and think it gives a broad understanding of drills.

Is there anything you want to drill or are you thinking just in general?

As a first drill to buy especially starting out Id suggest a torqued drill by ozito, Cheap, and man it keeps on going. Its a battery powered drill but I have built my deck with it. Plus framing up a room. Here is the link- Ozito PXC 18V Cordless Drill Driver Kit PXDDK-250C

If you keep an eye out at your local Bunnings they have deals every now and then where you can buy the torqued drill and impact driver for an overall cheaper price. The only thing Id suggest is to buy an extra battery, I bought a larger capacity battery as I figured I would use it.

The best thing about Ozito is they are not going to change there models for several years. (I bought the pair I have 3ish years ago and have had no issues) so there is no concern about the model changing, also there is a year warranty (could be longer but I will let the Bunnings guys say)

For a Hammer drill I like Makita, purely because I had to repair drills when I was an apprentice, not that you can repair them when the plastic casings fracture but because Makita was the least amount of drills that were returned for repair. (My makita hammer drill only stopped hammering 3 years ago so thats 30 years of use and it still drills great!)

So now down to actual drilling, If you go into your local Bunnings there are a whole range of drills that you get to pick up and have a feel of. Id suggest to head towards the ones that feel comfortable to you (start with a cheaper brand because as you gain skill you gain knowledge and you will end up buying a secondary drill/tool I am sure)

Drilling holes.... Yeah I am known for drilling D's (think elongated hole) when I was an apprentice. As when I was drilling a hole I didnt necessarily hold the drill vertical but held the drill a little off center. Practice makes perfect 🙂 So first lesson/practice would be to mark an off cut of timber where you want a hole and then have a go with your new drill. Keep the drill vertical or horizontal to the plane that you are drilling and remember not to push hard (it may be tempting and thinking it can go faster) but in reality letting the drill move through the material is far easier on you and the drill as well.

Took me a fair amount of time to get it to a reasonable stage so dont stress if its not as easy as it reads.

Drill bits..... There are timber drills, steel drills and masonry drill bits. Depends on what you are drilling into. If its a large hole you want then always drill a smaller pilot hole first (think 1/3 smaller in size) For someone starting out id suggest these drill bits to have handy 1/8". 1/4", 1/2" or 3mm, 6mm, 12mm as they are the ones I have used most.

Safety... Please use safety goggles/specs, I thought "Yeah Im am cutting some timber and its nowhere near my face" fast forward trip to the docs because of a splinter of wood was grinding around in my eye "ugh" and in relation to drilling, I have snapped a drill bit because I didnt keep the drill vertical.. and yep glad I was wearing safety specs!

Well this has become a very long answer and it only scratches the surface 🙂 I really hope we get to see some pics of the first thing you drill when you are practicing, even if you dont think it is great just remember someone out there has the same questions as you! We all make mistakes and it makes no difference to the amount of time you are doing something for.

Looking forward to seeing how you go.

Dave

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @vgautam. It's exciting to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about learning how to use a drill.

It's wonderful to see that the knowledgeable @Dave-1 has provided great information there. I can also recommend checking out these articles on How to choose the right drill for the job and How to choose the right drill bit for the job.

To operate a power drill, begin by selecting the appropriate drill for your material. You can opt for corded drills, ensuring consistent power but limited mobility due to the cord, or choose cordless drills for increased mobility powered by rechargeable batteries. Hammer drills are suitable for masonry and concrete, combining drilling with a hammering action for more effective penetration. For driving screws and bolts, consider an impact driver that applies high rotational torque while preventing wrist twisting.

Ensure the workpiece is secure by clamping it down to a solid surface. This allows you to hold the drill with both hands. Position the bit on the marked spot and initiate drilling with a gradual, even pressure. Adjust the pressure as necessary until you achieve the desired depth. Release the trigger to stop. Utilise safety gear such as goggles and ear protection. It's advisable to practice on scrap material before tackling your main project.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/104130#Comment_104130

I think it was somewhere around 1998 and I bought a small (300 watt) electric drill from Repco.

Loved it - small and versatile.

The specifications on the box told me it could drill metal to a maximum of 10mm diameter.

So I tried it on plate steel wedged at a comfortable angle on the ground.

And away I went.

Then at some point the drill bit 'grabbed' the metal and in a microsecond, the whole drill case shattered and disintegrated. The drill bit remained in the plate, still with the chuck attached.

I was left holding the handle, no longer connected to the chuck. The body was in pieces on the ground - and I kid you not, there were cogs rolling down the driveway. 😁

The circuit breaker had tripped.

I learnt a lot from that experience.

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