How to start a tool collection in your 40s

There comes a moment in every man’s life where he finds himself completely lost in B&Q and questions his very existence. It's at times like these where you're either rich enough to pay problems to go away, or have a little something called self-fortitude and approach this crisis head on. And when I mean tackle this crisis, I mean either calling up your Brother-in-Law and asking him 'what a dovetail joint is?' or Googling, 'tools I need for the job.' 

Well, I've been embarking on some home improvements myself over the past year or two. The new decking outside now serves as a welcome space for guests and not just a literal 'dumping ground' for Charlie's morning dukes. The guest room has now been converted into a creative studio space which serves both Tuula and I. 

So today I wanted to share some of my tips and pointers to some tools that you'll need in your 40s. Either these have been procured, borrowed, or salivated over during my renovations. I should say that I've picked these pieces on value for money, and erring on the side of beginners. Most tradesman and professionals might scoff at some of my choices. But whilst they may snort, you will take comfort in knowing you're not in construction and they are. So you work from home, they have to use porta-loos. That's life. 

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Cordless Drill - £67

I picked this one because it was recommended. This is a combination cordless drill by Maxdone. You can screw screws, drill wood, drill bricks, and lightweight walls. It can drill through masonry but you'll need to buy some masonry drill bits separately. You need to adjust it to the wall-drilling function and increase the torque to use the hammer drill function. Perfect for hanging pictures on brick walls. 

Ratchet Set - £51

This  AZUNO 12-Piece Flex-Head Ratchet Spanner Set would make a gift for that Saturday afternoon mechanic friend or hubby. The reviews remark on the quality and convenience to get in awkward places where regular spanners and socket sets couldn't be used in. The flexible head makes all the difference. The tools are gleaming chrome and would look in any man's garage. 

Circular Saw - £71

Rated in the top ten circular saws by Best Product Reviews, this Bosch Home and Garden Circular Saw PKS 55 is currently on sale for 25% off. Perfect for making short wood of disused planks or panels that need to be disposed. It comes with 3 blades, 2 for wood and 1 for ceramics, it comes in it's own sturdy carry case with a slotted area to keep the blades in when not in use. The guard and housing is fully metal which is surprising considering the price of the saw, the baseplate has no flex at all which is great for good vertical cuts. 

Paint Sprayer - £460

For those with high ceilings or bad shoulders, a paint sprayer is something of a must. I have a friend who happens to have both (high ceilings, crook shoulder) and to avoid toiling away arduously with a paint roller, he has invested in this Wagner Airless ControlPro 250 M Paint Sprayer. When I asked if he's happy with it, he said 'the finish is like paper'. 

ALL OUT HAIL MARY COMBI SET - £1890

Lastly, I wanted to recommend the all-in-one 12 piece cordless set by Makita. This might be a little above entry level, and perhaps you'll never use half the features, but it will certainly save you having to shop around collecting all the pieces separately and finding bargains for each. This kit was also recommended by a friend of mine who has two kits, one for home and for work. (He specialises in roof conservatories). 

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