What to put in your tool kit.

I have just finished hanging another bathroom cabinet. It was supposed to be a 2 ''person'' job but I managed on my own with cushions etc to take the weight and protect the glass should I have slipped. But the reason I am writing (apart from smugly showing off) is that I could have electrocuted myself if I didn''t have a detector, because the wire ran down the wall exactly where I would have drilled 2 holes - well the start of one before I got a belt!

So yes a serious bit, but also unless you are completely fluffy, when you get your new home, you will need a tool kit.

Sorry boys, look to your tools because I''m about to suggest stbx wives should raid the shed and or garage. I''ve had to buy my own as I go on, and it is an expensive business, even though I have saved a fortune by not having to get a handyman in to put up shelves, cupboards, pictures, mirrors, things in the garden, mend the shed door, it goes on and on.

What would I grab if I knew then what I know now: Here''s my start list, please add according to job.

Drill, drill bits, different coloured rawl plugs and a variety of screws. My ex had thousands of screws, if I had just taken a couple of handfuls of each it would been so useful.

Small level, big level, good tape measure, builders set square, long light ruler. Nick his pencils - nothing so annoying as having to find one when you''re all ready to start the job.

Big hammer, small hammer, screwdrivers (I''ve bought a cordless screwdriver but still need hand screwdrivers)

And a golden piece of advice measure twice, drill once. Well I''m a middle aged woman and so I measure about 4 times and I have reason to be pleased I do.

I''m always a bit anxious trying to do any of this stuff, and it takes me longer than it would take my ex, but that it partly to do with strength too. On the plus side, I actually do a better job - quite a surprise!

A thing with expandable jaw, no idea what its called but needed it to undo pipes in my blocked sink. My daughter said i was mad and it would never go back together. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I did it, also needing cushion to kneel on. So chuffed with myself. Well done you too.

Oh Honey, you talk my language, I know exactly what you mean - cool piece of work and plumber call out cost saved too.

Its a pipe wrench ItsBeen.

I wouldnt add anything to that list. Apart from G clamps. I got some of those and they are great for holding things while you bash um or screw um.

I ask my neighbour to come and hold things. She is called SheWhoJustWalksIn. Funny name that. Describes her well. And I am always tasting something when she pops her head round the kitchen door with a tea bag in hand lol. I digress. I generally get her to help me with things that need holding. Sounds rude but I dont mean it that way....

Good for you. Sisters doing it for themselves. Love it. Marshy.

Forester you are in inspiration to us all!

In fact if you were interested you could probably do a nice line in helping those not as handy as you. I can just see you stepping out of your car with a tool belt and a big smile for the sisters, and leaving them able to do it for themselves next time!

And smug Forester is exactly what you should be. Well done to you:)

Darling Eliza, I promise to pack my drill and toolbox when I visit your new home, hopefully sooner than later.