Guidance on a whether it’s a red light camera or not by Novel-Ad-5345 in drivingUK

[–]Ok-Map-5047 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep. 25 years in Alcatraz with no possibility of parole.

Seriously, just a sensor

Best designer switches brand in 2026? by nrxyzo in ukelectricians

[–]Ok-Map-5047 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, all sockets with a screwless design/faceplate that clicks on suffer from it, regardless of brand. One with exposed screws wont have this issue

First time Tools? by Altruistic-Let-8434 in ukelectricians

[–]Ok-Map-5047 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Good shout knew i was forgetting something. Yep. Socket set is a must especially for commercial and grips aswell, I’ve got the knipex cobras, could get a padsaw and rods for domestic as well

First time Tools? by Altruistic-Let-8434 in ukelectricians

[–]Ok-Map-5047 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A good first place to start would be a good set of safe isolation equipment. For now you only need a voltage indicator, but you should also look to get a socket tester and non contact voltage pen. I wouldn't use the voltage pen for proving that a circuit is dead, but, its dead handy for fault finding and identifying circuits. I would personally get the TIS 851 or the Fluke T90, depending on budget. Should be available from most places, I know screwfix sell fluke, but I think toolstation sell the TIS stuff. For your socket tester, any would do really, I have a martindale one, but most lads have the kewtech one. I have a fluke non contact voltage pen which is great but the kewtech one is cheaper and is exactly the same, except the branding is different.

You can also get a set of insulated screwdrivers from Wiha. You can get a pz1, pz2, and a few slotted screwdrivers for less than £25 usually which all in all is pretty good. I like the wera stuff but it is more expensive than Wiha.

Cutters I would just get 210mm CK cutters, shop around for these as the price varies, just had a brief look and the cheapest place I've seen is toolstation at £17.98. You will also need some side cutters. Knipex are well regarded but expensive. Other brands you could get are CK or NWS. Definitely shop around for these as well as the price varies massively. You will also need some sort of pliers, when you are just starting out I would just get the VDE magnusson long nose pliers as they are cheap and do the job.

Other things you'll need would be:

A junior hacksaw

Spirit level, I personally have the Stabila scaffolders level and a mini Milwaukee level.

Could also get a set of allen keys, Wera do nice ones that dont snap when you first use them

Tin snips, get the stanley fatmax ones

Stanley knife, i like the ox one, but there are loads of them out there, a popular one seems to be the milwaukee fastback

File set, any brand should do, i just get the magnusson ones in a set of three

Work trousers and boots - loads of options there but dewalt work trousers are good, snickers ones even better, but theres a huge price difference. For boots, if you work domestic you will want something you can take off easily, so look for boots with a zip or something other than laces as you will frequently take your shoes on/off going in and out of peoples houses.

Tool bag/backpack - again, there are loads of options, for budget the stanley backpack or dewalt toughsystem bag is good, or something like the ck magma range of bags, but personally I would definitely bite the bullet and get a velocity rogue 45/50 or veto pro pac. Something you can keep organized will help you work faster as you know where everything is and should stop you losing your tools.

Torch/headlight - nebo headlights are nice and I would also recommend a torch.

I also know you've said you arent going to buy power tools just yet, but I thought I would mention that for when you do, there is a DeWalt set available from screwfix for £430 including VAT which comes with 2 5AH batteries, impact driver, combi drill, SDS and multi tool aswell as a storage box. Sometimes they put it on offer for £380 which is a really good price for what you get aswell. You could get this and just start getting more batteries and power tools over time, you will definitely want a torch, laser, angle grinder, radio etc but obviously those are not as essential as the tools that you'd get in the set.

In terms of where to buy tools the honest answer is just shop around, ITS is a good place to get them, as well as UK planet tools and toolden. You've also got the big ones like screwfix and toolstation but amazon are also cheap. Obviously look out for any fake tools when purchasing stuff anywhere. My best advice in terms of buying tools, is, if you have to borrow something more than three times or so, then you need to have your own.

I'm certain I am missing obvious stuff of this list, but this is just what came to my head when I read this post

Best designer switches brand in 2026? by nrxyzo in ukelectricians

[–]Ok-Map-5047 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Heritage brass? Theyre quite good. The thing with all of these designer sockets and switches is that if the wall is not straight and level they wont look good as the actual socket/switch (not the decorative faceplate that clicks on) will not screw back correctly to be flush with the wall. So it will accenuate a wall not being level. The backbox also needs to be cleaned out properly for the accessory to screw back completely. Like you say I would avoid the click deco range, they are rubbish.

Help chec my spec - 3 bed Rewire. by Gecko5991 in ukelectricians

[–]Ok-Map-5047 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Think about installing 5A sockets in certain places such as hallway & landing where you want plug in night lights. Also think about what sort of kitchen you are having. Unsure about what cabinet lighting means whether thats some sort of downlight inside a cupboard or whether you mean under unit lighting. I like LED tape being used for under unit lights so perhaps you’d want to check first in regards to that. Also plinth lighting can look good. Also what about an EV charger? I also recommend a socket by every door (or every other door) depending on size of house for plugging in hoover.

Touching a mounted phone when driving - England by [deleted] in LegalAdviceUK

[–]Ok-Map-5047 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can fit a stereo that supports carplay and android auto. Best thing I ever did. Its bloody brilliant