Taking that first DIY step can be daunting – so here’s a simple planter project to get started.
Taking that first step into the world of DIY is a big one – and it is far easier to have a simple project at first.
There’s another consideration to that: a simple DIY project, yes, but also one that involves a range of tools and which requires various techniques. Once experience is gained this way, it’s possible to move on to bigger projects – and gaining confidence in the tools you use is a big part of that.
So let’s make a planter box a first project, using a range of the top performing Ryobi ONE+ tools.
First, design the box or get plans off the internet. Size matters with planter boxes but, as a first project, start modestly. Be sure to have a budget and keep to it.
Non-treated timber (e.g. pine railway sleepers, or macrocarpa) are the best options for building something in which you plan to grow food for your table. Keep the box width under a metre, unless it is accessible from both sides, 2m is ample for a box accessible from both sides.
Following your plan, buy the screws, bolts, nails, timber, everything needed to build it.
Tooling up
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The best way to start your DIY journey is to buy a Ryobi 18V ONE+ 4Ah 8–Piece Combo Kit.
This kit is the best asset you will have in your tool collection. The Ryobi 18V ONE+ 4.0Ah 8-Piece Combo Kit includes eight cordless tools, basically everything you need.
The Compact Drill/Driver is a great all-rounder for projects and repairs; the Impact Driver is ideal for heavy-duty screwing and fastening. Cut, grind and shape with the Angle Grinder. The Circular Saw and Reciprocating Saw can be used to cut through a variety of timbers, metals, and PVC piping. Cut, smooth and shape timber with the Multitool and Corner Sander – two awesome hobby tools.
Tidy up the work site of dust and debris from your handiwork with the compact Blower Tool. Power all these tools with the two 18V ONE+ 4.0Ah Batteries (supplied with charger).
These batteries are also compatible with more than 150 tools from the Ryobi 18V ONE+ range.
Drill and drive
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For making holes of every size and depth, a Ryobi 50-piece impact drill and drive set is perfect. Pre-drilling a smaller hole for screws is good practice to avoid timber splitting and this set caters for all types of screw heads from Philips to hex shanks.
Personal touches
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The Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP™ Brushless Rotary Tool is great for making small repairs and adding finishing touches to DIY projects like a planter. Its 30-piece accessory kit gives you the versatility to complete a wide range of applications such as sanding, shaping, engraving and cutting into materials such as timber, metal and plastic – and gets into all the tight places other bulkier tools can’t reach.
It’s great for wood carving and you will find a myriad of uses for it around the home. Engrave your own logo on your planter.
When the plot thickens
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Turn clumpy compost and soil into a friable mix with this brilliant compact cultivator. The Ryobi 18V ONE+ Handheld Cultivator. ideal for use in smaller areas that require more finesse and control.
Power this Cultivator with any 18V battery (sold separately) from the Ryobi ONE+ range.
Lawn care
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Measure seed or fertiliser distribution precisely with the Ryobi 18V ONE+ Seed and Fertiliser Spreader. It’s a great tool for starting and maintaining a small to medium-sized lawn.
Distribute seed, fertiliser, and a variety of other granulated materials. This Kit also includes an 18V ONE+ 2.0Ah Battery and a 1.5A charger.
The large hopper holds up to 4L of material to help save time on refills. Simply set the flow rate, pull the trigger and go.
Stop weed invasion
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Prevent weeds infiltrating your garden beds or taking over your paths. Take direct action with the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 7.5L sprayer.
Whether you use organic sprays or chemical herbicides this battery-powered sprayer replaces the need for hand pumping. Just mask up, plug in a ONE+ battery, push the button and direct the controlled spray where you need it.
Ryobi on the level
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Another recommended purchase is the Ryobi 15m Green Cross Line Laser, ideal for DIY jobs where precise leveling, alignment or layout is required.
DIY’ers will continue to get a lot of use from this laser, no more using a bubble level and pencil. Hang pictures or shelves with ease. Preparing precise grids for tiling projects will be a breeze with Ryobi’s Green Cross Laser.