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Quote: Originally posted by Onewheelonmywagon on 07/6/2022

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Get a decent drill with metal gears, like a Makita. I've had mine for over 8 years and it's used for all the household DIY as well.
Buy cheap, buy twice.

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Quote: Originally posted by GEORGEBB on 08/6/2022

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Get a Bosch cordless - you can drill diy holes, Chuck it in the van for trips, it will never let you down. When you pop, your kids will probably get ten years out of it too, 😂

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Quote: Originally posted by GEORGEBB on 08/6/2022

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Get a Bosch cordless - you can drill diy holes, Chuck it in the van for trips, it will never let you down. When you pop, your kids will probably get ten years out of it too, 😂

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Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 07/6/2022

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Don't laugh, however, I struggled to drive the screw pegs into the hardstanding during my last trip with my cheapy Lidl drill, and am contemplating getting a better drill.

It worked fine for my trip at Fforest Fields in May 2022, however, the hardstanding was part of an all weather pitch!

I shall grin and bear it for a bit longer, perhaps for the rest of the season, before deciding whether to upgrade or not.

DK

Post last edited on 07/06/2022 15:45:16

Post last edited on 07/06/2022 16:07:23

Post last edited on 07/06/2022 16:07:37

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Quote: Originally posted by clbewi on 08/6/2022

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How did you find Forest Fields site? We are going next month we were there last 10 years ago.
Its a bit confusing how they allocate pitches ie what type, is there a difference to a hard standing to an all weather. There’s no system in place so you can pick what type of pitch you would prefer.
I gather you can only have what’s available on arrival.

Post last edited on 08/06/2022 09:39:03

Post last edited on 08/06/2022 09:40:28

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Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 08/6/2022

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Quote: Originally posted by clbewi on 08/6/2022

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How did you find Forest Fields site? We are going next month we were there last 10 years ago.
Its a bit confusing how they allocate pitches ie what type, is there a difference to a hard standing to an all weather. There’s no system in place so you can pick what type of pitch you would prefer.
I gather you can only have what’s available on arrival.

Post last edited on 08/06/2022 09:39:03

Post last edited on 08/06/2022 09:40:28

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Off-topic alert!

FF is very relaxed about pitch allocation, that much is true!

I was asked the pitch type I would prefer when I checked in, and the young gentleman who was checking me in showed me a few suitable pitches, for me to decide which one I liked.

There is a difference between an AWP and a hardstanding pitch, in that with an AWP, pea gravels are spread onto some kind of honeycomb matting, and is suitable for tents and one should be able to use normal pegs on an AWP; whereas hardstanding is hardcore and not suitable for tents and normal pegs.

Pea gravels are nicer underfoot compared with a hardstanding.

That's my understanding and experience.

DK

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Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 08/6/2022

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Quote: Originally posted by clbewi on 08/6/2022

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How did you find Forest Fields site? We are going next month we were there last 10 years ago.
Its a bit confusing how they allocate pitches ie what type, is there a difference to a hard standing to an all weather. There’s no system in place so you can pick what type of pitch you would prefer.
I gather you can only have what’s available on arrival.

Post last edited on 08/06/2022 09:39:03

Post last edited on 08/06/2022 09:40:28

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Off-topic alert!


There is a difference between an AWP and a hardstanding pitch, in that with an AWP, pea gravels are spread onto some kind of honeycomb matting, and is suitable for tents and one should be able to use normal pegs on an AWP; whereas hardstanding is hardcore and not suitable for tents and normal pegs.

Pea gravels are nicer underfoot compared with a hardstanding.

That's my understanding and experience.

DK

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Quote: Originally posted by Mick S. on 08/6/2022

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If we are on 'how reliable is your old drill?', i think my 240v SDS+ Makita, will take some beating (no - it doesnt go camping with me). But i've had it probably 30+ years now. Its been rebuilt once through wear and tear (who rebuilds drills nowadays!?) - i was a landscaper and avid DIYer (still am to a lesser extent) so it was being used pretty much day in day out. The non-percussion bit is knackered now though, but i use a little 12v Erbauer for the lightweight jobs anyway. The Makita only coming out when i need a hole in hard brick or concrete.

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Quote: Originally posted by Mick S. on 08/6/2022

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I'm gobsmacked. Who would want to pitch a tent on any kind of gravel? Its still lumpy, and will do your groundsheet no good at all. We've started to get the odd bit of damage on our awning carpet through having more than our usual share of hard-standing pitches recently. Im very much a grass person, but have ended up on a few CAMC sites in recent times, where their grass pitches arent always the best ones. (crap locations/weird shapes).

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Quote: Originally posted by Colin21 on 08/6/2022

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I've got a Wickes own-brand mains drill that I use for any really heavy duty work like drilling into concrete, and I have had that years now. It's still like new. In my experience the thing that always goes with battery drills is the battery. I have several that probably have many years use left in them, but the batteries are knackered. You buy a battery drill and it will go all day without a charge, but after only a short while a full charge will enable you to drill 3 holes then it gives up. That has happened to me several times and it doesn't seem to matter whether it was an expensive drill or a cheap one. If anything the one I have now which I bought as a cheapie just for the corner steadies has lasted a lot longer than any of the others. Even the most expensive one.

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Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 08/6/2022

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AWPs are great as they do not go soggy after heavy rain, so no need to put out foam mats near the tent to minimise mud going into the tent.

The only niggle, and it is only a very small niggle - pea gravels always end up in my Crocs!

DK

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