DIY tools

Unsure which tools you need? Use our guide to give you a helping hand.

Cordless Drills

Hammer action means the chuck hammers as well as rotates to give you more power to get through tougher materials like masonry. Because these drills are cordless, you can charge them up and take them anywhere.

Key features:

• Volts - the higher the voltage the longer you can use the tool in a single charge.
• Speed - variable speed measured in rotations per minute (rpm).
• Torque - varies the output power for precision control.
• Charging - time taken to fully charge a battery, measured in hours.
• Chuck - specifies the chuck details on the power tool.
• Batteries - number of batteries included.

SDS Drills

SDS stands for Special Direct System. These drills are extremely powerful with professional chucks, offering greater holding power when you've got a heavy duty job to do.

Key features:

• Watts - measures the power of the tool.
• BPM - number of blows per minute.
• Capacities - maximum cutting depth in each material, measured in millimetres.
• Speed - variable speed measured in rotations per minute (rpm).
• Chuck - specifies the chuck details on the power tool.

Powered Screwdrivers

Small, versatile and brilliant for the odd jobs around the house, powered screwdrivers do all the hard work for you. The higher the voltage the more power you'll get out of it. Spindle lock lets you use it as a manual driver in case you need a couple of extra turns. To get greater screwing control, choose one with a number of torque settings.

Key features:

• Volts - the higher the voltage the longer you can use the tool in a single charge.
• Speed - variable speed measured in rotations per minute (rpm).
• Torque - varies the output power for precision control.
• Charging - time taken to fully charge a battery, measured in hours.
• Chuck - specifies the chuck details on the power tool.
• Accessories - number of accessories included.

Jigsaws

Use a jigsaw to cut sheer material. Pendulum action allows more cutting speed. There are also specialist multi-saws (for cutting a variety of timber and sheet materials), mitre saws (for cutting straight or at precise angles) and reciprocating saws (for close to surface work).

Key features:

• Watts - measures the power of the tool.
• Blades - number of blades included.
• Cut depth - maximum cutting depth, measured in millimetres.
• Action - states whether the blade moves in a standard direction or in a number of pendulum stages. Pendulum action gives improved cutting speed.
• Speed - variable speed measured in rotations per minute (rpm).

Sanders

A sander is a good tool to smooth surfaces and to remove paint, rust and varnish. Belt sanders have a continuous roll of sand paper and are perfect for sanding large surfaces. Orbital and sheet sanders leave a fine finish while detail sanders are ideal for awkward corners.

Key features:

• Speed - variable speed measured in rotations per minute (rpm).
• Watts - measures the power of the tool.
• Sheet size - size of sanding sheet, measured in millimetres.

Angle grinders

One with a small disc is often better for metalwork and preparing surfaces (usually 4.5in). For cutting masonry or paving slabs, a higher wattage grinder with a larger disc is best (9in).

Key features:

• Watts - measures the power of the tool.
• Speed - variable speed measured in rotations per minute (rpm).
• Disc size - size of cutting disc diameter, measured in inches.