Power Tools & General Tools Recommendations & Advice

I have a lot of Wera bits and tools and last an age but are expensive and overkill for a light DIYer

Yup but at least you only have to buy them once and when you do need them, they don't destroy the screw heads which no doubts saves another trip out to get a replacement bit and screw!

I found Milwaukee Shockwave impact bits good. I prefer 50mm bits

https://www.screwfix.com/search?search=Shockwave

Note the difference between impact and screwdriver bits.

I've been using the shockwave impact bits for many years too and really like them. They still smash to bits but often after a lot of use! I regrettable bought a 25mm pack of 50 I think it was, so can only use them a bit holder which is a pain in a tight spot. The shockwave set I bought has a few of the 50mm bits and they are much better for me too.
 
finding these drill posts very useful ,didn't even know the existence of impact drivers (apart from pneumatic ones) so a pack with both in is a consideration. i drill a fair bit off block so i need a hammer function and im thinking over 50 NM in torque but dont know how i decided on this figure ,also got a small decking project coming up.
some of the screwfix negative reviews mention chuck run out problems so i had decided on Bosch but that dewalt kit does look a good buy
 
Always keep an eye on Amazon because they sometimes price things a bit wrongly. I bought a Dewalt 796 drill with a 5ah battery for £68 quid there.

I already own one so it's sat in a box. I just couldn't resist lol.
 
finding these drill posts very useful ,didn't even know the existence of impact drivers (apart from pneumatic ones) so a pack with both in is a consideration. i drill a fair bit off block so i need a hammer function and im thinking over 50 NM in torque but dont know how i decided on this figure ,also got a small decking project coming up.
some of the screwfix negative reviews mention chuck run out problems so i had decided on Bosch but that dewalt kit does look a good buy

The issue with the Bosch was torque - simply could drive screws in compared to other brands. The safety cut in before. That could perhaps explain some of the issues with the chuck?

The Maketa (ics) from experience of the builder's doing the kitchen was good.
 
After around 15 years of using keyless chucks I only just learned last week that you tighten them up as far as you can then you actually turn it back a notch to lock it.
 
After around 15 years of using keyless chucks I only just learned last week that you tighten them up as far as you can then you actually turn it back a notch to lock it.

well bugger me, I had no idea either! Just googled as thought you were pulling my leg.
 
well bugger me, I had no idea either! Just googled as thought you were pulling my leg.

Yeah I did it and realised there was a very pronounced click / lock feel to it too. Been using my drill a lot this week and it's never come loose once.
 
The issue with the Bosch was torque - simply could drive screws in compared to other brands. The safety cut in before. That could perhaps explain some of the issues with the chuck?

The Maketa (ics) from experience of the builder's doing the kitchen was good.
yes thats what they used (Makita) at a joinery place in Bodmin i worked over xmas really good gear ,only issue is price .would prefer around £150 max and with a couple of batterys but getting the impact driver for a little more sounds good
 
My bosch drill failed within a few months. I like their other tools but I'll not get a drill from them again.
 
I have a hozelock powerwasher that has been pretty **** quality since I got it. I should have paid more and gone for something a bit better I suppose. Is it still mostly just the case of grab whichever karcher is on offer in my price range ? Would need a patio cleaner attachment and one of those snow foam things (mrs wants that for her car )
Nilfisk seem ok but from a quick glance online they dont have to many easily to get accessories. Whatever I get needs to be compact as it doesnt get used more than a handful of times a year so will get stored away
 
Impact driver IMO, makes light work of decking.

You shouldn’t batter screws with properly matched impact bits and screws.

It’s great having both because it also means no messing around changing bits between drilling and screwing.

£40 more also gets you the full twin pack with the same impact driver.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-d...combi-drill-and-impact-driver-twin-pack/210hf

I've got a very similar deal but with the 205NM impact driver. Very good bits of kit. You just have to be careful as I'd easy to shear off screws or drive them in too far if you get a bit too enthusiastic! I've got DeWalt impact bits which do well however I have seen tests where Milwaukee bits just edge it.
 
Are nilfisk better quality than karcher? All the karcher ones I have used over the years (7) break without much use. Not left outside or in a cold garage etc. Normally the unit but especially the patio cleaner.
 
Are nilfisk better quality than karcher? All the karcher ones I have used over the years (7) break without much use. Not left outside or in a cold garage etc. Normally the unit but especially the patio cleaner.

I've had a nilfisk for years with no issue but that's just my experience. I guess they are all fine for general patio use etc.
 
Wheelbarrows.. In digging the pond I'll need to move both masonry debris and dirt. Then when the pond is ready - fill the existing pond (and landscape the garden). So I'm looking for a decent wheelbarrow that can cope with concrete, blocks, and the usual garden soil and mess.

I've looked and it seems they start about the £100 bracket for a galvanised 90-100 litre builders wheel barrow. Any suggested brands/models?

https://www.powerporter.co.uk/builders-wheelbarrows-26-c.asp
 
Thank you - there'd been some bad reviews, so having an real use review is good. nothing bit of welding couldn't sort if need be! :D
I've tried some cheap ones before and once had one that twisted under a barrel full. Got this one as i think it was the only one i could get the same day.
 
Hey everyone, Looking for recommendations for a drill and lawnmower. Moving into our first house that will have a garden and my other half is wanting to get quite a lot of new furniture a long the way. I am now refusing to build furniture with screwdrivers. Know nothing about lawn mowers or drills TBH know Makita are good and used a few in my time but its not going to get heavy use so thinking something cheaper might be better for now. Looking to Pay under £100 each if possible.
 
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