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Power tools buying guide
We’ll help you find the right tools for any task
Got some home improvements on your list? The right tools can make all the difference. And don’t worry, you don’t need to be a pro. We’ll walk you through the basics so you can get stuck in with confidence.
Types of power tools
Drill
Drills are your go-to for all sorts of jobs, whether you’re building flatpack furniture, putting up shelves or fixing a TV bracket. They can handle everyday tasks with ease, and with the right attachments, some can even be used on tougher surfaces like brick and masonry.
Electric screwdriver
Perfect for flatpack furniture and everyday fixes, electric screwdrivers take the effort out of tightening screws. They’re a bit slower and more controlled than a drill, so you can work with extra care (and less chance of overdoing it).
Sander
Looking to smooth things out and give something a fresh start? Sanders are your best friend. They make quick work of removing old paint, varnish or rust, and are ideal for bringing tired furniture and long-forgotten projects back to life.
Power saws
Need to cut something down to size? Power saws make it quicker, cleaner and a lot less effort than doing it with a hand saw. They’re great for anything from trimming worktops to cutting wood, plastic or metal – just what you need to tackle tougher tasks.
Screwdrivers and drills: Which type do I need?
Not sure whether to grab a drill or a screwdriver? You’re not alone. While drills are great all-rounders, some tools are better suited to certain jobs, so picking the right one can make things a whole lot easier (and neater, too).
Key features
Electric screwdrivers
Electric screwdrivers are real timesavers. They make fastening and removing screws quick and easy without the risk of damaging the material.
Drill drivers
If you need to make holes in walls, wood or metal, drill drivers are the go-to choice. They’re simple, reliable and easy to use – perfect for quick jobs like finally getting that picture up on the wall.
Hammer drills
Got tougher jobs to tackle, like brick or masonry? That’s where hammer drills come in. They pack extra power to get through harder surfaces, making them a great option for outdoor projects or securely mounting things like TV brackets.
Combi drills
Want one tool that does it all? Combi drills are a great shout. They combine a drill driver and a hammer drill in one, so you’re covered for pretty much any DIY job without needing a full kit.
Torque
Torque is all about how much power your drill uses when it spins. Higher torque means more oomph – great for tougher materials like brick. Lower torque gives you more control, which is ideal on softer surfaces like wood or plasterboard and helps avoid any mishaps.
Speed
Speed tells you how fast your drill spins (you’ll usually see it as RPM). But faster isn’t always better. Slower speeds give you more control for softer materials, while higher speeds help power through tougher jobs.
Reverse action
A handy little feature you’ll be glad to have, reverse lets your drill spin the other way, so you can easily loosen screws as well as tighten them. Simple, but makes life a lot easier.
Keyless chuck
The chuck is the bit at the front that holds your drill bits in place. A keyless chuck means you can switch attachments in seconds, just twist and go. No tools needed, no hassle.
Automatic gears
Automatic gears make it easy to switch things up as you go. Need a bit more speed or control? Just adjust on the fly without any stopping.
Top Tips
Drill bits
Go for a model that comes with a set of interchangeable bits and you’ll be ready for anything. From drilling holes to tightening screws, it’s an easy way to cover all your bases.
Setting options
Look out for models with different speed and mode settings. They give you more control and help you get the best results from every job.
Sanders: Which type do I need?
Ditch the sandpaper, this is where sanders make life much easier. They take the hard work out of smoothing things down, but it’s worth knowing which type you need before you get started.
Power saw: Which type do I need?
Perfect for all sorts of jobs around the house, power saws make cutting quicker and much less effort, whether it’s worktops, wood or garden bits. There are a few different types to choose from, so we’ll help you find the one that fits your to-do list.
Top Tips
Consider cut depth
Cut depth is how much material the blade can work through in one go. So, if it’s 20mm, that means it can cut up to that thickness. It’s always important to check this so you know your saw can handle the job you’ve got planned.
Extra features
Some handy extras can make DIY that bit easier. Soft grip handles keep things comfortable, dust blowers help keep your workspace clear, and safety locks prevent any accidental starts.
Consider material type
Whether it’s wood, plastic or metal, make sure your saw is up to the job, just check the product details so you know it’ll handle what you’ve got in mind.
Saw teeth
Saw blades come with different numbers of teeth that change the type of cut you get. More teeth give you a smoother, neater cut, while fewer teeth are better for quicker, rougher jobs.
Corded or cordless?
Not sure whether to go corded or cordless? It all comes down to how and where you’ll be working, so it’s worth thinking about what’s the best option for your setup.
Corded
Corded tools are great if you’ve got a plug socket nearby, delivering consistent power and there’s no charging to think about. Just remember you’ll be working within the length of the cable.
Cordless
Want a bit more freedom? Cordless tools are great for moving around, especially when you’re outdoors or away from plug sockets. It’s worth always having a spare battery on hand too, so you can keep going without missing a beat.
Shop Powertools
Bosch UniversalDrill 18V-60 (1x2.0Ah) + AL 18V-20 Cordless Driver Drill - Green
Gtech Cordless Combi Drill - Black / Gold
Bosch PBD 40 (Benchdrill) Drill - Green
Bosch PBD 40 (Benchdrill) Drill - Green
Bosch AdvancedDistance 50C 0603672202 Laser Measure - Green
Bosch PFS 5000 E Paint Sprayer - Green
Gtech Cordless Combi Drill - Black / Gold
Bosch PEX 300 AE 0.603.3A3.070 Sander - Green
Bosch EasyInflate 18V-500 0.603.947.270 18 Volts Air Pump - Green / Black
Bosch PKS 55 0.603.500.070 Electric Handsaw - Green
FAQs
- What cordless drill should I buy?
As an allrounder, we’d recommend looking for a combi drill with a decent battery life and easy to use controls. But, the best choice for you can depend on what you’ll be using it for, so make sure you can answer that question before you buy.
- What do I need to drill through ceramic and porcelain?
A hammer drill is the go-to choice for drilling through tough materials like ceramic and porcelain.
- What drill should I buy?
If you’re looking for the best drill for you, there’s a few things to consider. Does it need to be cordless, what job are you using it for, and how much power or speed do you need? We stock a bunch of amazing options, like hammer drills and this handy combi drill, but if you need some more help choosing, just check out our buying guide.
- Where to buy a screwdriver?
If you’re looking to buy a screwdriver, we have a bunch of drills with screwdriver attachments, and they come from some of the best brands around, like Bosch and Makita. Found one cheaper somewhere else? If we’ve got it in stock, we’ll match the price and send the item straight to you
- What does Ah mean on a drill battery?
Ah stands for ampere-hour, and this is the measurement for how much charge your battery can deliver in one hour.
- What does SDS stand for in drills?
SDS stands for ‘self-direct system’, this is a particular type of drill that is geared towards heavy-duty tasks. Such as chiselling and drilling through masonry.
- What voltage drill should I get?
Drills with 12 to 18 volts should meet most homeowners needs. You can always go for a higher voltage if you’ll be doing heavier work. But don’t forget that with cordless drills, the higher the voltage, the heavier the battery.
- Which sander is best for furniture?
It depends really, if you’re just looking to sand down that old chest of drawers then a standard belt sander should be just fine. But if you’re looking for more care and control, then a detail sander will help smoothen out that one of a kind wooden chair or add the finishing touches to a rustic bookshelf.
- What sander should I get for plaster walls?
For this surface, look no further than a good random orbit sander, these models are perfect for tackling tough surfaces.
- Which sander should I get to remove paint?
Again, we would recommend picking up a random orbit sander for this job, but a belt sander would also be a more than capable option.
- How does an orbital sander work?
Random orbit sanders use a spinning disk to sand down different materials.
- Can a sander be used as a buffer?
Yes it can. A random orbit sander is the best model to use, as long as you use it with an appropriate polishing pad.
- Which sanders can be used on decking?
A random orbit sander is the tool of choice if you’re tackling the decking.
