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    Power Tools Buying Guide

    Get practical with our power tools buying guide and find out which tools you’ll need to tackle that DIY project

    Looking to make some home improvements? If you’re getting into the DIY game, you need to have the right tools to get the job done properly. Our guide will talk you through some of the essential power tools you’ll want to get your hands on to make those home projects that little bit easier.

    Types of power tool

    Drill

    Drills are motorised tools that make light work of everything from assembling flatpack furniture and putting up TV wall brackets, to dealing with tougher material like brick and masonry.

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    Electric screwdriver

    Electric screwdrivers are the tool of choice for putting together that flatpack furniture or assembling anything that uses screws. While drills can also tackle this job, the slower speed of an electric screwdriver makes them the better tool for more precision and care.

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    Sander

    Add the finishing touches with a motorised sander. These handy tools are perfect for when you need to remove any tough varnish, stains, paint or rust. So, if you want to give your coffee table a new lease of life or buff up a rusty old bike frame, then you’ll need to get your hands on a sander.

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    Screwdrivers and drills: Which type do I need?

    While drills are versatile tools that can tackle a number of jobs, certain models are better suited for some tasks than others. So, for the best results, you’ll want the right tool for your project.

    Electric Screwdrivers

    If you want to whip up some flat pack furniture in record time, an electric screwdriver will let you quickly and easily fasten and remove screws without any damage.

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    Drill drivers

    Drill drivers are the tool of choice for piercing holes in surfaces such as plastered walls, wood and metal. So if you’re finally hanging up that piece of art that’s been gathering dust in the attic, get your hands on one of these.

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    Hammer drills

    More sturdy and robust than drill drivers, hammer drills will be your best friend for any outdoor projects, as they can drill through brick. They’re also best suited for securely mounting TV wall brackets.

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    Combi drills

    The perfect allrounder, and a must have tool for any seasoned DIYer. Combi drills give you a drill driver and a hammer drill all in one tool, so you’ll be able to tackle any and all home improvement projects.

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    Key features

    Torque

    Torque is the measurement for how fast a drill rotates. A high torque setting will mean faster rotation, making it ideal for working with sturdy materials such as brick. But if you’re drilling through surfaces like wood or plaster board, a lower setting is better suited to reduce damage.

    Speed

    The speed of a drill is measured in revolutions per minute or more simply put, RPM. But more speed isn’t necessarily better. Again, similar to torque, a slower speed is more suited to softer materials while a high speed is the choice for tackling tougher surfaces.

    Reverse action

    The reverse function is a simple but useful feature that you’ll definitely want on any drill that you’ve got your eye on. It effortlessly lets you change the direction of the drill so you can loosen bolts and screws.

    Keyless chuck

    The chuck is the part of the drill where the drill bits are secured. A keyless chuck lets you swap out different drill bits without the need of a key. So if you need to change diameter, or you want to swap in a screwdriver attachment, it’s as simple as twisting it on.

    Automatic gears

    Drills with automatic gears let you quickly change settings while doing your DIY work. So you can up the speed to tackle some brick work at the touch of a button.

    Drill bits

    Ever started your DIY project and then realised the screws you have don’t fit the drill or screwdriver you’ve got? To save you from the impending heartbreak, a lot of our models come with a set of easily changeable bits, so you’re perfectly prepared for every job at hand.

    Sanders

    Put down the sandpaper and pick up a motorised sander instead. These tools make what can be a laborious task, simple and easy. But, before you go and start sanding every surface under the sun, make sure you know which type of sander you need to get the job done.

    Belt sander

    The belt sander is a great tool if you want to quickly sand down wood. The continuous band of sandpaper rapidly spins around meaning you can remove excess material really fast. All you need to do is control it with the easy to hold handles.

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    Random orbit sander

    Random orbit sanders can plough through heavy varnish or stains, for a smooth finish. The round spinning disk at the bottom will easily glide over those rough wooden surfaces. And when you need to change the type of finish you want, just choose a new type of sandpaper.

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    Detail sander

    If you fancy yourself as a bit of a wood worker, you’ll want a detail sander. These crafty tools are fitted with a vibrating triangle head that lets you reach all those corners and tight spaces. So if you’re looking to get creative, this should be straight on your DIY shopping list.

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    Corded or cordless?

    When choosing between a corded or cordless power tool, ask yourself where and how you’ll be using it. Standard corded models are great if you have an electric output nearby, as you’ll never run out of power. But, you are restricted to the length of the cord, so bear this in mind when choosing. If you’ll be using this tool mainly outside in the garden, or if you want the freedom to move around as and when you choose, a cordless model is the choice for you. And if you stock up on batteries then you’ll be able to easily swap them out for uninterrupted power.

    FAQs

    What cordless drill should I buy?
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