Power Tools Explained
Every major power tool explained: what it does, types, key specs, what to look for when buying, accessories and how to use it.
14 guides
Each guide in this section follows the same structure so you can compare tools easily: what the tool does, the main types, the specifications that actually matter, what to look for when buying, the accessories you will need and a short how-to for first use.
If you are not sure which tool you need for a job, start with the Tool Finder. If you already know, jump straight to the tool below.
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01
Drills and Drill-Drivers Explained: Types, Specs and How to Use One
Everything a beginner needs to know about cordless drills and drill-drivers: combi vs drill-driver, torque, clutch, chuck size, bits and how to drill and drive screws properly.
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02
Impact Drivers and Impact Wrenches Explained
How impact drivers and impact wrenches work, how they differ from drills, which sizes and specs to choose, impact-rated bits and sockets, and how to use them safely.
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03
Rotary Hammers (SDS-Plus) Explained: The Right Tool for Concrete
What a rotary hammer is, why it drills concrete so much faster than a hammer drill, SDS-plus vs SDS-max, joules, modes, bits and chisels, and how to use one safely.
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04
Angle Grinders Explained: Sizes, Discs and Safe Use
A beginner's guide to the angle grinder: disc sizes, cutting and grinding discs, diamond blades, key safety features and how to cut and grind safely.
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05
Jigsaws Explained: Blades, Orbital Action and Clean Cuts
What a jigsaw can cut, how to choose blades and settings, orbital action, bevel cuts, and techniques for straight, curved and splinter-free cuts.
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06
Circular Saws and Mitre Saws: Which One Do You Need?
How circular saws, track saws and mitre (chop) saws differ, what size and features to choose, blades, and how to make straight, square and safe cuts.
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07
Sanders Explained: Random Orbital, Sheet (Vibration) and Belt Sanders
The difference between random orbital, sheet, detail and belt sanders, which grits to use, dust extraction, and how to sand wood and paint for a smooth finish.
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08
Oscillating Multi-Tools Explained: The Renovator's Swiss Army Knife
What an oscillating multi-tool can do, which blades and accessories to use, the specs that matter and how to make plunge cuts, flush cuts and remove grout.
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09
Wood Routers Explained: Trim, Plunge and Fixed-Base Routers
What a wood router does, the difference between trim, fixed-base and plunge routers, collet sizes, router bits, feed direction and how to rout safely.
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10
Heat Guns Explained: Uses, Temperatures, Nozzles and Safety
What a heat gun can do (stripping paint, heat shrink, bending plastic, thawing pipes), temperature settings, nozzles and the safety rules that matter.
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11
Shop Vacuums and Dust Extractors: Filter Classes, Sizes and Uses
How a shop vacuum (wet/dry vac) differs from a dust extractor, what L, M and H filter classes mean, and how to choose one for renovation dust.
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12
Paddle Mixers: How to Mix Plaster, Tile Adhesive and Paint
When you need a paddle mixer instead of a drill, which paddle to use for plaster, adhesive, concrete or paint, and how to get a smooth, lump-free mix.
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13
Laser Levels and Laser Distance Meters Explained
How cross-line, rotary and point lasers work, green vs red beams, accuracy and self-levelling, plus how laser distance meters calculate areas and volumes.
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14
Pressure Washers and Air Compressors: A Beginner's Guide
How to choose a pressure washer (PSI/bar, flow rate, nozzles) and an air compressor (CFM, tank size, oil-free vs oiled), what each is good for and how to use them safely.
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