DIY & Tools UK

Pros

• 18V battery works across the Bosch Home & Garden range
• Hammer action copes with masonry walls
• Ships with 2 batteries and a carrying case

Cons

• Bulkier carrying case than a bare-unit drill

Pros

• Brushless motor for longer runtime and less wear
• Compact XR design reaches tight spots
• Supplied with a 5.0Ah battery, charger and case

Cons

• Higher price than hobbyist drills

Pros

• No battery to charge or replace
• Variable speed with lock-on switch and hammer action for masonry
• Affordable entry point for occasional DIY

Cons

• Mains lead limits reach outdoors
• Heavier than most cordless models

Pros

• Brushless motor and 2-speed gearbox for tradesperson-level performance
• Supplied with 2 x 5.0Ah batteries, fast charger and rugged Makpac stacking case
• Compact 182mm length reaches tight stud and joist spaces

Cons

• Highest price point of the drills in this range

Pros

• 2-speed gearbox with 24 clutch settings for precise control
• Body-only option works with any battery in the Ryobi ONE+ range
• Compact size and LED work light for tight, dim spaces

Cons

• Battery and charger sold separately for first-time Ryobi ONE+ buyers

Pros

• Cheapest way into a hammer drill for occasional masonry jobs
• Compact, lightweight body is easy to handle in tight spaces
• Keyed chuck holds bits securely for wood, metal and masonry

Cons

• Mains lead limits reach outdoors
• No case included

Pros

• Covers hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, tape measure and level in one bag
• Includes a bit holder with 11 driver bits for flat-pack jobs
• Portable storage bag for van or shed storage

Cons

• Fabric bag is less durable than a hard case

Pros

• Cheap enough to keep a set in every toolbox
• Soft-grip handles reduce hand fatigue
• Covers standard and precision flathead, Pozidriv and Torx sizes

Cons

• Tips wear faster than premium alternatives

Pros

• Deep 6-point sockets grip fasteners better than shallow sets for car and machinery work
• Chrome vanadium steel construction resists corrosion in a damp shed or garage
• Covers the common 10-19mm metric range in one affordable set

Cons

• 1/2" drive ratchet handle sold separately

Pros

• Shock-absorbing fibreglass shaft reduces vibration on repeated strikes
• Forged steel head balances weight for driving and pulling nails
• Affordable single-tool buy to fill a gap in an existing kit

Cons

• No case or roll included

Pros

• Covers marking and planing tasks a basic mixed set leaves out
• Rosewood-stained hardwood handles with brass fittings for durability
• No.4 smoothing plane is useful for doors, sills and joinery fettling

Cons

• Aimed at woodworking rather than general household repairs

Pros

• Lightweight aluminium is easy to carry and store
• High handrail and large platform improve stability
• EN131 rated for professional use

Cons

• Aluminium can feel cold to grip outdoors in winter

Pros

• Non-conductive fibreglass is safe for electrical work near consumer units
• Wide platform improves stability for longer jobs
• Platform height of 1.40m gives a safe working height of around 3.15m

Cons

• Heavier to carry than an aluminium equivalent
• Higher price reflects the electrical-safe build

Pros

• Cheap and compact for quick jobs around the house
• EN14183-certified 150kg load capacity
• Folds flat for storage under stairs or in a cupboard

Cons

• Not rated for outdoor or trade use
• Limited reach for taller ceilings

Pros

• Slides away neatly into the loft hatch, freeing up landing space
• Handrail improves safety climbing in and out of the loft opening
• Sturdy 3-section aluminium build rated for regular home use

Cons

• Fitting takes longer than an aluminium step ladder
• Needs a hatch opening of at least 508 x 432mm

Pros

• Handrail adds security for quick jobs around the home
• Deep treads are comfortable to stand on
• Compact and light enough for one-handed carrying

Cons

• Domestic-rated only, not suited to trade use

Pros

• Extends to a working height of around 5m for gutters and roofline work
• Extruded aluminium stiles built to EN131 trade standard
• Configures as a stepladder, extension ladder or leaning combination

Cons

• Significant investment compared with a basic domestic ladder
• Heavier and bulkier to store than a single stepladder

Pros

• Wipeable finish shrugs off scuffs in hallways and kids rooms
• Good one-coat opacity over most existing colours
• Covers around 32.5m² per coat

Cons

• Matt finish shows roller marks if overworked

Pros

• Touch dry in around an hour so fences get two coats in a day
• Water repellent and rainproof in as little as 30 minutes
• Water-based formula cleans up with soap and water

Cons

• Needs reapplying yearly on south-facing fences

Pros

• Chalky, richly pigmented finish sought after by interior designers
• Low-VOC formula suited to bedrooms and nurseries
• Exceptional depth of colour in muted heritage shades

Cons

• Premium price per litre compared with high-street brands
• Mixed to order, so cannot be returned once opened

Pros

• Four medium-pile sleeves included so you can switch colours without stopping to wash up
• Reduced-splatter design keeps skirting and floors cleaner
• Soft-grip frame handle is comfortable over a full day of rolling

Cons

• Sleeves wear out faster on heavily textured walls

Pros

• Versatile matt finish hides minor wall imperfections
• Good one-coat coverage for a brilliant white refresh
• Well-known high-street brand widely stocked for top-ups

Cons

• Standard matt is less wipeable than washable formulas

Pros

• Superior paint pick-up and lay-off compared with budget brushes
• Three sizes cover cutting-in, trim and larger wall areas
• Works well with emulsion, oil-based paint, varnish and stain

Cons

• Premium price for a brush set versus a basic multipack

Pros

• Cheap way to confirm a socket or fitting is dead before working on it
• Slim pocket size for a tool bag or van door pocket
• Detects both live and neutral wires

Cons

• Neon indicator can be hard to see in bright daylight