DIY & Tools — Premium (2026)

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

• 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

• Combination pliers, side cutters, screwdrivers and adjustable wrench in one wallet
• Ergonomic non-slip handles reduce strain on long jobs
• Compact pouch built for tradesperson use

Cons

• Overkill for occasional DIY use

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Combined breaker and RCD protection on a single circuit
• Compatible with Schneider Resi9 consumer units
• Reduces nuisance tripping compared with a shared RCD

Cons

• Installation must be carried out by a registered electrician

Pros

• 10-year sealed battery removes the hassle of annual battery changes
• Optical sensor responds fast to slow-burning, smouldering fires
• Test/silence button lets you quiet nuisance alarms for 8 hours

Cons

• Higher price than a basic 1-year battery smoke alarm
• Sealed battery means the whole unit is replaced at end of life

Pros

• Thin-kerf 165mm blade cuts up to 55mm deep in one pass
• Keyless bevel and depth adjustment speed up setup on site
• Lightweight for a full day of ripping and cross-cutting timber or ply

Cons

• Bare unit — battery and charger sold separately

Pros

• 1,010W motor with soft start and constant speed control for clean crosscuts
• Slide function extends capacity for wide skirting and architrave
• Compact, lightweight build for a tradesperson-grade mitre saw

Cons

• Higher price than a basic compound mitre saw
• Needs bench space or a stand for stable use

Pros

• Brushless motor gives longer runtime and less wear on heavy use
• Compact body reaches tight stud and joist spaces
• Body-only option runs on any battery in the Milwaukee M18 range

Cons

• Battery and charger sold separately for first-time M18 buyers

Pros

• Trade-grade aluminium build rated to EN131 professional standard
• Large D-shaped rungs are comfortable underfoot on long jobs
• 3-section design extends to reach gutters and roofline work

Cons

• Heavier and bulkier to store than a domestic stepladder

Pros

• BITURBO brushless drivetrain matches corded 1,600W mitre saw performance
• Cordless freedom removes the need for a site power lead
• Compatible with the wider Bosch Professional 18V battery system

Cons

• Significant investment versus a corded mitre saw

Pros

• G-Series colour-coded design makes battery swaps quick and simple
• Supplied with 2 batteries, charger and a 74-piece bit set in a carry case
• Two-speed gearbox handles both fast driving and high-torque drilling

Cons

• Fewer accessories compatible than the mainstream Makita LXT range

Pros

• One-handed adjustment switches quickly between step, leaning and extension modes
• Single ladder replaces three separate ladders in the shed or van
• Rated to EN131 for confident everyday and trade use

Cons

• Heavier than a dedicated stepladder due to the multi-mode hinges

Pros

• Sprays a 15m² wall in around 6 minutes for fast large-area coverage
• iSpray nozzle handles both wall paint and wood/metal finishes
• 630W motor with adjustable spray pattern for indoor and outdoor jobs

Cons

• Needs thorough cleaning between uses to avoid clogging

Pros

• True RMS accuracy for reliable readings on modern electronics
• Compact, rugged design built for everyday electrician use
• Trusted industry-standard brand for UK trade professionals

Cons

• Higher price than a basic household multimeter

Pros

• Plunges cleanly into worktops and panels for kitchen fitting jobs
• Pairs with DeWalt guide rails for straight, splinter-free cuts
• Riving knife and dust extraction port keep the cut line clear

Cons

• Guide rail sold separately for straight-line cutting

Pros

• Brushless motor and metal chuck outperform entry-level combi drills
• 55Nm hard torque copes with masonry and dense timber
• Supplied with 2 x 5.0Ah batteries and an L-Case carry case

Cons

• Heavier than a compact 12V driver for one-handed jobs

Pros

• Converts between step, extension and staircase configurations
• Rated for professional trade use with a high load capacity
• Wide, flared base improves stability on uneven ground

Cons

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

Pros

• High-grade aluminium box-section stiles rated to trade EN131 standard
• Heavy-duty internal spreaders and rear cross tubes improve stability
• Large slip-resistant feet suit uneven site or workshop floors

Cons

• Tall and heavy to store in a small home

Pros

• Combined breaker and RCD protection on a single circuit
• Compatible with Hager consumer unit boards
• Reduces nuisance tripping compared with a single shared RCD

Cons

• Installation must be carried out by a registered electrician

Pros

• 165mm blade cuts up to 57mm deep in one pass
• Runs on the shared Bosch 18V battery platform
• Compact, lightweight build for one-handed ripping and cross-cuts

Cons

• Bare unit — battery and charger sold separately

Pros

• Telescopic sections collapse to a compact size for loft hatch storage
• Aluminium build keeps weight manageable when raising into position
• Reaches 2.60m to bridge a loft hatch opening safely

Cons

• Telescoping mechanism needs care to avoid pinched fingers

Pros

• Brushless motor delivers up to 5,000rpm for fast, clean cuts
• Cuts up to 57mm deep, enough for most stud and joist timber
• Bare unit works with any battery already in a Makita 18V LXT kit

Cons

• Battery and charger sold separately

Pros

• FFP3 rating protects against fine dust from sanding, plaster and insulation
• Cool Flow exhalation valve reduces heat build-up on long jobs
• 3-panel fold design improves fit and field of vision

Cons

• Disposable, so ongoing cost versus a reusable respirator

Pros

• Brushless motor squeezes full-size power from a compact 12V platform
• Body-only option suits owners already on the Milwaukee M12 battery system
• All-metal chuck and gearbox built for daily trade use

Cons

• Battery and charger sold separately

Pros

• Telescopic sections collapse down to a compact size for easy loft storage
• Reaches up to 2.88m for loft hatches and high-level access
• Aluminium construction keeps it manageable for one person to handle

Cons

• Premium price versus a standard folding loft ladder

Pros

• Brushless motor delivers 0-22,000 oscillations per minute for fast cutting and sanding
• Tool-free accessory change speeds up switching between blades and pads
• Body-only option suits owners already on the DeWalt 18V XR battery system

Cons

• Battery and charger sold separately

Pros

• 1400W motor cuts up to 70mm deep in soft and hard wood
• Parallel guide and 56-degree bevel for accurate angled cuts
• Turbo blower keeps the cut line clear of dust and debris

Cons

• Corded design limits reach away from a power point

Pros

• EN131 trade-rated build stands up to daily professional use
• Reaches gutters and upper windows on a typical two-storey house
• Stabiliser bar and non-slip feet improve footing on paving

Cons

• Long closed length needs van or garage storage space

Pros

• Covers a wall in a fraction of the time a roller takes
• Sprays most emulsions and wood paints unthinned
• Adjustable spray pattern suits walls, furniture and railings

Cons

• Needs careful masking and a well-ventilated space to avoid overspray

Pros

• 1100W motor with a 29mm stroke powers through demolition and pruning jobs
• 4-position blade clamp allows flush cutting close to walls and floors
• Lever-action keyless blade clamp speeds up blade changes

Cons

• Mains lead limits reach away from a socket
• Heavier than a cordless equivalent for overhead cutting

Pros

• Multi-material TCT blade cuts wood, steel, aluminium and plastic without changing blades
• Folding stand with wheels makes it portable between site and van
• Bevel and mitre capacity handle angled cuts on skirting and box section

Cons

• Bulkier to store than a standalone circular or mitre saw

Pros

• Combines stepladder and extension ladder in a single purchase
• Extends to 4.23m for guttering, fascias and roofline access
• Suitable for both trade and domestic use

Cons

• Bulky to store compared with a standard stepladder

Pros

• Blocks stains, tannin and nicotine bleed before top-coating
• Bonds to gloss, tiles and other tricky surfaces without sanding
• Quick 35-minute touch-dry time speeds up redecorating jobs

Cons

• Strong odour while wet needs good ventilation

Pros

• Multi-material blade cuts wood, mild steel and plastic without changing blades
• 45° bevel and 50° mitre angle cover most joinery cuts
• 300mm slide capacity handles wider boards

Cons

• Heavier and bulkier than a wood-only mitre saw

Pros

• Class 1 industrial rating suits heavier trade use as well as DIY
• Large platform and high knee rail improve stability at height
• 10 treads reach higher ceilings and loft hatches safely

Cons

• Bulkier to store than a smaller domestic stepladder