Shop all DIY & Tools — Page 9

Pros

• Dual voltage range detects both low and standard household voltages
• Bright flashing LED and audible alarm confirm live wires at a glance
• Auto power-off extends battery life between jobs

Cons

• Non-contact testers should be checked against a known live source before relying on a reading

Pros

• Tool-free push-fit joint installs, demounts and refits in seconds
• Pack of 10 covers a full bathroom or kitchen pipe run
• Works with copper, PEX and polybutylene pipe without solvent or solder

Cons

• Push-fit joints need the pipe end cut square and deburred to seal properly

Pros

• 1200W motor cuts up to 55mm deep in a single pass
• Affordable way into a corded circular saw for occasional joinery
• Parallel guide included for straight rip cuts without a track

Cons

• Mains lead limits reach away from a socket
• Heavier and noisier than premium brushless alternatives

Pros

• 500W motor cuts up to 65mm deep in wood and 4mm in steel
• Tool-free blade change speeds up switching between materials
• Compact and lightweight for curved cuts and tight corners

Cons

• No pendulum action adjustment compared with premium Bosch jigsaws

Pros

• Heavy-duty twill fabric with stretch panels for freedom of movement
• Holster pockets and reinforced knee pad pockets built for trade use
• Two-layer reinforced seat extends working life over standard trousers

Cons

• Sizing runs slightly small according to some buyers

Pros

• EN397 rated 6-point harness for site and building work
• Slip ratchet adjuster gets a snug fit without extra tools
• Cheap enough to keep a spare in the van

Cons

• Vents are fixed open, so less suited to very cold conditions

Pros

• Assorted trade case covers most common wood and drywall screw sizes
• Twin-thread design drives fast and grips securely in timber
• Gold passivated coating resists corrosion in damp storage

Cons

• Large box takes up more van or shed storage than single-size packs

Pros

• Three common sizes cover most curtain rail, shelf and TV bracket fixings
• Expansion design grips well in both solid masonry and plasterboard
• Large 300-piece pack keeps spares on hand for future jobs

Cons

• No screws included, only the wall plugs

Pros

• 100% waterproof bond suited to outdoor and workshop repairs
• Bonds wood, stone, metal, ceramics, foam and glass
• Expanding foam action fills gaps for a stronger mechanical bond

Cons

• Expands as it cures, so excess needs trimming or sanding back

Pros

• Cross-linking PVA formula is stronger than standard wood glue
• Natural colour dries to a paintable and stainable finish
• Water resistant, so suited to indoor furniture and light outdoor use

Cons

• Not fully waterproof — use the polyurethane formula outdoors

Pros

• Dries genuinely clear for repairs on visible surfaces
• Waterproof and suitable for indoor or outdoor use
• No foaming, unlike the original Gorilla Glue formula

Cons

• Shorter working time than standard PVA glue

Pros

• Anti-mould formula protects bathroom and kitchen seals
• Permanently waterproof once fully cured
• Suitable for internal and external use

Cons

• Clear sealants can yellow faster than white in damp areas

Pros

• Elastic bond and seal formula moves with the joint without cracking
• Overpaintable once skinned over
• Versatile enough for wood, metal, masonry and most plastics

Cons

• Premium price versus basic silicone sealants

Pros

• Hardpoint teeth stay sharp for longer than traditional saws
• Universal tooth pattern copes with timber, chipboard and MDF
• Comfortable soft-grip handle for extended use

Cons

• Teeth cannot be re-sharpened once blunt

Pros

• Traditional taper-ground blade for a clean, accurate cut
• Sheffield steel construction built to last
• Classic hardwood-style handle for a secure grip

Cons

• Needs occasional sharpening unlike hardpoint saws

Pros

• Tungsten-tipped 165mm blade copes with repeated site use
• Rigid aluminium base plate for accurate, stable cuts
• Well-proven corded design favoured by tradespeople

Cons

• Mains lead limits reach on outdoor jobs

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

• Patented zig-zag expansion fixes into brick, block and plasterboard
• Comes complete with matching screws
• No need to buy different plugs for different wall types

Cons

• Not rated for the very heaviest cavity fixings

Pros

• Two-component design grips in both solid and hollow materials
• Colour-change indicator shows when the plug is correctly set
• Trusted German-engineered fixing brand

Cons

• Premium price versus own-brand wall plugs

Pros

• Waterproof leather upper keeps feet dry on site
• Steel toe cap and midsole protect against impact and punctures
• Padded collar and cushioned insole for all-day comfort

Cons

• Runs slightly narrow — check size guide before ordering

Pros

• Large profile fits over most prescription glasses
• Anti-scratch and anti-fog coating keeps vision clear
• Indirect venting protects against dust and splashes

Cons

• Elastic strap loosens with heavy use over time

Pros

• Impact-resistant back-of-hand protection for site work
• Reinforced palm improves grip and durability
• Touchscreen-compatible fingertip on some sizes

Cons

• Bulkier fit than lightweight general-purpose gloves

Pros

• 10-pack keeps a roll in every toolbox and van compartment
• Reliable leak-proof seal on threaded water and gas joints
• Colour-coded rolls make it easy to tell tapes apart

Cons

• Thinner tape than some heavy-duty gas-rated alternatives

Pros

• Affordable trade-standard PTFE tape for everyday plumbing jobs
• BS7786 compliant for water, gas and air joints
• Two rolls per pack for both van stock and home use

Cons

• Basic packaging compared to premium branded tapes