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Ben

My Recent Handyman Projects and Examples

May 1, 2026 by Ben

Today, I’m sharing some recent projects completed in my local area. Ranging from a simple shelf installation, a shed construction project, all the way to a lean-to veranda with a solid polycarbonate roof. These are …

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Categories Projects & Case Studies

Strong Fence Panels for Coastal Homes: Are Heavy-Duty Closeboard Panels Worth It?

April 20, 2026 by Ben
heavy duty fence panels on coastal property

Many homeowners do not realise that most standard fence panels are only designed to withstand moderate wind, not the harsh gusts you get along the UK coastline. Living and working as a handyman around Cornwall, …

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Categories Garden & Outdoor Projects Leave a comment

7 Reasons to Use DeWalt Drills for Your Next DIY Project

May 1, 2026April 17, 2026 by Ben
well used DeWalt Drill side view

DIY projects become far more enjoyable and far less stressful when you have the right tools in your hands. After more than 20 years working in DIY, construction, and as a self-employed professional handyman, I …

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Categories Tool Reviews & Guides

Mazda Bongo Solar Panel Kit: 100W Install, Setup & 4-Year Review

April 14, 2026 by Ben

If you’re thinking about installing a solar panel on a Mazda Bongo, this guide covers the setup I’ve been using on my own van for more than 4 years. It’s a 100W solar panel kit …

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Categories DIY - How To Guides

How to Install Remote Central Locking on a Mazda Bongo / Ford Freda (DIY Guide)

April 13, 2026 by Ben

I’ve owned my Mazda Bongo Friendee now for nearly 4 years. In this time I’ve made a few modifications to make life a little easier, improve functionality and make this vehicle a little more practical …

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Categories DIY - How To Guides

How to Replace a French Door Locking Mechanism

May 1, 2026March 31, 2026 by Ben
French door lock replacement guide handle removal

I have worked on quite a few French doors over the years, and one issue that comes up time and time again is a worn or failing locking mechanism. The door itself is usually fine, …

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Categories DIY - How To Guides Leave a comment

How To Fix a Stiff and Noisy French Door Lock Without Replacing the Door

May 1, 2026March 31, 2026 by Ben
White French doors with glass panels on a garden patio, star decorations on the glass, next to a blue outdoor cabinet, reflecting a DIY home improvement setting.

I recently ran into a frustrating issue with my French doors that gradually got worse over time. The handle became tougher to turn, it started making noise when I used it, and it no longer …

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Categories DIY - How To Guides, Home Maintenance & Repairs Leave a comment

How to Build a Wooden Shed the Correct Way – Step-by-Step Guide

May 1, 2026March 29, 2026 by Ben
How to Build a Prefabricated Shed - beginners and DIY

Building a prefabricated shed might seem a little daunting for some, but don’t worry, I’m going to show you the step-by-step methods I use when erecting wooden sheds. I was recently hired to build this …

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Categories DIY - How To Guides, Garden & Outdoor Projects, Projects & Case Studies Leave a comment

DeWalt vs Makita Circular Saw: Which Should You Buy?

March 25, 2026March 24, 2026 by Ben
side by side comparison between the DeWalt

Trying to decide between DeWalt and Makita isn’t an easy task, as both brands provide such great quality and value for money. They both provide robust, professional-quality tools, so when comparing like-for-like, it can get …

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Categories Tool Reviews & Guides Leave a comment

What is an Impact Driver Used For?

May 1, 2026March 17, 2026 by Ben
Dewalt impact driver side view

If you’re wondering what an impact driver is used for, the simple answer is this: An impact driver is used for driving screws, bolts and fixings quickly and with high torque, especially into tougher materials …

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Categories Tool Reviews & Guides

DIY Patio Prep: What You Can Do Yourself Before Hiring a Professional

May 1, 2026March 13, 2026 by Ben
patio construction cutting slabs

After fitting a number of patios and completing all kinds of garden landscaping projects over the years, I’ve learned that a new patio is one of those upgrades that looks simple once it’s finished, but …

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Categories Garden & Outdoor Projects Leave a comment

How to Keep Carpets Fresh Between Professional Cleanings

March 10, 2026 by Ben
vacuum cleaning carpet G-Tech AirRam

Most people think carpet wear comes from stains. It usually doesn’t. The real damage is invisible grit grinding away under your feet like sandpaper. After a decade doing renovation work, I’ve pulled up plenty of …

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Categories Home Maintenance & Repairs Leave a comment

How to Make DIY Scaffold Board Shelves (Step-by-Step Guide)

March 10, 2026 by Ben
Rustic Industrial Shelving

DIY scaffold board shelves are one of the easiest ways to add rustic character to a kitchen or living space. Using reclaimed scaffold boards and steel brackets, you can create strong, beautiful shelving that looks …

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Categories DIY - How To Guides

How to Create a Tropical Garden in a Small Backyard (Luxury Garden Guide)

March 9, 2026 by Ben
Luxury jungle garden

Creating a tropical garden in a small backyard might sound ambitious, but it’s actually very achievable with the right layout and a bit of creativity. With layered planting, natural materials, and a few well-planned DIY …

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Categories Garden & Outdoor Projects

How to Select the Right Blade for Your Circular Saw and Mitre Saw

March 7, 2026March 5, 2026 by Ben
Saxton Blades circular saw blade held in hand, with a Dewalt circular saw and another saw in the background.

A circular saw or mitre saw is an essential tool for many woodworking, construction, and DIY projects. To get the best performance and results, it’s crucial to choose the right blade. I always purchase additional …

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Categories Tool Reviews & Guides

How to Turn an Under-Stairs Cupboard into a Pantry (Storage & Shelving Ideas)

May 1, 2026March 4, 2026 by Ben
Under-stair pantry

If you’re looking to make better use of the space in your home, an under-stairs cupboard can be a great place to start. These cupboards are often awkward, dark and easy to fill with clutter, …

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Categories DIY - How To Guides

Handyman or HVAC Technician? Who Should Handle Air-to-Water Heat Pump Maintenance

May 1, 2026March 1, 2026 by Ben
air to water heat pump

More and more people are putting in air-to-water heat pumps as a good way to heat and cool their homes. These heat pumps use refrigeration to move heat from the air to water and back, …

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Categories Home Renovation & Improvement Leave a comment

5 Practical Ways to Prepare Your Garden for Spring

May 1, 2026February 16, 2026 by Ben

As spring approaches and the weather begins to warm, now is the ideal time to prepare your garden for the months ahead. With over 10 years of experience working as a handyman and extensive hands-on …

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Categories Garden & Outdoor Projects 1 Comment

How to Build Your Own Log Cabin Garden Office

May 1, 2026February 12, 2026 by Ben
BillyOh Log Cabin midnight blue

Save ££££ by building your own garden office. If you’re looking to create some extra space at home, then a log cabin in your back garden could be the answer. In this post, I’m going …

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Categories DIY - How To Guides, Garden & Outdoor Projects

How to Set up a Handyman Business + Make it Successful

May 1, 2026February 9, 2026 by Ben

Thinking about starting your own business as a handyman? If you already have the skills, then it’s really not that difficult. You’ll need to dedicate a reasonable amount of time to starting up the business, …

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Categories Projects & Case Studies

Handyman Tool List: Essential Tools Every Handyman Needs

May 1, 2026February 9, 2026 by Ben
handyman tool box

If you are asking what the basic handyman tools every toolkit should include, this guide is built from real-world experience. I have been a professional handyman and home renovation specialist for over ten years, working …

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Categories Tool Reviews & Guides

Which Power Tool Brand is Better – DeWalt or Makita?

March 24, 2026February 9, 2026 by Ben
DeWalt vs Makita battery packs power

I’ve been using DeWalt power tools for over 20 years, and over that time I’ve also owned several Makita tools, including a combi drill, a circular saw, and a range of garden tools. This comparison …

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Categories Tool Reviews & Guides

Are Decking Paint Pads Any Good? My Honest Review After Years of Use

May 1, 2026February 6, 2026 by Ben
decking pads and handle

With two reasonably sized wooden decking areas in my garden, I have always dreaded the task of painting them. That said, it is an essential maintenance job if you want to protect your wooden decking …

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Categories Tool Reviews & Guides

How to Repair Cracks in Exterior Render

February 9, 2026February 4, 2026 by Ben
exterior render crack in house

Cracks in exterior render are one of the most common problems homeowners face. Whether it’s a small hairline crack in render or a larger cracked render section, these imperfections can quickly make a property look …

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Categories Home Maintenance & Repairs
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Welcome to Handyman Ben, your trusted source for expert guides, in-depth reviews, and case studies of my finest work. My name is Ben, and with over 10 years of experience as a handyman and DIY expert, I’m here to inspire your next project. Feel free to explore the site for creative ideas, or get in touch to hire me for your next home or garden makeover.

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Top Posts

Is Milwaukee Better Than Dewalt? What The Pros Say
How to Repair Cracks in Exterior Render
Which Power Tool Brand is Better - DeWalt or Makita?
The Benefits of Custom Metal Fabrication for Your Projects
How to Replace a French Door Locking Mechanism
Best Masonry Drill Bits: Reviews & Buying Guide
build own log cabin gbd

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