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Tool Reviews & Guides

Honest reviews, buying advice, and usage guides for hand tools, power tools, and accessories. Learn which tools are worth investing in and how to use them safely and effectively.

Where to Buy Professional Tools: The Brands and Suppliers Canadian Tradespeople Actually Trust

May 19, 2026 by Ben
finding the best rpofessional tools suppliers

If you’ve spent any time on a Canadian job site, you’ll notice something quickly… The tools in the hands of working tradespeople are not always the ones lining the shelves at the nearest big-box store. …

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How to Organise Tools and Equipment Properly (5 Methods That Actually Work)

May 8, 2026 by Ben
A workshop wall in Newquay organised with tools and equipment on a wooden pegboard, including screwdrivers, drill, chisels and storage containers.

If you spend more time hunting for the right tool than actually using it, your storage system needs work. I’ve been a handyman in Newquay for over 10 years, and disorganised tools cost me time …

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Which Impact Driver Should You Buy? Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee & Erbauer Reviewed

May 1, 2026February 2, 2026 by Ben
Dewalt Impact driver in use

As a local handyman, I spend most of my days putting tools through real world punishment, so I have learned pretty quickly that raw power alone is not enough. What really matters is how a …

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Is Milwaukee Better Than Dewalt? What The Pros Say

May 1, 2026February 2, 2026 by Ben
Milwaukee vs Dewalt

I’ve been using DeWalt power tools for nearly 20 years, and I keep coming back to them because of the trust I’ve built in the brand and the consistent quality of their tools. However, Milwaukee …

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Whats the Difference Between a Cheap and Expensive Mitre Saw

May 1, 2026January 17, 2026 by Ben
Evolution Mitre saw SMS 210 +

Tools can be expensive, but we need to understand why someone would pay £1000 instead of £70 for a tool that seemingly does the same job. Yes, it can be tempting to buy cheaper models …

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Top Handyman Gift Ideas for Christmas

March 17, 2026January 16, 2026 by Ben
Stan Flatm 5m Ama

As a handyman, there are several things I’m always interested in for my ever-growing collection of tools and gadgets. I also appreciate how difficult it can be to know what to buy a handyman, especially …

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Categories Tool Reviews & Guides

What Is a Combi Drill? How to Use a Cordless Combi Drill and Impact Driver (Beginner Guide)

May 1, 2026January 16, 2026 by Ben

A combi drill (short for combination drill) is a cordless power tool that combines three functions in one: This makes it one of the most versatile tools for home DIY and the reason it is …

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How to Get the Best Results from Your Random Orbital Sander

March 27, 2026January 14, 2026 by Ben
Dewalt random orbital sander

If you run your hands over a piece of beautifully finished reclaimed wood furniture, you’d never guess how rough, splintered, and beaten-up that timber once was. In my reclaimed wood furniture business, I spend countless …

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9 Hidden Features on Your DeWalt Drill You’re Probably Not Using

March 1, 2026January 2, 2026 by Ben
Dewalt DCD778 power drill well used

I’m using my trusty Dewalt DCD778 as an example throughout this article, but many power drills have identical features. I’ve owned my DeWalt DCD778 cordless drill for around 7 years now, and it’s still one …

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Essential Power Tools for First-Time Homeowners: A Comprehensive Guide

March 27, 2026December 1, 2025 by Ben
handymanBen Tools

After renting for years, becoming a homeowner is an exciting milestone. It also brings new responsibilities, especially when it comes to maintaining and repairing your property. As a renter, a basic toolbox with screwdrivers, wrenches, …

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DeWalt vs Makita vs Milwaukee: Which Battery Platform Is Best in the UK

March 17, 2026November 19, 2025 by Ben
the ultimate battery showdown

Choosing the right cordless battery platform is one of the biggest long-term decisions you can make as a DIYer or tradesperson. I’ve seen this firsthand in my own work: my main setup is built around …

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The Snow Removal Spectrum: From Shovels to Heavy-Duty DIY Tools

March 29, 2026October 8, 2025 by benjamins24
snow shovelling

The first heavy snowfall of the season always reveals who is ready and who is still swinging a bent shovel from five winters ago. For some, clearing the driveway is a quick morning chore. For …

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What is the Best Belt Sander in the UK?

March 27, 2026September 9, 2025 by benjamins24
Sanding floorboards belt sander

When you work with reclaimed timber and rustic, industrial materials, the right tools make all the difference. For me, as someone who builds reclaimed wood furniture, a belt sander is one of the most important …

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Best Masonry Drill Bits: Reviews & Buying Guide

February 2, 2026September 8, 2025 by benjamins24
drilling into concrete with SDS drill (1)

When I built our veranda, I had to drill through tough paving slabs for the posts and into the concrete lintels on the house wall for the frame. That job taught me just how unforgiving …

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Milwaukee PACKOUT vs. DeWalt TOUGHSYSTEM (2026): Best Modular Tool Storage Compared

March 1, 2026August 4, 2025 by benjamins24

If you’re a contractor like me, a serious DIYer, or just tired of juggling loose tools from site to site, you’ve probably looked into modular tool storage systems. In 2026, two names dominate the conversation: …

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Categories Tool Reviews & Guides

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

How to Install Remote Central Locking on a Mazda Bongo / Ford Freda (DIY Guide)
Is Milwaukee Better Than Dewalt? What The Pros Say
How to Replace a French Door Locking Mechanism
How to Turn an Under-Stairs Cupboard into a Pantry (Storage & Shelving Ideas)
How to Repair Cracks in Exterior Render
How to Build Your Own Log Cabin Garden Office
build own log cabin gbd

Categories

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Top Posts & Pages

How to Install Remote Central Locking on a Mazda Bongo / Ford Freda (DIY Guide)
Is Milwaukee Better Than Dewalt? What The Pros Say
How to Replace a French Door Locking Mechanism
How to Turn an Under-Stairs Cupboard into a Pantry (Storage & Shelving Ideas)

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