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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.

Best Belt Sander UK (2026): Tested on Reclaimed Timber

October 30, 2026October 28, 2026 by benjamins24
Sanding floorboards belt sander

If you’re looking for the best belt sander in the UK, here’s what I’ve learned from stripping scaffold boards, beams and other reclaimed timber for years. When you work with reclaimed timber and rustic, industrial …

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Categories Tool Reviews & Guides

DeWalt DCD776 vs DCD778: Which Should You Buy?

October 24, 2026October 23, 2026 by Ben
Which drill should you buy netween the DeWalt DCD776 or the DCD778

I’ve owned DeWalt tools for more than 14 years, and I’ve come to love and trust the brand. That’s why I invested in two combi drills, the DCD776 and the DCD778. In this article I …

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What Do the Numbers on a Drill Mean?

October 23, 2026October 23, 2026 by Ben
Close-up of a yellow and black cordless drill showing numbered torque settings 11, 13 and 15, with a magnified view of the adjustment collar and the title “What Do the Numbers on a Drill Mean?”

If you have ever picked up a cordless drill and wondered what the numbers around the collar are for, you are not alone. It is one of the most common questions I get from customers, …

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DeWalt TSTAK vs Milwaukee PACKOUT: Which Modular Storage System is Right for You? (2026)

July 2, 2026 by Ben
DeWalt TSTAK vs Milwaukee Packout feature image

If you’ve been looking at modular tool storage, you’ve probably already come across three names: DeWalt TSTAK, DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0, and Milwaukee PACKOUT. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve spent longer than you’d like …

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Milwaukee PACKOUT vs DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0: Which One Is Actually Worth It?

July 3, 2026June 28, 2026 by benjamins24

If you’re a contractor, a serious DIYer, or just tired of loose tools rattling around the back of a van, you’ve probably landed on the same two options: Milwaukee PACKOUT or DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0. In …

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Categories Tool Reviews & Guides

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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Categories Tool Reviews & Guides

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

DeWalt vs Makita Circular Saw: Which Should You Buy?

November 9, 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?

November 9, 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

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

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

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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Categories Tool Reviews & Guides

Is Milwaukee Better Than Dewalt? What The Pros Say

August 26, 2026February 2, 2026 by Ben
Feature image of Milwaukee and Dewalt drills and impact drivers

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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Categories Tool Reviews & Guides

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)

November 9, 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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Categories Tool Reviews & Guides

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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Categories Tool Reviews & Guides

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

October 23, 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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Categories Tool Reviews & Guides

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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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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Categories Tool Reviews & Guides

Welcome to Handyman Ben. I’m Ben, a professional handyman based in Newquay, Cornwall, with over 10 years of hands-on experience across home repairs, improvements, and garden projects. Whether you’re looking for a reliable local tradesman or want to browse practical guides and real job write-ups, get in touch to discuss your next project.

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Top Posts

How to Turn an Under-Stairs Cupboard into a Pantry (Storage & Shelving Ideas)
Common Plumbing Problems Every Homeowner Faces and How to Solve Them
Is Milwaukee Better Than Dewalt? What The Pros Say
Milwaukee PACKOUT vs DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0: Which One Is Actually Worth It?
How to Repair and Repaint an Exterior Rendered Wall (Step by Step)
How to Repair Cracks in Exterior Render
build own log cabin gbd

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Handyman Ben - Local Handyman Services in Newquay
How to Turn an Under-Stairs Cupboard into a Pantry (Storage & Shelving Ideas)
Common Plumbing Problems Every Homeowner Faces and How to Solve Them
Is Milwaukee Better Than Dewalt? What The Pros Say

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