UK PAT Testing: A Simple Guide for the DIY Workshop

man checking the cable and plug on a corded drill

“Do I really need to PAT test my own tools in my garage or shed?” That is a question that many DIY enthusiasts ask themselves, often with a mix of uncertainty and frustration. At the end of the day, Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is almost always associated with workplaces, offices, and businesses where electrical equipment … Read more

DeWalt 1.5Ah Upgrade UK

DEWALT DCB184 5AH Battery 18V XR

Congratulations if you are starting out on your DeWalt journey. If like me, your first kit or piece of equipment came with the small, compact DCB181 1.5Ah batteries, you quickly realised one thing. Although, they are incredibly lightweight, they can run out of steam pretty quickly, if they are used a lot. The smaller 1.5Ah … Read more

DeWalt DCD776 vs DCF787N

DCD776 Combi Drill and the DCF787N Impact Driver.

If you have just invested in your first serious DeWalt 18V XR kit, you now have two similar looking, but radically different, yellow and black tools: the DCD776 Combi Drill and the DCF787N Impact Driver. If you are asking, “Do I really need both, and which one is which?” you’re not alone. This is the … Read more

Milwaukee vs. DeWalt Impact Driver

Milwaukee M18FID3 FUEL Gen 4 Brushless Impact Driver

Choosing between a Milwaukee and a DeWalt impact driver is a classic dilemma for UK professionals. Both brands represent the very best of cordless tool technology. That said, subtle differences in design and engineering determine which is best suited for heavy duty torque or all day comfort. Raw Power: Maximum Torque and Sustained Performance Milwaukee … Read more

Best Impact Driver for Decking Screws UK

someone using a cordless impact driver to screw in decking boards

Building a deck or a fence involves sinking hundreds of long screws (typically 75-100mm decking screws or landscaping screws). This really isn’t a maximum torque test, and much more like an endurance test. The ideal impact driver for this application must excel in three critical areas that directly affect your productivity: We compare the major … Read more

Milwaukee ONE-KEY vs DeWalt Tool Connect

Milwaukee ONE-KEY technology

The Smart Job Site The modern job site is like many other things becoming much smarter. The biggest professional power tool manufacturers are leading the charge using slightly different technologies. For Milwaukee and DeWalt, connectivity is now a critical selling point. Both brands have developed “Bluetooth enabled” platforms. These two tool brands have moved beyond … Read more

Brushless Motor Technology Longevity

milwaukee redlink battery

Brushless motor technology is now the standard for professional 18V impact drivers. Its core benefit is eliminating the physical friction of carbon brushes. This immediately results in higher efficiency, less heat, and a drastically longer motor lifespan.  Where brushed motors often lasted between 1,000 to 3,000 hours, brushless motors can last 10,000 to 20,000 hours … Read more