A tool is only as good as the man (or woman) who looks after it. In my workshop notes, I share the maintenance routines that keep my gear running for decades, along with practical storage solutions for the typical UK shed or garage. These are the ‘behind the scenes’ tips on tool care, restoration, and organization that keep a workshop productive.
How to Change an Angle Grinder Disc (Quick & Safe Guide UK) Changing an angle grinder disc is a simple job once you know the right steps — but it’s also one of the most common things beginners get wrong. Whether you’re switching from a cutting disc to a flap disc, replacing a worn wheel, … Read more
Cutting metal with an angle grinder is one of the most useful DIY skills you can learn. Whether you’re trimming bolts, cutting steel pipe, shaping sheet metal, or removing rusted fixings, an angle grinder makes the job fast and accurate. I’ve been using these tools for over 50 years in my workshop here in Northern … Read more
In this article I am going to explain step by step how to use a hacksaw properly. Hacksaws are used to cut metal or plastic. Typical items that are cut using a hacksaw are curtain poles, conduit, bolts, metal rods, carpet grippers for around doors, etc. They should never be used to cut wood. Expert … Read more
I like DeWalt tools and have for many years. One thing used to always confuse me, and it is similar with other brands, is the wide range of batteries they have. For any beginner that can get totally confusing. The main reason there are so many, is that each battery type serves slightly different needs. … Read more
I’ve spent over 50 years working with tools, and if there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that your first purchase is the most important. You aren’t just buying a drill; you are choosing a “system.” In my home and garage, that system has been DeWalt 18V XR for a very long time. Most of … Read more
If the DCD776 cordless drill is the “all-rounder” of the workshop, the DeWalt DCF787N is the specialist. It is a brushless impact driver designed for one thing: driving screws into wood or metal with zero effort. If you have ever had a drill “kick back” and twist your wrist when a screw gets stuck, the … Read more
The DeWalt DCD776 cordless drill is a staple in many UK workshops. It’s a rugged, reliable 18V XR combi drill, but I often see people leaving it on the “Drill” setting for every job. If you want to avoid snapping screw heads or stripping threads in soft timber, you need to master and fully understand … Read more
The DeWalt DCB113 is the standard charger included in many UK 18V XR starter kits, including those featuring the DCD776 cordless drill and DCF787N impact driver. This charger is a reliable unit, but like any electronic device, it has its little quirks. If you’ve plugged in your battery and the light is flashing something other … Read more
For the modern tradesman or dedicated DIYer, the freedom of cordless power is the most common choice. But that freedom comes with a significant financial cost which is the lithium-ion battery pack. Often representing the most expensive single component in your kit, a battery failure feels like wasted money, especially when the pack seems perfectly … Read more
The circular saw is arguably one of the most common and essential cutting tool on any job site or in for many UK DIYers. Yet, the saw blade, the component that does all the work, is the most critical and most frequently neglected maintenance item. Sadly, many users treat the blade as a consumable that … Read more
