No gear for the shed—these are honest, hardwearing tools from top brands that won’t break the bank. Tested, trusted, and ready for daily graft.

1. **

Milwaukee M18 FID3‑0 Impact Driver

 – £99.99

A pro‑level impact driver from Milwaukee’s trusted FUEL line. Compact, reliable, and perfect for fastening duties.

Best For: Heavy-duty fixings, framing, and repetitive tasks.

2. 

Makita TD111DZ Brushless Impact Driver

 – ~£84

A brushless, compact Makita drill with plenty of power and battery system you can trust  .

Best For: Light structural drilling, prepping, and tight-space work.

3. **

Stanley 65‑Piece Hand Tool Kit

 – £42.03

Solid, no-fuss hand-tool set with pliers, screwdrivers, tape measure, and more—suitable for van carry or site use.

Best For: Day-to-day mechanical, fitting, or snagging tasks.

Highly rated (4.9 ★), and praised by tradies for its power, speed, and ergonomic feel  .

Best For: Cutting jambs, scraping, plaster board trimming.

5. 

Makita 18V Cordless Combi Drill (2×2.0 Ah Batteries + Charger)

 – ~£80

Reputable Makita kit complete with twin batteries and charger—trade-tested and site-ready  .

Best For: Daily drilling and screw-driving.

6. 

DEWALT ATOMIC 20V Multi-Tool (no battery)

 – ~£95

Powered by DEWALT batteries (if you already own them), this tool hits up to 21,000 RPM with quick blade changes  .

Best For: Adding to your 20V system for precision cutting.

7. 

Makita B‑65399 Titanium Drill Bit Set –

Durable 14-piece titanium bit set with hex shank—built to last under harsh use  .

Best For: Tough drilling into dense timber, metal frameworks.

8. 

Stanley FatMax Heavy-Duty Tape Measure (8m)

 – ~£20

Accurate, durable, and essential for layout work. Not flashy, just practical.

Best For: Framing, board layouts, and snag packs.

9. 

DEWALT DT20705-QZ Oscillating Multi-Tool Accessory Set in

Premium blade kit that suits Bosch, Stanley, and Makita IXO-style tools, with fast-fit blades  .

Best For: Cordless multi-tool users upgrading blade quality.

10. 

Milwaukee Shockwave Compact Bit 32 Piece Torx Set 4932471586, Set of 32

Preferred by pros for fasteners in tough materials; durable and built to last.

Best For: Impact drivers and heavy-duty fastening.

Top 5 Saws for Serious On-Site Cutting (2025)

Written for Gear for Grafter (G4G)

When you’re grafting on-site, you need saws that don’t just cut — they tear through timber, steel, plasterboard, and more without choking up or dying out. These 5 picks are built to last and will become staples in any serious builder’s setup.

1. DeWalt DCS570N-XJ 18V XR Circular Saw

💥 Best for Straight, Powerful Cuts

This beast flies through timber with a 184mm blade and a brushless motor that delivers over 5,000 RPM. Ideal for roofing, framework, and floorboarding.

• Cordless freedom with XR battery system
• 65mm max cutting depth at 90°
• Reliable and accurate

2. Makita DJR187Z 18V LXT Reciprocating Saw

⚙️ Best for Demolition & Quick Cuts

Built like a tank. This recip saw is perfect for cutting out old frames, slicing pipes, or getting through plasterboard and nails in seconds.

• Tool-less blade change
• Two-speed setting (0–2,800 strokes/min)
• Anti-vibration tech for better comfort

3. Milwaukee M18 FUEL ONE-KEY 190mm Circular Saw

🚀 Best High-End Circular Saw

If you want power and tech, this one’s top tier. Connect it to the ONE-KEY app for tracking, settings, and diagnostics.

• 5,800 RPM brushless motor
• Magnesium shoe & rafter hook
• Cuts up to 66mm deep

4. Bosch GCM18V-216 Mitre Saw

🔧 Best for Precision Cuts

Need clean angles on skirting, battening, or cladding? This sliding mitre saw is compact, cordless, and powerful enough for everyday jobs.

• 216mm blade size
• Double bevel cuts
• Lightweight for easy van loading

5. Evolution R210CMS Multi-Material Saw

💰 Best Budget Saw for Mixed Cuts

Affordable, reliable, and it slices through wood, plastic, and metal without changing blades — ideal for odd jobs or backup saw use.

• 1200W motor
• 0–45° bevel cut range
• Compact and solid build

👷‍♂️ Final Thoughts from G4G

Whether you’re cutting roofing battens or ripping through studs, these saws offer the best balance of power, portability, and price in 2025. Stick with tools that back your graft.

When you’re laying brick or running plaster lines, a good laser level makes the difference between looking sharp or looking shoddy. These 3 laser levels are site-proof, accurate, and worth every penny.

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🔹 1. DeWalt DW088K Cross Line Laser – Best All-Rounder

• Self-levelling up to 4°
• Bright red beam, visible even in daylight
• Solid magnetic base and IP54 rating for dust/water

Perfect for: Brickies and general builders needing fast level reference on walls, blockwork, or formwork.

🛒 Check price on Amazon →

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🔹 2. Stanley FatMax FMHT77586-1 Green Beam – High Visibility Pick

• Green laser beam = 4x more visible than red
• Runs on AA batteries or Li-ion
• 360° horizontal line for easy alignment

Perfect for: Plasterers working in bright areas or needing strong visual lines.

🛒 Get it on Toolstation →

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🔹 3. Huepar 901CG Self-Leveling Green Laser – Budget Winner

• Surprisingly durable for the price
• Bright green laser with decent range
• Tripod mount and carry case included

Perfect for: DIYers or those just starting out looking for solid performance without splashing £200+

🛒 View on Amazon →

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Final Thoughts

If you’re laying line after line on site, don’t rely on the old spirit level alone. Any of these lasers will level up your accuracy and cut down the guesswork.

Want to see more tools like this? Head over to our full Gear Reviews section or follow us on Instagram @gearforgrafter.

DeWalt vs Makita: Which Brand Wins in 2025?

When you’re spending your hard-earned graft money on tools, you want kit that’s going to last, perform, and take a daily beating. Two names always come up: DeWalt and Makita. So which one’s the winner in 2025? Let’s break it down.

🔋 Battery & Power Systems

DeWalt: Their XR and FlexVolt platforms are top of the game for runtime and power. FlexVolt tools kick in extra voltage when needed, which is spot on for heavy-duty gear.

Makita: Makita’s LXT 18V system is still solid, but they now push the 40V XGT line for high-power tools. Great power, but not always backwards-compatible with old batteries.

🏆 Winner: DeWalt — for the flexibility between 18V and 54V.

🛠 Tool Range & Build Quality

DeWalt: Built like tanks. They’ve stepped up their game with more jobsite-ready tools that feel tough and rugged in the hand.

Makita: Still very reliable, especially on site gear like circular saws and grinders. A touch lighter sometimes, which some grafters prefer.

🏆 Winner: Draw — both are built to last. Comes down to preference.

🔧 Ergonomics & Feel

DeWalt: Chunkier, more rugged grips. Feels solid and durable but can be heavy after a full shift.

Makita: Sleek designs and better balance for overhead work or tight spots. Often lighter too.

🏆 Winner: Makita — especially for those on ladders all day.

⚙️ Innovation & Features

DeWalt: Constantly pushing new features – Tool Connect (tracking), power boost modes, and combo kits that are smartly built.

Makita: Very innovative with multi-battery use and silent tools, but their update pace is slower than DeWalt’s in 2025.

🏆 Winner: DeWalt — slightly ahead on new ideas.

💰 Price & Value

DeWalt: Slightly higher priced, especially FlexVolt tools and kits. But often worth it for what you get.

Makita: Offers a few more budget-friendly sets, especially on LXT range. Good value for grafters just building up their setup.

🏆 Winner: Makita — easier on the wallet when starting out.

🧰 Accessory Compatibility

DeWalt: Their TSTAK storage and accessories fit together perfectly. Batteries often cross over between models.

Makita: Good system compatibility too, especially across LXT. XGT tools use different batteries, though, so watch that.

🏆 Winner: DeWalt — smoother system across the board.

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👷 Final Verdict: So Which Brand Wins in 2025?

Honestly? DeWalt takes the edge in 2025 — just. Their power systems, jobsite features, and innovation are hard to beat. But Makita still holds its ground for lightweight builds, price, and reliability.

My take: If you’re building your first kit, go Makita for affordability. If you’re levelling up or already deep in the trade — DeWalt’s your workhorse.

👉 Browse DeWalt tools on Amazon
👉 Browse Makita tools on Amazon

If you’ve ever had a loose tile or a floorboard that creaks like mad, you’ll know how frustrating it can be. That’s where Fix-a-Floor steps in — a proper problem-solver product that actually does what it says on the tin.

I’ve used it myself on a couple of tiling jobs, and I rate it. It’s a repair adhesive that you inject under loose tiles, stone, marble, or even wood flooring without having to rip anything up.

🔍 What’s Good About Fix-a-Floor?

• No need to lift tiles – saves time and stress
• Strong hold – once it sets, that tile isn’t going anywhere
• Easy to apply – just drill a small hole and squeeze it in
• Works on multiple surfaces – tiles, marble, wood, even creaky stairs

⚠️ Heads-Up:

• You’ll need a caulking gun
• Be patient with drying time — give it 24 hours for best results

💷 Worth the Money?

100%. For the price, it can save you hours of headache (and awkward callbacks from customers). It’s the kind of thing you don’t think you need — until you really do.

🔗 Grab Fix-a-Floor Here:

🔧 Top 10 Essential Items Every Grafter Needs on Site

Whether you’re a bricklayer, chippy, sparky or plasterer — having the right gear makes all the difference. These are the tried-and-tested tools and workwear essentials that every proper grafter should have on the job.

These aren’t gimmicks — just solid bits of kit that do what they’re meant to. Here’s the full list:

1. DeWalt Nitrogen Safety Boots

Tough, waterproof, and solid ankle support. These are built for long shifts and rough terrain.

👉 Grab them on Amazon

2. Makita DHP482Z Combi Drill

One of the best all-round drills for everyday graft. Lightweight but reliable with decent torque.

👉 Get it here

3. Stanley FatMax 5m Tape Measure

Don’t mess about with cheap tapes that snap. This one’s rugged and has the standout to match.

👉 Buy now

4. Scruffs Trade Flex Trousers

Tough where it counts, with a bit of flex so you’re not restricted. Pockets for everything.

👉 See on Amazon

5. Stabila Spirit Level Set (180cm, 120cm, 60cm)

Accuracy matters. These levels are trusted on-site for a reason. Get a good set with a case.

👉 Check latest price

6. Makita Site Radio (DMR115)

Let’s face it — a graft without tunes is painful. The DMR115 is loud, durable, and built for site life.

👉 Get the Makita radio

7. Stanley Utility Knife

Box cutter, plasterboard slicer, or a quick edge tidy — a solid blade is a must.

👉 Pick up one here

8. Snickers Workwear Hoodie

Warm, durable, and decent-looking. Doesn’t fade after a few washes like cheaper gear.

👉 View on Amazon

9. Heavy-Duty Tool Belt or Pouch

No more wasting time hunting for bits in your bag. A good tool belt pays for itself.

👉 Browse tool belts

10. Kneepads That Don’t Suck

Get a decent pair of gel kneepads or pad inserts — your knees will thank you in a few years.

👉 Best-rated kneepads here

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to splash out on every new gadget. But these ten basics? Get them right and the rest falls into place. If you’re just starting out or levelling up your kit, this is where I’d start.

You don’t need 20 different tools to get the job done — just the right ones that work every time. These 5 are absolute workhorses on-site, tested by real grafters who don’t have time for breakdowns or battery fails.

1. DeWalt DCD796 Combi Drill

🔥 Best All-Rounder

• 18V XR Brushless motor
• Comes with 2 x 5.0Ah batteries
• Lightweight but packs a punch
  Get it here → https://amzn.to/4l0KAbF

2. Makita DHP458 Combi Drill

💪 Tough as Nails

• Metal gearbox, built for abuse
• Handles masonry, timber, and steel
• 91Nm of torque
  Shop now → https://amzn.to/your-makita-

3. Milwaukee M18 FID3-0X Impact Driver

⚡ Pure Driving Power

• 226Nm of torque
• Compact, brushless, lightning fast
• Perfect for decking, fixing, roofing
  Grab it here → https://amzn.to/3HBu0kp

4. DeWalt DCS355N Oscillating Multi-Tool

🧰 Jack of All Trades

• Cutting, sanding, scraping — all in one
• LED light + variable speed trigger
• Must-have for finishing and fit-out work
  See price https://amzn.to/3FAs7DZ

5. Makita DGA452Z 18V Angle Grinder

⚙️ Site-Saver

• Compact, reliable, cuts through anything
• Solid runtime with 4.0Ah battery
• Ideal for cutting steel, tiles, and bolts
  View deal → https://amzn.to/4jKkE2Y

💬 What’s in your kit? Drop your own top picks in the comments or tag us on Instagram @gearforgrafter.

When you’re grafting on-site, the last thing you want is cheap boots that crumble. These picks are built for comfort, grip, and graft.

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1. Dewalt Sharpsburg Men’s Nubuck Leather, Lightweight, Steel Safety Toe, Work Boot

🔥 Best All-Rounder

• Steel toe cap, waterproof, breathable lining
• Solid ankle support for ladders and uneven ground
  [Get it here →](https://amzn.to/4e03pcB)
  

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2. CAT Holton Boot

💪 Heavy-Duty Classic

• Oil-resistant outsole
• Padded collar for long days
  Shop on Amazon → https://amzn.to/3SPKYOf

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3. Scruffs Switchback

💰 Budget Pick

• Good value under £50
• Decent tread for general use
  Grab a pair →https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09FFH96T7/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_FSHNMZZ254T086HTKSXK?linkCode=ml1&tag=gearforgrafte-21

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4. Timberland PRO Splitrock

🧱 Great for Site + Street

• Comfort + smart enough for pub after work
• Anti-fatigue insole
  See price → https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZVZD5CD/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_M91W2RGV7Z2BYXE4X1JG?linkCode=ml1&tag=gearforgrafte-21

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5. JCB Hydradig

⚙️ Built for Tough Sites

• Rugged sole, reinforced toe
• Best for hardcore sites
  View deal → https://amzn.to/43FGnnZ

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💬 Got a pair that’s lasted you years? Let us know in the comments or DM us on Insta: @gearforgrafter.