Introduction A jigsaw is one of the most versatile power tools on a tradesperson’s shelf — but it only cuts as well as the blade you fit. The difference between a rough, slow cut and a clean, efficient one often comes down to choosing the right blade for the job. This guide covers everything you […]
Jigsaw Blade Guide — Every Blade Type, Material & Brand Explained Read More »
What Drill Bit for Brick & Masonry — Complete Guide Drilling brick requires one core thing: a masonry bit with a tungsten carbide tip (TCT), used in a hammer drill set to percussion mode. Regular HSS metal bits will blunt instantly on brick. The hammer action is what breaks the aggregate—speed alone won’t work. This
Online Retailers vs Trade Counters: Which Is Right for You? There’s no single “best” place to buy jigsaw blades in the UK. Your choice depends on what you need, how quickly you need it, and how much you buy. Advantages of Online Wider selection (20+ blade types vs 5–10 in-store) Price comparison across retailers in
Where to Buy Jigsaw Blades UK — Best Online & In-Store Options (2026) Read More »
A comprehensive drill bit size chart is one of those reference sheets you’ll use constantly. Whether you’re working in millimetres, fractional inches, number sizes, or letter sizes, this guide covers all of it. Bookmark it and you’ll never wonder “what size is a #12 bit” again. Metric Drill Bit Sizes (0.5mm to 25mm) Metric is
Drill Bit Size Chart — MM, Imperial & Letter Sizes (2026) Read More »
One of the most common DIY questions: “What size drill bit do I need for this wall plug?” The answer is printed on the plug packet, but once you lose that packet, you’re guessing. Here’s a complete reference guide with all the standard UK wall plug sizes, their corresponding drill bits, screw compatibility, and load
Wall Plug Drill Bit Size Guide — Rawl Plug Sizing Chart (2026) Read More »
Sanding discs have holes cut into them. These aren’t decorative — they’re engineered for dust extraction. The holes on the disc align with ports on your sander’s backing plate, pulling dust away from the work surface and into your extraction system. When hole patterns match, dust flows efficiently and the surface stays clean. When they
Sander Pad Hole Pattern Guide — 5-Hole, 8-Hole & Multi-Hole Explained Read More »
Yes, you can put a longer bar on most chainsaws — but there are strict limits. The simple rule: you can usually go one size up (typically 2 inches longer) safely. Going 4 inches longer is the absolute maximum for domestic saws, and beyond that you risk overheating the engine, starving the chain of oil,
How to Measure Chainsaw Chain & Bar Size — Step by Step (2026) Read More »
Plastic is easier than most materials—you don’t need specialist bits. But the main enemy is melting, not breaking. Get the speed wrong and you’ll melt a gooey ring around the hole. Get the technique right and it’s quick work. Drill Bits for Plastic: What Works Standard HSS Bits Ordinary High Speed Steel twist bits work
Sanding pad size is a fundamental choice that affects everything from how fast you can sand a surface to how much control you have over detail work. The two main sizes in the UK market are 125mm (the standard for most trade orbitalers) and 150mm (the larger option for dedicated deck sanders and flat-panel machines).
125mm vs 150mm Sander Pads — Size Comparison Guide Read More »
Sanding discs come in two attachment systems: hook-and-loop (Velcro-style) and PSA (pressure-sensitive adhesive). Most UK tradespeople use hook-and-loop because it’s reusable, affordable, and reliable. But PSA has its place — wet sanding, profile sanders, and some industrial applications. The critical thing is knowing which type your sander uses, because mixing the two is a false
Hook-and-Loop vs PSA Sanding Discs — Which Backing Is Best? Read More »
