New DIY Products

The latest DIY tools tested and reviewed by Fred-in-the shed

Updated 17th May 2024

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NEW MICRO SIZE 12v DIY POWERTOOLS
 

	Bosch 10.8v Powertool Range Rebranded as Easy 12 Due to changes in how battery capacity can be described the former 10.8v tools can now be called 12v Bosch EasyImpact 12 Cordless Combi Drill with 12 V Lithium-Ion Battery This is the smallest combi drill available and can drill up to 8mm in brick. superb tool for household DIY     Bosch EasySander 12 Cordless Multi-Sander with 12 V Lithium-Ion Battery The first cordless sander I tested was the Bosch Prio  which has now evolved into this superb little tool. The cordless PSM has a sensor to measure the amount of force you apply so if you want to remove more material just push harder and the motor moves up a gear in response. This unique feature helps give a better finish and increases battery duration. Bosch 12v Nano Blade Saw   Blade is like a mini chainsaw The saw has a unique design that enables it to be plunged into wood and then produce a fine, very accurate cut. This makes the saw more versatile and effective. The batteries in the green 12v range have also been improved and now have 2.5 amp hour of charge. Bosch EasyCut 12 LI Cordless Multi Saw with 12 V Lithium-Ion Battery  Bosch EasyImpact 12 Cordless Combi Drill with 12 V Lithium-Ion Battery  Bosch EasySander 12 Cordless Multi-Sander with 12 V Lithium-Ion Battery  Bosch EasyHedgeCut 12-35 Cordless Hedge Cutter 350 mm Blade 15 mm Tooth Opening  Bosch 12 V 2.5 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery   Return to top of page
	Tools on test - Best Wire Stripper and Crimper I have owned and thrown away many pairs of wire strippers over the last 20 years and have been on a mission to find the best and most reliable tool. Automatic wire strippers often start off working well and then just when you are doing an important job they fail and mangle or cut the wire. Many times I have had to fall back on using my simple pliers based strippers to get a job done. Currently I am  trying a new set of automatic wire strippers, crimpers and cutters from my old friends at Draper Tools. I will be giving this tool a lot of use on many types of wire and reporting back. So far so good and I am very impressed with the accuracy of the stripping. As you can see from the image to the right, I was able to take off the thick outer protective plastic insulation and then strip off the very thin coloured insulation from 4 audio and video cables. This very delicate work was achieved in seconds and with great accuracy. Automatic Wire Stripper- Recommended and used by Fred-in-the-shed From fine to thick the plastic is magically removed! it cuts ends too. This is one of my "must have " tools that has saved me so much time.     Return to top of page Which is the Best Swiss Army Knife Model? New version of traditional Swiss Army knife - with Torch I still use my 30 year old Swiss Champ Knife that contains so many useful tools. There are 14 blades and 5 hidden things like tweezers, toothpick and even a PEN! - (I lost the other 2) It is called the Swiss champ and makes a perfect gift for anyone, mine is still sharp, I know as I just cut my finger again- Doh! A more recent addition to the range is the Cyberknife which has a small screwdriver with separate sockets designed for working on computers and electrical goods. I find the Cyberknife even more useful than my trusty Swiss Champ due to these separate little accessories designed for today's living. My Swiss champ is good but I have yet to remove anything from a horses hoof! If you are looking for a fantastic gift for any practical person then a Swiss Army Knife is the ticket.

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	Worx Hydroshot 20v Cordless Pressure Washer   The  Worx 20v Powershare range of cordless powertools has been joined by the first cordless pressure washer. The Worx Hydroshot uses a standard hose connector and hose to access water from a bucket or any water source you have. Whilst the power does not match a mains pressure washer it is good enough to blast muck from objects like windows, bikes, boots and cars. One of my testers suggested it would be good for muddy dogs feet as washing them down after a walk is one of the best ways to avoid the deadly Alabama Rot disease that is spreading throughout the UK. I will try the hydroshot soon on some doggy friends and let you know how they like it - or not - GRRRR- OW! The Hydroshot really shows its worth if you need cleaning power in an area with no mains water or electric supply. You can even take it in your car with a container of water and use it at events like motocross, fieldsports and all sorts of country pursuits or just use it in distant parts of your garden. The Worx 20v Li-ion battery is the same one I use in my cordless mower which doubles up to make 40v and a superb mower. Other tools in the Worx range include top quality drills and impact drivers with the latest brushless motors!    WORX WG629E.9 Hydroshot 20V Portable Pressure Cleaner - BODY ONLY WORX WG779E.2 Cordless Mower 34cm Dual 20V Batteries  WORX 40V Cordless 34cm Lawn Mower WG779E with 2 x 2.5Ah Batteries WORX WA3551.1 20V 2.0Ah Battery pack with Powershare Battery platform   Return to top of page
	New "All Purpose" Drill Bits from Bosch  Bosch 2607010546 Multi-Construction Drill Bits, 7 Pieces All Purpose Drill Bits for All Materials?  This ingenious design enables you to drill masonry, wood, plastic and some metals using the same bit! I will say that "multi-tools" are never as good as specialised tools but these work well enough and if you don't do a lot of specialised work then they are very convenient. If you want specialised bits then the Bosch concrete drill bit set is great value at around £5 and will outperform even a standard masonry bit.