Other Power Tools
Angle grinders, SDS breakers, nail guns, routers, plate compactors, and more - the specialist power tools you will need at different stages of a UK extension project.
Angle Grinders: The Definitive Guide for UK Extension and Renovation Work
Everything a homeowner needs to know about angle grinders: sizes, disc types, safe technique, what to buy at each budget tier, and when to hire instead.
Belt Sander: Aggressive Stock Removal, Grit Sequence, and When Not to Use One
How to use a belt sander after planing, choose grits 60 to 120, set up dust extraction for COSHH, and know when an orbital sander is the safer choice. UK prices included.
Concrete Mixer: The Complete Guide for UK Extension and Renovation Work
Everything you need to know about hiring and using a concrete mixer on site: mix ratios, loading order, cleaning, hire vs buy, and when to call a ready-mix lorry instead.
M-Class Dust Extractor: Tool-Connected Fine Dust Capture for Indoor Work
What an M-class dust extractor is, why it's a legal requirement when machining MDF or hardwood indoors, and how auto-clean and auto-start change the game on a renovation.
Hand Plane: Block, Smoothing, and Jack Plane Guide for UK Site Work
How to choose, set up, sharpen, and use a hand plane for door fitting, end grain trimming, and final-pass adjustments. UK prices, brand tiering, and the complement to an electric planer.
Heat Guns: The Complete Guide for UK Home Renovation
Everything a homeowner needs to know about heat guns: temperature settings, nozzle types, paint stripping technique, the lead paint rules, pipe bending, and what to buy.
Infrared Paint Stripper: The Lead-Safe Way to Strip Paint from Pre-1970 Properties
Why infrared beats a heat gun on lead paint, how to use one without scorching timber, what to buy (Spengar vs Speedheater Cobra), and the CLAW 2002 rules for lead-paint disposal.
Nail Guns: First Fix, Second Fix, Gas vs Pneumatic - The Complete UK Guide
Gas or pneumatic? First fix or second fix? Ring-shank or brad? Everything a homeowner needs to choose, use, and buy the right nail gun for extension work.
Electric Planer: Door Trimming, Timber Levelling, and Blade Guide
How to trim a door, set depth correctly, choose blades, and know when to use a planer vs a circular saw. Covers budget to pro models with UK prices.
Plate Compactor (Wacker Plate): The Complete Guide for UK Extension Work
Everything you need to know about hiring and using a wacker plate: layer thickness limits, passes, technique, HAVS risk, and when the building inspector cares.
Router: Hinge Recessing, Worktop Joining, and Edge Profiling
How to choose and use a router for extension work: hinge recesses, worktop joints, edge profiles. Covers collet sizes, bit types, jigs, and UK prices from £40.
SDS Breaker: The Complete Guide for UK Extension and Renovation Work
Everything you need to know about SDS breakers (kango hammers): hire vs buy, joule ratings for concrete slabs, chisel types, safe technique, and HAVS limits.
Wet-Dry Vacuum: Site Cleanup, Flood Recovery, and M-Class Compliance
Why a homeowner needs an M-class wet-dry vacuum on a UK build, how it differs from a dust extractor, what to buy, and the COSHH rules your builder is legally bound by.