BBC Gardeners World Magazine https://www.gardenersworld.com/reviews/tools/diy-kit Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:36:04 GMT en hourly 1 The best electric screwdrivers in 2025 https://www.gardenersworld.com/reviews/tools/diy-kit/the-best-electric-screwdrivers/ Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:35:32 GMT https://www.gardenersworld.com/reviews/tools/diy-kit/the-best-electric-screwdrivers/ Trying to decide what electric screwdriver to buy? We’ve brought together the very best available right now, from budget models to the very best precision electric screwdrivers on the market Whether you're building raised beds, putting up garden lighting or popping up a pergola, the most basic hand tool you'll need is a screwdriver. Used to drive in or take out screws of all sizes and with different shaped heads on them, it's an essential companion when performing tasks indoors or around the garden.
The only thing better than a conventional screwdriver is an electric one and if you’ve ever had to drive in a lot of screws by hand, you’ll understand why an electric screwdriver is such an essential tool. Instead of screwing or unscrewing by hand power alone, you simply pull the trigger and it uses its motor to drive the screw instead, taking all the hard work out of garden projects like making a wooden planter, or putting up a trellis. They are especially useful for gardeners with mobility issues. Lightweight and highly portable, the electric screwdriver won’t replace a full size drill, but it’s one of the best labour saving devices you can keep in your toolbox, garden shed, or garage.
Whatever you’re planning to do in your garden, keep safe and wear safety glasses when you’re using an electric screwdriver.
An electric screwdriver is the perfect companion to a drill, saving you constantly changing drill bits and allowing you to simply go from a drill to screwdriver when you want to drill holes as well as drive in screws. For help choosing a cordless drill take a look at our review of the best cordless drills, and our guide to the best drill bits. For manual screwdrivers, we can recommend our article on the best screwdriver sets. For more hand DIY tools, take a look at our guide to the best multi-tools.
If you're looking for garden DIY inspiration, consider our 10 garden DIY projects for the weekend, or our guide on how to build a bat box. For other tool reviews, check out our reviews of the best hammers, best pressure washers, and the best grass strimmers.
The best electric screwdrivers to buy at a glance
- Best Buy small electric screwdriver: Bosch IXO 7
- Best Buy for one handed use: WORX WX255
- Best Buy for precision: Bosch pushdrive
- Best Buy for powerful : BLACK + DECKER 3.6V rapid driver
- Best Buy for accessories: Draper Storm Force 4V multi-function screwdriver
Our expertise
We tested tested a range of electric screwdrivers with each used to drive a variety of screws into different materials to see how they fared. Each has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to assembly and storage, ease of use, performance, and value for money. Every electric screwdriver in our round up has scored a minimum of 3.5 out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.
Jump to:
- Best Buy electric screwdrivers
- Best of the rest
- How to use an electric screwdriver
- Is an electric screwdriver the same as a drill?
- What are electric screwdrivers good for?
- How powerful should an electric screwdriver be?
- What’s a torque selector?
- How we tested electric screwdrivers
In every review we award the outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best electric screwdrivers below:
Best Buy electric screwdrivers
Bosch IXO 7 cordless screwdriver
RRP: £65
Our rating: 4.5/5
Available from B&Q, Tooled-Up, Currys
Pros:
- Superior battery size for longer run time
- Unbelievable Impressive amount of power available
- Two useful accessories included
- Bright LED work light
Cons:
- No torque selector function
Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for a small electric screwdriver, the IXO is on its 7th generation, and boasts a huge amount of power with a high capacity battery, all in a modest and lightweight package. The shape of the handle is ergonomically designed and features plenty of grippy textured sections. The large trigger is easy to control, and you can’t easily knock the direction selector during use, which was an issue on previous IXO drivers. It packs a huge amount of power in, with 5.5 Nm of turning force, or torque, and with a whopping micro USB charged 2.0 Ah battery it will drive up to 190 screws on a single charge at 235 rpm – plus a helpful charge level indicator lets you know how much life you have left .The 360° ring light on the front does a good job of illuminating the work area, and this version even comes with a pair of accessories- a right angle and off-set adapter for working in tight areas. It comes in a small plastic case that contains a modest but quality selection of screwdriver bits.
WORX WX255 4 volt SD slide driver with screw holder
RRP: £44.99
Our rating: 4.5/5
Pros:
- One handed operation
- Quickly change between six bits
- Satisfying slide action
- Pilot hole drill bit included
Cons:
- No torque selector function
- No charge level indicator to see how much power you have left
The WORX WX255 is an impressive and versatile electric screwdriver. It’s lightweight at just 500 g, boasts a comfy rubberised grip, and the internal battery is charged by micro USB. It has earned itself the BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy award for best one handed electric screwdriver, because of the way you can easily change bits. The top of the tool slides back to reveal a six round magazine filled with different screwdriver bits and this can be completely removed, allowing you to fit your own selection of standard screwdriver bits, which is rather handy. The best feature on this electric screwdriver though, is the screw holder. It’s an ingenious accessory that grips the screw for you and is ideal for anyone with mobility issues or for driving screws one handed above your head. It's only rated to 3 Nm of torque, but that’s enough for putting together flat pack furniture or building your own hedgehog house. The only thing it lacks is an adjustable handle for working in tight spaces.
Bosch pushdrive cordless screwdriver
RRP: £62
Our rating: 4.5/5
Available from Amazon and Bosch
Pros:
- Intuitive and clever design
- Surprisingly powerful
- Can be used as a manual screwdriver
- Torque selector function
Cons:
- Takes some getting used to
- Case is a bit flimsy
Bosch have created a clever electric screwdriver that you’ll know how to use, purely on instinct. It has a surprising amount of power and is simple to handle thanks to their “Push&Go” technology - there’s no trigger to pull on this screwdriver, the motor engages when it senses pressure on the tip of the screwdriver, and this earnt it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award for a precision electric screwdriver. There’s plenty of grippy rubber that runs the length of the tool, and even a cover that keeps dust and dirt from getting into the micro USB charging port. You can select from six different torque settings from 2.5 – 5 Nm for working on hard or soft materials, and the single speed motor runs at a reasonable 360 rpm. When the direction selector is in the locked position, it performs just like a conventional screwdriver, which is useful for delicate jobs, or when you’ve forgotten to charge the battery. It comes in a plastic case that holds 32 decent quality bits, including Torx and hex bits. The only downside is that you need to hold on tight when it’s set to a high torque setting. It can twist your wrist if you’re not paying attention.
BLACK + DECKER 3.6V rapid driver screwdriver
RRP: £30
Our rating: 4.5/5
Available from Toolstation and B&Q
Pros:
- Really powerful
- Sturdy carry case
- Large trigger
- Drives 500 screws on a single charge
Cons:
- No charge level indicator
- No torque selector function
The Rapid Driver Screwdriver is a deceptively powerful tool that packs a punch inside its miniature frame. Putting out a class leading 5.5 Nm of torque, this little screwdriver doesn’t hesitate to drive home long screws. The direction selector sits on the top of the tool and is operated with the thumb, so you can’t accidentally change direction halfway through the job. The hard case is a welcome feature that keeps the driver safe between tasks, holds the ten included bits securely, and even gives you extra space for odds and ends. Something we really like though is the recess in the case that allows you to charge the driver up via micro USB even when the lid is shut. It’s a thoughtful inclusion that makes a lot of sense. We’ve awarded it the BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy award for a powerful electric screwdriver.
Draper storm force 4V multi-function screwdriver and cutting tool
RRP: £39.85
Our rating: 4.3/5
Available from Robert Dyas and B&Q
Pros:
- Excellent selection of accessories
- Easily cuts through card and fabrics
- Twin LED work lights
- One hour charger
Cons:
- Not the most powerful motor
- No torque selector function
We’ve awarded this clever little tool the BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy award for excellent accessories because it comes with four different detachable heads for different jobs. You get a right-angle head, an eccentric head for screwing adjacent to walls or corners, a torque head that means you can screw into delicate materials, and a unique cutting device that’s perfect for card and other thin sheet materials. It can make 4 Nm of torque, and it all comes neatly packed in a hard case that holds 27 different screwdriver bits. It’s charged via USB, and there’s a charge level indicator on the top. The handle is well shaped and there’s plenty of rubber on there for grip, and although the handle doesn’t adjust, one of the four attachments will get you into (and out of) most tight spots.
The best of the rest
Although some models didn't quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award, they still have great features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test.
Makita DF001DW in-line cordless screwdriver
RRP: £57.99
Our rating: 4.3/5
Available from Screwfix and Amazon
Pros:
- Extensive 81-piece screwdriver bit set
- Plenty of torque available
- Adjustable handle
Cons:
- A bit awkward to use at first
- Not the brightest LED work light
- No torque selector
Makita make a huge range of professional level tools, but this little screwdriver is more suitable for light work. It’s a 3.6 Volt screwdriver that produces an impressive 6 Nm of torque. The adjustable handle makes it nearly 30 cm long in in-line mode, which is good for getting into awkward spots, but in “gun mode” the handle and trigger are a bit cumbersome. There’s no torque selector, but you still have good control thanks to the large handle. You charge the internal 1.5 Ah battery via micro-USB, it comes in a quality plastic case with a thoughtful selection of quality bits, but the single LED work light is a bit dim.
Mac Allister MSD36-Li cordless screwdriver
RRP: £20
Our rating: 3.5/5
Available from B&Q and Trade Point
Pros:
- Bright four LED work light
- Torque selector function
- Adjustable handle
Cons:
- No carry case included
- Lacks variable speed
- Tiny selection of screwdriver bits
The MSD36-Li is a low cost 3.6 Volt powered electric screwdriver that comes with a surprising number of features. The battery has a 1.3 Ah capacity, and it can make up to 5 Nm of torque. By pressing a button on the top of the tool, you can turn the handle from a gun shape to an inline electric screwdriver that can fit into narrow spaces. The handle is comfortable and big enough for someone with large hands, there’s a charge level indicator, and you can employ a seriously bright four-LED work light on one end. You don’t get a case though, and only a few screwdriver bits to play with.
Titan TTS870DRS li-ion cordless screwdriver
RRP: £17.99
Our rating: 3.5/5
Available from Screwfix
Pros:
- Affordable electric screwdriver
- Bright four-LED torch included
- Torque selector function
Cons:
- Not the most comfortable to use
- Small selection of bits
The Titan brand of tools is familiar to anyone who uses Screwfix for their home and garden projects, and their adjustable handle electric screwdriver is budget friendly piece of kit. Boasting a maximum 5 Nm of torque and making 200 rpm, the onboard 1.3 Ah battery charges in an hour. It’s comfortable enough to hold on to and the bits are held in mechanically rather than with a magnet. You can adjust the handle from inline to gun shape with the press of a button, and the torque selector ring means you can control how much power the screwdriver will apply to a screw before it cuts out. You get a single LED work light on the front and even a dazzling four-LED work light on the other end. It’s a basic model that doesn’t come in a case, but for the price it’s a very useful tool to have around.
Draper 3.6V cordless li-ion screwdriver kit
RRP: £34.50
Our rating: 3.5/5
Available from Amazon and Toolstation
Pros:
- Excellent selection of bits
- Adjustable handle
- Torque selector function
Cons:
- Not the most powerful motor
- Not USB charging compatible
Supplied with a dazzling array of 55 different screwdriver bits, this handy budget electric screwdriver from Draper is like a whole toolbox in a single package. Sporting a reasonably comfy grip shape and adjustable handle, you can convert it from a gun shape to an inline screwdriver by pressing a button for getting into tight corners. There’s a clear plastic case to keep everything together and a single LED to light the way. It’s just a shame that instead of the widely used micro USB charging cable, it comes with a sluggish non-standard charger that you really don’t want to lose.
How to use an electric screwdriver?
Instead of carrying around a toolbox full of different screwdrivers, one of the best things about an electric screwdriver is the exchangeable bits. Held in place with a magnet or locking sleeve, you can choose from an enormous range of screwdriver bits to fit every type of screw or bolt. And changing screwdriver bits is as simple as pulling it out from the bit holder and putting in another one.
Follow these simple steps to get the most from an electric screwdriver:
- Make sure your batteries are fully charged before you start, so you get enough power from your electric screwdriver.
- Choose the right bit for the job. There are a huge number of different fixings out there, and picking the right one will make the job much easier. Test out a few different ones until you find the right fit.
- Inspect the screwdriver bit, looking for any damage or excessive wear. A broken or worn bit will not engage with or could even damage a screw or other fixing. If it looks bad, pop in a new one.
- Fix the bit into the screwdriver bit holder and select the right torque setting (if you have one) for the job. If you’re screwing into a soft surface, use a lower setting.
- Select forward or reverse on the rotation switch. Remember, right is tight, and left is loose.
- Push the screwdriver bit firmly into the head of the screw and pull the trigger. Keep even and direct pressure on the screw to stop it slipping out or damaging the screw head.
Is an electric screwdriver the same as a drill?
They might look similar, but an electric screwdriver and a drill are not the same thing. The main difference is power. A drill needs a lot of power to make holes in materials like wood or metal, so they come with a powerful motor and a heavy battery, which is why they’re a lot bigger and weigh more than an electric screwdriver.
Drills can spin much faster as well. A typical combi drill can reach speeds of up to 2,000 rpm, while an electric screwdriver might only need to produce 200 rpm. Because they don’t need to produce lots of torque or speed, electric screwdrivers can be much smaller, lighter weight, and much easier to use.
What are electric screwdrivers good for?
An electric screwdriver is a good replacement for a manual one, especially if you have mobility issues, saving you time and effort. It performs the physical action of driving a screw in or out, leaving you free to concentrate on keeping the tool steady.
And, as you simply change the bits in the end of an electric screwdriver, you can easily carry around the equivalent of a whole toolbox full of manual screwdrivers. A small electric screwdriver won’t replace a heavy duty combi drill for driving home huge decking screws or concrete anchors, but it’s an ideal companion for anyone who does home or garden DIY.
How powerful should an electric screwdriver be?
The most powerful electric screwdriver on our list is rated at 5.5 Nm of torque. That’s enough to drive a screw into a piece of soft timber, especially if you have drilled a pilot hole first. It’s powerful enough to put together flat pack garden furniture and much faster than using a manual screwdriver as well.
What’s a torque selector?
A torque selector allows you to control the turning power, or torque, on your electric screwdriver, or drill. Usually numbered and controlled by a selector ring just behind the bit holder, the higher the number the more power the screwdriver will put into the screw. If you’re working with delicate surfaces or you don’t want to over tighten a screw, you select a lower number, but if you want to drive a large diameter screw into a piece of wood, you’ll need to choose a higher number.
How we tested electric screwdrivers
The BBC Gardeners' World Magazine reviews team tested a range of electric screwdrivers with each used to drive a variety of screws into different materials to see how they fared. They were assessed according to the following criteria with equal marks attributed to each:
- Ease of use: Assessed the battery size, maximum run time, and charging time. Also, how easy it was to change screwdriver bits and considered the different accessories and bits that were included.
- Comfort: Focused on the handle shape, ergonomics, size, and weight of the screwdriver, and how comfortable it was to use in different positions and places.
- Performance: Judged the power, speed, and torque in various materials and screw sizes.
- Value for money: Considered all the above as well as accessories and cases included, and quality, design, warranty, and price.
For more information on our testing process, see How we review
Projects for your electric screwdriver
Once you’ve got an electric screwdriver, you’ll be itching to get started on some DIY projects to try out your new tool. Here are a few projects that can be completed in a day or a weekend.
If you’re after some more storage for your tools, or a space to do tasks like potting on, you might like to install a shed. Your electric screwdriver will be invaluable for this task.
You could also use your screwdriver to make your own cold frame, ideal for hardening off young seedlings in spring. And why not use your new tool to make a bug box, and give nature a helping hand.
This Review was last updated in March 2025. We apologise if the price or availability of the reviewed products have changed.
]]> The best cordless drills in 2025 https://www.gardenersworld.com/reviews/tools/diy-kit/best-cordless-drills/ Wed, 19 Mar 2025 14:15:46 GMT https://www.gardenersworld.com/reviews/tools/diy-kit/best-cordless-drills/ On the lookout for a new cordless drill? We’ve reviewed a range of drill drivers and combination hammer drills to help you find the right one for your gardening DIY needs When you’re doing jobs for yourself around your home and garden you’ll need some basic tools and safety equipment, and one of the most useful is the drill. Probably the most fundamental power tool in the DIYers arsenal, whether you’re making a wooden planter, putting up a garden trellis or hanging a floral basket, a drill will never be far away.
A drill is an essential tool for creating holes in materials like wood, metal, or brick, to accommodate screws and other types of fittings. There are two main types of drill - drill drivers and hammer drills, also known as combination or combi drills.
A drill driver creates holes and then on a different setting drives fittings into them. Essentially, you can drill into anything with a drill driver, except for brick or stone, which needs a hammering action.
A drill with a hammer action can make holes in particularly hard materials like masonry and simply put, when the drill spins the drill bit around, a hammer mechanism inside hits the bit to help break through hard surfaces. They perform a combination of drilling, screwing, and hammering actions, hence the name combination or combi drill, but note the names hammer and combi drills are interchangeable.
To help you choose the right cordless drill for your needs, we put a range of cordless drill driver and combi drills to the test.
If you want to get stuck into some spring projects, check out our guide on the best drill bits, best screwdriver sets, best multi tools and how to choose the best cordless tools, then put them to good work with our guide to making a wooden planter.
If you’re looking for more cordless tools see our reviews of the best electric screwdrivers, best cordless lawn mowers, best leaf blowers and hedge trimmers.
Best Buy cordless drills at a glance
- Best professional cordless combi drill: Makita DHP482
- Best budget cordless drill: Mac Allister MDD18-Li-2
- Best cordless combi drill for comfort: DeWalt DCD795D2-GB
- Best cordless combi drill with accessories: WORX WX370
- Best drill driver: Ryobi R18DD3
Our expertise We tested a range of cordless drills, using them to drill holes and drive in screws into different materials, to help you find the right one for your garden DIY needs. Each has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to assembly and storage, ease of use, performance, and value for money. Every drill in our round up has scored a minimum of 3.5 out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.
Jump to:
- The Best Cordless Drills in 2025
- The best of the rest
- How to choose a cordless drill
- How we tested
In every review we award the outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best cordless drills below:
Best cordless drills in 2025
Makita DHP482JX14 50th Anniversary 18V Combi Drill Kit
RRP: £200
Our rating: 4.5/5
Available from Tooled-Up and Amazon
Pros
- Very powerful
- Two large 5.0 Ah batteries
- Stackable storage box
- Battery shaped accessory kit
Cons
- High price for casual DIYers
- Plastic-sleeved chuck
Japanese tool firm Makita have created a well-balanced and incredibly comfortable combi drill kit that produces a serious amount of power where it’s needed. The ergonomics are brilliant and thanks to an expanse of grippy black TPE material on the handle, we found it comfortable when drilling holes and driving even long screws, even if the plastic-sleeved chuck is more liable to getting scuffed. The drill puts out a massive 62 Nm of torque, and the variable speed trigger can spin the drill up to 1,900 rpm, although it uses a brushed motor which isn’t overly efficient. Packed with user-favourite features like the belt hanger hook and powerful dual LED work light, it’s an extremely handy piece of kit to own. It could be out of the price range of a casual weekend DIYer, but you do get an awful lot for your money. The two 5.0 Ah batteries alone make this kit worth buying. We awarded this a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for the best professional cordless combi drill.
Mac Allister Solo MDD18-Li-2 Brushed Cordless Drill Driver
RRP: £65
Our rating: 4.3/5
- Buy now from B&Q and Trade Point
Pros
- Two 2.0 Ah batteries included
- Smart carry case
- Comfortable and quiet operation
- Great value for money
Cons
- Not suitable for drilling into brick
- Small 10 mm plastic chuck
In-house brand for DIY giants B&Q, the Mac Allister is a familiar sight to UK DIYers. The MDD-18 drill driver is nice and light, and the basic grip shape is surprisingly comfortable to hold on to. The maximum drill speed of 1,500 rpm isn’t class leading, but it’s enough for most jobs. The brightly coloured charge level indicator is a nice touch as well, with a traffic light system to tell you when the batteries are low and it comes in a soft case with handy elastic holders to keep everything stowed safely. The only thing that lets the drill down is the small chuck size- at just 10 mm wide you’re limited to smaller drill bits. We awarded this a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for the best budget cordless drill.
DeWalt DCD795D2-GB 18V XR Brushless Hammer Drill Driver
RRP: £159.99
Our rating: 4.3/5
Available from Amazon and Wickes
Pros:
- Two 2.0 Ah batteries included
- Tough hard case included
- Powerful brushless motor
- Magnetic drill bit holder
Cons:
- Noisy operation
- Expensive for casual DIYers
Celebrating 100 years of service in 2023, US tool manufacturers DeWalt are well known in the drill market and the DCD795 is an incredibly well-balanced and comfortable drill to use. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for the best cordless hammer drill for comfort. There’s plenty of metal used in its construction, which makes it feel like a premium, professional grade tool and the ergonomic grip shape fits perfectly in the hand, making for easy drilling and driving, even for long periods. The capable brushless motor produces an impressive 60 Nm of torque and a maximum drilling speed of 2,000 rpm. The work light is powerful enough to illuminate dark corners and stays on for 20 seconds after letting go of the trigger, even though it’s stuck down at the bottom of the grip. You get a pair of batteries, a belt hanging hook, stackable TSTAK hard case, and DeWalt’s handy magnetic bit holder. It’s quite expensive, but it’s a lot of drill for the money.
WORX WX370 20 Volt Cordless Impact Drill
RRP: £99.99
Our rating: 4.3/5
Available from Amazon and Worx
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Two 2.0 Ah PowerShare batteries
- Sturdy plastic carry case
- Generous 30-piece accessory kit
Cons:
- No power level indicator
- LED work light doesn’t stay on
- Fiddly mode selector ring
The first impression of the WORX WX370 is that it feels like a solid and well-balanced piece of kit. The grip shape, although basic, is comfortable and means that the 50 Nm put out by the brushed motor is easy to hang on to. And with up to 1,600 rpm in 2nd gear, it’s fast enough for most drilling jobs around the home and garden. It also comes with a pair of 2.0 Ah batteries and a hard plastic carry case to keep things organised. You get the all-important belt hanging hook, and to get you started, WORX have included a generous 30-piece toolkit. It comes in a canvas tool roll and contains a decent selection of screw and nut driver bits as well as masonry, metal and wood drill bits. This isn’t the most powerful drill that WORX produce, but this comprehensive set is a great cordless drill kit. We awarded this a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for the best cordless combi drill with accessories.
Ryobi R18DD3 Cordless Drill Driver Starter Kit
RRP: £144.99
Our rating: 4.3/5
Pros:
- Rugged all metal chuck
- Ergonomic grip shape
- Quiet, brushless motor
- Handy soft carry case
Cons:
- Not suitable for drilling into brick
- Only one 2.0 Ah battery included
- Huge battery
This handy drill driver comes from Japanese firm Ryobi. Something that Ryobi do well is the universal nature of their batteries. You can use the same one to run over 100 different tools, but they’re big, which makes this drill a bit bulky but it is incredibly comfortable thanks to rubberised moulding and the ergonomic handle design. The brushless motor delivers a high drilling speed of 1,800 rpm, and with 50 Nm of torque, there’s enough power as well. There’s a handy holder for a double ended screwdriver bit on the bottom of the grip, but the work light is stuck down there too, and it doesn’t stay on once you let go of the trigger. Ryobi do include a pair of vital safety glasses with the kit though, which is a nice touch. We awarded this a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for the best drill driver.
The best of the rest
Although some models didn’t quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award, they still have great features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test.
Einhell TE-CD 18/2 Li-I +22 Cordless Impact Drill
RRP: £99.95
Our rating: 4.3/5
- Buy now from Einhell and Machine Mart
Pros:
- All-metal chuck
- Strong hammer action
- Versatile tool case
Cons:
- Bulky battery shape
- Single 2.5 Ah battery
The German brand Einhell have been making tools since 1964, and their Power X-Change technology means that a single 18 V battery will work in more than 200 different products. The TE-CD is a good cordless hammer drills for DIYers, thanks to its comfortable grip shape and rugged build quality. The brushed motor creates a reasonable 44 Nm of torque and can spin drill bits up to 1,250 rpm and it comes with a single 2.5 Ah battery with a charge level indicator on it. A bright LED work light sits down at the bottom of the grip and the hard plastic case that the drill comes in is a handy extra as well. Rather than moulded plastic inside, it’s filled with soft foam so you can add your own accessories and drill bits to suit your needs. To get you started, there’s a practical accessory kit with user-friendly colour coded screwdriver bits included.
Hyundai HY2176 Cordless Impact Drill Driver
RRP: £89.99
Our rating: 4/5
Available from Toolden
Pros:
- Robust all-metal chuck
- Handy soft carry case
- 13-piece accessory kit included
Cons:
- Single 2.0 Ah battery included
- A bit front heavy
South Korean industrial heavyweights Hyundai are well known in the UK for their cars, but their 20 V Max cordless impact drill is a powerful drill for the money. Great for DIYers on a budget, you get the all-important hammer mode for drilling into brick or stone, and even a small accessory kit to get you started. There’s plenty of rubber on the ergonomic grip, but it’s on the small side if you have large hands. The drill puts out an impressive 50 Nm of torque and spins up to 1,700 rpm in second gear. The bright work light might be stuck down on the bottom of the handle, but it stays on for five seconds after you let go of the trigger.
Bosch Universal Impact 18V-60 Cordless Combi Drill
RRP: £81 (without battery)
Our rating: 3.8/5
Available from Tooled-Up, B&Q and Currys
Pros:
- Rugged all metal chuck
- Brushless motor
- Lightweight and compact
- Hard plastic carry case
Cons:
- Expensive for a DIY level Bosch tool
- Only one 2.0 Ah battery included
- Noisy compared to the competition
The UniversalImpact 18V-60 comes from Bosch’s “green” line of DIY level tools and this light but capable brushless combi drill feels like a neat package. It has a compact design, and the controls are easy to work out. There’s grippy black rubber on the handle, but it’s only on the back side for some reason, so it slips around in the hand a bit too much, especially when starting a new hole. As for specs, this drill can spin up to 1,900 rpm and produces an impressive 60 Nm of torque. The single LED work light is bright enough, but as it’s placed way down on the bottom of the drill it can’t light up small nooks and crannies. The light does stay on for a few seconds after releasing the trigger though, which is always useful.
JCB Drill Driver JCB-18DD-2XB-A
RRP: £94.99
Our rating: 3.8/5
Buy now from JBC Tools and Amazon
Pros:
- Sturdy all metal chuck
- Comfortable handle
- Belt hanging hook
- Accessory kit included
Cons:
- No case included
- Not suitable for drilling into brick
- Only one 2.0 Ah battery included
The 21-18DD is a capable drill driver that delivers a decent level of functionality without breaking the bank. It boasts a comfortable and grippy overmolded handle, rugged stylings, and is reasonably well balanced, if a little heavy. The brushed motor can spin up to 1,600 rpm and you get a reasonable level of torque at 45 Nm. The small accessory kit includes a selection of drill and driver bits to get you going as well. The LED work light is in the right place at the top of the handle, but it only runs when you pull the trigger.
How to choose a cordless drill
There are lots of tools out there to choose from, and it’s easy to get blinded by all the facts, figures, and marketing speak that manufacturer’s like to add to their tools. The best cordless drill for you depends on what you’re going to do with it.
If you’re a professional contractor, you’ll need the biggest batteries, a rugged drill to cope with the abuse and accidents that happen on site, and you’ll need huge amounts of power to drill big holes and drive in long screws all day long.
But, if you’re a casual DIYer that needs a basic drill to put together a raised bed, make a compost bay or put up hanging basket brackets, save your money, and get something that’s capable enough for the job without breaking the bank. The highest drilling speeds and impressive accessories are great, but they come at a cost.
Are cordless drills powerful enough?
Whether you’re simply drilling a few narrow holes to put up a trellis or pushing your drill to the limit with a wide hole saw bit, for example to make the entry hole for a bird box, the best cordless drills can now match or even outdo their corded counterparts in terms of power and rpm. As battery technology has improved, the difference between corded and cordless power tools has disappeared. The only disadvantage of cordless power tools is that batteries will inevitably run down and require a recharge. Over time and with use, Lithium Ion batteries will also degrade and need to be replaced, but with light use they’re fine for many years.
Are cordless drills better than corded ones?
If you ever work away from the power grid or want to fix something at the bottom of the garden without dragging your extension cord all the way down there, it’s worth buying a cordless drill. However, if you only ever use a drill at a workbench with power, then even the best cordless drill might be a bit pointless. Cordless drills and their batteries are often more expensive than corded versions, but the price of a modern cordless drill is within the reach of most DIYers. One of the great benefits of a cordless drill is that you’re not tethered to a plug in the wall. Not having to deal with trailing cables is probably worth the extra money in most cases anyway.
The obvious advantage of a corded drill over a cordless one is that they never run out of battery power, but if you buy a kit that includes more than one battery you can change them immediately and carry on working while the other charges up.
If you do a lot of work outdoors and away from a plug socket, a cordless drill is a good choice as long as you have ways to recharge the batteries. And if you choose a brand that produces a wide range of power tools and gardening equipment, you can share the batteries between them.
Do cordless drills only come as a kit?
If you want to get to work straight away, you can buy a starter kit. It usually includes the drill, a battery or two, and a charger, but sometimes they come with a case and even some drill bits and accessories to get you started.
However, there's also the option to buy tools “bare”, or without batteries and a charger. Most power tool brands sell a wide range of other cordless power tools for DIY and gardening, so if you’ve already got batteries and a charger from a brand, buying their drill is an ideal solution to save some money - just remember you can’t mix batteries between different cordless systems or brands. It’s also worth researching what tools a brands sells before you buy to see what you could save money on in the future, if you plan to buy further cordless DIY or gardening tools.
It’s always a good thing to check if you can buy batteries separately, having more than one battery will ensure you’re not stuck waiting for it to charge up before getting back to work.
Do I need a drill driver or a hammer drill?
Unless you want to make holes in masonry, brick, or stone, you will not need a hammer setting on your drill. The hammer action is designed to break through hard materials and is not used when drilling into wood, plastic, or metal.
What’s the difference between an 18V drill and a 20V drill? The short answer is… nothing. All 18 Volt batteries can be charged to a maximum of 20 Volts, which is why you sometimes see the term “20 Volt Max” used. Whether they say they’re 18 or 20 Volts, you get the same amount of power output. It’s simply a marketing term used to sell batteries.
What do the terms Voltage and Amperage mean?
The term Voltage means “electromotive force”. It is the potential energy held within the battery that you can call on to make a drill work. Amperage is also known as “current” and is used to measure the flow rate of electricity. The higher the current, the more energy can flow at once.
Ah, or “Ampere hours” are used to display the size and potential energy of a battery. In simple terms, the higher the number, the more power you can call on when you need it. An Amp Hour doesn’t mean that your drill will last for that many hours though, it depends on what you use it for.
Is battery run time important?
Yes. There’s nothing more frustrating than getting half way through a job and running out of power. Making sure your batteries are charged up before working is important, and some drills have features to help you keep an eye on the charge level. The best cordless drills have charge level indicators on them to see how much you have left with the press of a button.
How long will cordless drill batteries last after a full charge?
There are a lot of variables that alter the answer to this question. The capacity of a drill battery is measured in Amp hours, or Ah, and the more Ah you have, the longer the battery will last. With a large battery on board, like a 5.0 Ah one, a cordless drill will make holes or drive screws all day long. And if you have more than one battery, you won’t suffer any downtime for charging either. Other factors that will affect the battery’s useful runtime is how hard you push the tool, the temperature of the batteries, and their age. For example, an old battery will not work well, particularly if it’s cold, and especially if you’re trying to drill large diameter holes in steel.
What is torque?
Usually measured in Newton meters, or “Nm”, torque is the force that a drill generates when turning a drill bit. The higher the Nm, the more force a drill has. A drill with a higher Nm rating will be able to drill wide holes or drive in long screws more easily than a drill with a lower Nm rating.
What size chuck is best?
The chuck is the part at the front of a drill that accepts drill or driver bits. Most drills come with a 13 mm chuck, but there are also 10 mm ones available. Even though most DIYers won’t use bits above 10 mm for most jobs, it’s good to have the extra capacity when it’s needed. The chuck size is often a reflection of a drill’s power. A drill with a lower torque rating will have a smaller 10 mm chuck size so that you can’t put a huge drill bit in it and overload the motor.
Why does my drill have two gears?
Most modern combi drills will have a gear selector on the top, usually with two settings. This is sometimes known as the speed controller. Like the gears on a car, the first setting is for low speed with high torque, and the second setting is for higher speed but with less torque. Low speed is ideal for screws, while high speed is usually best for drilling holes.
Are accessories necessary?
LED work lights, belt hanging hooks, hard cases, magnetic bit holders, and tool rolls filled with drill bits are all nice things to have, but they’re not necessary. You can still drill holes and drive screws without any added extras. However, being able to hang a drill on your belt while you climb a ladder and lighting up a dingy corner can make a job easier and safer to complete.
How we tested cordless drills
We tested a range of cordless drill drivers and combi drills with each used to drill a series of holes and drive a series of screws to see how they fared. They were assessed according to the following criteria with equal marks attributed to each:
- Ease of use: We looked at how long the batteries would last, whether the controls were well thought out, if it was easy to change drill modes, and how easy it was to change bits.
- Comfort: Assessed the ergonomics of the drill, whether it was well balanced during use, the overall weight with batteries installed, and the materials used for the handle.
- Performance: Focused on the speed, torque, impacts per minute in hammer mode, and if it can drill through a range of different materials.
- Value for money: Looked at whether batteries and a charger are included, as well as a carry case or accessory kit, and if the batteries can be shared with other tools in the brand’s cordless platform.
For more information on our testing process, see How we review
Projects for your cordless drill
Once you’ve got a cordless drill, you’ll be itching to get started on some DIY projects to try out your new tool. Here are a few projects that can be completed in a day or a weekend.
If you’re after some new planting areas, you might like to try creating a wooden planter, perfect for veg or ornamental plants.
You could also use your drill to make your own cold frame, ideal for hardening off young seedlings in spring.
And why not use your drill to create a welcoming nesting habitat for birds, by creating a wooden bird box.
This Review was last updated in March 2025. We apologise if the price or availability of the reviewed products have changed.
]]> The best rotary and oscillating multi-tools in 2024 https://www.gardenersworld.com/reviews/tools/diy-kit/best-multi-tools/ Tue, 09 Jan 2024 08:40:57 GMT https://www.gardenersworld.com/reviews/tools/diy-kit/best-multi-tools/ Looking for the best multi-tool for your next DIY job? Take a look at our guide to the best oscillating and rotary multi-tools, from affordable to premium models. When you’re working on DIY projects it can sometimes be useful to have a tool that can do more than one job. Cutting, sanding, polishing, and scraping, the best multi-tool can perform all these tasks, so to find the outstanding tools in this field we reviewed two different types of multi-tools. Oscillating multi-tools that move a blade or sanding head back and forth, and rotary multi-tools that spin cutting discs or polishing mops around at high speeds.
Oscillating multi-tools can be fitted with a number of different blades and heads at a wide variety of angles. They can plunge cut into materials like wood and even metal, scrape old grout off from between tiles, or sand down wooden surfaces. They’re the ideal tool for DIY tasks like trimming down pieces of wood or removing old paint.
Rotary multi-tools are similar to drills, but are small enough to be held like a pen for maximum manoeuvrability. Built for precision, they can be fitted with everything from brushes to carving bits. Less powerful than an oscillating multi-tool, these highly portable power tools are ideal for when you need more control over the fine details.
They’re both versatile tools for DIYers and are quite often the only tool that can get the job done. Alongside a trusty cordless drill, you can get on with your next project.
If you’re on the lookout for more cordless tools, you need to check out our guides on how to find the best electric screwdrivers, the best hammers and cordless drills. And see our guides on drill bits and screwdriver sets.
Best multi-tools at a glance
- Best rotary multi-tool kit: Dremel 8240 Platinum
- Best budget cordless multi-tool kit: BLACK + DECKER BDCOS18
- Best professional oscillating multi-tool: DeWalt DCS356P2
- Best corded multi-tool: Erbauer EMT300
- Best multi-tool for innovative features: Ryobi R18-MT
Our expertise
We tested a range of different multi-tools, using them to cut a variety of materials and sand and grind a range of surfaces to help you find the right one for your next garden and DIY project. Each oscillating and rotary multi-tool has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to ease of use, comfort, performance, and value for money. Every multi-tool in our round up below has scored a minimum of three out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.
Jump to:
- Best multi-tools
- The best of the rest
- Which is the best multi-tool to buy?
- What can I use a multi-tool for?
- How we tested oscillating and rotary multi-tools
In every review, we award the outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best oscillating and rotary multi-tools below.
Best multi-tools in 2024
Dremel 8240 Cordless 12V Rotary multi-tool Platinum Kit
RRP: £215
Our rating: 4.8/5
Pros:
- Lightweight, comfortable, and ideal for fine detail work
- Range of attachments including detailer’s grip, shaping platform and line cutting fence
- Two 2.0 Ah batteries for quick swaps without charging
- Bright LED light for working in dark corners
Cons
- Expensive kit for beginners
- You might not have a use for all the accessories
When it comes to rotary multi-tools, most people think of Dremel and their new Platinum kit is helpfully comprehensive. The 12 Volt 8240 is a well-balanced and surprisingly powerful rotary tool with an ergonomic rubberised grip that is easy to hang on to. The motor runs from 5,000 – 35,000 rpm in eight steps, but you also get a fantastic flight case style box that holds a whopping 65 accessories, a collection of useful attachments and a pair of 2.0 Ah batteries. There are polishing mops, cut off wheels, drill bits, sanding discs, and more all included. We’ve awarded the Dremel 8240 a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for a rotary multi tool kit.
BLACK + DECKER BDCOS18 18V cordless oscillating tool
RRP: £114.95
Our rating: 4.8/5
Pros:
- Accessory clamping lever makes blade changes easy
- Lightweight with a comfortable grip
- Comes with a battery, charger, case, and lots of accessories
Cons:
- Blade change lever is made from plastic
This is a lightweight, affordable, and easily manoeuvrable cordless power tool that isn’t too loud and has a comfy grip. It runs from 8,000 – 18,000 opm in six steps, and is easy to use because the blade change lever is the same clever design found on the more expensive DeWalt multi-tool. There’s a bright LED work light and it comes with a plastic carry case, a charger, and a 2.0 Ah battery to get you started. There are plenty of accessories as well. There’s a sanding pad with dust extractor connection and 14 sanding pads, plunge cutting blade for wood, two metal and wood plunge cutting blades, a grout removal tool, scraper, and accessory adapter. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for a budget cordless multi-tool kit.
DeWalt DCS356P2 XR brushless 3 speed oscillating multi-tool
RRP: £299.95
Our rating: 4.8/5
Pros:
- The bright LED stays on after you release the trigger
- Switches between three operating speeds
- Comes with two high capacity 5.0 Ah batteries
- Handy accessories included
Cons:
- Extremely loud at top speed
- Expensive for a casual DIYer
US tool firm DeWalt is famous for their multi-tools, and this premium tool is ideal for both trade or serious DIY use. Because of this,we awarded it a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for a professional oscillating multi-tool. The grip is extremely comfortable and the unique locking paddle trigger allows for speed control - the more you squeeze the faster it oscillates. The brushless motor means it’s powerful, and it runs from 0 - 20,000 opm.
It comes in a stackable hard case with two handles and foam inserts for the two powerful 5.0 Ah batteries and collection of 35 quality accessories, including a clever depth stop. You get the best multi-tool blades- four different wood blades, a scraper blade, a grout removal tool, and 25 sanding pads. It’s an expensive kit, but for a serious DIYer could be a good starter point for a collection of DeWalt cordless tools.
Erbauer 300W corded electric multi-tool kit
RRP: £89.99
Our rating: 4.8/5
Pros:
- Long 4m power cable
- Low vibration for a corded tool
- Extensive accessory kit
Cons
- Loud operation
- Not the brightest LED lights
If you’re looking for a quality multi-tool without overspending, Erbauer’s EMT300 is hard to beat. It’s relatively light, easy enough to handle when cutting and sanding, and comes with a comprehensive 44-piece accessory kit. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for a corded multi-tool. It has a comfortable, if basic, grip shape, dual LED work lights, and the 300 Watt brushed motor powers the blades from 11,000 - 20,000 opm in six steps. It comes with a generous four metre long power cord, and inside the sturdy case is a separate blade kit. You get a segmented saw blade, a pair of plunge blades, a scraper, a grout removal blade, sanding attachment, and 36 different sanding pads.
Ryobi R18-MT cordless multi-tool
RRP: £130.99 (for the bare tool)
Our rating: 4.8/8
Pros:
- Articulated head allows for the best access
- Comfortable grip and smooth trigger action
- Affordable multi-tool if you already have the battery and charger
Cons:
- Bare tool, no batteries included
- Small selection of accessories to start with
Japanese tool giants Ryobi have managed to come up with a unique and rather clever multi-tool in the R18-MT. Not only does it have a comfortable grip shape and a trigger that allows for comfort and precision, but it also has an articulated cutting head that allows you to work at almost any angle, making it extremely versatile. Powered by a big Ryobi battery, which is not included, it can produce 10,000 - 20,000 opm in six steps. Blade changes are easy thanks to a lever locking system as well. Supplied with a modest selection of blades, a flush cutting blade, plunge cut blade, sanding pad and five sheets of sandpaper, we gave this multi-tool a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy Award for innovative features.
The best of the rest
Although some models didn't quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award, they still have great features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test.
Dremel Lite 7760 4V
RRP: £70
Our rating: 4.5/5
Pros
- Weighing just 270g, it’s incredibly easy to manoeuvre
- The removeable nose cap can be used to change bits
- Recharges via USB
Cons
- You can’t quickly swap out batteries
- No match for the 12 Volt Dremel’s speed
If you want the cordless power of a Dremel, but don’t want to fork out for a carry case and exchangeable batteries, the 4 Volt Lite is a very handy and easy to use rotary multi-tool. The rubberised grip is extremely comfortable, and the moulded nib makes it easy to perform delicate tasks. The speed ranges between 8,000 – 25,000 rpm in four steps and is powered by an internal, USB charged, 2.0 Ah battery. Although it doesn’t have the raw power of the bigger 12 Volt Dremel 8240, it’s powerful enough for grinding, polishing, drilling, and more. It comes with a little box of 15 quality accessories too, so it’s an ideal first rotary tool for new crafters.
Ryobi RRT4 4V cordless rotary tool starter kit
RRP: £74.95
Our rating: 4.5/8
Pros:
- Removable USB charged battery
- Ideal for sanding and fine detailing
- Fast, tool-free blade changes
Cons:
- No LED work light
- Not as powerful as the 12 Volt Dremel
A familiar sight to most keen DIYers, Ryobi’s green tools promise reliability and good performance. Their new line of 4 Volt Lithium battery tools includes the RRT4, a very handy little rotary multi-tool that is powered by a removable USB charged 2.0 Ah battery. Comfortable to hold on to thanks to a rubberised grip, lightweight and nimble, it spins up from 5,000 - 25,000 rpm in five steps. Supplied with the tool is a useful accessory kit containing 15 different attachments including polishing compound.
Bosch AdvancedMulti 18 cordless multifunction tool
RRP: £114.99
Our rating: 4/5
Pros
- Supplied with high quality blades
- Side handle makes it easy to control
- Bright LED light that shines through 180°
Cons
- Only compatible with expensive Starlock branded blades
- Not ideal if you have small hands
- This set doesn’t come with a case, battery, or charger
German tool giants Bosch produce an impressive number of tools for professionals, and their green line of DIY-friendly kit is well loved in homes and gardens across the UK. The Advanced 18 is a solid and rather chunky multi-tool that runs between 10,000 – 20,000 opm. It’s heavy, but seriously powerful, especially when plunge cutting. Changing blades is easy, you just pull the lever and push it in until it clicks. The quality of the included blades is excellent, but bear in mind that you can’t use universal blade types. The set comes with a segmented cutting blade, a plunge cut blade, and sanding pad with six pads. There’s a depth stop collar included as well as a handle that helps to keep the tool steady during use.
Makita DTM52ZX2 18v LXT brushless multi-tool and starlock max bit set
RRP: £444
Our rating: 4.5/5
Pros:
- Hugely powerful brushless motor
- Extensive collection of Starlock blades and case
- Very quiet and comfortable to use with minimal vibration
Cons
- Won’t accept cheap universal type blades
- Supplied as a bare tool without battery or charger
- Big and heavy tool, especially with a large battery installed
This brushless motor multi-tool from Makita is seriously chunky. It’s built for trade use and will stand up to just about any DIY task you could ask it to. However, it’s so substantial that when smaller blades are attached, it can’t fit into tight corners. The huge and comfortable grip makes it easy to hang on to, and there’s a dust extractor attachment too. It runs from 10,000 - 20,000 opm in six steps. It uses Starlock Max blades, which aren’t universal, but are pro-level quality and rated for high power applications.
Luckily, this multi-tool comes with a 44-piece set of blades in a hard case. You get four segment blades, two for wood and two for grout removal, six different plunge cutting blades for wood and metal, a scraper, a sanding pad with 30 pads, and a clever silicone removing blade. They’re colour-coded for easy recognition, too. It’s a powerful, professional level multi-tool, but it might be out of the price range of casual DIYers.
Stanley FatMax V20 18V cordless multi material cutting tool
RRP: £130
Our rating: 4.5/5
- Buy now from Homebase (£117), Very (£129), and Wickes (£136)
Pros:
- Easy blade changes
- Compatible with universal blade types
- Hard carry case
Cons:
- Annoying power switch location
- Blade change lever is plastic so not as durable
Similar in looks and design to the excellent DeWalt multi-tool, the Stanley is a handy accomplice for most DIYers. It has an ergonomic grip shape, and changing the blades is really quick, thanks to the same lever lock found on the DeWalt multi-tool. It runs from 8,000 - 20,000 opm and is powered by a 2.0 Ah battery. There’s an LED work light on the front that isn’t the brightest, but it’s better than not having one. You also get a hard carry case to keep everything safe, and a generous 20-piece accessory kit that includes a pair of plunge cutting blades, 14 sanding pads, and a grout removal blade. The sanding head can be clipped to a dust extraction system, and you get a length of rubber hose included to attach it.
WORX Sonicrafter oscillating multi-tool
RRP: £79.99 (for bare tool)
Our rating: 3.8/5
- Buy now from ITS (£54.99), Ebay (£79.99), and WORX (79.99)
With a slim grip shape and light weight, this WORX WX696 is an ergonomically designed multi-tool. The narrow head means it can fit into tight corners, which makes it more useful, and with a speed from 5,000 - 18,000 opm in six steps it’s good enough for most DIY tasks. The clunky blade change mechanism is a bit annoying though. You need to unscrew a bolt to change blades, but at least the key is stored on the back of the tool. Although it doesn’t come with a case, the 40-piece accessory kit is particularly generous. You get a segmented saw blade, two plunge cutting blades, a scraper blade, sanding pad, and 30 sanding sheets.
BLACK + DECKER MT300 corded oscillating multi-tool
RRP: £85.95
Our rating: 3.8/5
Pros:
- Easy blade changes
- Dust extractor hose included
- Hard carry case included
Cons:
- Big and heavy
- Extremely loud
- Lots of vibration
If you don’t want to buy into a battery system, then BLACK + DECKER’s corded multi-tool is a solid choice. Ideal for those with big hands, this is a formidable multi-tool with chunky stylings and a big barrel grip. It’s powered by a 300W brushed motor that pushes the blade from 10,000 - 20,000 opm in six steps. Blade changes are simple using the handy lever lock system, and you get three metres of power cord. It comes in a hard case with a plunge cut blade, segmented wood blade, two scrapers, a sanding attachment with dust extraction hose, and six sanding sheets.
Gtech multi-tool bundle
RRP: £159.96
Our rating: 3.5/5
- Buy now from Gtech (£159.96) and Ebay (£129.96)
Pros:
- Comfortable grip shape, easy to get into corners
- Bright LED work light right on the front
- Accepts universal blade types
Cons:
- Can’t stand up on its end
- Blade change is a pain with included accessories
- No case included
The Gtech is a rather chunky oscillating multi-tool with a big, comfortable grip shape. The battery has been fitted at an angle on the bottom to allow for a more comfortable working position, but it does mean, annoyingly, that the tool won’t stand up on its end. It runs from 8,000 - 18,000 opm in six steps. Changing the blades takes a bit of fiddling around. Even though it’s a lever type fitting, you can’t just ping the blade on and off because Gtech have included Starlock type blades rather than universal ones. The good thing is that you can fit universal blade types if you buy them separately. The modest accessory kit that comes with the multi-tool includes a segmented blade, a plunge blade, and a sanding pad with three sheets.
Titan TTB892MLT 300W corded electric multi-tool
RRP: £47
Our rating: 3.5/5
- Buy now from Screwfix (£47)
Pros:
- Affordable multi-tool kit
- Quick blade change function
Cons:
- Sluggish top speed
- No LED worklight
- Basic quality blades included
In-house brand for tool giants Screwfix, Titan is a reliable name in the DIY world and this is a low-cost option if you want a basic but powerful oscillating multi-tool. It’s rather heavy, and the barrel grip shape is basic, but you still get a lot for your money. The 300 Watt brushed motor powers the blades from 10,000 - 19,000 opm in six steps, and it has a reasonable 2.5 m power cable. You also get a hard plastic case, two plunge cut blades, a scraper blade, segmented blade, and a sanding head with nine sanding sheets.n adapter for fitting Starlock type blades is included as well.
Which is the best multi-tool to buy?
If you’re looking for the best oscillating multi-tool, you need to think about your needs and the job in front of you. If you have already bought into a power tool battery system, then buying a “bare” tool from a quality manufacturer can save you some money. If you’re only performing light DIY tasks, you won’t need a professional level multi-tool. Planning to renovate an entire house? You might need something more substantial with a brushless motor and rugged Starlock blades. For DIYers on a budget, corded oscillating multi-tools are affordable, if less portable, tools to add to your collection. Take a look at our in-depth guide on how to choose the best cordless tools for more information. And don’t forget, using the best multi-tool blades make a huge difference to the performance of any multi-tool.
Once you’ve bought the best oscillating multi-tool for your next project, you’ll probably wonder how you got anything done before. They’re hugely versatile pieces of equipment that can cut, sand, polish, and scrape a wide variety of materials. Want to cut into floor boards? The plunge cutting ability of a multi-tool is not found in almost any other power tool. If you’re a keen DIYer, a multi-tool will soon become a valued part of your tool collection.
And if you’re a crafter, a rotary multi-tool might just become your new best friend too. With a hundred different applications from engraving to polishing, it’s a high precision tool that will fit into the tightest spaces when you need it to.
What can I use a multi-tool for?
The best trick you can perform with an oscillating multi-tool is the plunge cut. A plunge cut is when you cut straight into the material with the blade. It makes it the ideal tool to use if you’re planning to make a nesting box. The oscillating nature of a multi-tool means you can “push” the blade straight into the work without the need to drill starter holes. This neat trick isn’t the only thing a multi-tool can do however, because there are a wide variety of different blades and pads available to fit on the end of the tool. For example, you can sand and polish materials like wood and metal with the correct pad attached. Need to flush cut close to a wall or floor? With the right blade, you can undercut a door frame architrave to install new wooden floors. The best multi-tool will cut through metal or other materials with different size and shape blades, grind out grout from between tiles, and even chop silicone beading without making a huge mess as well.
Before you start cutting, sanding, or polishing, you need to make sure you’re wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE. multi-tools all share one particular trait- they’re loud. Ensure you have ear defenders, protective glasses and an appropriate dust mask. Once you’ve got the best cordless multi-tool in hand, you should practise with it on pieces of scrap wood or metal. Get to know how the tool works when you’re plunge cutting or flush cutting, for example. Multi-tools only work properly, and safely, when the workpiece is clamped down or fixed securely.
How we tested oscillating and rotary multi-tools
The BBC Gardeners' World Magazine reviews team tested a variety of multi-tools in and around the home and garden,using oscillating multi-tools to cut into different wood and metal surfaces with a range of blades, as well as sanding using different grit sandpapers, and rotary multi-tools to drill, carve, and sand different surfaces. The following criteria were used to calculate the scores, with equal weight given to each:
- Ease of use: Observed how easy blade changes were, if there were any special features like handles and work lights.
- Comfort: Evaluated the weight and shape of the tool, how easy it is to work in tight spaces, how much vibration and noise there was during operation.
- Performance: Tested the range of speeds available to the tool, how well it cut into different materials or sanded surfaces.
- Value for money: Considered all of above, plus if it came with a case, batteries, and the variety of accessories included.
This Review was last updated in January 2024. We apologise if the price or availability of the reviewed products has changed.
]]> The best hammers in 2023 https://www.gardenersworld.com/reviews/tools/diy-kit/best-hammers/ Mon, 07 Aug 2023 15:20:07 GMT https://www.gardenersworld.com/reviews/tools/diy-kit/best-hammers/ Using the right hammer makes garden DIY easier, more enjoyable, and safer. Browse our pick of the best hammers for general DIY jobs. One of the most common and essential pieces of kit for DIY in the garden and home is the claw hammer. With a long handle and a weighted head, they have a face for striking and driving in nails, and a claw for removing nails and prying apart boards. Whether you’re making a hedgehog house, mending fences or building a shed, a claw hammer is a vital tool.
Claw hammers come in many weights and with different features, and not every claw hammer can comfortably perform each DIY hammering task, so it’s important to get the right one for your needs. While many hammers are designed for driving nails straight, some are specialised to drive them at certain angles, or to only apply a limited amount of force and not damage softer materials. Using the right hammer for the job will help you get your DIY tasks done easily, safely and well.
If you’re looking to get started on some Garden DIY projects, consider our expert reviews on the best cordless drills or best multi-tools, and guides to the best drill bits or screwdriver sets. If you’re looking for project inspiration, why not check out our guides on 10 ways to improve your shed, or how to build a hedgehog house.
Best hammers to buy at a glance
- Best Buy for comfort - Stanley fibreglass curved claw 20oz
- Best Buy for value - Magnusson 20oz
- Best Buy for design - Roughneck 20oz claw hammer gorilla V-series
- Best Buy for versatility - Draper expert claw hammer, 450g/16oz
- Best Buy for heavy duty garden DIY - Estwing curved claw hammer 20oZ
Our expertise
We tested a range of claw hammers by deconstructing and reconstructing pallets made of hardwood, removing nails from hardwood of different levels of thickness and driving new nails into them. To help you find the right one for your garden DIY needs, each of our reviews has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to comfort, design, and value for money. Every hammer in our round up below has scored a minimum of 3.5 out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.
Jump to:
- Best Buy claw hammers
- The best of the rest
- How to choose a claw hammer
- Hammer features
- Which hammer handle is best?
- How we tested claw hammers
In every review we award the outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best hammers below:
Best hammers in 2023
Stanley fibreglass curved claw hammer 20oz
RRP: £13.61
Our rating: 4.5/5
- Buy now from Halfords (£9.49) or FFX (£9.95)
Pros:
- Very comfortable to use
- Easy nail removal
- Very well constructed
Cons:
- Will struggle on thick, tough materials
- Will be hard to find if dropped in long grass
We awarded this hammer a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for the best claw hammer for comfort. The Stanley fibreglass curved claw hammer 20oz has a sturdy, well-constructed appearance, and at 370mm long and weighing 560g, it’s balance almost entirely favours its head over the fibreglass handle. Its grip is rubber, with ribs for grip and in use, this is secure, comfortable, and its handle absorbs shock well. It delivers strong blows with the head, but with such reduced vibration that it doesn’t cause discomfort, even from moderate periods of work. This comfort does come at the cost of a small amount of striking power, as the Stanley will take a little more time to drive long nails into thick hardwood than some of the other hammers in our test, but even if it takes longer to drive nails into tough materials, it’s still comfortable. This is a good hammer for someone looking to do moderate DIY tasks, such as mending a shed or fence, without causing strain on their arms. This hammer also comes with a limited lifetime warranty against defects.
Magnusson claw hammer 20oz
RRP: £13.40
Our rating: 4.3/5
- Buy now from B&Q (£13.40) or Screwfix (£12.99)
Pros:
- Delivers powerful strikes
- Durable face
- Pries out nails easily
Cons:
- Too powerful for very delicate DIY
- Low shock absorbance
Awarded a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for value, this hammer is resilient, well-made, and rivals more expensive hammers in power. Made from carbon steel, the Magnusson claw hammer 20oz has a sturdy one-piece design. About 325mm long and weighing 566g, the Magnusson feels weighty and well-made, with a balance that favours weight towards its face, helping it deliver powerful strikes. This hammer’s power makes short work of most hammering tasks, even driving long nails into thick hardwood with ease, but it might be too powerful to use easily when performing delicate DIY work such as driving into thin plywood. While the hammer doesn’t demonstrate the same shock absorbance as some of the other hammers in our test, the power delivered by each blow means it’s likely to finish tasks before fatigue or discomfort sets in. Prying out nails with the Magnusson’s claw is also easy, and the leverage its claw provides feels powerful, yet even. Able to drive galvanised nails through thick wood without any notable scratches on its face, this hammer comes with a lifetime guarantee and is most useful for heavy-duty tasks, such as working with hardwood to build garden furniture, or a shed, and for anyone who wants a reliable, durable hammer.
Roughneck Gorilla 11-010 V-Series claw hammer - 20oz
RRP: £28.17
Our rating: 4/5
- Buy now from Wickes (£26.50), or FFX (£21.95)
Pros:
- Drives well
- Removes nails well
- Magnetic nail starter and additional claw
Cons:
- Face is prone to scratching
- Less effective when driving into harder materials.
Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for design, this hammer is ideal for those working with softer materials like redwood for making garden furniture or fences. Measuring 365mm, the roughneck’s twin-girder design - two bars, connected by crisscrossing small metal beams, is immediately striking to look at. But this design isn’t just for show, it helps to offset the vibrations felt when using this one-piece steel hammer. While it doesn’t erase this discomfort completely, it still has a notable improvement over other steel one-piece hammers and although it may not be as ergonomic as the Stanley, it can be comfortably used on hardwood in short bursts. Weighing 947g, the strikes this hammer delivers are good, even, and it has several additional claws at the tip of its primary claw, which makes removing difficult nails very easy, even at awkward angles. It also has a magnetic nail holder, so starting a nail is much easier. Simply fit the nail into the magnetic slot and drive it into the material. This hammer also comes with a 25-year guarantee, meaning you can rely on it for years to come.
Draper Expert claw hammer, 16oz
RRP: £16.35
Our rating: 4/5
- Buy now from FFX (£14.95), or B&Q (£19.32)
Pros:
- Has a lot of power for its weight
- Comfortable to hold
- Particularly good for more delicate tasks
Cons:
- May cause straining after extended periods of driving into hardwood
- Hard to find if dropped in garden
The Draper expert claw hammer 16oz is a good all-rounder, able to work well with every type of material without issue, for these reasons we’ve awarded the Draper expert claw hammer 16oz a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for versatility. At 3.19mm tall and weighing 740g, it has a standard claw hammer appearance, but the handle is a hollow, hardened tube, which gives the head a weightier feel and increased shock absorption. This improved shock absorption and balance give it the power to work with moderately thick hardwood without causing discomfort. The claw also performs well and is able to get purchase on awkward nails and remove them smoothly and without effort. It’s worth noting that the lacquer coating did get quite scratched after working with hardwood in our test but this damage is only aesthetic. One of this hammer’s biggest strengths is how well-rounded it is, and its ability to work with hard and softwood without struggle. It’s a good choice for anyone looking for a sturdy hammer to work with any material. It comes with Draper’s Lifetime warranty on hand tools.
Estwing curved claw hammer 20oz
RRP: £72.70
Our rating: 4/5
- Buy now from Toolstation (£42.99), or Toolstop (£36.00)
Pros:
- Drives well, even strikes
- Grippy, comfortable handle
- Removes nails well
Cons:
- Slight discomfort with extended thick hardwood hammering
- Hefty price tag
- Would be hard to find if dropped in long grass
Winner of the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for heavy-duty garden DIY, American brand Estwing offers a well-rounded hammer that produces some serious striking power with little effort. This one-piece steel hammer has a traditional design and appearance, it feels well-made and hefty, but not heavy, with a balance that favours the head. Weighing 862g and at 343mm long, it’s a little longer than the Magnusson, and its strikes nails just as well. While the Magnusson may have more immediate power, the even strikes from this hammer are better for ensuring that nails don’t bend, and can be corrected if they’re at an angle. Importantly, it also has an ergonomic grip that’s comfortable to use even when hammering into thick hardwood for a long time. The Estwing’s claw removes nails smoothly with little effort, even from tougher materials. Although, the Estwing’s high price tag may be enough to discourage casual users, this high price is offset by its clear reliability and durability. This hammer is ideal for anyone looking for a long-lasting, reliable tool for demanding, heavy-duty garden DIY projects, such as building a shed or putting up fences.
The best of the rest
Although some models didn’t quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award, they still have great features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test.
Estwing Sure Strike claw hammer 16oz
RRP: £45.10
Our rating: 4/5
- Buy now from Manomano (£36.68), or Toolstation (£19.17)
Pros
- Good power in spite of light weight
- Comfortable to use
- Delivers good strikes as promised
Cons
- Struggles with stubbier nails
- Too light for use on just hardwood
The Estwing Sure Strike claw hammer 16oz is well-made, comfortable, and only let down by its relative lack of power. At 330mm long, this one-piece steel hammer is traditional in design aside from its striking face, which is in the shape of a ‘D’, rather than rounded and helps it to deliver more direct blows without slipping. Well-made and weighing 750g, the balance is even, not overtly favouring the head. This balance makes the hammer more manoeuvrable, but does come at the cost of its power, and driving short nails into hardwood is a more difficult task compared to some of the other hammers in this test. However, this lack of power is offset by how comfortable the sure strike is to use and it causes very little strain and discomfort. The Estwing Sure Strike is well suited to those working with softwood, and happy to invest in a comfortable and reliable hammer.
Dekton fibreglass claw hammer, 20oz
RRP: £8.99
Our rating: 3.8
- Buy now from B&Q (£8.99), or Amazon (£8.30)
Pros:
- Good impact absorption.
- Good power
- Easy-to-find if dropped in grass
Cons:
- Doesn’t feel like it can withstand prolonged heavy-duty use
- Unfinished appearance
The Dekton fibreglass claw hammer is a powerful, comfortable claw hammer with some rough edges. At first glance it’s a standard fibreglass hammer, weighing 720g and 335mm long with a light shaft and a well-balanced head. The unfinished appearance, including loose bits of rubber on its handle may be off putting for some, but it feels sturdy and well-made in spite of its appearance. It delivers strong, even blows, driving straight through thick hardwood without much effort or discomfort and while it doesn’t have the comfort of the Stanley fibreglass curved claw hammer, it still has good shock absorbance. The Dekton’s claw also levers up nails smoothly and evenly. Although this hammer doesn’t feel like it has the longevity that one-piece hammers like the Estwing Curved Claw have, it’s a good budget hammer for gardeners with a small number of projects. This hammer doesn’t have a warranty, but its lower price means it still provides good value for money.
How to choose a claw hammer
There’s a number of things to consider when choosing a claw hammer. Powerful hammers tend to be harder to control, and more exhausting to use, but a hammer that’s too light for the task can be equally tiring. So for general use, you should use the heaviest hammer you can use comfortably.
However, this depends also on the task, if your hammer is too heavy and powerful for the task you’re looking to perform you run the risk of damaging the material. So be sure to consider what you’re working with, how much power you’ll need, and choose a hammer to suit those needs.
Finally, once you’ve considered your power, and the materials you’re working with, remember it’s always better to focus on even strikes to drive the nail. These give you more control over the hammer, and time to rectify your mistakes. Always choose a hammer you can safely control.
Hammer features
Hammers can have many different features, which make them suited for different tasks. To help you choose the right hammer for the task, see our guide to their features below:
One-piece or single-piece hammers - These hammers are formed entirely from one piece of metal, rather than having a head attached to a handle. Although they tend to be more durable, single piece hammers lack shock absorbency, meaning your hand and arm feel the vibrations and impact of each blow. This can be exhausting so always check for anti-vibration features before buying a single piece hammer.
Milled face - This is a waffle-like impression on the face of some hammers. Milled faces tend to be good for accuracy and won’t rub the coating off galvanised nails when striking them. However, they may leave an ugly imprint if they impact a soft surface, which a smooth hammer face tends not to do.
Magnetic Nail Starter - A magnetic slot for nails, typically just above the hammer’s face that holds the nail for you. Rather than having to hold and tap in nails, known as ‘starting’, you simply set the nail in place and hammer it in. This comes at the cost of some accuracy, as driving a nail in this way isn’t as precise as holding it in place yourself, but it makes starting much easier and is very useful for those with grip issues.
Extra Claws - Some hammers have small divots or gaps in the hammer’s claw, typically large enough to grasp nails too short for the main claw to gain purchase. These claws are usually positioned perpendicular to the handle or at the tip of the main claw, to give good leverage.
Which hammer handle is the best?
The design and material of a hammer handle can affect its overall toughness and impact absorption, so it’s important to choose one that best suits your needs. Hammer handles are typically made from the following materials, each with its own pros and cons:
- Wood. Relatively inexpensive, wood absorbs shock quite well, but wooden handles do degrade over time and can break if put under enough stress.
- Metal. Extremely durable and long-lived, but quite poor at absorbing shock by itself. Metal handles often come with large rubber grips to help reduce vibrations from impact.
- Fibreglass. The best handle type for absorbing shock, fibreglass handles are light but tend to be more expensive and less durable than wood or metal.
How we tested claw hammers
The BBC Gardeners' World Magazine reviews team tested a range of claw hammers, with each product used to deconstruct and reconstruct hardwood pallets to see how they fared. They were assessed according to the following criteria, with equal marks attributed to each:
- Design: Looked at the material and quality of the head and handle, the design of the tool and grip features.
- Comfort: Assessed how comfortable the hammer was to hold and use, taking into account the weight, size, handle length, ergonomics and grip.
- Performance: Focused on how well the hammer drove nails of varying lengths into pieces of hardwood of varying width.
- Value for money: Considered all of the above along with special features, length of warranty and the price.
For more information on our testing process, see How we review.
This review was last updated in June 2023. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.
]]> The best wood-splitting axes in 2023 https://www.gardenersworld.com/reviews/tools/diy-kit/best-wood-splitting-axes/ Thu, 18 May 2023 09:50:43 GMT https://www.gardenersworld.com/reviews/tools/diy-kit/best-wood-splitting-axes/ Having the right axe makes a massive difference to the ease of making your own firewood. Browse our pick of the best axes for splitting logs and making kindling The cost of heating a home, along with the surge in popularity of outdoor firepits and chimineas, has created a huge demand for firewood.
An axe is an essential tool if you use wood from your own trees or buy whole logs, as large pieces will need to be split to fit your stove or fireplace. If the logs are still very fresh, splitting also helps them to dry out enough to be useful as firewood.
An axe is also handy for making little sticks and slivers of kindling. Making your own kindling is much cheaper and more environmentally friendly than buying it in plastic bags or using most types of commercial firelighter.
Axes come in many sizes and weights, so it’s important to choose one that’s right both for you and for the task. While many axes are designed specifically for either splitting larger logs or making kindling, some of the mid-sized models could be used for both jobs.
Creating your own firewood can be a very satisfying job that helps to keep heating bills down – and it’s excellent exercise, too. There’s a saying that wood warms twice: once when it’s split and again when it’s burned!
Our expert testers trial hundreds of garden tools to work out which will do the job well and offer the best value, comfort and quality. If you’re preparing freshly felled wood and need to remove small stems and branches, check out our guides to the best secateurs and the best loppers.
We’ve also tested essentials like the best garden spades and best hoes as well as more specific kit like the best garden shredders, the best hedge trimmers, the best pressure washers and the best strimmers. For your next DIY project, have a look at the best multi-tools, best cordless drills and the best drill bits.
Best wood-splitting axes at a glance
- Best axe for all-round wood splitting: Fiskars Norden splitting axe N12
- Best axe for kindling: Wilkinson Sword hatchet
- Best for safety: Kindling cracker original
- Best budget splitting axe: Burgon & Ball chopping axe
- Best small axe: Fiskars Norden N10
- Best long-handled axe for splitting wood: Corona Max forged felling and splitting axe
- Best large axe for tough wood: Bulldog log-splitting axe
Our expertise
To help you find the right tool we tested a wide range of axes to split logs of different sizes and woods, according to the recommended maximum for each axe. Each axe has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to design, comfort, performance and value for money. Every axe in our round-up below has scored a minimum of three out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.
Jump to:
- Best wood-splitting axes in 2023
- Best of the rest
- How to choose a wood-splitting axe
- How we tested wood-splitting axes
In every review we award the outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and others we recommend, browse our pick of the best wood-splitting axes below:
Best wood-splitting axes in 2023
Fiskars Norden splitting axe N12
RRP: £79.99
Our rating: 4.8/5
- Buy now from Toolden (£68.03) and FFX (£66.90)
Pros
- Versatile
- Comfortable and well balanced
- Premium and durable construction
- Outstanding design features
- Long warranty
Cons
- Expensive
Winner of a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy award for the best axe for all-round wood splitting, this is a premium, quality axe. Beautifully made and well-designed, it’s very comfortable to handle and use, with a perfectly balanced weight. This, coupled with a relatively light weight of 1.3kg and a mid-length shaft of 50cm, mean this axe is large enough to be used two-handed for splitting logs up to 20cm in diameter, while also being small and light enough for more accurate precision work like making kindling. So, the higher cost of this axe is balanced out by its versatility – there’s no need to have two separate axes for two different jobs.
The carbon-steel axe head has an anti-friction coating, and a precision-ground cutting edge helps to keep it sharp. The top end of the hickory-wood shaft has Fiskars’ special Fibercomp™ overstrike protection – claimed by the manufacturer to make that part of the handle virtually unbreakable. The axe head is securely attached to the shaft with an over-moulded connection, so there’s no danger of it ever flying off. This axe comes with a rigid plastic cover that fully encloses the head, and a 25-year warranty.
Wilkinson Sword hatchet
Price: £28.99
Our rating: 4.8/5
- Buy now from The Range (£24.99)
Pros
- Ultra-light and well balanced
- Very good for precision splitting
- Durable materials
- Excellent design features
Cons
- Limited to small work
Awarded a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for the best axe for kindling, this ultra-light, handy little axe is ideal for wood-splitting jobs that require precision and accuracy. Weighing in at just 610g with a length of 40cm, this very well-balanced axe is super-easy to handle, although its small size and weight do make it unsuited to larger jobs.
The excellent design has the top of the handle wrapped over the axe head (the only brand in our test apart from Fiskars to include this feature) so there’s no danger of the head flying off. The axe head is made from forged carbon steel while the handle is fibreglass and nylon, with a soft, non-slip grip and a flared end that makes it easier to hold the axe securely. A rigid plastic cover securely encloses the whole of the axe head, and the whole thing comes with a 10-year warranty.
Kindling Cracker Original
RRP: £129
Our rating: 4.8/5
- Buy now from Direct Stoves (£124.95), Fandango Fire Tools (£129)
Pros
- Easy to use
- Requires no sharpening
- Safe for users of any age
- Accessories available
- Five year warranty
Cons
- Heavy
- Best attached to a base
- Requires a sledge hammer
Although it isn't a traditional axe, this wood splitter does the job just as well, and once we'd tried it we had to include it in our wood splitting axe review. Forged from a single piece of recycled cast iron, this well designed and simple tool has an upturned axe blade set within a safety ring. It’s super easy to use, anyone can have a go - you simply need the strength to lift a hammer, and there are no safety concerns or worries. For these reasons we awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for safety.
To split wood you simply hold a log inside the ring and give it a tap with a sledge hammer so that it sits on the blade unsupported. You can then remove your hand and strike the wood again, until it splits. There’s no danger of hitting fingers or thumbs and the axe blade is protected from the hammer by the safety ring. The wedge shaped blade doesn’t need to be razor sharp but sharpening is simple if you need to. You do need to use a sledge hammer with the kindling cracker, so this is an extra expense if you don’t already own one, and although you're limited to splitting logs that fit within the 16cm diameter of the safety ring, a second King size cracker is also available with a larger 22cm diameter. We did find the Cracker easiest to use, permanently attached to a chopping block as it can move when splitting larger logs and screwing it to a block makes it more secure. We also found it struggled with large, unseen knots in wood, which catch on the blade and can make it tricky to get off, so it's best to check logs for knots before you chop.
Compared to many of the traditional axes in our test, the kindling cracker is expensive but there are a couple that cost more and it does come with a five year warranty. It feels very robust and long lasting however, and for the sheer ease of using it we think it’s a worthy Best Buy winner. The kindling cracker can be bought alone or as part of a bundle including a sledge hammer, fire lighters and cover and the cover is also available to buy separately.
- Buy now from Direct Stoves (£124.95), Fandango Fire Tools (£129)
Burgon and Ball chopping axe
RRP: £38.99
Our rating: 4.5/5
- Buy now from Farrar-Tanner (£40)
Pros
- Good price for size
- Comfortable and efficient
- Relatively light
- Well made with some environmentally friendly materials
Cons
- Hard to use on large or awkward pieces of wood
Awarded a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for the best budget splitting axe, this long-handled axe is well made using some traditional and environmentally friendly materials. The handle is made from FSC-certified hickory wood and there’s a soft leather pouch that fully encloses the axe head, secured by poppers. The axe head is forged carbon steel and the handle is shaped and slightly flared at the base, making the axe very comfortable to hold and ensuring a secure grip. With a moderately long handle of 73.5cm and an overall weight of 1.8kg, this axe is easy to swing hard using both hands and it successfully dealt with straightforward logs. However, it was less successful at tackling large or knotty pieces of wood. It’s a good axe for the price, especially as it’s backed up with a five-year warranty.
Fiskars Norden N10
RRP: £69.99
Our rating: 4.5/5
- Buy now from Toolden (£53.94) and FFX (£59.69)
Pros
- Comfortable and well balanced
- Premium and durable construction
- Outstanding design features
- Long warranty
Cons
- Expensive for relatively limited versatility
Awarded a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy for the best small axe, this smaller cousin to the Fiskars Norden N12 is of a similar premium build quality, is comfortable to use and has a perfectly balanced weight. This axe can be used one- or two-handed for precision work like making kindling, yet, with a shaft length of 35.5cm, is still just large enough to be used two-handed for splitting small logs. The overall weight of 1.2kg also gives this axe some force. The head is made of anti-friction coated carbon steel with a precision-ground cutting edge that stays sharp, and the top of the hickory-wood shaft has Fiskars’ Fibercomp™ coating to protect against overstrike damage.
The axe head is securely attached to the shaft with an over-moulded connection, so there’s no danger of it flying off. It comes with a rigid plastic cover that fully encloses the head, and a 25-year warranty.
Corona Max forged felling and splitting axe
RRP: £64.99
Our rating: 4.3/5
- Buy now from Burgon and Ball (£64.99)
Pros
- Very robust and well made
- Comfortable and well balanced in use
- Highly efficient
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Coating chips on the head
- No cover
Given a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy award for the best long-handled axe for splitting wood, this axe is designed for strength and durability as well as ease of use. Despite being one of the longest and heaviest axes we tested, with a 86.5cm handle and weighing in at 2.7kg, the balanced design makes this axe easy and comfortable to use for relatively long periods of time. The length of handle makes it possible to get a good swing to tackle logs of various sizes, including awkwardly shaped and gnarly ones. It comes with a lifetime warranty and is made from quality materials: the axe head is forged high-carbon steel and the handle has a fibreglass core with poly casing, flaring out slightly at the end to give a secure grip. Being bright red makes it hard to lose, too.
The only downsides are that the red coating on the side and back of the axe head did chip in several places after moderate use, so it may become battered-looking with age (although without affecting its durability) and there’s no cover supplied for the axe head.
Bulldog log-splitting axe
RRP: £35.51
Our rating: 4.3/5
- Buy now from Bulldog Hand Tools (£35.51) and F. R. Jones and Son (£16.64)
Pros
- Great for awkward wood
- Heavy head splits logs with force
- Keen price
Cons
- Relatively limited versatility
- Unbalanced
- Tiny blade cover
Winner of a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine Best Buy award for the best large axe for tough wood, this weighty, long-handled axe is good to have to hand for larger, gnarlier and more awkward logs. The 91.5cm fibreglass handle – the longest in our test – is completely straight with a soft grip and is shaped at the end for a secure hold. It’s one of the two heaviest axes on test at 2.7kg and it does feel head-heavy, making it hard work to use for any length of time. It’s therefore not really ideal to have as your only large axe (unless the user is very tall and strong), but given its low price, it would be worth having this one in the shed for those times when it’s necessary to wheel out the big guns.
One downside is the very small and thin cover for the axe blade, which could be lost very easily.
The best of the rest
Although some models didn’t quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award, they still have great features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest wood- splitting axes on test.
Burgon & Ball hatchet
RRP: £22.99
Our rating: 4.0/5
- Buy now from Farrar and Tanner (£24.00) and Burgon and Ball (£23.99)
Pros
- Comfortable to hold and use
- Good price
Cons
- Limited versatility
- Less balanced than some
- Lacks heft
This short-handled axe is well made using some traditional and environmentally friendly materials. The 41cm handle is made of FSC-certified hickory wood and there is a soft leather pouch that fully encloses the forged carbon steel axe head, secured by poppers.
The hickory wood handle is shaped and slightly flared at the base. This, combined with the relatively light weight of 900g, makes the axe secure and comfortable to hold, especially for single-handed for jobs like making kindling. But this model isn’t as well balanced as some others and lacks the force needed to tackle anything larger. It comes with a five-year guarantee.
Wilkinson Sword splitting axe
Price: £49.99
Our rating: 4.0/5
- Buy now from Wilkinson (£39.99)
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Comfortable and well balanced
- Fast to swing
Cons
- Only cuts straightforward logs
- Blade wore quickly
Despite its 71cm handle, this axe is very light at just 1.6kg, which makes it easy to get a fast swing to split wood with force. However, it couldn’t cope with larger or more awkwardly shaped logs, and the blade did show more signs of wear than others. The small axe head is made from forged carbon steel and, like the Fiskars axes on test, is enclosed by the handle to make it near-impossible to come apart in use. The handle is made from fibreglass and nylon, with a soft, non-slip grip and it has a flared end for a more secure hold. A rigid plastic cover securely encloses the whole of the axe head, and the whole thing comes with a 10-year warranty.
Niwaki hatchet
Price: £159.00
Our rating: 3.3/5
- Buy now from Niwaki (£159.00)
Pros
- Top quality materials
- Well balanced and comfortable
- Good for precision work
Cons
- High price
- Short guarantee
This Japanese-made hatchet axe is beautifully constructed using highly durable Japanese carbon steel, with a handle made from Japanese white oak. With a length of 45.5cm and weight of 1kg, it’s very well balanced and good to use one-handed for precision splitting on smaller pieces of wood. The head is fully enclosed with a striking red vinyl pouch. However, the price is exceptionally high, and the two-year guarantee is disappointingly short for the price and this level of quality.
Stihl forestry axe
Price: £40.66
Our rating: 3.3/5
- Buy now from F.R.Jones & Son (£33.89)
Pros
- Light for size
- Well balanced
Cons
- Awkward length
- Small blade cover
- Short guarantee
This medium-length axe is 60cm long, with the axe head weighing in at 1kg. The ash handle is shaped and flared at the end to give a comfortable grip and the steel head has a small plastic cover for the blade only, which could be easily lost.
However, this axe is too long to use single-handed while also not being sufficiently long to comfortably use two-handed and get a good swing, even for the shortest of our testers. It comes with a two-year guarantee.
B&Q Magnusson hickory splitting axe
Price: £34.00
Our rating: 3.3/5
- Buy now from B & Q (£34.00) and Trade P0int (£34.00)
Pros
- Keen price and lifetime guarantee
- Large head
Cons
- Rather unbalanced
- Straight handle
- Hard to use
This long-handled axe with a hickory handle and forged carbon steel head is one of the largest in our test with a length of 80cm and weight of 2.6kg. The axe head has a thick, wedge-like shape but, although reasonably efficient and good in some regards, needs more force to split logs. This, combined with the considerable weight, makes it less balanced than most, so it’s tiring to use for any length of time. The wooden handle is also totally straight with no shaping or grip features. However, the price is low, a cover is supplied that encloses the whole head, and the whole thing is backed up by a lifetime guarantee.
How to choose a wood-splitting axe
A wood-splitting axe is designed to split large pieces of wood into smaller ones – either into logs of a suitable size to fit your stove or fireplace, or to make kindling.
The size and type of axe needed depends on whether the wood to be split is for logs or for kindling. Big chunks of wood need to be tackled with a larger axe with a medium to long handle, to achieve a high, fast swing using both hands. Smaller axes, often called hatchets, are designed to be used single-handed for greater precision and accuracy to cut small sticks or slivers of kindling wood. Whatever the size, wood-splitting axes are designed to split the wood along the grain, rather than across.
The type and quality of wood being split is also something to consider. Straight-grained slices of tree trunk or thick branches are relatively straightforward to split with most axes of a sufficient length, whereas anything that’s knotty, gnarly or particularly large will need to be tackled with a heavier axe with a longer handle in order to hit it with enough force and speed.
Also consider the construction, material, durability, warranty period and price – as well as how much the axe will be used.
And, at the risk of stating the obvious, an axe must suit your physical build and strength, otherwise you put yourself at considerable extra risk of accident or injury.
Handle
Most axe handles are made of wood or fibreglass. Wood is traditionally popular for its shock-absorbing qualities and hickory is a favourite due to its strength and flexibility. White oak is also very strong and is used for premium axes, though it’s less flexible. Ash is the lightest option and is springy and flexible, but copes less well with damp conditions and may need treating with oil.
An axe handle is usually shaped to a lesser or greater degree to give a good grip and to prevent hands slipping off the lower end of the shaft. Budget axes may only have straight handles. Fibreglass handles have to be straight but usually have a soft, textured grip of some sort.
Head
Most axe heads use carbon steel as it’s hard, is easy to sharpen and stands up to corrosion. Cheaper steel is used for budget axes and, though still hard and durable, does wear and corrode more readily. Most axes are made of medium-carbon steel, with premium models made using high-carbon steel which has greater hardness, strength and corrosion resistance.
Cover
Nearly all axes are supplied with a head or blade cover. This protects the axe from damage and corrosion whilst not in use and prevents accidental injury. The design and material of head covers varies considerably between models.
What type of axe is best for splitting wood?
The best axe for splitting wood should be comfortable to handle and suit your height, physical build and strength. For splitting large chunks of wood such as bits of tree trunk or large branches, the handle must be long enough to swing the axe with both hands from above your head to exert sufficient force. The best axe for kindling should be light enough to use with one hand and with a shorter swing.
How do I choose a wood-splitting axe length?
Choosing the best-length axe for splitting wood depends on several factors. There is great variation on handle length and choosing the right one depends to a large extent on the type and size of wood to be split. A longer handle is suited to splitting bigger pieces of wood as it gives a greater swing and hence greater force. Shorter handles give more precision but less force. As described above, the axe must also suit your physical build and strength.
Are heavier axes better for wood splitting?
A heavier axe head gives more force to split the wood, but only up to the point that the user can physically handle the weight. If the axe is too heavy to lift and swing comfortably, the actual force and effectiveness is reduced. Plus, there’s a big safety element to consider if the user is struggling to swing a heavy axe and land it accurately on the wood, as well as the possibility of physical injury from trying to lift and handle an over-heavy tool.
Using an axe with care Always stay safe when using an axe. Wear safety glasses, stout gloves, safety footwear and clothing that covers arms and legs. When not in use, put on the safety cover and store well out of reach of children.
How we tested wood-splitting axes
The BBC Gardeners' World Magazine reviews team tested a range of wood-splitting axes, with each product used to split logs or to split kindling to see how they fared. They were assessed according to the following criteria, with equal marks attributed to each:
- Design: Looked at the material and quality of the blade and handle, the design of the tool and grip features.
- Comfort: Assessed how comfortable the axe was to hold and use, taking into account the weight, size, handle length, ergonomics and grip.
- Performance: Focused on how well the axe cut a variety of sizes and types of wood up to the maximum diameter specified for the product, and how durable the blade and handle proved.
- Value for money: Considered all of the above along with special features, length of warranty and the price.
For more information on our testing process, see How we review
This review was last updated in May 2023. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.
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