Measure twice, cut once

Tapes, levels and lasers: how to get a straight line on a crooked wall, and when a laser pays for itself.

Start with the basics

Start with the jobs you do most often, not the ones you might do one day. A good tool you use every week beats a drawer of gadgets.

Choose what fits the work

Weight, balance and grip matter more on a long day than the last bit of power. Hold a tool before you buy it if you can, and pick the one that feels right overhead.

• Match batteries across your tools.
• Keep blades and bits sharp and clean.
• Wear eye and ear protection every time.

Look after it

Wipe tools down at the end of the day, store batteries indoors in winter and check cables for wear before you plug in.

Buy once, look after it, and it will outlast the job.

Ask when unsure

Not sure which tool suits the job? Write to us with what you are building and we will point you to the right one.