Best Cordless Screwdriver

Golden Shed winner improved further!

The truly excellent Bosch IXO cordless screwdriver has been improved further with the addition of a LED work light and improved switches and accessories.

I gave the IXO a coveted Golden Shed Award as it was the first power tool to have the unbeatable Lithium Ion battery.

The IXO is one of my favourite tools and the IXO 2 was even better. The came the IXO 3 with angled head and now the IXO 4 has attachments.

 Use the IXO and you will never want to be without it! This is the smallest cordless screwdriver available and has been copied by many manufacturers.

Now Available IXO 4! with better charging station and optional right angled or offset head attachment. These new accessories make the IXO 4 the best and most versatile small cordless screwdriver.

Use the  link opposite to get the latest IXO at the best price and also support my work finding the best tools.

The IXO deal with the accessories included is the best.

Use link in box above - (may not work with Firefox browser)

Shatterproof Inspection Lamp

This new rechargeable LED inspection lamp is so tough I can be seen smashing it against a bench on Youtube and still not managing to break it or even make the bulbs flicker!

Not having a cable makes this lamp safer and easier to use. Also the LED bulbs are bright and efficient so the battery will last ages before it needs recharging.

This is one of the most impressive new products I have tested for Fredshed and although there are similar looking torches on sale in builders merchants they don't have the special indestructible resin case.

Tools on test - best wire stripper and crimper

I have owned and thrown away many pairs of wire strippers over the last 20 years and have been on a mission to find the best and most reliable tool.

Automatic wire strippers often start off working well and then just when you are doing an important job they fail and mangle or cut the wire. Many times I have had to fall back on using my simple plier type strippers to get a job done.

Currently I am  trying a new set of automatic wire strippers, crimpers and cutters from my old friends at Draper Tools. I will be giving this tool a lot of use on many types of wire and reporting back. So far so good and I am very impressed with the accuracy of the stripping.

As you can see from the image to the right, I was able to take off the thick outer protective plastic insulation and then strip off the very thin coloured insulation from 4 audio and video cables. This very delicate work was achieved in seconds and with great accuracy.

This is the best tool for cutting down wires when changing a 3 pin plug!

Multi-purpose VDE pliers for Electrical Work

These Draper Ergo VD pliers have 7 functions and are highly insulated for electrical safety. The functions include 3 different wire cutters, a crimper and pattress screw cutters for those M3 and M5 screws that hold sockets in but are often too long. There is also a wire looping device so you can nicely loop wire to place around terminals.

The pleirs are very well made and have a new ergonomic shape that make them comfortable to hold for those tricky little moments.

Full time professional electricians will have a range of pliers but if you are short of tool box space or are not a full time sparky then these pliers will serve you well.

 Check price of Draper Ergo VDE Pliers at another Fredshed partner

Red and Yellow Pliers are specially insulated and certified fro electrical use.

These new Draper ones have 7 functions to cover the most common electrical jobs.

Some recommended books

Most information about DIY can easily be found on the internet now but sometimes a book is a better option.

A book can be taken with you to wherever you are working and you can make notes on it too.

Any book , CD, DVD or product bought via my links to Amazon will help support my work independently testing and reviewing products

3 books that could save you 0000's of £££££££s

The Warmest Thermal Socks in the World!

The Best Socks For wearing with Wellingtons

As I am a paraplegic and cant feel my feet I have poor circulation and can easily get hyperthermia. So keeping my extremities warm is so important to me that I go the extreme lengths to keep warm when gardening in the winter. My battery powered heated socks and hand knitted willy warmer were not a great success and some people say I was the inspiration for Wallace from Wallace and Grommet

One of my greatest new product discoveries are the Heat Holder Thermal socks. These brilliant new socks use the latest fleece flocking technology to produce the highest tog rating of any sock so far. 2.3 tog. They are available in many colours and sizes and are so soft and comfortable that I even wear them in bed!

Heat Holders Thermal socks are a must for Gardeners and anyone who works outdoors. I also think they are the best bed sock too!

Buy the Extra Long Ones if you use Wellingtons!

Men's and Women's Normal Length   

Men's and Women's  Extra long for Wellies!

AVAILABLE IN 9 COLOURS

The Ubiquitous Black & Decker workmate

Arguably the best product that Black & Decker have ever made and the most successful DIY invention for an independent inventor.

There are many versions available now and many copies.

You still cant go far wrong with the standard no frills models

State of the art Screws in Metal Box

Concept KTX Drive Kit

These tried and trusted KTX screws are a huge hit with the building trade as they have a patented head that looks like posidrive but click fits into its bit for better traction. if you use an impact driver then the connection between the bit and screwhead is crucial. KTX screws and bits give the best connection possible.

The screw thread can also cut its own hole which saves time and gives a firm hold.

This comprehensive kit comes with bits supplied in a robust metal case. refill packs available at Jewsons and other builders merchants.

This metal case contains every woodscrew you might need, and includes driver and special bits.

Best torch ever!

Latest LED reflector technology

New technology bulbs and reflectors now enable torches to be significantly brighter AND last longer!

The torch shown right uses the latest technology and is designed for the Police . I have personally checked and they do use them.  It is only  5 inches long and weights 148g but is bright enough to dazzle a crim at 100 yards. (For the tech-heads this torch gives out 105 Lumens!)

It also runs of 3 normal AAA batteries, held in a secure cartridge that fits perfectly inside the torch.

This is easily the best torch I have used in my 49 years on this planet!

The Led Lenser Police Tech torch can be focused by twisting the end and comes in a range of colours.

Gold plated connectors on  the battery cassette ensure total reliability from the 3 AAA batteries.

I have used this torch for 5 years now and it is something I would not want to lose. If you are looking for a practical present for someone look no further!

You wont see one of these in a charity shop along with the foot spas, electric steamers and other tat.

Use the link opposite to get an unbeatable price or the link below if you dont believe me!

use the link below to compare the price against tooled-up.com

 check price of the Ultimate Torch -The LED-Lenser Police tech

LATEST MODEL - SLIGHTLY LARGER - EVEN BRIGHTER

NEW MODEL  EVEN MORE POWERFUL THAN THE POLICE TECH!

The image above shows the new Led Lensor T7 tactical torch which is only slightly bigger than the police tech focus but is almost twice as bright!

This incredible torch uses 4 AAA batteries to give 200 Lumens and also has a very useful one handed sliding focus feature.

If you want the most powerful, but small, LED torch then i think this is the one and I absolutely love it. It comes with a sturdy case and presentation box if you want to give it as a present. I think using 4 AAA batteries instead of 3 is a great idea as they tend to come in packs of 4 anyway. Use the links opposite to buy the best LED torch available and also help my work testing products.

 Check price of Lenser T7 Torch at another Fredshed partner

Check price of Lenser T7 Torch at another Fredshed partner

Best and Easiest to use Knife Sharpener

I love Japanese food and especially Sashimi - (raw fish). A super sharp knife is essential for fine slicing and I use a 10 year old Sabatier kitchen knife and sharpen it regularly. ( I also have "the worlds sharpest knife" but that's another story).

I use this fantastic sharpener that slides along the blade. It has V shaped tungsten carbide teeth that create the perfect sharpening angle. The finger guard makes it extra safe and quick to use. (10 seconds or 3-4 swipes)

To test this tool I gave one to my fishmonger who was very impressed and uses it constantly. Reader feedback on this product is also superb and I have personally used one for 3 years now.

This is the original USA made tungsten-carbide knife sharpener with reversible double sided sharpening blade, that will last years and safely keep your knives very sharp.

This is not some cheap, Chinese made copy that has single sided blades that may well ruin your knife (but only cost you £3-£5).