Tools & Equipment I Use

I've put together a list of the tools and equipment I actually use in my workshop and on the Fix Make channel. Everything here has been in my hands — if I haven't used it personally, it doesn't make the list.

Got a favourite bit of kit I should know about? Drop a comment on a relevant video over on my YouTube channel and I'll check it out.

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Tools

Adjustable Spanner/Wrench — An essential for any plumbing job. I reach for this constantly on tap repairs and washing machine installs.

Brad Nail Gun — 240V pin nailer that has been brilliant. Incredibly light and easy to use — takes the faff out of fixing trim and small components.

Compound Mitre Saw — My most-used workshop tool. Accurate, consistent, and makes quick work of anything that needs a clean angled cut.

Cordless Drill — I've been using Makita cordless kit for years. My current drill is eight years old and still going strong. That kind of reliability is hard to argue with.

Cordless Impact Driver — Makita 18v. The impact action drives screws faster and with far less effort — once you've used one you won't go back. A decent set of Driver Bits is all a must.

SDS Drill Cordless — Makita cordless SDS. Strong enough to get through most stuff, with the connivence of batteries, and light enough to get to a site easily. SDS drills require special SDS drill bits, but once you try using one to drill a hole in a solid wall… you won’t go back to your old squealy drill.

Orbital Sander — A proper workhorse. Good vibration dampening and produces a great finish if you work up through the grits. I use this on almost every woodworking project.

Spirit Level — I use this short spirit level for loads of jobs, from hanging pictures to levelling washing machines.

Longs Spirit Level - I use this longer version for check plumb and level when putting up posts and fencing, shelving and cabinets and just as a good straight edge.

Wire Strippers — Makes stripping cable clean and safe. Worth having a decent pair rather than doing it with a knife.

Equipment

Gaffer Tape — I always have at least three rolls in the workshop. This brand is reliable and doesn't cost the earth — essential for everything from clamping glue joints to temporary fixes around the house.

Humidity Sensor — Simple, clear readout. I use this to keep an eye on my garage / workshop and know when to run the dehumidifier. Damp causes problems for tools, timber and lots of other things.

Mitre Fast Glue — My go-to for quick jig making and fast fixes. Combine it with PVA for a stronger bond when you need it. Saves a huge amount of time.

Spax Wood Screws — Sharp, reliably hard and drive cleanly into most timbers without splitting the wood. The heads don't strip as easily as cheaper alternatives. These are my everyday screws.

Plumbing

Replacement Mixer Tap Cartridges — The fix for a dripping mixer tap.

PTFE Plumber's Tape — Essential for sealing threaded plumbing connections. A few wraps around the thread before fitting stops leaks before they start.

Adjustable Water Pump Pliers — The right tool for gripping and turning pipe fittings. Much better than an adjustable spanner for plumbing work.

Copper Pipe Cutters - Compact and really easy to use, great for giving a clean, burr free cut to a pipe.

Washing Machine Hoses — Always worth having a spare set. If you're fitting a new machine, check the existing hoses before reusing them.

Safety

Safety Glasses — A must for any DIYer. Wear them whenever you're drilling, cutting or sanding. These are comfortable enough that you'll actually keep them on.

Filming Gear

Main Camera — Fuji X-E4 — A hangover from my street photography days but still one of my favourite cameras. Mirrorless, 4K, and those Fuji colours are hard to beat.

GoPro Hero 7 Black — Six years old and still going strong. 4K, waterproof, dustproof. The files are a bit heavy to process but the footage quality is excellent.

DJI Mini 4K Drone — I've used one of these on professional shoots as well as Fix Make videos. Incredibly easy to fly and still produces great 4K footage.

ND Filters for Drone — Essential for daytime filming. Without these the footage looks overexposed and washed out in bright conditions.

Screen Colour Calibrator — Another photography holdover but genuinely useful for video editing. Quick, accurate, and means what I see on screen matches what everyone else sees.

I also keep an UK Amazon recommendations store updated with tools and equipment I use and trust.

Based in the US? Browse my Amazon US recommendations store.