THE WORKSHOP NOTEBOOK
Buying Guides & Comparisons
Compare winter car essentials, cordless drills and workshop lighting by the job you need to do.
01 / SIDE-BY-SIDE
Winter car essentials
| Option | Useful when | Check before buying |
|---|---|---|
| Frost kit | You want to clear the car before setting off | Look for a scraper, suitable de-icer and winter screenwash. Check the stated temperature range. |
| Winter journey kit | You need supplies if you get delayed | Check for a torch, warm layers and gloves. Add anything missing, such as a charged phone power bank. |
| Jump starter | You want a portable backup for a flat battery | Check your vehicle handbook and the maker’s compatibility guidance for battery type, voltage and engine size. |
02 / SIDE-BY-SIDE
Cordless drills
| Type | Best starting point for | Check before buying |
|---|---|---|
| Drill driver | Pilot holes in timber and controlled screwdriving | Check chuck capacity, clutch settings and whether the battery and charger are included. |
| Combi drill | Screwdriving, drilling and occasional work in suitable masonry | Check the maker’s material and capacity ratings. |
| SDS-plus rotary hammer | Repeated holes in masonry or concrete | Check rated hole diameter and bit compatibility. |
03 / SIDE-BY-SIDE
Workshop lighting
| Type | Best starting point for | Check before buying |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection lamp | Looking into tight spaces or under a bonnet | Check beam spread, runtime at your preferred brightness and mounting options. |
| Bench task light | Lighting a fixed work surface | Check arm reach, mounting clearance and whether the beam leaves shadows on the work. |
| Head torch | Working with both hands while moving between jobs | Check comfort, tilt and runtime at the output you expect to use. |