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How good is it to upgrade your tools just before tax time? The sweet feeling of a new tool in your hands is made even sweeter when you know you’ve nabbed it at great value or with an EOFY redemption. It’s something Stuart Quine, who’s been in the game for more than 26 years, thinks about as June 30 approaches.
“If you haven’t already done it, catch up with your accountant soon for a little pre-end-of-year financial meeting,” the Director of QBC Constructions says. “There’s always something you can fix up before June comes to a close and if that means it gets you a whole stack of new tools, then it’s happy days!”
As a builder of high-end homes in the South Coast region of NSW, Stuart knows what a big difference having the right tools can make. “They go hand in hand – a quality tradesman with quality tools gets the best outcome,” he says.
Tool brands have evolved in their variety and offerings over the years, but Stuart, whose first set as an apprentice was DeWALT, points at their new 15-piece kit as a great place to start. “With the new kits, you’re done and dusted in one hit,” he says. “You’ve got pretty much everything you need to run a carpentry or small trade business.”
Meanwhile, fourth-year apprentice carpenter Cooper says the Bosch 10-piece combo kit has the power, usability and a tempting price point. “Their tools are ergonomic, they have a great warranty and what’s included in the kit covers a lot of ground,” he says. We bailed the boys up on one of their building sites in Kiama Downs to get their takes on some of the tools available in the DeWALT and Bosch combo kits.
Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (work boots, safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) when required on the job. Always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
DeWALT 18V XR 15 PIECE Combo KIT, $2999*, I/N: 0775971
Hammer Drill: DeWALT 18V XR Premium 3-Speed Brushless Hammer Drill Driver (Skin Only)
With all-metal transmission, anti-rotation technology and three hammer speeds, this is a compact, but powerful addition to the DeWALT range. “Compact drills are a lot smaller than they used to be, so it’s versatile if you need to use it in small spaces or above your head,” Stuart says. “But it’s still got plenty of power. I drilled into steel with this, no problems, and it was great in timber, too.”
Impact Driver: DeWALT 18V XR Li-ion Brushless Premium 3-Speed Impact Driver (Skin Only)
Delivering 282Nm of torque in a 123mm body, this is perfect for a wide range of applications and industries. “I love this tool,” Stuart says. “It’s lightweight and compact, which is great because we carry it around a lot, so you don’t want it to be bulky, but there’s still power. I drove 100mm batten screws into timber over and over with this and it wasn’t fazed.”
Multi tool: DeWALT 18V XR Li-Ion Cordless Brushless Multi Tool with Speed Selector (Skin Only)
Tool-free blade changes, dual triggers for comfortable operation in either hand, a two-position side handle and a universal accessory adaptor make this one of the most versatile multi tools on the market. “Oh, this is a really groovy tool!” Stuart says. “We use these for a lot of different applications now so having a range of different heads really is important, and this one has such a wide range. I find the sanding pad in particular is handy for intricate work.”
Angle Grinder: DeWALT 54V FlexVolt XR Li-Ion Cordless Brushless 125mm (5”) Angle Grinder (Skin Only)
This grinder is hard to beat with its 54V motor and electronic brake and clutch for quick response.
“It’s the perfect size for all onsite tasks and the weight balance on this one is just so good,” Stuart says. “I was grinding flat steel with it and it ate it for breakfast, no dramas. It’s got heaps of grunt.”
Reciprocating saw: DeWALT 54V FlexVolt XR Li-IonCordless Brushless Reciprocating Saw (Skin Only)
Featuring the same power as its corded cousin, a maximum cut capacity of 300mm (in wood)
and tool-free blade changes, this reciprocating saw is (sorry!) cutting edge. “It has a really nice weight, feels good in the hand and has a good power-to-weight ratio, which sometimes can be a little bit of a trick for these tools. It’s also the things like being able to click in a blade with one hand that really makes a difference.”
Circular saw: DeWALT 54V FlexVolt XR Li-Ion Cordless Brushless 184mm (7”) Circular Saw (Skin Only)
Everything about this, from a rafter hook to electronic brake, an illuminated cut line and improved dust extraction will make this tool a chippy’s favourite. “I’ve used DeWALT for more than 20 years
and I reckon this is probably the best cordless saw out there,” Stuart says. “A few of my boys already have one. It’s a hard-working tool with a nice feel to it, plus the dust extraction and the lighting system is spot-on.”
If you purchase this kit online before 30 June 2025, you can redeem three of 25-plus bonus tool options, including select batteries and chargers. If you purchase DeWALT’s 10-piece kit , you can redeem two of 25-plus bonus tool options, including select batteries and chargers. Both offers are redeemable via the DeWALT website. T&Cs apply. Visit the website for details.
Bosch 18V PROFESSIONAL 10 PIECE 3x5.0Ah KIT, $1999*, I/N: 0781989
Blower: BOSCH 18V Blower (Skin Only)
The blower is versatile and powerful, reaching air speeds of up to 270km/h for quick clean-up, clearing drill holes and many other applications.
“Most blowers are pretty similar, but this one is a bit quieter and, like a lot of the Bosch tools, it feels good in the hand. Both of those are super important if you use it a lot – and we use blowers all of the time, even for things like blowing air into your boots when it’s a hot day or away from work for helping to start the fire when you’re camping!”
Impact Driver: BOSCH 18V Brushless Impact Driver/Wrench (Skin only)
Featuring a variable speed trigger and Bosch’s improved two-in-one tool holder, this tool will become a go-to for many tradies. “You can put a socket on this as well as the normal hex impact bit and I’ve never seen that before!” Cooper says. “That means you can quickly swap between the usual impact tools to a half-inch socket, which just makes it so much more usable.”
Angle grinder: BOSCH 18V Brushless 125mm GWS 18V-7 Angle Grinder (Skin only)
Light and slim, but still powerful, and with multiple safety features, this is perfect for a site where varied surfaces need cutting or grinding. “I really like this one,” Cooper says. “It’s got nice controls and ergonomics. Once again, it feels really nice in the hand and we had no dramas using it. We had a grinding disc on it and it just kept going; it did a great job very quickly.”
Reciprocating saw: BOSCH 18V Brushless Reciprocating Saw (Skin Only)
An everyday saw with power equivalent to a 1100W corded saw in a light, ergonomically styled body. “I prefer light tools because when you’re using them all day long you feel it if they’re heavy,” Cooper says. “This recipro still has the grunt, but it somehow feels lighter and easier to use for the day-to-day jobs.”
Radio: BOSCH 18V Bluetooth Jobsite Radio GPB 18V 2 C (Skin only)
Battery or mains powered, this Bluetooth/FM/AUX is light, strong and serves as a USB charging station. “The site radio we’ve got is huge and it’s a struggle to lug around, but this is smaller so you can move it easily. It’s also got USB ports to recharge your phone if you need to – that’s pretty handy!”
A great all-rounder, this compact saw features a powerful brushless motor, is long-lasting off one battery and works with all Bosch vacuums. “I hadn’t used the Bosch circular saw a lot, but this cut through timber just fine,” Stuart says. “It’s got a great illuminating light, which is handy, and the dust extraction worked really well. Bosch has stepped up their game a lot with this one!”
If you purchase this kit before 30 June 2025, you can walk away with a Bosch 18V Professional 1500W 254mm Dual Bevel Mitre Saw. T&Cs apply. Visit website for details.
ToughBuilt StackTech 3 Piece Combo, I/N: 0578549
“We use storage like this all of the time onsite, but we usually have to leave them out the front of where we are working because some are hard to carry through the site,” Cooper says. “This is great, as you can wheel it straight in, or take off the compartment you need and carry it with you to keep all your tools together.”
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
