Pete Wise

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Pete Wise is a freelance writer and keen DIYer from Leeds. Pete's tool reviews have featured in titles including Homebuilding & Renovating, Ideal Home and The Independent. He also writes features and news articles for publications such as The Guardian, BBC Good Food and T3. When he isn't busy writing, Pete can often be found at libraries, pubs and live music venues. He finds tile-cutting strangely zen.

Latest articles by

I renovated our wooden window sill and the budget-friendly result looks great

By Pete Wise published 29 February 24

Experienced DIYer Pete Wise takes you step-by-step through a low-budget window sill renovation project, from sanding and filling to adding decorative beading

Impact driver vs impact wrench: Two similar tools for totally different tasks

By Pete Wise published 17 February 24

Impact driver vs. impact wrench — which is which and when might one be better than the other? Here we explain the difference between the two and advise on which you are likely to need for your project

A side by side comparison of an impact drive and a combi drill

Impact driver vs drill: When to use each of these tools

By Pete Wise published 6 December 23

Our DIY writer Pete Wise explains the differences between cordless drills and impact drivers – and what you can do with each type of tool

I test the performance of the Ryobi R18MT Multitool with a variety of DIY tasks

By Pete Wise published 19 November 23

The Ryobi R18MT Multitool promises a great mix of sanding, cutting and grinding functions – but how effectively does it perform when put to a variety of practical DIY tests?

How to make a Roman blind from a kit — see how our DIY expert got on

By Pete Wise published 1 November 23

DIY expert Pete Wise shows you how to make a Roman blind from a kit with his step-by-step guide to brighten up a home

An orbital sander on a half sanded windowsill

I achieved a flawless, swirl-free finish with the Makita BO5041 random orbit sander

By Pete Wise published 31 October 23

The Makita BO5041 random orbit sander promises a superior and faster sanding experience, but does it have the grit to make the grade? I put it to the test with hands-on DIY tasks

Types of drill and when to use each one

By Pete Wise published 27 October 23

With so many types of drill available it can be hard to know which to use for what project. Learn the differences between combi drills, hammer drills and drill-drivers with our guide

Our guide to sanding wood floors — from tools to sandpaper grits

By Pete Wise published 17 October 23

Get to grips with sanding wood floors to ensure your project is a complete success. Our guide explains which tools you will need and how to go about achieving the best results

How to lay parquet flooring: Our DIY step-by-step guide to laying a herringbone floor

By Pete Wise published 5 September 23

Pete Wise demonstrates how to lay parquet flooring on a DIY basis, including what tools to use, how to stick it down, and how to finish a parquet floor with wax oil

A black pyramid chimney cooker hood fixed to a white kitchen wall

Stoves Richmond 100PYR Pyramid Chimney review

By Pete Wise published 30 August 23

Is the Stoves Richmond 100PYR Pyramid Chimney a kitchen essential? Seasoned DIYer Pete Wise puts this recirculating cooker hood to the test.

An orange rotary multi tool being used to sharpen some scissors

What is a rotary multi-tool — and what can you do with one?

By Pete Wise published 19 August 23

This is the all-in-one tool you need in your toolbox to finely sand, drill, cut and embellish your DIY and craft projects. Pete Wise explains all

A black cooker hood with led lights on a white kitchen wall

How to fit a recirculating cooker hood: Our expert guide with pictures

By Pete Wise published 24 July 23

A fume-free kitchen is only a few short DIY steps away if you follow Pete Wise's tips for fitting a recirculating cooker hood

A Black + Decker sander with bag amd instruction leaflet laid out on the floor

Black + Decker BDCROS18 18V Cordless Random Orbital Sander Review

By Pete Wise published 7 July 23

This neat cordless sander is just right for smaller sanding jobs where a smooth, swirl-free finish is needed

Yellow Clarke Combi Drill in Box on wooden background

Clarke CON180LI 18V brushless combi drill review

By Pete Wise published 10 January 23

Combining highly effective drill, hammer and driver modes, we give the Clarke CON180LI 18V Brushless Combi Drill 5 out of 5. Read why we ranked so high

Orange orbital sander sanding white door

VonHaus Random Orbital Sander review

By Pete Wise published 6 January 23

It offers powerful, swirl-free sanding — but how did the VonHaus Random Orbital Sander rate in our hands-on testing? Long-time DIYer Pete Wise tells all