The Gear Shed - Charged Up & Weathered In: Autumn Prep for Builders and DIYers

Autumn’s here—cold mornings, stiff boots, and batteries that act like they’ve retired early. In this post, I’m digging into the seasonal shift: swapping summer gear for layers that work, scouting boots that can handle real wear, and keeping tools and batteries alive through the chill.

Cold Weather Battery Care for Builders and DIYers

As the weather turns, so does the kit—and your power tool batteries are often the first to complain. Lithium-ion batteries don’t perform well in cold temperatures. Leave them on-site or in an outbuilding overnight and you’ll notice the charge doesn’t hold like it used to. That’s because low temperatures affect battery cells, leading to faster degradation, shorter run times, and more frequent charging. To avoid early replacements, store your tool batteries at room temperature whenever possible. It’s a simple habit that helps extend battery life and keeps your gear ready for the job, even as the temperature drops.

Autumn Workwear for Builders and DIYers: Trousers & Hoodies

Clothing-wise, it’s trousers over shorts and the hoodie’s back in play—because autumn workwear needs to do more than just look the part. I picked up a pair of DeWalt Aspen Ripstop Stretch Holster Pocket Trousers from Toolstation, and they’ve held up well. The ripstop polyester/cotton blend feels solid—tough enough for site work but with enough stretch to move comfortably when you’re climbing ladders, crouching, or working in tight corners. The reinforced knee pad pockets are a real win if you're working on the floor often—just don't forget to slot in our knee pads for full protection. The holster pockets are useful for quick grabs, but they’re a bit flimsy, and the main pockets are just too small for the usual bits—screws, tape, small driver. Still, the overall build feels reliable, and they’ve handled damp, chilly mornings without complaint.

On top, I’m wearing a TuffStuff 177 Black Hoodie from Somerset Workwear, branded with our company logo. It’s warm, holds up well on-site, and makes a solid switch when a T-shirt just isn’t enough. The fit’s decent—not too baggy, not too tight—and it’s got that tough cotton-poly blend that handles dust, chill, and the occasional snag.

Not quite ready to break out the thermals, gloves, or hat just yet—but give it a few more weeks. I’ll be back with more thoughts on winter workwear essentials once the frost really sets in.

Work Boots for Autumn: What Builders and DIYers Need

Boots? Still hunting. I’m after something waterproof, high-top for ankle support, steel toe cap, and laces that don’t snap after a month. Ideally, they’ll last longer than six months without falling apart. I’m also open to slip-on safety boots—as long as they’re tough, safe, and don’t feel like wellies in disguise. I currently wear the Stanley Gladiator Waterproof Safety Boots from Toolstation. Pros -They’re very comfortable, especially for long days on-site. Cons - They’ve fallen apart within 10 months, and the tread’s worn down, which means wet feet every time it rains—not ideal when you’re working outdoors in autumn.

If any of you have a solid recommendation for durable waterproof work boots, drop it in the comments—I’m all ears.

Whether it’s gear or garments, autumn prep for builders and DIYers is all about longer days, colder starts, and keeping everything running smoother for longer.