The Gear Shed – Charged Up & Weathered In: Winter Prep for Builders and DIYers

Winter’s here—frosted mornings, frozen fingers, and batteries that act like they’ve gone into hibernation. For builders, tradespeople, and DIYers, the season demands more than grit. It calls for smart gear choices and clever routines to keep your tools and body working when the cold tries to shut them down.

Cold Weather Battery Care & Adhesives

Lithium-ion batteries hate the cold. Leave them in the van overnight and you’ll notice sluggish performance, shorter run times, and the dreaded “half-charge drop-off.”

Tips to keep batteries alive in the frost:

• Store indoors: Keep batteries at room temperature and only slot them into tools when you’re ready to work.

• Rotate regularly: Use one while keeping the others warm inside, then swap them out.

• Warm adhesives: Silicone and other adhesives stiffen in the cold. Keep tubes in the cab and rest them near the dashboard blower until they soften, or store them in the house near a radiator to keep them workable.

  
  

These simple routines save you from early replacements and keep your kit running even when the frost bites.

Winter Workwear: Thermals, Jackets & Gloves

Layering is everything. You want warmth without bulk, flexibility without compromise.

• Base layers: I currently have some stretchy thermal trousers from Tesco and a Scruffs base layer—lightweight, comfortable, and surprisingly warm. I’ve had these for years, and they’re still holding up well.

• Outerwear: I’ve been using a Scruffs jacket that’s wind‑resistant, flexible, and comes with a hood. It’s not fully waterproof, but it handles drizzle well and has lasted me years. It’s similar to the https://www.toolstation.com/scruffs-worker-softshell-jacket/p88938, though not the exact one. As much as I like it, I’m on the lookout for a fully waterproof upgrade.

• Gloves: The eternal trade-off—too thick and you lose dexterity, too thin and your hands freeze. Still hunting for the perfect pair that balances warmth with grip.

Work Boots: Grip & Waterproofing

After searching, I landed on the https://www.toolstation.com/maverick-boost-safety-boots/p18600 from Toolstation. They tick most of the boxes:

• Slip-on design (no laces to fuss with).

• Steel toe for protection.

• Leather build for waterproofing.

• Lightweight feel thanks to no steel mid-plate (though less sole protection if you step on a nail).

Practical for icy mornings and slushy sites, though I’m still weighing whether the trade-off in sole protection is worth it.

The Wrap Up

Winter prep for builders and DIYers is about staying warm, staying safe, and keeping your kit alive in the cold. Shorter days, frozen starts, and tougher conditions mean your gear has to work harder than ever. If any of you have solid recommendations for a durable waterproof jacket or the best gloves for grip and warmth, drop them in the comments—I’m all ears.