Blowers

About Blowers

Blowers are versatile power tools designed to shift dust, debris, leaves, and other lightweight materials quickly and efficiently using a high-velocity air stream. Available in both corded and cordless formats, modern blowers have become essential equipment across workshops, construction sites, and gardens throughout the UK. Whether you're a professional tradesperson clearing sawdust from a joinery workshop, a groundskeeper maintaining commercial properties, or a DIY enthusiast tidying your patio, there's a blower designed to match your specific requirements.

Today's cordless blowers leverage advanced lithium-ion battery technology to deliver impressive power without the constraints of cables. Our range features trusted brands including Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, and Einhell, spanning voltage platforms from compact 12v Max models perfect for light workshop duties through to powerful 40v Max XGT systems capable of shifting substantial volumes of garden waste. Many workshop blowers feature compact, ergonomic designs ideal for detailed cleaning work, whilst garden leaf blowers typically offer higher air volumes and longer pipe extensions to tackle outdoor applications efficiently.

The versatility of blowers extends beyond simple leaf clearing. Professional tradespeople use them daily to remove dust from machinery, clear work areas between trades, dry surfaces after cleaning, and maintain equipment. The cordless convenience means you can move freely around sites, gardens, and workshops without hunting for plug sockets or managing extension leads—a particular advantage on UK construction sites where power access can be limited and weather conditions unpredictable.

Jargon Buster

• Air Volume (m³/min or CFM): Measures the quantity of air the blower moves per minute. Higher air volume is better for shifting larger piles of leaves and debris across wide areas, whilst lower volumes suit precision workshop cleaning.
• Air Speed (mph or m/s): Indicates the velocity of air leaving the nozzle. Higher speeds provide greater force to dislodge stubborn debris, wet leaves, or compacted dust from corners and crevices.
• Brushless Motor: Modern motor technology that eliminates carbon brushes, resulting in more efficient operation, longer runtime per battery charge, reduced maintenance requirements, and extended tool lifespan—standard in premium cordless blowers.
• Variable Speed Control: Allows you to adjust air output to match the task, providing gentle airflow for delicate workshop cleaning or maximum power for heavy garden debris. Essential for versatile applications and battery conservation.
• Voltage Platform (12v/18v/40v): Indicates the battery system the tool operates on. Higher voltages generally deliver more power and runtime but add weight. Most professional cordless systems use 18v as the standard, with 12v for compact applications and 40v for maximum performance.
• Axial vs Centrifugal Design: Axial blowers produce high air speeds ideal for concentrated cleaning, whilst centrifugal designs generate higher volumes at lower speeds, better suited to moving large quantities of lightweight material like dry leaves.

Who Uses Blowers?

Blowers serve a remarkably diverse range of users across professional trades and domestic applications:

• Joiners and Carpenters: Clearing sawdust and wood shavings from benches, machinery, and finished workpieces without physical contact that might cause damage
• Electricians and Plumbers: Removing drilling dust and debris from work areas, particularly useful for maintaining clean standards in occupied properties
• Groundskeepers and Gardeners: Professional maintenance of parks, estates, commercial properties, and domestic gardens, particularly during autumn leaf fall
• Building Contractors: Site cleaning between trades, removing dust before painting or flooring installation, and general housekeeping to meet health and safety requirements
• Vehicle Mechanics and Detailers: Blowing dust and debris from engine bays, wheel arches, and intricate mechanical components without introducing moisture
• Decorators: Dust removal before applying finishes, drying surfaces, and maintaining clean working conditions
• DIY Enthusiasts: Workshop maintenance, garden care, patio cleaning, and general property upkeep throughout the year
• Facilities Managers: Maintaining cleanliness in commercial premises, car parks, and external areas without labour-intensive sweeping

How to Choose the Right Blowers

Selecting the appropriate blower depends on understanding your primary applications and working environment:

Power and Performance: Consider whether you need a workshop blower for detailed cleaning tasks or a garden leaf blower for outdoor applications. Workshop models like the Makita DAS180 prioritise compact size and precision, whilst garden blowers such as the Makita UB002G 40v Max deliver higher air volumes for shifting larger quantities of debris. For occasional light duties, a 12v model provides adequate performance with minimal weight, whilst regular professional use warrants 18v or 40v systems for sustained power and runtime.

Cordless vs Corded: Whilst our range focuses primarily on cordless models for maximum flexibility, consider your battery ecosystem. If you already use Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Bosch cordless tools, selecting a blower from the same platform eliminates additional battery investment and charger requirements. Cordless operation particularly suits UK working conditions where weather and site logistics often complicate cable management.

Ergonomics and Weight: If you'll use the blower for extended periods, weight becomes crucial. Compact workshop blowers typically weigh under 2kg (bare tool), whilst powerful garden models may exceed 3kg with battery fitted. Consider models with variable speed triggers that allow you to reduce power—and therefore fatigue—for lighter tasks whilst retaining maximum capability when needed.

Nozzle Design and Accessories: Many blowers include multiple pipe sections or nozzle attachments. Garden models benefit from extension tubes that reduce stooping, whilst workshop blowers suit shorter, more manoeuvrable configurations. Some premium models offer interchangeable nozzles for concentrated or dispersed airflow patterns.

Budget Considerations: Entry-level models from Einhell and Stanley FatMax provide excellent value for occasional users and light-duty applications. Mid-range options from Bosch and Flex balance performance with affordability, whilst premium Makita XGT and Milwaukee systems deliver professional-grade power, runtime, and durability justified by daily commercial use.

Popular Accessories

• Spare Batteries: Additional battery packs ensure continuous operation during extended sessions, particularly valuable for professional users maintaining large properties or managing full-day site cleaning operations
• Extension Tubes and Nozzles: Longer pipes reduce back strain during prolonged garden work, whilst narrow concentrator nozzles increase air velocity for stubborn debris removal
• Dust Collection Attachments: Some blower models accept vacuum conversion kits, transforming them into versatile two-function tools for workshop applications
• Shoulder Straps: Distribute weight more comfortably during extended use, particularly beneficial with heavier garden blowers and larger battery capacities
• Wall Mounts and Storage Solutions: Keep your blower organised and protected in workshops, particularly useful for maintaining cordless tools in professional environments where multiple operatives share equipment

Safety Information

Whilst blowers are relatively safe tools, following proper precautions ensures comfortable and hazard-free operation:

• Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses or goggles when operating blowers, as high-velocity air can dislodge particles that may cause eye injuries. This is particularly important when clearing fine dust or working in confined workshop spaces.
• Hearing Protection: Extended use of high-powered blowers can produce noise levels requiring hearing protection under HSE guidelines. Consider ear defenders for prolonged garden clearing sessions or daily professional use.
• Dust and Debris Management: Be aware of what you're blowing—avoid dispersing hazardous materials like asbestos-containing dust, animal faeces, or chemical residues. Workshop users should consider COSHH regulations when clearing specific material types.
• Electrical Safety: Although cordless blowers eliminate mains electrical risks, ensure batteries are genuine manufacturer items in good condition. Never use damaged battery packs, and store them according to manufacturer guidance, particularly important in cold UK winter conditions that can affect lithium-ion performance.
• Working at Height: Take extra care when using blowers on ladders or elevated platforms, as the tool's thrust can affect balance. Consider alternative methods for clearing gutters and high-level areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a workshop blower and a garden leaf blower?

Workshop blowers are typically more compact with shorter nozzles, designed for precision cleaning in confined spaces and removing fine dust from machinery and benches. Garden leaf blowers prioritise higher air volume to move larger quantities of debris across wider areas, often featuring extension tubes for comfortable outdoor use. Many models like the Einhell GE-UB 18/250 serve both purposes effectively with interchangeable pipe configurations.

How long will a cordless blower run on a single battery charge?

Runtime varies significantly based on battery capacity (typically 2.0Ah to 6.0Ah), power setting, and material being cleared. Light workshop cleaning might provide 20-30 minutes of continuous use with a standard battery, whilst high-power garden clearing may reduce this to 10-15 minutes. Most professional users invest in multiple batteries to maintain productivity, rotating them through charging cycles during extended sessions.

Can I use my existing cordless tool batteries with a new blower?

Yes, if you select a blower from your existing battery platform. Makita LXT 18v, DeWalt XR 18v, Milwaukee M18, and Bosch Professional 18v systems all feature interchangeable batteries across their respective ranges. This represents significant cost savings and is a primary consideration when expanding your cordless tool collection. Always verify voltage compatibility—12v, 18v, and 40v systems are not interchangeable even within the same brand.

Are cordless blowers powerful enough for professional use?

Modern brushless cordless blowers deliver performance comparable to corded equivalents for the vast majority of applications. Premium 18v models from Makita, Milwaukee, and DeWalt handle daily professional workshop cleaning and light-to-medium garden maintenance comfortably, whilst 40v Max systems like the Makita UB002G match petrol blowers for power without the emissions, maintenance requirements, or noise levels—particularly relevant given increasingly strict UK environmental regulations on commercial grounds maintenance equipment.

Do I need different blowers for wet and dry materials?

Most cordless blowers handle both wet and dry materials, though wet leaves and debris require more power to move effectively due to increased weight. Air speed becomes more important than volume when dealing with wet materials stuck to surfaces. However, avoid using blowers to clear standing water or in heavy rain conditions, as this may damage the motor or electrical components despite the weather-resistant construction of quality models.