If you’ve ever walked down the “Middle of Lidl,” you know the siren call of the Parkside tool range. They look robust, the prices are unbeatable, and they come with that enticing three-year warranty. But how do these tools actually hold up once you get them home and put them to work on real-world projects?
I have bought a fair few Lidl Parkside tools over the years, I noticed in the latest offer they have two of the tools I have owned for the last few years: the 12V Cordless Multi-tool and the Soldering Station. So here is my quick review & video on these items about their performance, longevity, and the quirks you need to know before the next Sunday special buy.
The Parkside 12V Multi-tool: A Versatile Workhorse
The star of the show is the 12V Cordless Multi-tool. Retailing as a “starter kit” (which includes a battery and charger), priced at just £24.99, this tool has become an essential part of my kit, especially during complex tasks like converting both my Peugeot Partner & Vauxhall Vivaro into a camper.
Performance and Versatility
One of the biggest selling points of a multi-tool is its ability to reach places a jigsaw or circular saw simply can’t. The Parkside model uses an oscillating motion, moving the blade side-to-side at high speeds making it perfect for precision cuts.
Key uses over three years include:
- Cutting away roof trim in van conversions.
- Removing rivets and cutting holes in plasterboard for sockets.
- Sanding tight corners when a dedicated sander fails.
The tool features a variable speed control (1–6), a built-in LED work light, and a battery level indicator.
The Battery “Quirk”
While the tool itself has remained solid, I have had a specific issue with the 12V batteries after a few years of heavy use. The contacts inside the battery can occasionally lose their “spring,” leading to a poor connection where the tool won’t start despite the battery being charged.
The DIY Fix: I managed to solve this by carefully opening the battery casing and “padding out” the contacts with a small piece of card to ensure they make firm contact with the tools. While this is a minor fix, it’s something to keep in mind, though remember these batteries have been used in other parkside tools I have inc circular saw & drill, And I do a lot of DIY, so these get a lot of use, so could be more to do with my heavy handedness that a design fault.
Personally I can’t fault this tools, has made some of my jobs a lot easier, just a pity had the problems with the batteries.
Full Spec
- For processing materials such as wood, metal, plaster, plastic or silicone
- Versatile oscillation technology for sawing, cutting, scraping and sanding (includes sandpaper)
- Adjustable oscillation rate with soft start
- Tool-free accessory exchange
- Universal holder – suitable for standard PARKSIDE accessories
- Versatile – attach accessories in various positions
- Integrated LED work light
- 3-stage battery status indicator
- Ergonomic tool shape with soft grip
- Oscillation speed: 5000-20,000opm, Oscillation angle: 3.2°
- 1 HCS plunge saw blade
- 1 scraper
- 1 detail sanding plate
- 3 sanding sheets (for wood 60/ 80/ 120)
- 1 battery (12V/ 2Ah)
- 1 charger (12V/ 2.4A)
- Compatible with all “X 12V TEAM” series rechargeable
The Parkside Soldering Station: Budget-Friendly Precision
For just £9.99, the Parkside Soldering Station has adjustable temperatures from 100°C to 500°C, an integrated solder reel holder 2 x 15g reels inc, 2 soldering iron tips Whitchurch can be sorted into the integrated holder..
Pros and Cons
- The Good: It’s a “really good soldering iron” for the price. It has a nice weight, a long power cable, and heats up to 500°C in about six minutes.
- The Catch: The soldering tips are non-standard. If you lose or damage the tips provided in the box, finding replacements online can be difficult and sometimes costs almost as much as a brand-new unit.
Now I’m not that good at soldering but have found it ok for my needs , just a pity about the tips as I lost one and unfortunately ruined the other one.
Full Spec
- Multipurpose soldering station for electronics, model making and most soldering tasks
- Ergonomic soldering iron with soft grip and interchangeable tips (round & flat)
- Adjustable temperature via rotary control knob
- With soldering iron holder, soldering sponge, accessory compartment and illuminated mains switch
- Rated power consumption: 48W
- Adjustable temperature range (±10°C): 100-500°C
- Heating time (500°C): 6 mins
- Included accessories:
- 1 replacement tip (flat)
- 2 reels of solder, 5g each (thickness 1.5mm/ 1mm)
- 1 soldering sponge
- Cable length: 2m (mains cable)/ 1m (soldering iron)
- 3-year warranty
The Verdict: Should You Buy Parkside?
After three years of hard use, the consensus is a resounding yes, Though with a few caveats.
The three-year warranty is the ultimate safety net. However because Lidl sells these in limited-time “drops,” you might get your money back if a tool breaks, but you won’t necessarily be able to get a replacement
Final Tips for Lidl Shoppers:
- Warranty: Always keep your receipts! Parkside’s 3-year warranty is one of the best in the budget sector.
- Battery Compatibility: If you’re buying into the 12V system, try to pick up a spare battery when they are available, as they can sometimes be hard to find once the “special buy” week ends.
- Keep Tips Safe: Especially for the soldering iron, keep your spare tips in a secure place, as they aren’t easily replaced with generic parts.
Whether you’re a hobbyist or someone tackling a major project like my camper conversions, Parkside tools offer a gateway into DIY without the “pro-tool” price tag.
At time of writing also the Lidl Pressure washer is coming on offer 8 brought one last year and did a review on this watch below, though this year now £30 cheaper than I paid 😂
