Radios

Job site radios and cordless site radios at MTN Shop UK

A job site radio is a purpose-built radio designed to work where a domestic radio would not last a week: on building sites, in workshops, in garages and outdoors, exposed to dust, moisture, vibration and the occasional drop. What separates a job site radio from an ordinary radio is rugged construction (roll cages, rubber-armoured housings, protected controls), and - most importantly - dual power: it runs from the mains through an AC adaptor, or cordless from the same Li-ion battery platform as the rest of a tradesperson's power tools. That means one battery ecosystem powers the drill, the light and the radio. The Radios collection at MTN Shop UK brings together compact Bluetooth radios, full-size DAB+ job site radios, radio lanterns and battery-powered jobsite radios from the leading tool brands.

What to look for in a job site radio

• DAB / DAB+ and FM: DAB and DAB+ give clear digital reception and a wider choice of stations, while FM remains useful where digital coverage is patchy. Most current models cover both.
• Bluetooth streaming: lets the user play music, podcasts or playlists straight from a phone or tablet, which for many tradespeople now matters as much as broadcast radio.
• Dual power (mains and battery): the defining job site feature. Plug in where there is power, or run cordless off a Li-ion battery where there is not. Runtime cordless depends on the battery capacity fitted.
• Bare unit vs kit: most job site radios are sold as bare units (no battery or charger), because the buyer already owns compatible batteries. Check the voltage and platform before buying (see below).
• Durability and protection: roll cages, shock-absorbing corners, water and dust resistance, and recessed controls all help the radio survive site life.
• USB charging: many models include a USB port to charge a phone from the radio - handy on long jobs away from a socket.
• Sound output: larger units carry bigger speakers and more power for open sites; compact units trade volume for portability.

Match the battery platform

Because most of these radios are bare units, the single most important thing to get right is battery compatibility. A job site radio runs cordless only on batteries from its own brand and platform:

• Makita LXT (18V), XGT and CXT: models such as the Makita MR007GZ, MR003GZ, DMR116, and the DMR055 and DMR056 radio lanterns run on Makita's battery systems. The Makita MR001GZ01 is compatible with XGT, LXT and CXT batteries.
• DeWalt 10.8V/14.4V/18V XR: the DeWalt DCR020, DCR029 and the DWST1-81079 TSTAK radio run on DeWalt's Li-ion platform (and mains).
• Bosch Professional 18V: the Bosch GPB 18V-2 C and GPB 18VH-6 SRC run on Bosch Professional 18V batteries.
• Metabo 12V/18V: the Metabo R 12-18 DAB+ BT runs across Metabo's 12V and 18V packs.
• Einhell Power X-Change (18V): the Einhell TC-RA 18 Li BT and TE-CR 18 run on the Einhell PXC 18V system.
• HiKOKI 18V: the HiKOKI UR18DSDL runs on HiKOKI's 18V batteries.
• Flex: the Flex RD 10.8/18.0/230 runs on Flex 10.8V and 18V packs, plus mains.

If you do not already own batteries for the brand, factor the cost of a battery and charger into the purchase, or choose a model on a platform you already run. For batteries and chargers, see our batteries and batteries and chargers for cordless tools ranges.

Types of radio in this collection

• Full-size DAB+ job site radios: the Makita MR007GZ, Bosch GPB 18VH-6 SRC and HiKOKI UR18DSDL are larger units with bigger speakers, strong reception and rugged frames - the classic site radio for a workshop or open site.
• Compact Bluetooth radios: the DeWalt DCR029, Bosch GPB 18V-2 C and Einhell TC-RA 18 Li BT are smaller, lighter and easy to carry between rooms or vans, trading some volume for portability.
• Radio lanterns: the Makita DMR055 and DMR056 combine a job site radio with an LED lantern, giving both light and sound from one battery - useful for evening work, loft and under-floor jobs, or as emergency kit. See also our lighting range.
• TSTAK and stackable radios: the DeWalt DWST1-81079 TSTAK radio integrates with DeWalt's stacking storage system, so it clips onto a tool box tower.
• Battery-only jobsite radios: the Makita MR001GZ01 is a compact radio designed to run purely on battery, compatible with XGT, LXT and CXT packs.

Who uses job site radios

• General builders and site teams: broadcast radio and music across a site, running off the same batteries as the rest of the kit.
• Joiners, electricians, plumbers and decorators: a portable radio that moves room to room and van to site without a mains lead.
• Workshops and garages: a durable mains-and-battery radio that shrugs off dust and knocks.
• Groundworkers and outdoor trades: weather-resistant audio that keeps going in the yard or on the plot.
• Homeowners and DIYers: a tough radio for the garage, garden or workshop that also charges a phone.

Care and practical notes

• Weather resistance is not waterproof: job site radios resist dust and splashes but should not be left out in heavy rain or standing water - bring them in overnight.
• Battery life on site: cordless runtime depends on battery capacity and volume level - a higher-capacity pack gives longer play, and running mains where power is available preserves batteries for tools.
• Antenna and reception: extend the aerial fully for best DAB and FM reception; digital coverage varies by location.
• Bluetooth range: typical Bluetooth range is around 10 metres and drops through walls and obstructions.

Related categories

This Radios collection sits alongside our wider on site radios and speakers range. For batteries and chargers to run these radios cordless, see our batteries and batteries and chargers for cordless tools ranges. For work lights, torches and radio lanterns, see our lighting collection. Browse by brand at Makita, DeWalt, Bosch, Metabo, Einhell and HiKOKI.

For trade orders, site kit bundles, or advice on matching a radio to your battery platform, request a quote and our team will get back to you with availability.