PARKSIDE “THE ROTATION” – A 20 V cordless drill meets the London Eye in a world record attempt.

“THE ROTATION” - PARKSIDE celebrates next mega stunt and new Guinness World Record

On the occasion of its 30th anniversary, PARKSIDE has successfully completed its next mega-stunt, titled “THE ROTATION”. With this, the brand once again impressively demonstrated the performance of its products and secured a new Guinness World Record (GWR).

Press release

Neckarsulm, August 19, 2026 - The DIY and home improvement brand PARKSIDE, known for high-performance products at the best price-performance ratio, has successfully carried out its next spectacular world record. After the viral success of “THE PULL” in 2025, where a 12 V cordless drill pulled an Airbus A380 weighing over 300 tons, the world's largest passenger aircraft, PARKSIDE put another mega stunt into practice with “THE ROTATION”. A special edition of the PARKSIDE PERFORMANCE 20 V drill, featuring a maximum torque of 60 Nm (Newton meters) and the signature of Arnold Schwarzenegger, available at Lidl and Kaufland, successfully rotated the London Eye, the world's largest cantilevered observation wheel with a height of 135 meters: a new Guinness World Record (GWR)!

“THE ROTATION” sets new standards

Preparations for the technical feasibility of the stunt were carried out together with the Technical University of Darmstadt. Their calculations provided the scientific basis for the construction of a special setup with a hydraulically operated cable winch. This made the impossible possible and, in front of 45 content creators from 31 countries, mastered the challenge of successfully rotating the 135-meter-high and 2,100-ton free-standing observation wheel with the power of the PARKSIDE PERFORMANCE 20 V cordless drill driver.

“The new record is a spectacular demonstration of PARKSIDE's power,” emphasizes Robin Ruschke, Head of Marketing, Senior Vice President Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG. “Best value for money is deeply rooted in PARKSIDE's DNA. With our record-breaking actions around PARKSIDE, we are once again taking the opportunity to prove quality in an attention-grabbing way.”
 

Influencer Niklas Kolorz stands on the left with another man in front of the London Eye; the man on the right is holding a PARKSIDE cordless drill.

The technology behind the world record: How the London Eye was moved

The power source for this stunt was a special edition of the PARKSIDE PERFORMANCE 20 V cordless drill with 60 Nm and an 8Ah battery*. The model is characterized by its particularly compact design, achieved through an optimized gearbox, the proven brushless motor, and a high-quality, ultra-short drill chuck from the RÖHM brand. The exclusive special edition, which is also delivered with a signature from Arnold Schwarzenegger, a high-quality aluminum case, a 2Ah battery including a 2.4A charger, and a limited bit holder, impressively demonstrated its performance during this application.

Technicians work on the structure of the London Eye beneath a clear blue sky.

Technical precision was required to set the London Eye in motion with the power of the PARKSIDE 20 V cordless drill. First, the observation wheel's existing hydraulic system was switched to neutral so that it wouldn't brake. The tourist attraction was then driven by a hydraulic winch that moved the wheel with a force of up to 20 tons and compensated for any additional loads, such as strong winds. The role of the PARKSIDE 20 V cordless drill: driving a hydraulic pump that built up pressure and passed it on to the winch's motor.

A person measures the movement of the London Eye using a measuring device with the PARKSIDE Performance logo.

Six guide rollers kept the system stable. To secure everything safely, the winch was mounted directly to the main drive's base platform using special steel profiles. To ensure that the world's largest cantilevered observation wheel was operated solely by the cordless drill, it was precisely balanced before the attempt.

A man wearing a high-visibility vest presents the certificate for the world record of moving the London Eye with a cordless drill alongside a Guinness World Records representative.

Guinness World Record

With “THE PULL”, PARKSIDE was already able to secure a place in the Guinness World Records in 2025. For the 30th anniversary, PARKSIDE set the bar even higher with “THE ROTATION”. Together with the TU Darmstadt, the official Guinness World Records jury on site was convinced of the performance, evaluating and accompanying the stunt.

About PARKSIDE:

The PARKSIDE brand – available in the Lidl and Kaufland stores as well as at the Lidl online shop and the Kaufland online market-places  – offers DIY products with which anyone can carry out work in the garden, around the house, or in the workshop in no time and on their own. PARKSIDE PERFORMANCE also appeals to highly ambitious, advanced DIY enthusiasts. With an unbeatable price-performance ratio, a broad range, and high quality, PARKSIDE has already convinced DIY fans worldwide. More information at: www.parkside-diy.com.

About the London Eye:

Built at the turn of the millennium, the London Eye is an icon with celebration firmly anchored in its DNA. As the backdrop for London's annual New Year's Eve fireworks, it proudly celebrated its 25th anniversary on March 9, 2025. Located in the heart of the city, the London Eye is one of London's most famous landmarks. Designed by Marks Barfield Architects, it is 135 meters high and the world's largest cantilevered observation wheel. As the only moving view of the city, its gentle rotation allows visitors a breathtaking 360-degree view to experience the energy of the capital from one of Britain's most popular attractions. Since 2000, more than 85 million people have enjoyed the ride over the London skyline. Whether on postcards, in selfies, or everywhere in pop culture – it has established itself as a modern, world-famous icon. From first dates to marriage proposals, from Hollywood celebrities to actual royalty: the 32 gondolas – one for each London borough – have seen it all over the years.

*A separately available PARKSIDE PERFORMANCE 8 Ah Smart Battery PAPP 208 A1 was used to power the London Eye and​ set the Guinness World Record. This is not included in the standard set supplied with the PARKSIDE product shown.​