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 12V 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 20V drill, featuring a maximum torque of 60 Nm (Newton meters) and the signature of Arnold Schwarzenegger, available starting from 03.09 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 20V 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.”

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 20V 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.

Technical precision was required to set the London Eye in motion with the power of the PARKSIDE 20V 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 20V cordless drill: driving a hydraulic pump that built up pressure and passed it on to the winch's motor.

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.

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.

* A separately available PARKSIDE PERFORMANCE 20V Smart Battery 8 Ah PAPP 208 A1 was used to power the London Eye and the Guinness World Record. This is not included in the regular set scope of delivery of the PARKSIDE product shown.