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Tools & DIY

The best-value drill? A ladder that safely reaches the roof? We test 128 tools and building products for professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

317 reviews · page 1 of 7

Tools and DIY covers hand tools, power tools, ladders, protective equipment, painting tools, measuring tools, and solar panel accessories. We test with tradespeople and serious DIY-ers — running drills through concrete joists, not pilot holes in plasterboard. Battery platforms matter: we favour brands with broad platform compatibility (Makita LXT, DeWalt 18V/60V Flexvolt, Milwaukee M18) because the cost of ownership drops dramatically when one battery fits ten tools. For ladders we check EN 131 Professional class where relevant, and always verify load rating plus reach at safe angle, not maximum listed height. All recommendations include warranty length and UK service centre availability.

Subcategories

Hand Tools82Power Tools81Protective Equipment20Measuring Tools6Ladders5Painting Tools3Solar Panels2
tectake 406037 Set of 4 1200x600x21mm

Best Acoustic Panel 2026

Winner: tectake 406037 Set of 4 1200x600x21mm

5 productsRead review
Kohand Perspex PDVWQX6 2x210x297mm

Best Acrylic Sheet 2026

Winner: Kohand Perspex PDVWQX6 2x210x297mm

5 productsRead review
Bahco ADJUST 3-90 3 Pcs Adjustable Wrench

Best Adjustable Spanner 2026

Winner: Bahco ADJUST 3-90 3 Pcs Adjustable Wrench

5 productsRead review
Einhell TC-AC 190/24/8

Best Air Compressor 2026

Winner: Einhell TC-AC 190/24/8

5 productsRead review
Sealey SA914

Best Air Duster Gun 2026

Winner: Sealey SA914

5 productsRead review
Wera 05133164001 9Pcs Hex Key

Best Allen Key 2026

Winner: Wera 05133164001 9Pcs Hex Key

5 productsRead review
Dewalt DCS397T2 (2x6.0Ah)

Best Alligator Saw 2026

Winner: Dewalt DCS397T2 (2x6.0Ah)

5 productsRead review
Sealey TA070

Best Anemometer 2026

Winner: Sealey TA070

5 productsRead review
Simpson Strong-Tie P98YXX5 1pcs 30x50mm

Best Angle Brackets 2026

Winner: Simpson Strong-Tie P98YXX5 1pcs 30x50mm

5 productsRead review
Stanley Tools STHT1-05894 Angle Measurer

Best Angle Finder 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools STHT1-05894 Angle Measurer

5 productsRead review
Makita DGA452Z Solo

Best Angle Grinder 2026

Winner: Makita DGA452Z Solo

5 productsRead review
Cheshire Mouldings Fully Finished White Upvc Straight Architrave

Best Architrave 2026

Winner: Cheshire Mouldings Fully Finished White Upvc Straight Architrave

5 productsRead review
Stanley Tools 1-20-600 Saw with Miter Case Tenon Saw

Best Back Saw 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools 1-20-600 Saw with Miter Case Tenon Saw

5 productsRead review
Stanley Tools 1-54-716 Graphite Ball-Peen Hammer

Best Ball Peen Hammer 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools 1-54-716 Graphite Ball-Peen Hammer

5 productsRead review
Draper 82756

Best Band Saw 2026

Winner: Draper 82756

5 productsRead review
Timco BDB75 10pcs 150x150mm

Best Barrel Bolts 2026

Winner: Timco BDB75 10pcs 150x150mm

5 productsRead review
Bosch PBS 75 A

Best Belt Sander 2026

Winner: Bosch PBS 75 A

5 productsRead review
Stanley Tools 1-83-069 Bench Clamp

Best Bench Clamp 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools 1-83-069 Bench Clamp

5 productsRead review
Einhell TC-WG 200

Best Bench Grinder 2026

Winner: Einhell TC-WG 200

5 productsRead review
Irwin TSP4 Bench Plane

Best Bench Plane 2026

Winner: Irwin TSP4 Bench Plane

5 productsRead review
Mercia Overlap 216249

Best Bike Storage Shed 2026

Winner: Mercia Overlap 216249

5 productsRead review
Makita PJ7000

Best Biscuit Joiner 2026

Winner: Makita PJ7000

5 productsRead review
Wera Kraftform Kompakt 60 05059295001 Bit Screwdriver

Best Bit Screwdriver 2026

Winner: Wera Kraftform Kompakt 60 05059295001 Bit Screwdriver

5 productsRead review
Franke S2D651CB

Best Black Kitchen Sink 2026

Winner: Franke S2D651CB

5 productsRead review
Rapid 5000389 50pcs

Best Blind Rivets 2026

Winner: Rapid 5000389 50pcs

5 productsRead review
Knipex 71 32 200 Compact Bolt Cutter

Best Bolt Cutter 2026

Winner: Knipex 71 32 200 Compact Bolt Cutter

5 productsRead review
Bahco 10-30-23 Bow Saw

Best Bow Saw 2026

Winner: Bahco 10-30-23 Bow Saw

5 productsRead review
Sealey AK7316 Flex Handle Wrench

Best Breaker Bar 2026

Winner: Sealey AK7316 Flex Handle Wrench

5 productsRead review
Stanley Tools Fatmax 1-54-022 Antivibe Pick Hammer

Best Brick Hammer 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools Fatmax 1-54-022 Antivibe Pick Hammer

5 productsRead review
Blanco Subline 500-U (523439)

Best Brown Kitchen Sink 2026

Winner: Blanco Subline 500-U (523439)

5 productsRead review
FrogTape 157361 Painter’s Masking Tape 41100x24mm

Best Builder's Tape 2026

Winner: FrogTape 157361 Painter’s Masking Tape 41100x24mm

5 productsRead review
Irwin 6R T17EL4 C clamp

Best C-Clamp 2026

Winner: Irwin 6R T17EL4 C clamp

5 productsRead review
Knipex 95 05 155 SB Cable Cutter Cable Cutter

Best Cable Cutter 2026

Winner: Knipex 95 05 155 SB Cable Cutter Cable Cutter

5 productsRead review
StarTech UDCMTRAY

Best Cable Management 2026

Winner: StarTech UDCMTRAY

5 productsRead review
Masterplug OMU25134SL-PX 4-way 25m

Best Cable Reel 2026

Winner: Masterplug OMU25134SL-PX 4-way 25m

5 productsRead review
Hultafors Agelsjon 0.5 841760 Carpenters Axe

Best Carpenter's Axe 2026

Winner: Hultafors Agelsjon 0.5 841760 Carpenters Axe

5 productsRead review
Palram Verona 5000 (Building Area )

Best Carport 2026

Winner: Palram Verona 5000 (Building Area )

5 productsRead review
Stanley Tools 0-16-130 4 Pcs Carving Chisel

Best Carving Chisel 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools 0-16-130 4 Pcs Carving Chisel

5 productsRead review
Ryobi One+ RCG18‐0 Solo

Best Caulking Gun 2026

Winner: Ryobi One+ RCG18‐0 Solo

5 productsRead review
Orac Decor R77

Best Ceiling Rose 2026

Winner: Orac Decor R77

5 productsRead review
Tarmac Blue Circle General Purpose Cement 25kg

Best Cement and Concrete Mix 2026

Winner: Tarmac Blue Circle General Purpose Cement 25kg

5 productsRead review
Belle M16B

Best Cement Mixer 2026

Winner: Belle M16B

5 productsRead review
Knipex 00 19 57 V01 4 Pcs Circlip Plier

Best Circlip Pliers 2026

Winner: Knipex 00 19 57 V01 4 Pcs Circlip Plier

5 productsRead review
Makita ‎HS6601

Best Circular Saw 2026

Winner: Makita ‎HS6601

5 productsRead review
Draper Expert 41911 Digital Clamp Meter Auto-Ranging

Best Clamp Meter 2026

Winner: Draper Expert 41911 Digital Clamp Meter Auto-Ranging

5 productsRead review
Estwing E3/16c Curved Carpenter Hammer

Best Claw Hammer 2026

Winner: Estwing E3/16c Curved Carpenter Hammer

5 productsRead review
Crocs Bistro Work Clog - Black

Best Clogs 2026

Winner: Crocs Bistro Work Clog - Black

5 productsRead review
Dewalt DCF620P2K-QW (2x5.0Ah)

Best Collated Screwdriver 2026

Winner: Dewalt DCF620P2K-QW (2x5.0Ah)

5 productsRead review

Frequently asked questions about tools & diy

Which cordless drill battery platform is best?+
DeWalt 18V/Flexvolt and Makita LXT have the widest tool selection and strongest UK service networks. Milwaukee M18 leads on torque and the best tradesman reputation. Ryobi One+ is the value choice for casual DIY use across many tools.
Do I need Class 1 or Class 2 ladders for home use?+
Class 1 (Industrial) is only required for commercial trade use. For home use, EN 131 Professional is more than sufficient and saves 30–40% on price. Domestic-only ladders (Class 3) are discontinued under current standards — avoid second-hand 'Class 3' listings.
How do I pick safety glasses that actually stay on?+
Look for EN 166 marked glasses with temples that include silicone inserts or rubber tips. Over-glasses designs sit loosely; wraparound designs with flexible frames stay put during overhead work. Anti-fog coating matters more than people expect — fogged lenses cause more accidents than no glasses at all.
Are impact drivers better than drills for screws?+
Yes, for long or large screws. Impact drivers deliver rotational blows that prevent cam-out on Phillips heads and save your wrists on repetitive driving. For pilot holes and clean drilling, a drill is still the right tool.