Skip to main content

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 2 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.

Werner 7101418 3.51m

Best Combination Ladder 2026

Winner: Werner 7101418 3.51m

5 productsRead review
Knipex 03 02 180 Combination Plier

Best Combination Pliers 2026

Winner: Knipex 03 02 180 Combination Plier

5 productsRead review
Dewalt DW743N-GB

Best Combination Saw 2026

Winner: Dewalt DW743N-GB

5 productsRead review
Draper ES1 54957 Combi Scissor

Best Combination Shears 2026

Winner: Draper ES1 54957 Combi Scissor

5 productsRead review
Wera 5020013001 11-Pieces Combination Wrench

Best Combination Spanner 2026

Winner: Wera 5020013001 11-Pieces Combination Wrench

5 productsRead review
Makita PC5010C

Best Concrete Grinder 2026

Winner: Makita PC5010C

5 productsRead review
Dewalt DCE531N-XJ Solo

Best Concrete Vibrator 2026

Winner: Dewalt DCE531N-XJ Solo

5 productsRead review
Park Tool SCW-20 Cone Wrench

Best Cone Spanner 2026

Winner: Park Tool SCW-20 Cone Wrench

5 productsRead review
Makita DMP180Z Solo

Best Cordless Compressor 2026

Winner: Makita DMP180Z Solo

5 productsRead review
Stanley Tools 0-83-122 Corner Corner Clamp

Best Corner Clamp 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools 0-83-122 Corner Corner Clamp

5 productsRead review
PVC Corrugated Sheet Clear 2m x 950mm

Best Corrugated Plastic Roof Sheet 2026

Winner: PVC Corrugated Sheet Clear 2m x 950mm

5 productsRead review
HPC Knitted Cotton Gloves 10-pack

Best Cotton Gloves 2026

Winner: HPC Knitted Cotton Gloves 10-pack

5 productsRead review
NMC Z40 Arstyl Coving Cornice

Best Coving 2026

Winner: NMC Z40 Arstyl Coving Cornice

5 productsRead review
Knipex 97 53 04 Crimping Plier

Best Crimping Pliers 2026

Winner: Knipex 97 53 04 Crimping Plier

5 productsRead review
Dewalt DCE089D1G (1x2.0Ah)

Best Cross Line Laser 2026

Winner: Dewalt DCE089D1G (1x2.0Ah)

5 productsRead review
Roughneck 64-409 Crowbar

Best Crowbar 2026

Winner: Roughneck 64-409 Crowbar

5 productsRead review
Stihl TS 420

Best Cut Off Saw 2026

Winner: Stihl TS 420

5 productsRead review
Forest Garden 0514232 19x120x2400mm

Best Decking Timber 2026

Winner: Forest Garden 0514232 19x120x2400mm

5 productsRead review
Makita HM0871C

Best Demolition Hammer 2026

Winner: Makita HM0871C

5 productsRead review
Knipex 95 16 160 Cutting Plier

Best Diagonal Cutters 2026

Winner: Knipex 95 16 160 Cutting Plier

5 productsRead review
Varilight JQP401W 2-way

Best Dimmer Switch 2026

Winner: Varilight JQP401W 2-way

5 productsRead review
Holzmann TSM250

Best Disc Sander 2026

Winner: Holzmann TSM250

5 productsRead review
Microgard Disposable Coverall 2000 Standard

Best Disposable Coveralls 2026

Winner: Microgard Disposable Coverall 2000 Standard

5 productsRead review
Ansell TouchNTuff 92-600 Disposable Glove 100-pack - Green

Best Disposable Gloves 2026

Winner: Ansell TouchNTuff 92-600 Disposable Glove 100-pack - Green

5 productsRead review
Palram Black, Transparent 1780 CLEAR

Best Door Canopy 2026

Winner: Palram Black, Transparent 1780 CLEAR

5 productsRead review
Union J-CE3F-SIL Fixed Door Closer 1pcs

Best Door Fittings 2026

Winner: Union J-CE3F-SIL Fixed Door Closer 1pcs

5 productsRead review
Designer Levers Victorian Straight Door Latch Handle

Best Door Handles 2026

Winner: Designer Levers Victorian Straight Door Latch Handle

5 productsRead review
Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus - Satin Nickel

Best Doorbell 2026

Winner: Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus - Satin Nickel

5 productsRead review
Stormguard Acoustic Silent Seal

Best Draught Excluder 2026

Winner: Stormguard Acoustic Silent Seal

5 productsRead review
Dewalt ‎DCD796P1-GB (1x5.0Ah)

Best Drill 2026

Winner: Dewalt ‎DCD796P1-GB (1x5.0Ah)

5 productsRead review
Festool PLANEX Long-reach Drywall Sander LHS-E 225 EQ

Best Drywall Sander 2026

Winner: Festool PLANEX Long-reach Drywall Sander LHS-E 225 EQ

5 productsRead review
Makita DSD180Z Solo

Best Drywall Saw 2026

Winner: Makita DSD180Z Solo

5 productsRead review
Steinel NightMatic 2000

Best Dusk Sensor 2026

Winner: Steinel NightMatic 2000

5 productsRead review
Festool CTM Midi I M Class Mobile Dust Extractor 240v

Best Dust Extractor 2026

Winner: Festool CTM Midi I M Class Mobile Dust Extractor 240v

5 productsRead review
3M WorkTunes Connect Wireless Hearing Protector Bluetooth Technology

Best Ear Defenders 2026

Winner: 3M WorkTunes Connect Wireless Hearing Protector Bluetooth Technology

5 productsRead review
Bosch GKF 12V-8 Solo

Best Edge Router 2026

Winner: Bosch GKF 12V-8 Solo

5 productsRead review
Stanley Tools Fatmax 4-18-330 Electricians Electric Chisel

Best Electric Chisel 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools Fatmax 4-18-330 Electricians Electric Chisel

5 productsRead review
Einhell TC-AC 200/24/8 OF

Best Electric Compressor 2026

Winner: Einhell TC-AC 200/24/8 OF

5 productsRead review
Makita DKP180Z Solo

Best Electric Hand Planer 2026

Winner: Makita DKP180Z Solo

5 productsRead review
Makita DJS161Z Solo

Best Electric Metal Shears 2026

Winner: Makita DJS161Z Solo

5 productsRead review
Wago 221-412 100pcs

Best Electrical Accessories 2026

Winner: Wago 221-412 100pcs

5 productsRead review
Lindy 30433 2m

Best Electrical Cable 2026

Winner: Lindy 30433 2m

5 productsRead review
BG Electrical Bg nbs22uac12g brushed steel double socket with usb 12w type a & type c usb grey

Best Electrical Socket 2026

Winner: BG Electrical Bg nbs22uac12g brushed steel double socket with usb 12w type a & type c usb grey

5 productsRead review
Shelly SHELLYPRO3EM

Best Electricity Meter 2026

Winner: Shelly SHELLYPRO3EM

5 productsRead review
GoodHome Skara Rustic Brown Oak Real Wood Top Layer 1.35m²

Best Engineered Wood Flooring 2026

Winner: GoodHome Skara Rustic Brown Oak Real Wood Top Layer 1.35m²

5 productsRead review
Dremel F0130290JN 290-1 Engraver

Best Engraving Machine 2026

Winner: Dremel F0130290JN 290-1 Engraver

5 productsRead review
EverBuild Pro Gun Grade Expanding Foam 750ml 1pcs

Best Expanding Foam 2026

Winner: EverBuild Pro Gun Grade Expanding Foam 750ml 1pcs

5 productsRead review
Pro Elec PELB1942 4-way 10m

Best Extension Cable 2026

Winner: Pro Elec PELB1942 4-way 10m

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.