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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 3 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
Neo Extendable Aluminium Foldable Telescopic Ladder Black 4.6m

Best Extension Ladder 2026

Winner: Neo Extendable Aluminium Foldable Telescopic Ladder Black 4.6m

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Masterplug 8456216 4-way 5m

Best Extension Lead 2026

Winner: Masterplug 8456216 4-way 5m

5 productsRead review
Trend Airshield Pro Powered Respirator

Best Face Masks & Respirators 2026

Winner: Trend Airshield Pro Powered Respirator

5 productsRead review
Fiskars Norden N7 Felling Axe

Best Felling Axe 2026

Winner: Fiskars Norden N7 Felling Axe

5 productsRead review
Moldex FFP2 Masks Classics 20-pack - Blue/White

Best FFP2 Respirator Mask 2026

Winner: Moldex FFP2 Masks Classics 20-pack - Blue/White

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Moldex 3405 FFP3 D Air Plus Respirator Mask 5-pack

Best FFP3 Respirator Mask 2026

Winner: Moldex 3405 FFP3 D Air Plus Respirator Mask 5-pack

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Toupret Wood Repair Filler 1 kg 1pcs

Best Filler 2026

Winner: Toupret Wood Repair Filler 1 kg 1pcs

5 productsRead review
Stanley Tools 4-18-299 12pcs Cold Chisel

Best Flat Chisel 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools 4-18-299 12pcs Cold Chisel

5 productsRead review
Bahco 1-100-10-3-0 Flat File

Best Flat File 2026

Winner: Bahco 1-100-10-3-0 Flat File

5 productsRead review
Stanley Tools FatMax 0-84-495 Flat Plier

Best Flat Nose Pliers 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools FatMax 0-84-495 Flat Plier

5 productsRead review
FloorPops Remy Peel & Stick FP2953 30.5x30.5cm

Best Floor Tiles 2026

Winner: FloorPops Remy Peel & Stick FP2953 30.5x30.5cm

5 productsRead review
Stanley Tools 1-45-530 Folding Rule

Best Folding Ruler 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools 1-45-530 Folding Rule

5 productsRead review
‎Handle & Home 128mm Handle Gold Handles & Knob

Best Furniture Fittings 2026

Winner: ‎Handle & Home 128mm Handle Gold Handles & Knob

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Irwin Record T120/8 Heavy-Duty G 200mm 8in G-Clamp

Best G-Clamp 2026

Winner: Irwin Record T120/8 Heavy-Duty G 200mm 8in G-Clamp

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Yardmaster Metal Garage (Building Area )

Best Garage 2026

Winner: Yardmaster Metal Garage (Building Area )

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Chamberlain ML1000EV

Best Garage Door Opener 2026

Winner: Chamberlain ML1000EV

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Hörmann HSE 4 BS Hand Transmitter 868 MHz 28 x 70 x 14 mm

Best Garage Door Remote Control 2026

Winner: Hörmann HSE 4 BS Hand Transmitter 868 MHz 28 x 70 x 14 mm

5 productsRead review
Dunster House Log Cabin Garden Office 6m x 4m Terminator Pent (Building Area )

Best Garden Annex 2026

Winner: Dunster House Log Cabin Garden Office 6m x 4m Terminator Pent (Building Area )

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BillyOh Kent Garden Office 4x3m 44mm (Building Area )

Best Garden Room 2026

Winner: BillyOh Kent Garden Office 4x3m 44mm (Building Area )

5 productsRead review
Shire Summer House (Building Area )

Best Garden Summer House 2026

Winner: Shire Summer House (Building Area )

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Homescapes Assorted Multi-Colour Gardening Gloves - Set of 3

Best Gardening Gloves 2026

Winner: Homescapes Assorted Multi-Colour Gardening Gloves - Set of 3

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Rowlinson Buckingham Gazebo (Building Area )

Best Gazebo 2026

Winner: Rowlinson Buckingham Gazebo (Building Area )

5 productsRead review
Silverline 6 Wheel 6 Glass Cutter

Best Glass Cutter 2026

Winner: Silverline 6 Wheel 6 Glass Cutter

5 productsRead review
Bosch 603264508

Best Glue Gun 2026

Winner: Bosch 603264508

5 productsRead review
Milwaukee M18 GG-0

Best Grease Gun 2026

Winner: Milwaukee M18 GG-0

5 productsRead review
Knipex 87 01 250 SB Cobra Polygrip

Best Groove Joint Pliers 2026

Winner: Knipex 87 01 250 SB Cobra Polygrip

5 productsRead review
vidaXL L-shaped Ground Anchors Galvanised Steel 10pcs

Best Ground Anchors 2026

Winner: vidaXL L-shaped Ground Anchors Galvanised Steel 10pcs

5 productsRead review
FloPlast Black RG4B

Best Gutter 2026

Winner: FloPlast Black RG4B

5 productsRead review
Stanley Tools 1-20-110 Hacksaw

Best Hacksaw 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools 1-20-110 Hacksaw

5 productsRead review
Bahco 1-210-08-1-2 Half Round File

Best Half Round File 2026

Winner: Bahco 1-210-08-1-2 Half Round File

5 productsRead review
Nordic Pocket Saw Original Pocket Saw

Best Hand Chain Saw 2026

Winner: Nordic Pocket Saw Original Pocket Saw

5 productsRead review
Irwin 10505212 880 Plus Universal Hand Saw

Best Hand Saw 2026

Winner: Irwin 10505212 880 Plus Universal Hand Saw

5 productsRead review
Gr8 Garden Outdoor Adjustable Black Steel Handrail 1-4 Steps Stairs Rail Black

Best Handrail 2026

Winner: Gr8 Garden Outdoor Adjustable Black Steel Handrail 1-4 Steps Stairs Rail Black

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Rothley Handrail Wall Bracket Chrome

Best Handrail Bracket 2026

Winner: Rothley Handrail Wall Bracket Chrome

5 productsRead review
Dewalt DCE530N-XJ Solo

Best Heat Gun 2026

Winner: Dewalt DCE530N-XJ Solo

5 productsRead review
Wera 395 HO/3 05134275001 Hex Head Screwdriver

Best Hex Screwdriver 2026

Winner: Wera 395 HO/3 05134275001 Hex Head Screwdriver

5 productsRead review
Living and Home Soft Close Concealed Cabinet Door Hinges 10pcs Silver

Best Hinges 2026

Winner: Living and Home Soft Close Concealed Cabinet Door Hinges 10pcs Silver

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Knipex 44 11 J3 Revolving Punch Plier

Best Hole Punch Pliers 2026

Winner: Knipex 44 11 J3 Revolving Punch Plier

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Draper HWC 69099 Hook Wrench

Best Hook Spanner 2026

Winner: Draper HWC 69099 Hook Wrench

5 productsRead review
Makita DTW300Z Solo

Best Impact Wrench 2026

Winner: Makita DTW300Z Solo

5 productsRead review
Bosch GIC 12V-5-27 C Professional

Best Inspection Camera 2026

Winner: Bosch GIC 12V-5-27 C Professional

5 productsRead review
vidaXL Access Panel with Aluminium Frame and Plasterboard 300x300 mm Hatch

Best Inspection Hatch 2026

Winner: vidaXL Access Panel with Aluminium Frame and Plasterboard 300x300 mm Hatch

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Knipex 16 95 03 3 in 1 PV Ergostrip Cable Jacket Remover

Best Insulation Stripping Pliers 2026

Winner: Knipex 16 95 03 3 in 1 PV Ergostrip Cable Jacket Remover

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Stanley Tools FatMax 0-20-331 Japanese Saw

Best Japanese Saw 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools FatMax 0-20-331 Japanese Saw

5 productsRead review
Dewalt DCS334N-XJ Solo

Best Jigsaw 2026

Winner: Dewalt DCS334N-XJ Solo

5 productsRead review
Quick Step Impressive IM1847

Best Laminate Flooring 2026

Winner: Quick Step Impressive IM1847

5 productsRead review
Bosch GLM 100-25 C Professional (0601072Y00)

Best Laser Distance Measurer 2026

Winner: Bosch GLM 100-25 C Professional (0601072Y00)

5 productsRead review
Draper 33893

Best Lathe 2026

Winner: Draper 33893

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.