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 4 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.

Sealey LH251

Best Lifting Device 2026

Winner: Sealey LH251

5 productsRead review
Sekonic L-308X

Best Light Meter 2026

Winner: Sekonic L-308X

5 productsRead review
Sonoff NSPanel-EU

Best Light Switch 2026

Winner: Sonoff NSPanel-EU

5 productsRead review
B&Q 3 Section 12 Tread 26mm Insulated Hatch Folding Loft Ladder Kit

Best Loft Ladder 2026

Winner: B&Q 3 Section 12 Tread 26mm Insulated Hatch Folding Loft Ladder Kit

5 productsRead review
Rowlinson Narrow Log Store

Best Log Store 2026

Winner: Rowlinson Narrow Log Store

5 productsRead review
Bosch GR 240 Professional

Best Measuring Rod 2026

Winner: Bosch GR 240 Professional

5 productsRead review
Snickers Workwear 6241 AllRoundWork Holster Pockets Stretch Trousers - Black

Best Men's Work Trousers 2026

Winner: Snickers Workwear 6241 AllRoundWork Holster Pockets Stretch Trousers - Black

5 productsRead review
Minelab X-Terra Voyager Metal Detecting Starter Kit One Size

Best Metal Detector 2026

Winner: Minelab X-Terra Voyager Metal Detecting Starter Kit One Size

5 productsRead review
OutSunny 845-953V00GY (Building Area )

Best Metal Garden Shed 2026

Winner: OutSunny 845-953V00GY (Building Area )

5 productsRead review
Gardebruk 12 Pcs Galvanised Metal Roofing Sheets

Best Metal Roof Sheet 2026

Winner: Gardebruk 12 Pcs Galvanised Metal Roofing Sheets

5 productsRead review
Copper Sheet 99.9% Pure Cu Metal Plate 0.3mm 40mm 1000mm

Best Metal Sheet 2026

Winner: Copper Sheet 99.9% Pure Cu Metal Plate 0.3mm 40mm 1000mm

5 productsRead review
Sealey Mightymig150

Best MIG Welder 2026

Winner: Sealey Mightymig150

5 productsRead review
Bosch UniversalHumid

Best Moisture Meter 2026

Winner: Bosch UniversalHumid

5 productsRead review
FloorPops FP3931 30.5x30.5cm

Best Mosaic Tiles 2026

Winner: FloorPops FP3931 30.5x30.5cm

5 productsRead review
Dewalt DWST1-71229

Best Moving Plates 2026

Winner: Dewalt DWST1-71229

5 productsRead review
Bosch UniversalDetect (0603681301) Digital Detector

Best Multi Detector 2026

Winner: Bosch UniversalDetect (0603681301) Digital Detector

5 productsRead review
Bosch PSM 100 A

Best Multi Sander 2026

Winner: Bosch PSM 100 A

5 productsRead review
Dewalt DCS355N-XJ Solo

Best Multi Tool 2026

Winner: Dewalt DCS355N-XJ Solo

5 productsRead review
Fluke 177

Best Multimeter 2026

Winner: Fluke 177

5 productsRead review
Dewalt DCN660N Solo

Best Nail Gun 2026

Winner: Dewalt DCN660N Solo

5 productsRead review
Dewalt DNBA1644GZ 2500pcs

Best Nails 2026

Winner: Dewalt DNBA1644GZ 2500pcs

5 productsRead review
Knipex 26 22 200 Snipe Needle-Nose Plier

Best Needle Nose Pliers 2026

Winner: Knipex 26 22 200 Snipe Needle-Nose Plier

5 productsRead review
Makita JN1601

Best Nibblers 2026

Winner: Makita JN1601

5 productsRead review
Monument MON781T Flare Nut Wrench

Best Nut Driver 2026

Winner: Monument MON781T Flare Nut Wrench

5 productsRead review
Irwin Mini T5462EL7 2pcs One Hand Clamp

Best One-Handed Clamp 2026

Winner: Irwin Mini T5462EL7 2pcs One Hand Clamp

5 productsRead review
Wera Double Open End Ratchet 6006 Joker 2 Set Open-Ended Spanner

Best Open End Spanner 2026

Winner: Wera Double Open End Ratchet 6006 Joker 2 Set Open-Ended Spanner

5 productsRead review
Nicoman Cosmo M5060608817528

Best Outdoor Flooring 2026

Winner: Nicoman Cosmo M5060608817528

5 productsRead review
Keter Store-It-Out Max

Best Outdoor Storage Box 2026

Winner: Keter Store-It-Out Max

5 productsRead review
Dulux Matt Wall Paint Pure Brilliant White 10L

Best Paint 2026

Winner: Dulux Matt Wall Paint Pure Brilliant White 10L

5 productsRead review
Harris 102011009 5 Pcs Paint Brush

Best Paint Brush 2026

Winner: Harris 102011009 5 Pcs Paint Brush

5 productsRead review
Metabo LF 850 S Paint Stripper 240V With metaBOX

Best Paint Remover 2026

Winner: Metabo LF 850 S Paint Stripper 240V With metaBOX

5 productsRead review
Purdy 140630125 Colossus Sleeve 305 PUR140630125 Roller

Best Paint Roller 2026

Winner: Purdy 140630125 Colossus Sleeve 305 PUR140630125 Roller

5 productsRead review
Purdy Colossus Complete System Kit 12' Adjustable Frame + Pole Paint Roller Set

Best Paint Roller Set 2026

Winner: Purdy Colossus Complete System Kit 12' Adjustable Frame + Pole Paint Roller Set

5 productsRead review
Bahco Ergo Precision 625 Paint Scraper

Best Paint Scraper 2026

Winner: Bahco Ergo Precision 625 Paint Scraper

5 productsRead review
Wagner W590

Best Paint Sprayer 2026

Winner: Wagner W590

5 productsRead review
GoodHome Otley Oak Parquet Floor

Best Parquet Flooring 2026

Winner: GoodHome Otley Oak Parquet Floor

5 productsRead review
Palram Grey Canopia Olympia Non-Retractable Awning, L7.39M H3.05M W2.95M

Best Patio Roof 2026

Winner: Palram Grey Canopia Olympia Non-Retractable Awning, L7.39M H3.05M W2.95M

5 productsRead review
Marshalls Antique Alverno Sandstone Paving Slabs Project Pack Autumn Bronze Multi

Best Paving Slabs 2026

Winner: Marshalls Antique Alverno Sandstone Paving Slabs Project Pack Autumn Bronze Multi

5 productsRead review
Testo 205 pH

Best PH Meter 2026

Winner: Testo 205 pH

5 productsRead review
Stanley Tools 0-65-317 FatMax Phillips Pan Head Screwdriver

Best Phillips Screwdriver 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools 0-65-317 FatMax Phillips Pan Head Screwdriver

5 productsRead review
Bosch PBD 40

Best Pillar Drill 2026

Winner: Bosch PBD 40

5 productsRead review
Blue Spot Tools 6160 Pin Wrench

Best Pin Spanner 2026

Winner: Blue Spot Tools 6160 Pin Wrench

5 productsRead review
Knipex 87 41 250 Pipe Wrench

Best Pipe Wrench 2026

Winner: Knipex 87 41 250 Pipe Wrench

5 productsRead review
Gyproc 76005112.5x900x1800mm

Best Plasterboard 2026

Winner: Gyproc 76005112.5x900x1800mm

5 productsRead review
Stanley Tools Fatmax FMHT20559 Jab Saw

Best Plasterboard Saw 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools Fatmax FMHT20559 Jab Saw

5 productsRead review
C.K 430001 PVC Pipe Cutter Plastic Pipe Shear

Best Plastic Cutter 2026

Winner: C.K 430001 PVC Pipe Cutter Plastic Pipe Shear

5 productsRead review
Keter 17197990 (Building Area )

Best Plastic Garden Shed 2026

Winner: Keter 17197990 (Building Area )

5 productsRead review
Flat Glazing Styrene Clear Polystyrene Sheet

Best Plastic Sheet 2026

Winner: Flat Glazing Styrene Clear Polystyrene Sheet

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.