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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 5 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
Masterplug CT1513P/IPS-MP

Best Plug 2026

Winner: Masterplug CT1513P/IPS-MP

5 productsRead review
Dewalt DCW604NT-XJ Solo

Best Plunge Router 2026

Winner: Dewalt DCW604NT-XJ Solo

5 productsRead review
Makita SP6000J1

Best Plunge Saw 2026

Winner: Makita SP6000J1

5 productsRead review
B&Q Hardwood Plywood 12x1220x2440mm

Best Plywood 2026

Winner: B&Q Hardwood Plywood 12x1220x2440mm

5 productsRead review
Ryobi One+ R18P-0 Solo

Best Polisher 2026

Winner: Ryobi One+ R18P-0 Solo

5 productsRead review
Corotherm 4mm Clear Twinwall

Best Polycarbonate Sheet 2026

Winner: Corotherm 4mm Clear Twinwall

5 productsRead review
Apple 70W USB-C Power Adapter

Best Power Supply 2026

Winner: Apple 70W USB-C Power Adapter

5 productsRead review
Makita 199141-8

Best Power Tool Accessories 2026

Winner: Makita 199141-8

5 productsRead review
Stanley Tools 2-65-014 Cushion Grip Pozidriv

Best Pozidriv Screwdriver 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools 2-65-014 Cushion Grip Pozidriv

5 productsRead review
Irwin T54122EL7 2pcs Quick Clamp

Best Quick Clamp 2026

Winner: Irwin T54122EL7 2pcs Quick Clamp

5 productsRead review
Dewalt DCW210N-XJ Solo

Best Random Orbital Sander 2026

Winner: Dewalt DCW210N-XJ Solo

5 productsRead review
Wera 8100 SB6 29-Pieces Ratchet Wrench

Best Ratchet Wrench 2026

Winner: Wera 8100 SB6 29-Pieces Ratchet Wrench

5 productsRead review
Dewalt DCS382N-XJ Solo

Best Reciprocating Saw 2026

Winner: Dewalt DCS382N-XJ Solo

5 productsRead review
Rockwool RWR105 100x400x1200mm

Best Rock Wool Insulation 2026

Winner: Rockwool RWR105 100x400x1200mm

5 productsRead review
Iko 56060000 1pcs 10000x1000mm

Best Roof Felt 2026

Winner: Iko 56060000 1pcs 10000x1000mm

5 productsRead review
Werner 77101 4.89m

Best Roof Ladder 2026

Winner: Werner 77101 4.89m

5 productsRead review
Stabila LAR160

Best Rotary Laser Level 2026

Winner: Stabila LAR160

5 productsRead review
Bahco 1-230-08-3-0 Round File

Best Round File 2026

Winner: Bahco 1-230-08-3-0 Round File

5 productsRead review
Knipex 49 11 A0 Precision Round-End Plier

Best Round Nose Pliers 2026

Winner: Knipex 49 11 A0 Precision Round-End Plier

5 productsRead review
THOR Wood Shaft 31.74oz Rubber Mallet Rubber Hammer

Best Rubber Mallet 2026

Winner: THOR Wood Shaft 31.74oz Rubber Mallet Rubber Hammer

5 productsRead review
Dewalt Lander BOA Safety Boot - Stone

Best Safety Boots 2026

Winner: Dewalt Lander BOA Safety Boot - Stone

5 productsRead review
Bolle safety glasses clear Rush+, sporty with flexible temple arms

Best Safety Glasses 2026

Winner: Bolle safety glasses clear Rush+, sporty with flexible temple arms

5 productsRead review
Portwest PS53 Height Endurance Helmet - Black

Best Safety Helmets 2026

Winner: Portwest PS53 Height Endurance Helmet - Black

5 productsRead review
Portwest Steelite Obra Sandal S1 - Grey

Best Safety Sandals 2026

Winner: Portwest Steelite Obra Sandal S1 - Grey

5 productsRead review
Skechers Wascana Benen Safety Shoes

Best Safety Shoes 2026

Winner: Skechers Wascana Benen Safety Shoes

5 productsRead review
Muck Boot MuckMaster Tall Boot

Best Safety Wellington Boots 2026

Winner: Muck Boot MuckMaster Tall Boot

5 productsRead review
Priory PRI383 Scaffold Wrench

Best Scaffolding Spanner 2026

Winner: Priory PRI383 Scaffold Wrench

5 productsRead review
Makita 194385-5 2pcs Screw Clamp

Best Screw Clamp 2026

Winner: Makita 194385-5 2pcs Screw Clamp

5 productsRead review
ForgeFast FORDS4560T 4.5x60mm 1000pcs

Best Screws 2026

Winner: ForgeFast FORDS4560T 4.5x60mm 1000pcs

5 productsRead review
Draper FS405V Scroll Saw 22791

Best Scroll Saw 2026

Winner: Draper FS405V Scroll Saw 22791

5 productsRead review
Dow Corning 785 Acetoxy Sealant Clear 1pcs

Best Sealant 2026

Winner: Dow Corning 785 Acetoxy Sealant Clear 1pcs

5 productsRead review
Bosch SDS Plus 2608690101 Scutch Chisel

Best Serrated Chisel 2026

Winner: Bosch SDS Plus 2608690101 Scutch Chisel

5 productsRead review
Dewalt DWE6411-GB

Best Sheet Sander 2026

Winner: Dewalt DWE6411-GB

5 productsRead review
Unibond Anti Mould Kitchen Bathroom Silicone Sealant 274g

Best Silicone Sealant 2026

Winner: Unibond Anti Mould Kitchen Bathroom Silicone Sealant 274g

5 productsRead review
Zarges Alto L 41556 5.50m

Best Single Ladder 2026

Winner: Zarges Alto L 41556 5.50m

5 productsRead review
Honda EU22i

Best Single Phase Generator 2026

Winner: Honda EU22i

5 productsRead review
Fiskars 1001619 Sledge Hammer

Best Sledge Hammer 2026

Winner: Fiskars 1001619 Sledge Hammer

5 productsRead review
vidaXL Sliding Door Hardware Kit 200 cm Steel White

Best Sliding Door Fittings 2026

Winner: vidaXL Sliding Door Hardware Kit 200 cm Steel White

5 productsRead review
Stanley Tools FatMax Flared 0-65-412 Slotted Screwdriver

Best Slotted Screwdriver 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools FatMax Flared 0-65-412 Slotted Screwdriver

5 productsRead review
Draper Hi-Torq Deep Offset Metric 64607 Ring Slogging Spanner

Best Slugging Wrench 2026

Winner: Draper Hi-Torq Deep Offset Metric 64607 Ring Slogging Spanner

5 productsRead review
Bahco S560 Socket Bit

Best Socket 2026

Winner: Bahco S560 Socket Bit

5 productsRead review
IEC320 C14 to C13 Power Cord Y Splitter 12.6in 10A

Best Socket Adapter 2026

Winner: IEC320 C14 to C13 Power Cord Y Splitter 12.6in 10A

5 productsRead review
Hultafors EDC 25 Socket Chisel

Best Socket Chisel 2026

Winner: Hultafors EDC 25 Socket Chisel

5 productsRead review
Bahco S330 34pcs Head Socket Wrench

Best Socket Wrench 2026

Winner: Bahco S330 34pcs Head Socket Wrench

5 productsRead review
Victron Energy MultiPlus-II 24/3000/70-32 PMP242305010

Best Solar Inverter 2026

Winner: Victron Energy MultiPlus-II 24/3000/70-32 PMP242305010

5 productsRead review
Solar Panel Tester 1800W MPPT Power Meter

Best Solar Panel Tester 2026

Winner: Solar Panel Tester 1800W MPPT Power Meter

5 productsRead review
Anker Solix PS100 A24340A1

Best Solar Panels 2026

Winner: Anker Solix PS100 A24340A1

5 productsRead review
Milwaukee M12 SI-201C (1x2.0Ah)

Best Soldering Tool 2026

Winner: Milwaukee M12 SI-201C (1x2.0Ah)

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.