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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 6 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
Voltcraft SL-200

Best Sound Level Meter 2026

Winner: Voltcraft SL-200

5 productsRead review
Dolle Spiral Staircase Calgary Grey 140 Cm

Best Spiral Staircase 2026

Winner: Dolle Spiral Staircase Calgary Grey 140 Cm

5 productsRead review
Stabila R-Type 300 3pcs Spirit Level

Best Spirit Level 2026

Winner: Stabila R-Type 300 3pcs Spirit Level

5 productsRead review
Fiskars X32 1069108 Splitting Axe

Best Splitting Axe 2026

Winner: Fiskars X32 1069108 Splitting Axe

5 productsRead review
Bahco 1-160-12-1-0 Square File

Best Square File 2026

Winner: Bahco 1-160-12-1-0 Square File

5 productsRead review
ENKI KS001 Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink

Best Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink 2026

Winner: ENKI KS001 Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink

5 productsRead review
Blueprint Joinery Core Deck Plain Square Treated Decking Balustrade Basic Kit Brown

Best Stair Railing 2026

Winner: Blueprint Joinery Core Deck Plain Square Treated Decking Balustrade Basic Kit Brown

5 productsRead review
Blueprint Joinery Stair Cladding Oak Tread Riser Set 1500 x 235mm

Best Stair Tread 2026

Winner: Blueprint Joinery Stair Cladding Oak Tread Riser Set 1500 x 235mm

5 productsRead review
Bosch Universal Tacker 18V-14 (06032A7000) Solo

Best Staple Gun 2026

Winner: Bosch Universal Tacker 18V-14 (06032A7000) Solo

5 productsRead review
Werner 740 7400718 3.23m

Best Step Ladder 2026

Winner: Werner 740 7400718 3.23m

5 productsRead review
Werner 740 7400718 3.23m

Best Step Ladders 2026

Winner: Werner 740 7400718 3.23m

5 productsRead review
Makita DGD800Z Solo

Best Straight Grinder 2026

Winner: Makita DGD800Z Solo

5 productsRead review
Stanley Tools STHT77587

Best Stud Finder 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools STHT77587

5 productsRead review
Belkin BSV603AF2M 6-way 2m

Best Surge Protector 2026

Winner: Belkin BSV603AF2M 6-way 2m

5 productsRead review
Lumberjack Bench Top Router Table, Integrated 1500W Motor for Routing with Variable Speed & Height Adjustment 230V, Complete with 1/2 & 1/4 Collets

Best Table Router 2026

Winner: Lumberjack Bench Top Router Table, Integrated 1500W Motor for Routing with Variable Speed & Height Adjustment 230V, Complete with 1/2 & 1/4 Collets

5 productsRead review
Dewalt DWE7492-QS

Best Table Saw 2026

Winner: Dewalt DWE7492-QS

5 productsRead review
Stanley Tools 0-30-656 8m Measurement Tape

Best Tape Measure 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools 0-30-656 8m Measurement Tape

5 productsRead review
HIKMICRO Eco Thermal Camera SuperIR Resolution 240 x 240

Best Thermal Imaging Camera 2026

Winner: HIKMICRO Eco Thermal Camera SuperIR Resolution 240 x 240

5 productsRead review
Dewalt DW733-QS

Best Thicknessers 2026

Winner: Dewalt DW733-QS

5 productsRead review
J-B Weld J-B Blue Medium Strength Threadlocker 6ml

Best Threadlocker 2026

Winner: J-B Weld J-B Blue Medium Strength Threadlocker 6ml

5 productsRead review
Hyundai DHY11KSE

Best Three Phase Generator 2026

Winner: Hyundai DHY11KSE

5 productsRead review
Draper 70052

Best TIG Welder 2026

Winner: Draper 70052

5 productsRead review
Vitrex 103402NDE

Best Tile Cutter 2026

Winner: Vitrex 103402NDE

5 productsRead review
Forest Garden P200398 20x120mm

Best Timber Joist 2026

Winner: Forest Garden P200398 20x120mm

5 productsRead review
Timeguard FST24

Best Timer Switch 2026

Winner: Timeguard FST24

5 productsRead review
Stanley Tools FatMax 2-14-562 Left Curve Scissor Sheet Metal Cutter

Best Tin Snips 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools FatMax 2-14-562 Left Curve Scissor Sheet Metal Cutter

5 productsRead review
Makita B-53811 100pcs Tool Kit

Best Tool Sets 2026

Winner: Makita B-53811 100pcs Tool Kit

5 productsRead review
Draper 19572

Best Tool Trolleys 2026

Winner: Draper 19572

5 productsRead review
Wera 7400 Kraftform 05074701001 Torque Screwdriver

Best Torque Screwdriver 2026

Winner: Wera 7400 Kraftform 05074701001 Torque Screwdriver

5 productsRead review
Wera A 5 05075604001 Torque Wrench

Best Torque Wrench 2026

Winner: Wera A 5 05075604001 Torque Wrench

5 productsRead review
Wera 367/6 Kraftform Plus 05028062001 6pcs Torx Screwdriver

Best Torx Screwdriver 2026

Winner: Wera 367/6 Kraftform Plus 05028062001 6pcs Torx Screwdriver

5 productsRead review
Verbatim UTA-01 Universal Travel Adapter

Best Travel Adapter 2026

Winner: Verbatim UTA-01 Universal Travel Adapter

5 productsRead review
Bahco 2-302-16-2-0 Triangular File

Best Triangular File 2026

Winner: Bahco 2-302-16-2-0 Triangular File

5 productsRead review
Faithfull FAICS12CNC Prestige Try Carpenter's Square

Best Try Square 2026

Winner: Faithfull FAICS12CNC Prestige Try Carpenter's Square

5 productsRead review
Axiome Clear 10mm Twinwall Glazing Sheet 690

Best Twinwall Polycarbonate Roof Panel 2026

Winner: Axiome Clear 10mm Twinwall Glazing Sheet 690

5 productsRead review
APC BX500MI Back-UPS 500VA/300W

Best Uninterruptible Power Supply 2026

Winner: APC BX500MI Back-UPS 500VA/300W

5 productsRead review
Kährs Life LTCLRW3004-193 Oak Veneer Floor

Best Veneer Flooring 2026

Winner: Kährs Life LTCLRW3004-193 Oak Veneer Floor

5 productsRead review
Sealey AK962EV Slide Gauge

Best Vernier Caliper 2026

Winner: Sealey AK962EV Slide Gauge

5 productsRead review
NOVECRAFTO Self Adhesive Vinyl Floor Tiles Pack of 30

Best Vinyl Flooring 2026

Winner: NOVECRAFTO Self Adhesive Vinyl Floor Tiles Pack of 30

5 productsRead review
Cheshire Mouldings TM480 Dado Rail

Best Wall Moulding 2026

Winner: Cheshire Mouldings TM480 Dado Rail

5 productsRead review
Cheshire Mouldings Square MDF Wall Panel Kit WPKT4

Best Wall Panel 2026

Winner: Cheshire Mouldings Square MDF Wall Panel Kit WPKT4

5 productsRead review
Fischer 537260 20pcs

Best Wall Plugs 2026

Winner: Fischer 537260 20pcs

5 productsRead review
Fine Decor Gothic (FP2475) 30x30cm

Best Wall Tiles 2026

Winner: Fine Decor Gothic (FP2475) 30x30cm

5 productsRead review
Black & Decker KX3300T

Best Wallpaper Steamer 2026

Winner: Black & Decker KX3300T

5 productsRead review
Laura Ashley Parterre (113406)

Best Wallpapers 2026

Winner: Laura Ashley Parterre (113406)

5 productsRead review
Sealey Assortment 1000pc M5-M10 Metric

Best Washers 2026

Winner: Sealey Assortment 1000pc M5-M10 Metric

5 productsRead review
InSinkErator Evolution Plus Waste Disposal Unit

Best Waste Disposal Units 2026

Winner: InSinkErator Evolution Plus Waste Disposal Unit

5 productsRead review
Multipanel Linda Barker ML3460SHRHLTG17 240x120cm

Best Wet Room Panels 2026

Winner: Multipanel Linda Barker ML3460SHRHLTG17 240x120cm

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.