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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 7 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
Rowlinson BINTRPL1 (Building Area )

Best Wheelie Bin Storage 2026

Winner: Rowlinson BINTRPL1 (Building Area )

5 productsRead review
Rangemaster Farmhouse Belfast (CFBL595WH)

Best White Kitchen Sink 2026

Winner: Rangemaster Farmhouse Belfast (CFBL595WH)

5 productsRead review
HomeSecure Universal uPVC Window Handle Multi-Spindle - White

Best Window Fittings 2026

Winner: HomeSecure Universal uPVC Window Handle Multi-Spindle - White

5 productsRead review
Roughneck Heavy Duty Wire Brush Set - 3 Piece Steel Brush

Best Wire Brush 2026

Winner: Roughneck Heavy Duty Wire Brush Set - 3 Piece Steel Brush

5 productsRead review
Knipex ErgoStrip 16 95 01 SB Peeling Plier

Best Wire Stripper 2026

Winner: Knipex ErgoStrip 16 95 01 SB Peeling Plier

5 productsRead review
Portwest C099 Ladies Combat Trousers Black 33"

Best Women's Work Trousers 2026

Winner: Portwest C099 Ladies Combat Trousers Black 33"

5 productsRead review
EverBuild Lumberjack 30min Wood Adhesive Gel 310ml

Best Wood Glue 2026

Winner: EverBuild Lumberjack 30min Wood Adhesive Gel 310ml

5 productsRead review
Stanley Tools 5-21-122 Wooden Plane

Best Wood Plane 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools 5-21-122 Wooden Plane

5 productsRead review
Mercia Overlap Apex SI-001-001-0121 (Building Area )

Best Wooden Garden Shed 2026

Winner: Mercia Overlap Apex SI-001-001-0121 (Building Area )

5 productsRead review
Portwest S999 Euro Work Coverall - Navy

Best Work Coveralls 2026

Winner: Portwest S999 Euro Work Coverall - Navy

5 productsRead review
Portwest T400 PW3 Hi Vis Winter Jacket Waterproof Reflective Safety Work Coat

Best Work Jackets 2026

Winner: Portwest T400 PW3 Hi Vis Winter Jacket Waterproof Reflective Safety Work Coat

5 productsRead review
Orac Decor K1002

Best Decorative Column 2026

Winner: Orac Decor K1002

4 productsRead review
Faithfull No.6 Fore Edge Plane

Best Edge Plane 2026

Winner: Faithfull No.6 Fore Edge Plane

4 productsRead review
Masterplug Weatherproof Box with 4 Socket

Best Electrical Enclosure 2026

Winner: Masterplug Weatherproof Box with 4 Socket

4 productsRead review
Knauf Knauf Insulation Loft Roll 44 Combi Cut 8050x1140x150mm

Best Glass Wool Insulation 2026

Winner: Knauf Knauf Insulation Loft Roll 44 Combi Cut 8050x1140x150mm

4 productsRead review
Moldex 2400 Organic Vapors Particulate Respirator with Exhale Valve N95 Face Mask 20-pack

Best N95 Face Mask 2026

Winner: Moldex 2400 Organic Vapors Particulate Respirator with Exhale Valve N95 Face Mask 20-pack

4 productsRead review
Marshalls Urbex Riven FL5860150 450x450x38mm

Best Patio Slabs 2026

Winner: Marshalls Urbex Riven FL5860150 450x450x38mm

4 productsRead review
Orac Decor DX310

Best Skirting Block 2026

Winner: Orac Decor DX310

4 productsRead review
Artibetter 4Pcs Wood Carved Onlay Applique

Best Wood Carvings 2026

Winner: Artibetter 4Pcs Wood Carved Onlay Applique

4 productsRead review
Ekena Millwork BKTM03X20X20MOSS Steel Bracket Morris 3 Inch

Best Decorative Corbel 2026

Winner: Ekena Millwork BKTM03X20X20MOSS Steel Bracket Morris 3 Inch

3 productsRead review
Sealey SM1300

Best Drum Sander 2026

Winner: Sealey SM1300

3 productsRead review
Magnetic Cupboard Latch Door Catch Wardrobe White

Best Magnetic Locks 2026

Winner: Magnetic Cupboard Latch Door Catch Wardrobe White

3 productsRead review
Stanley Tools 1-20-800 Mitre Saw

Best Mitre Saw 2026

Winner: Stanley Tools 1-20-800 Mitre Saw

3 productsRead review
Blue Circle Quality Assured Ready to Use 20kg

Best Mortar and Plaster 2026

Winner: Blue Circle Quality Assured Ready to Use 20kg

3 productsRead review
B&Q Osb 3 Board 2440mm W 1220mm T 11mm

Best OSB Board 2026

Winner: B&Q Osb 3 Board 2440mm W 1220mm T 11mm

3 productsRead review
Flex CS 60 Wet

Best Stone Cutter 2026

Winner: Flex CS 60 Wet

3 productsRead review
Dolle Madrid 1059112

Best Straight Staircase 2026

Winner: Dolle Madrid 1059112

3 productsRead review
C.K T49145-1 MOD1x75mm DextroVDE Supadriv

Best Supadriv Screwdriver 2026

Winner: C.K T49145-1 MOD1x75mm DextroVDE Supadriv

3 productsRead review
Robens Dixie 14 Throwing Axe

Best Throwing Axe 2026

Winner: Robens Dixie 14 Throwing Axe

3 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.