DIY & Tools — Hand Tools (2026)

Pros

• Covers hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, tape measure and level in one bag
• Includes a bit holder with 11 driver bits for flat-pack jobs
• Portable storage bag for van or shed storage

Cons

• Fabric bag is less durable than a hard case

Pros

• Cheap enough to keep a set in every toolbox
• Soft-grip handles reduce hand fatigue
• Covers standard and precision flathead, Pozidriv and Torx sizes

Cons

• Tips wear faster than premium alternatives

Pros

• Combination pliers, side cutters, screwdrivers and adjustable wrench in one wallet
• Ergonomic non-slip handles reduce strain on long jobs
• Compact pouch built for tradesperson use

Cons

• Overkill for occasional DIY use

Pros

• Deep 6-point sockets grip fasteners better than shallow sets for car and machinery work
• Chrome vanadium steel construction resists corrosion in a damp shed or garage
• Covers the common 10-19mm metric range in one affordable set

Cons

• 1/2" drive ratchet handle sold separately

Pros

• Shock-absorbing fibreglass shaft reduces vibration on repeated strikes
• Forged steel head balances weight for driving and pulling nails
• Affordable single-tool buy to fill a gap in an existing kit

Cons

• No case or roll included

Pros

• Covers marking and planing tasks a basic mixed set leaves out
• Rosewood-stained hardwood handles with brass fittings for durability
• No.4 smoothing plane is useful for doors, sills and joinery fettling

Cons

• Aimed at woodworking rather than general household repairs

Pros

• Three sizes cover most nuts, bolts and pipe fittings around the home
• 16-degree head angle improves access in confined spaces
• Chrome vanadium jaws resist wear from repeated use

Cons

• Bulkier to carry than a single adjustable spanner

Pros

• Blade Armour coating resists snapping on site drops
• 3.3m standout lets you measure long spans single-handed
• Wide 32mm blade stays rigid for reading at a distance

Cons

• Bulkier casing than a compact pocket tape

Pros

• Eight sizes cover plumbing, automotive and general DIY gripping jobs
• ProTouch grips reduce hand fatigue on longer jobs
• Dual Material handle improves grip in wet or oily conditions

Cons

• Bulkier set to store than a single pair of pliers

Pros

• Covers the common 8-19mm metric range for household and car maintenance
• Chrome vanadium steel gives a durable, affordable set
• Ring end grips flats while open end speeds up loosening

Cons

• No storage case included

Pros

• Cheap single-tool buy to fill a gap in an existing kit
• Soft-grip handles reduce hand fatigue on repeated use
• Hardened jaws and cutting edges cope with wire and general fixings

Cons

• No insulation rating for electrical work

Pros

• Magnetic tip hooks onto steel studs and joists single-handed
• Stainless steel blade resists kinking and corrosion
• 8m length suits most room and joinery measuring tasks

Cons

• Bulkier casing than a basic pocket tape

Pros

• Box beam construction resists twisting for accurate readings
• Shock-absorbing end caps protect the level on site drops
• Backed by a 5-year accuracy guarantee

Cons

• Shorter 400mm length limits use on longer runs

Pros

• Large soft-grip handles improve torque and reduce hand fatigue
• Covers the common flathead, Pozidriv and Phillips sizes for household jobs
• Compact wallet keeps the set organised in a drawer or toolbox

Cons

• Tips are not designed for heavy trade use

Pros

• Combines metric and imperial sizes in one foldable case
• Long-arm pattern gives extra leverage and reach into recesses
• Chrome vanadium steel resists rounding on repeated use

Cons

• Folding case is plastic rather than a metal roll

Pros

• One-piece forged steel construction removes any risk of a loose head
• Genuine leather grip absorbs shock on repeated strikes
• Trusted trade brand that lasts for decades of regular use

Cons

• Leather grip needs occasional conditioning to stay comfortable

Pros

• Covers 6-19mm sizes, enough for most household and car jobs
• Chrome vanadium steel resists wear in a busy toolbox
• Combination ring and open ends speed up nut and bolt work

Cons

• No storage roll or case included

Pros

• Four commonly used plier types covers most household and workshop jobs
• Drop-forged chrome vanadium steel jaws resist wear
• Comfortable dual-density grips reduce hand fatigue

Cons

• Storage pouch not included

Pros

• 25-piece metric range covers 6mm to 32mm fixings
• Jaws offset at 15 degrees for easier access in tight spaces
• Supplied in a Tetron storage pouch for organised transport

Cons

• Larger sizes add bulk to a toolbox

Pros

• AntiVibe one-piece steel construction absorbs shock on hard strikes
• Rip claw pulls nails cleanly without slipping
• Textured overgrip stays secure even with gloves on

Cons

• Heavier in the hand than a fibreglass-shaft hammer

Pros

• Metric and imperial hex keys plus precision bits cover electronics and flat-pack jobs
• Magnetic tips hold small screws steady
• Compact stand keeps everything organised on the bench

Cons

• Precision bits are not intended for heavy-duty torque work

Pros

• High-velocity head design drives nails with less swing effort
• AntiVibe technology cuts shock transferred to the wrist and elbow
• Magnetic nail starter holds nails one-handed for overhead work

Cons

• Pricier than a basic claw hammer for occasional use

Pros

• Combination open and ring ends cover most household nuts and bolts
• Chrome vanadium steel resists rust in a shed or garage toolbox
• Compact 6-piece set fits easily into a small toolbox tray

Cons

• Imperial (AF) sizing only, no metric equivalents included

Pros

• Hardpoint teeth stay sharp for longer than traditional saws
• Universal tooth pattern copes with timber, chipboard and MDF
• Comfortable soft-grip handle for extended use

Cons

• Teeth cannot be re-sharpened once blunt

Pros

• Traditional taper-ground blade for a clean, accurate cut
• Sheffield steel construction built to last
• Classic hardwood-style handle for a secure grip

Cons

• Needs occasional sharpening unlike hardpoint saws