Shop all DIY & Tools — Page 2

Pros

• Cheap way to confirm a socket or fitting is dead before working on it
• Slim pocket size for a tool bag or van door pocket
• Detects both live and neutral wires

Cons

• Neon indicator can be hard to see in bright daylight

Pros

• Trusted UK brand fitted as standard by many electricians
• Inherent antimicrobial properties on the faceplate
• Neat white moulded finish matches most existing sockets

Cons

• Must be fitted by, or notified to, a qualified electrician under Part P

Pros

• Combined breaker and RCD protection on a single circuit
• Compatible with Schneider Resi9 consumer units
• Reduces nuisance tripping compared with a shared RCD

Cons

• Installation must be carried out by a registered electrician

Pros

• 8m cable reaches from an indoor socket out to a shed, garage or garden power tools
• Surge protection with a neon indicator shields sensitive electronics
• BS 1363/A compliant with 13A rated sockets

Cons

• Long cable is bulky to coil away for storage

Pros

• Widely fitted UK brand with a resistant, hard-wearing moulded faceplate
• Round-edge design matches most standard existing sockets
• Screw cover caps give a neat, finished look

Cons

• Must be fitted by, or notified to, a qualified electrician under Part P

Pros

• 10-year sealed battery removes the hassle of annual battery changes
• Optical sensor responds fast to slow-burning, smouldering fires
• Test/silence button lets you quiet nuisance alarms for 8 hours

Cons

• Higher price than a basic 1-year battery smoke alarm
• Sealed battery means the whole unit is replaced at end of life

Pros

• Standard UK bathroom fitting so replacements are easy to source
• Multifit compression outlet suits plastic, copper and lead pipe
• Compression joints need no solvent cement or soldering

Cons

• Plastic nuts can crack if overtightened

Pros

• Solvent weld system gives a permanent, leak-free joint
• Widely stocked, so fittings and offcuts are easy to match
• Suitable for sink, bath and washing machine waste runs

Cons

• Requires accurate cutting and solvent cement for a good joint

Pros

• Essential cheap fix for leaking threaded joints on taps and radiators
• Five-roll pack keeps a spare in every toolbox or van
• Waterproof seal for shower heads and faucets too

Cons

• Not a substitute for a proper compression or solder joint on high-pressure lines

Pros

• Serrated jaws grip pipework and fittings that plain spanners slip on
• Forged steel construction stands up to regular tradesperson use
• Adjustable jaw handles a wide range of pipe and fitting diameters

Cons

• Serrated jaws can mark chrome or polished fittings if used carelessly

Pros

• Seals small, inaccessible leaks without draining the whole system
• One bottle treats up to 130 litres of system water (around 16 radiators)
• Non-toxic and safe to leave permanently in the heating system

Cons

• Not a fix for larger leaks or damaged pipework

Pros

• Two sizes in one set cover most tap, basin and pipe fitting nuts
• Chrome vanadium steel forging resists wear on a damp job site
• SAE and metric scales printed on the jaw for quick sizing

Cons

• Not as heavy-duty as a dedicated pipe wrench for large fittings

Pros

• Thin-kerf 165mm blade cuts up to 55mm deep in one pass
• Keyless bevel and depth adjustment speed up setup on site
• Lightweight for a full day of ripping and cross-cutting timber or ply

Cons

• Bare unit — battery and charger sold separately

Pros

• 4-stage pendulum action cuts curves up to 40% faster than a plain jigsaw
• Tool-free SDS blade change with on-board storage for 6 blades
• Sole plate tilts to 45° for mitre cuts, with an integrated LED work light

Cons

• Mains lead limits reach away from a socket

Pros

• 1,010W motor with soft start and constant speed control for clean crosscuts
• Slide function extends capacity for wide skirting and architrave
• Compact, lightweight build for a tradesperson-grade mitre saw

Cons

• Higher price than a basic compound mitre saw
• Needs bench space or a stand for stable use

Pros

• 22mm stroke and variable speed make quick work of demolition and pruning
• Tool-free blade change and anti-vibration system cut fatigue on long cuts
• Body-only option runs on any battery in the Ryobi ONE+ range

Cons

• Battery and charger sold separately for first-time Ryobi ONE+ buyers

Pros

• Steel toe-cap and midsole protection to EN standard for site and trade use
• Padded collar, tongue and breathable lining for all-day comfort
• Heat, oil and slip-resistant sole for wet or greasy floors

Cons

• Leather needs occasional conditioning to stay water resistant

Pros

• Fully EN ISO 20471 certified for roadside and site visibility
• Full-length zip and lightweight fabric layer easily over other workwear
• Cheap enough to keep a spare in the van or boot

Cons

• Sleeveless design offers no arm coverage in cold weather

Pros

• 12-pair pack works out cheap enough to treat as disposable on messy jobs
• Latex-coated palm grips well on timber, brick and metal
• Knitted wrist keeps out dust and debris

Cons

• Latex coating is less durable than nitrile for oily work

Pros

• Platinum anti-fog coating copes with hot, dusty or humid work
• Wraparound clear lens gives full impact and UV protection
• Lightweight, adjustable design stays comfortable over a full shift

Cons

• Premium price versus a basic pair of safety specs

Pros

• Bulk 500+500 pack keeps a plug-and-screw combo on hand for every job
• Nylon plugs suit brick, block and masonry walls
• Trusted Rawlplug brand widely stocked by UK trade merchants

Cons

• No storage box included for the loose parts

Pros

• Assorted case covers the common sizes needed for flat-pack, joinery and general repairs
• Zinc/gold passivated steel resists corrosion in indoor use
• Compartmentalised case keeps sizes sorted and easy to find

Cons

• Not stainless, so unsuitable for damp or outdoor exposure

Pros

• A2 stainless steel resists rust for bathroom, kitchen and outdoor fixings
• Pozi-compatible countersunk head sits flush for a neat finish
• Box of 200 covers most small to medium DIY projects

Cons

• Single size per box means buying separately for mixed jobs

Pros

• Self-tapping thread drives quickly into softwood without pre-drilling
• Yellow zinc plating gives good corrosion resistance indoors
• Reliable German-engineered brand favoured by tradespeople

Cons

• Not rated for permanent outdoor exposure