Screwfix, Toolstation or B&Q?

wazza

This question is more for DIYer and not professional tradesperson. I expect they buy from Screwfix/Toolstation.

If you are looking for electrical/plumbing stuff and not gardening etc. do you buy your stuff from Screwfix, Toolstation or B&Q?

Any reason for your choice?

Metalwrath

Toolstation is my first port of call due to the prices being that much lower. Then if a bigger range is needed I'd turn to screwfix, or if I want to see firsthand the size/quality of the item then B&Q are the first DIY chain that I'd consider.

* speaking as primarily a carpenter, once a tradesperson but for a long time a DIY/DI for friends guy.

ormus

i use wickes, screwfix and toolstation.
i rarely use BQ. basically the same chinese stuff just more expensive.

wickes is the nearest to me and does most of my diy needs.
pretty keen on prices, poor selection though.


i use BQ when the others are shut. BQ has longer opening hours.

jackyann

Metalwrath wrote: »

Toolstation is my first port of call due to the prices being that much lower. Then if a bigger range is needed I'd turn to screwfix, or if I want to see firsthand the size/quality of the item then B&Q are the first DIY chain that I'd consider.

* speaking as primarily a carpenter, once a tradesperson but for a long time a DIY/DI for friends guy.

In the middle of doing a new build and we do exactly the same.

phill99

I'm a tradesman and can't abide B & Q. Vastley over priced, poor quality, atrocious customer service and have killed off most of the independent shops.

Screwfix, although part of the Kingfisher (B & Q) group are cheaper, but since being taken over by Kingfisher their prices have risen significantly and certainly don't offer the value they used to.

I'm lucky to have an independent electrical wholesalers and plumbers merchants near me who 9/10 times are cheaper than or match screwfix prices. Also, the indpendents give you sound advice. (Screwfix staff are actually banned from giving advice). Independents for me every time.

1984ReturnsForReal_2

Go & get the price books from screwfix & toolstation & buy wherever is cheapest.

wazza

1984ReturnsForReal wrote: »

Go & get the price books from screwfix & toolstation & buy wherever is cheapest.

Have already got the books. Great read. Tells a novice like me what type of tools etc is available.

A.Penny.Saved

I use Toolstation mainly due to prices and the delivery. They do sometimes mess up but they usually fix it to my advantage. I purchased some concrete repair stuff which is mixed in the bucket it comes packed in. However the bucket was badly cracked so couldn't be used. I phoned them and told them and after checking my purchase history, which is fairly large, they said keep it and we'll send a replacement. So I got 2 for the price of one which came in handy.

I occasionally get some materials from wickes because it's close by. I don't like B&Q for similar reasons already expressed above by phil.

I buy online from a few other places such as Transtools not that they have that much that I want however the cheap nitrile gloves are fairly good. Inexpensive and protect the hands quite well and cost less than a £1 so can be disposed of when they get in a mess. I buy piles of them.

EHSmith on occasions and local builders merchants.

1984ReturnsForReal_2

wazza wrote: »

Have already got the books. Great read. Tells a novice like me what type of tools etc is available.

Loads available but only you know what you need.

Screwfix is cheaper on some things & Toolstation on others. No logic to it but for wire you are best off somewhere like city electrical factors.

B&Qs (in store not trade) has a good line of Opella pan connectors but they are expensive. Also a lot of B&Qs stuff is exactly what you would find in screwfix.

Copper pipe is cheap in B&Q when they have a 10-20% off day.

But saying all that I have got Screwfix to price match.

ormus

some independants are ok, but they all live in a time warp.
open say 9-5 or 9- 6pm.
some are closed all day saturday.

one near me still closes half day on wednesday. !!!!!!.
then they moan at BQ and wickes etc...

tony6403

With the prices of all three of your competitors carefully noted before searching, I would add Ebay as a source. I've had some really good bargains - but postage costs can often be unacceptable.