Where to shop for reliable DIY bits & pieces?

Emily_Joy

Any advice on where to buy/how to choose reliable tools and small pieces for minor DiY repair? Looking for screws that can be safely removed and places back more than once, door hinges that won't break too soon, door handles, locks (the ones fitted in the house appear to have broken after 10 years maybe), hooks, and other small bits?  Is there any particular brand that can be recommended?

Ganga

You could always try Screwfix or Toolstation ,they used to give out free catalogues and there is also B & Q stores.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

Screwfix has an App.

FreeBear

Ganga said:

You could always try Screwfix or Toolstation ,they used to give out free catalogues and there is also B & Q stores.

Even although B&Q are part of the same group as Screwfix, their prices are inflated in comparison.

If it is just the odd nut, bolt, or screw you need rather than a big pack, a local independent hardware store is likely to be your best bet.

Emily_Joy

FreeBear said:

If it is just the odd nut, bolt, or screw you need rather than a big pack, a local independent hardware store is likely to be your best bet.

Our local independent hardware store closed in June,  the owner took retirement. Then we were left with Wilko only. Now I am looking at, say, door hinges on Amazon, B&Q, and Robert Dyas and honestly don't know the difference.

tacpot12

Branded hinges and screws at Screwfix are your best option. Unbranded stuff from Amazon, eBay and B&Q will generally be of the poorest quality.

There are some good tool brands; Draper, Bahco, Irwin, Sealey that I particularly look for if I am in the market for a new hand tool. The reviews on Screwfix can be very helpful in weeding out poor tools and materials. Toolstation used to have worse quality items, but has improved significantly over the last three or four years. I have one just aroudn the corner from me, so use them more or less exclusively now, and I've not had a quality problem with anything from them for a long time - but I am careful what I buy.  

FreeBear

tacpot12 said: There are some good tool brands; Draper, Sealey

I don't think I would call Draper or Sealey good brands - Budget tools, yes. Quality can be on the poor side for some of their stuff, but you get what you pay for.

Emily_Joy

All I know is that for garden tools Wilkinson Sword is reasonable (and seems even better than Fiskars) and for bike tools one should just buy Parktool...  Draper garden tools seem very budget friendly but not always reliable.

Green_hopeful

I find screwfix useful because the reviews are usually fairly comprehensive and not mad. 

Nile

Another vote for Screwfix. When I was there recently, there were several 'trade' vans in the car park. Screwfix is where plumbers, electricians and other tradespeople buy fittings etc.

cerebus

Screwfix or toolstation, screwfix doesn't have a catalogue any more (boooooo) bit toolstation do

When it comes to tools look for the mid range priced tools , avoid the cheap tat and you don't need the most expensive tools

Minotaur from toolstation and forge steel from screwfix are plenty good enough tools for diy use