Where to shop for reliable DIY bits & pieces?

[Deleted User]

Hi,

cerebus said:

screwfix doesn't have a catalogue any more (boooooo)

as I mentioned earlier, Screwfix have an app now.

Albermarle

Surprised nobody has mentioned Wickes.

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

Emily_Joy said:

door hinges that won't break too soon

We purchased "Zoo" branded door hinges many years ago and still working perfectly, available on eBay or 

https://www.doorhandlecompany.co.uk/

who also have a bunch of other bits you mentioned (also 8% cashback via Quidco). Door handles are tricky as it's hard to tell if you are paying for style or quality.

I've been happy with Spectre and Screw-Tite branded screws from Toolstation.

General cheap tools again I'd look at Toolstation and price check against Amazon and Screwfix if buying something branded. 

Barkin

Albermarle said:

Surprised nobody has mentioned Wickes.

Me too. Often cheaper than Screwfix for identical items IME. 

ChilliBob

Both toolstation and Screwfix, as said. Wickes and Toolstation are owned by the same company. 

When you say locks, do you mean locks on your front and back door? If so, you nay be better going to a specialist lock website for this - the sort of stuff from the above mentioned is a bit poor in comparison.

Incidentally, toolstation, and probably others, well some screws called hinge tight or similar name, these, as the name suggest, work well for hinges and tend to not work loose. 

Emily_Joy

ChilliBob said:
When you say locks, do you mean locks on your front and back door? If so, you nay be better going to a specialist lock website for this - the sort of stuff from the above mentioned is a bit poor in comparison.

I noticed that on Screwfix hinges come with screws included. 

Front door & side door locks appear to be fine. The French conservatory door lock appear to suffer a bit. They seem to be dead locked a week ago but miraculously we were able to unlock them last Saturday. I am afraid the lock will need to be changed soon, but this is not an emergency (yet).

Albermarle

Barkin said:

Albermarle said:

Surprised nobody has mentioned Wickes.

Me too. Often cheaper than Screwfix for identical items IME. 

I usually look at the websites of Screwfix, Wickes and Homebase as they are the three closest locations.
For identical articles Wickes seem always cheaper than Homebase. Screwfix have a larger range if you are looking something a bit more specialised, although sometimes you have to buy a pack when you only need one.
Homebase have a much larger range of paint and they sell more garden stuff/plants.

casper_gutman

I prefer Screwfix and Toolstation as I can plan what to buy in my own time, order online and have it there waiting for me when I arrive. If I go to B&Q, Wickes etc. then I always seem to take ages to find what I want and end up standing in front of a shelf furiously searching on my phone to figure out what I need, feeling like a fool!

I'm also happy to order bits online for home delivery, but shops with physical premises are best for urgent items - like when you're halfway through a job and realise you're missing something crucial!

lesalanos

ChilliBob said:

Both toolstation and Screwfix, as said. Wickes and Toolstation are owned by the same company. 

When you say locks, do you mean locks on your front and back door? If so, you nay be better going to a specialist lock website for this - the sort of stuff from the above mentioned is a bit poor in comparison.

Incidentally, toolstation, and probably others, well some screws called hinge tight or similar name, these, as the name suggest, work well for hinges and tend to not work loose. 

Travis perkins, who own toolstation, demerged from Wickes a few months ago 

cerebus

frugalmacdugal said:

Hi,

cerebus said:

screwfix doesn't have a catalogue any more (boooooo)

as I mentioned earlier, Screwfix have an app now.

Screwfix have had an app for years and got rid of the catalogue in 2022

I'm not sure what point you are trying to make....