Where to shop for reliable DIY bits & pieces?

cerebus

Emily_Joy said:

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).

I would be changing it now if I were you , it can be an expensive nightmare if the lock fails when it's locked.

Given its a 5 min job to change I would get it done now for peace of mind 

Gavin83

Albermarle said:

Surprised nobody has mentioned Wickes.

Personally I find Wickes is the best option for building materials (unless you're after premium wood) but I normally find Screwfix to be cheaper for tools and other bits, such as screws. This is coming from someone who has a trade discount at Wickes too. It's always worth shopping around though.

I'm sure Toolstation is fine too but I rarely shop there. Screwfix is a lot closer.

Emily_Joy

casper_gutman said:

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!

In our local Screwfix you don't get to browse the shelves - you order on the terminal, send order to the till, pay at the till and they bring the order to you.

casper_gutman

Emily_Joy said:

casper_gutman said:

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!

In our local Screwfix you don't get to browse the shelves - you order on the terminal, send order to the till, pay at the till and they bring the order to you.

That's my point. I dislike picking my own items off the shelves in places like B&Q, as it takes ages to find the right aisle and then I'm racked with indecision. I much prefer ordering online, as I do in Screwfix.

I know I could do a click and collect order in B&Q, but I tend not to. Screwfix is better set up for it.

FreeBear

Emily_Joy said:

casper_gutman said:

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!

In our local Screwfix you don't get to browse the shelves - you order on the terminal, send order to the till, pay at the till and they bring the order to you.

I'll often ask to look at an item in Screwfix - They will go and grab it off the shelf, bring it to the counter where it can be fondled, and all without paying for it. Toolstation will do the same if you ask.

Leon_W

Screwfix every time !!   They have no problem with grabbing stuff out of the warehouse for you to look at.  Staff are usually super helpful, but the thing I've always found better than all the rest is their returns policy.  Any problems whatsoever and they'll just refund you no questions asked. Try doing that with some rubbish from China that you've bought on eBay or some cheapskate/fly by night internet business. Is it ever worth trying to save a couple of quid on an item that isn't right, only to spend twice as much trying to send it back ?  Nope !!

Mutton_Geoff

The best hinges I found are the ball bearing ones from Todd Doors. Fantastic quality. I also always fit 4"/10cm hinges rather than the standard 3" as I think it looks better.

https://www.todd-doors.co.uk/4-102mm-polished-stainless-steel-hinges-pack-of-3

No connection, just a happy customer.

Emily_Joy

ToolStation: Does anyone know whether I can return item delivered to the house to the store (rather than paying postage)? First time decided to order with delivery - thought I will save myself a journey

greyteam1959

Emily_Joy said:

ToolStation: Does anyone know whether I can return item delivered to the house to the store (rather than paying postage)? First time decided to order with delivery - thought I will save myself a journey

Yes you can return online delivered orders to a store.

Sistergold

Leon_W said:

Screwfix every time !!   They have no problem with grabbing stuff out of the warehouse for you to look at.  Staff are usually super helpful, but the thing I've always found better than all the rest is their returns policy.  Any problems whatsoever and they'll just refund you no questions asked. Try doing that with some rubbish from China that you've bought on eBay or some cheapskate/fly by night internet business. Is it ever worth trying to save a couple of quid on an item that isn't right, only to spend twice as much trying to send it back ?  Nope !!

Yes screwfix or Toolstation for me. Screwfix are quibble free on returns.