100% offDewalt Dt90392 Magnetic Screwdriver Bit Holder
99% offDewalt Tough Case Flex Torq Pozi Screwdriver Bits Pz2 2…
99% offDewalt 75 Piece Tough Case Torsion Flex Torq Pozi Screw…
99% offDewalt 50 Piece Tough Case Torsion Flex Torq Phillips A…
99% offDewalt 50 Piece Tough Case Torsion Flex Torq Pozi Screw…
99% offDewalt Tough Case Flex Torq Phillips Screwdriver Bits P…
99% offDewalt 50 Piece Tough Case Torsion Flex Torq Phillips S…
99% offDewalt 75 Piece Tough Case Torsion Flex Torq Phillips S…
98% offDewalt Extreme Flextorq Pozi Screwdriver Bits And Magne…
98% offDewalt Tough Case Flex Torq Screwdriver Bits Torx T20 5…
98% offDewalt Tough Case Flex Torq Phillips Screwdriver Bits P…
98% offDewalt Tough Case Flex Torq Pozi Screwdriver Bits Pz2 5…
89% offSealey 32mm Shank Point Chisel 620mm
88% offBosch 12 Piece Max Grip Screwdriver Bit Set
86% offSealey 1/2" Drive Non Sparking Bi Hexagon Socket Metric…
84% offSealey 1/2" Drive Non Sparking Bi Hexagon Socket Metric…
84% offSealey 1/2" Drive Non Sparking Bi Hexagon Socket Metric…
84% offSealey 1/2" Drive Non Sparking Bi Hexagon Socket Metric…
84% offSealey 1/2" Drive Non Sparking Bi Hexagon Socket Metric…
84% offSealey 1/2" Drive Non Sparking Bi Hexagon Socket Metric…
83% offSealey 1/2" Drive Non Sparking Bi Hexagon Socket Metric…
100% offDewalt Dt90392 Magnetic Screwdriver Bit Holder
99% offDewalt Tough Case Flex Torq Pozi Screwdriver Bits Pz2 2…
99% offDewalt 75 Piece Tough Case Torsion Flex Torq Pozi Screw…
99% offDewalt 50 Piece Tough Case Torsion Flex Torq Phillips A…
99% offDewalt 50 Piece Tough Case Torsion Flex Torq Pozi Screw…
99% offDewalt Tough Case Flex Torq Phillips Screwdriver Bits P…
99% offDewalt 50 Piece Tough Case Torsion Flex Torq Phillips S…
84% offDewalt Dch273 18v Xr Cordless Brushless Sds Plus Hammer…
82% offDewalt Dch172 18v Xr Cordless Brushless Compact Sds Plu…
77% offDewalt Dch253 18v Xr Cordless Sds Plus Hammer Drill No …
75% offSupatool Claw Hammer 560g
75% offDewalt Dch172 18v Xr Cordless Brushless Compact Sds Plu…
75% offDewalt Dch273 18v Xr Cordless Brushless Sds Plus Hammer…
73% offDewalt Dch253 18v Xr Cordless Sds Plus Hammer Drill 2 X…
77% offDraper Vde Insulated Combination Pliers 160mm
74% offRotabroach Ra3047 Pilot For Rc190 - Rc650 Cutters
74% offRotabroach Ra359 Pilot For Rc130 - Rc180 Cutters
65% offRotabroach Cwd Pilot Pins For 18-65mm Cutters
65% offRotabroach Cwc Pilot Pins For 18-52mm Cutters
65% offRotabroach Cwd Pilot Pins For 66mm Plus Cutters
65% offRotabroach Rap120 Pilot Pin For 12mm Cutters
80% offCoreplus Hard Material Turbo Diamond Blade 230mm 2.6mm …
77% offDewalt 3 Piece 216mm Construction Circular Saw Blade Se…
75% offDewalt Straight Blade For Flexvolt Dcm571 Brush Cutter
74% offDewalt 2 Piece 165mm Extreme Cordless Circular Saw Blad…
74% offDewalt 4 Tooth Blade For Flexvolt Dcm571 Brush Cutter
74% offMilwaukee 5 Piece Jigsaw Blade Set Pack Of 5
72% offBosch Pro Optiline Wood Cutting Saw Blade 165mm 24t 30m…
98% offSirius Sclcr Steel Shank Screw Clamp Borning Bar Insert…
98% offSirius Sclcr Steel Shank Screw Clamp Borning Bar Insert…
98% offSirius Sclcr Steel Shank Screw Clamp Borning Bar Insert…
98% offSirius Sclcr Steel Shank Screw Clamp Borning Bar Insert…
89% offSealey 32mm Shank Point Chisel 620mm
79% offSealey Non Sparking Chisel 250mm 24mm
75% offDraper Round File 6" / 150mm Smooth -fine- Pack Of 12
Sirius Sir Steel Shank Internal Threading Tool Insert H…
Sirius Pclnr Steel Shank Turning Tool Insert Holder 25x…
Sirius Pclnr Steel Shank Turning Tool Insert Holder 25x…
Sirius Pwlnr Steel Shank Turning Tool Insert Holder 25x…
Sirius Ser Steel Shank External Threading Tool Insert H…
Sirius Pwlnr Steel Shank Turning Tool Insert Holder 25x…
Sirius Sdjcr Steel Shank Turning Tool Insert Holder 25x…
A good basic toolkit includes a claw hammer, a set of screwdrivers (Phillips, Pozidriv and slotted), combination pliers, a tape measure, a spirit level, an adjustable spanner, a Stanley knife and a small handsaw. From there, add a socket set, a set of hex keys, wood chisels and a set of files. Buying a pre-built tool kit can be more cost-effective than buying tools individually.
Spanners are open-ended or ring-shaped tools that fit over the head of a bolt or nut. Sockets attach to a ratchet or breaker bar and fully encase the fastener, giving better grip and faster operation. Sockets are quicker to use and less likely to round off corners. Spanners are better for awkward or low-clearance access where a ratchet won't fit. Most professionals own both.
For occasional DIY use, mid-range brands like Stanley, Draper or Rolson offer excellent value. For trade and professional use, premium brands like Snap-on, Facom, Knipex, Wera, Bahco and Stahlwille deliver superior steel quality, fit and finish — and usually a lifetime warranty. Quality hand tools last decades if looked after. Buying mid-range for everyday tools and premium for the ones you use most often is a sensible middle ground.
In the UK, metric is the standard for almost all modern fasteners — automotive, machinery, plumbing and construction. Imperial (AF or Whitworth) sizes are mainly needed for older British vehicles, classic cars, motorbikes from the 1970s and earlier, and some imported American equipment. If you're working on modern equipment, a metric set covers 99% of jobs.
They look very similar but are not interchangeable. Phillips (PH) screws have a simple cross shape designed to cam out under high torque to prevent over-tightening. Pozidriv (PZ) screws have additional small lines between the cross arms and are designed for higher torque without camming out. Most modern UK screws are Pozidriv, while older or imported fasteners are often Phillips. Using the wrong driver on the wrong screw will round out the head.
16oz is the most popular all-round claw hammer size — heavy enough to drive nails efficiently, light enough to use one-handed for extended periods. For general DIY, framing or cabinet work, 16oz–20oz hits the sweet spot. Heavier 22oz–28oz framing hammers are designed for fast nailing into structural timber. Fibreglass or anti-vibration handles reduce wrist strain compared to steel handles.
At 1sttools.co.uk we track prices on thousands of hand tools from the UK's leading retailers — including Screwfix, Toolstation, B&Q, Amazon, Machine Mart and specialist trade suppliers — so you can find the best deal without visiting every site. Prices are updated regularly so what you see reflects current availability.
Whether you're starting your first tool kit, replacing a worn socket set, or kitting out a workshop with quality woodworking tools, our comparison covers the full range. We include tools across all price points — from budget DIY brands to premium trade tooling from Knipex, Wera, Bahco and Facom.
Need power tools to go alongside your hand tools? Our power tools section covers cordless drills, saws, grinders and more — or browse accessories like drill bits, blades and sanding discs.
