Reviewing The Top 7 DIY Tool Stores

Whether you’re looking to take care of some necessary fixes around the home, planning to do some DIY improvements, or you just want to make sure that you always have the right solutions on hand for any household problem, having the right tools is crucial. However, it’s not always easy to find reliable, versatile tools that you can trust, and, as such, finding the right DIY tool store can be vital. Here, we’re going to look at some of the best options available and why each of them is worth a closer look.

Carey Tools – Ireland’s Leading Online Tool Supplier

Bringing a very broad stock of both DIY and trade goods, Carey Tools has a truly immense range of power tools, hand tools, garden tools, fixings, and accessories. It offers free deliveries within Ireland and great customer service. with clear contact details on the site and a team that brings over 70 years of experience and expertise. As such, it has become a very popular selection for both tradespeople and DIYers, especially those who need access to more serious tools that many consumer-facing stores might not offer.

Pros:

• Very extensive tool range
• Suitable for both DIY and trades needs
• A lot of experience and expertise to help find what you need.

Cons:

• Site interface can take a little getting used to
• Shopping outside Ireland may cost more

Screwfix – The Trades First Approach

As a trade-centric online DIY toolstore, Screwfix offers thousands of different power tools, hand tools, fixings, electrical, and plumbing parts. They’re great for those with frequent DIY needs, thanks to fast click-and-collect and a range of delivery options. They also have a solid loyalty programme, ensuring that professionals are able to get the best deals on their tools, with a wide branch network making same-day delivery much more broadly available, wherever you are.

Pros:

• Large catalogue with fast pickup
• Business accounts for bulk ordering
• High-level tools for tradesmen

Cons:

• Items can go out of stock easily
• Not as suited to general households or beginners

Toolstation – Cost-Effectiveness And Convenience

For those who are looking for more budget-friendly options, Toolstation offers a very broad selection of both trade and DIY products online, including power tools, fixings, and heating, plumbing, and electrical supplies. Value is the main focus of this store, and it offers frequent, ever-changing app-based discounts, making it worth a closer look for those who frequently DIY and are always looking to expand their toolset with the best deals possible. Toolstation supports professional accounts and simple bulk ordering, though high-end specialist tools are less prominent than at some competitors.

Pros:

• Extensive branch network
• Very low prices
• Easy app shopping

Cons:

• Limited specialist tool lines
• Not always the most descriptive product information

B&Q – Huge Consumer Range With Installation Services

While it does not primarily sell DIY tools and supplies, B&Q is one of the go-tos for anything to do with decorating, kitchens, bathrooms, and gardens. Alongside an extensive range of installations and appliances, it does offer a decent selection of power tools. It offers click-and-collect as well as home delivery, but for those who would simply prefer a little help making the changes they want to their home, they might benefit more from the in-store installation services that can take care of much of the work for them.

Pros:

• Massive range
• Great customer service
• Installation and planning services are available

Cons

• Few pro-level tools
• Free deliveries only for those spending over a high threshold

Wickes – The Mid-Market Approach 

Representing something of a middle ground between the mass consumer approach and the more pro-focused specialty items, Wickes has a very good catalog of building materials, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, power tools, as well as landscaping supplies. They also provide design and installation services, but have a deeper range of supplies for renovation projects, while also providing trade account options for professionals. Pricing is competitive for mid-market ranges, and their installation partnerships are useful for larger jobs, though the availability of niche specialist tools is limited. That said, the site provides great local stock visibility.

Pros:

• Solid trade services
• Good landscaping supply section
• Useful project planning tools on their site

Cons:

• Somewhat limited specialist tool range
• Large items have a noteworthy delivery cost

ManoMano – Huge Selection Across The EU

An online marketplace that supports tradespeople and DIYers all across Europe, ManoMano has a truly massive selection of tools thanks to the fact that it connects buyers with thousands of independent merchants. As such, they carry practically anything DIY or home and garden that you could want, making it one of the best places to go if you’re looking for specific hard-to-find items. Meanwhile, aggregating stock from many sellers also allows it to offer some of the best prices on the market, as well.

Pros:

• Huge selection from many merchants
• Great for rarer items
• Competitive costs across most sections

Cons:

• Item quality is highly varied
• Longer deliveries on any items that have to be transported across borders

Conrad Electronics – The Technical Depth Specialists

Based in Germany, but shipping items globally, Conrad Electronics is, as the name suggests, a store that mostly focuses on electronics tools, but it does have a solid selection of general DIY fare, such as tool cases and torque wrenches. They also specialize in areas like test gear and maker components for both hobbyists and engineers. The technical depth of tools they offer is well-suited to the most demanding jobs, and they do offer great warranty support, as well. However, their general hand tool prices can be higher than UK trade stores.

Pros:

• Extensive electronics and measurement tool selection
• Thorough databases and specs for items
• Great warranties

Cons:

• Primarily focused on goods for electronics work
• Pricy hand tools

Which Should You Choose?

Your choice of DIY tool store is largely going to depend on what you need, the quality of tools you’re looking for, and any staff expertise or customer support you’re likely to need along the way. Options like Carey Tools are a great example of what’s on offer, but you should choose that which best fits your own needs.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.