Best places to buy tools

[Trydan]

Hi All,

I am looking to start building my first set of tools. I have a rough idea of what tools I need from making a list of what I most commonly borrow from others on site.

I was just wondering wheres the best places to look for tools are. I am based in South Wales.

 

[SparkyChick]

Where are you in South Wales?

 

[FatAlan]

Hi Trydan. You may find it’s a case of finding the brand you like and the shopping around for the best deals. Certainly the case with power tools and batteries being a major chunk of the cost, once you’ve committed it’s expensive to change. Have fun! Lots of tool tarts on here

 

[Baddegg]

You’ll never have enough that’s for sure ?

 

[Trydan]

Where are you in South Wales?

Pontypridd but working up towards monmouth
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Hi Trydan. You may find it’s a case of finding the brand you like and the shopping around for the best deals. Certainly the case with power tools and batteries being a major chunk of the cost, once you’ve committed it’s expensive to change. Have fun! Lots of tool tarts on here

A lot of the work I tend to do is more wiring mods or temporary connections so don't really use power tools at the moment

 

[SparkyChick]

If you swing past Newport, junction 28... lookup the Newport branch of ScrewFix. Directly opposite ScrewFix is an independent wholesaler called Independent Electrical Supplies. They have a lot of CK and Armeg tools on the shelf and can order in pretty much anything.

You can get there opening hours on-line.

 

[Moley]

Pontypridd

That's where I am. Only places around here are B&Q and Screwfix. I tend to buy off the net. There's a place near Kenfig that's really good for general tools.

 

[Trydan]

If you swing past Newport, junction 28... lookup the Newport branch of ScrewFix. Directly opposite ScrewFix is an independent wholesaler called Independent Electrical Supplies. They have a lot of CK and Armeg tools on the shelf and can order in pretty much anything.

You can get there opening hours on-line.

Will check them out, cheers
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That's where I am. Only places around here are B&Q and Screwfix. I tend to buy off the net. There's a place near Kenfig that's really good for general tools.

What sites do you tend to use? Or is it a case of googling and finding the best prices?

 

[Moley]

What sites do you tend to use? Or is it a case of googling and finding the best prices?

Mainly Google or Ebay. If you're ever down Kenfig way,well nearer Pyle, then go to Woodcraft 82. Scruffy place but they are great for tools. What part of Ponty are you in?
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If you're working near Monmouth there's a place in Ross on Wye called Bailies DIY just off the A40 roundabout, behind KFC. Do a selection of hand tools. Mainly Draper and unknown brands but you can sometimes pick up some good stuff. It's gone a bit downhill over the last few years as they seem to be going over to more food/general household and pet stuff.

 

[Trydan]

Mainly Google or Ebay. If you're ever down Kenfig way,well nearer Pyle, then go to Woodcraft 82. Scruffy place but they are great for tools. What part of Ponty are you in?
[automerge]1582456496[/automerge]
If you're working near Monmouth there's a place in Ross on Wye called Bailies DIY just off the A40 roundabout, behind KFC. Do a selection of hand tools. Mainly Draper and unknown brands but you can sometimes pick up some good stuff. It's gone a bit downhill over the last few years as they seem to be going over to more food/general household and pet stuff.

I'm in llantwit fardre. Seen a lot of videos on facebook for baileys seems a bit of an odd place

 

[Trydan]

Anyone know what the ck avit range is like? Is it not worth buying?

 

[Andy78]

Anyone know what the ck avit range is like? Is it not worth buying?

I use Wiha for drivers and Knipex and Wiha for pliers, cutter etc.
I have found CK to be not as good quality in the long run.

 

[telectrix]

personally, i like NWS and Bahco for cutters , grips, and suchlike. Wiha for drivers. still got a set of Irazola drivers, had 10 years, no probs.

 

[Trydan]

I was looking at the wera range for drivers as I've used their allen keys in the past and they were really nice. And for cutters and pliers I was looking at the RS range but not head much about these
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RS PRO 2-Piece Plier Set, 250 mm Overall | RS

uk.rs-online.com

 

[Lister1987]

I started my kit hunt on Amazon; Prime Day on fact. Did a bit of research first to find a style I would like (Draper Expert Ergo for my range of pliers and cutters) them just hunted the best price. Main screwdriver kit is an Aldi VDE Screwdriver set but do have a Wera Kraftform Screwdriver/blade set for college just because it's got such a range in a small package.

Aside from Amazon I've got kit from Screwfix and Toolstation as the prices were reasonable.

For me a great source of research was the range of tradesmen on YouTube doing Toolbox Tours' and the odd tool would catch my eye and the cycle continues ??

 

[Phil Thompson]

I dont rate the CK stuff much, their screwdrivers are decent, good tips on them, but not the nicest of grips.

I find the Wiha screwdrivers the best all round set, you get them in screwfix on offer quite often, or try amazon.

For snips and pliers i have knipex and klein, prefer the knipex pliers tbh and the klein snips.
Shears are hellerman tyton, keep their edge really good, much better than Ck and about 2/3rds the price of CK too.

Everything else is just what you like yourself, fatmax tapes seem to last longest without weakening, and extends out quite far before it snaps, i have an estwing 20oz straight claw hammer, got it on amazon on offer at £22.50, but theres plenty of draper, duratool, and irwin in the kit.

Have had a couple of wera screwdriver kits, the pozidrive tips round off very quickly.

If you check out CEF they have regular offers on where you get big savings than standard.

My apprentice just got this kit for £172

Electricians Tool Kits | CEF

Stay well-prepared and effectively equipped with our Electricians’ Tool Kits, featured in the CEF tools & fixings range. Buy yours now.

www.cef.co.uk

Which has good savings than buying separately. Cant fault the screwdrivers from them either.