Hand tools buying guide | Tools & Equipment | B&Q (2024)

Saws

Panel saws

Panel saws are very versatile, they are great for cutting sheet materials and timber. As with all saws, the more teeth per inch (TPI), the finer the cut. If you need a clean and smooth cut, choose a saw with 10 or more TPI. Saws with fewer teeth per inch give faster but rougher end results. The length of the saw should also be considered - longer blades provide more cutting length and are more efficient to work with.

Hacksaws

Principally used for cutting metal, but you can also use hacksaws to cut wood and plastic. Use 24 TPI (teeth per inch) for fine cuts, or 16-18 TPI for coarse ones.

Junior hacksaws

These take 6 inch blades, and as they can be used in smaller spaces, are ideal for plumbing tasks such as cutting plastic and metal pipes.

Replacement blades

A full range of replacement blades are available.

Coping saws

A large frame and a very thin blade make it easier to cut intricate shapes or curved lines in thin (less than 1 inch thick) material. Coping saws are also great for cutting shapes into the middle of a piece of material.

Jab saws

Jab saws have long, narrow blades so they're ideal for cutting holes in difficult to reach places. They are commonly used to cut plasterboard to make holes for electrical and plumbing projects.

Mitre boxes & saws

A mitre box is used to make 45-degree cuts and 90-degree cuts in wood, often used for coving and skirting boards.

Sawhorses

A pair of lightweight plastic sawhorses will support materials while you cut them. Inexpensive and easy to store, they're a simple evolution of the traditional carpenter's wooden sawhorse.

Knives

Utility knives

Utility knives have many uses - such as cutting carpet and vinyl, dry lining, opening packaging and scoring plasterboard. They come with eitherretractableorfixedblades. For safety in your tool box, choose a knife with a retractable blade. Our range of folding knives are great space savers.

Craft knives

Craft knives blades are thin and sharp, making them suitable for cutting intricate shapes.

Knife blades

Carbide coated knife blades are sharper, stay sharper for longer and are stronger, so less likely to snap. Hooked knife blades are useful for cutting materials without cutting into the surface below.

Cutters & snips

Diagonal cutters

Diagonal cutters are used for cutting wire leaving a flush finish -VDEversions should be used in electrical projects. Their small size makes them useful for reaching inaccessible areas.

Wood chisels

Use wood chisels with a wooden mallet for a range of woodworking jobs, particularly fitting doors. B&Q's Magnusson wood chisels have CrV (Chrome Vanadium Steel) blades for strength and durability, and soft grip handles for extra comfort. They also come with steel strike caps meaning they can be used with both hammers and mallets.

Chisels need to be kept sharp so asharpening stoneis a must for regular use. Also, never use one to open a tin of paint (use a slotted screwdriver instead!)

Files

For tidying and smoothing rough edges in woodworking and metalworking - made of steel for hardness and durability.

Raspsare for the same purpose but generally coarser.

Screwdrivers

Look out for different types of screwdriver head depending on what you're screwing in. Whether it's slotted, Phillips, Pozidriv or Torx, B&Q has the screwdriver for you.

Our range of Magnusson screwdrivers cover all head types, have plastic grips specifically designed for comfort, and the blades are made from durable S2 steel. Remember to always match your screwdriver to your screw, or you'll quickly strip the head from it.

VDE Screwdrivers

VDE screwdrivers are recommended for working on electrical projects. Look out for red and yellow handles that indicate VDE specification in screwdrivers and cutters.

Screwdriver sets

Sets with a convenient stand makes it much easier to keep everything organised and accessible when you need them.

To prevent wood splitting and to create a pilot hole in plasterboard or timber, use a bradawl.

Shop screwdrivers

Spanners

We offer a wide range of spanners for all your nuts and bolts. All Magnusson spanners are made of CrV (Chrome Vanadium Steel), providing greater strength and durability.

It's important to get the right size spanner to match the nut you are tightening or loosening to achieve the maximum grip. A spanner set is a convenient way of making sure you always have the right size spanner available.

Wrenches

Wrenches (adjustable spanners) have jaws that can be opened and closed as required allowing greater flexibility and meaning you don't need to carry around as many items. They're also useful for gripping a bolt while tightening the nut with a spanner. All Magnusson wrenches are made of CrV.

Sockets

Often used in car repairs, socket cylinders attach to ratchet handles and come in a wide range of sizes. All Magnusson sockets are made of CrV making them durable and reliable. Our ratchet handles come in sizes of 1/4, 1/2 and 3/8 inches.

Socket sets

Socket sets include a range of different socket sizes which can be attached to a fixed rod or ratchet. Many of our Magnusson socket sets have ratchet handles included.

Clamps

Used to temporarily hold items in place - particularly in woodworking when screwing or gluing two pieces of wood together.

Hammers

The most important features to consider when using a hammer are the weight of the hammer and the object you are hitting. The heavier the hammer, the greater the hitting force, but this tends to come at the expense of some control.

If you need to protect the surface you are hitting, it may be safer to choose amalletas they are made from softer materials than standard hammers, and with larger contact areas, they spread the force more evenly.

Mallets

Mallets have a larger head than standard hammers, helping to complete tasks more quickly but also, as ourMagnusson malletsare made from rubber and wood, they are a little more forgiving than standard hammers, so are ideal for jobs where a little more dexterity is required, such as chiselling out timber and masonry.

Other projects where you may need to apply force to an object without damaging it including paving projects, timber projects or hardwood flooring.

Wrecking & pry bars

Also known as crow bars, these are most commonly used for dismantling timber work, plasterboard and pulling up floorboards. OurMagnusson wrecking barsare made from hardened steel for extra strength. The curved end is usually used as a lever for greater efficiency.

Brick bolsters

Brick bolsters are used for cutting and shaping stone, blocks and bricks. B&Q'sMagnusson brick bolstersare made from CVS (Chrome Vanadium Steel) making them tough and durable. Look out for the bolsters with hand guards for extra protection.

Tape measures

You'll need a tape measure more often than you think for a huge variety of tasks. The first thing you'll need to bear in mind is thedistanceyou're measuring and we offer a range ofMagnusson tape measuresfor all jobs (all our tape measures come in centimetres and inches).

Most tape measurebladesare made of steel but look out for coated blades for greater durability - such as Stanley's Tylon range or the Fatmax Mylar coated blades. A wide blade allows for longer "stand-out" i.e. the length the blade stands out before it snaps - particularly useful if you're working on your own.

Also bear in mind theLocking Mechanismallowing you to mark to a specific point on the tape (don't forget your pencils) and theHook- again useful if you're working alone. Double and magnetic hooks offer the most versatility.

Rulers

We stock a range ofsteel rulersfrom 300mm to 1000mm (1 metre) for accurate measuring and line drawing. Our steel rulers are made from stainless steel for extra durability. When marking out over greater dimensions, use a wooden batten as a straightedge. For longer measurements use afolding rule- they are up to 2 metres in length and easy to store away after use. Don't forget your pencils when you're marking out.

Squares

Try squares

Measure 90-degree angles and straightness against corresponding surfaces.

Combination squares

Can be used for measuring as well as marking angles of 90-degrees or 45-degrees. They usually feature a small spirit bubble for levelling plus measurements in centimetres and inches. More flexibility can be achieved usingSliding BevelsandAngle Guides. Don't forget your pencils when you're marking out.

Spirit levels

A good-quality spirit level shows you a true horizontal or vertical – essential when lining up shelving or cabinets on a wall. OurMagnusson Spirit Levelscome in a range of lengths, from a 23cm Torpedo Level to 1.8 metres for larger projects such as brick laying or flooring. Look out for rubber end caps and anodised coating for greater durability, magnetic edges for hands free measuring and comfortable hand grips.

Laser levels

These are great for more ambitious projects as they cover greater lengths of up to 15 metres. They are a quick and easy way to give accuracy over longer distances

Tool storage

Every fixing requires a specific nail, clip, screw or bolt - often in combination with matching plugs, washers and nuts. If you keep them sorted in storage drawers, they'll always be easy to find when you need them. Many tool boxes have combination tool trays, compartments and drawers. Tool boxes (or bags, belts or trays) make it easier to carry and protect your tools. Be particularly careful how you store cutting edges in a tool box - keep and use the plastic guards that are usually fitted to new saw and chisel blades.

Work bench

A secure working surface is essential for many tasks. A portable workbench allows you to establish a solid platform in the house or garden.