This category covers hand tools such as pliers, spanners, screwdrivers and clamps for home DIY, electricians, mechanics and workshops. Our range includes over 2,000 products, and the best-represented manufacturers are KNIPEX, BAHCO, BESSEY and GEDORE.
How to choose hand tools
The job itself. Choose the tool for the specific task. Pliers grip, bend and cut, spanners and sockets turn bolts and nuts, and clamps hold a workpiece firmly while you saw, glue or drill. A single all-purpose tool rarely does all of these equally well.
Steel and finish. Good tools are forged from alloy steel, such as chrome vanadium, and then hardened. Their jaws and sockets wear more slowly and resist deforming under load. A chrome or other protective coating also guards against rust, which matters if tools live in a garage or workshop.
Electrical safety. If you will work on electrical installations, look for the VDE 1000 V mark. These tools are tested at a much higher voltage and have thick insulation, whereas a rubber or plastic grip on its own gives no protection.
Handle and size. The handle should sit firmly in the hand and not slip, especially during long jobs or when wearing gloves. Match spanner and socket sizes to the fasteners you work with, and choose pliers length by the job: longer ones give more leverage, shorter ones are easier to control in tight spaces.
Set or single tool. A set makes sense when you are starting a collection or work with many sizes. If you only use a few tools often, such as pliers and a couple of screwdrivers, it is usually better to buy individual higher-grade ones.
Brands we carry
- KNIPEX: a German manufacturer known for its pliers, including the adjustable Cobra and insulated VDE pliers for electricians.
- BAHCO: a Swedish manufacturer best known for adjustable spanners and hand saws.
- BESSEY: a German manufacturer best known for clamps of many types used by carpenters and metalworkers.
- GEDORE: a German manufacturer specialising in spanners, socket sets and professional tool assortments.
- WIHA: a screwdriver specialist that also makes insulated VDE screwdrivers for electrical work.
- C.K TOOLS: hand tools made for electricians and tradespeople.
- IFIXIT: electronics repair kits with precision screwdrivers and tools for opening device cases.
- BOSCH: mostly known for power tools, while its hand tools are what you will find in this category.
Also in our range: CIMCO, Brüder Mannesmann, DELOCK and KWB.
Frequently asked questions about hand tools
Which pliers should an electrician choose?
An electrician needs pliers with VDE 1000 V insulation, clearly marked as such. Combination pliers, side cutters and a wire stripper cover most everyday work. Check before each job that the insulation is not cracked or worn.
What does the VDE 1000 V mark on a tool mean?
It means the tool is insulated and tested for work on live parts up to 1,000 V AC. The tools are tested at a considerably higher voltage than they are rated for. They add a layer of protection, but they do not replace disconnecting the supply or following other safety rules.
Is it better to buy a tool set or individual tools?
A set is better when you need many sizes or are starting a collection, as it usually costs less than buying the same tools separately. Individual tools suit a specific size or a higher-grade tool for frequent use. Sets often contain pieces you may never use.
How do I stop hand tools from rusting?
Wipe off dirt and moisture after use and, from time to time, rub bare metal surfaces with a thin film of oil. Store tools somewhere dry, ideally in a case or on a rack. Joints such as those on pliers are worth lubricating regularly.
