Hand Tools Complete Guide: Screwdrivers, Hammers, Pliers & More for Trade & DIY

Whether you're a professional tradesperson or a dedicated DIYer, hand tools form the backbone of any toolkit. At Rock Bottom Northampton, we stock over 12,000 hand tools from trusted manufacturers, covering everything from precision screwdrivers to heavy-duty groundworking equipment. Based in Northampton NN4 7BF, we supply the local building trade and DIY community with quality hand tools at competitive prices.

This comprehensive guide explores our hand tool range, helping you understand what's available, which brands to trust, and how to choose the right tools for your projects. With brands like Faithfull, Draper, Bahco, Stanley, and Knipex representing over 6,500 products in our hand tools collection, you'll find professional-grade equipment for every trade and application.

Why Hand Tools Still Matter in 2025

Despite the rise of power tools and cordless technology, hand tools remain essential for several reasons. They offer precision control for delicate work, operate anywhere without batteries or electricity, and often provide a tactile feedback that power tools cannot match. Many professional tradespeople rely on hand tools for fine adjustments, marking out, measuring, and situations where power tools would be impractical or unsafe.

Hand tools are also more cost-effective for occasional use, require minimal maintenance, and last for decades when properly cared for. A quality set of screwdrivers, spanners, or chisels represents an investment that will serve you throughout your career or lifetime of DIY projects.

Essential Hand Tool Categories

Screwdrivers and Driver Sets

We stock over 700 screwdrivers including individual drivers, comprehensive sets, and specialist variations. Our range includes standard slotted and Phillips head drivers, as well as Pozidriv, TORX, hex, and security bit options. Brands like Wiha and Wera provide precision engineering, while Faithfull and Draper offer robust trade-focused options.

For electricians and anyone working near live circuits, we carry extensive ranges of VDE-certified insulated screwdrivers, tested to 1000V for safety. These aren't just regular screwdrivers with plastic handles—they feature multi-layer insulation systems that meet strict European safety standards.

Hammers, Mallets and Striking Tools

From delicate pin hammers to heavy-duty sledgehammers, our hammering tools cover every striking application. Claw hammers remain the most versatile choice for general work, while ball pein hammers serve metalworking applications. For non-marking work, rubber mallets and dead blow hammers prevent damage to finished surfaces.

Specialist hammers in our range include club hammers for masonry work, engineer's hammers for metal fabrication, and soft-face hammers for assembly work. Stanley and Faithfull provide the bulk of our striking tool selection, with over 150 different hammers and mallets available.

Pliers, Cutters and Gripping Tools

Pliers might seem simple, but the right type makes an enormous difference to your work. We stock over 1,000 different pliers, cutters, and gripping tools from specialists like Knipex, Bahco, and Draper. This includes combination pliers, long nose pliers, side cutters, water pump pliers, and locking grips.

For precision work, our range includes needle-nose pliers, electronics pliers, and specialist crimping tools. Trade electricians will find comprehensive ranges of VDE-insulated pliers offering protection when working on electrical installations. Knipex pliers, known for their exceptional build quality and innovative designs, represent over 600 products in our collection.

Spanners, Sockets and Wrenches

Mechanical work demands quality spanners and sockets, and we stock over 800 products in this category. Combination spanners in both metric and imperial sizes cover most applications, while ratchet spanners speed up repetitive fastening work. Our socket sets range from compact ¼-inch drive sets for precision work up to ½-inch and ¾-inch drive sets for automotive and industrial applications.

Bahco and Facom provide professional-grade socket sets with lifetime warranties, while Draper and Faithfull offer excellent value for money without compromising on quality. Adjustable spanners and pipe wrenches fill the gaps when fixed-size tools won't fit, with brands like RIDGID providing robust options for plumbing work.

Measuring and Marking Tools

Accurate measurement forms the foundation of quality work. We stock over 600 measuring and marking tools including pocket tapes, long tapes, spirit levels, squares, and marking equipment. Stabila leads our spirit level range with over 340 different levels, from compact torpedo levels to professional 2-metre beams with digital displays.

Pocket tapes from Stanley, Bahco, and Hultafors provide durable, accurate measurement for daily use. For setting out work, our combination squares, try squares, and speed squares ensure perfect angles. Marking equipment includes pencils, chalk lines, scribe tools, and centre punches for all materials.

Chisels and Woodworking Tools

Woodworkers and joiners will find over 430 chisels in our range, from bevel-edge chisels for fine cabinetry to cold chisels for masonry. Wood chisels from Faithfull, Bahco, and specialist brands like Narex provide options at every price point and quality level.

Beyond chisels, our woodworking section includes hand saws, planes, marking gauges, and carving tools. Traditional craftsmanship still relies on these hand tools for work that power tools cannot replicate, from fine joinery to restoration projects.

Building and Construction Tools

Builders need robust hand tools that withstand daily site work. Our range includes trowels and floats for plastering and bricklaying, tile cutting and laying tools, and specialist equipment for dry lining work. Marshalltown provides professional-grade plastering tools, while Faithfull offers comprehensive ranges for every construction trade.

For heavier work, our groundworking tools include shovels, spades, picks, and post hole diggers from Kent & Stowe and other specialist manufacturers. These tools feature hardened edges and reinforced handles to cope with tough materials and demanding use.

Plumbing and Heating Tools

Plumbers and heating engineers need specialist hand tools, and we stock over 450 products designed specifically for pipework. Monument, RIDGID, and Rothenberger provide pipe cutters, benders, deburring tools, and fitting tools for copper, plastic, and steel pipe systems.

Basin wrenches, radiator keys, immersion heater spanners, and compression fitting tools cover the specialist applications that general-purpose tools cannot handle. For gas work, proper flare tools and torque wrenches ensure safe, code-compliant installations.

Choosing Quality Hand Tools

Not all hand tools are created equal. Professional-grade tools use better materials, more precise manufacturing, and offer warranties that back up their quality claims. Chrome vanadium steel spanners and sockets resist rounding and provide decades of service. Screwdriver tips manufactured to exact tolerances reduce cam-out and damage to fasteners.

That said, you don't always need the most expensive option. For occasional DIY use, mid-range tools from Draper or Faithfull provide excellent value and adequate durability. For daily professional use, investing in premium brands like Bahco, Knipex, or Facom pays dividends through reduced replacement costs and better performance.

Handle comfort matters more than many people realize, especially for tools you'll use for extended periods. Ergonomic grips reduce hand fatigue and improve control. For repetitive work, this can make the difference between finishing a job comfortably and suffering from hand strain or blisters.

Hand Tool Maintenance and Care

Quality hand tools should last for years, but they need basic maintenance. Keep cutting tools sharp—blunt chisels and saws are dangerous and produce poor results. A few minutes with a sharpening stone or file makes an enormous difference to performance and safety.

Clean tools after use, especially if they've been exposed to moisture, concrete dust, or corrosive materials. A light coating of oil prevents rust on steel surfaces. Store tools properly—throwing everything loose in a bag damages cutting edges and makes finding the right tool frustrating. Tool rolls, foam organizers, and drawer systems keep everything accessible and protected.

Check handles regularly for cracks or looseness, particularly on striking tools where a loose head can be dangerous. Tighten or replace handles as needed—most traditional hand tools can be refurbished rather than replaced.

Building a Balanced Hand Tool Collection

If you're starting from scratch, focus on versatile tools before specializing. A basic toolkit might include:

A set of combination spanners in common sizes, a socket set with ratchet and extensions, a selection of screwdrivers covering slotted, Phillips, and Pozidriv heads, adjustable spanners in two sizes, combination pliers, side cutters, and long-nose pliers, a claw hammer, tape measure, spirit level, utility knife, and combination square.

As your work develops, add specialist tools for your specific trades or projects. A plasterer needs different tools than an electrician, while a joiner's toolkit differs from a plumber's. Our staff can advise on the essential tools for particular trades based on real-world experience.

Why Buy Hand Tools from Rock Bottom Northampton

We stock over 12,000 hand tools from 15 major manufacturers, giving you access to one of the most comprehensive ranges in Northampton. Our trade-focused pricing means you get professional-quality tools without paying retail premiums. With brands like Faithfull (over 2,350 hand tools), Draper (1,240+ hand tools), Bahco (1,080+ hand tools), Stanley (1,000+ hand tools), and Knipex (610+ specialized pliers), we cover every trade and skill level.

Free click and collect means you can order online and pick up the same day from our Northampton NN4 7BF location, avoiding delivery charges and delays. Our knowledgeable staff understand tools because they use them—we can advise on the right tool for your specific application rather than just selling you the most expensive option.

For bulk orders or trade account enquiries, contact us directly. We supply contractors, maintenance teams, and businesses across Northampton and the surrounding areas with competitive trade pricing on volume purchases.

Shop Hand Tools at Rock Bottom Northampton

Browse our complete hand tools collection at www.rockbottomnorthampton.co.uk/collections/hand-tools. Use the filters to narrow by brand, tool type, or price range to find exactly what you need.

Visit our showroom to see and handle tools before buying—sometimes the feel of a tool in your hand makes all the difference when choosing between options. Our Queensbridge location in Northampton NN4 7BF gives you easy access from the town center with free parking available.

Contact Rock Bottom Northampton

Rock Bottom Northampton Ltd
Artisans' House
7 Queensbridge
Northampton
NN4 7BF

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Sunday & Bank Holidays: Closed

Phone: 01604 720272
Email: sales@rockbottomnorthampton.co.uk
Web: www.rockbottomnorthampton.co.uk

Whether you need a single replacement screwdriver or a complete workshop worth of hand tools, Rock Bottom Northampton provides quality tools at competitive prices. Visit us, call us, or browse our extensive online catalogue to find the hand tools that will serve you for years to come.