Essential Tools by Trade: What You Need to Get Started (2026)
Overview
Every tradesperson needs the right tools. Whether you're starting an apprenticeship or setting up as self-employed, knowing what to buy — and what not to waste money on — is essential. This guide covers the core tool kits for the UK's most popular trades, with honest brand recommendations, budget breakdowns, and tips from experienced tradespeople.
General Rules for Buying Trade Tools
1. Buy the best you can afford for tools you use daily. A quality tape measure, spirit level, or drill will last years and save frustration. For tools you use rarely, mid-range is fine.
2. Don't buy everything at once. Start with the essentials and add as needed. Your employer or college will tell you what's required.
3. Stick to one battery platform. If you go DeWalt, go all-DeWalt for cordless tools. Mixing brands means multiple chargers and batteries, which is expensive and annoying.
4. Look after your tools. Clean them, store them properly, and they'll last decades. A set of chisels kept sharp and in a roll will outlast three sets that are thrown in a toolbox.
5. Popular cordless platforms in the UK trades:
• DeWalt — Most popular among UK tradespeople. Excellent range, reliable, good value.
• Makita — Very popular, especially with carpenters and joiners. Excellent build quality.
• Milwaukee — Growing fast. Favoured by electricians and plumbers. Premium price but outstanding performance.
• Bosch Professional (blue) — Good all-rounder, slightly cheaper than the big three.
6. Where to buy: Screwfix and Toolstation for everyday items. FFX, ITS, and Amazon for best prices on power tools. Trade counters (Jewsons, Travis Perkins) for materials and some tools.
Electrician's Tool Kit
• VDE insulated screwdriver set (Wera, Wiha, or Knipex) — £30-£80
• Side cutters (Knipex) — £20-£35
• Long-nose pliers (Knipex) — £20-£30
• Wire strippers (Knipex or Jokari) — £15-£40
• Cable knife (Knipex) — £15-£25
• Voltage tester pen (Fluke) — £15-£30
• Tape measure (Stanley FatMax 5m) — £10-£15
• Spirit level (Stabila or Stanley) — £15-£40
• Junior hacksaw — £8-£12
• Torch/headlamp — £10-£30
Essential power tools:
• Combi drill (DeWalt/Makita/Milwaukee 18V) — £80-£150
• Impact driver (same platform) — £80-£130
• SDS drill (for concrete/masonry) — £120-£200
• Jigsaw — £60-£120
Testing equipment:
• Multifunction tester (Megger, Metrel, or Fluke) — £400-£1,200
• Proving unit — £30-£50
• Socket tester — £15-£25
Budget: £500-£800 for essentials. £1,500-£2,500 with testing equipment.
How to become an electrician →
Plumber's Tool Kit
• Adjustable wrenches (Bahco 8" and 12") — £15-£30 each
• Pipe wrenches (Ridgid or Bahco) — £25-£50
• Pipe cutter (15mm and 22mm) — £10-£30 each
• Pipe bender (15mm and 22mm hand bender) — £30-£60
• Basin wrench — £10-£20
• Pliers set — £20-£40
• Screwdriver set — £15-£40
• Tape measure — £10-£15
• Spirit level — £15-£40
• Hacksaw — £10-£20
• PTFE tape, flux, solder — £10-£20
Essential power tools:
• Combi drill — £80-£150
• Impact driver — £80-£130
• Reciprocating saw — £80-£150
• Pipe freezer kit — £30-£60
Specialist tools:
• Blowtorch (soldering) — £30-£60
• Press tool (for press-fit fittings) — £800-£2,000 (or hire)
• Drain rods — £30-£50
• Radiator valve key set — £10-£20
Budget: £400-£700 for essentials. £1,200-£2,500 with specialist tools.
How to become a plumber →
Carpenter's Tool Kit
• Chisels (set of 4-6, Irwin Marples or Stanley) — £25-£50
• Hand saw (Bahco or Irwin Jack) — £15-£30
• Claw hammer (Estwing or Stanley) — £20-£40
• Tape measure (Stanley FatMax 8m) — £12-£18
• Spirit level (Stabila 1200mm) — £30-£60
• Combination square — £10-£25
• Utility knife (Stanley) — £5-£15
• Nail punch set — £8-£15
• Pencils (carpenter's pencils) — £3-£5
• Workbench/trestles — £20-£60
Essential power tools:
• Combi drill — £80-£150
• Impact driver — £80-£130
• Circular saw (Makita or DeWalt) — £100-£200
• Mitre saw (sliding compound) — £150-£400
• Jigsaw — £60-£120
• Random orbital sander — £50-£100
• Planer (hand-held) — £60-£120
• Router — £80-£200
Budget: £500-£900 for essentials. £1,500-£3,000 with all power tools.
Carpenters typically spend the most on tools of any trade, but quality woodworking tools last a lifetime.
How to become a carpenter →
Bricklayer's Tool Kit
• Brick trowel (Marshalltown or OX) — £20-£50
• Pointing trowel — £10-£25
• Bolster chisel — £8-£15
• Club hammer — £10-£20
• Spirit levels (600mm + 1200mm, Stabila) — £30-£80
• Corner blocks and line — £10-£20
• Brick line (and pins) — £5-£10
• Jointing tool — £8-£15
• Bucket trowel — £8-£15
• Tape measure — £10-£15
Other essentials:
• Spot board — £15-£30
• Mortar bucket — £5-£10
• Wheelbarrow — £40-£80
• Cement mixer (or access to one) — £200-£400
• PPE (safety boots, gloves, knee pads) — £50-£100
Budget: £250-£500 for hand tools and essentials. Bricklayers have relatively low tool costs compared to other trades.
How to become a bricklayer →
Tool Storage & Transport
Tool bags and boxes:
• Soft tool bag (Veto Pro Pac, CLC, or Stanley FatMax) — £40-£200. Best for tradespeople who move between jobs daily.
• Toolbox (Stanley, DeWalt) — £20-£80. Good for storage, less practical for carrying.
• Tool backpack (Veto Tech Pac or Milwaukee) — £100-£250. Excellent for electricians and plumbers who work across large sites.
• Van racking (Sortimo, Bott, or DIY) — £200-£2,000. Essential for self-employed tradespeople with a van.
Van security:
Tool theft from vans is a major problem in the UK. Protect yourself:
• Slam locks (replace the standard lock — van opens from inside only) — £80-£200
• Deadlocks — £50-£150 per door
• Van vault (secure steel box inside the van) — £200-£500
• GPS tracker — £50-£200 + subscription
• Insurance — Make sure tools are specifically covered. Standard van insurance often has inadequate tool cover.
Never leave tools visible in an unattended van. Take high-value items (especially testing equipment) inside overnight.
Preparing for a trade interview? Don't forget to check our interview tips guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I spend on my first tool kit?▼
Budget £300-£800 for essential hand tools and a basic cordless drill/driver set, depending on your trade. Bricklayers need the least (£250-£500), while carpenters and electricians need the most (£500-£900). Don't buy everything at once — build your kit over time.
Should my employer provide tools?▼
It depends. Many employers provide specialist tools, power tools, and consumables. Most expect you to have your own basic hand tools. For apprenticeships, employers should provide or contribute to essential tools. Always ask before your first day.
DeWalt, Makita, or Milwaukee — which is best?▼
All three are excellent. DeWalt is the most popular among UK tradespeople and offers the best value. Makita is preferred by carpenters for its build quality. Milwaukee is growing fast, especially among electricians and plumbers, and has the most innovative features. Choose one platform and stick with it.
What about second-hand tools?▼
Hand tools (chisels, wrenches, levels) are fine to buy second-hand if in good condition. Avoid second-hand power tools unless you know their history — worn batteries and motors aren't worth the saving. Never buy second-hand testing equipment (it may be out of calibration).
How do I prevent tool theft from my van?▼
Install slam locks and deadlocks on your van doors. Use a van vault for high-value items. Never leave tools visible. Take testing equipment and expensive cordless tools inside overnight. Get proper tool insurance — standard van insurance often has inadequate cover. Consider a GPS tracker.
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