Three top tips for buying power tools (and why you shouldn’t always use Multifix)

When you start a new job and discover you need power tools, it can be tricky to know where to start. Asking your mates is a good shout, but maybe their suggestions aren’t taking your fancy. 

Depending on what line of work you’re in too, you maybe don’t want something too expensive. If you’re only going to use it a handful of times, you probably don’t want to risk breaking the bank. 

There is also a lot of choice with a lot of competing brands for similar items and finding out where to start can be daunting. 

You needn’t fear, though. At Multifix, we offer a range of power tools, both 110V corded and 18V cordless, that will cover all your basic needs. Our Paslode and Makita range covers just about every power tool going, be it circular saws or drywall screwdrivers, or even combi tools. 

If you’re stuck, we’re happy to field calls to help you make the best purchase for your project. 

Sometimes though, that isn’t enough. And it certainly isn’t enough for some of our customers, who frequently ask for DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Festool. This is very understandable; they’re all reliable and outstanding brands, but when we inform you that we don’t stock them, we are asked…

Why does Multifix only supply power tools that they keep in stock? Why don’t they sell other brands? Why don’t they have more variety?

Well, we thought it would be best to give you some answers. As online competition increases, it’s sometimes cheaper to buy certain power tools elsewhere than it is for us to buy them wholesale and sell to you.

What we do have in stock, we can still give you the best deal for – especially with Paslode and Makita products. 

In the main though, we would suggest you look elsewhere. It’s not only cheaper than going through all the hoops with us for a power tool we don’t stock, but you get much more variety, too. In fact, we tell our customers the same thing on the phone. However, the next question we get is ‘what should I look out for when buying power tools?’ 

So, with that in mind, we have come up with our top three tips on what to do when purchasing power tools elsewhere. 

Tip one: Know exactly what tools you’re getting

There’s nothing worse than getting on site, unpacking your new tools and realising you’ve not got what you need. It’s a simple tip, but it goes a long way.

Site veterans may scoff at this tip and assume it’s only for DIY users, but you’d be surprised. We’ve had more than a few calls from professionals saying, “this isn’t what I wanted,” when they’ve not fully checked what they’re buying. 

The product images can be very deceiving, so make sure you read the description before purchasing. Things like sanding belts or extra blades – or even batteries – aren’t always included. For example, the DeWalt cordless saw range at Screwfix doesn’t include a battery or a charger; you have to buy them separately. 

Tip two: Register your tools

Unfortunately, there's a small chance that the power tool you have ordered either stops working, is faulty from the get-go, or breaks while using it. At this point, you'll want to return it, but unless you've registered it, you'll find this difficult.

We sometimes hear of these examples happening, which is bad enough as is, but made worse by hearing the power tool wasn't registered. If your power tool isn’t registered, you won’t be fully covered by warranty. 

Do it before you even use it. We understand it can be an easy thing to forget, especially when in a hurry, but it’s vitally important you do so. Otherwise, you risk wasting your head-earned money. Also, registering your tools often results in a longer warranty period and in some cases, free servicing. It’s worth doing. 

Tip three: Check the fine print

The topic of warranty leads us to our final tip. Make sure you know exactly what the warranty is and what options that come with it. 

For example, some companies – ourselves being one – will come and collect the broken power tool from your site, which saves you time and money. Others may not offer that and it could be up to you to send it back through tracked mail, at your own expense. 

Knowledge is certainly power in these sorts of situations and it can only help if you know exactly what you are getting with your power tool. 

Now you have our top three tips, here are five power tool specialists that we would recommend you shop with…

Power Tool World

The clue is very much in the name with Power Tool World, who live and breathe…well, power tools. There are several reasons why we would recommend them and they mostly focus on customer satisfaction. 

Given they specialise in power tools, Power Tool World always have a big stock holding, so if you need anything, there is a very good chance they have it. Also, they offer PayPal Pay in Three as a payment option, offer free delivery on orders over £50 and you can order before 7pm for next-day delivery. 

ITS

If you’re based in London, ITS are especially useful as they have stores in Leyton, Walthamstow and Harlow. This means you can pick up from them direct if you need something immediately. 

Plus, ITS will offer a price match if you see anything on their site that either Screwfix or Toolstation can offer cheaper. They can even one up Power Tool World with their next-day delivery service too, as you can order up until 8pm and still get your item within 24 hours. 

ToolChimp

If it’s Tacwise products that you need, then ToolChimp is your go-to. They stock hundreds of Tacwise products and accessories, ranging from air nailers to plastic staples. 

ToolChimp also has 0% finance options on orders over £120 and will offer a free delivery service in the UK, provided your order is over £100. 

Nuts & Bolts

Equally, if it’s Festool products that you’re after, Nuts and Bolts – otherwise known as N&B – are an excellent option. They offer great availability and very fair prices for the German power tools.

This is important given how tough it can be getting out of stock Festool products, as not everyone can wait seven working days for an order.

However, it is best to order through N&B over the phone, as their portal can be difficult to navigate. It’s worth noting there is nothing wrong with the service and the delivery is normally spot on, but some may find their website to be clunky. 

Westcountry Machinery4Wood

Much like N&B, Westcountry Machinery4Wood specialise in Festool power tools. Really, this makes sense given joiners love Festool products because of their precision to the millimetre.

Their pricing and service are very good, plus their website is easy to use and order from. As such, this makes them a very comfortable recommendation from our side of things.

You might think it’s weird to see us pick five competitor companies to buy from, but it's in your best interests to use these tips for power tool shopping. 

When it comes to Paslode and Makita power tools, we provide industry-leading service. Despite that, we can’t cater to the entire power tools market in the same way that these companies can.

So, in short, if it’s DeWalt or Festool you’re after, use these companies; they’ll have everything you need and more and all come with our seal of approval. With these tips too, you’ll get a satisfactory transaction every time and won’t be let down like you are when you call us and we can’t help. 

If it’s Paslode or Makita you’re needing though, let us help you – find out how to speak to an advisor here.