Hand Tools
This range covers the general hand tools worth having for a flooring job, from ripping up an old floor through to the final wipe-down before a new one goes in. Stock spans several brands, with Silverline and Draper Tools covering most of the range.
Removal and demolition
Taking up an old floor or skirting board is often the messiest part of a job, and having the right tool for it saves time and reduces the risk of damaging what's underneath. A pry bar and nail puller is the standard tool for lifting boards and pulling old fixings, while a wrecking bar or a full demolition bar set gives more leverage for stubborn material. A cold chisel is useful for smaller, more targeted removal work, such as chipping out old adhesive residue or a stuck-fast section of skirting.
Striking and fixing
A claw hammer covers general fixing and nail removal, while a cross pein pin hammer is a lighter, more precise tool suited to delicate fixing work, such as securing thin trim or beading without risking a heavier hammer marking the surface. Woodworkers glue rounds out the fixing side for joints and repairs that need an adhesive bond rather than a mechanical fixing.
Measuring and levelling
A spirit level is essential for checking a subfloor or a run of skirting is genuinely level before committing to fitting, since even a small unnoticed slope can cause problems once flooring is down. This sits alongside the more specialised measuring tools, including laser measures, stocked in the separate Measuring category.
Mixing and prep
Mixing paddles, in standard and heavy-duty sizes, are for mixing adhesives, levelling compound, or filler to a consistent texture before application, since hand-mixing these products tends to leave lumps or an uneven consistency that shows once applied. A plastic paint kettle is a practical addition for decanting smaller working quantities of paint or sealant rather than working directly from a large tin.
Cleaning and finishing touches
Cleaning wipes, glass and window wipes, and antibacterial wipes cover the practical clean-up side of a job, useful for wiping down surfaces, tools, or hands during and after fitting. A window squeegee is a small but genuinely useful addition if a job involves any window or glass cleaning as part of the wider room refresh.
FAQ
What's the difference between a pry bar and a wrecking bar?
A pry bar is generally smaller and more precise, suited to lifting boards and pulling nails. A wrecking bar is larger, giving more leverage for heavier demolition work.
Why would I need a cross pein pin hammer instead of a claw hammer?
A pin hammer is lighter and more precise, better suited to delicate fixing work like trim or beading where a heavier claw hammer risks marking the surface.
Do I need a spirit level for a flooring job?
Yes, ideally. Checking your subfloor is level before fitting helps catch problems early, since even a small slope can cause issues with the finished floor.