A Beginner’s Guide to Hiring Tools for DIY Projects

23 January 2026
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Have you ever bought some tools for your DIY projects, only to realise they are not right for the job? Have you ever spent significant amounts of money on tools that end up in storage after being used only once?  

If you find yourself in that situation, tool hire is a smarter and more affordable choice. When hiring a tool, you gain access to the exact professional-grade equipment you need for the job and simply return it after use at a much lower cost.  

Don’t know where to start? This blog will guide you through everything you need to know before placing the first order, from how tool hire works to choosing the right models with confidence. 

What is Tool Hire? 

Tool hire involves renting tools and equipment for your project, instead of purchasing them. There is a wide range of power tools, cleaning & landscaping equipment, heating & drying units, and so much more to choose from. After finishing the job, you simply return them to the supplier to complete the hiring process. 

DIY tool hire is ideal for any DIY enthusiasts and homeowners looking for special tools occasionally. You get access to professional, high-quality equipment from reliable brands such as Makita or Milwaukee without high cost or storage problems.  

Why Hire Tools instead of Buying? 

Hiring tools is better than buying for several reasons. Not only does it help you save money, but you will also not need to worry about maintaining and servicing it after use.

Every product from Speedy is well-maintained and ready to use when delivered into your hands. In addition, if the tools are not what you want, you can simply return and hire a new one without a complicated return process like buying. 

 a set of power tools from Milwaukee placed on a table next to protective cases

Popular Tool Hire for your DIY Projects 

The DIY tools you need depend a lot on the job you are planning to do. There are a few common tools that might be on your list. 

Project  Tool  Uses 
Gardening  Lawn mower  Cutting and maintaining grass in gardens 
Hedge trimmer  Trimming and shaping hedges and bushes 
Chainsaw  Cutting tree branches, logs, and thick wood 
Leaf blower Clearing leaves and garden debris  
Turf cutter  Removing old grass or turf 
Strimmer  Cutting grass and weeds 
Rotavator  Shredding branches and garden waste 
Fixing & Building   Drill  Drilling holes and driving screws into wood, brick, and metal 
SDS Drill  Heavy-duty drilling into concrete and masonry 
Saw  Cutting wood, boards, and building materials 
Circular Saw  Making straight cuts in timber and sheet materials
Mitre Saw 

Cutting precise angles for trims and frames

Grinder  Cutting, grinding, and smoothing metal or masonry
Breaker  Breaking concrete, slabs, and hard surfaces 
Cement Mixer  Mixing cement, mortar, or concrete evenly 
Plate Compactor  Compressing and levelling ground materials 
Impact Driver  Driving screws and bolts into hard materials 
Nail Gun  Fixing materials together using nails. 
Decorating  Sander  Smoothing walls, wood, and floors before decorating 
Orbital sander  Light sanding and finishing work 
Floor sander  Sanding wooden floors during renovation 
Wallpaper stripper  Removing old wallpaper using steam
Paint sprayer 

Applying paint quickly and evenly to surfaces 

Dust extractor  Collecting dust during sanding and cutting jobs 
Tile cutter  Cutting tiles for walls and floors 
Working at Height  Step ladder  Reaching ceilings, shelves, and high spots 
Extension ladder  Accessing higher outdoor and indoor areas 
Tower  Stable platform for working at height 
Power access equipment  Reaching higher areas safely and securely 
Cleaning, Drying & Heating  Dehumidifier  Removing moisture and speeding up drying 
Air conditioner

Cooling indoor spaces during warm conditions 

Heater Providing warmth for domestic and industrial uses 
Carpet Cleaner  Deep cleaning carpets 

Speedy display table with promotional hire information, carpet cleaner products, and branded merchandise.

How to Choose the Right Tools for Your Projects 

Choosing the right tools can be tricky. You need to make sure they are compatible with your projects, powerful enough to do the task, and suitable for your experience level. Follow these steps to find out what you need for your project. 

What DIY Job You Are Doing 

If you are reading this blog, you probably have a DIY idea in mind. Depending on the task, you can make a list of every tool and material you need. Once you have this list, you can easily determine whether you should buy or hire the materials and equipment.  

For example, if you need to lay a patio, think about hiring a plate compactor, a cement mixer, a spirit level, a cable detector tool, a hammer, and an angle grinder for ground preparation. Other materials, such as paving slabs, cements, and sub-base materials, must be bought separately.  

If you are unsure, check out our step-by-step guides on DIY projects from gardening to electronics. Speak to our team for more customised information.  

Choose the Right Tools 

Now that you have a list of what you want to hire. Choosing the right type and models is very important. Some tools are more powerful and complex to use. Here are some criteria to look for: 

  • The material you are dealing with (wood, brick, concrete, metal, or soil) 
  • The power source for tools (electric, battery, or fuel) 
  • The power and performance you need for the job (light-duty or heavy-duty) 
  • The size and weight of tools 
  • The attachments and accessories needed (drill bits, sanding pads, nails, screws, etc.) 
  • Control, settings, and safety features of the tools 
  • The level of experience needed to use the tools  

Person operating a red Speedy plate compactor on a sand and gravel surface.

Select Hire Duration  

With Speedy Hire, you can select a different hire duration from a single day to a weekend, weeks, or months. Plan your project clearly before placing your order to avoid wasted time. At any time, you can extend your hiring period for additional days and weeks without placing a new order. 

Collect or Arrange Delivery 

You can either collect the tools yourself from our network of more than 100 depots all around the UK. Otherwise, arrange delivery to your house with our guaranteed 4-hour delivery policy. Get access to excellent equipment with Speedy in no time, even with heavy and chunky tools! 

Prior Checks  

All our hire equipment is checked, tested, cleaned, and serviced before being delivered. However, once you have received the equipment, we still recommend carrying out basic checks. This includes testing the tool and any parts and accessories in the package.  

  • There is no visible damage or loose parts. 
  • Guards, covers, and safety features are in place. 
  • Attachments and accessories are compatible with the tool. 
  • Check power cables, plugs, battery, and fuel. 
  • Switches and controls are working properly. 

Use the Tools Safely and Correctly 

Always read the instructions to use the equipment provided by suppliers and manufacturers. Only use the tool for its intended purpose, and if you notice something is wrong or missing, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for advice. Check out our guides on different tools to understand how they work and the steps to use them correctly.  

While using the tools, make sure to wear suitable protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, eye protection, head protection, and ear defenders if needed.  

Speedy staff members demonstrate how to use a Milwaukee power tool inside a store

Return the Tools 

When your DIY job is done, quickly remove dirt, dust, and debris from the equipment to return it. You can either arrange for a Speedy driver to collect from your home address, or you can bring the tools and equipment back to a Speedy Service Centre or Speedy B&Q Store. 

Once the equipment is returned, Speedy Hire will inspect it before issuing a refund of the deposit taken. 

Get DIY Tool Hire from Speedy Today 

Speedy Hire offers a great range of DIY tools for your home projects. Find out more in our tool hire collection, from decorating, fixing, to gardening tools, so you can finish your job with confidence.  

We make the process straightforward from collection, delivery, to off-hire, so you don’t have to worry about transporting. Head to our Help & FAQs page for more information or contact us to start hiring today! 

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