Toolkit · 20 recommendations
What our editors actually buy.
Field-tested model picks across power tools, electrics, plumbing, gas and safety. Tap any tool to jump straight to a UK retailer.
* Amazon / Screwfix links may earn VanBuildIQ a small commission – it costs you nothing extra and keeps the guides free.
Electrical
Direct linkHydraulic crimper 6-50mm²
Battery cable lugs
Bodywork
Direct linkHole saw set 22-65mm
Roof vents, plumbing penetrations
Gas
Direct linkManometer (U-gauge)
LPG tightness testing
Safety
Direct linkCut-resistant gloves
Handling steel cut edges
Safety
Direct linkSafety glasses + ear defenders
All cutting and grinding
Power tools
Direct linkCordless drill driver 18V
Drilling, driving, mixing
Power tools
Direct linkImpact driver 18V
Cabinet screws into ply / battens
Power tools
Direct linkTrack / circular saw
Long straight cuts in ply
Power tools
Direct linkJigsaw with metal blades
Cutting window holes in steel
Power tools
Direct linkMulti-tool / oscillating
Flush cuts, trim work
Power tools
Direct linkRandom orbital sander
Finishing cabinetry
Power tools
Direct linkRouter with edge guide
Trimming worktops, hinge mortises
Electrical
Direct linkRatcheting crimper for ferrules / blade
12V signal wiring
Electrical
Direct linkMultimeter + clamp meter
Diagnosing 12V circuits
Electrical
Direct linkHeat gun
Shrinking heat-shrink
Bodywork
Direct linkRivet-nut tool M5-M10
Anchoring cabinets and battens to van ribs
Bodywork
Direct linkSealant gun + Sikaflex 252 / 221
Bonding windows, awning rail, roof fan
Mechanical
Direct linkTorque wrench 5-25Nm
Battery lugs, gas regulator
Plumbing
Direct linkPipe cutter + JG insertion tool
12mm cold-water pipe
Affiliate disclosure
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. VanBuildIQ links to UK retailers for the tools we genuinely recommend. Some Amazon links carry our Associate tag (vanbuildiq-21) and Screwfix links our partner ID, which means we may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We never accept payment to feature a product – every pick on this page is one our editors have used on a real conversion.