CATEGORY FAQS
Hand & Power Tools FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about our hand and power tools, accessories, and site productivity.
About Our Hand & Power Tools
Our hand and power tools range includes everything you need for practical site work – from hand tools and power tools to drill bits, cutting blades, discs, measuring equipment, marking tools and tool storage.
Choosing the right tools and accessories is essential for productivity, accuracy and long-term value.
Below you’ll find answers to common questions to help you select, use and maintain your tools with confidence.
What's Included
Why It Matters
The right tools and accessories ensure your work is more accurate, more efficient and easier to repeat across sites.
Choosing the Right Hand & Power Tools
What tools should every maintenance and refurbishment contractor keep in their van?
A well-equipped contractor should carry a core selection of hand tools, power tools, measuring equipment and replacement consumables. Essential items include screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, tape measures, drills, impact drivers, drill bits, blades, marking tools and storage solutions.
Orion Trade Supplies stocks the practical tools and accessories most commonly used by maintenance contractors, multi-trade teams and refurbishment specialists across Peckham, South East London, Rochester, Kent and the surrounding areas.
What hand and power tools do you stock?
Orion supplies a comprehensive range of hand tools, power tools, drill bits, cutting blades, discs, measuring equipment, marking tools, tool storage and jobsite accessories. Our range supports drilling, driving, cutting, trimming, measuring, fitting and finishing tasks across multiple trades.
Which power tools are most useful for refurbishment projects?
Refurbishment projects typically rely on drills, impact drivers, saws, multi-tools, grinders and finishing tools. Choosing the right equipment helps improve productivity, deliver cleaner results and reduce installation errors that can lead to costly rework.
Should I choose corded or cordless power tools?
The right choice depends on the project. Cordless tools provide excellent flexibility for maintenance work, occupied properties and multi-room projects, while corded tools are often preferred for prolonged use where continuous power is required. Many professional contractors use a combination of both.
What should I consider when choosing tools for social housing maintenance?
Tools used on responsive repairs and planned maintenance should be reliable, versatile and capable of handling a wide range of tasks. Choosing dependable equipment helps contractors complete repairs efficiently while reducing downtime and unnecessary return visits.
Orion Trade Supplies supports housing associations, local authorities and maintenance contractors throughout London and Kent with professional tools designed for everyday trade use.
Tool Accessories & Site Productivity
Why are drill bits, blades and accessories just as important as the tool itself?
Accessories have a direct impact on performance and finish quality. Worn or unsuitable drill bits, blades and driver bits can slow progress, damage materials and reduce accuracy. Using the correct accessories helps contractors achieve cleaner cuts, faster installation and more reliable results
What should I order alongside hand and power tools?
Contractors should also keep a stock of drill bits, cutting blades, driver bits, batteries, chargers, measuring tools, marking equipment and tool storage.
Orion Trade Supplies stocks the complete range of accessories needed to keep your tools performing efficiently on every job.
Why are measuring and marking tools so important?
Accurate measuring and marking help reduce waste, improve installation quality and avoid costly mistakes. Good set-out practices ensure components are fitted correctly the first time, helping contractors achieve a professional finish.
How do quality tools improve productivity?
Reliable tools make cutting, drilling and fastening quicker, more accurate and less physically demanding. They help reduce downtime, improve consistency and allow contractors to complete more work within the same timeframe.
Can the right tools reduce project delays?
Yes. Reliable tools and compatible accessories help prevent breakdowns, minimise installation errors and reduce time spent correcting mistakes. Keeping the right equipment on hand also reduces interruptions caused by emergency supplier visits.
Best Practice & Preventing Call-backs
How can good tools reduce call-backs?
Quality tools provide greater control, cleaner cuts, more accurate drilling and better fastening performance. This reduces common issues such as damaged materials, uneven cuts, loose fixings and poor alignment, helping contractors achieve better results first time.
Why should I replace worn drill bits and blades?
Worn accessories reduce cutting efficiency, place extra strain on power tools and can damage materials. Replacing consumables when required helps maintain accuracy, extends tool life and improves the overall quality of finished work.
Why is using professional-grade tools worth the investment?
Professional tools are designed to withstand regular trade use while providing greater reliability and precision. Investing in quality equipment helps reduce downtime, improve efficiency and minimise long-term replacement costs.
How can I keep my tools performing at their best?
Regular cleaning, correct storage and replacing worn consumables all help extend the lifespan of hand and power tools. Routine maintenance also improves reliability and reduces the likelihood of failures on site.
Tools for Refurbishment & Social Housing
Which tools are most commonly used during void property refurbishments?
Void refurbishments regularly require drills, impact drivers, saws, multi-tools, measuring equipment, hand tools and a wide selection of drill bits and cutting accessories.
Orion Trade Supplies stocks the everyday tools relied upon by maintenance contractors completing fast-turnaround void works from our Peckham and Rochester trade branches.
Do you supply tools for planned maintenance projects?
Yes. Orion Trade Supplies provides professional hand and power tools suitable for responsive repairs, planned maintenance, refurbishment and cyclical works. Our range has been selected to meet the demands of contractors working across multiple trades.
Why do multi-trade contractors choose professional tools?
Professional tools improve efficiency, accuracy and reliability across a wide range of tasks. Whether installing kitchens, fitting doors, repairing plumbing or decorating properties, dependable tools help contractors deliver consistent results while reducing snagging and return visits.
Can Orion help me choose the right tools?
Yes. Our experienced team can recommend suitable hand tools, power tools and accessories based on your trade and the type of work you’re undertaking. Whether you visit our Peckham or Rochester branch, we’re happy to help you find the right equipment for the job.
Sourcing Reliable Hand & Power Tools
Why do contractors choose Orion for hand and power tools?
Contractors choose Orion Trade Supplies because we supply the practical tools, accessories and consumables needed for everyday maintenance, repair and refurbishment projects. From drills and saws to measuring equipment, blades and storage solutions, our range is selected for professional trade use.
With branches in Peckham and Rochester, we support contractors working across South East London, Kent and the surrounding areas.
Can I buy tools and project materials from one supplier?
Yes. Alongside hand and power tools, Orion supplies hardware, screws and fixings, timber, plumbing products, flooring, kitchens, doors, decorating materials, PPE and cleaning products.
Buying everything from one supplier simplifies procurement, reduces administration and helps keep projects on schedule.
How can Orion help reduce project downtime?
Unexpected delays often occur when tools, accessories or replacement consumables aren’t readily available. Orion maintains strong stock levels across our trade ranges, with delivery and Click & Collect available from our Peckham and Rochester branches, helping contractors get back to work quickly.
Do you offer Trade Accounts for contractors?
Yes. Orion Trade Supplies supports multi-trade contractors, maintenance teams, housing associations and refurbishment specialists with Trade Accounts offering competitive pricing, credit facilities (subject to status) and additional benefits. Whether you’re carrying out responsive repairs in South East London or planned maintenance across Kent, our Trade Accounts are designed to simplify procurement and improve cash flow.
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