Thread: Power tools from the UK

Similar voltage and frequency to our mains, only real diference is the plug, but a simple snip and swap changeover is all that is required, unlike stuff from the American market which generally needs stepdown trannsformers.

Thanks for the reply...even though the exchange rate isn't great with the UK some items are still way cheaper than here...like the super cut from Fein...sells from anywhere from $1000 to $1250...In the Uk its 530 pounds.
x 1.7 to cover postage.its $901

I've been buying many of my tools from the UK for years now... since the 80's anyway.
There's a few tips I'd like to share:

(a) Check the voltage! This isn't as silly as it sounds, as Britain has 3 voltages: 230-240v domestic, 110v for construction sites, and 415v 3 phase for industrial machinery. Construction site tools are characterised by having larger yellow plugs fitted, quite unlike their domestic counterpart. Most sellers, and E-bay listers will state the tool's voltage, but some forget so if you see yellow then don't buy!

(b) To fit an Aust./NZ plug to the tool, just follow the plug's fitting instructions to the letter, i.e. the EXACT amount of exposed conductor and outer sheath removed. Red or Brown to Active, Blue or Black to Neutral, and Green/Yellow to Earth (which you won't normally have in power tools). Also remember to put the new cord grip and plug outer on the cord before fitting off; after 40 odd years of doing so I still manage to occasionally forget!

(c) keep your purchase total, including freight, to less than A$1000 to avoid paying extra duties and GST.

(d) Some suppliers have been geared up for mail order and e-commerce for years, and offer postage quotes as part of the sales procedure. Otherwise you really need to find out the postage prices before committing to avoid any nasty surprises. Airmail prices from the UK can often be quite savage. There's alternatives to Parcelforce available, such as DHL, and err.. (sorry having a bit of a senior moment here) other freight providers.

(e) Some suppliers clearly specify "UK only", such as D&M and many E-bay retailers. Other, such as Axminster & (my current favourite) Toolstop, have embraced e-commerce and couldn't be more helpful or cooperative. Even if they state "No exports", you can still ask!

(f) Generally, all manufacturers warranties and Australian Common Law are automatically invalidated by removing the item from it's country of (retail) origin, so it's very much a case of caveat emptor. You may find the availability of parts or service compromised by buying an unusual item.

(g) As an export item, you are entitled to a VAT exempted price. VAT, @ 20%, is their GST equiv. If the (new) item isn't listed as VAT exempt, then you're being ripped off, as you can bet your life the supplier is filing the exemption and pocketing the tax themselves!

(h) In my experience, the UK has some of the most competitive prices on power tools currently, easily beating the continent on prices of German-made tools.

(i) To date, I haven't had any drama that couldn't be easily and amicably resolved. I put it down to linguistic and cultural similarities. I'm quite confident in doing business with British strangers. Wish I could say the same thing about the Germans and Americans, however, as I've found that they seem to have a different interpretation of the word "honesty" to me!

Originally Posted by sinjin

Thanks for the reply...even though the exchange rate isn't great with the UK some items are still way cheaper than here...like the super cut from Fein...sells from anywhere from $1000 to $1250...In the Uk its 530 pounds.
x 1.7 to cover postage.its $901

Don't know where you're getting your prices, but a quick google of .uk domain revealed VAT ex. prices of about GBP 420 for Fein Supercut Carpenter's kits, even with 20-40 quid freight should leave change from A$700!

Thanks for the advice...I ordered a Mitutoyo combination set today which surprised me was cheaper than anywhere i found in the US.
I think we found the price from the same people....i included VAT which shouldn't be there. We are getting hit hard here in Aust for this machine for sure

have you found any drama running 220 Volt....I have a Scheer router which is 220 Volt and had no probs..

Voltages vary fairly radically anyway. Utilities only quote nominal voltages, within parameters of +/- 10%.
Good quality tools are designed well outside these parameters, and the entire EU is progressively normalising to 230v 50 hz. over the next few years.
Just don't use extended runs of crappy extension cords.

Ratbag, I read your thoughts with interest, and may have to do some research on the UK tool sellers. However, if I do go down the path of purchasing US power tools should I purchase the step down transformer (or two) here?. I know it has to be of enough watts capacity to run the (say) the two biggest tools. What would be a good brand of SDT (I've read about some horrors)?

Thanks. Brett

In ireland we use 110v tools on site Which usually has 110v supply from a big transformer, But When working in a domestic house we use small portable ones usually 3.3 kva retailing about €100, mind you they are heavy about 12kg postage to oz may be crazy.

I agree with the last post.
Those British transformers are heavy duty, reliable and affordable (well, if you disregard postage prices).
They're designed to survive the rigours of British construction sites: dust, impact, frost, snow, hail, and the depredations of multiple users.
But what's wrong with 220-240v tools?

Nothing wrong with the tools, but how does ETS 150 plus CT26 for $600 sound?? Do we have a brand/supplier for those yella fellas, and do the covert from 50Hz to 60Hz?

I dont have a brand but all seem to be very relible I get 5 to 7 years out of one, only on my second to date, as for 50Hz to 60Hz im not sure. I use 110v tools bought here and also imported from the states all work fine no issues and same power, from what i can see anyway.

I'll say that transformers in the shop are a pain in the neck unless you don't mind moving it or running 110v extensions around the place (I used to live in the US and have finally replaced the 110v stuff).

As for purchasing from overseas, don't forget to kiss your warranty goodbye for most stuff.

I agree, they are a total pain in the neck. The only advantage is buying tools from the states.

I have only ever had one issue with a power tool and it was a a gooden. Bought the tool and when to the job site. Used it for maybe 20 minutes and it failed. Took it back on a Saturday morning and showed him the problem...he said he would show it to the rep as he agreed it should never happen. As to a replacement tool to finish the job he said i'm sorry but i can't help.
I rang the head office about the faulty brush and they said it shouldn't have happened. However it was bad luck as to any service with a new replacement tool. It took 3 weeks for the new part to come from the US!
So i have been lucky, buying power tools for maybe 35 yrs and only ever had drama once...having said that if i did buy power tools from OS...well the difference in buy price is huge. As for buying from the US with 110 Volts..just would be interested.