Half of all hire tools fail basic safety tests, shows new Which? research.

 

Which? hired a selection of DIY equipment from major and independent hire companies. We found problems ranging from broken blades and damaged wires to kitchen foil used as a fuse, all of which could lead to injury.

This investigation has led to big name hire firms removing tools from their shelves.

The only company to provide equipment with no safety faults was HSS.

Which? chief exec Peter Vicary-Smith says: "DIY enthusiasts trust these stores to provide safe, reliable equipment, but half the tools we tested failed our rigorous safety tests and could have caused serious injury.

"We expect higher standards from hire companies. They need to consistently check tools -if the shops we visited had carried out effective basic checks, they would never have loaned out half of the equipment."

Which? tool hire investigation - result highlights

• Speedy failed to lend us a single fault-free item. A wallpaper stripper from them had a split in the hose. This could leak hot steam and scald the user.
• Brandon Hire performed equally poorly in our tests. An extension lead cable left only basic insulation which could expose users to increased risk of electric shock.
• Other Which? concerns: the lack of safety equipment on offer at the point of hire by some shops.

Most companies agreed to remove the tools on test from their shelves to investigate further. Which? reported the products of greatest concern to trading standards officers.

Had a good experience with a tool hire company? Let other Which? Local users know.