Accessories & Consumables

About Accessories & Consumables

Accessories and consumables are the essential supporting products that keep your tools, equipment and gardens functioning at peak performance. From engine oils that protect your petrol machinery to sharpeners that maintain cutting edges, these often-overlooked items are fundamental to productive work and proper equipment maintenance. Whether you're a professional tradesperson relying on your tools daily or a keen gardener maintaining your outdoor space, having the right accessories and consumables to hand ensures your equipment remains reliable, efficient and safe to use.

This diverse category encompasses everything from replacement handles and interchangeable tool heads to garden ties, mixing bottles and log splitter accessories. Many of these products are consumables that require regular replacement as part of routine maintenance schedules, whilst others are durable accessories that enhance the functionality or extend the lifespan of your existing equipment. Understanding which accessories and consumables are compatible with your tools and when they need replacing is key to avoiding costly downtime and maintaining professional standards across all your projects.

At TooledUp.com, we stock accessories and consumables from leading brands including Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee and Bosch for power equipment, alongside specialist garden accessories that complement your outdoor maintenance routine. Whether you need fresh engine oil for seasonal machinery servicing, replacement handles for well-used hand tools, or garden kneelers for comfortable planting work, you'll find quality products designed to meet the demands of UK tradespeople and dedicated DIY enthusiasts.

Jargon Buster

• Viscosity Grade: A measurement indicating an engine oil's thickness and flow characteristics at different temperatures, shown as numbers like 10W-40. The first number refers to cold weather performance, whilst the second indicates high-temperature protection for your petrol tools and machinery.
• Two-Stroke Oil: A specialised engine oil mixed directly with petrol for use in two-stroke engines commonly found in chainsaws, strimmers and hedge trimmers. Must be mixed at the manufacturer's specified ratio, typically 50:1 or 40:1.
• Interchangeable Handle System: Tool designs where a single handle can be attached to multiple implement heads (rakes, hoes, brooms), reducing storage space and cost whilst maintaining versatility across garden tasks.
• Grit Rating: On sharpeners and sharpening stones, this number indicates the coarseness of the abrasive surface. Lower numbers (200-400) mean coarser material for heavy sharpening, whilst higher numbers (1000+) provide fine finishing for razor-sharp edges.
• Galvanised Wire: Steel wire coated with a protective zinc layer to resist rust and corrosion, commonly used for garden ties and fencing applications where weather exposure is constant.
• Consumables: Products designed for regular replacement during normal use, such as oils, lubricants, cleaning agents and disposable components, as opposed to durable goods expected to last for extended periods.

Who Uses Accessories & Consumables?

This category serves a broad spectrum of users who maintain equipment and work outdoors:

• Landscapers and groundskeepers requiring engine oils, sharpeners, garden ties and replacement tool handles for daily maintenance work
• Arborists and tree surgeons needing specialist two-stroke oils and chainsaw sharpening equipment
• Professional gardeners using interchangeable handle systems and garden kneelers for efficient, comfortable work
• Maintenance contractors servicing petrol equipment across multiple sites
• Agricultural workers maintaining farm machinery and fencing with appropriate consumables and wire products
• General tradespeople requiring replacement handles, sharpeners and general maintenance supplies for hand tools
• DIY enthusiasts maintaining gardens, log splitters and petrol equipment at home
• Allotment holders and keen gardeners using ties, wire and garden accessories for plant support and cultivation

How to Choose the Right Accessories & Consumables

Selecting appropriate accessories and consumables requires matching products to your specific equipment and working requirements:

Check Compatibility: Always verify that replacement handles, oils and accessories are suitable for your specific tool or equipment model. Consult manufacturer specifications for engine oil grades, handle thread sizes and attachment systems to ensure proper fit and function.

Quality Over False Economy: Whilst consumables require regular replacement, choosing quality products from established brands protects your investment in expensive equipment. Substandard engine oils can damage petrol machinery, whilst poor-quality sharpeners may ruin cutting edges rather than restore them.

Consider Usage Frequency: Professional users should stock consumables in bulk to avoid project delays, whilst occasional users might prefer smaller quantities to prevent products deteriorating through age. Engine oils and lubricants have shelf lives that should factor into purchasing decisions.

Assess Working Conditions: Outdoor accessories like garden ties and wire should be weather-resistant (galvanised or plastic-coated). For site work, consider products that withstand harsh conditions and frequent use without premature failure.

Plan Maintenance Schedules: Establish regular servicing routines for petrol equipment, including oil changes at manufacturer-recommended intervals. Keep sharpening equipment accessible to maintain cutting tool performance rather than working with dangerously dull edges.

Storage and Organisation: Interchangeable handle systems significantly reduce storage requirements compared to individual complete tools. Consider mixing bottles with clear measurement markings for accurate two-stroke fuel preparation, preventing costly engine damage from incorrect ratios.

Popular Accessories

• Engine oils in various viscosity grades for petrol mowers, chainsaws, generators and garden machinery
• Two-stroke oil for mixing with petrol in chainsaws, strimmers and other two-stroke equipment
• Garden kneelers and kneeling pads providing comfort and joint protection during planting and weeding
• Interchangeable handle systems with compatible rake, hoe and brush heads
• Replacement ash, fibreglass and composite handles for hammers, axes, picks and garden tools
• Sharpening stones, files and guides for maintaining chisels, plane blades, knives and garden cutting tools
• Chainsaw and tool sharpeners for maintaining cutting performance
• Garden wire and plant ties in various materials and gauges
• Mixing bottles with ratio markings for two-stroke fuel preparation
• Log splitter wedges, replacement blades and hydraulic fluids
• Lubricants and maintenance sprays for tool care
• Cleaning solutions and maintenance kits for equipment servicing

Safety Information

Whilst accessories and consumables may seem straightforward, several safety considerations apply to their use and storage:

Engine Oils and Fuels: Store all petroleum products in approved containers away from heat sources and out of reach of children. Follow COSHH regulations when handling oils and chemicals on professional sites. Dispose of used engine oil responsibly at designated recycling centres—never pour down drains or onto soil.

Two-Stroke Mixing: Always prepare two-stroke fuel mixtures in well-ventilated areas. Use clearly labelled containers to prevent accidentally filling equipment with incorrect fuel types, which can cause serious engine damage or fire hazards.

Sharpening Activities: Wear appropriate eye protection when using sharpening equipment, as metal particles can cause serious injury. Secure workpieces properly and maintain control of cutting edges throughout the sharpening process. Keep sharpening tools away from children.

Replacement Handles: Inspect tool heads for damage before fitting replacement handles. Ensure handles are securely fitted according to manufacturer instructions—loose heads on striking tools present serious injury risks. Replace damaged handles immediately rather than attempting temporary repairs.

Garden Accessories: Check galvanised wire and ties regularly for corrosion that may cause sharp edges or breakage. When using garden kneelers, ensure they're positioned on stable ground to prevent tipping accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change the oil in my petrol lawn mower?

Most petrol mowers require oil changes every 25-50 hours of operation or at least once per season, typically before winter storage. Consult your equipment manual for specific intervals, as these vary by engine type. Always use the recommended viscosity grade—typically SAE 30 or 10W-30 for UK conditions—and check oil levels before each use to prevent engine damage.

What's the correct mixing ratio for two-stroke fuel?

The correct ratio depends on your specific equipment and oil type, but 50:1 (50 parts petrol to 1 part two-stroke oil) is most common for modern chainsaws and strimmers. Always check your equipment manual, as older models may require 40:1 or 25:1 ratios. Use a proper mixing bottle with measurement markings to ensure accuracy—incorrect ratios cause poor performance, excessive smoke and potential engine seizure.

Can I use any replacement handle on my hammer or axe?

No—replacement handles must match the original specification for head weight, eye size (the socket in the tool head) and intended use. Fitting an incompatible handle creates serious safety risks, as the head may detach during use. Measure the eye dimensions carefully and select handles explicitly rated for your tool type. Ash remains popular for shock absorption, whilst fibreglass offers durability and weather resistance.

How do I know when garden tool blades need sharpening?

Cutting tools requiring more force than usual, producing ragged rather than clean cuts, or crushing plant material instead of slicing through it need sharpening. Spades and hoes that fail to penetrate soil easily have likely dulled. For best results and safety, sharpen tools at the beginning of each season and periodically during heavy use. Sharp tools are safer, more efficient and cause less user fatigue than blunt ones.

Are interchangeable handle systems as durable as traditional individual tools?

Quality interchangeable systems from established manufacturers offer comparable durability to traditional tools when properly maintained. The connection mechanisms are engineered to withstand regular use, though you should periodically check fixings remain tight. These systems excel for users with limited storage space or those requiring multiple implement types. However, if you use one particular tool constantly in demanding professional applications, a dedicated traditional tool may prove more practical.