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Ever tried moving a heavy fridge or a stack of boxes by yourself and wondered why your back disagreed with your ambitions? A sturdy dolly or hand truck is the difference between a weekend of sweat and a smooth, efficient move. These tools turn awkward lifting into smart pushing or rolling, saving time, strain, and often money on hired help. Think of a hand truck like a faithful mule for your heaviest loads — it carries the weight so you don’t have to.
Appliance dollies are specialist machines built to haul fridges, freezers, washing machines and other bulky goods. They usually come with extra straps and padded faces to protect finishes. If you’re shifting white goods often, pick one rated for at least 600 to 800 pounds, and opt for pneumatic wheels if you’ll be crossing rough ground.
Sack trucks are the classic, upright hand trucks you see couriers using — tall frames, two wheels and a toe plate. They’re brilliant for tight staircases and narrow doorways because they pivot and tip. Choose a model with a comfortable handle and a capacity that matches what you move most — many trade models hold from 500 to 1,000 pounds.
Platform dollies are flat boards on wheels and are ideal for sofas, cabinets and heavy boxes. They offer stability and easy loading because you can slide items straight on. Low-profile versions are perfect for door thresholds and raised surfaces. Look for swivel casters on the corners for easy turning on a dime.
Some dollies convert between upright sack trucks and flat platform dollies. These hybrid designs give you the flexibility to tackle a wide range of tasks without buying multiple tools. If you have limited storage space at home, a convertible model is often the best investment — it acts like two tools in one.
Start by checking load capacity — always think in pounds. For occasional home moves, 300 to 600 pounds can be enough. For trade use or frequent heavy lifting, aim for models rated 800 to 1,200 pounds or more. Steel frames offer rugged durability, while aluminium keeps weight down if you’ll be carrying the dolly up and down stairs yourself.
Wheels make or break the experience. Solid rubber or polyurethane wheels are low maintenance and roll smoothly on hard floors. Pneumatic (air-filled) tyres absorb shocks and are best outdoors or on uneven surfaces. Consider wheel size in inches — larger wheels glide over thresholds and rubble better, while small swivel casters give supreme indoor agility.
Comfortable handles reduce fatigue. Look for non-slip rubber grips and adjustable heights so you can match the dolly to your height. An ergonomic handle lets you harness your body weight to move loads rather than relying solely on upper-body strength — a small detail that yields big wins during long moves.
Expert Electrical is a solid option for homeowners and handymen who want reliable tools and accessories. Among the items they list is the Ferret Stick Extendable rod — about 55 inches long when extended (roughly 4 ft 7 in) — which shows they cater to practical, space-saving tools. While they aren’t exclusively a dolly specialist, you’ll often find helpful moving accessories and compact trolleys suitable for appliance tweaks and DIY jobs.
Screwfix is a go-to for tradespeople and DIYers across the UK. They stock a broad range of hand trucks, appliance dollies and platform trolleys from budget to professional-grade. Their handy online filters allow you to search by load capacity in pounds and wheel type in inches, so you can zero in on the right tool fast. Frequent promotions make Screwfix attractive if you’re watching the budget.
B&Q caters to householders and casual DIYers with a mix of affordable and mid-range dollies. You’ll find basic platform dollies for weekend moves and multipurpose trolleys that double up for garden and home use. B&Q’s in-store availability is useful if you want to test wheel action and handle feel before you buy — a tactile check is often the smartest step.
Toolstation is another trade-focused retailer that balances quality and value. Their selection often includes compact, foldable sack trucks that are easy to store, plus heavier-duty models with high load ratings for contractors. Toolstation is worth checking for professional warranties and the option to collect from local branches.
Wickes tends to lean toward the home improvement crowd, offering accessible hand trucks and platform trolleys for both indoor and outdoor tasks. If you’re doing a kitchen refit or moving garden pots, Wickes often has the right combination of durability and user-friendly design at a mid-range price point.
Homebase sells practical dollies and garden trolleys suited to household projects. They typically stock models that suit occasional heavy lifting — think home moves or larger DIY jobs. Homebase also carries complementary items like straps and protective pads that make secure moving easier.
If a house move is on the agenda, prioritize appliance dollies and robust sack trucks rated for at least 600 to 1,000 pounds. Add heavy-duty straps and consider a set with an integrated stair climber if you face stairs often. For fragile floors, add protective shims or a piece of plywood to distribute weight during loading.
For garden tasks and occasional DIY, platform dollies and garden trolleys are excellent value. Look for weather-resistant materials and wheels around 6 to 8 inches for easy movement over lawns and gravel. You don’t need professional capacity for planters and paving slabs, but a steady chassis and sealed bearings will save headaches.
Tradespeople should invest in professional-grade hand trucks with capacities above 1,000 pounds and reinforced toe plates. Heavy steel frames, larger wheels in the 10 to 12 inch range, and replaceable tyres are features that extend the life of your tool and keep downtime low. A good dolly repays itself through faster, safer work and fewer injuries.
A dolly is simple, but a little care keeps it dependable. Wipe down metal frames after outdoor use to prevent corrosion, check wheel bearings every few months and replace worn tyres before they split. Lubricate moving joints lightly with a spray-grade lubricant and tighten bolts occasionally. A well-maintained dolly will roll better and last years longer, like an old friend you can always rely on.
Accessories make life easier. Heavy-duty ratchet straps secure loads, corner protectors prevent damage to furniture edges, and moving blankets cushion expensive pieces. For safety, always wear protective gloves and steel-toe boots when moving big items — your feet will thank you. Wheel chocks and loading ramps are also useful when loading vans or crossing thresholds.
Decide what matters most: frequency of use or cost. If you move once in a blue moon, a budget platform dolly or a foldable hand truck around 300 to 500 pounds capacity will do. But if you move often or work in a trade, spend more on steel frames, larger wheels and a higher load rating — these features save time, reduce injury risk and often last far longer than cheaper alternatives. Consider buying straps and pads separately rather than in low-quality bundles.
Don’t overload — exceeding a dolly’s capacity invites damage and accidents. Also avoid using indoor casters outdoors; the wrong wheel type wears out quickly and hampers control. Finally, don’t ignore ergonomics. An adjustable handle might seem like an extra cost, but it prevents bending and back strain during long jobs. Think prevention, not repair.
Here are quick pairings: use an appliance dolly for fridges and washing machines, a convertible dolly for mixed loads during a house move, a platform dolly for bulky furniture, and a sack truck for stacked boxes or building materials. Treat every job like a puzzle — pick the piece that fits, and the move becomes a smooth picture rather than a scramble.
If you can, test a dolly at a local store. Push it with a weight similar to what you’ll move and check turning radius, handle comfort and wheel noise. Stores like Screwfix, B&Q and Toolstation often permit in-store handling so you can judge feel and stability. If testing isn’t possible, read user reviews that mention wheel size in inches and real-world load reports in pounds.
Buying a higher-quality dolly reduces waste and saves money over time. Look for materials that resist corrosion and wheels that are replaceable. A durable tool that accompanies you through multiple moves is both greener and smarter financially than repeatedly replacing flimsy models.
Before you click “buy,” run through this checklist: required load capacity in pounds, wheel type and diameter in inches, frame material, handle comfort, storage size and warranty. Add straps and protective pads where needed, and think about where you’ll store the dolly between uses. A quick checklist saves regret later.
Dollies and hand trucks transform heavy lifting from back-breaking to brain-saving. Whether you’re a homeowner moving a few times a decade or a tradesperson carrying heavy materials day in and day out, there’s a model that fits your needs and budget. UK retailers like Expert Electrical, Screwfix, B&Q, Toolstation, Wickes and Homebase provide a strong starting point, while accessories and maintenance keep your tool working long-term. Pick capacity in pounds, choose wheel diameter in inches that suits your terrain, and favour build quality if you want something that lasts. With the right dolly, moving becomes less chore and more choreographed — efficient, safe and surprisingly satisfying.
| Dollies & Hand Trucks | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Ferret Stick Extendable 1400mm Rod With Non-slip Rubber Handle | £ 38,10 |
