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Ever tried spreading filling with the wrong tool and ended up with ridges that looked like a bad haircut? A good putty knife or scraper makes the difference between a job that looks home-made and one that looks professionally finished. These tools are small, but they punch above their weight — smoothing, scraping, and shaping like a tiny spatula for your walls. Whether you’re touching up skirting boards, removing old paint, or smoothing plaster, the right blade in your hand saves time, frustration, and messy cleanup.
If you’re hunting for the best places to buy putty knives and scrapers in the UK, there are high-street options, trade suppliers, and online marketplaces that cater to both weekend DIYers and contractors. Below I’ve listed reliable retailers and what they’re known for so you can pick the best fit for your project and budget.
Expert Electrical stocks a good range of C.K tools, including the C.K putty knife and the C.K paint scraper that’s the right size for many jobs. The C.K Paint Scraper listed at a 40mm blade width works out to about 1-9/16 inches — a handy size for trimming around fixtures and getting into narrow gaps. These C.K blades are often praised for comfortable handles and durable stainless blades, which means less flex when you need rigidity and less chance of rust when you get them wet. If you’re after trusted brand quality without overpaying for specialist trade-only tools, Expert Electrical is a solid place to start.
Screwfix is a go-to for many tradespeople and DIYers, offering brands like Stanley, Irwin, and Draper. They have everything from tiny 1-inch spatulas to wide 4-inch (and above) joint knives. What’s great about Screwfix is the choice: stiff scrapers for stripping paint, and flexible blades for finishing filler — often sold in multi-packs so you don’t have to run back to the shop mid-job. Their trade-focused stock means you’ll find pro-grade handles and thicker steel blades when you need heavy-duty scraping power.
B&Q caters more to the home renovator who wants convenience and good value. Expect sets and individual knives aimed at decorating and smaller repairs: plastic scrapers for delicate surfaces, and stainless steel putty knives for smoothing. Blade sizes tend to be expressed in inches (1", 2", 3", and 4"), so it’s easy to build a toolkit that covers everything from nail-hole filling to wallpaper removal. The advantage here is accessibility and a friendly price point for non-tradespeople.
Wickes offers a good middle ground between B&Q and trade outlets: quality tools aimed at homebuilders and DIY enthusiasts who want sturdy gear. Look here for scraper ranges, longer-handled floor scrapers measured in feet for heavy work, and specialist wallpaper scrapers. If you’re tackling larger renovation tasks, Wickes often stocks long-reach scrapers and replacement blades so you can adapt the same tool for different jobs.
Toolstation is another trade-friendly option with quick stock turns and competitive prices. Brands like Stanley and Irwin appear here too, with options for replaceable blades and compact, ergonomically designed handles. Toolstation’s appeal is rapid availability and good-value pro tools; pick up a set and you’ll often find sizes in inches clearly marked for quick selection.
Online marketplaces are unbeatable for choice and customer reviews. Amazon and eBay list everything from cheap disposable plastic scrapers to premium carbon-steel knives. The trick here is to read reviews and watch for blade thickness and handle quality — a bargain blade can be great for occasional use, but if you’re scraping for hours expect to step up to thicker steel and a comfortable grip. Shipping and multi-pack offers make these platforms handy when you need replacements or a range of sizes in one go.
Putty knives and scrapers aren’t one-size-fits-all. They fall into types based on blade flexibility, material, handle design, and whether blades are fixed or replaceable. Choosing the right type is like picking a paintbrush — the wrong one gives you sloppy results, the right one lets you finesse the finish.
Flexible putty knives are perfect for smoothing filler, spreading adhesive, or working delicate finishes. The blade bends to follow contours, allowing you to feather edges and leave a seamless surface. These blades typically come in thinner steel and smaller widths — think 1 to 4 inches — and are favored for final finishing rather than power scraping.
Rigid scrapers are built for stripping paint, removing hardened material, or chipping away stubborn residues. They come in heavier steel and maintain their shape under pressure. If you’re tackling old paint, sealant, or heavy adhesive, a rigid blade in the 2 to 4-inch range (or wider for larger surfaces) will save you time and reduce the risk of the blade bending mid-job.
Material choice influences durability, rust resistance, and edge retention. Stainless blades resist corrosion and are great for general household work, while carbon steel holds a sharper edge and can be honed more easily — but it will rust if left wet. Consider stainless for bathroom and outdoor jobs, and carbon steel for dry, heavy scraping where sharpness matters most.
Sizes are simple once you think in inches. Small knives (1" to 2") are ideal for patching nail holes, trimming around window beading, and delicate cabinetry. Medium knives (3" to 4") are the most versatile for general decorating and filler smoothing. Wide joint knives (6" to 8" and above) are used for spreading large amounts of filler and levelling broad areas. If you’re filling a crack, a 2-inch blade might be perfect; if you’re skimming an entire wall, reach for a 6- or 8-inch joint knife.
Not all knives are created equal. Look for these features to get the best tool for your money:
A comfortable handle reduces fatigue; rubber or cushioned grips are best for long jobs. Tools with a full tang — where the metal runs through the handle — offer strength for heavy-duty scraping and are less likely to snap under pressure.
Thicker blades (stiffer temper) are better for scraping, while thinner blades are best for finishing. Tempering affects how the blade flexes and holds an edge: a properly tempered blade gives you control without breaking.
Replaceable-blade scrapers are cost-effective for heavy work; when the edge dulls you swap a blade instead of replacing the whole tool. They’re perfect for contractors or anyone who uses scrapers frequently.
Treat your knives like your favourite kitchen tools: a little care goes a long way. Rinse and dry blades after use to prevent rust, store them flat or hung to avoid bent edges, and oil carbon steel lightly if they’re stored in damp spots. A quick sharpen every few jobs keeps steel blades cutting and scraping efficiently.
Clamp the blade with the edge slightly exposed, use a flat file or sharpening stone at about a 30-degree angle, and work in even strokes. For replaceable blades, use a fine file to hone the cutting edge. Test on a scrap surface — a properly sharpened scraper cuts through paint and adhesive much more cleanly, saving elbow grease.
These tools do more than fill holes. Use them to remove old caulk, scrape paint from metal or wood, lift wallpaper, smooth joint compound, or even spread adhesive for tiles in small areas. Think of them as the Swiss Army knife of the decorating world — small, versatile, and incredibly handy when the project gets fiddly.
When you’re glazing a window, you’ll want a thin, stiff scraper that fits into tight corners. For floor stripping, a long-handled floor scraper measured in feet brings leverage and reach. For automotive touch-ups or removing stickers, a plastic scraper keeps painted surfaces safe from metal damage.
Are you a once-a-year decorator or a full-time tradesperson? For the occasional job, a simple stainless steel 3-inch set from B&Q or Amazon will do wonders. If you rely on scrapers daily, invest in pro-grade blades from Screwfix or Toolstation — sturdier handles, thicker steel, and replaceable blades add up to cost savings over time. Think of budget tools as reliable rental cars and pro tools as the sports car you’ve tuned — both will get you there, but one will make the trip smoother and faster.
Before you click buy, check these quick things: blade width in inches, material (stainless or carbon), handle comfort, whether blades are replaceable, and if the retailer carries the brand you trust. For jobs that mix scraping and finishing, buy a small range of blades — 1-2", 3-4", and a wide joint knife — and you’ll rarely be left without the right tool.
Putty knives and scrapers are deceptively simple tools that do a lot of heavy lifting in DIY and trade work. Choosing the right blade size, material, and handle style will make projects quicker and results neater. Whether you prefer the trusted stock at Expert Electrical, the trade depth of Screwfix and Toolstation, the accessibility of B&Q and Wickes, or the choice on Amazon, there’s a perfect scraper for your job. Think ahead: keep a small kit of flexible and rigid blades in sizes measured in inches, sharpen and care for them, and you’ll be surprised how often these unassuming tools save the day.
| Putty Knives & Scrapers | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Ck Paint Scraper 40mm | £ 3,79 | |
| Ck Putty Knife | £ 15,10 |
