Accessories & Consumables

About Accessories & Consumables

Accessories and consumables form the essential backbone of effective tool maintenance and equipment performance. This comprehensive category at MyToolShed.co.uk encompasses everything from engine oils and two-stroke fuels for petrol machinery to replacement handles, sharpening equipment, and garden accessories. These often-overlooked products ensure that professional tools and equipment continue functioning reliably, whether you're maintaining chainsaws and strimmers, refreshing worn hand tools, or organising your garden with ties and wire. Quality accessories and consumables protect significant investments in power tools and machinery whilst preventing costly downtime on professional job sites.

From interchangeable handle systems that maximise storage efficiency to mixing bottles for accurate two-stroke fuel preparation, MyToolShed stocks accessories and consumables from trusted brands including Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee and Bosch. Garden kneelers provide comfort during extended planting work, whilst log splitter accessories keep wood processing equipment operating safely. Understanding which consumables require regular replacement—such as engine oils following seasonal servicing schedules—and which durable accessories enhance equipment functionality helps tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts maintain professional standards across all projects.

Applications

• Landscapers and groundskeepers – maintaining petrol mowers, strimmers and hedge trimmers with appropriate engine oils and two-stroke fuels
• Arborists and tree surgeons – using chainsaw sharpeners and specialist oils for demanding cutting applications
• Professional gardeners – employing interchangeable handle systems, garden kneelers and plant ties for efficient cultivation work
• General tradespeople – replacing worn handles on hammers, axes and striking tools to maintain safety standards
• Agricultural workers – maintaining farm equipment and fencing with galvanised wire and appropriate consumables
• DIY enthusiasts and allotment holders – servicing garden machinery, sharpening cutting tools and supporting plant growth with ties and accessories

Choosing The Right Accessories & Consumables

Verify compatibility: Always confirm that replacement handles, engine oils and accessories match your specific equipment. Check manufacturer specifications for oil viscosity grades (typically SAE 30 or 10W-30 for UK conditions), handle dimensions and thread sizes to ensure proper fit and safe operation.

Prioritise quality: Whilst consumables require regular replacement, choosing established brands protects expensive equipment. Substandard engine oils can cause serious machinery damage, whilst poor-quality sharpeners may ruin cutting edges rather than restore them.

Plan for usage patterns: Professional users should stock consumables in bulk to avoid project delays, whilst occasional users might prefer smaller quantities. Consider product shelf lives, particularly for engine oils and lubricants that deteriorate over time.

Match products to conditions: Select weather-resistant accessories like galvanised wire and ties for outdoor applications. For two-stroke equipment, use proper mixing bottles with clear ratio markings—typically 50:1 for modern chainsaws and strimmers—to prevent costly engine damage from incorrect fuel preparation.

Safety Information

Store petroleum products in approved containers away from heat sources and dispose of used engine oil responsibly at designated recycling centres. Always prepare two-stroke fuel mixtures in well-ventilated areas using clearly labelled containers. Wear eye protection when sharpening tools, as metal particles present serious injury risks. Ensure replacement handles are securely fitted according to manufacturer instructions—loose heads on striking tools create dangerous projectile hazards. Inspect tool heads for damage before fitting new handles and replace damaged components immediately rather than attempting temporary repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change 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. Always use the recommended viscosity grade for UK conditions and check oil levels before each use to prevent engine damage.

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

Modern chainsaws and strimmers typically require 50:1 (50 parts petrol to 1 part two-stroke oil), though older models may need 40:1 or 25:1 ratios. Always consult your equipment manual and use a proper mixing bottle from MyToolShed.co.uk to ensure accuracy—incorrect ratios cause poor performance 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 and eye size. Fitting incompatible handles creates serious safety risks as the head may detach during use. Measure eye dimensions carefully and select handles explicitly rated for your tool type, choosing between traditional ash for shock absorption or fibreglass for durability.