Tramway stables, cow sheds, motor bus proprietors, telephone call office, picturedrome, cinema,…read moreknitwear factory and DIY store- never has a building had such a varied history as the one that is now the Handyman's Supermarket. It's worth visiting if only to catch a whiff of sawdust, also known as the international smell representing things getting done, manfully. This is a store that looks at glossy bungler-havens like B&Q before shaking its head and smiling with a faint air of pity. The place is so comfortable in its mettle that it doesn't need to tidy up. Tools and bits of wood are strewn across the bare floorboards and you half expect the back corner to be occupied by a burly blacksmith belting a horse-shoe into shape. That's not to say it's arrogant. The staff here are superlatively helpful and will listen with eager patience as you waffle on about what angle of doorstop you need or what kind of hammer you require to wrench nails out of a botched picture frame. Then they shall find the item within arm's reach, making you feel like an utter cretin. Also, they cut keys.

Oh this is more like it. A real manly shop amidst the students and namby pamby bohemians of…read moreSmithdown. A place a man can get any hardware and, tool stuff he needs to, chop things and, drill stuff. I went in purely to have a look around for a review and see what is what. I have very little need to often shop in these places, even when working for tv drama art departments I tend to just have a bash at hammering something with anything heavy and blunt or just use gaffer tape - usually solves any problem. So I went in. Yep, screws, drills, hinges. Until I was asked 'need any help?' And obviously not wanting to look a complete pleb by giving the usual 'just looking' - because I am in a specialist, hardware shop and must have reason for being there - I ended up leaving with a tube of polyfilla and and a bag of nails. Damn this male pride.

Family run, expensive but you actually get personal service. answers to questions and advise there…read morehelpful and all the builders seem to go here so there must be a good reason for that. They dont stock everthing like B.Q but what they have they know about.

Glowbar has grown over the last few years, now you can buy almost any type of tool you could need…read morefrom here, hand, electric, ladders or plant hire. They deliver and every single one of the people who work here have got time to help, it has to be one of the best of it kind in St Helens. We have never wanted somthing and they have been out of stock no matter what is was we needed.

I used to use Lineker but find Glowbar better value…read more Phil and the lads there are always helpful and their prices are very fair

This place is stuffed full of useful things and it's all cheaperty cheap cheap! If you don't have…read moreyour England flag yet (I am sure you will do, but well just in case) there are plenty on sale here. Outside dustbins (£8.99) - they have plenty of these as well, as compost bins. I found a really useful wash basket to put my washed clothes in as I hang them up on the line or take them down. Plastic seats and plastic steps - hmmm rather a lot of plastic, it's not good for the sea, as it will eventually get there, I don't doubt that. Most of this shop is probably my dad's dreamland - paint galore, brushes, gardening pots of every kind, pet accessories. Would you believe it - reading glasses as well!

The Chandlers discount store in Allerton sells a wide variety of household goods, especially basic…read moreDIY equipment and other bits and bobs (that's how I shall put it as I'm no DIY expert)! Oh, and they sell chocolates too! Anyhow, if you're looking to replace your broken brush or mop, then you're in luck here. Everything in this store sells well in terms of price but I'm not sure about quality as I've not actually bought anything from here. From what I have observed, they have a generous selection of garden related items; this is what hit me most when I first entered. I would consider this store as very handy indeed because it provides all the home and garden essentials and if you're a hobbyist of such trades, you'll enjoy what the store has available.

This is a good old fashioned Hardware store in Culcheth village, stocking everything from light…read morebulbs to decorating supplies, brooms to eat poison. The staff are friendly and they have a good knowledge of DIY items as well as a large stock of just about everything you might need on a day to day basis, or for a project. Off road parking is available a short walk from the store, or there's a free car park in Culcheth village.

From the owner: Traditional DIY, household and housewares. Stuff you thought you wouldn't find anymore. Plus…read moreup-to-date electricals (e.g. LEDs) and plumbing.