I think of Screwfix as a cross between B&Q and Argos. It's really aimed at the tradesperson market, so often you can get things in bulk so much cheaper than you would for smaller quantities. Picture hooks provide the perfect example. £5.23 for a pack of 100 in Screwfix, £5.10 for a pack of 25 in B&Q. Admittedly the Screwfix deal is probably going to equip a normal person with a lifetime's supply of picture hooks, but who doesn't love a bargain!
It's not always cheaper though, so I generally always do a comparison of suppliers. Another recent example - taps. Basic basin mixer tap, very similar models, turned out to be slightly cheaper in B&Q. For wee things like electric switches, ceiling roses, or even bigger items like radiators, Screwfix can be very good, but it's worth checking.
One disadvantage to Screwfix is that, like Argos, you can't see the actual goods - you pick them out of a catalogue and someone brings it to you. This is fine if you're a tradesperson and know exactly what you're after. Not so fine if you're not and you don't, or you want to see the quality of the article. Sometimes, you'll get one of the older gents who knows his stuff and is happy to advise. Sometimes, you're on your own. On a more recent visit, to buy toilet flush gubbins, we were approached by a member of staff who asked if we needed any help. We did need help so explained our situation. His response was 'I'm actually here to provide more along the lines of spiritual guidance, rather than anything technical'.
Eh whit? If I want spiritual advice I'll head for the nearest church pal, not a hardware store. Pfft. Clearly he was trying to be funny, and admittedly it was quite amusing, but we did actually need technical advice, and found it lacking. Anyway, after returning the 3rd lot of flushing gubbins, we are failing to see the funny side, have abandoned the whole sorry situation and I'm getting a man in to fix it. read more