DIY WEEK AWARDS 2026 WINNERS 2018
DIY Product of the Year QEP – Vitrex Perfect Cut Manual Tile Cutters
The Vitrex MTC410, MTC510 and MTC610 Manual Tile Cutters bring built-in ‘Perfect Cut’ technology to the DIY tiling market, bringing professional-style precision in an easy-to-use format. What’s new is the innovative two-step ‘push and snap’ system, designed to remove the uncertainty from tile cutting. By simply pushing the carriage to the front endcap and snapping, users achieve cleaner, more controlled breaks with significantly reduced risk of chipping or waste. Available in three sizes, 410mm, 510mm and 610mm. Complete with magnetic side support for larger tiles, the range makes precise ceramic and porcelain cutting more accessible than ever before. Dual chrome-plated rails ensure ultra-smooth carriage movement, while an ergonomic handle provides confident, stable operation. A 15mm tungsten carbide wheel creates a sharper, more reliable scoring line than typical cutters. Designed to handle ceramic and porcelain up to 10mm thick, the range is available in three sizes (410, 510 and 610mm). Magnetic side supports add stability for larger tiles, making these cutters more capable, consistent and user-friendly than most DIY alternatives. Retailers should stock the Vitrex Perfect Cut Manual Tile Cutter range as it offers clear differentiation in a crowded category. The two-step Perfect Cut ‘push and snap’ system is easy to demonstrate, highlighting reduced breakages and less tile waste – key for DIY customers – making it easier to sell on value, not price. The judges said: “This quality product is an easy-to-use, highly effective
Hand Tool of the Year QEP – Vitrex Safest Cut Sealant Remover
The new Vitrex SafestCut Sealant Remover is designed to remove old sealant quickly and easily, making renovation and refresh projects faster and less frustrating. What sets it apart is its ability to strip away worn or mouldy sealant efficiently, reducing preparation time compared to traditional knives or scrapers. The precision blade lifts and removes sealant cleanly without damaging
surrounding surfaces, helping protect baths, sinks, showers, windows, doors, skirting boards and worktops. Its ergonomic design provides improved control and makes it easier to reach awkward areas such as behind taps and around detailed fittings where sealant often builds up.
solution for everyone from novice DIYers to seasoned decorators that comes at a good price and should last for years.”
FINALISTS
Cheshire Mouldings & Woodturnings – Cheshire Mouldings Wall Panel Kits
Rust-Oleum Europe (Tor) – Rust-Oleum Switch DIY Alcove Cabinets Palace Chemicals – NX Range QEP – Vitrex Perfect Cut Manual Tile Cutters - Winner Avron – Dekton 4pc Corner Mate - HC Avron – Dekton Deep organiser
A protective blade cover allows for safe storage when not in use, adding practicality alongside performance. The result is a quicker, cleaner and more controlled sealant removal process, giving users confidence and helping them achieve a professional- quality finish when resealing kitchens, bathrooms and other areas around the home.
Retailers should stock the SafestCut Sealant Remover as it meets a consistent DIY need, removing old or failing sealant quickly and easily. Sealant replacement is a common maintenance task, driving regular customer footfall. Offering a clear advantage over basic scrapers and knives, it helps users work faster while reducing the risk of surface damage, making it easy to demonstrate and recommend in-store. The protective blade cover adds an important safety benefit for DIY users. Positioned alongside sealants and smoothing tools, it encourages cross- selling and higher basket spend. Compact and problem-solving, SafestCut is a strong addition to any DIY accessories range. Vitrex supports retailers with clear, well-packaged products and point- of-sale marketing materials to drive sales. Additionally, the variety of products creates excellent upselling opportunities, as customers purchasing one tool may need complementary items. The Judges said: “Functional, clever, and simple. This is a great little tool! It’s something different that’s well communicated with good packaging.”
FINALISTS Spear & Jackson – 2-in-1 Trimming Knife and Scraper QEP – Vitrex Xtreme Pro-Trowel Cleaner - HC QEP – Vitrex Safest Cut Sealant Remover - Winner Avron – Dekton 10” Adjustable Head Pry Bar Avron – Dekton 180mm Insulated Cable Knife
S14 DIY WEEK JUNE 2026
www.diyweek.net
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