Tool repair and one-off jigs service
Repair worn dies and moulds and make one-off jigs and fixtures from a small workshop bay.
- £8k-35k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
937 UK companies in this field, 15% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 25730 “Manufacture of tools”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A leaner version of a toolroom focused on repairing, resharpening and modifying existing tools, plus making one-off jigs, fixtures and prototype parts. You can start with a few manual machines in a small unit, a shared workshop or a garage-style space, if permitted.
Your first three steps
- Price up a basic set of machines, measuring tools and a small rented bay or shared workshop space
- Visit local factories and fabricators and ask what repair and jig work they struggle to get done quickly
- Make a simple price list for repairs, resharpening and one-off jigs and send it to your first contacts
Who pays
Small manufacturers, fabricators, plastics moulders and workshops that need quick repairs or simple custom tooling without paying for a full toolroom.
How it makes money
Hourly rate or fixed price per repair or job, with regular work from a handful of local firms that need fast turnaround.
Skills that help
- Toolmaking or fitting and machining background
- Welding or grinding for tool repairs
- Measuring and inspection
- Responsive customer service
Watch out for
- Public liability and machinery insurance, plus cover for customers' tools while in your care
- If working from a home outbuilding, check planning, noise, lease or mortgage restrictions and insurer approval
- Machine safety and noise rules, so check HSE guidance before you start
- Customers may expect repairs to be guaranteed, so agree in writing what you will and won't be responsible for
- Work can be uneven, so build a few regular customers early
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: tool repair and one-off jigs service
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a tool repair and jig business?
Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the machines you buy and the space you use. These are estimates. A few manual machines in a small unit or shared workshop may be enough to begin.
How much can a tool repair workshop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on your machines, hours and customers. These are estimates. Work can be uneven, so it helps to build a few regular customers early.
What should I check before starting a tool repair workshop?
Check public liability and machinery insurance, plus cover for customers' tools in your care. If using a home outbuilding, check planning, noise, lease or mortgage restrictions and insurer approval. Review HSE guidance on machine safety and noise before you start.
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