What’s in the average Brit’s toolbox?

We have all been stuck inside for much of the last year. Unable to escape that snagging list of DIY chores we need to do. From repainting living rooms, sorting squeaky hinges and renovating emergency home offices, whatever the task we’ve been hard at it over the last twelve months.

Over the last year, people have been overwhelmingly looking for DIY advice online. Searches increased by over 300% during UK lockdowns. As the UK comes out of lockdown once more (hopefully for good) DIY projects look set to boom once more as people prepare to open their homes to guests.

But how many of these projects get completed? And more importantly, which tools are British people using for DIY projects?

VELUX window experts, Burton Roofing conducted a survey to find out what’s in the nation’s toolboxes, and if we’re actually using what’s in them.

Which tools does Britain love?

The survey by Burton Roofing found that over half of Brits were well equipped to undertake a DIY project. With many participants confirming they have a selection of small household tools at home.

The top tool in our toolboxes seems to be the humble measuring tape, with 68% of participants confirming the own one. This was closely followed by handheld hammers and screwdrivers at 66% and 64% respectively.

Other tools Brits love to have on hand at home include pliers, hand saws, power drills and spirit levels. With larger items such as ladders (55%) and lawn mowers (51%) also being commonly owned.

How much are we spending?

From the research, Burton Roofing concluded that the average value of our tool collections rounded out at £370. However, the research found that DIY enthusiasts in certain part of the country were much more willing to spend on their tool kits.

Research participants in the Liverpool area invested the most, with many reportedly spending nearly £1000 on tools. Whereas residents of Nottingham were much more careful with their cash, investing a mere £100 on their tools.

How much DIY are we doing?

Even with many of us spending big on our tools, many people aren’t putting their toolboxes to good use. Only 37% of people surveyed used their tools for household DIY every few months. With 10% of survey participants reporting that they never use their tools.

However, 26% of people claimed to be using their tools at least once a week. With 1 in 20 using their well-equipped, and costly, tool kits on a daily basis.

If you’ve invested big in your tool kit and it is now gathering dust in a cupboard, why not get it out and get going on those DIY projects today?