Brits are saving £80 a year by repairing items once ‘too tough’ to fix

Nearly half of Britons are now tackling repairs on items they previously deemed ‘too difficult’ to mend. Research involving 2,000 adults revealed the most frequently resurrected objects include toys, picture frames and even vacuum cleaners. Some have triumphantly salvaged bed frames, jewellery and garden sheds from going to the bin.

Financial savings emerged as the primary driver, with 52% reaching for their toolbox to reduce costs. These DIY enthusiasts estimate they saved nearly £80 last year by fixing rather than replacing items. However, sentimental and environmental considerations also play significant roles, with 17% mending possessions due to their emotional significance, while 19% sought to adopt more eco-conscious practices.

The study commissioned by Gorilla Glue found short ‘how-to’ videos motivated 41% to attempt fixing things themselves.  Furthermore, 79% reported experiencing genuine satisfaction from repairing belongings, and 40% have acquired fresh abilities along the journey, from carpentry (32%) to pottery (20%).

Nearly half (48%) noted improvements in patience and meticulousness when undertaking challenging projects, and 42% believe they’ve mastered the proper application of adhesives.

Robert Bent, TV tradesman, carpenter and DIY expert, said: “There’s no greater sense of achievement than successfully fixing something you once contemplated putting in the bin, especially if it’s your first repair.

“That first success gives you a taste of what you can achieve with the right mixture of patience, guidance, and a willingness to try. It’s surprising how quickly this mindset becomes addictive.”

Thomas Sutton from Gorilla Glue added: “Repair jobs often require patience, precision and involve items that carry real sentimental value – so it’s brilliant to see people taking on these tough jobs and not letting the challenge stop them.”

Yet, whilst confidence in DIY projects is on the rise, certain tasks remain widely viewed as exceptionally demanding and out of reach for most. Replacing roof tiles (65%), patching a leaking roof (62%) and plumbing repairs (58%) led the rankings of jobs considered overly challenging. Many would similarly avoid fixing guttering (51%) or rewiring a plug socket (35%).

Almost six in 10 (57%) pointed to insufficient skills as their main deterrent, whilst 43% worried about making mistakes.

Over a third (37%) believed the work demanded excessive precision, 31% lacked the appropriate products, tools or materials, and 30% confessed they simply didn’t possess the patience required to complete it.

Nearly half (47%) revealed they would be more inclined to repair household items rather than replace them if they already possessed the appropriate tools, whilst 35% said understanding precisely which product to use provided them with the confidence to undertake more demanding tasks.

Those surveyed identified basic hand tools including screwdrivers and hammers (50%), powerful adhesive (50%) and tape (20%) as vital toolbox essentials for repair work.

Thomas Sutton from Gorilla Glue commented: “We’ve recently appointed our very own Chief Tough Officer, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of strength, durability and unbreakable innovation.

“With tough times continuing for many households, people need quality products they can rely on to give their belongings a second lease of life – whether that’s super glue, grab adhesive or utility tape.

“We believe in heavy-duty solutions designed with toughness in mind, making them the perfect sidekick for challenging repair jobs.”