Brits Turn to Online Tutorials to Master DIY Repairs on 'Unfixable' Items
New research indicates a significant shift in British attitudes towards household repairs, with nearly half of adults now successfully mending items they previously considered too challenging to fix. A comprehensive poll of 2,000 UK residents has uncovered a growing trend of resourcefulness, facilitated by the widespread availability of short instructional videos online.
Popular Items Given a Second Lease of Life
The study, commissioned by adhesive manufacturer Gorilla Glue, identified the most common items being rescued from disposal. These include:
- Children's toys and playthings
- Household vacuum cleaners
- Personal jewellery and accessories
- Picture frames and decorative items
- Garden sheds and outdoor structures
- Bed frames and furniture pieces
Remarkably, many Brits are now salvaging these items from what would have been their final destination in the rubbish heap, demonstrating a practical approach to household management.
Primary Motivations Behind the Repair Revolution
Financial considerations emerge as the dominant driving force, with 52% of respondents opting to repair rather than replace items specifically to save money. These thrifty fixers estimate they have saved approximately £80 on average over the past twelve months through their repair efforts.
However, the research reveals additional significant motivations:
- Sentimental value (17% mend items of personal significance)
- Environmental concerns (19% are motivated by sustainability)
- Skill development (40% have acquired new abilities through repair projects)
The psychological benefits are equally noteworthy, with 79% of respondents reporting genuine satisfaction from successfully repairing items themselves.
The Educational Power of How-To Videos
Short online tutorial videos have proven instrumental in this DIY resurgence, encouraging 41% of Brits to attempt repairs they would have previously avoided. These accessible resources have democratised repair knowledge that was once the exclusive domain of tradespeople and experienced handymen.
The educational impact extends beyond simple repairs, with participants developing substantial new skill sets including:
- Woodworking techniques (32%)
- Ceramics repair (20%)
- Proper adhesive application (42%)
Nearly half (48%) of respondents reported noticeable improvements in their patience and attention to detail when undertaking challenging repair projects.
Expert Perspectives on the DIY Movement
TV tradesman and DIY expert Robert Bent commented on the psychological rewards of successful repairs: "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 initial success creates a powerful template for future projects, combining patience, guidance, and willingness to experiment."
Thomas Sutton from Gorilla Glue added: "Repair jobs often require patience and precision, particularly when dealing with items carrying real sentimental value. It's genuinely encouraging to witness people embracing these challenges rather than being deterred by them."
Remaining Repair Challenges and Barriers
Despite growing confidence in DIY repairs, certain household tasks remain widely viewed as too challenging for most people. The research identified the most intimidating repair jobs:
- Replacing roof tiles (65% consider this too difficult)
- Patching leaking roofs (62%)
- Plumbing repairs (58%)
- Guttering fixes (51%)
- Rewiring plug sockets (35%)
The primary barriers preventing people from attempting these more complex repairs include:
- Perceived lack of necessary skills (57%)
- Fear of making mistakes (43%)
- Demands for excessive precision (37%)
- Absence of appropriate tools or materials (31%)
- Insufficient patience (30%)
Essential Tools and Future Potential
Respondents identified fundamental toolbox essentials for successful repair work:
- Basic hand tools like screwdrivers and hammers (50%)
- Strong adhesive products (50%)
- Various tape types (20%)
The research suggests significant untapped potential for further DIY adoption, with 47% of respondents indicating they would be more inclined to repair household items before purchasing replacements if they already owned appropriate tools. Additionally, 35% revealed that understanding precisely which product to use for specific repairs would boost their confidence to tackle more demanding tasks.
Professional Repair Guidance
Robert Bent offers these essential tips for those considering repairing rather than replacing faulty items:
- Always pause before discarding items – carefully consider repair possibilities
- Research the specific problem using product names or codes alongside issue descriptions
- Assess whether the repair can be safely completed at home or requires professional assistance
- Source clear, reputable repair instructions from reliable online tutorials or articles
- Gather all necessary replacement parts, tools, and safety equipment before beginning
- Work methodically without rushing, especially during initial repair attempts
This growing DIY repair movement represents a significant cultural shift in how Brits approach household maintenance, combining economic pragmatism with environmental consciousness and personal skill development.
