Brits are saving £80 a year by repairing items rather than replacing them

Make do and mend is making a comeback

A poll of 2,000 adults found the most common tricky items being given a second lease of life include toys, picture frames and even vacuum cleaners.

Some have successfully rescued bed frames, jewellery and garden sheds from ending up on the scrap heap.

Saving money is the biggest motivator, with 52 per cent picking up the tools to cut costs – with these fixers estimating they saved an average of almost £80 last year by repairing items instead of replacing them.

Others were driven by more emotional or ethical reasons, with 17 per cent repairing items because they held sentimental value, while 19 per cent wanted to be more environmentally friendly

The research was commissioned by Gorilla Glue, which has also created a quiz which allows users to discover what their personality is when handling tough jobs around the home.  

It also emerged that for 79 per cent, repairing items gives them a genuine sense of pride and 40 per cent have picked up new skills along the way, from woodwork (32 per cent) to ceramics (20 per cent).

Almost half (48 per cent) reported gains in patience and attention to detail when tackling these tough jobs, and 42 per cent say they’ve become better at using glue or adhesives correctly.

Thomas Sutton at Gorilla Glue said: “We’re seeing a real shift in attitudes, with more people choosing to fix what they already own rather than replace it at the first sign of damage.

“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.”

However, despite a growing confidence for DIY, some tasks are still widely considered too tough to handle and beyond reach.

Replacing roof tiles (65 per cent), patching a leaking roof (62 per cent) and plumbing repairs (58 per cent) topped the list of jobs deemed too tough.

Many would also steer clear of fixing guttering (51 per cent) or rewiring a plug socket (35 per cent).

Nearly six in 10 (57 per cent) cited a lack of skills putting them off, while 43 per cent feared they’d get it wrong.

More than a third (37 per cent) felt the job required too much precision, 31 per cent don’t have the right products, tools or materials, and 30 per cent admitted they simply didn’t have the patience to see it through.

The survey, carried out by OnePoll on behalf of Gorilla Glue, also revealed what’s fuelling this repair revival, with short ‘how-to’ videos having inspired 41 per cent to give fixing a go.

Nearly half (47 per cent) said they’d be more likely to try repairing an item around the home before replacing it if they already had the right tools available, while 35 per cent said knowing exactly which product to use gave them the confidence to tackle tougher jobs.

Respondents cited basic hand tools such as screwdriver and hammer (50 per cent), strong glue (50 per cent) and tape (20 per cent) as essential toolbox items when it comes to repair jobs.

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.  

“Of course, not every repair will work - and that’s okay.

"You can have the right tools and follow the steps carefully, but some items are simply beyond repair. What matters is what you gain from trying.

"Often, you learn where the item’s weak points are and what can’t be fixed - that knowledge is valuable.

“If you ever replace the item, you’ll know how to use it differently or maintain it to make it last longer. Every attempt teaches you something; there’s value in trying, even when the outcome isn’t perfect.”

Thomas Sutton from Gorilla Glue added: “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.”

Robert Bent's top tips for replacing a faulty item

1. Always pause before throwing away – take the time to consider whether it can be fixed.

2. Research the problem - do an internet search of the product name or code along with a description of the issue you’re experiencing. Chances are, someone else has had the same problem and found a relatively straightforward solution.

3. Ask yourself whether the repair can be safely done at home or if it requires a qualified professional due to safety or technical concerns.

4. If you’ve decided to take on the challenge, find clear and reputable repair instructions. Thanks to the internet, you can do it in a few clicks via a reputable step-by-step article or tutorial videos by trade and industry experts.

5. Make sure you have everything you need before you start: the correct replacement parts, tools and appropriate safety equipment.

6. Be sure to take your time, work methodically, and don’t rush - especially if it’s your first time.