According to data from GfK, sales of power tools grew yet again in 2015, though at a slower rate than was recorded in 2014. Throughout the year, sales volumes were up by 7.2%.

Key offerings of the power tools sector enjoyed growth in 2015, including electric drills, which had 5% value growth, driven by both corded and cordless hammer drills. The strongest growth was achieved by electric screwdrivers, which saw a 34% year-on-year value growth. Saws were up by 25% in value terms, sanders by 5% and multi-tools by a robust 23%.

The hand tool market also saw continued growth in 2015, again at a slower rate than 2014. An increase of 5.8% on hand tools saw a yield of 7.1% value growth. Toolsets and storage were up by 7% value, handsaws by 10%, and screwdrivers by 5%. Pliers were the only tool to see a decline in 2015, however it was a small 1%.

“It seems that reports of the death of DIY skills in Great Britain may have been an exaggeration, or at least that dwindling skills are not reducing the appetite for the tools of the trade,” remarked Sara Smith, GfK’s Home & Living expert.