Millennials cannot identify basic handyman tools

25 March 2020


Google searches asking whether DIY stores are staying open during lockdown has increased by 3,300% but millennials could not name 8 out of 15 tools on average.

The UK is officially under lockdown, which means people will have more time on their hands and Brits will possibly be tackling household jobs that they have been putting off for some time, but just how DIY savvy are we.

Tradesmen directory MyJobQuote.co.uk wanted to assess just how millennials feel with the prospect of having to do their own DIY jobs. It looked at Google Trends over the last 24 hours since the lockdown news came into effect to find out which search terms have increased the most. Unsurprisingly, ‘Can DIY stores stay open’ has had the most searches on Google, experiencing a staggering +3,300% increase.

Other notable Google Trends Brits have queried over the 24 hours include:

  • Will DIY shops be open +3150%
  • Can DIY stores open +2400%
  • Are DIY shops essential/Are DIY stores essential +2100% and +1350% respectively
  • Are DIY stores classed as essential +1300%

To complement these findings, MyJobQuote recently surveyed 1,073 millennials to determine how many basic tools they could name. From those surveyed, millennials on average could not name 8 out of 15 tools.

The most difficult tools Millennials couldn’t name were:

  • Bench Wise – 98%
  • Calliper – 94%
  • Bar Clamp – 89%
  • Jigsaw – 88%
  • Industrial Shears – 86%

Surprising tools millennials couldn’t name were:

  • Wood Chisel – 82%
  • Level – 73%
  • Hacksaw – 65%
  • Wrench – 60%

The most recognisable tools were:

  • Chainsaw – 100%
  • Hammer – 100%
  • Screwdriver – 100%
  • Drill – 3%
  • Wire Cutters – 15%