According to Remax Property South Africans are turning to home renovations to increase their property value.

However, with the rising cost of living, countless homeowners are looking for ways to reduce renovation costs. Leanne Barron, Merchandise Manager at Massbuild, says “homeowners – are now tackling home DIY projects themselves.”

“Builders realizes that more South Africans are gaining the confidence to tackle home DIY projects. That's why we recently celebrated this growing trend with the Builders DIY workshop, giving DIY enthusiasts the confidence and skills to work with the right tools from our new tools catalogue to complete their projects”, adds Barron.

There has also been an increase in female DIY enthusiasts, a global trend that’s seen more women performing more DIY projects around the home than men. For example, almost half of the female respondents in a new study say they are the main DIY-ers in their households. 

So, whether you're a seasoned professional or a weekend warrior, Builders’ handy tips and tools will help you tackle any DIY project with ease. 

Getting the right tool for the job

If you’re an aspiring DIY enthusiast, you must understand the different types of DIY tools, from hand tools, like loose spanners, adjustable wrenches, and ratchets, to must-haves like hammers, pliers, screwdrivers, tape measures and levels, and how each one carries its unique purpose to address your specific needs.

Barron continues to add “DIY tools have evolved significantly, so you don’t have to be a professional builder to appreciate or handle these. The user-friendly design of reliable brands like Ryobi, Einhell, Makita, Dewalt, Kreg, and Builders' Grip brand ensures they appeal to beginners and seasoned DIYers alike."

The power of tool sets

If you’re starting your DIY journey or looking to replace a mishmash of tools accumulated over the years, consider investing in a comprehensive tool set. These sets usually include sockets, spanners, screwdrivers, and hand tools. “Purchasing a tool set is often more cost-effective than buying each tool individually. They also usually come with a carrying case or toolbox, keeping your tools organised and portable.”

Builders says when shopping for a toolset, consider the variety of tools included, the quality, and the case durability. It's a good idea to look for sets from well-known brands as these often offer warranties and have good reputations for quality.

There's a world of hand tools out there waiting to help you create your next DIY masterpiece. From basic hammers and files to comprehensive tool sets, there's something for everyone, no matter what type of DIYer you are.

Your safety first matters

Builders says aspiring and seasoned DIYers must ensure they have the correct protective wear and safety measures before starting a project. Depending on the project, this can include speciality overalls, flame and acid suits, safety boots, and eye and ear protection.

“As exciting as it can be to start a new project, working with hand-held and power tools can be dangerous without the correct equipment. Thankfully, DIYers can access a range of high-quality protective gear from esteemed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suppliers like Beck Trading, Hennox, Hi-Tech, Rondo, and Bata, to ensure they can work confidently and securely,” Concludes Barron

Safety guidelines for power tools

Each tool has its own rules and precautions, it's critical that you thoroughly familiarise yourself with your tools' instruction manual and follow it diligently.

In addition to these instructions, the International Power Tool Institute offers extensive safety guidelines when using power tools, including:

• Always wearing safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields.
• Don't wear loose-fitting clothing, neckties, jewellery, or any dangling objects.
• Tie long hair back.
• Before you plug in any power tool, ensure the power switch is off.
• Never use any accessory except those specifically supplied or recommended by the manufacturer.
• Always keep a firm grip with both hands when using hand-held power tools. Losing control creates a hazardous situation. Do not use anything too heavy for you to control.
• Always unplug, clean, and store the tool in a safe, dry place after using it.

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