Spring is coming, and it’s time to hone your DIY and decorating skills! The experts from DK Tools pass on some of their household makeover advice
Is there a ‘generation gap’ in DIY know-how?
For several years now we have noticed a generational gap in DIY skills and know-how. This gap continues to grow, with many people under the age of 45 lacking the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle many basic DIY tasks.
This has in turn created a new type of DIY consumer – one that requires more from a brand than just great products at great prices. They want a DIY brand that connects with them and offers the kind of advice, support and service they need.
These are connected consumers. They have a wealth of information at their fingertips on their devices. This access to information, coupled with the generational shift in DIY skills and know-how, has created a new opportunity for us to connect with them in a way that enhances the value our brand can offer.
What DIY jobs are most essential in the winter?
Making your home cosy and safe is the number priorities for the winter. This can be achieved by undertaking a few simple DIY tasks, such as unclogging leaves from gutters, lagging pipes to prevent freezing, turning off outside taps, and checking for any cracks in door and window seals. If you have a driveway or path, then making sure you have salt or grit ready to put out in freezing weather is also a good idea.
What are the basic tools for indoor DIY?
• A set of screwdrivers of various sizes and types
• Hammer and nails
• A basic spanner set
• Pliers and cutters
• Utility knife
• Allen/Hex keys of various sizes
• Sandpaper
• Gloves and eye protection
• Tape measure
…and for painting and decorating?
• A selection of paintbrushes and rollers, plus paint trays, dust sheets and overalls
• Masking tape
• Scraper
• Filler and filler knife
• Scissors
• Sandpaper
• Tape measure
• Step ladder
…and for gardening?
• Gloves and eye protection
• Secateurs, shears and loppers
• A telescopic groove knife
• Fork, spade, hoe, hand trowel and hand fork
• Rake
• Watering can
• Hosepipe
• String
…and for automotive?
• Gloves
• Socket set
• A basic set of screwdrivers of various sizes and types
• Pliers and cutters
• A basic spanner set
• Allen/Hex keys of various sizes
• A digital tyre pressure pump
• Cable ties
• Insulation tape
• Funnel
Tell us about Amtech’s Hand Tool of the Year Award
Our Interchangeable Ratchet Spanner won the DIY Week ‘Hand Tool Accessory of the Year’ Award last year. An essential tool for home improvement, we were delighted to see it receiving industry recognition in this way. The win is a testament to the continued hard work and dedication of our talented team.
Where can I find ‘how to’ DIY video guides?
You can find all our ‘how to’ DIY video guides on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/AmTechTools/videos).
What’s the story behind DK Tools and the Amtech brand?
We began over 30 years ago as a small, family-run market stall in north-west London. Now based in west London, we have nearly 50 employees, a state-of-the-art facility with eco-friendly lighting, and a showroom for our much-valued trade customers. We are proud to have grown into one of the most successful British DIY and home improvement companies.
We re-launched our Amtech brand a few years ago as we wanted to bridge the generational skills gap in DIY skills and know-how, as mentioned above. Our aim is to support younger demographics who want to give DIY a go, but don’t know where to start. Our exciting brand proposition is backed up by exceptional product and end-user support. This ensures our end users get the technical help and answers they need, quickly and efficiently.
We’re extremely proud that our Amtech brand has been endorsed by the Telegraph Business Club. On top of that, our operational excellence and company vision of improving every home and life as far as we can, has been recognised by The Business Magazine.
We are also a member of the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) and the British Independent Retailer Association (BIRA).
Where do I find out more about DK Tools?
We have two websites:
• For consumers and the general public: https://amtechdiy.com
• For stockists and other trade customers: https://www.dktools.com/
