Red zone ready

• More than half of DIYers surveyed name the powered cordless screwdriver as the franchise player in their tool line-up
   
• Almost one-third of respondents said spouses were their first overall pick for a project partner
   
• Rock music emerges as the top draft pick for getting in the zone, closely followed by hip hop and rap

TOWSON, Md., April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Just as football teams get ready for this year's draft, DIYers have their own playbook when it comes to kicking off their plans for home improvement season. CRAFTSMAN^®, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, today released the results of a new national survey of DIYers and "first-round draft picks" for tackling home improvement projects.

"Our survey reveals how DIYers approach their projects – from drafting the right teammates to selecting their essential tool lineup and even choosing the perfect soundtrack to get in the zone. Successful home improvement, like football, is a team sport where having the right roster of players and equipment makes all the difference," said Chelsey Whitehead, VP, Brand Marketing, CRAFTSMAN. "As DIYers plan their next adventure, CRAFTSMAN is there with a winning combination of tools and solutions to accomplish their DIY vision."

First Overall Pick: The Partner Selection

When it comes to drafting their home improvement dream team, DIYers have clear preferences for who they want in their project team. Survey respondents revealed their top picks for who they'd most want by their side when tackling projects.

On the board:

• First pick: Spouse (30%) - Like a franchise quarterback, spouses lead the depth chart
   
• Second pick: Best Friend (23%) - The reliable veteran free agent
   
• Late round picks: Parents (11%) and Neighbors (7%) - Solid depth players
   

Power Tool Combine Results

Just like a well-rounded football team needs different specialists to succeed, these essential tools are the players that serious DIYers are eyeing to add to their line-up. Each brings its unique strengths to the workbench, ready to execute their specific plays with precision and power when called upon.

Top performers in the tools combine:

• Powered Cordless Screwdriver (64%) - The versatile first-round pick, like a dual-threat quarterback who can adapt to any situation - whether driving screws with precision or tackling quick assembly jobs, this MVP delivers clutch performance when you need it most.
   
• Circular Saw (42%) - The power rusher of the tool world, pushing through materials like a bruising running back breaking through the defensive line - with raw cutting force and the ability to slice through lumber, plywood, and other materials, it's the power rusher you want for those tough yardage projects.
   
• Hammer Drill (41%) - The hard-hitting defensive tackle of DIY equipment brings the impact when you need to punch through concrete, brick, or masonry, this hard-hitting specialist combines rotary motion and hammering action to dominate tough surfaces.
   

Stadium Soundtrack

Much like football players getting pumped up in the tunnel before kick-off, DIYers have their own pre-project rituals. Rock music emerges as the top draft pick for getting in the zone, followed by hip-hop/rap and country creating the perfect game-day atmosphere.

Game day music selection:

• Rock (22%) - The classic stadium anthem choice
   
• Hip-hop/Rap (17%) - The modern pre-game hype music
   
• Country (16%) - The tailgate favorite

About the survey

Stanley Black & Decker commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 1,006 adults throughout the United States. The makeup of the sample is representative of the U.S. population based on national census data regarding demographic variables such as gender, age, race, ethnicity and U.S. region. The survey fielding took place between February 28 and March 4, 2025.