You may have seen some advertising recently for Homebase promoting their ‘Value’ range. Although not strictly on the High Street the team have been known to visit the odd DIY establishment when pickings are thin on the home ground. Being sensitive to the word ‘Value’ here in the High Street Bargain Hunter office we just had to investigate. In this case the team were not impressed. It is true, that compared with the rest of the store’s pricing the items were indeed cheaper, however this is all relative and compared with what we are used to seeing on the High Street the prices were not that good at all. I think this campaign is really aimed at competing with other DIY stores such as B&Q who have a really good Value range. Some of which has been featured here in the past….

Back on the High Street and it was time to get the wallet out. This week (it started last Thursday) Lidl are running a DIY event and there are lots of great bargains to be had. Back in stock is the very impressive 3.6 volt, Lithium-Ion cordless screwdriver. This was last available back in September last year. At the time we bought one and it has been in use ever since. This really is a good buy for £14.99 – but you will have to be quick!

Other goodies that caught our eye included a set of metal try squares in three different sizes; 150mm, 250mm and a really handy 400mm. The stock of each square is fitted with a spirit level and the 400mm square has a pencil stored in the stock while the 250mm square houses a scriber in the same location. I must admit to being sceptical with regard to their accuracy but I can report that all three squares tested were perfectly true! At £5.99 they have to be this week’s star buy!

Another item of interest is a cheap chisel set. No frills here just four chrome vanadium chisels machine ground and fitted with European ash handles in sizes 8, 12, 20 and 24mm. The machine grinding looks good and is fairly fine. They are sharp enough to use straight from the packet although with a little honing and polishing it will be relatively easy to improve the edge greatly. A light sanding of the handles will de-nib the applied varnish and improve the feel in the hand. Supplied in a clear plastic wallet at £4.99 they are a bargain! That’s it for this week but as we get nearer to Easter, the traditional start of the DIY season, the High Street will again be stocked with bargains just waiting for the team to find. 
    
Happy Hunting!
 
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