The French DIY market is undergoing a phase of restructuring. Between a decline in sales at several historic brands, the implementation of new European standards on tools, and the rise of the universal USB-C charger, the benchmarks are changing for both DIY enthusiasts and manufacturers. What are the real gaps between these changes, and how do they concretely impact the products available on the shelves?
EN 60745-1:2026 Standard on Power Tools: What Changes Concretely
Since August 8, 2026, the European standard EN 60745-1:2026 replaces the 2019 edition for all power tools marketed in the European Union. Drills, grinders, screwdrivers: every new tool launched on the market must now incorporate enhanced safety features.
The requirements focus on four specific technical points:
- Prevention of unintended starts, to avoid a tool turning on during battery reconnection or after a power outage.
- Protection against overheating, with mandatory thermal cut-off systems on cordless models.
- Electromagnetic immunity, so that the tool is not disturbed by nearby devices.
- Battery system safety, including stricter electronic management of charge and discharge cycles.
This regulatory update has a direct effect on pricing strategies. Entry-level tools that cannot incorporate these electronic protections are gradually disappearing from catalogs. Moving upmarket is no longer a marketing choice; it is a regulatory obligation.
Among all the news from Univers du Bricolage, this regulatory evolution remains one of the least commented on, even though it reshapes the available offerings in stores and online.
Universal USB-C Charger and Tools: Comparative Table of Expected Impacts
The European directive on the common charger, already applied to smartphones and tablets, is gradually extending to other categories of devices. For lightweight tools (work lights, small electric screwdrivers, connected measuring devices), the question of the USB-C port is becoming a design parameter.
| Criterion | Before common charger directive | After USB-C extension |
|---|---|---|
| Charging port | Proprietary by brand | Standardized USB-C |
| Cable interoperability | One cable per manufacturer | One cable for multiple lightweight tools |
| Electronic waste management | Multiplication of unused chargers | Significant reduction in discarded accessories |
| Cost for the manufacturer | Free design | Design adaptation, initial cost increase |
| Impact on retail price | Variable | Possible slight increase in the short term, decrease in the medium term |
For heavy tools (drills, circular saws), high-voltage batteries remain outside the scope of this directive. However, low-consumption construction accessories are converging towards USB-C, simplifying the equipment for occasional DIYers.
Decline of the French DIY Market: Reading Recent Signals
The French DIY market no longer shows the post-pandemic dynamics. Several historic brands are recording declines in revenue in the national territory. Mr. Bricolage, for example, has seen its activity in France decline in the latest published reports.
This decline can be explained by the conjunction of several factors. The rise in raw material prices is squeezing margins. The decrease in household purchasing power is slowing down non-urgent renovation projects. Local stores are also facing competition from specialized online platforms, which offer wide ranges with integrated comparison tools.
In contrast, segments related to energy renovation are holding up better. Public aid (MaPrimeRénov’ and local schemes) maintains strong demand for insulation, heating, and ventilation. The tool aisles related to these works (hot glue guns, staplers for vapor barriers, cutting tools for insulation) are thriving.
Physical Stores vs. Online Pure Players
Unified commerce (click-and-collect, pedestrian drive, in-store returns for web orders) is becoming a standard expected by consumers. Brands that have not implemented this type of experience are losing market share to platforms like ManoMano, which combine a deep catalog with fast logistics.
Proximity remains an asset for emergency purchases (screws, hardware, small consumables), but renovation projects are mostly prepared online before any trip to the store.
Multifunction Tools and Cordless DIY: Products Gaining Ground
The oscillating multi-tool is establishing itself as one of the flagship products. Bosch, Makita, and other manufacturers offer models capable of sanding, cutting, and scraping with a single device and interchangeable accessories. For a DIYer who lacks space or does not want to accumulate multiple machines, this is a gain in space and budget.
Cordless tools now dominate sales in most categories of power tools. Lithium-ion batteries are gaining autonomy while losing weight. Battery compatibility within the same brand ecosystem is becoming a determining purchasing criterion: buying a drill and a circular saw that share the same battery pack avoids multiplying chargers and reduces overall costs.
So-called “silent” DIY is also progressing. Some models of blowers, workshop vacuums, and compressors feature reduced noise levels, designed for use in apartments or condominiums without generating disturbances.
The key data for the coming months remains the EN 60745-1:2026 standard. It mechanically filters out the least reliable products and pushes the entire market towards better-designed tools, even if the average ticket price increases. DIYers benefit from increased safety and durability, two criteria that weigh more than the raw price in recent purchasing decisions.
