C.K Magma Range Designer Practicality
I have always kept a close eye on C.K tools and kit because there is no doubt in my mind that it is good stuff. Looking through my tool box I notice that I have about ten of their basic tools that I regularly use. Carl Kammerling International has a long history of supplying top quality hand tools to an international market. These tools have been strongly based in the reality of their everyday use by professionals, who have advised designers about practicality and innovation. So it is no real surprise that the new C.K Magma range looks as good as it does. But do they deliver on the practical necessities? I was pleased to have a closer look.
The first product sent to me for review was the Magma Builder’s Toolbelt Set. Although this is a “set” it is actually made from four components that can all be separated. These are the padded belt with an attached buckled belt, the component pouch, the mobile phone pouch and the cordless drill holster. Clearly, the end user can assemble these components in any way he likes to suit, as well as being able to customize or add pieces as necessary.
Close examination reveals the kind of quality and detail that this belt has in spades. For example, the padded belt is wide, up to 15cm at the back, tapering to about 10cm at each end. This makes it very comfortable to wear since it doesn’t tend to move up and down as much on the waist as you move, bend and stretch. The buckled belt sits in regular loops and has a metal buckle with two spikes for extra strength. I was able to find the exact size I needed for comfort, despite being of smaller than average build. There are strongly attached metal loops front and back to allow the retro fitting of braces for workers who need the extra support when carrying a fully laden toolbelt.
The pouches themselves are again of superb quality, with evidence of thoughtful design everywhere. All the leading edges are strongly lined with black nylon tape. There is a hammer loop on a flexible metal hoop. Inside the pouches are nylon loops for holding individual tools that you might not want floating around the bottom of your pouch – a craft knife for example.
The cordless drill holster is padded, rubber faced and has a hook and loop safety strap. Above, there are several spaces for keeping screwdriver bits and quick release chucks – exactly where you would expect to find them when using a cordless. The mobile phone pouch is padded and has a clip to enable it to be taken off the belt easily.
Apart from the eyecatching and practical design of this toolbelt, there are several compelling safety reasons for buying one. Modern legislation means that two hands and two feet are needed when climbing a ladder or work tower. The old dodge, which I have been guilty of, of carrying a couple of tools up in one hand with your pockets stuffed with screws is no longer an option. I can thoroughly recommend this toolbelt as being safe, smart and well designed and is definitely worth a close examination if you are in the market for a toolbelt. The other product for review was the Technician’s Case Plus. This is just a great piece of kit. It looks smarter than most City Boy briefcases, but has so many sharp features that it is enormously practical as well. For a start, I noticed a few months ago that the technician who came to service my boiler inserted a CD Rom into it. Clearly, diagnosing boilers has moved into the computer age and so a laptop is needed. Voila – the Toolcase has a padded compartment in the middle that would house a laptop, instruction booklets in the side zipped compartment, and a few pens in the loops provided too. The zipped lid to the compartment has a waterproof rubber top and the hard moulded base is waterproof too. So even if it got stood in a puddle, your precious laptop would be protected. Handling and carrying the case is easy – it has two loop carry handles with a padded centre for comfort, as well as an adjustable shoulder carry strap with a generous rubberized pad on it.
20 ToolBUSINESS+HIRE
www.toolbusiness.co.uk Independent Review by Peter Brett
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