TOOLS
Makita refines its lithium-ion power tool range
Makita says that its policy to continuously improve the fundamental elements of its lithium-ion cordless power tool range, and to regularly introduce the latest edition of tools, means that it is constantly setting the market standards for performance, reliability and operational comfort and safety.
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he latest versions of the 14.4V LXT Combi drill, LXT Drill driver and LXT Impact driver have improved design features including more compact motor body housings, refined hand-grip sizes and surfaces, and are lighter than previous models. The ergonomics of these tools have been improved with the position of the battery in
relation to the hand-grip angle, which has been altered to improve the centre of gravity position that makes the tool more comfortable in use over a longer period. This also aids tool accuracy by lifting the chuck direction in the normal grip position so that the operator does not have to change the tool position quite so radically when engaging the fixing or drilling target. The new BHP446 Combi drill produces 44Nm of torque and will punch a 13mm hole in steel and masonry with up to 22,500 blows per
minute. Weight is reduced to 1.7kg whilst the weight of the BDF446 LXT Drill driver is now down to 1.6kg with torque improved to 45Nm and maximum speed increased to 1,500rpm. The 16 torque settings provide drilling capability of 13mm in steel and 38mm in wood. The popular impact driver in the Makita 14.4V li-ion range also benefits from increased torque, up to 160Nm. With up to 3,200 impacts per minute available the BTD133 will drive home M14 fixings. It features the Makita brushless motor for power and reliability and has a new belt clip design for greater on-site convenience and an improved switch and electronic control system for enhanced durability. The same attributes have been awarded to the 18V version of this tool; the new BTD145 brushless impact driver can install a M14 standard bolt, an M8 machine screw and an M12 high tensile bolt. Weighing just 1.3kg, and with 160Nm of torque available, this is a powerful tool for all installation and assembly operations.
PGM mark stands for fit-for-use drill bits
Safe anchor fixing requires a lot: approved anchors, trained installers and suitable drill bits. Such drill bits can be easily identified by the PGM mark stamped on the drill bit.
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his mark is granted by the “Prüfgemeinschaft Mauerbohrer” (Certification Board for masonry drill bits) located in Remscheid, Germany. Drill bit manufacturers have to prove that they run a state-of-the-art quality
system, which is checked by PGM auditors. The drill bits are monitored with yearly spot checks. Standard drill bits with one cutting plate have to fulfil tolerances
derived from the European Technical Approval Guidelines (ETAGs) for anchors. According to these guidelines, anchors are tested with standard drill bits, which have the same tolerances as the PGM marked drill bits. This creates a closed loop between the approval tests for anchors and their later installation. For so-called multicutters with three-dimensional head geometry, the certification process is more complex, because standard tolerances cannot be used. For these drill bits, comparison tests are required in order to prove that they are suitable for safe anchor fixings. These tests are carried out by specialist institutes, which also are involved in approval tests for anchors. In a first step, holes in concrete plates are drilled using standard drill bits and multicutters with the same diameter. In those holes, ETA anchors are installed and then pulled out. If the
pull out forces of the multicutters are nearly the same or higher than for the standard drill bits, the multicutter is certified and can be stamped with the PGM mark. For the yearly spot check of these multicutters additional tolerances apply, which include the diameter of the minor cutting edges and the angle between the main and the minor cutting edges. Since 2009, one additional requirement for manufacturers of
PGM certified drill bits is to fulfil a “Code of Conduct” related to social and environmental aspects, which are derived from international standards like the UN Global Compact. The PGM mark is an international registered trademark. PGM
is very active in defending these rights against counterfeit by companies that do not fulfil the relevant requirements. Since 2009, authorities in China have carried out five raids on drill bit manufacturers using the PGM mark without certification. During these raids, more than 34,000 drill bits with faked PGM mark were confiscated. Currently, PGM traces two other counterfeiting cases in Korea and Iran. The main goal of these actions is to guarantee that anchor installers can always rely on drill bits carrying the PGM mark.
138 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011
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