Voice of the
AN INNOVATIVE FUTURE By Graham Godfrey, Brand Manager – C.K tools
Trades professionals account for approximately 30% of the UK’s work force, with 1.9million registered tradesmen of various skill sets currently working on public and private sector projects, according to the latest ONS datai. The data also reveals that, despite a 5.2% decline in construction projects in 2012, 100,840 developments still pushed ahead and forecasts predict this will steadily increase to circa 110,000 projects by 2015. Construction contributes significantly to our economy and as it continues to evolve, so too must the tools with which trades professionals work. This positive outlook is favourable to tradesmen’s profits. In order to service
demand, tradesmen require a core base of tools and equipment that perform to the highest standards, offering the versatility to complete a project quickly and efficiently and move swiftly on to the next task. Tradesmen will realise there are certain tools that are absolutely essential and by investing in essentials it would enable them to execute a high quality job in a far shorter time. Addressing key industry developments that affect trades and providing the right solution in terms of products is essential. C.K tools is constantly monitoring and
assessing the needs of the industry in order to develop innovative, new tools for professional use. The company works closely with a dedicated group of professional tradesmen to understand better how they work and what they need from a tool. Recognising that tools are a tradesman’s bread and butter, C.K tools uses feedback from its regular research group sessions with tradesmen to develop high quality products that make the user’s life easier, whether that be by improving productivity or by understanding how tools are used in real life and developing products fit for purpose. Feedback from an esteemed panel of qualified tradesmen highlighted a need for accuracy, efficiency and most importantly, easy access to confined screws and fixings.
Tapping in to this, the designers at C.K tools have created an end user-led, tool solution allowing tradesmen easy access to constricted components with the innovative new C.K Flexible Shafted Screwdriver (T4760). Understanding that mechanical and electrical devices, are becoming more compact, meaning straight-line access to screws and fixings is not always possible, the
durable C.K Flexible Shafted Screwdriver features a strong but flexible 200mm long reach shaft for easy access to screws and fixings in awkward places, such as Combi Boilers, electrical appliances, controls panels and car engines. A magnetic bit holder for positive bit retention of 1/4” (6mm) hexagon screwdriver bits reduces the risk of bits disengaging during use. Whilst a dual component, tri-
lobe handle allowing for high torque turns for loosening off stubborn screws and fixings or for tightening down, provides maximum comfort in use. Excellent durability comes as standard thanks to the multi layered, contra-coiled steel wire shaft protected within a durable high impact outer sheathing, along with an
injection moulded dual component handle that provides the ultimate blade to handle bond. The feedback from C.K’s dedicated panel also gave insight into why tradesmen choose a particular tool – feel, balance and fit and most importantly for those working
with electricity, safety whilst testing cabling within a wall cavity. Taking this on board, C.K tools have made significant improvements to its C.K Non Contact Voltage Detector, introducing audible and visual indicators, providing
greater accuracy and safety for electricians. Tried and trusted, the new T2272 C.K Non Contact Voltage Detector with visual and audible indicators offers all of the features of the original T2271 but now with
the addition of an audible alarm on detection of voltage - essential when testing cabling within a wall cavity or difficult to reach circuitry where the voltage detector may be out of sight. Suitable for non-contact AC voltage tests, earthing/ground connection checks, proper connection checks and the detection of broken wires, C.K’s high sensitivity
tester offers an extensive non-contact voltage detection range of 70 – 1000V AC, indicated by a bright red LED illumination at the tip and audible alarm when a voltage is detected. Understanding the hazardous nature of working with live electricity, C.K tools’ product development team has designed the C.K Voltage Detector to conform to
safety standard IEC 1010-2-031, 1000V Installation Category III, offering protection against transient voltage spikes for the safe testing of fixed installations. This practical, battery operated tool, features an integrated self-test function to continuously test its battery and circuit integrity, providing tradesmen with complete
peace of mind. Offering the ultimate in performance and reliability, the C.K Voltage Detector is cold and heat resistance from -10°C to +50°C (14°F to +122°F), making it suitable
for all environments. The need for tool innovation cannot be underestimated, and the standard of equipment used plays a vital role in the quick and efficient completion of a project.
Substandard tools impact negatively upon productivity. Tradesmen are sometimes tempted to buy poor quality tools for their apparent cost saving benefits, but this in many ways is a false economy, as although they may be cheap, they do not represent value for money. A tradesman who uses cheaper tools, manufactured from poor quality materials, will inevitably have to replace them frequently, resulting in delays on the job.
Equipment used on a daily basis should perform its function reliably and last a lot longer than the length of the job in hand, which is why tool innovation is crucial to help tradesmen perform their daily duties. With 1.9million active trades professionals currently working on over 100,000 projects in the UK, continuous tool innovation, to create superior tools that are fit for purpose and stand the test of time, is fundamental to not only supporting tradesmen in their careers but to helping the construction industry continue to grow.
6 ToolBUSINESS+HIRE
www.toolbusiness.co.uk
Industry
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