ToolFair at the Ally Pally – London Rules


Hitachi doesn’t always get recognition for the new products it introduces –


The Alexandra Palace in North London is not only historically significant in the history of broadcasting in the UK, but also a fine building, now that it has been rescued from neglect and decay. Its Edwardian Palm Court and Hall are an excellent background for modern technology as well as being spacious enough for stallholders to have ample demo and display areas. Lots of free parking and easy access also make for a good venue and from the


number of trade vans in the carpark, it was clear that the target market was being galvanised to attend. The ToolFair also covered other trades via ELEX 2017 and PLUMBEXPO, so


no excuses for trades not to attend other than the pressing nature of paid work. As usual I was on the prowl for new products and ideas as well as looking at


demos. I was quickly drawn to the demo of the new GYPROC HABITO – a fibre


reinforced sheet rock board that is tough enough to withstand hammer blows and on which cabinets, rails etc can be hung by simply using ordinary screws. It behaves like “standard” plasterboard in that it can be scored and cut, can be dab fixed to masonry walls and is also finished in the usual way with tape or skim. I can definitely see places where I might specify this board despite its extra cost, because of the time and money it will save me and the clients. DART tools with its


new branding now fully established, has done well in sourcing lots of


value for money and efficient cutting tools such as circular saw blades and diamond discs and cores. Judging from the number of tradespeople carrying out cases of DART cutters, the company has hit the spot. I haven’t had a great deal of experience of high end metal cutting but I was


impressed by the tools I saw at the Trumpf stand. Not a brand I am familiar with, but a well-established brand in Europe. A demo cutting 5mm thick sheets of steel using a cordless nibbler type machine was very impressive – and so it should be as these incredible tools cost a lot. But with a range of laser systems as well, this world leading company deserves a closer look by welding and fabrication trades. The newest cordless Multi tools from Fein are a great addition to the range and


I am a big fan of the Starlock blade mounting system having used it a lot on site recently. I was also surprised to find that the non Starlock tools are also still available – and of course are a bit cheaper – thus making a genuine Fein MultiMaster quite affordable. The new range of 18v and 12v drills looks quite tasty too.


they come stealthily past! But I liked the new compact 6Ah brushless impact driver with its unique triple hammer action and IP56 dust and water protection. I am hoping to get my hands on one for a longer test soon. Flex has a new cordless angle grinder to add to its expanding cordless range – I


liked the look and balance of it. And the new 12v drill/driver and impact driver, set in a flexible case with charger and batteries at a very reasonable sub £150 looks like a bargain to take advantage of. There wasn’t much new on


the hand tools front, but a quick visit to the IRWIN stand for a demo of some of the new accessories for its Quick-Grip one handed clamps proved interesting – particularly the mitre clamp. It is so good that in fact it had sold out and I am having to wait to buy a couple of my own. On the day I visited there


seemed to be fewer punters staggering out laden with boxes and bags. Perhaps timing and budgets don’t lend themselves to investments in tools on a cold February morning. However, the level of interest and discussion on all the stands was evident and there was a buzz filling the high-ceilinged Edwardian Halls. The free Professional Builder T-shirt and free bacon butty and hot drink are always welcomed.


18 ToolBUSINESS+HIRE


www.toolbusiness.co.uk


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