PHAM NEWS | JULY/AUGUST 2025 12 Your Views Star letter


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Training for


the future The lead story of the April edition was very positive (‘Industry welcomes plans to invest in a skilled workforce’) but although a great deal was mentioned regarding capital investment in training and infrastructure, very little was mentioned regarding the teachers and trainers that are required to help produce the next generation of Level 2/3 plumbing technicians. Yes, ‘technicians’, as most will also need gas, unvented and heat pump training and qualifi cations.


You cannot employ an experienced


tradesman as a teacher/trainer and put him in front of a group of people of mixed ability and expect them to start teaching. They need to be good communicators with an understanding and empathy with the younger generation, some of which have not reached basic foundation level of education in maths and English.


There is also a need to conform to


OFSTED and the awarding bodies’ requirements for lesson plans and practical evidence of achievement. And don’t forget the students wellbeing.


Although it is a very rewarding


profession, have no illusions that it is a dream ticket to get off the tools.


Roger A Smith (Cert Ed) retired lecturer Via email


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Gadgets& Tools


Multi-slip joint spanner


Space saving and quick to adjust, the KNIPEX Multiple Slip Joint Spanner is an all-in-one spanner for working with a mix of metric and imperial nuts and screws with both hexagonal and rounded heads. Covering widths across fl ats from 10 to


32mm (3/8" to 1¼") and lightweight at just 328g, this tool grips fast and adjusts in seconds, with no need to fumble with dials or manual sizing. The fi ne adjustment feature has 15 locking positions so the jaws can be set precisely to each component, helping reduce wear on both the tool and the fi tting. A spring-loaded hinge bolt and push-button system mean you can set the


size with one hand and get on with the job. Once locked onto the workpiece, this spanner stays put with no slipping. From 17mm and up, the tool becomes


self-locking, so once it’s on, it holds tight without needing continuous pressure from the user. The jaw grips with zero backlash, reducing the risk of rounding off bolt heads. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/725/15


Take fl ooring to a new level


Bond It has introduced three new self-levelling fl ooring compounds as part of its LevelMaster range. All are protein-free, which helps to inhibit bacterial growth and makes them suitable for use in hygienic environments. The range includes LevelMaster LM200, a general- purpose compound; LevelMaster LM200FP, which is fi bre-reinforced for additional strength; and LevelMaster Fibre Plus, a heavy- duty option designed for greater depth of up to 50mm. The LM200 and LM200FP can be used with underfl oor heating, while Fibre Plus is also suitable for applications where greater depth is needed. Each is walkable after three hours and can be overlaid after four hours. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/725/16


Get a grip on damaged screw heads


Tackle stripped or damaged screw heads with ease with the Combination Pliers from Laser Tools. They feature a


patented dual groove jaw pattern for a secure grip, allowing low torque fi xings to be extracted without the need for drilling or extractors.


Manufactured from chrome molybdenum steel, the pliers are heavy-duty and include PVCdipped handles for a nonslip grip. They measure 230mm in length with a 23mm jaw opening. Whether it’s a fl at profi le, Phillips or Pozidriv, these pliers bite into the screw from multiple angles. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/725/17


Safe storage box for heavy-duty use


Some countries are not so fussed about health and safety or plumbing regulations. I took this picture on a recent holiday to Jerusalem, which illustrates practices which would not be allowed here.


1) The installer is hanging out of the


window at high level to work on an air conditioning unit. If you look carefully you will see the unit is vertical and the pipes are not connected, so this is probably a new installation or maybe a repair, who knows? Let’s hope he didn’t lose his grip!


2) Hot and cold water pipes just down


the walls from the solar hot water tank on the roof. At least there are a few clips which make the pipes take the shortest route. I guess if there is no frost in hot countries, why not run the pipes down the outside?


John Thomason Atmos Innovations Ltd, Northants


The SiteSafe range of truck boxes from Jeff erson Tools is designed to keep tools and equipment secured on site or in a vehicle. Constructed from heavy-duty steel, these storage boxes are made to resist forced entry and tampering, adding a further layer of protection against theft. The range includes six Safe,


Let us know what you think...


Please address your letters to:


The Editor, PHAM News 1b Station Square Flitwick, Bedfordshire, MK45 1DP


or email to: editor@phamnewsedit.co.uk


four SiteSafe and two AgriSafe models, off ering a choice of sizes to suit diff erent needs. The compact 400mm box is tailored for tighter spaces, while the standard 570mm and AgriSafe variants provide a balance of size and practicality. The 700mm box is designed for larger equipment, and the fl agship 850mm version off ers maximum storage capacity for heavy-duty tools. All models are fi nished with a tough, waterproof, textured powder coating with


UV protection. Standard features include shielded locking points, pre-drilled fi xing holes and integrated forklift skids for ease of transport. Optional heavy-duty castors can be


added for greater mobility. The 400mm box off ers 90 litres of storage, while the 850mm box provides space for heavy or cumbersome items. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/725/18


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