PHAM NEWS | JUNE 2025 14 Gadgets& Tools


Automatic adjustments


Engineered for one-handed use, the SmartGrip pliers from Knipex automatically adjust to the size of the component the moment they’re pressed together. There’s no need for pre- adjustment or repeated repositioning – simply place the jaws on the fitting, press and the tool locks in securely. Whether left- or right-handed, users get the same quick action and firm hold. The box joint design gives the pliers


a high degree of torsional strength and ensures stability under pressure, and because the jaws grip without slipping, all manual force goes directly into turning or holding and isn’t wasted on keeping the pliers in place. This speeds up jobs, reduces strain on the user and improves control.


The slimline head and joint area make it easier to work in confined or awkward spaces – a common challenge for


Inspection camera sees the blockages


Designed for plumbing and drain cleaning tasks in areas with restricted access, Milwaukee’s M12 Sewer Inspection Camera 20m with One-Key and the M12 Sewer Inspection Camera 26m with One-Key off er professionals diagnostic capabilities for detecting blockages or damaged pipes, all within a compact footprint. Easily fi tting into tight spaces like


kitchens and bathrooms and storing neatly in the van, these solutions are a suitable fi rst line of defence for quick, effi cient inspections. These battery-powered tools use either a


plumbers dealing with older pipework or boxed-in systems. The hinge bolt is fitted flush on both sides, again ensuring good accessibility even in confined spaces. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/625/15


Easily remove water from vertical pipes before soldering


20m or 26m push cable to navigate through narrow or curved pipework. The shorter version includes an Ultra Flex cable, while the longer features a High Flex option, both aimed at improving manoeuvrability in bends and traps commonly found


in domestic and light commercial environments. Each unit contains a camera with 1080-


pixel resolution and IP67 ingress protection, housed in a lightweight frame that weighs under 5kg with battery installed. The devices are compatible with the M12 battery system and support wireless connectivity to monitors or mobile devices. Equipped with multi-frequency Sonde


for precise locating, these cameras work seamlessly with other Milwaukee solutions. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/625/16


Interchangeable sensors New from REMS is the Detect


GS4, an electronic leakage detector


The Plumbers Snake is a new specialised tool designed to quickly and effi ciently remove residual water from vertical copper pipes before soldering. This addresses a common frustration when preparing pipes for clean, reliable joints where lingering water is present. The Plumbers Snake features a simple,


straw-type design that is inserted into the vertical pipe. By providing a direct channel for water to escape, it allows users to easily evacuate water that would otherwise impede the soldering process. The tool’s eff ectiveness lies in its uncomplicated mechanism – just a clean and effi cient way to drain water from those hard-to-reach spots inside copper pipework.


The kit includes a blowtorch-mounted


holder, so the Plumbers Snake stays securely attached to the torch, putting it within reach, exactly when you need it. The Plumbers Snake was invented by a


DIY plumber, who got tired of the messy and ineffi cient methods typically used to remove water from vertical pipes – such as tilting the pipes, repurposing spray bottles or other makeshift solutions. After collaborating with experienced


professional plumbers, the team refi ned the design into the compact, practical tool now available. The result is a product that helps professionals save time, reduce hassle and achieve cleaner, more reliable soldered joints. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/625/17


Longer warranty for peace of mind


Makita UK is enhancing its standard factory warranty policy on batteries from one to two years. Since the beginning of April, any genuine Makita battery purchased will automatically qualify for a two-year standard warranty without requiring any product registration, and this applies to XGT, LXT and CXT battery platforms. Makita offers an extensive collection of


power tools, said to provide professionals with the ability to work flexibly, and for long periods of time. The increase in the standard factory warranty is designed to offer further confidence to users in the quality and reliability of Makita batteries.


“Makita batteries


are developed using the latest technology to ensure products are powerful and built for tough, long-term professional use,” comments Tony Coleman, technical services manager at Makita UK.


“The new warranty applies to all


genuine Makita batteries purchased in the UK from 1st April 2025 onwards and these batteries will automatically qualify without the need to register them. This is a clear indication of our confidence in the technology that underpins all of our products, as well as our commitment to supporting tradespeople across the UK.” ◼ phamnews.co.uk/625/19


for use on pipes, vessels and closed systems. The compact device weighs around 100g and features a removable, fl exible extension for use in confi ned or diffi cult-to-access spaces. It supports interchangeable sensors tailored to specifi c types of gases, including infl ammable gases such as methane and propane, refrigerants tested to DIN EN 14624:2020, ammonia and hydrogen. An optional LED attachment can be added for low-light conditions. The REMS Detect GS4 is operated using a single button and is designed to


be straight-forward to use. Colour-coded sensors can be plugged in quickly to reduce the chance of user error. The device provides both visual and audible alerts to indicate changes in gas concentration. The Detect GS4 is supplied in a soft carrying case and requires no ongoing


maintenance. The product is now available and is intended to support technicians conducting leakage tests on gas installations and refrigeration systems across a range of settings. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/625/18


Testing solar panel output and safety


A new range of electrical testing tools has been designed by Flir for the inspection and maintenance of solar panel systems. The products include the CM78-PV clamp meter, PV78 irradiance and temperature meter, and PV48 I-V curve tracer, as well as two bundled tool kits combining these devices. These tools are for use during solar panel installation, ongoing maintenance, and in manufacturing environments, allowing technicians to assess safety and performance in residential, commercial and utility-scale systems. The CM78-PV measures


direct and alternating current up to 1,500 volts and includes a built-in infrared thermometer for identifying potential faults. The PV78 meter records solar irradiance, panel temperature, and installation angle, providing data required by international standards. The PV48 I-V curve tracer captures electrical characteristics such as voltage, current and power, supporting diagnostics and documentation of panel


degradation over time. Each device is built for outdoor use, with high-contrast displays readable in sunlight and wireless connectivity for transmitting data directly from the field. The tool kits combine these instruments with accessories such as test leads and, in the advanced version, an infrared camera for thermal inspection. The aim is to support efficient and accurate testing across the solar industry. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/625/20


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