2018 PRODUCT REVIEW
are also belts and a very clear system of tool identification for size and type that is now commonly used on all the driving tools. This means that, even without my glasses, I can tell a Phillips from a PZ and save myself a lot of squinting. It has also been a year in which Wera developed its range of torque wrenches, from small to industrial. They are popular because they are very easy to adjust accurately and consistently. They also have both a mechanical and audible click once the target torque is reached, thus preventing overtorquing.
Triton Woodworking launches FLEX 18v portable circular saw
tools to its range. The Flex impact wrench seems to be an increasingly popular tool for many users from mechanics, to scaffolders to sheet metal workers. I really liked the Flex 18v portable circular saw. It is strong and well made with a lot of cutting power. Having tested and used many Flex tools over the last few years I find that the brand is a bit of a dark horse. The tools are good and some of them are better than the competition – I would recommend the random orbit sander for example, which has been a constant companion for the last three or four years on site and in the workshop. It has low vibration and noise levels, it is quiet and collects dust extremely well. And all I have had to do is get a new hook and loop sanding pad for it. I am currently trying out the Flex M class vac – more of that to come.
Draper Storm Force launches
The dark blue and black-liveried Storm Force range of cordless power tools has been steadily increasing. Draper started with smaller 10.8v tools and has recently introduced 20v tools as well. They form a comprehensive range with interchangeable 2 and 4 Ah lithium ion battery packs – and all at very competitive prices. They are well built and competent and definitely worth a look. [See page 26-27 for a review of the 20v angle grinder and reciprocating saw.]
Where is my Wera?
This is not a question that Wera would have you ask because one of the product developments from them in the last year or so has been designing a system of modular portable storage – the 2Go range. I am a convert to the 2Go because, in typical Wera fashion, the designers have thought of all of your issues and solved them ingeniously before you knew they were issues. Apart from the cases, there
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I saw a lot of new Triton kit at the Cologne Show in March, and I was delighted to have a real test of it a few months later. The bench-mounted oscillating spindle sander is a very useful addition to a small workshop and is ideal for cleaning up and shaping small parts. The combined spindle and belt sander is even more versatile and is definitely worth the few quid more. A tool I never thought I would favour is the portable oscillating sander, but it proved so useful when I was preparing and fitting oak worktops that is has earned a place in the tool kit. Sometimes the unconventional fills a niche that no other tool will. The new Triton thicknesser looks like a welcome addition to site or workshop too – with generous, easy to use capacity and excellent chip collection system.
Insulation accuracy
Festool’s cordless insulation saw was an eye opener because it is simply so flexible and easy to use. It cuts foam and rockwool with equal ease and its built-in accuracy should put an end to untidy installations of insulation.
Torque, Torque, Torque
Wiha has strengthened its range of torque tools over the years. These are increasingly important in the electrical and installation trades where recording and consistency are becoming increasingly common. The big launch for Wiha at Cologne was the SpeedE screwdriver – a cordless screwdriver aimed at speeding up the boring job of dealing with patress screws and such like. [For a more in-depth review
of the new torque tools, turn to page 18.] Spectre Screws
In the very crowded screw market where it seems all tastes are already catered for, the launch of Spectre Screws from ForgeFix exploited an interesting niche. The screws have a unique design that minimises jacking and splitting and are easy to start, even in hardwoods. But the best bit is the boxes – they are bright yellow with clear indications of size and gauge on them as well as a life size representation of the screw inside. This means that purchasers can simply match up a sample if they aren’t sure what to look for.
SPECTRE screws
Dressing the part – work clothing Work clothing is now fully accepted on sites everywhere and it has now reached a point where there is something called 'site fashion'. Each season sees a new range from main manufacturers that reflect some of the trends on the catwalk and high street - hence the slimmer, stretchy trousers range from Snickers that I found to be not only very comfortable but very practical too. The JCB branded work clothing range from PSF has multi-season appeal as it consists of everything from warm socks to padded jackets to T-shirts and polo shirts. The range is designed to work together for a layered effect so that workers can add or subtract garments to suit conditions. I certainly found it very useful for my needs – in fact, as I write, I am wearing a lightweight padded JCB gilet.
2019… and beyond WIHA 2Go
For me, 2018 was a steady year with occasional moments of interest. I think Brexit, despite the tool industry’s attempts to steer a steady course and maintain normality as far as possible, did have an effect and things will become clearer, or not, within the next few weeks. Either way, hopefully we will still be around to get on with business as usual in 2019.
TBH January, 2019 17
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