Year – Any Trends to Spot?


Some Wild Cards CAT sent me a compact


portable generator to try out and although it was heavy it was genuinely portable because of the big wheels and cleverly placed handles. The weight has much to do with the reliable and very easy to start Honda engine that powers the genset – if only all engines on power tools were that easy to start and manage as well as producing AC/DC, 115v and 230v power for instant use. MY garden benefited


from a going over with the Campingaz ‘flamethrower’ weed killers which managed to kill off even some hardy strands of brambles. Like


chemical weedkillers you need to keep up the assault – but unlike chemical weedkillers you don’t have to worry about poisoning the kids or other wildlife.


provided by the Starlock system makes it worthwhile to invest in a new multi tool in my view. My Fein multi tool is first into the boot every morning because it has got me out of trouble so many times. The price of cutters is being dealt with by offering various deals, but with further innovations on the way (a good carbide tipped blade would be great) I keep looking to the next. Draper’s big launch in 2017 was its huge


new range of socketry. Getting to market in record time and with enviable levels of quality and integration was a huge achievement. In my view whatever the level of socketry you need - from the basic DIYer to the specialist professional, a look at the new Draper range would be productive. Don’t Forget the People Clothing, PPE and personal lighting are also


increasingly important. I have just tried out a good range of winter workwear from Progressive Safety (JCB branded) which is great for our current bout of cold weather. The safety trainers from Buckler that I tried earlier in the year proved to be very comfortable and cooler on my feet than I thought they might be. But winter needs lined and higher boots like the JCB Nubuck boots I have used recently – toasty warm toes indeed. When


the working day is getting done by


about four p.m. it is sometimes necessary to carry on working with lights. I have had great success with LED rechargeable lights whose prices seem to be tumbling as Li ion and LEDS become cheaper. There are still occasions when a personal headtorch is a great accessory and a couple from LEDLenser that I tested have proved very useful. What I need from a headtorch is adjustable beams, long run times and comfortable headbands. LEDLenser is at the quality end of the market and performs well, but there is fierce competition in the LED torch market so keep a look out. A couple of straightforward flashlights


Practical Everyday Stuff I use various fasteners and fixings just about every day and


nothing is more infuriating or timewasting than a fixing that doesn’t do its job. I tested high quality screws from both TIMco and Reisser and came to appreciate their slightly different designs in slightly different applications. The Reisser screws are great for screwing close to edges while the TIMco screws were very easy to start and drive in hardwoods. What I learned from testing these screws was that small differences in design may make a difference in performance in some materials, but choosing a quality branded screw like TIMco or Reisser is the key decision. Everbuild’s STIXALL double sided tape is a flexible and


tough silicone based tape that is really sticky and is useful for labels etc when screw fixing is impossible. I tried some of Everbuild’s cartridge adhesives and wasn’t disappointed with them either. Genuinely strong adhesion and quick results if you choose the quick set products. I Do Have Favourites Despite some kickback from other multi tool users when


I mention it, I am a convinced user of the genuinely innovative Starlock system of blade fixing from Fein and Bosch. These user’s gripes are based on the fact that Starlock cutters won’t fit old pattern multi tools. However, the extra performance


telephone 01444 450071


from Colman proved to be solid performers and well made, with the USP of being able to isolate the battery from the LED thereby preventing current leakage. A good feature because most torches bought for domestic use are probably ruined by battery leakage.


Some Focus Points Like Dust Control – But the Trend is Innovation Innovation is a sign of confidence and confidence will spur innovation – and


2017 has been a bit of a mixed bag largely because of Brexit uncertainties in my view. Hopefully 2018 will see things settle a bit and we will get to grips with building the infrastructure and housing we need as well as training the apprentices and trades who will use the tools available. And I am sure that there will be loads of new tools that are undoubtedly in the pipeline.


ToolBUSINESS+HIRE 7


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