New Products

The bathroom system that could change the way plumbers work

Abacus bathroom system

In this video, Ian Pattison the owner of Abacus Manufacturing Group and one time plumber’s merchant explains the benefits of the Abacus complete bathroom system which has been designed to be quick and easy to fit. Created with the installer in mind, Ian believes the simplicity of the Abacus system has the potential to change the way that plumbers work. …

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Final farewell for landmark Potterton boiler

Potterton boiler

The last ever Potterton boiler to come off the production line in parent company Baxi’s factory in Warwick has been put into retirement, 17 years after first being installed in the cellar of a Scotland home. The Potterton Profile boiler was discovered by engineers from Gas Call Services when homeowner Alistair decided it was time to install a modern replacement. …

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Hilti Hammer Drill Driver review

Hilti Hammer Drill Driver review

Roger tries out the all-rounder that’s said to be ready for anything; the SF 6H-A22 Cordless hammer drill driver. What’s new about the SF 6H-A22? With the new SF 6H-A22 Cordless hammer drill driver, Hilti says you can finish your applications fast, in comfort and with complete confidence. The newest addition to Hilti’s 22 V battery platform combines a powerful …

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All set: Setcrete Rapid Set Repair Mortar review

Setcrete Rapid Set Repair Mortar review

Roger Bisby knows the tune and is singing the praises of Setcrete Rapid Set Repair Mortar. Sing along to this if you know the tune; I certainly do. You are all ready to lay the floor or apply the self smoothing compound and you find a bit of loose that, upon further investigation gives way altogether. Why did you have …

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Trade Tested: Scott Safety AVIVA Half Mask

AVIVA Half Mask

In Skill Builder’s Trade Tested* videos we put manufacturers’ claims about their products to the test. In this video we try out the brand new Aviva Half Mask from PPE manufacturer Scott Safety. The half mask, which is silicone-free but designed with silicone-like comfort, incorporates a reflex seal which allows the wearer added movement and flexibility, and a positive fit …

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Mitsubishi reveals L200 “Dessert Warrior” built in conjunction with Top Gear

mitsubishi dessert warrior

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is showcasing a one-off Mitsubishi L200 that has been built in conjunction with Top Gear magazine at the 2017 Commercial Vehicle Show, held at the NEC, Birmingham from April 25 – 27. Developed in secret and codenamed ‘Project Swarm’, the unique Mitsubishi L200 is built in the style of a ‘Pre-Runner’ off-road vehicle – specially …

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Ford expands mobile servicing throughout UK

Ford Mobile Service

Ford is rolling out its Ford Mobile Service programme nationwide following a successful trial around Greater London. Over 100 Ford Mobile Service vans with Ford qualified technicians, will operate from more than 90 Ford Transit Centres across the country, including Northern Ireland and Scotland. Ford mobile servicing has been conceived to minimise disruption to fleet operators by reducing vehicle down …

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Peugeot launches Expert Long and Crew van models

Peugeot expert van

The longest version of the PEUGEOT Expert van, the New Expert Long, will be launched at the CV Show today. With a load floor length of 2,862mm, the New Expert Long provides a 350mm longer load floor than Standard models – 700mm longer than in the shortest Compact variant. Opt for the Moduwork load through flap in the full steel …

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Baxi Launches Nest Training Courses

Nest training

Boiler manufacturer Baxi is giving installers the inside track on how to fit the latest intelligent heating controls. Starting this month, the manufacturer will offer dedicated half-day Nest training courses across the UK. These will give electricians and heating engineers the opportunity to get under the skin of the Nest Learning Thermostat and learn how to install it in their …

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Laying it on Thick – WT1 Review

WT1 Review

When it comes to sealants there are very few on the market that can match CT1, says Roger Bisby. Not only is it strong and flexible it can also seal damp surfaces. I have tried many products that claim to do this but not all of them work. I first started using it when I was working on swimming pools …

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Real Deals for You: Big Wipes review

Big Wipes review

In this series of videos Skill Builder is taking a look at a selection of products from Real Deals for You, the consumer campaign which provides big brand tools at competitive prices through local independent retailers. Real Deals for You is a year-round campaign run by one of Europe’s leading hand and power tool distributors, Toolbank, and created to support …

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Hilti SF 6H-A22 Cordless 22v Hammer Drill Driver review

Hilti SF 6H-A22 Cordless 22v Hammer Drill Driver review

Roger talks to Phil Read about the Hilti SF 6H-A22 Cordless hammer drill driver in the build-up to next week’s test. With the new SF 6H-A22 Cordless hammer drill driver, Hilti says you can finish your applications fast, in comfort and with complete confidence. The newest addition to the 22 V battery platform combines a powerful motor and gearing with …

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Mira addition allows you to control your shower from your phone

Control shower from phone

Mira Showers has enhanced its range of digital showers with the introduction of Mira Mode: a high aesthetic, accessibly-priced mixer that offers users the added convenience of app control from smartphones. Mira Mode is said to respond to a growing consumer demand for technologically advanced home appliances that are also simple and intuitive to use; while meeting the needs of …

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Style a deciding factor when choosing a hard hat

Nexus helmet

Research from Centurion, the above-the-neck PPE specialist, has  revealed that style is the fourth major trigger for customers changing a helmet or brand, after cost, comfort, and change in company policy requirements. Renowned for its head protection systems, the global company conducted a survey of 250 wearers across UK organisations to understand the opportunities and challenges faced by the changing …

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Real Deals for You: Rapid Hammer Tacker review

Rapid Hammer Tacker review

In this series of videos Skill Builder is taking a look at a selection of products from Real Deals for You, the consumer campaign which provides big brand tools at competitive prices through local independent retailers. Real Deals for You is a year-round campaign run by one of Europe’s leading hand and power tool distributors, Toolbank, and created to support …

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Milwaukee M18 CHPX Drill – Vibration issue discussed

Milwaukee M18 CHPX Drill

Continuing our series from Milwaukee Heavy Duty Fest held in Berlin. Roger chats with Milwaukee’s Kom Shepherd and hears a different take on the problem of limiting exposure to vibration. Get the job done quickly so you reduce your exposure. Featuring the Milwaukee M18 CHPX SDS PLUS Hammer Drill. Hardest hitting cordless SDS hammer in its class. Powerful hammer mechanism …

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Atlas Bolts review

Atlas Bolts

Roger Bisby says Atlas Bolts are opening up a whole new world of fixings. I have written several times on the dangers of using cheap fixings. All too often unbranded bargain screws and bolts lack adequate corrosion protection and are also made from inferior steel. Atlas Bolts have been producing fixings since 1896 and are used in many of America’s …

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Scott Safety Launches AVIVA Half Mask

AVIVA half mask

Wearer comfort is a key feature of the latest half mask from Scott Safety, the designer and manufacturer of respirators and personal protective equipment.  The AVIVA half mask, which is silicone-free but designed with silicone-like comfort, offers a reflex seal which allows the wearer added movement and flexibility, and a positive fit check button is built into the device which is …

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SsangYong announces increased towing capacity for Musso pick-up

increased towing capacity

SsangYong has announced an increase in the towing capacity of its Musso one-tonne pick-up to 3,500kg following approval by the VCA – the UK Vehicle Certification Agency responsible for Vehicle Type Approval. Powered by a smooth and refined 2.2 litre Euro 6 turbo-diesel engine, the Musso pick-up is designed to appeal to those who need a competitively priced work truck, …

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