Roger Bisby regrets not having used the Cyclone Paint Stirrer earlier. This little stainless steel stirrer has been sitting in my goods in bay for a few months now and, even though I have used quite a lot of paint in that time I have not thought to use it. To be honest I was thinking “It’s a stirrer, put …
Read More »Man-up Key review
Roger Bisby takes a look at the Man-Up Key, a new tool that is designed to allow manholes to be safely lifted by one person without the need for chiseling or hammering. Man-Up Key, what a great name for a manhole lifter, unless of course you subscribe to the gender neutral version which is a person hole but person-up is …
Read More »Muck-Truck review
Roger Bisby tries out the Muck Truck, a pedestrian operated motorised power barrow which is designed to carry three times that of a normal wheelbarrow and will shift loads of up to one quarter of a ton. It is a while now since I tested a Muck-Truck. Last time it was a battery powered machine that surprised me by taking …
Read More »How to fit door handles easily & accurately with the Jigtech Pro
In this latest video Roger Bisby demonstrates how to fit door handles easily & accurately with the Jigtech Pro Smart Door Handle Fitting System. The device from Dale Hardwear makes the fitting of door latches and door handles a lot quicker, easier and more accurate. The makers of the Jig Tech Pro claim that you can use the device to …
Read More »Fluxaf Green review
Roger Bisby goes Dutch with some Fluxaf Green. Ever since the completely justified EU ban on using methylene chloride in paint stripper, the trade has struggled to find viable alternatives. Modern strippers just don’t have the instant, crackle and pop of the old stuff. All too often they require re-applying several times in order to penetrate the built up coatings. …
Read More »Removing load bearing walls: Brick Brace review
Makers of the Brick Brace claim it will help you gain fitting space, reduce repair time and achieve a superior and safer finish when undertaking masonry alterations. Roger Bisby takes a look. Most builders hardly give a second thought to knocking away supporting walls and propping them with a small forest of screw-jacks or Acrows as they are generally called. …
Read More »All wrapped up: Snickers winter workwear
Roger Bisby takes a look at some ideas from Snickers to make your winter working happier. Hi Tech fabrics have undeniable advantages and I am very happy to wear them but there is something reassuring about a natural wool sweater. It is probably the only fabric that stays warm even when it is wet which is very handy for all …
Read More »Milwaukee redsticks review
Roger Bisby tries out a few Milwaukee redsticks for size and accuracy. Milwaukee is continuing its journey into the wonderful world of hand tools with the introduction of a range of Redstick spirit levels. On paper they seem to tick all the boxes but it is early days so we will have to see how they stand up to life …
Read More »JCB trousers review
Roger Bisby wears JCB’s latest trousers. JCB has introduced two stand out work trousers to its range. The Camo trousers are a popular look for builders, especially those who enjoy country sports, but these are dedicated work trousers. They have knee pad pockets and a zipped thigh pocket but no external pouches so they wouldn’t look out of place in …
Read More »Fein releases latest review: Cordless SuperCut AFSC 18 QSL
Powertool manufacturer Fein has released its latest “Feeling FEIN’ video tool review. The ‘Feeling FEIN’ reviews focus on getting FEIN’s products into the hands of professional tradesmen. Each tradesman has been using a specific FEIN power tool and has given their honest feedback on camera. In this review Si Flory, a carpenter and owner of Flory Works, has been testing …
Read More »Solid Gear Safety Boots Review
Roger Bisby takes a pair of Solid Gear 80005 Polar GTX Safety Boots out on site. If you have ever suffered from cold wet feet out on site in the winter and doubted the wisdom of your career choice then this pair of winter boots will interest you. They say there is no such thing as bad weather just bad …
Read More »Snickers Next Generation Workwear Review
We all know about breather membranes in buildings but Roger Bisby discovers something even more effective is now being used in Snickers Next Generation workwear. 37.5 centigrade is the ideal body temperature and the same part of your brain that (hopefully) keeps your heart ticking also regulates your body temperature. Too hot and you start perspiring to help you cool …
Read More »Blaklader workwear review
Roger Bisby takes a look at Blaklader’s head-to-toe workwear offering which even includes footwear for wider feet. Blaklader is a well established Swedish workwear company that has a growing range of workwear for builders. It is important to try the garments on because there are different weights for different times of the year and also for different kinds of work. …
Read More »T-rex tape review
‘Ferociously Strong Tape’ is the strap line on the American made Tyrannosaurus tape or T-rex tape. Roger Bisby took some out and about to try it in a variety of locations and applications. Internet searches throw up some funny connections T-Rex tape may take you to this builders tape or it may take you to a story of someone who has …
Read More »Play it where it lays: Karndean flooring review
Roger Bisby has a go at laying some Karndean flooring under the watchful eye of Karndean laying master Richard Daniels. It seems to me that once you have seen Karndean flooring and recognised its unique look, you just never stop seeing it. For those that don’t know Karndean is a vinyl flooring product made primarily from calcium carbonate (limestone), polyvinyl …
Read More »Festool TS 55 REQ Saw Review: Your questions answered
In this latest video from Skill Builder Roger Bisby answers your questions from Part 1 of the Festool TS 55 REQ Saw review. www.festool.co.uk
Read More »Button-fix hidden fixings product test
Roger Bisby tries out the Button-fix system. Button-fix is an ingenious secret fixing system for panels of all descriptions. It can be used to secure bath panels, WC panels, wall panelling and even shower panels. It is also used on fitted furniture. Of course you could just get yourself a tube of panel adhesive but the difference is that Button-fix …
Read More »Addex Dustblocker review
Roger Bisby had a Dustblocker from Addex on test for a month and found he didn’t want to let it go. The ultimate seal of approval for me must be when I end up buying a product that I have tested. Yes, I admit, I sometimes get a deal, but I obviously have to justify the purchase to my accountant …
Read More »Gloves standard set to change
During the second half of 2016, a new version of EN388, the mechanical hazards standard for protective gloves will be published. One of the key changes to the standard is that it will now include back of the hand protection and it should make it easier to identify which gloves offer which level of protection. From 21 April 2018, new …
Read More »These boots were made for working: Grubs boots review
Not usually a “wellies man”, Roger Bisby is pleasantly surprised by the new Grubs boots. The only issue he seems likely to have is keeping hold of them. If a family has been making footwear since 1776 you can safely assume they have worked out how to do it. The Foster family has not only produced an impressive number of inventions such …
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