Skill Builder Guides & reviews for building and construction

Polyco’s innovative use of 21st-century technology has been recognised and rewarded by an institution that has been championing glove development for more than 375 years. Polyco’s dry-grip glove, the Grip It MAX, was named by the Worshipful Company of Glovers in February as the winner of its Worshipful Company of Glovers 2015 Golden Glove Award for Innovation. Granted its royal charter …

I have looked at a few different tools from Flex over the years. This German company is not a major player in the UK drills market and I don’t expect they are intending to be but they have some attractive looking tools in their range and they seem to be well made. The Flex PD2G 18v drill and the ID …

Flatform Rainwater Harvesting has added a wall tank rainwater harvesting and stormwater attenuation system to the Halsted Rain Flatform range which the company was exhibiting at Ecobuild 2016. It is an innovative approach to rainwater management on properties where space is severely constrained or a retrofit solution is required. The system collects rainwater run-off for toilet flushing, irrigation and/or to …

Businesses nationwide are gearing up to National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from 14 to 18 March 2016. Recognising the need to attract young people into the industry, trade vetting service Checkatrade encourages young aspiring tradespeople to consider an apprenticeship with their members. With over 95% of Checkatrade’s members anticipating a greater workload in 2016 and 61% of members expecting to …

A man from County Durham has been fined for potentially exposing members of the public to asbestos fibres during the refurbishment of a residential property on South Parade, Croft on Tees, County Durham. Darlington Magistrates’ Court heard how Peter Wade of Staindrop, was converting an integrated garage into a bedroom at the property. While he was visiting the property for …

The SOLiC 200 from Earthwise Products  automatically provides free hot water from new and existing PV panels, by offering the home’s excess solar energy to the immersion heater circuit instead of allowing it to be exported to the grid. The SOLiC 200 is said to be the most efficient device of its kind on the market as it operates with …

Vufold, the British manufacturing retailer of bifold doors has added matching windows to its Ultra and Supreme ranges of external bi-folding doors.

Nationwide tile retailer Tile Giant has launched a new reward scheme exclusively for trade customers. Tile Giant, which has 110 branches across the UK, is promising discounts of up to 50 per cent on certain products to card holders. Tradespeople who sign up for a free Trade Rewards card will benefit from: • All tiles 15 per cent off • …

Addressing thermal bridging in a design is one of the easiest ways to improve its Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) score, the methodology used by the Government.

Hand protection specialist Globus has enhanced its range of chemical-resistant gloves with the launch of SKYTEC Nero – combining chemical and mechanical protection with comfort, dexterity and grip. The new SKYTEC Nero not only protects workers against water-based chemicals but also delivers abrasion and tear resistance performance. The result is a natural-rubber glove ideal for heavy-duty handling, processing and maintenance …

In its third Annual Healthcheck of the UK’s contractors and tradespeople, ECIS has found confidence at its highest level since the survey began with 48% saying they feel confident about the year ahead.

Following its introduction of the tough Black Mamba Nitrile Glove into the UK market back in 2012, Fortress Distribution is launching the new Pro Blu heavy duty latex glove. Manufactured from latex and at 14 mils thick it offers users the ability to work in a number of different applications. Some of the key features of the new Pro Blu …

A Bedford based contractor has been fined for failing to comply with a Prohibition Notice, which was served after the contractor was witnessed carrying out roof work in an unsafe manner at Premier Motor Company, Manton Lane, Bedford. Luton Magistrates’ Court heard how tradesman Bernard Buck continued the reroofing work at Premier Motor Company’s Manton Lane site with subcontractors, without …

A new prefabricated outlet has been added to Alumasc Rainwater’s high performance Steel range. The one piece component reduces the risk of leaks due to incorrectly cut materials on-site.

Research by DeWALT  has shown that modern tradesmen and building contractors undertaking repetitive drilling and fastening work, require tools that offer reliable and powerful performance, a compact design, and ease of control. DeWALT has therefore expanded its XR 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless portfolio with the introduction of the DCD791 Drill Driver, DCD796 Hammer Drill Driver and DCF887 Impact Driver. Improved power …

Skill Builder’s Roger Bisby tries out the latest offering from Faulks the Gorilla brooms range. Gorilla tubs, you’ve heard of them I’m sure, well these brushes and brooms come out of the same Faulks stable, except of course, you don’t keep Gorillas in a stable. The approach with the brooms is exactly the same as the tubs, find a problem and …

Skill Builder  takes a closer look at two products from Youngman; their GPR steps and the Stair-scaffold. Youngman is arguably the most famous name in ladders and their range seems to be growing particlularly as it includes Boss towers. The latest product we have been sent to evaluate is their GRP steps. If you see a pair of GRP steps …

Toyota has introduced its new Hilux at this year’s Geneva Motor show. Available in Single, Extra and Double Cab body styles, the eighth generation Hilux offers a new and stronger ladder chassis, reinforced deck structure, enhanced 4×4 capabilities and  an improved towing capacity. New 2.4-litre D-4D engine The introduction of a 2.4-litre D-4D Global Diesel (GD) engine featuring Stop/Start combines …

Exeter plumber prosecuted for leaving a customer's gas meter and gas pipe in a dangerous state after he had undertaken unregistered gas work.