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Product review: Gorilla shovel

Roger Bisby
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Product review: Gorilla shovel

A few weeks ago we featured the new Gorilla brooms from Faulk’s, the makers of Gorilla Tub Trugs. The brooms have screw on heads with nylon bristles so losing your head while you are sweeping could be a thing of the past.

Gorilla 2

But what is a broom without a shovel? So often builders use steel shovels to sweep up with but now there is really no need with lightweight alternatives such as this Gorilla shovel.

This style of shovel in aluminium is common in mucking out stables and clearing snow but you can just as happily use it for sweeping up.

Gorilla 3

The Gorilla shovel is made of a high quality plastic that sheds mortar so you could use it to knock up some mortar on a gorilla mixing tray but in truth it is probably too big for that. Perhaps you might try some using it  to transfer Hardwall plaster from mixing bath to spot board.  In fact the uses for this shovel are endless and it is really up to you.

I know plastic doesn’t always inspire confidence but Gorilla has a good pedigree so I think when they select a material we can trust it. You only have to look at how many imitators of the Gorilla Tub Trug fall short of the mark to know that quality is all.

Give the Gorilla a try and I think you will learn to love it.

Gorilla 1 (1)

www.faulks.co.uk/store

Barnstaple Gas Engineer Prosecuted Following Unsafe Asbestos Removal at a Tenants’ Home

Dylan Garton
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Barnstaple Gas Engineer Prosecuted Following Unsafe Asbestos Removal at a Tenants’ Home

A gas engineer’s asbestos removal was potentially dangerous during a gas boiler replacement putting himself and others at risk from exposure to asbestos fibres.

Brian Hockin, aged 58, was removing an old warm air heating system at a residential property on Williams Close, Wrafton when he disturbed a quantity of asbestos insulation board that surrounded the warm air boiler.

The tenants of the property raised their concerns with Brian Hockin that he had disturbed asbestos but he continued to remove the material bagging it and removing it from the property and storing it at his yard.

The tenants were so concerned that they contacted the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which prosecuted Brian Hockin at Barnstaple Magistrates’ court.

During the hearing, the court heard that Brian Hockin used no safety measures to prevent the spread of asbestos and that he used no protective clothing or protective breathing apparatus when he was removing the asbestos.

Brian Hockin of Bickington, near Barnstaple, pleaded guilty of breaching Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £450 and ordered to pay £921.40 in costs.

Asbestos Removal Danger

HSE Inspector Simon Jones, speaking after the trial, said: “Brian Hockin’s negligence could result in serious health effects to both him and anyone else who may have come into contact with the asbestos material that he disturbed.

“Given Mr Hockin’s vast experience as a gas engineer, he should have realised that there is a very good chance that a 30-year-old gas boiler could be insulated with asbestos insulation board but he made no checks before working around the material.

He then compounded matters by ignoring concerns raised by the tenants that the material that he had disturbed was asbestos and carried on removing the material.

“Tradesmen should always be aware that asbestos can be found in any industrial or residential building built or refurbished before the year 2000.

“Tradesmen should make enquiries as the presence of asbestos before starting work and if they suspect that they have come across asbestos during work they should stop work immediately and confirm what the material is and arrange for it to be dealt with by properly trained asbestos removal professionals in a safe manner’

Asbestos Removal advice

MORE FROM HSE

Why is Asbestos Dangerous?

  • Asbestos still kills around 5000 workers each year, this is  more than the number of people killed on the road.
  • Around 20 tradesman die each week as a result of past exposure
  • However, asbestos is not just a problem of the past. It can be present today in any building built or refurbished before the year 2000.

When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. When these fibres are inhaled they can cause serious diseases. These diseases will not affect you immediately; they often take a long time to develop, but once diagnosed, it is often too late to do anything. This is why it is important that you protect yourself now.

Asbestos can cause the following fatal and serious diseases:

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer which affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) and the lining surrounding the lower digestive tract (peritoneum). It is almost exclusively related to asbestos exposure and by the time it is diagnosed, it is almost always fatal.

Asbestos-related lung cancer

Asbestos-related lung cancer is the same as (looks the same as) lung cancer caused by smoking and other causes. It is estimated that there is around one lung cancer for every mesothelioma death.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a serious scarring condition of the lung that normally occurs after heavy exposure to asbestos over many years. This condition can cause progressive shortness of breath, and in severe cases can be fatal.

Pleural thickening

Pleural thickening is generally a problem that happens after heavy asbestos exposure. The lining of the lung (pleura) thickens and swells. If this gets worse, the lung itself can be squeezed and can cause shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest.

Note: It is also important to remember that people who smoke, and are also exposed to asbestos fibres, are at a much greater risk of developing lung cancer.

Further information about asbestos safety can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos

More on asbestos: 5 Warning signs of asbestos poisoning

Glove goes for gold

Dylan Garton
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Glove goes for gold

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 in 1638 by Charles I the institution makes the award to glove products that use new technology or techniques, are unique in concept, design, or performance, and which help wearers achieve something that could not be achieved previously.

Grip It MAX is made using TPE – thermoplastic elastomer – which is injected into the glove mould in a liquid state and dries in a way that still allows great flexibility. The fact that the glove follows the natural positon of the hand at rest, combined with a specially designed tread pattern on the palm and fingertips, results in exceptional gripping ability in both dry and wet conditions.

www.polyco.co.uk/wear-our-gloves/products/grip-it-max

Product review: Flex PD2G 18v drill and impact driver

Roger Bisby
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Product review: Flex PD2G 18v drill and impact driver
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.
Flex (3)

The Flex PD2G 18v drill and the ID 1/4inch 18v impact driver can be bought individually or, more economically as a kit, sharing batteries and charger. I checked out some typical prices and the two tools together represent a real saving. But before you are seduced by the price you have to take a closer look at what you are getting and see if it is for you.

The drill has a brushed four pole motor and the torque measured at its highest hard reading is 65Nm so it is a lightweight drill not intended for those really heavy duty tasks. Out of pure devilment I did push my luck with it to see when the Electronic Management System kicked in to save the battery and the motor from damage. Happily with the 50mm self feed bit the cut-out did the job well and stopped the drill when things got too hard. Not only did I see no smoke I didn’t smell anything untoward coming from the windings but don’t try this at home. I did it because the drill is going back after the test period.

Flex PD2G 18v drill
Battery voltage: 18 V
Battery capacity: 2,5 / 5,0 Ah
Max soft/hard torque: 52 / 65 Nm
Torque positions: 24+1
No load speed 1st gear: 0-380 rpm
No load speed 2nd gear: 0-1650 rpm
Idle blows 1st gear: 0-4940 rpm
Idle blows 2nd gear: 0-21450 rpm
Chuck: Ø1,5 – 13 mm
Max. drill hole Ø in steel: 13 mm
Max. drilling Ø masonry: 16 mm
Max. drill hole Ø in wood: 30 mm

Weight without battery: 1,4 kg

Flex ID 1/4inch 18 impact driver
Cordless impact drill driver: 18,0 V
Battery voltage: 18 V
Battery capacity: 2,5 / 5,0 Ah
Max. torque: 180 Nm
No load speed: 0-2300 rpm
Blows per minute: 0-3200 bpm
Tool fixture: 1/4″

Weight without battery: 1,2 kg

The impact driver looks like many other impact driv ers out there and I wouldn’t expect it to perform any differently so I was somewhat surprised to find it boasts 180Nm of torque. That puts it at the high end of 18 volt 1/4 inch impact drivers. There is a cut-off point with 1/4 inch impact drivers because the stress placed on the bit holder and the bits, not to mention the screws, means that you really should be looking for a 1/2inch drive after that.

If you are using a machine with this much power you need good driver bits and good quality screws. That said you are not obliged to use it on full throttle all the time. You can simply save that top speed for when you really need it but I wonder how many tradesmen are capable of that kind of restraint. Head down and go for it is more your British style.

Flex (2)

Rainwater harvesting and stormwater attenuation in a single system

Dylan Garton
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Rainwater harvesting and stormwater attenuation in a single system

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 manage discharge to a drain or soakaway.

The ultra slim wall tank system is modular and easy to install. It improves upon a proven 2009 design and offers the following additional benefits:

1. Larger 235 litre tank modules (only 20cm deep)

2. Easier to install galvanised steel wall mounting bracket

3. Recessed inter tank connector to create a ‘seamless’ wall of water storage

4. CAD designed internal structure to carry the vertical, horizontal and lateral loads

5. Green granite and optional colours available by special order

6. New throttle valve to manage discharge rate

To be used for toilet flushing the wall tank can be integrated into a fully automatic system by adding a low energy pump and mains water top up unit. The system is said to be ideal for domestic and light commercial installations.

The Flatform Range also includes a low profile shallow dig below ground tank which offers larger capacity.

“Rainwater harvesting and attenuation systems have to be affordable, reliable and easy to install and maintain; and in an urban environment limited space makes the Flatform range a very competitive solution,” says Andrew Lennard, Director, Flatform Rainwater Harvesting.

“By combining rainwater harvesting and stormwater attenuation in a single system we aim to simplify and reduce the installed cost of these services and it is only by achieving this and expanding the market for these systems can we hope to meet national water efficiency and stormwater management targets.”

Checkatrade gears up for National Apprenticeship Week 2016

Dylan Garton
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Checkatrade gears up for National Apprenticeship Week 2016

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 create jobs in the near future, it is a very exciting time for aspiring apprentices.

Apprentice 3

With a government survey indicating that more than 80% of apprentices feel that their career prospects have improved, apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for those aged 16-24 who want to earn a wage while learning their trade within a structured programme.

Checkatrade Trading Standards Approved member Mike Cipriani from Gas Secure Ltd, Mansfield said: “Our apprentice has just finished his third year and he has never had a day off sick. He is now able to undertake 90% of install work by himself with supervision. From day one we ensured that he was treated as a trainee and he has responded with an incredibly positive attitude.”

Craig Phillips, TV personality, DIY and construction expert and ambassador for Checkatrade said: “If you’re an aspiring tradesperson, I really do recommend considering an apprenticeship with a member of Checkatrade. You can rest assured that you are working for a decent, vetted employer which will be so important to your growth and development.”

62% of Checkatrade members suggested that new employees would be a direct result of their Checkatrade membership and 57% of members expect to create at least one job in the next 12 months.
Checkatrade is an online service dedicated to helping you find the right trade or service.  Tradespeople are fully vetted before they become a member of Checkatrade and once they join, members agree to have feedback from their customers put online for all to say. Checkatrade has gained over 2 million reviews of tradespeople to date.

checkatrade.com

Man fined for potentially exposing members of the public to asbestos

Dylan Garton
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Man fined for potentially exposing members of the public to asbestos

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 a quote, the home owners mentioned the possibility of asbestos in the garage.

While working in the loft space of the garage, the garage ceiling collapsed and Peter Wade proceeded to pull the remainder of the ceiling down, break it up and place in waste bags. It was not until he removed the material that he discovered it contained asbestos.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident which occurred on 14 March 2015, found that Peter Wade failed to ensure an asbestos survey was carried out prior to any work taking place.

Peter Nigel Wade (trading as P.N. Wade Building and Civil Engineering contractor), of Winston Road, Staindrop, County Durham, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 5(1) of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, and was fined £267 and ordered to pay costs of £1,765.

For further information on asbestos visit: https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/

Diverts excess solar power to the immersion heater

Dylan Garton
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Diverts excess solar power to the immersion heater

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 a zero export threshold.

The SOLiC 200 is manufactured in the UK and complies with CE and British Standards. The unit has been engineered to last the life of a solar installation (25 years) and includes a reassuring 10-year return-to-base guarantee as standard.

www.earthwiseproducts.co.uk

Vufold Introduces Windows to Match Bifold Ranges

Dylan Garton
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Vufold Introduces Windows to Match Bifold Ranges

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

The windows will be manufactured in the UK to the same high standard as Vufold’s doors, and the company is sourcing its timber from the same suppliers to maintain consistency of quality.

 

Vufold Supreme Bifold doors

The windows will come in a choice of a grey or white aluminium external coating, with an oak veneer surface to the interior that has three coats of clear polyurethane finish that allows the beauty of the wood grain to show, adding a warm feel to the room. The Ultra windows also come complete with a powder-coated aluminium clip-on window cill and a choice of internal handles.

The Supreme range of windows is constructed from thermally broken aluminium frames set in a double glazed unit and comes with a choice of contemporary grey or stunning white aluminium powder coating. The Supreme windows also come complete with a powder-coated thermally broken aluminium cill and are finished off by a brushed graphite handle as standard.

The external aluminium surfaces on both ranges are guaranteed against defects for 15 years.

Customers will be able to choose from a range of 13 different windows including single, double and triple-paned sets. There will also be a choice of fixed and various opening options from left, right, bottom and one-third top of the frame. Widths will vary from 620 to 1720 centimetres, and heights from 1040 to 2090 centimetres. The windows will only be available in double glazed units.

The windows come complete with everything needed for installation, including fixing kit and easy to follow instructions.

Prices start from £449 for a Supreme range 620mm x 1040mm single window to £1,469 for a 1760mm x 1190mm Ultra range triple set.

www.vufold.co.uk

Giant reward for trade customers

Dylan Garton
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Giant reward for trade customers

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
• All tools and accessories 20 per cent off
• All adhesives and grouts at least 35 per cent off All trims 50 per cent off
• Monthly exclusive Trade Deals

Rewards offered will increase with use of the card, with credit vouchers issued for redemption in branch depending on monthly spend.

In addition, professionals who recommend Tile Giant to their clients will also be rewarded with a further five per cent reward when the end user buys tiles from Tile Giant.

Sign up is free in-store and exclusively for professionals, with tradesmen only needing to provide evidence of their trade status (business card, invoice, letterhead) to join. Signing up will also allow full visibility of all transactions made at Tile Giant and the rewards collected.

The Trade Rewards card and key fob can be used in branch and online at tilegiant.co.uk/trade

Johnny Rockett, Tile Giant’s National Trade Manager, says: “We want to make it easier and more rewarding for trade customers to keep coming back to Tile Giant.

“Trade Rewards is a very competitive trade offer with many benefits, for tradesmen and their customers, making Tile Giant the first choice on the market for tiles and tiling accessories and supplies. The more you use the card, the more you’ll save on our industry-leading range of tiles, tools, grouts and adhesives and accessories.”

www.tilegiant.co.uk

Database Launched to Help Assess Thermal Bridging

Roger Bisby
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Database Launched to Help Assess Thermal Bridging

Advanced Details is an online database providing builders and architects with a comprehensive selection of construction details complete with thermal bridging performance.

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 to assess and compare the energy and environmental performance of dwellings.

Thermal Bridging Tackled

The Advanced Details database allows users to input their thermal bridging performance into certification software such as SAP or PHPP in less than an hour.

Using typical details from the Advanced Details database users have been said to have seen improvements of over 15% in the Design Emmission Rate of CO2 for a standard 2 bedroom house, equivalent to thousands of pounds spent on renewables, all without changes to the built design.

Advanced Details is working with independent manufacturers whose building systems and products can help minimise thermal bridges in buildings.

The website allows users to create multiple live projects and share these with the design team. Once finished, the site provides the user with a report containing the calculation results and specified products for the contractor to sign off.

Advanced Details also offers a full thermal bridging calculation service from £200 per detail.

Advanced Details is currently providing full access to the database completely free until June 2016.

Globus enhances chemical-resistant gloves range

Roger Bisby
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Globus enhances chemical-resistant gloves range

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 tasks.

Featuring a hexagonal textured pattern on the palm and fingertips for enhanced grip in wet and slippery conditions, SKYTEC Nero is also extremely comfortable thanks to its anatomical shape, designed to minimise hand fatigue. Part of the renowned SKYTEC hand protection range, the glove is 0.65mm thick – ensuring flexibility and dexterity. Comfort is further enhanced through the pure cotton flock lining which absorbs perspiration.

Available in sizes small to extra-large, the CE certified Cat III glove, has an EN388:2003 rating of 2020 providing good abrasion and tear resistance and is also EN374-3 certified, delivering in particular level 4 protection against chemicals including Sodium Hydroxide (40%) and Sulphuric Acid (96%).
www.globus.co.uk

58% of Contractors Turned Away Work in 2015

Roger Bisby
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58% of Contractors Turned Away Work in 2015

In its third Annual Healthcheck of the UK’s contractors and tradespeople, ECIS, the employee benefits company for the construction industry has found confidence at its highest level since the survey began three years ago with 48% of respondents saying they feel confident about the year ahead.

But behind this upbeat outlook is a workforce under immense strain with close to half (41%) saying their business was under increased pressure to fulfil contracts.

Reflecting the increased demand for their skills, many tradespeople saw their work/life balance tip heavily towards work in 2015.

The survey found that over a quarter of tradespeople regularly worked evenings and weekends in 2015 with 60% saying they had felt more pressure to do so in the last year.

But despite working longer hours, shockingly, 58% had to turn work away in 2015, and more worryingly, 38% confirmed they had resorted to unskilled labour to help fulfil contracts.

Even more galling for tradespeople is that the hard work did not equate to higher earnings for all.  While 35% earned more in 2015 compared to the year before. This is a slight decrease from the 40% who earned more in 2014 compared to 2013.

Commenting on this year’s Healthcheck, Phil Scarrett, Sales and Marketing Director for ECIS, says, “Despite the fact that fewer tradespeople saw their earnings going up last year compared to the year before, contractors are generally feeling more confident about 2016 than they did this time last year.

And you can see why with a series of major construction projects underway and the knock-on effects of this.

Plus a focus by the UK Government on housebuilding. Just in the past week, we have seen new proposals to create competition for handling planning applications and a fast track application process.

“However, the fact that 22% of tradespeople would not encourage young people to enter the industry underlines the struggle many people in the trade are facing between earning a living, managing customer demands and having a life outside of work.

There is no shortage of work to go around but serving that demand is evidently a source of significant pressure for tradespeople – so much so that 38% have had to turn to unskilled labour.

“This can add further pressure in terms of training and ensuring the people taken on have the right level of competence to undertake the work needed.

2015 saw the introduction of the new Construction Design and Management Regulations which puts new requirements on the contracting sector to support risk management and part of this is having the right people for the right job at the right time.

For many contractors, this is so much easier said than done but it’s vital they remain focused on health and safety and where necessary continue to take the brave and difficult decision to turn work away.”

www.ecins.co.uk

Heavy duty latex glove

Dylan Garton
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Heavy duty latex glove

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 heavy duty latex glove;

• 14 mil (0.36 mm) thick powder free latex

• 12 inch (300 mm) cuff length extra protection against chemicals

• Textured grip for secure handling

• EZ glide donning system to pull on and off

This heavy duty extra long cuff glove is said to be ideal for automotive technicians, paint works, furniture refinishing, janitorial and agricultural uses. In particular, the latex material is good for use with ketones including MEK and acetone.

The glove is supplied in boxes of 50 gloves and available in sizes M, L, and XL.

Alan Matthews, director at Fortress Distribution, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing the new Pro Blu heavy-duty latex glove to the UK market. We have had tremendous interest in our Black Mamba product portfolio so far and expect demand for this product to be high too. Although the Pro Blue Glove has many differences to the Black Mamba Nitrile, users can be confident that the superior quality remains the same.”

The Pro Blu Mamba Glove will be officially launched at this year’s Health & Safety Event on stand A20.

fortressdistribution.co.uk

Contractor fined for health and safety failings on roof work

Dylan Garton
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Contractor fined for health and safety failings on roof work

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 adequate means in place to prevent falls.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident which occurred on 1 October 2015 found that Bernard Buck failed to properly assess the risks associated with the work and implement appropriate controls. He showed no indication of caring about the safety of his own or the subcontractors’ safety.

Bernard Buck of Prinknash Road, Bedford, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and was fined £1,200 and ordered to pay costs of £1,018

For further information on work at height visit: hse.gov.uk/work-at-height

Alumasc Rainwater Reduces the Risks of Leaks

Dylan Garton
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Alumasc Rainwater Reduces the Risks of Leaks

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. It also makes on-site installation quicker and easier.

Suitable for traditional and modern buildings, quality steel systems provide limited risk of shrinking, leaking or colour fading.

“Our lightweight Steel range is scratch and corrosion-resistant,” says Pete Wainer, National Sales Manager for Alumasc Rainwater. “Steel is a contemporary, eco-friendly and cost effective alternative to plastic guttering for domestic and social housing.

“We’ve now extended our Steel range with a prefabricated outlet,” continues Pete, “so installers don’t have to go through the tedious process of cutting a hole in the gutter and fixing the wrap around outlet.”

Alumasc Rainwater’s steel guttering systems provide high flow capacity due to the larger inlet funnels on the outlets. It’s available in a choice of four widths, all in the popular Half Round profile along with connecting round downpipe systems.

There are additional downpipe sizes and associated fittings and accessories to complete it, including Rainwater Diverters and the unique Steel hopper head. The range comes in a plain galvanised finish or in a highly durable polyester pre-coated black finish.

It’s also supplied, by request, in a range of six alternative contemporary colours, which are galvanised to a highly attractive and quality finish.

alumascwms.co.uk

Dewalt extends XR 18v brushless drill and impact range

Dylan Garton
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Dewalt extends XR 18v brushless drill and impact range

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 and speed of application

Improved power enables a faster speed of application, and the completion of high torque applications.

Enhanced ergonomics

The length of the Drill Drivers and Impact Driver has been reduced by 7mm and 6mm respectively allowing easy navigation around small and tricky spaces with minimum fuss. They are also ‘Guaranteed Tough’ to withstand the constant rigours of the jobsite, avoiding costly downtime.

Greater work area visibility

The LED light on the base of the DCD791 Drill Driver and DCD796 Hammer Drill Driver is angled for reduced shadow around the work area. The highest of the three switch positions provides a 60 lumen output with an impressive 20 minute delay, delivering greater visibility and productivity on site.

Variable impact control for light to high speed applications

For greater control, operators of the DeWALT DCF887 Impact Driver have access to three different control settings, including ‘Precision Drive’. A first for a DeWALT tool, this mode is suitable for delicate screwdriving applications. It gives users the optimum amount of turning force, avoiding over-driving screws, splintering, or damage to materials, bits or fasteners such as brass or machine screws.

By contrast, the high speed impact setting offers users market leading torque and speed of application to ensure that they have all of the performance they need to get even the heaviest applications completed quickly.

Key features

  • Brushless motor for less servicing and downtime
  • Optimised tool length – reduced by up to 7mm
  • Super bright*, focused LED light with a three-position switch (Low – 2 lumens, Medium – 18 lumens, and High – 60 lumens)*
  • Three-mode impact selector with ‘Precision Drive’ for light screwdriving, Speed I for standard impact applications, and Speed II offering up to 207Nm for high torque applications**
  • Compatible with DeWALT XR 18V 2.0Ah, 5.0Ah and Bluetooth battery packs

* DCD791 Drill Driver and DCD796 Hammer Drill Driver only

** DCF887 Impact Driver only

www.DEWALT.co.uk

Product review: Gorilla brooms

Dylan Garton
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Product review: Gorilla brooms

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 design a product that solves it in one fell swoop. So, just as the Trug Tubs looked at the humble bucket and worked out what was wrong with it you can ask yourself what you don’t like about brooms.  It is easy to answer; the heads fall off and the handles also disintegrate usually right in the middle of the job. As Trigger observed in Only Fools and Horses, if you keep replacing the heads and the handles a  broom will last you forever.

Gorilla 34
Gorilla sells the handles and heads separately and in different colours for the domestic garden market but we went for a serious colour. The heads and handles are made from the lightweight but extremely strong cut. resistant plastic that is slightly pliable so it will flex. The handles screw very securely into the heads on a large pitch nylon thread. The nylon bristles are also well attached so you shouldn’t suffer the same kind of bristle drop that affects some wooden heads.

The range includes hard yard brooms as well as softer brushes and hand brushes. I particularly like the combined rubber scrubber and squeegee. It would be great for wet rooms but I am sure it will also be good for slippery patios.

gorilla brooms
Having given these Gorilla brooms a go I really can’t fault them in any respect and I certainly can’t see myself returning to the heavy wooden heads. These brooms are not expensive so there is nothing to hold them back and I can see them flying off the shelves of merchants. No doubt, like Gorilla Tubs they will have their imitators but, like the tubs, making them strong enough to stand up to building site use  is a whole different game to the garden centre market. These are serious tools.

Worcester Greenskies Solar Panels demonstration

Roger Bisby
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Worcester Greenskies Solar Panels demonstration

Roger Bisby demonstrates Worcester’s Greenskies Solar water heating system.

It is a popular misconception that utilising solar energy is only possible in hot, sunny climates. The reality is that it is daylight and not just direct sunshine which is the important factor — which is why Worcester Greenskies solar water heating uses specially coated panels developed to collect as much energy as possible, even on the dullest of days. During the course of a year you are likely to get 50-70% of your hot water provided by solar.

Solar hot water systems (also known as Solar Thermal) harness heat from sunlight by capturing energy which is radiated by the sun within solar panels or collectors.

Solar Water Heating is not to be confused with Solar PV (PhotoVoltaic), which is designed to generate electricity. Worcester does not currently sell Solar PV as our main focus is delivering heating and hot water comfort.

This heat energy is then moved down pipes to the hot water cylinder within your home, reducing the need to use Gas, Oil or Electricity to heat the hot water you require; lowering energy bills as well as your carbon footprint. You can find out more on their Solar Water Heating Explained page.

www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/products/solar

Product review: GPR steps and Stair-scaffold

Roger Bisby
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Product review: GPR steps and Stair-scaffold
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 on top of a van you immediately think ‘electrician’ but these days it is also plumbers and general builders who are using GRP steps. It isn’t just the fact that they are non conductive, therefore depriving the current of a route to earth, they also happen to be robust steps in their own right.
The rivets are semi-tubular to reduce lateral movement. The large plaatform gives you a comfortable work area and the top bar has tool storage holes. The steps are rated to a 150kg load. If you weigh more than that you probably shouldn’t be going up steps. Youngman also has GRP quick towers which offer a larger more stable work area but give the same non-conductive protection against grounding.
Stair-scaffold

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