Roger Bisby visits Gledhill in Blackpool and finds products that are British through and through. Earlier in the year when I fitted an unvented Gledhill horizontal solar cylinder into an eaves cupboard I really had no idea how much design and work went into making that item. In the building industry we fit a lot of products and like it …
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Roger Bisby reports on a job where Ecotherm’s Ecoliner saved the day. We hear a lot about reducing our carbon footprint and saving money on fuel bills but the most noticeable and immediate benefit of insulation is the increased comfort levels. Yes it makes you feel instantly warmer, who knew? The community hall in our case study had the reputation …
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Most people have some idea what an infra red thermometer does and also what a thermal imaging camera does but this tool sits somewhere between the two, explains Roger Bisby of the Bosch GIS 1000 C. I don’t mind admitting that it took me a while to work out exactly what the Bosch GIS 1000 does for a living. I …
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There are plenty of trades who would find the Werner Podium step ladder useful including plumbers, decorators and heating and ventilation fitters, says Roger Bisby as he puts the product to the test. Two days before I got to test these Werner Podium step ladder I was using a pair of ordinary steps and climbed a little higher than I …
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Roger Bisby tests the Hitachi DH25 DAL cordless SDS hammer drill. Hitachi is a power tool manufacturer that often gets overlooked for hammer drills. I see their saws out on site and they do well with the cordless combis but from that evidence alone they don’t seem to have the same share of the hammer market. When you compare the …
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The ICS Diamond Chainsaw cuts through both skins of a cavity wall which is something you can’t achieve with a cut-off saw or angle grinder.
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Snickers’ range of work gloves are designed to cope with the harshest of weather conditions. From tough, hard-wearing ‘Weather Essential’ gloves to ‘Weather Cut Protection’ gloves, the Snickers products are designed to keep users’ hands properly protected and warm. There are eight different styles in the range, including the ‘Weather Dry’ glove, which is made from advanced materials in a …
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New from Scruffs is the Scruffs Classic Thermo Parka which the company says is perfect for tradesmen who aren’t afraid of rain, snow or the cold when it comes to getting the job done. Not only will the Scruffs Classic Thermo Parka turn heads on and off the site, but with a waterproof rating of 4500mm, a fully padded bubble quilted …
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Arco, the safety specialist, has introduced three new items of safety footwear under its TROJAN brand. The Trojan Safety Hiker boot (£64.99) is a non-metallic and slip-resistant boot available in yellow, red or blue which features a composite toecap and midsole. Meanwhile Trojan’s Safety Trainer (£62.99) is available in an eye-catching green. Comfortable yet stylish, the trainer features a breathable …
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Roger Bisby puts Medite Tricoya Extreme to the test, a waterproof outdoor quality MDF from Medite Tricoya. The potential applications for Medite Tricoya Extreme are far ranging particularly in environments where humidity and weather are usually concerns. It is possible to imagine Medite Tricoya Extreme used virtually anywhere, including: Façade cladding/siding Fascia and soffit panels and other secondary exterior applications …
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Ernie Cook, the master bricklayer, who I had the pleasure of working for in my teens used to say “The worst thing that has happened to the building industry is cement”. It was a bit of an exaggeration but we spent a lot of time travelling around London and the South East putting right the work of bricklayers who were …
Read More »In this video I try out the Bosch GBH 36 VF-LI Plus Professional Cordless Hammer.
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Avoiding pipes is always a challenge when fixing floorboards..Here's my top tips for avoiding this mishap and some advice on what to do if you do end up screwing through a pipe.
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In this video Skill Builder brings you a demonstration of the CT1 Sealant & Adhesive, a sealant and construction adhesive that replaces numerous products from just one tube. CT1 provides unique adhesion on virtually any material in most applications without the need for additional fixings. CT1 is marketed as the ultimate solution for sealing. CT1 will bond: Metals (including lead) …
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The Tale Of The Shower Tray Crack - Roger is working on a shower room but not everything is going to plan..
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Roger talks about ladder safety after a recent tragedy on a site he was working at In this episode we see Roger using the Youngman Fibreglass Stepladder, and the versatile Hunter Ladder from Ladder Safety Devices. We also see his neat ladder seat which sadly isn’t available anymore, so you’ll have to borrow Roger’s. “A few weeks ago I was …
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After 25 years of Stihl, Roger gets to grips with his first chainsaw from Makita, the Makita DCS5121 18" 50cc. The petrol chainsaw features Easy Start, Spring-Assisted Starter for Quick Starting with Less Force and a number of other unique features. Watch the product test to see Roger's verdict.
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The Vario PRO underfloor heating system combines Thermogroup UK's TwistedTwin electric underfloor heating cable with Vario ProMat uncoupling membrane for the ultimate fast-track floor preparation with a buildup of just 5.5mm.
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Builder demolishes work: Builder Nigel Gray got so fed up waiting to be paid £15,000 for a construction job at a council owned property in Shoreham he decided to destroy his own handiwork. The tennant, Anita Dovey, who had been given permission by the council to make the changes to the property, was given several chances to pay the bill …
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SuperCove lightweight coving is available from many good builders merchants and DIY stores throughout the UK and Ireland, in various length options up to 4 metres. With super-light SuperCove, you can fix coving quickly and easily – adding value to your home with the minimum of effort. Roger shows you just how easy it is to cut and fit coving using SuperCove.
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Skill Builder Guides & reviews for building and construction
