Tuesday, October 28, 2025
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Plasterboard — Why All The Colours?

Dylan Garton
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0
Plasterboard — Why All The Colours?

Why are there so many different types of plasterboard? Roger explains.

🔗 Gyproc FireLine: https://www.british-gypsum.com/products/board-products/gyproc-fireline-125mm

🔗 Knauf Vapour Panel: https://www.wickes.co.uk/Knauf-Vapour-Panel-Square-Edge—12-5mm-x-1-2m-x-2-4m/p/220230

🔗 Gypfor Tapered Edge: https://www.roofingoutlet.co.uk/products/gypfor-standard-plasterboard-wallboard-tapered-edge-2-4m-x-1-2m-x-12-5mm

🔗 Gyproc Moisture Resistant Board: https://www.british-gypsum.com/products/board-products/gyproc-moisture-resistant-125mm

🔗 Siniat Gtec DB Acoustic Board: https://www.siniat.co.uk/en-gb/products-and-systems/products/internal-boards/acoustic-performance-boards/gtec-db-board/

🔗 Kingspan Kooltherm: https://www.kingspan.com/gb/en-gb/products/insulation-boards/insulation-boards/kooltherm

What types of plasterboard are there?

Moisture-resistant plasterboard

In the core of moisture-resistant plasterboard are some additives which repel moisture. These plasterboards are the only suitable plasterboards for kitchens and bathrooms as the humid environment will otherwise decay the quality of the board over time and can result in loss of effectiveness of any insulating properties. Using non-moisture-resistant plasterboard in a moist area will lead to damp, rot and mould over time.

Acoustic plasterboard

Opt for acoustic plasterboard and you’ll get additional benefits over just being able to finish off the room. Acoustic plasterboard will keep the sound out of the room and reduce how noise travels between rooms to give a more private and comfortable life for those living there. Utilising acoustic plasterboard in a living room refurbishment, for example, will mean that a loud movie won’t disrupt a quiet chat in the kitchen.

Damp Proof Foil Backed plasterboard

Damp-proof plasterboard is equipped with a layer of foil attached to one side. It can be used in environments that are associated with an appreciable level of moisture (such as kitchens).

Fire-resistant plasterboard

Fire-resistant plasterboard does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s important to become familiar with and choose the right fire performance rating as each rating denotes a different thing. Some fire-resistant plasterboard may be non-combustible, whereas some may offer 240 minutes of fire resistance before it will catch fire. If fire-resistant plasterboard isn’t specified and is just an optional extra, it’s worth choosing what suits your application best. If it’s specified then pick the correct performance rating to meet building regulations.

Insulated plasterboard

Insulated plasterboard is a favourite amongst dry liners as it’s so easy to install. It’s essentially a piece of insulation board faced with plasterboard but the fact that they’re already bonded together and ready to go makes the process faster and more efficient than if you were installing a layer of insulation and then plasterboard. Just like regular plasterboard, this type can be finished without plastering over too.

Info credit: https://www.insulationsuperstore.co.uk

Why Is Your New Light Fitting Tripping?

Dylan Garton
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0
Why Is Your New Light Fitting Tripping?

Roger explains the reason why your new light fitting could be tripping.

Image credit: http://www.lightwiring.co.uk

Parapet Walls — Are They A Good Idea?

Dylan Garton
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0
Parapet Walls — Are They A Good Idea?
Parapet Walls

Roger investigates the pros and cons…

Parapet walls are low walls that extend above the edge of a roof, balcony, or terrace. They can be purely decorative, but often serve practical purposes like providing safety barriers, concealing roof elements, or controlling water runoff. In addition, they can help with fire protection by preventing flames from spreading between buildings. They’re often found in both historic and modern architecture.

Check out the Steve Roofer channel and London Flat Roofing.

https://www.youtube.com/SteveRoofer

https://londonflatroofing.co.uk

A Deeper Dive Behind Parapet Walls

Snickers Workwear – ISO Compliant High-Vis Workwear

Dylan Garton
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0
Snickers Workwear – ISO Compliant High-Vis Workwear

A Superior Range of Working Clothes for Class 1, 2 and 3 protection.

Snickers Workwear has an extensive range of High-Vis workwear for men and women in all kinds of working environments and light conditions.

With Jackets, Trousers, Shorts, Toolvests, Shirts and Fleeces from Snickers’ LITEWork, FLEXIWork and ALLROUNDWORK families to choose from, there’s a host of different garments in the range to satisfy the specific requirements of Classes 1, 2 and 3 protection levels.

These ‘outstanding’ products combine with Snickers Workwear’s unrivalled hallmarks of functionality and comfort to satisfy the ISO 20471:2013 standard for high visibility warning clothes.

With advanced designs, high-tech fabrics and performance reflection features, all the garments have durable colour-fast protection that will last for wash after wash, retaining shape, comfort and protection levels throughout the life of the garments.

Added to which, Snickers Workwear High-Vis garments can be custom-profiled to ensure ‘stand out’ coverage for your corporate brand.

For more information on the Snickers Workwear range of Hgh-Vis Workwear, call the Hultafors Group UK Helpline on 01484 854788, check out the website at www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or email sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk

Where’s James? Surprising News – Extension #39

Dylan Garton
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0
Where’s James? Surprising News – Extension #39

James has some big news that has surprised everybody in the Skill Builder team.

_______________________
RELATED VIDEO LINKS

🎬 How To Build An Extension series playlist: https://bit.ly/2LnUhG5

🎬 How to Cut Hip Rafters: https://youtu.be/CmKZoPmROn8

🎬 Ultimate Roofing Square: https://youtu.be/_TmXZ0cGNEI

🎬 6 Roofing Squares Compared: https://youtu.be/7qlQW3j6OIQ

🎬 How to Make a Tusk Tenon Joint Like a Pro: https://youtu.be/osoItQj_blw

_________________________________________________________________

Our thanks go to James and Ian of The Supreme Finishing Company.

◾ https://thesupremefinishingcompany.co.uk
◾ https://www.facebook.com/thesupremefinishingcompany

2 Very Common Shower Problems — SOLVED

Dylan Garton
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0
2 Very Common Shower Problems — SOLVED
2 for 1 Shower Problems

Roger encounters two very familiar old problems in one location.

 

Leaking Shower Problem

Spray Foam Insulation — The Ugly Truth?

Dylan Garton
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0
Spray Foam Insulation — The Ugly Truth?
Spray foam insulation in your house..

Roger explains the pros and cons.

Spray foam insulation explained by the Which? Team.

Also called spray polyurethane foam (SPF), it is an alternative to traditional building insulation.

It’s versatile and can be used to insulate your roof, loft, walls and floor, helping to retain warmth and reduce energy costs.

PROS AND CONS

Spray foam insulation offers a number of benefits, such as:

✔ It can be applied in difficult-to-reach areas.

✔ In some cases, it can provide additional soundproofing.

However, there are also some significant drawbacks to consider, such as:

✖ It’s more expensive than other types of insulation.

✖ It needs to be installed by a professional.

✖ It can be difficult to remove once it’s been installed.

✖ Potentially reduces ventilation within the roof space, causing humidity and dampness; placing roof timbers at risk of decay.

✖ Harmful fumes are given off during installation.

✖ It shouldn’t be used in listed buildings or houses with thatched roofs.

✖ It’s often ugly, messy and can’t be decorated over.

✖ It can affect the value of your property.

✖ It may prevent buyers from getting a mortgage.

We’d strongly advise getting specialist advice from an expert or two in this area and proceeding with caution.

What is spray foam insulation?

Spray foam insulation is a liquid foam that is sprayed into position and sets into an insulating layer.

It can be used to insulate your roof, loft, walls, floors and more. It has been in use for more than 30 years and is now becoming increasingly popular as it’s an effective insulator and can also stop air leakage.

There are two types of spray foam insulation to choose from. Closed-cell spray foam Open cell spray foam. If spray foam insulation is right for your home and budget, the type you choose will depend on what you want it to do.

If you’re looking to insulate your loft, the Which dedicated guide explains the different types of loft insulation.

🔗 https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/insulation/article/spray-foam-insulation-ajTlp7t5K7lT – Which?

5 Cheap Heated Jackets — Do They Work?

Dylan Garton
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0
5 Cheap Heated Jackets — Do They Work?
We test a selection of budget heated jackets that will keep you warm this winter.

Abuytwo: 🛒 https://amzn.to/3rFsLVp

Afunso: 🛒 https://amzn.to/32mXe2a

Aunus: 🛒 https://amzn.to/49QlkA4

Rrtizan: 🛒 https://amzn.to/3YhCT6C

Heated Gilet: 🛒 https://amzn.to/3SLJequ

Dr.Warm Thermal Soles: 🛒 https://amzn.to/3FJjDr2

Milwaukee Heated Gear
🔗 https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Work-Gear/Heated-Gear

Regatta Heated Jackets
🔗 https://www.regatta.com/ie/collections/heated-jackets

How Do Heated Jackets Actually Work?

Heated jackets work similarly to heated blankets and heated car seats. During assembly, the back of each jacket is lined with an electronically powered copper heating zone, powered by a battery pack that sits within an inside pocket. They’re toggled on and off via a small temperature control inside the jacket.

Are Heated Jackets Safe?

Yes. Heated jackets are safe, though scepticism on their safety is reasonable as water and electricity don’t make for a healthy combination. If the jacket were to somehow get wet inside the lining, we would advise taking the jacket off and disconnecting the battery immediately, though getting wet won’t damage the jacket.

The temperature control embedded within the jacket is waterproof, and you can even wash the jacket in your washing machine as long as the USB battery is removed before washing. It’s also worth noting that you should not use a heated jacket if you suffer from a serious illness or chronic health condition such as heart disease, anaemia, low blood pressure, paralysis, hypertension, diabetes or any other condition that causes poor circulation.

What About Overheating?

Our heated jackets have an internal thermostat so that they only heat up to the desired temperature setting you have set it to. However, if the temperature were to exceed this setting for any reason, there’s a built-in safety cut-out that will turn the jacket off immediately.

https://www.regatta.com/blog/how-do-heated-jackets-work

Is It Cheaper to Leave Your Heating on Constantly?

Dylan Garton
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0
Is It Cheaper to Leave Your Heating on Constantly?
The myth, or perhaps legend of leaving heating on constantly..

Should you be running your heating 24/7, or are you better off using your timer?

Roger gives us his money-saving advice to reduce your fuel bills this winter.

Energy myth-busting with Money Saving Expert:

The energy market is in crisis. There are no cheap energy deals due to record wholesale prices (what providers pay), so using less is the best way to save right now. There are obvious ways to cut your usage, such as wearing jumpers and turning lights off, but this guide aims to crack the less-obvious energy conundrums, including if it’s cheaper to keep your heating on low all day, or whether painting your radiators black can help.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/energy-saving-myths

Snickers Workwear to Weatherproof Your Workday

Dylan Garton
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0
Snickers Workwear to Weatherproof Your Workday

You can count on real comfort and protection from the rain with Snickers Workwear’s AllroundWork and FlexiWork Jackets for professional tradesmen and women.

Stay dry, warm and comfortable by choosing from a range of water-repellent jackets that will keep you dry in light showers and deliver great breathability to ventilate your body when you’re active on site.

But if you need 100% waterproofness for long periods, check out the GORE-TEX® jackets and the PU garments with welded seams.

As part of Snickers Workwear’s ‘outer shell’ clothing layer, GORE-TEX® jackets are extremely durable.

Weatherproof working Snickers 2

With a waterproof membrane to keep you dry, they’re windproof to keep you warm and breathable to keep you comfortable all day long.

There’s a host of AllroundWork and FlexiWork jacket styles and extensive size options available so you can layer your working clothes properly to ensure that your energy and performance levels are as weatherproofed as you are.

Tool Theft Fight Back — Home Office Responds

Dylan Garton
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Tool Theft Fight Back — Home Office Responds

 

Tool theft – A growing concern

The impact of tool theft is not just financial; it disrupts work, delays projects, and can result in significant inconvenience. Thieves target tools due to their high resale value and portability. To protect against tool theft, it’s essential to use secure storage solutions, such as lockable sheds or toolboxes, and to invest in vehicle security measures. Additionally, marking tools with identifiable information and keeping a detailed inventory can aid in recovery if theft occurs. Enhancing security awareness and taking preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of tool theft and its associated problems.

HOME OFFICE RESPONSE

The Government is tackling acquisitive crime as a priority and is committed to reducing the ability for criminals to profit from stolen goods. The Beating Crime Plan, published in July 2021, sets out the Government’s strategy for cutting crime, protecting the law-abiding majority and making neighbourhoods safe. The Government is aware of the significant impact the theft of tools can have on victims, particularly those who rely on their tools to earn a living, and the Beating Crime Plan recognises the economic damage caused by crime and the need to cut crime to enable businesses to thrive.

The Home Office has established an expert Stolen Goods Working Group consisting of policing and academic partners who are taking forward work across a number of themes. These include actions to identify where and how stolen goods are sold; examining ways to ensure property is marked, identifiable and traceable; and exploring ways to encourage increased enforcement from police and due diligence checks by second-hand goods traders.

The Home Office is also working closely with the police and motor and insurance industry representatives through a National Vehicle Crime Working Group to take forward a programme of work to tackle vehicle-related theft. This includes consideration of how to effectively prevent and deter theft from vehicles, including vans. We are also working to help police forces increase the knowledge and skills of their officers. A network of vehicle crime specialists has been established across each police force in England and Wales, to ensure forces share information about emerging trends to better tackle regional issues.

To ensure the police have the resources they need to tackle crime, the Government is recruiting an additional 20,000 police officers by March 2023. As at 30 September 2021, the police have recruited an additional 11,053 officers towards the uplift. Furthermore, the Safer Streets Fund – the Government’s flagship crime prevention programme – is supporting areas across England and Wales disproportionately affected by acquisitive crimes, such as burglary and theft, to invest in proven crime prevention measures including street lighting, CCTV, and ANPR cameras.

The Government has invested £45 million across the first two rounds of funding and details for future Safer Streets funding will be announced in due course.

We note the assertion that the sentence for handling stolen goods has been downgraded, and we can reassure you this is not the case. Under the Theft Act 1968, those who steal property such as tools could face a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment if convicted, and those convicted of handling stolen goods could face a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment. When determining an appropriate sentence, a court may consider the additional negative impact on victims when the property stolen is relied upon to earn a living.

The Sentencing Guidelines for theft, published by the independent Sentencing Council, require courts to assess the level of harm caused when determining the offence category. This includes consideration of the financial loss experienced and any additional significant harm suffered by the victims or others, such as if the items stolen were of substantial value to the owner – regardless of monetary worth, the impact of theft on a business, if a high level of inconvenience was caused to the victim or others, and if there was consequential financial harm to the victim or others. The list is non-exhaustive, so the court may consider any other aggravating factors deemed relevant, increasing the seriousness of an offence.

We note the concerns about stolen tools being openly sold and the suggestion that sellers should be challenged to prove ownership. There must be sufficient evidence and suspicion to request details of ownership from sellers. That is why it is important for tools to be appropriately marked and registered on a property database; this provides a basis from which police can conduct the necessary checks to identify stolen goods, verify ownership via the third-party database, and return to rightful owners.

There are other practical steps owners can take to protect their property, such as not leaving tools in vans overnight, upgrading locks, and installing alarms. The Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (PCPI) is a not-for-profit, police-owned organisation that works on behalf of Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables to deliver crime prevention and reduction initiatives across the UK. It also provides crime prevention advice:

https://www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime-prevention-advice/vehicle-crime/vanstool-theft

Leaking Roof That Wasn’t Leaking

Dylan Garton
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0
Leaking Roof That Wasn’t Leaking
An ongoing leaking roof

Roger inspects another new build nightmare and talks to Reg about the disruption and huge cost of his problem.

Heat Pump Secrets They Don’t Want You to Know

Dylan Garton
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0
Heat Pump Secrets They Don’t Want You to Know
Air Source Heat Pump Secrets..

Roger Joins Jeremy Vine on BBC Radio 2.

https://skill-builder.uk/bbc-radio-2-on-air-source-heat-pumps

Heat pump manufacturers installation instruction manuals

? Daikin: https://bit.ly/3FeTwVB

? AeroMax: https://bit.ly/3K7p17U

? Grant: https://bit.ly/3rdQpbo

USING AN AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP FOR HEATING

Heat pumps work best when there’s less of a difference between the inside and outside temperatures. In much the same way that your fridge has to work harder in hot weather.

This makes them a good match for underfloor heating systems. Floors cover a much bigger area than radiators so they don’t need to get as hot to provide the same amount of heat.

Air source heat pumps also have a lower output than a gas or oil-fired boiler. This means they can’t deliver heat as quickly. Instead, they’re best used to heat your home up slowly over a longer period.

AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP SECRETS AND RADIATORS

If you have radiators in your home, and you’re switching from a gas-fired heating system to an air source heat pump, you’ll probably need to buy some bigger radiators to keep your house toasty.

USING AN AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP FOR HOT WATER

Heat pumps can also be a great source of hot water – but the water will be cooler than from a boiler. Practically this means that If you’re running a bath, you’ll need more hot water and less from the cold tap. So you’ll likely need a bigger hot water tank to cover your needs too.

REGULATIONS

A fly in the ointment for some is the need to meet regulations when installing an ASHP. Although the vast majority of people don’t need planning permission, there are a couple of things that must be adhered to in order for the ASHP install to be without issue with the local council.

This includes making sure the installation is at least a metre from the boundary of your home, will be used only for heating, is installed on a suitable surface such as the ground or a flat roof (1 metre from the edge), has a maximum volume of .6 cubic metres.

_______________________________
David Hayman – New Clean Energy
? https://newcleanenergy.co.uk

Roger Joins Jeremy Vine on BBC Radio 2 to Discuss Air Source Heat Pumps

Dylan Garton
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Roger Joins Jeremy Vine on BBC Radio 2 to Discuss Air Source Heat Pumps

Skill Builder’s Roger Bisby was invited to join Jeremy Vine on BBC Radio 2 to discuss the pros and cons of air source heat pumps.

Listen to the full interview here:

Solid Gear Prime GTX — Hi-Tech Safety Boots For The Winter

Dylan Garton
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0
Solid Gear Prime GTX — Hi-Tech Safety Boots For The Winter

Incorporating some of the most advanced technical features in safety boot design.

With a focus on comfort and S3 safety, Solid Gear’s new and athletic-looking Prime GTX boots are probably the most comfortable and robust footwear you can get for the winter.

This hi-tech safety footwear will keep your feet dry so you can work comfortably in the roughest conditions on site – with effective protection all day long.

Solid Gear has combined a Vibram® outsole with a full and lightweight EPTU mid-sole to prioritise top-line comfort and stability.

The sole combines excellent durability with oil-and slip-resistance and outstanding grip on snow and ice – even at low temperatures.

What’s more, the GTX combines ergonomics with a torsional rigidity for safety that is enhanced by the durable microfiber upper that has a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® membrane.

Comfort and fit are delivered to the highest standard with the GORE-TEX® Stretch Technology in the upper which, together with a high heel counter and the snug BOA® Fit System, make this boot truly a unique experience in safety footwear protection.

To get more information on Solid Gear Safety Footwear, check out www.solidgearfootwear.com; you can call the Helpline on 01484 854788 or email sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk

What is Multifoil Insulation? — With Byron Lawson

Dylan Garton
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0
What is Multifoil Insulation? — With Byron Lawson
The benefits of multifoil insulation

Byron Lawson from SuperFOIL explains…

🔗 https://www.superfoil.co.uk

Multifoils explained — FAQ from PBC Today

So how does multifoil insulation work?

It’s not magic but multifoil insulation controls the three mechanisms of heat transfer; radiation, conduction and convection. The low emissivity outer layers reflect up to 95% of infra-red radiation back into the house and prevent the house from emitting infrared radiation to the outside. At the same time, the fibrous insulation core reduces heat loss through conduction and convection.

Multifoil insulation also controls air and vapour movement and as the product is installed across rafters or timber studs it acts as a thermal break and reduces continuous cold bridging.

How is this different to traditional insulation?

Rigid board and fibre insulation are both good at controlling heat loss, but that is all they do.

They don’t control air movement and they don’t control water vapour. By controlling heat, air and vapour movement in one, multifoils address all the needs of the building.

Are multifoils accepted by building control?

LABC has embraced the correct use of multifoil insulation and a number of products, including PhotonAir and PhotonFoil, have been registered within the LABC Registered Detail scheme ensuring their acceptance by building control across England and Wales.

Can multifoil insulation meet new build regulations on its own?

No. There is no multifoil product that will meet current new-build regulations by itself – all will need to be used with additional insulation, for example, PhotonFoil with 65mm PIR will achieve a U-value of 0.18 W/m2.K in a pitched roof.

In refurbishment projects requiring different U-values, there may be situations where multifoil insulation is accepted as an upgrade as a single layer. Here, where the standard is not technically, functionally or economically feasible, the thermal element should be upgraded to the best standards achievable – delivering a simple payback of no greater than 15 years. Generally, this lesser standard should not be worse than 0.7w/m2.k. PhotonAir (an insulating breather membrane) can achieve a U-value of 0.60 in 75mm rafter at 400mm spacing.

It is advisable in these circumstances to consult with your local building control officer.

What goes on the warm side/cold side?

Vapour barrier multifoils, such as PhotonFoil will go on the inside of a roof while breathable products, such as PhotonAir, will go on the outside of a building. In simple terms, it’s about preventing water vapour from getting into the cavity, but, if it does, it needs a mechanism to escape or it runs the risk of developing harmful condensation.

Remember, vapour barrier on the warm side, breathable on the cold side.

Why do I need airgaps and what is optimum?

Airgaps are needed for thermal performance and the optimum is 20mm but it can be less with a small reduction in the R-value.

Do airgaps need to be ventilated to reduce condensation risk?

No, they should be unventilated or the thermal benefit won’t be achieved. All our accepted solutions have condensation risk analysis so they can be used with confidence. Again remember the rule: vapour barrier on the warm side, breathable on the cold side.

If I only have one airgap does this give me a condensation risk?

No, it doesn’t but it will drop the thermal performance. All PhotonFoil and PhotonAir Registered Details have been independently assessed by LABC to ensure they deliver the necessary thermal performance.

What batten sizes do I need?

The Photon range, being 33mm thick, needs a 38mm batten to provide the optimum air gap. Thicker products do however need bigger battens to achieve the optimum air gap, for example, a 40mm thick multifoil typically needs a 50mm batten and 50mm thick multifoil a 70mm batten!

For anything thicker than this then the question is `is it practical or really space-saving?’.

See the full article here: https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/energy-news/multifoils-explained/22073/

How To Install a Ground Source Heat Pump

Dylan Garton
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0
How To Install a Ground Source Heat Pump
Install A Ground Source Heat Pump – Sponsored by Worcester Bosch

🔗 https://www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/heat-pumps

What are the basic workings of a heat pump?

A heat pump is a relatively new technology in the UK although they are widely used in Scandinavia and many parts of Europe where there is an abundance of renewably sourced electricity.

A heat pump takes energy from outside and transfers it into heat to be circulated around a heating and hot water system.

A heat pump uses electricity to run the components of a heat pump, principally a fan, compressor and circulating pumps to transfer the energy from the heat source into the heat sink or heating system.

Greenstore LECP heat pumps overview

Worcester Bosch Greenstore ground source heat pumps provide economical, low carbon energy, enabling you to meet all of the heating and hot water requirements of your home from one renewable source.

Available in two versions, the system version has been designed for use with a G3 approved Greenstore solar-ready cylinder for the production of hot water, whilst a G3 approved Combination model includes a built-in 185-litre cylinder.

Find out more: https://www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/products/heat-pumps/directory/greenstore-lecp-heat-pumps

The Crazy Cost of Going Cordless?

Dylan Garton
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0
The Crazy Cost of Going Cordless?
The next time you are considering buying a new power tool you are very likely to be going cordless..

That is not me reading your mind, it is what all those sales and marketing people have been drip-feeding us in our sleep. It may well be true that a cordless is the best choice but as I am about to explain it might not.

I am old enough to remember when cordless tools first came in. The first 7.2-volt battery drill was nothing more than a gutless toy. It was ok for driving in small screws, but it was certainly no match for this Yankee pump-action screwdriver. The fact that most of you have probably never seen one of these shows just how far cordless tools have come in those years.

Cordless tools were not invented for the moon landing, but this is where they first came to the attention of the world.

You may have seen the pictures of the first man on the Moon using a bloody great hammer drill. No wonder people thought the moon landings were fake. There were a couple of blokes bouncing around in helium-filled suits to make it look like they are in zero gravity and just look at that they haven’t even plugged their drill in.

It was just beyond people’s imagination. Landing on the moon and using a drill that you didn’t need to plug in. The pinnacle of man’s achievements. A lot of people think that the cordless drill was invented for moon landings, but it was around before that. you just couldn’t buy them from Home Depot or B&Q as it is in England.

So Nasa already knew there was such a thing as a battery-powered drill but they needed something special so they contacted Black and Decker to help them develop one that would work on the moon.

Now if you are taking one cordless drill to the moon and you choose a Black and Decker some might call that a brave decision because they were a bit DIY but for Black and Decker it was a result. Their marketing department must have been well…. over the moon ….. but just have a look at that picture of the astronauts using that drill. Try as I might I don’t see the Black and Decker logo on it.

Had these people never watched a James Bond film? Didn’t they understand the concept and value of unsubtle product placement at every opportunity. I mean a few well-placed logos on those pictures that were beamed into every television set on Earth. How much would a deal like that be worth? And why stop there?

Moon Boots by Nike, Space Suit by Pierre Cardin, they could have paid for the whole trip with the advertising revenue and that isn’t including the merch!

But what did the astronauts want a drill for anyway? Bye darling I’m off to the Moon. Have a good trip honey and don’t forget to take your drill.

Well, I can tell you that Neil Armstrong wasn’t going to put up any shelves, which is probably the first act of any colonisation after planting a flag, because he didn’t even take a spirit level. Anyway, the actual drill they took would have been no good for that. It was a core drill for extracting core samples of moon rock so they could take them home and sell ’em on eBay.

Going to the moon? Bring me back a stick of rock. Cut it and it says moon all the way through.
How did they do that?

Actually, while I am talking about NASA’s contribution to cordless technology, even more impressive was the impact wrench that Black and Decker designed with Nasa for the Gemini project. It needed to be able to spin nuts in zero gravity without actually spinning the astronauts around. And that good people is why you can now drive in huge screws one-handed without the impact driver breaking your wrist.

It is all down to kinetics. So, before I get too side-tracked by the wonders of space let’s get back down to Earth.

Houston, we have a problem.

And the problem is that the limitation of cordless tools has always been the battery. They have evolved through NiCad with all its memory issues to Nickel Metal Hydride which is still used on little rechargeable batteries but for other stuff and we have moved onto Li-Ion which gives you more power and a longer run time with less weight, but we are not there yet.

Would You Live In This Oast House?

Dylan Garton
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0
Would You Live In This Oast House?
The Kentish Oast House Project

Dan Cox completes work on this beauty.

Check out Dan’s Roofing Square: https://www.essential-carpenter-tools.co.uk

SHOPPING LINKS

🛒 Tracer AMK1 Deep Pencil Marker: https://amzn.to/3nlVsEr

🛒 Makita GN900SE Gas Nailer: https://amzn.to/3DggA6y

🛒 Dead On Steel Milled Hammer: https://amzn.to/2QSzQ6B

🛒 Swanson 7-inch Speed Square: https://amzn.to/3jigG5M

__________________________
More info on Oast houses:

The Hop Farm Country Park at Beltring.
🔗 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hop_Farm

The story behind those weird oast house buildings all over Kent and Sussex
🔗 https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/full-story-behind-those-weird-3887160

A history and description of English Oast houses
🔗 http://www.geograph.org.uk/article/Oast-Houses

Enjoy a nice glass of Spitfire Amber Kentish Ale:
🔗 https://amzn.to/3mChiV0

Cold Weather Working With Snickers Workwear’s Sustainable Climate Control

Dylan Garton
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0
Cold Weather Working With Snickers Workwear’s Sustainable Climate Control

Dressing right and staying comfortable when it’s cold and wet demands the best in Climate Control working clothes.

Continuous work in cold weather produces body heat and sweat. But when your rate of work slows, the sweat cools and you’ll start to feel cold and damp.

The solution is Snickers Workwear’s body-mapping Mid-layer working clothes that deliver advanced ventilation to control and regulate the heat from your body.

Made to last from sustainable fabrics such as micro fleece and recycled polyester, they’re great for both work and leisure activities.

These garments insulate and keep heat around your body by effectively creating an air pocket inside your clothes.

They complement Snickers Workwear’s FlexiWork Base-layer undergarments that combine sustainable animal-friendly Merino Wool with polyamide for warmth and ventilation.

As well as the Top-layer or ‘outer shell’ AllroundWork and Flexiwork Weatherproof Jackets and Trousers that will keep you warm, dry and comfortable all day long.

For more information on Snickers Workwear’s sustainability philosophy and it’s Climate Control garments you can call the Helpline on 01484 854788; check out www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or email sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk

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