Thursday, July 31, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 37

Makita Launches New ’80v’ Max SDS-Max Demolition Hammers

Dylan Garton
-
0
Makita Launches New ’80v’ Max SDS-Max Demolition Hammers

As part of its latest wave of new product releases, Makita has added the first 40VMax x2 (80-Volt) demolition hammers to its XGT range of high-performance tools. The new demolition hammers feature Makita’s high-efficiency brushless motors and have been engineered to deliver all the benefits of cordless power for the highest demand applications.

Both the 40VMax x2 XGT Brushless Demolition Hammer (HM002GZ03) and 40VMax x2 XGT Brushless Rotary Demolition Hammer (HR006GZ) are powered by two 40VMax XGT Li-Ion batteries in series.

This provides performance levels in line with the corded equivalent and the run times needed to maximise productivity.

Makita HM002G 40VmaxX2 80V XGT Brushless 18mm AWS Demolition Hammer
Makita HM002G 40VmaxX2 80V XGT Brushless 18mm AWS Demolition Hammer

The HM002GZ03 40VMax x2 XGT Brushless Demolition Hammer is compatible with SDS-MAX chisels and has 12 bit angle settings.

It features variable speed control via an easy to operate dial and provides 950 to 1,900 blows per minute (bpm) with an impact energy of 20.9 Joules (J) per stroke.

It also has a comfortable, compact design with a trigger lock-on / lock-off slide lever for ease of use.

Also launched is the 40VMax x2 XGT Brushless ‘Rotary’ Demolition Hammer (HR006GZ), which has two operating modes – rotary hammer and hammer only. It includes variable speed control, has a drilling speed of 150 to 310 rpm and delivers 1,100 to 2,250 bpm.

The versatile machine is compatible with SDS-MAX chisels, drill bits up to 52mm and core bits up to 160mm. For user safety, the HR006GZ includes a torque limiter and Makita’s Active Feedback sensing Technology (AFT), which shuts down the tool if the rotation speed suddenly slows.

Both new additions feature a soft-no-load function and Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT), to reduce the levels of tool vibration and therefore extend safe trigger times.

The tools also benefit from Makita’s innovative Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS) functionality, which allows the tool to connect to compatible dust extractors via Bluetooth when fitted with an AWS chip, so the extractor can run automatically while the tool is in use. This means simpler and easier dust management for a cleaner and healthier environment.

The new demolition hammers feature Makita’s innovative brushless motors that deliver improved performance and longer run times by minimising the friction and wasted energy within the machine.

Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “We are excited to launch the first in our line-up of 80VMax machines, as the next evolution of XGT, continuing towards our vision of a battery solution for all applications.

The launch of these 80VMax demolition hammers gives customers a safer and simpler alternative to corded machines for some of the most demanding tasks.

The products combine our tried and trusted technologies with new innovations in our XGT battery platform to deliver the performance that construction professionals require.”

To find out more about Makita’s range of high-performance XGT tools visit: www.makitauk.com.

See more from Makita with Skill Builder.

Tegera Anti-Vibration Glove Won Best In Test

Dylan Garton
-
0
Tegera Anti-Vibration Glove Won Best In Test

A range of 24 vibration protection gloves were put through their paces recently in a British-wide safety survey that pitted some of the most respected brands and gloves on the market against each other.

Ejendals’ popular TEGERA® 9180 being awarded Best All-round Anti-vibration Glove. The review measured performance in real-life situations, comfort and fit, and suitability for a broad range of industry applications.

Therese Engvall, Head of Glove Research and Development at Ejendals was delighted with the result, saying “This is very exciting news for us at Ejendals.

It shows us we’re very much on the right path with our thinking and highlights the importance of both our research and development and our close collaboration with our customers.

Our products not only need to provide leading protection but also be comfortable to wear – everything we do at Ejendals is directed towards safety.”

This is one competition that it’s truly safe to say, ‘no one was shocked during testing’, and with such a distinguished range of protective products on review, it’s easy to see why.

The TEGERA® 9180 features Vibrothan@ in the construction of the inner hand, our own specially designed foam material that provides industry-leading protection from extended periods of vibration from tools such as jackhammers; the kind of vibration that can lead to devastating muscle and nerve damage in the long run.

On the ergonomic side, pre-curved fingers and reinforced index finger and fingertips, coupled with Microthan® for better grip, means the TEGERA® 9180 is built for better protection and comfort.

Ejendals is a Swedish company that for generations has specialized in developing, manufacturing and marketing high-quality products that protect hands and feet.

In close collaboration with researchers and our customers, we design products that deliver the highest standard of protection, durability and ergonomics.

What we sell is a complete safety concept, which aims to reduce accidents through quality products, education and safety inspections. From our corporate head office in Leksand, Sweden, we envision a safer day with zero injuries to hands and feet.

Our main product brands are TEGERA® gloves and JALAS® shoes.

Check out the Tegera Anti-Vibration Glove on the Ejendals website.

See more on safety gloves with Skill Builder.

Splay Cut Trade Trick ~ 2 Minute Tip

Dylan Garton
-
0
Splay Cut Trade Trick ~ 2 Minute Tip
Splay Cut – Pitch A Roof With Ease

Ultimate Roofing Square (Imperial version, USA and Canadian Market)
🛒 https://www.essential-carpenter-tools.co.uk
🛒 Tracer Deep Hole Pencil: https://amzn.to/2ZeMtKA

The Imperial Roofing Square makes building a pitched roof effortless and extremely quick. This version of the square uses Inches instead of millimetres. It is designed for the USA and Canadian markets where run over rise per 12inches is common. Use of great metal knobs to make the square even sturdier than it was.

Designed by time served carpenters and refined over years of real-world usage, this is the only tool you will ever need to quickly and accurately pitch a roof.

By incorporating 4 tools into a single tool the Ultimate Roofing Square by Essential Carpenter Tools provides everything you need to make pitching a roof easy and error-free. Using the Ultimate Roofing Square to pitch a timber roof gives confidence that the job will be completed quickly, correctly and without costly errors.

​With the clear and simple information supplied with the tool, even self-builders are able to pitch their own roofs.

How To Fit Herringbone Joist Struts Like a Pro

Dylan Garton
-
0
How To Fit Herringbone Joist Struts Like a Pro
Dan Cox shows us how to install floor joist cross bracing or herringbone joist struts..

Check out Dan’s Ultimate Roofing Square 🛒 https://www.essential-carpenter-tools.co.uk
____________________________________
SEE DAN’S OTHER SKILL BUILDER VIDEOS

🎬 Roof Construction Trade Masterclass: https://youtu.be/_TmXZ0cGNEI

🎬 Roof Framing Masterclass British Style: https://youtu.be/OSDUZPV8GB0

🎬 Dan’s 2-minute Tip: https://youtu.be/rRdUfL3cwbQ

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

Plasterboarding ~ Extension Build #11

Dylan Garton
-
0
Plasterboarding ~ Extension Build #11
Plasterboarding The Extension

James & Ian share the Festool Drywall Screwdriver in Part 11 of our How To Build An Extension series.

Check out ForgeFast Elite Performance wood screws: https://www.forgefastelite.com

🛒 Festool DWC 18-4500 Li 5,2-Plus 18v Drywall Screwdriver: https://bit.ly/3wiz0Qx

🛒 Klip-Ez: https://www.klip-ez.co.uk

🛒 DeWalt DCS356N 18v XR Multi-Tool (body only): https://amzn.to/3pEmbNa

🛒 DeWalt DCS356 18v XR Multi-Tool Kit: https://amzn.to/2IIvs67

_______________________
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

The Common Assessment Standard from CHAS: What you need to know

Dylan Garton
-
0
The Common Assessment Standard from CHAS: What you need to know

The rollout of a new data-sharing agreement between the Common Assessment Standard providers means the benefits of qualifying for and specifying the scheme are greater than ever. CHAS, Managing Director Ian McKinnon explains more.

Ian McKinnon
Ian McKinnon

What is the Common Assessment Standard?

Since its launch in 2019, the Common Assessment Standard has fast become the construction industry’s gold standard for prequalification.

Led by Build UK, with the support of CECA, the scheme has been designed to replace multiple assessment schemes with one comprehensive industry-agreed questionnaire, based on existing prequalification questionnaires, including PAS 91.

Previously the PQ system was complex and repetitive, with an estimated 180,000 specialist contractors required to produce over two million pieces of paper every year for 5,000 contractors at a cost of up to £1 billion.

The Common Assessment Standard cuts through this inefficiency while helping the industry manage risk across a wider range of criteria such as sustainability, modern slavery and financial performance.

Who specifies the Common Assessment Standard?

As the Common Assessment standard is resetting a long-established system, a phased approach is being taken to its rollout. This allows companies to adopt the Common Assessment Standard at a time that suits them; however, it has already gained strong support from both the public and private sectors. The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) requires that contractors appointed to its seven-year framework assess their supply chains using the Common Assessment Standard, and it is expected to feature in the details of the Government’s new Construction Playbook. The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) also supports the scheme.

Many major contractors have also moved swiftly to specifying the new standard, with this figure expected to rise now that the data-sharing agreement is in place.

What’s the relevance of the data-sharing agreement?

CHAS was the first accreditation body to offer the Common Assessment Standard in 2019 via the CHAS Premier package. Although contractors could now take the assessment with other approved assessment bodies, the data-sharing agreement means the details of everyone who passes the assessment can be accessed via any of the providers, regardless of which assessment body carries out the audit. For CHAS contractors, this means they only need to complete the Common Assessment Standard once a year with CHAS to qualify for a wide range of work rather than having to sign up to multiple schemes – saving time and money.

Meanwhile, clients looking for pre-qualified contractors simply specify the Common Assessment Standard to find contractors accredited to a single, consistent industry-agreed standard. Clients can access a database of these contractors via the services of any of the assessment bodies – such as the free CHAS Client Portal.

Why choose CHAS?

As well as being the founder of third party accreditation and a trusted authority on supply chain risk management, CHAS is renowned for providing friendly and efficient service and high customer satisfaction levels.

CHAS contractors receive additional benefits such as access to e-learning resources, discounted fuel and shopping schemes and business insurance. CHAS is also committed to helping contractors who are not yet ready to complete the Common Assessment Standard to work towards higher levels of accreditation.

Meanwhile, it is free, quick and easy for clients to sign up to the CHAS Client Portal where they will also find a suite of complementary supply chain management and procurement tools.

How can you find out more?

To find out more about qualifying for, or specifying, the Common Assessment Standard, visit www.chas.co.uk or call 0345 521 9111.

Screeding And Plastering ~ 35A Extension #8

Dylan Garton
-
0
Screeding And Plastering ~ 35A Extension #8
Screeding And Plastering The Extension

It’s 2007 and Roger and Steve get the screed down ready for the tiler, while G&E Plastering tackles the walls and ceiling on the 35A Extension.

Clean & Protected Hands with Big Wipes ~ 2-Minute Tip

Dylan Garton
-
0
Clean & Protected Hands with Big Wipes ~ 2-Minute Tip
Check out the Big Wipes antiviral product range: https://www.bigwipes.com

James has a 2-minute tip for quick, clean and disinfected hands.

____________________________________________
What are Heavy-Duty ProPlus Big Wipes?
Heavy-Duty ProPlus antiviral and antibacterial wipes are effective hand cleaning and disinfecting wipes. Power cleansers tackle the toughest grime and skin conditioners help to protect and moisturise the skin.

Antiviral and Antibacterial Protection
The Big Wipes product range conforms to EN 14476 and is proven to be effective against enveloped viruses, including SARS-Cov-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. All wipes also offer up to 99.9% antibacterial protection (compliant with BS EN 1276) and are dermatologically tested with zero levels of skin irritation recorded. The water-based formula is biodegradable, free from preservatives, parabens and phosphates.

Unique Texture
Heavy-Duty wipes incorporate high adhesion web technology with a dual-sided scrub and clean fabric. The abrasive side scrubs off even the toughest grime, viruses and bacteria, while the smooth side soaks it all up in the quickest time. Furthermore, the firm grip, no-slip textile ensures reduced slippage, high tear resistance and no pilling.

Big Wipes Go Anti-Viral

Dylan Garton
-
0
Big Wipes Go Anti-Viral

The market-leading Big Wipes brand is known for its unmatched cleaning power, packing a punch to grease, grime, and bacteria on the go.

Now that punch is even bigger, as Big Wipes achieves anti-viral accreditation. They are the first industrial-grade cleaning wipes in the UK to gain EN14476, the stringent European anti-viral standard for chemical disinfectants.

‘Big Wipes are now EVEN BETTER,’ explains Nigel Dibbo, Big Wipes Managing Director. ‘Still with their unique combination – high-tech cleaning power with a dermatologically tested, antibacterial formula – but now fully lab-tested to have proven effectiveness against Coronavirus. There’s some strong science at work here.’

‘This is a game-changer for our customers supplying the building services industry, especially as the market opens up again post-Covid.’

Big Wipes Heavy-Duty

This really does make Big Wipes the all-in-one toolkit essential. Building services contractors can now issue and use just ONE product to clean and disinfect wherever they are working.

A truly portable all-in-one solution. They keep the team clean, the workplace clean and importantly disinfect as they go, for ongoing worksite protection against Coronavirus.

All Big Wipes are now “PT1” and “PT2” registered making them suitable for the disinfection and sanitisation of both hands and surfaces at the same time.

No more multiple products for specialist surface cleaning, safe hand cleaning and sanitiser to disinfect.

Big Wipes does it all – one product, one job, saving time and money and giving customers the assurance that everyone remains safe.

‘Brilliantly, the certification is also retrospective which means that just about every Big Wipes product in use & in our customers’ branches & warehouses is immediately antiviral.

Just look out for the letters ‘BW’ printed after the batch code on every tub.’

Check out the Big Wipes antiviral product range: www.bigwipes.com

See more on Big Wipes with Skill Builder.

Fitting Keylite Roof Windows ~ Extension Build #10

Dylan Garton
-
0
Fitting Keylite Roof Windows ~ Extension Build #10
James & Ian install Keylite roof windows in Part 10 of our How To Build An Extension series.

Keylite Roof Windows: https://www.keyliteroofwindows.com

ForgeFast Elite Performance wood screws: https://www.forgefastelite.com

Astutis Celebrates 10 Years of Leadership and Learning

Dylan Garton
-
0
Astutis Celebrates 10 Years of Leadership and Learning

Astutis, an industry leader in workplace health, safe­ty and environmental training, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary – having reached the impressive milestone of partnering with more than 100,000 customers across 3,000 organisations in 180 countries. All in the name of helping to make the world of work safer, happier and more eco-conscious.

Improving the world of work

The environment and our health and safety are fundamental to our very existence. Both require increased awareness, understanding and continuous improvement.

The risk of injury, or even death, at work remains ever-present – while global pressures for increasing sustainability in business continue to rise. Which is why first-class health, safety and environmental training is an absolute must for businesses across all industries worldwide.

For the past ten years, Astutis has been dedicated to delivering a world-class suite of fully accredited and globally-revered health, safety and environmental training courses.

Success through transformation

Managing Director, Steve Terry, reflects on Astutis’ achievements: “We’re delighted to be celebrating these fantastic milestones, especially after a year in which we’ve seen a global pandemic change the world. 2020 was a year of adapting and evolving, and for our business it’s been a period of transformation.

“Our 10th birthday isn’t only a mark of how far we’ve come as a business, but an opportunity to reflect. The world of work has changed dramatically over the last decade, and so have we.

“Now more than ever, our approach centres on offering support in a way that meets our customers’ changing needs. This has been particularly important over the last 12 months.

We’ve actively sought the opinions of our customers to better understand what they need. By doing so, we’ve been able to adapt to suit them and offer the support they need.

Most notably by accelerating the rollout of a full suite of virtual and online training courses.

“Regardless of how far we’ve come, we’ve remained steadfast in our mission statement: to develop and provide reliable and relevant information and training to advance knowledge, raise awareness and exchange occupational safety and health information.”

The Astutis story

Astutis’ journey began in 2011, when it offered its first online training course. Today, it employs over fifty people across the UK and Dubai. The last decade has been a true success story.

  • In 2013, Astutis opened 17 UK training centres.
  • In 2014, Astutis secured its ISO 9001 accreditation before opening a Middle East office in 2015 and branching out into the wellbeing market with its stress and wellbeing course in 2018.
  • 2019 saw a crowning achievement, with Astutis awarded NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner status. This cemented its position as a leading training provider of the NEBOSH General Certificate, the most widely recognised health and safety qualification of its kind.

More recently during the pandemic, Astutis has broadened its virtual capabilities. In 2020, it secured Cyber Essentials accreditation, launched Astutis TV (which has already reached over 1,000 subscribers), its first online environmental skills training course, and a new global virtual training academy for live-online course delivery

Today, Astutis is the UK’s fastest-growing provider of HSE services and enjoys a worldwide reputation for excellence.

A human approach

On what sets Astutis apart, Steve said simply: “Our people, and a human approach. None of this would have been possible without our team of exceptional tutors and highly skilled men and women dedicated to supporting our learners.

They all have a tremendous passion for what they do: helping others and, ultimately, improving people’s lives in the workplace. Each team member can share fond memories of specific learners who have touched us with their stories of success. That’s testament to the human approach we adopt and reflected in our 98 per cent customer satisfaction rate.”

For more information and guidance with choosing the right course for you and your team, visit www.astutis.com, email enquiries@astutis.com, or call +44(0)345 241 3685.

See more on health and safety with Skill Builder.

EMMA Safety Footwear Will Improve Your Carbon Footprint

Dylan Garton
-
0
EMMA Safety Footwear Will Improve Your Carbon Footprint

Safety Footwear that’s a step ahead in taking the environment seriously.

EMMA is a socially responsible brand that delivers a 100% circular footwear offering that is set to change the way we buy and use safety footwear.

Businesses from all industry sectors, from construction to manufacturing, to logistics, warehousing, office and retail, are making huge strides in sustainability and making bold public commitments to improving their social impact and encouraging their supply chains to do the same.

As part of these efforts, many businesses are embracing the circular economy and looking for opportunities to eliminate waste and find ways to continually use resources.

EMMA Safety Footwear
EMMA Safety Footwear

That’s where EMMA steps in to be an active part of the corporate sustainability programme.

Every piece of footwear in the EMMA range is made entirely from recycled or recyclable materials. They’re safe for the environment with a 100% ‘circular’ manufacturing, usage-mapping and recycling process for every shoe and boot produced under the EMMA brand.

Part of the Hultafors Group portfolio of market-leading PPE brands, EMMA complements the Solid Gear and Toe Guard safety footwear ranges by including all the Hultafors Group hallmarks of hi-tech designs that combine top-quality materials for ultimate comfort, maximum safety and wellbeing at work.

So, to make a positive social impact in your workplace, if your ordinary safety footwear just isn’t contributing to your sustainability policy, you can be sure there’s an EMMA product that is.

To get more information on EMMA Safety Footwear, visit the website at www.emmasafetyfootwear.com , call the Snickers Helpline on 01484 854788 or email sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk

See more from EMMA with Skill Builder.

Insulation and Plasterboard ~ 35A Extension #7

Dylan Garton
-
0
Insulation and Plasterboard ~ 35A Extension #7
Back in 2007, Roger, Steve and Jono take care of the sliding doors, insulation and plasterboard on the 35A Extension.

Does Klip-ez Make Cutting Plasterboard More Accurate?

Dylan Garton
-
0
Does Klip-ez Make Cutting Plasterboard More Accurate?
The easy-to-use tool makes cutting plasterboard accurate, allowing a single user to cut boards quickly, without any help..

This Tool Makes Your Board Cuts Fast & Accurate. James tries out Klip_ez.

Klip_ez Time Saving Tools: https://www.klip-ez.co.uk

ABOUT KLIP_EZ

KLIP_EZ is a new concept in board technology; compact and affordable allowing you to measure and cut boards with accuracy.

Easy to store on a tool belt or in a toolbox, your KLIP_EZ will soon be your favourite time-saving companion!

Social Media: Are You Getting It Right?

Dylan Garton
-
0
Social Media: Are You Getting It Right?

Sarah Woodhouse, Director at AMBITIOUS PR, shares her top tips on making the most of social media when it comes to marketing your business …

Whether it’s sharing a funny video clip, your holiday photos (remember those?) or your thoughts on how your favourite football team performed in last night’s game, social media is a great place to connect with friends and family. And these days, it’s also a powerful business tool.

The Coronavirus pandemic has had a mixed impact on the trades, with many tradespeople suffering a loss of income, particularly during the initial lockdown when so many projects had to stop.

If your own business has been impacted, ramping up your marketing activity is especially important and social media is a great opportunity to raise your profile.

But how can you turn something you’re used to using in your personal life as a way of promoting your business? And if you’re already using social media to support your business, can you be sure you’re doing it right?

A ‘shopfront’ for your work

People don’t always trust companies without a website (or with a very poor one), so it’s best practice to have both a website and a social media presence. Good, simple websites are fairly cheap to set up as a hub of information for your potential customers, including links through to your social media accounts.

Setting up a business page on Facebook is easy and free to do and works well as a complement to your website, so it’s not hard to see why small businesses are increasingly relying on this platform.

A Facebook page is particularly useful for the amount of information you’re able to include in one place – and the fact more and more potential customers are likely to be relying on local Facebook groups when seeking recommendations for tradespeople.

It sounds obvious, but make sure you’ve included all key contact details for your business, including a link through to your website, plus plenty of photos of your work and reviews from customers. Encourage previous customers to leave a review and it will help build confidence in your ability to do a good job.

Social Media and the trades

What to post

Social media is a great place to show off the quality of your work and there’s no better way of doing that than by using photos – especially if you’re working on home or garden renovations.

Depending on how confident you are in front of a camera, sharing videos is a great way to inject some personality into your profile while showing off your expertise.

You could do a quick video of a particularly tricky piece of work and explain how you overcame any challenges involved, or share something you’re proud of and why you think it works particularly well. You can find more tips on creating videos for social media here.

Remember, always ask permission from your customer before taking photos of work you have completed at their property and try not to include any details that can easily identify where they live (such as door numbers) and licence plates.

In addition to filling your feed with photos of your work, you can share posts about your availability, the areas in which you work, any job opportunities you may have at your business or positive feedback you’ve had from customers.

Choose the right tone

It’s often been said that people do business with people, not companies. So it’s good to show some personality in your posts, but just be aware of keeping things professional.

Photos of you and your mates messing around on-site don’t always go down well with potential customers and are best left for your personal social media accounts.

Keep posting

Update your feed regularly (it doesn’t look good if the last post your potential customer can see is from over a year ago) and it will help to show how in-demand your services are.

Social media is a commitment, so start small by focusing on one platform only and make a point of updating your feed once every week if you can.

Address any criticism

Having a social media presence for your business makes it easier for customers to leave feedback. This is great when it comes to positive customer reviews, but be prepared that, for those who are less than satisfied with your work, this also gives them an outlet to share their disappointment.

Whether or not you feel any criticism is justified, it’s important to respond quickly and reasonably. Politely reply to their post and do your best to take the conversation offline.

Something along the lines of: “I’m sorry you feel that way and I’ll give you a call to talk about how we can address this” usually works.

You’ll see I haven’t suggested a public, direct apology – and, for legal reasons, that’s something you should avoid – but it shows sympathy for your customer and that you’re willing to listen and see what can be done to put things right.

Getting social media right requires time and effort, but once you’re in the practice of regularly updating your news feed, checking and responding to customer feedback and building your reputation with positive reviews, the rewards to your business can be significant.

AMBITIOUS PR is an award-winning agency with expertise in the construction sector. For more information on PR and marketing for the property sector, including case studies, visit www.ambitiouspr.co.uk/property-pr-agency

See more on social media with Skill Builder.

Building The Stud Walls ~ Extension Build #9

Dylan Garton
-
0
Building The Stud Walls ~ Extension Build #9
James builds the interior stud walls..

Part 9 of our How To Build An Extension series.

We love ForgeFast Elite Performance wood screws! https://www.forgefastelite.com

Knightsbridge lighting & wiring accessories: https://www.mlaccessories.co.uk

Home USB Charging Just Got Faster Thanks to Knightsbridge

Dylan Garton
-
0
Home USB Charging Just Got Faster Thanks to Knightsbridge

Domestic USB charging points continue to grow in popularity with homeowners, and Knightsbridge – one of the UK’s leading manufacturer of wiring devices, accessories, and lighting – is leading the trend with the introduction of 230V 13A two-gang switched sockets that uniquely support FASTCHARGE* in two USB ports.

The sockets have either a Type-A USB port, for the most encountered chargers, and a Type-C, which is fast becoming the device charging standard; or two Type-A ports. In either combination, however, both ports are FASTCHARGE enabled. This means that a device compatible with QC2.0/ QC3.0 (Quick Charge) or PD FASTCHARGE can achieve up to a 50% charge in 30 minutes or less.

ML2105FC Knightsbridge USB charging sockets

Both outlets are capable of delivering between 5V DC and 12V DC at a maximum of 3A. Standard charging mode provides up to 10W for both USB types; although charging rates depend on the type of device, for instance, mobile phones ‘determine’ how much power to draw.

The total output is a maximum of 4A when both outlets are in use. The Knightsbridge sockets are unique in the market in being able to shift voltages up to 9 or 12V in either port to achieve 18W.

For instance, the typical Type-C smartphone will draw a maximum of 3A. FASTCHARGE increases that to 18W by switching up the voltages so that 12V x 1.5A = 18W. On the other hand, competitor products will typically languish at 15W (5V x 3A = 15W).

The Knightsbridge FASTCHARGE ports are instantly recognisable over standard items with a distinctive orange port insert colour. Finish options for both socket types include Matt White, Matt Black and Brushed Chrome from its Screwless range and Brushed Chrome in Raised Edged Square. A choice of pin inserts in white, grey or black is available for all Brushed Chrome models.

Finally, all Knightsbridge USB FASTCHARGE 13A two-gang switched sockets are warrantied for two years.

For further details of the Knightsbridge innovative wiring accessories and lighting products, please visit www.mlaccessories.co.uk or call 01582 887760.

*Apple devices do not support PD FASTCHARGE, but the use of certified cables will achieve an optimum charge rate of up to 5V 3A.

See more on electrical wiring accessories with Skill Builder.

Enhanced Visibility and Safety With Snickers Workwear Hi-Vis

Dylan Garton
-
0
Enhanced Visibility and Safety With Snickers Workwear Hi-Vis

A Superior Range of Hi Vis Protective Wear – for all kinds of light conditions.

Snickers Workwear takes personal wellbeing at work very seriously. That’s why this range of Hi-Vis protective wear is streets ahead of anything else.

 

Revolution 2 Safety Trainer

With updated styles and designs added to the extensive range of Jackets, Trousers, Shorts, Toolvests, Shirts and Fleeces for men and women, there’s a host of garments in the range to satisfy the specific requirements of Classes 1, 2 and 3 protection levels.

These ‘outstanding’ products combine Snickers’ unrivalled hallmarks of functionality and comfort with the requirements of the EN20471 standard for high visibility warning clothes.

With advanced designs and high-tech fabrics that are windproof and water-repellent, all the garments have durable, colour-fast protection that will last for wash after wash, retaining shape and comfort throughout the life of the garments.

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

Getting more information on the Snickers Workwear range of ProtecWork and Snickers Workwear Hi-Vis protective wear is easy. You call the Helpline on 01484 854788; check out www.snickersworkwear.co.uk and download a digital catalogue; or you can email info@snickersworkwear.co.uk

Seismic Savings in Blast Protection

Dylan Garton
-
0
Seismic Savings in Blast Protection

Seismic activity may be rare in the UK, but many buildings and critical infrastructure need to be protected from blasts. The cost of specialised equipment capable of withstanding the forces and violent movement caused by seismic and blast activity can be extortionate. However, there is an alternative, more efficient way of providing this blast protection than the traditionally expensive ‘ruggedisation’ method. Here, Adam Fox, director of vibration control specialist Mason UK, explains how you can provide effective blast protection in projects, including where vibration isolation is also required.

Say ‘seismic activity’ in the UK and you might just think of a few damaged chimney pots. Yet while genuine seismic activity might be rare, the engineering expertise that is used to protect buildings from seismic activity still has relevant applications. Bomb blasts or terrorist activity can subject buildings and critical infrastructure to what is euphemistically referred to as ‘accidental loads.’

Faced with these accidental loads, buildings need to remain viable. They must remain stable enough for people to evacuate and firefighters to enter if needed.

Seismic Savings with Restrained spring mount and housing

You also want to avoid the ventilation or water supply being taken out by the blast. Consequences like these could be disastrous, especially in military installations or for critical infrastructure like power stations.

Engineers, therefore, design buildings with these criteria in mind. The basic engineering principles were set out in the International Building Code that was designed with the help of our big brother across the pond, Mason Industries, in the 1970s.

In many conventional buildings, the volume of steel and concrete provides sufficient blast protection, but in situations where you need to introduce a structural break for vibration isolation reasons, you require a different level of engineering expertise.

For example, let’s say you have a building that is mounted on a series of columns and is near a train line. You might place one of our bearings on top of the column, to protect the building from the vibration caused by the train.

Suddenly, you have a soft connection between the column and the structure it is supporting. So how do you make sure the column is fit to withstand the accidental loads referred to before?

In these situations, where vibration isolation meets blast protection requirements, there are two solutions. The more simple, traditional approach is to apply heavy restraints which can be seriously expensive and if poorly designed can easily negate the benefit of the vibration control measures It is more efficient for cost and performance to design a connection that respects both.

Ensuring building services remain operational can keep a building running. Expensive ‘ruggedised’ plant equipment can cope with forces but the smarter, far cheaper engineering solution would involve combing anti-vibration mounts with inbuilt restraints.

The former provides general vibration isolation but will also reduce any forces from a blast or accidental load down to levels that standard, off the shelf equipment can withstand.

The equipment in the video shows spring mounts with seismic restraints cushioning a pump and motor. It may look violent but the goal is to reduce forces down to less than the equipment would see when being shipped to site.

We have worked on many projects for the military and government, as well as for buildings whose function just cannot be interrupted for repairs. We worked to provide a holistic engineering solution, ensuring the entire system was designed to withstand accidental loads and protect critical infrastructure.

If you need to introduce structural breaks for vibration isolation, or need to meet blast protection criteria, you face a problem. However, the problem is not that we lack a viable engineering solution in these situations.

The problem is, so many developers, architects and engineers are simply not aware that this kind of engineering solution is available and therefore fork out extortionate sums on ruggedization and extra testing.

Mason UK is a vibration isolation specialist with extensive expertise in seismic engineering. To discover how their products and engineering can assist your projects, visit mason-uk.co.uk, email info@masonuk.co.uk or call (01252) 716610.

Moving Heavy Steel Beams ~ 35A Extension #6

Dylan Garton
-
0
Moving Heavy Steel Beams ~ 35A Extension #6
Roger and Steve shift some heavy steel beams..

Another vintage episode from the 35A Extension series where we see around.

1...363738...108Page 37 of 108

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© SkillBuilder