Robin shows you how to install Thermowood exterior cladding at the Capel Build with some little tricks and tips including some preparation work with the HB42 Eco-foil ’All-in-One’ sealant and adhesive.
Snickers ProtecWork – Increasing Protection Through Layers
This fully accredited and independently tested Protective Wear for heat, flame, electrical arc and chemical risk environments delivers market-leading risk-protection in a wide range of hazardous working environments.
The key features and benefits of the clothing include the hi-tech, advanced fabric technology integral to the Base-, Mid- and Top-Layer garments for both men and women that combine well with the Snickers Workwear hallmarks of best-in-class durability, comfort, ergonomics and fit.
Wear layers to increase your protection
Research carried out by Snickers Workwear in the toughest of working environments has concluded that the best ways to improve your level of protection is to wear layers. The main benefit of wearing layers is that the air gap formed between different garments provides increased protection.
ProtecWork clothing is fully accredited to a variety of risk and bad weather working environments and all the garments are manufactured from tailor-made fabrics designed to respond to the demands of the conditions in which they’re worn.
So with over 60 different garments and accessories to choose from, you can make sure you get the right protection, visibility, flexibility, comfort and durability. Check out the new Snickers Workwear ProtecWork range to fit your workday and wellbeing on site.
Snickers’ Work Gloves For Healthy Hands
There’s one thing that Professional Tradesmen and Women can’t do without if they want to get their jobs done properly – Healthy Hands!
So take good care of your most important tools and choose a pair that’s right for your work to ensure the ultimate in dexterity, durability, comfort and protection.
With advanced designs, features and material combinations, there’s something to suit most trades, from bricklayers and roofers, electricians and plumbers, painters and mechanics, facilities and transportation.
Unique Work Gloves
Added to which the unique ‘curved’ designs ensure strong, secure grips while sophisticated patterns, vents and ribs combined with durable materials that provide cut protection, knuckle protection, ventilation, water and wind protection, even features so you can use your mobile phone.
What’s more, for specialist use where health and safety standards are key requirements, all of our Work Gloves are EN certified for performance and protection.
NEW ProtecWork Protective Clothing From Snickers Workwear
Fully accredited, advanced Protective Wear for heat and flame, electrostatic, mechanical and chemical risk environments from the UK’s leading workwear innovator.
Snickers Workwear’s ProtecWork range has new additions to its protective wear garments including Class 1 and 2 hi-vis work trousers, tops and sweatshirts.
Fully accredited for a variety of risk environments such as heat and flame, electrostatic, chemical and bad weather conditions, all the garments are manufactured from tailor-made fabrics designed to respond to the demands and risk factors of the conditions in which they’re worn.
So with over 60 different garments and accessories to choose from, you can make sure you get the right protection, visibility, flexibility, comfort and freedom of movement on site.
Check out the new Snickers ProtecWork range to fit your workday and wellbeing on site.
For more information on ProtecWork, visit www.snickersworkwear.co.uk ,call the Helpline on 01484 854788 or download a digital catalogue
Laying the Blocks – King Build #4
James is completing the blockwork at the rear of the house and Ian is fitting the windows in Part 4 of the King Build.
The Supreme Finishing Company: https://thesupremefinishingcompany.co.uk
Bifold Doors Install Cock-up ~ RESOLVED!
Installing bi-fold doors can be tricky, so you want a professional, right?
In this case, wrong! Roger regrets his decision to outsource this bi-folding doors install job to the pros and you’ll find out why in this episode.
Impact Driver Showdown! 8 Top Impact Drivers Reviewed
We had an amazing response to our first impact driver test but there were questions asked about the solid oak being a fair torque test.
We decided to update the test and add a comparison of the drivers on concrete. So here it is – our updated showdown of the big players in the impact driver arena.
Roger Bisby takes drivers from Bosch, Dewalt, Hitachi, Hilti, Makita, Metabo, Milwaukee and Panasonic to see which one has the power and features of a champion.
Why did we choose to test these drivers?
All of our tool tests are designed to help you establish which is the best tool for your needs. Is a particular impact driver worth it for what you want to achieve?
Whether or not it’s worth you getting an impact driver at all, these impact driver reviews will arm you with enough information to make an informed decision.
If you are already running a certain platform hopefully the tests will provide you with the reassurance that you’re not missing out because you’re running the wrong brand.
The recent introduction of quiet fluid drives into impact drivers which have traditionally been notoriously noisy is also worth highlighting.
In certain areas where noise is an issue and considerate construction is a priority, the quiet fluid drive is likely to be a real bonus.
As well as the impact driver test conclusion above, links to the full reviews of each impact driver are listed below along with the results of the Solid Oak Torque Test.
As always we would love your feedback and suggestions for the next test – please share your thoughts on our YouTube channel or in the comments below.
Impact Driver Shopping
Support Skill Builder and buy your driver using our affiliate links.
✅ Bosch GDX 18 V-EC – https://amzn.to/3fJyFNw
✅ Dewalt DCF887 – https://amzn.to/33JAwzC
✅ HiKOKI WH18DBDL – https://amzn.to/3gHxnUB
✅ Hilti SID 4-A22 – https://amzn.to/3kwilTJ
✅ Makita DTD170 – https://amzn.to/2Ds2UeU
✅ Metabo SSW 18 LTX 400 Impact wrench – https://amzn.to/2DAc8FO
✅ Milwaukee M18 FQID – https://amzn.to/2PEaO7b
✅ Panasonic EY75A7 – https://amzn.to/3krDrCT
See all of the individual review videos
Bosch GDX 18 V-EC – https://youtu.be/8UifYYM3RbA
Dewalt DCF887 – https://youtu.be/xTWJzfxhtZY
Hitachi WH18DBDL – https://youtu.be/KHwS3Tyc0Y4
Hilti SID 4-A22 – https://youtu.be/cWojSxuQkJE
Makita DTS141 & DTD170 – https://youtu.be/JvBPhFzsuL4
Metabo SSW 18 LTX 400 Impact wrench – https://youtu.be/LZvD-9hveXc
Milwaukee M18 FQID – https://youtu.be/ISE73oT5pLE
Panasonic EY75A7 – https://youtu.be/QnI2f48ygeg
Hungry for more? See our Plunge Saw showdown series.
Measuring Hack – Robin’s Trade Tricks
Robin shows us a neat trick for measuring, marking and cutting Elements board for the bathrooms at the Capel Build.
Laying Palio Clic Luxury Vinyl Flooring by Karndean
How to lay Palio Clic Luxury Vinyl Flooring by Karndean. Roger and Stephen show you their technique for installing Palio Clic LVT.
Palio Clic is a new type of luxury vinyl tile flooring with a patented click-locking system designed for quick and easy installation, with Palio Clic you can achieve an authentic and luxurious feel in your space in no time at all.
Karndean LooseLay with K-Wave Friction Grip video: https://youtu.be/xrkKuCn1L0c
This video is made in association with Karndean and contains product placement.
With eight intricate wood and four classic stone designs, each plank and tile boasts realistic textures and grain details with a hard-wearing and easy to clean wear layer.
The eight wood-look planks are available in a popular large plank format while the four stone designs are available as a contemporary, rectangular tile format.
Palio Clic features
• Click-locking system
• Quick and easy to install
• No need for adhesive
• Realistic appearance
• Suitable for renovation
• Durable
• Easy to clean
• Warm underfoot
• Compatible with underfloor heating
• 100% recyclable
More from Karndean on Skill Builder.
Check out the Palio Clic website.
NEW – EMMA Safety Footwear Added to the Hultafors Group PPE Portfolio
As customer demands for accreditation, safety, quality and value increase, the Hultafors Group continues to stay one step ahead of the competition.
The Hultafors Group’s PPE portfolio already includes market-leading tools, workwear and protective wear brands such as Snickers Workwear, Solid Gear and Toe Guard safety footwear, Hellberg Safety and Hultafors Tools.
The acquisition of EMMA Safety Footwear considerably enhances it range of safety shoes and boots with fully accredited, excellent value footwear to satisfy a wide range of user needs, working environments including light and heavy industry sectors plus office and retail environments.
Complementing the Solid Gear and Toe Guard range, EMMA safety footwear includes all the Hultafors Group hallmarks of hi-tech designs that combine top-quality materials for ultimate comfort, maximum safety and wellbeing at work.
“Delivering this new safety footwear brand to the UK market is a natural step for us to become the leading company in the UK for Safety Footwear, Workwear and Hand Tools”, said Peter Dumigan, the Hultafors Group UK managing director. “Adding EMMA to the Solid Gear and Toe Guard footwear ranges extends our offer of premium quality, high-value brands that are the natural fit for discerning professional craftsmen and women”.
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
Makita DUR368AZ Brushless Brush Cutter – A Cut Above
The Makita DUR368AZ is a great addition to an impressive range of cordless outdoor machines with a new twin 18 Volt Brushless Brush Cutter designed to suit the needs of commercial operators and landscapers looking for a high powered, quiet and easy-to-use brush cutter.
The DUR368AZ Brushless LXT Brush Cutter is a cordless machine powered by two 18V Li-ion batteries. The advanced battery technology from Makita provides 36V of power and runtime without leaving the 18V platform, meaning operators can be confident the machine will endure longer tasks, enabling work over a wide area with just one charge.
Providing an excellent alternative to heavy powered machinery, which can be cumbersome to manoeuvre or access varied shrubland and undergrowth, the DUR368AZ Brush Cutter is a lightweight tool that uses the same counter-clockwise blade rotation as petrol brush cutters, making handling comfortable and familiar, for traditional users.
With user comfort in mind, the U-Handle grip has been designed so that the centre line of the handlebars stay aligned with the users centre of gravity, whilst the active-feedback technology provides extra protection for the user– when the metal blade hits a solid object such as a tree stump or fence, the sudden decrease in rpm triggers the brake, stopping kickback occurring.
Makita DUR368AZ control
Users can select the desired speed from three variants on the LED display and in areas of dense high grass or heavy brushwood, the reverse switch makes dealing with any tangled grass clippings easy, by slowly reversing the rotation of the cutting tool.
The DUR368AZ uses a brushless motor, meaning no friction is created within the motor, to improve the longevity of the tool. Combining this technology with LXT batteries makes the machine up to 50% more efficient and twice as durable, in comparison to alternative models with standard motors. In addition to this, the Automatic Torque Drive function automatically changes the cutting speed according to load condition for optimum operation.
“Operators need machinery that is safe, can provide extensive use, is flexible to work on wide areas, and can tackle every situation, without the worry of power supply,” says Mark Earles, Business Development Manager for garden machinery at Makita. “Whether it be accuracy around flower beds, clearing undergrowth and thick vegetation, the DUR368AZ Brushless Brush Cutter LXT is indispensable.
“We understand that commercial operators work year-round and the brushless motor produces lower vibration levels, improving the safety and comfort of those using the machine.”
LXT is used across over 200 Makita tools, meaning that operators can easily switch between tools depending on the task. To find out more about Makita and its new range of cordless garden machinery products visit: www.makitauk.com
Ground Screws & Timber Floor – Garden Room #1
A brand new series from Skill Builder which follows Robin Clevett and his team through the process of building a deluxe Garden Room.
This type of garden room is perfect for use as a photographic studio, garden office, workshop, man cave or playroom.
Ground screws by Gravitas Groundscrews of Storrington. Please see them on Facebook and mention Skill Builder.
Makita Expands CXT Range with 12v WR100DZ Ratchet Wrench
Makita’s new cordless ratchet wrench is a versatile, compact and lightweight tool suitable for use across a wide range of applications and ideal for accessing tight spaces. With a number of innovative features included, the WR100DZ has been designed to ensure optimum efficiency and operator productivity.
The WR100DZ ratchet wrench utilises Makita’s CXT Compact eXtreme Technology (CXT), making this an ultra-compact and lightweight (1.0kg-1.2kg) machine, suitable for extended use. The inclusion of a LED job light meant that the WR100DZ can light up the project space and aid working in restricted, dark spaces, maximising productivity. The wrench can be used across a number of applications, including automotive, manufacturing, building, HVAC and fabrication.
For ease of operation, the WR100DZ includes a variable speed trigger to easily control the speed and a trigger lock which prevents the trigger from being accidentally pulled, which also improves operator safety by preventing the tool from being accidentally turned on. The locking position also enables operation as a hand ratchet, when the motor is not engaged, so the operator can run-up the nut using the machine without overtightening and then add that final bit of tension by hand.
The WR100DZ is supplied with two socket adaptors (6.35mm square drive and 9.5mm square drive), that can be removed to convert the tool into a pass-through ratchet wrench. This is ideal for tightening 13mm nuts onto long threaded bolts, such as a threaded rod. The WR100DZ also includes a reversing lever, which ensures the tool can rotate both clockwise and anticlockwise.
Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita said: “The WR100DZ has been designed with ease of operation in mind; the inclusion of CXT means its compact, lightweight design improves handling in tight spaces and overhead applications and enables operators to use the tool for extended periods of time with minimal fatigue and with maximum control.”
The WR100DZ is a 12Vmax machine with a no-load speed of 0-800rpm and maximum fastening torque of 47.5Nm. The tool produces vibration of 2.5m/s2 and sound pressure level of 74 dB(A).
To find out more about Makita and its range of tools please visit: www.makitauk.com
Plane Sailing – Makita DKP181 18V Brushless LXT Planer
Makita has launched an exciting new range of products, including the DKP181 18V Brushless LXT Planer (82mm). Combining the speed and capacity of a corded planer with the convenience of cordless, the tool is part of Makita’s expanding 18V series, the world’s largest cordless product line-up powered by an 18V Lithium-Ion battery.
With a 12,000rpm brushless motor providing power equal to that of AC models, the DKP181 is a powerful cordless solution offering increased battery efficiency, designed for building and construction applications.
Its high cutting power provides up to 3mm max planing depth, a planing width of 82mm and a rebating depth of 25mm, ideal for shortening doors, ship-lapping or tapering mouldings.
For user comfort and flexibility, operators can precisely adjust the planing depth and manoeuvre around projects easily by diverting the wood chips either to the left or right, by adjusting the ejection cover plate to the preferred side. The planer offers easy chamfering with three chamfering grooves for different groove dimensions and positioning.
Featuring an electric blade brake to prevent user injury or damage to the workpiece, the blade rapidly stops after the trigger has been released, and the line-up includes model options fitted with Makita’s Auto-start Wireless System (AWS), which connects to compatible dust extractors via Bluetooth to help minimise dust inhalation as well as keeping the workplace clean and tidy whilst working.
The Planer uses a brushless motor, meaning no friction is created within the motor, to improve the longevity of the tool. Combining this technology with LXT batteries makes the machine up to 50% more efficient and two times as durable, in comparison to alternative models with standard motors. In addition to this, the Automatic Torque Driver (ADT) technology automatically changes the cutting speed according to the load conditions for optimum operation and efficiency.
Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita UK said: “This tool provides power, versatility and optimum cutting performance. We have included the dust management feature to help reduce time spent on cleaning up and more time for operators doing what they are skilled at – getting the job done.”
For more information on the DKP181 Brushless Planer and Makita’s new range of products, please visit www.makitauk.com.
Snickers LITEWork Working Clothes for the Summer
The innovative new quick-drying fabrics in this lightweight workwear make them a must for the summer months.
A change of season means a change of focus on what you wear on site. That’s why Snickers NEW LITEWork clothing can help you keep your cool when you’re working in sunny, warm and humid environments.
The ergonomic, body-mapping Trousers, Shirts, Shorts, mid-layer Jackets and Windproofers have all the comfort and functionality of other Snickers Workwear stretch garments but give extra freedom of movement on site.
Just like high-performance sportswear, they are super-light, quick-drying garments – with ventilation and moisture transport features – that keep you looking smart and feeling cool wherever you are on-site in warm weather.
After all, keeping a balanced work temperature is not just about staying cool it’s a matter of your wellbeing and job safety. So, to make sure you get the right protection, flexibility, durability and ventilation, check out the Snickers Workwear product families for precisely the right garments to fit your workday.
Break-in News! Ford TRANSIT Owners Watch This
More tool theft frustration for van owners and once again the problem is so much worse for Ford Transit owners who don’t enjoy strong security features.
Ford Custom and Ford Transit (MK8) are falling prey to a weakness where a hole can be made in the side load door and loads of new attacks are happening.
Our friends at Sussex Installations have a product that can massively reduce the likelihood of you being the next victim of crime.
The Ford Custom and the Ford Transit (MK8) vans do have a metal shield on the latch inside the side load doors as standard, but unfortunately, the design of the factory security shields does not protect the latch mechanism from the hole through the side load door attacks that we are now seeing all over the UK.
https://www.sussexinstallations.co.uk
#VanSecurity #FordTransit #ToolTheft
Riveting Made Easy With Makita DRV150Z & DRV250Z
Leading power tool manufacturer Makita has added two new rivet guns to its power tool range. The DRV150Z and DRV250Z include Makita’s innovative LXT battery technology and brushless motor for maximum efficiency.
The DRV150Z and DRV250Z are both powered by Makita’s 18V LXT batteries, which offer industry-leading run times and charge times, improving on-site efficiency. LXT means that the DRV150Z and DRV250Z benefit from anytime charge (without the need to drain down) and minimal self-discharge and the battery indicator lights makes it simple for operators to monitor how much charge their tools have, improving operator productivity. The machines are compatible with Makita’s 5Ah and 6Ah LXT batteries.
Both machines are designed for heavy-duty, industrial applications. The DRV150Z and DRV250Z can pull both steel and stainless-steel rivets – the DRV150Z can pull rivets up to 4.8mm in diameter and the DRV250Z can pull rivets with diameters up to 6.4mm.
The DRV150Z and DRV250Z can be adjusted to install 2.4mm rivets up to their maximum capacity, simply by changing the nose cone and push rod assembly.
With a 5Ah battery, the DRV150Z can dispense 2,800 4.8mm mild steel rivets per charge – approximately 560 rivets per amp. Due to a shorter pulling length, the DRV150Z is also 1.8 times faster.
The DRV150Z and DRV250Z have a rivet holding mechanism in the nose cone. This ensures that once a rivet is inserted, it is held in place if the tool is being used in any position. This significantly improves efficiency and operator safety. Once the rivet has been installed, operators can tip the tool backwards to ensure that the spent mandrels are collected in the transparent container, instead of littering the worksite.
The inclusion of a brushless motor makes the DRV150Z and DRV250Z incredibly efficient machines. Due to their design, brushless motors do not create friction which limits wear and tear and reduces wasted energy through heat production (which subsequently prevents the tool from overheating). This improves on-site efficiency, as operators can continue to use the DRV150Z and DRV250Z for extended periods of time.
Kevin Brannigan, Marketing Manager at Makita, said: “The combination of cordless and brushless technologies makes Makita’s new models up to 50% more efficient than alternative machines. The DRV150Z and DRV250Z have been designed to ensure that operators can keep working for longer. There are no concerns about the tool overheating due to friction in the motor or the batteries losing charge too quickly or taking a long time to recharge.”
To find out more about Makita and its wide range of products please visit: www.makitauk.com
Scaffold Configuration: Does My Project Need a Bespoke Design?
Scaffold design is a complex and often painstaking business, involving a fairly weighty set of calculations intended to demonstrate the strength and stability (or otherwise) of the proposed structure.
It is a matter of legal compliance that all scaffolds have to be able to demonstrate they conform to minimum standards, which in practice sounds as if there is no option but to carry out all of these design calculations every time you plan to put up a piece of scaffolding.
However, the relevant legislation, the Work at Height Regulations 2005, does make one concession on this. It states that scaffolds may legally be erected without a thorough bespoke design (including calculations) so long as they conform to a ‘generally recognised standard configuration’.
The question then is – what is a generally recognised standard configuration?
The regulations themselves do not provide a clear answer on this, which is problematic for building firms and the scaffolding contractors they hire wondering if they need to draw up a bespoke design from scratch or not. However, the NASC has done a lot of work in this area under the remit of its technical guidance documentation TG20, drawing up evidence-based plans for tube and fitting scaffold configurations which are now considered an authoritative standard compliant with the terms of the 2005 regulations.
In other words, if you base your scaffolding on one of the TG20 plans, you do not need to bother with all of the bespoke design and calculations yourself – the NASC has done it for you. For building contractors, the main benefit of this is reducing costs, because your scaffolding contractor won’t need to spend so much time on the design side.
Compliance
The latest version of the TG20 guidance, TG20:13, outlines more than 10 configurations, including independent tied access scaffolds up to 50m in height, interior birdcage scaffolds, lift shaft scaffolds and chimney stack scaffolds. Compliance sheets are made available with each configuration so contractors can demonstrate their structure meets the standard.
Another situation where bespoke design is not required is if system scaffolds are being used, Ally Towers, Haiki Systems, Pulse Eight Scaffolding and so on. Here, manufacturer’s instructions are interpreted as establishing the ‘generally recognised standard configuration’ – so as with the TG20 compliance sheets, as long as you follow the instructions, you remain compliant.
Despite all of this, it should be pointed out that these ‘pre-compliant’ standard configurations only cover a relatively small proportion of the most common scaffolding use cases. In the vast majority of more specialised cases, and even when it is necessary to amend an otherwise standard design for some reason – for example, by adding a load bay – it will be necessary to literally go back to the drawing board and have a bespoke design drawn up from scratch.
Another requirement of the 2005 regulations is that bespoke designs must be drawn up by a ‘competent person’, so check the credentials of your scaffolding services provider in advance and make sure they are accredited accordingly.
JPS Group provides a wide range of professional services to the buildings and construction trade, including scaffolding design and erection, tool and plant hire, environmental services and training. View more here.
Makita’s Latest Addition to its Radio Range – DMR115 Job Site Radio
Makita has launched the latest addition to its radio range, with the DMR115 Job Site Radio. With Bluetooth functionality and a light weight of 4.8-5.5kg, it is the perfect companion for construction workers.
The new DMR115 Job Site Radio is a robust and simple to use DAB/DAB+ radio. IP65 rated, it has a highly durable design with elastomer bumpers to protect against tough job site conditions.
The Job Site Radio has a powerful Bluetooth sensor to connect wirelessly for audio streaming from mobile devices up to a range of 10 metres away and includes two stereo speakers and an additional subwoofer to produce high-quality sound. In addition, the Multi-Amplifier provides clear hi-fi sound reproduction without decreasing sound quality even when the volume is high.
Matt Chilton, Product Manager at Makita says, “Workers often spend long hours onsite, from taking on heavy-duty construction work to fixing snagging – so it’s only right they have high quality, reliable entertainment available to help make even the most laborious of tasks more enjoyable.
“We’ve designed our latest DMR115 Job Site Radio to provide not only the best in sound quality but the best in convenience. The radio is equipped with a dual power source for AC or Makita LXT and CXT batteries, providing flexibility regardless of the power sources available onsite.
In addition, the USB slot will allow for mobile charging onsite, so you never need to worry about draining the source phone’s battery.
“This, in combination with a high-quality sound woofer to provide deeper and richer bass sounds, a My Equaliser (MY EQ) mode to adjust treble and bass and six selectable sound modes to suit various music genres, makes the radio the ultimate onsite companion.”
For more information on the site radios available from Makita, please visit www.makitauk.com.
Working with Pipelife Easy-Lay PB Barrier Pipe
In the final part of our sponsored Pipelife series, we look at the Easy-Lay push-fit polybutylene barrier pipe.
Suitable for all hot and cold plumbing and central heating systems. It can be used in both sealed and open vented systems and has been designed to withstand constant pressure at high temperatures. The combination of low thermal conductivity and high corrosion resistance makes it ideal for use in central heating systems.
5 Reasons to use Pipelife Easy-Lay Pipe
1. Ultra-Flexible – Our Easy-Lay Pipe is more flexible than other pipes allowing you to manoeuvre the pipe into awkward spaces with complete ease. It’s quick and easy to uncoil and the flexible material makes cabling through joists a simple task.
2. Easy to Handle – Easy-Lay Polybutylene Barrier Pipe is made from a soft material with little memory ensuring a flexible and easy to handle pipe.
3. Lays Flat, Stays Flat – When uncoiled the pipe will keep straight and lay flat meaning there are no issues trying to coil the pipe back into place.
4. Barrier Layer – Our Easy-Lay pipe is made up of 5 layer EVOH Barrier. Available in 10mm, 15mm, 22mm & 28mm sizes in both white and grey colours.
5. Full BS7291-Class S and WRAS approvals and comes with our market-leading 50-year guarantee. Specifiers & installers can have full confidence in the quality and reliability of this range
A good alternative to JG Speedfit or Polypipe.
Find out more: https://www.pipelife.co.uk
