Friday, September 5, 2025
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Central Heating Failure? – 3 Things You Can Try

Have you suffered a central heating failure after the summer break?

Don’t worry it’s common and Roger reckons 90% of you will be up and running after watching this video.

1. Check system pressure and top up if required

2. Check that the pump is working properly.

3. Check that the motorised valves are opening.

Troubleshooting central heating problems once again with Roger Bisby. Let us know what problem you are having.

Check out How to Repair a Motorised Central Heating Valve

Snickers Workwear’s NEW Hoodies and Sweatshirts

The new range of Hoodies and Sweatshirts for craftsmen and women are probably the most comfortable we’ve ever designed.

The ‘Full Zip’ or ‘Overhead’ Sweatshirt and Hoodie choices are ideally combined with Snickers’ First and Second Layer Undergarments and can comfortably be worn under a jacket on chilly days.

Street-smart and great for on-site or leisure activities there’s a range of styles and colour options to choose from.

They’re made from a cosy, durable polycotton fabric for extra ruggedness and have a soft-brushed finish on the inside for extra comfort plus handwarmer pockets at the front.

They also feature an unmistakable Snickers logo and are ideal for company profiling.

Concealed Cistern Problems? Try This 5-Minute Fix

If you’ve ever had concealed cistern flush problems? This 5-minute fix for a push-button toilet mechanism will repair the problem.

Bushboard Evolve Chosen for Solar Powered Narrowboat

When Tim Knox, founder of Mothership Marine, wanted a stunning kitchen for his company’s remarkable solar-powered narrowboat, he chose Evolve Caldiera for the worksurfaces.

The Mothership Electric Narrowboat concept is the first of its kind.  She is a purpose-built solar-powered boat with an electric motor supported by a backup generator.  The idea born of many uncomfortable water-based outings like sailing and rafting combines boating with the facilities and cosiness of a family home – hence ‘Mother’.

Tim Explains “For my wife, Sue, boating, canoeing and rafting have been a source of terrific family enjoyment.  Now the children are older; I felt she deserved something a little more luxurious.  So I built SHINE. A solar-powered narrowboat that we can comfortably use all year round.  The steel-hulled narrowboat is also quiet, exceptionally green and easy on the pocket too.  Eco-Friendly boating means we can travel the waterways without leaving an impact; no noise, no clawing diesel fumes and absolutely zero emissions. It’s like going back a few centuries when just one horse pulled all boats”.

[foogallery id=”7564”]

When it came to fitting out the interior Mothership worked with Morris and Co to develop interiors that celebrate the Arts and Crafts movement of the 19th century while resonating modern-day chic.  The kitchen was handcrafted to fit the narrowboats slender proportions using reclaimed wood from a hospital in Wiltshire, with steel surrounds fitted to the doors to create the retro feel.   The selection of Bushboard Evolve worktops finished the kitchen in a modern and understated way.  Tim again, “The Evolve surface is simple to work with, light and easy to handle.  It’s slim profile, at just 12.5mm thick means it blends perfectly with the kitchen making the kitchen flow.  It also meant we could cut it on-site to the exact requirements of the galley and accommodate an under-mount sink and a small format hob.  Being able to create curves and upstands so easily finished the kitchen perfectly.  The Mothership Narrowboat reflects a real meeting of ideals between the Arts and Crafts movement and modern-day conservationists – both celebrate the natural world and wish to preserve and protect it.”

Holly Turnbull, marketing manager for Bushboard worktops “This is such a remarkable project.  Evolve’s super slim profile makes any kitchen makeover feel modern and contemporary, but as we can see, it works with more traditional décor, like the William Morris design here.  The surface is solid so it can be crafted, by any competent fitter, into curves of any radius and refinished – the edge looks great no matter what the shape”.

Specialising in creating innovative craft for inland waterways, leading eco boat builder Mothership Marine provides a range of solar electric and hybrid boats designed for inland waterways in the UK and throughout the world.  Mothership Marine has just launched the first-ever purpose-built solar powered narrowboat with an electric motor.

Lightweight and easy to fit without the need for templating or special tools, Bushboard Evolve is smooth, easy to clean and has sleek, slim lines perfect for the restricted space in a boat galley. 100% waterproof and extremely hard-wearing Evolve is ideal for a real galley kitchen where it will perform as a kitchen, dining and working surface. The material is available in a choice of natural stone effect decors, and there’s an inspiring collection of splashbacks to complete the look.

https://www.stylelibrary.com/morris&co

Hultafors Group Acquires Custom LeatherCraft – the USA’s Leading ‘Work Gear’ Innovator

The Hultafors Group which owns Snickers Workwear has acquired CLC.

The leading brand in the USA since 1983, CLC is North America’s premier designer, developer and marketer of ‘work gear’ for professional tradesmen and women. It’s a product range that includes softside tool carriers, nail bags, tool pouches plus personal protective equipment.

Custom LeatherCraft, or CLC as the brand is more commonly know in the USA – and as the Kuny’s Leather brand in Canada – prides itself on developing high quality ‘work gear’ that combines innovative design and functionality as well as great value for money.

Peter Dumigan, managing director of the Hultafors Group UK says, “We’re delighted with this acquisition given that the CLC ‘work gear’ range complements the Snickers Workwear, Hellberg Safety, Hultafors Tools, Solid Gear and Toe Guard safety footwear product portfolios perfectly”.

“We will now be able to offer the discerning tradesman and woman an even more extensive range of top quality premium brand products, ideally suited to the work they do on-site”.

Triton TGEOS Geared Random Orbital Sander Review

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Roger Bisby revs up with the Triton TGEOS Geared Random Orbital Sander.

Ah! life can get very confusing. No sooner do we all get used to a random orbit and then Triton comes out with ‘eccentric’ orbit.

When does an orbit cease being random and become eccentric or is it the other way round? Is there a difference? So many questions so little time so move on because there is even more to consider here.

A robust and positive lever on the side changes it from ‘free run’ random, AKA eccentric, to geared fixed for more grunt and less finesse which is what you need for higher stock removal when swirl marks are not a consideration.

You wouldn’t, I know, but somebody might operate that button with the machine in motion which is a bad idea because it will crunch the gears.

So now we have sorted out what this Triton TGEOS 500-watt sander can do for you let’s look at the rest of it. The disc size is 150mm with 16 holes for 8 or 16 holes pads.

Triton TGEOS Geared Random Orbital Sander

There is also a dust extraction port but no bag which is a shame if you are using it untethered because it kicks the dust out the back and onto the user.

Like all Triton tools, it is out of China but designed in York. If anything, it is over-engineered with lots of magnesium alloy where other manufacturers might use plastic and it has nice big vibration-damping grips which allow you to hold it comfortably even with gloves on.

Triton TGEOS 500W Power

That is a good idea but my instinct and, that of the people in Triton’s pictures, is to hold the back end with one hand for better control and there is no rubber over-moulding on the back end.

Presumably, the tests have shown that most of the vibration is on the head and not the body. The large front grip has a quick adjustment lever which moves it up and down and from side to side which is a nice touch.

There is a rubber-covered lockable on/off switch on the top and there is a small thumbwheel tucked into the back end which operates the electronic speed control for constant speed to help prevent scorching or melting and clogging, that sometimes occurs with paint removal.

It even has an indicator to show you what speed you are doing but if you can’t judge that by looking at the disc you really shouldn’t be driving this thing.

I like the fact that it comes in a Triton zipped holdall with a generous starter pack of discs and a set of spare carbon brushes that are easily changed from the outside. I also like the 3-year warranty and the price is nice.

See more Triton products on Skill Builder.

Visit the official Triton Tools website for more info.

What is The Future of Software in The Construction Industry?

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Shaking and remodelling the whole industry, through the development of digital technology, constructors can order brick and mortar to finding skilled labour all through mobile technology whilst on the go, a huge game-changer.

But what about the rise and development of software? Changing and developing as time progresses. Through the rise of robotic equipment and BIM modelling, how the construction industry uses construction software will never be the same again!

We take a look at the future of construction software and look at the many different ways we will be working in the future.

VR, Virtual Reality

We have all heard of virtual reality, a simulated experience allowing us to immerse ourselves into another world, time and setting. Allowing us to feel like we are there in that virtual reality, Virtual Reality is one way in the future that those working within the construction industry will be viewing future projects. The ideal tool for training purposes, Virtual Reality can help design, sell and plan future projects while inspiring a new generation of constructors.

3D Printing

Through 3D printing, you can create not just materials, but also models of future projects. By being able to 3D print, computer-controlled layering of materials into a three-dimensional shape, 3D printers have been used in all industries from aviation to dental and footwear. Allowing you to print components to entire models of project buildings, when it comes to pitching and perfecting your next big project, 3D printing can be incredibly useful.

Project Management Software

With the facility to be used not just in construction but other industries also, the benefits and capabilities of Project Management Softwares have rapidly improved. With different software available, Oracle is a top choice amongst many leading building contractors.  With different programs available for a range of jobs, Project Management Software allows teams to design, build and run a construction site with minimal wastage and efficiency. Ideal for those wanting efficiency, transparency and accountability, it is also thought that Project Management Software can make a building site safer.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence, also known as AI is used to describe a machine capable of mimicking human functions. Through the growth spurt in technology, Artificial Intelligence has exploded and developed at a frightening speed. From problem-solving, pattern recognition to learning, through the programming of these computers and the use of data, machines can understand and be used for a variety of tasks. From processing information, opening issues to changing orders, AI can improve and aid overloaded and stretched organisations.

Building Information Modelling

One exciting piece of software that the construction industry should look forward to adopting and that is BIM Building Information Modelling. Through the use of drones, robotics, IoT, laser scanning and virtual reality, the construction industry, this tool can also assess data while looking at the latest technology innovations. With the ability to bring together all pieces of information, through the use of BIM, this piece of software can analyse all key components about chosen building materials while able to illustrate the entire building cycle from beginning to end, ideal for highlighting any predicted issues. Perfect for reducing costs and mistakes, different systems and products can run alongside one another throughout different stages of the construction process.

There you have it, the next top software tools that us within the construction industry will be using in time not far from now. With an estimated 100 million people worldwide working within the construction industry, it is thought that by the industry embracing these new construction software programmes a shocking £1 trillion could be saved and added to profit.

With the future of software within the construction industry looking bright, we for one are very excited to see how the construction industry progresses in future years.

Whether it be a company relying on the use of a Project Management Software programme to the increase of 3D printing when planning and developing an exciting new project. Regardless of your expertise or skills, through the use of software and the advances entailed, you too as a company can improve your profit and efficiency by embracing these digital advances.

Tusk Tenon Joint – Robin’s Woodworking Masterclass

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Thanks to Skillshare for sponsoring this video – Sign up via our link and get two FREE months of Skillshare Premium.

Following the success of our scarf joint video, Robin shows you how to create a classic tusk tenon joint.

We’ll have more woodworking masterclass tips and hacks and types of wood joints from Robin Clevett soon.

The Water Level – Best £10 You Ever Spent?

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So we’ve covered spirit levels, laser levels and now we look at the oldest of all level measurement technologies, the water level. How accurate is a water level? Watch Roger and find out.

Quantum Water Level
Level Hose Gauge Set
Silverline Water Level
Silverline Water Level 10m (633586)
As Schwabe Water Level
As Schwabe 12711 Hose Water Level PVC 8 x 1.5 mm 20 m
Faithfull Water Level
Faithfull Water Level 10M/33FT Handyman
Level Hose Gauge Set
Silverline Water Level 10m (633586)
As Schwabe 12711 Hose Water Level PVC 8 x 1.5 mm 20 m
Faithfull Water Level 10M/33FT Handyman
£14.18
£10.08
Price not available
£26.09
Quantum Water Level
Level Hose Gauge Set
Level Hose Gauge Set
£14.18
Silverline Water Level
Silverline Water Level 10m (633586)
Silverline Water Level 10m (633586)
£10.08
As Schwabe Water Level
As Schwabe 12711 Hose Water Level PVC 8 x 1.5 mm 20 m
As Schwabe 12711 Hose Water Level PVC 8 x 1.5 mm 20 m
Price not available
Faithfull Water Level
Faithfull Water Level 10M/33FT Handyman
Faithfull Water Level 10M/33FT Handyman
£26.09

Water will always find its own level, making these very accurate instruments which are used widely throughout the construction and building industries.

Easy to set up and simple to use, they are designed for single-handed use when simultaneously measuring equal heights at two distant points.

A water level is an ideal tool for accurate unsighted room to room measurement or distant levelling when you can’t use a spirit level.

Other applications include working on wall tiling, guttering, landscaping, patios, driveways, fencing and drainage projects.

Water Level Tips

  • If the level is not clear enough for you, a dye could be added to the water to make it easier to see.
  • If the water level is used outdoors in winter, antifreeze can be added to the water.
  • Windscreen washer fluid can also be used for antifreeze qualities and increased visibility.
  • A surfactant such as dish-washing liquid can reduce the surface tension of the water and improve flow in the tube.

So You Want Something More Hi-Tech?

£500 IMEX LX3DG Line Laser Level: https://imextools.co.uk/product/lx3dg-line-laser-level-green-beam/

More on levels with Skill Builder.

Is Your Laser Level Really Level? How to Check

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Roger takes another look at levels, this time it’s the lasers. Roger gets his Bosch GCL 2-15 G green laser level out to make sure it’s still in good working order.

Hellberg Safety – SECURE Active – Active Listening Headsets

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Hellberg Safety specialist PPE products include highly advanced hearing protection products, face protection and communication solutions for personal wellbeing on site.

The SECURE ACTIVE headsets enable workers to communicate safely with colleagues, hear signals and other important information while protected from hazardous noise. The built-in, level-dependent microphones provide perfect directional hearing with an electronic protection system that limits all sounds through the speakers to a safe sound level.

The replaceable headband and ear cushions allow for regular replacement for a long-lasting and high performing product. For optimal safety, communication radios and other sound sources can be connected via the external audio input.

The Hellberg Safety PPE range features the latest advanced technologies, modern design, comfort and quality together with great performance to appeals to all types of professional users in high-risk work environments.

www.hellbergsafety.com

How to Drill Through Tiles Without Cracking Them

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Drill through tiles easily with the help of this short video from Roger which will help you avoid cracking the tiles and it won’t cost a fortune or take very long.

These cost-effective core hole tile drilling kits are perfect for all bathroom and kitchen fittings and also larger basin waste pipes, showerheads and all other service pipes.

Easily drill through ceramic tiles using one of these diamond coated core hole drill bit sets.

ZFYQ Diamond Hole Saw Set
ZFYQ Hole Saw Drill Bits Set, Diamond Drill Bit Set Cutting for Glass, Ceramic, Porcelain, Tile, Marble, Ø6mm-50mm, 15 Pcs
Meccion Diamond Drill Bit Kit
Meccion Diamond Drill Bit Kit Brazing Core Hole Saw Set Extractor Remover Tools Hole Saws Mandrels 6mm - 50mm Set of 11 Pack
£9.99
£27.99
ZFYQ Diamond Hole Saw Set
ZFYQ Hole Saw Drill Bits Set, Diamond Drill Bit Set Cutting for Glass, Ceramic, Porcelain, Tile, Marble, Ø6mm-50mm, 15 Pcs
£9.99
Meccion Diamond Drill Bit Kit
Meccion Diamond Drill Bit Kit Brazing Core Hole Saw Set Extractor Remover Tools Hole Saws Mandrels 6mm - 50mm Set of 11 Pack
£27.99

We shot this for our Horror Shower video last year and thought it needed to stand alone.

When you have completed your tiling and you’re happy with the end result you might be dreading the prospect of ruining that good work when you have to drill the tiles for your bathroom accessories, cabinet, shelves and other fittings.

More on how to drill through tiles

Diamond hole saw video on YouTube showing how to get more cuts.

More on tiling with Skill Builder.

Damp Mystery Italian Style & Nasty Little Leak – ASB #22

Send us your pictures and videos: http://skill-builder.uk/send

Adrian Ling’s bathroom has stained skirting board, swelling and vinyl flooring with bubbling.

Willem from Belgium recently bought his first house in Italy and has lots of issues he needs to tackle including humidity and ugly black mould.

Charles Mitchell asks, do fire bricks contain asbestos?

David Jones has a nasty leak in his locker!

Snickers Workwear – Waterproof Working

You can count on comfort and protection throughout the autumn and winter with Snickers Workwear’s NEW AllroundWork Jackets for professional tradesmen and women.

Stay dry, warm and comfortable by choosing from a selection of water-repellent jackets that will give you basic protection from the effects of light showers with great breathability to ventilate your body if you continue to be active on-site for short periods.

But if you need 100% protection from the rain for long periods on site, check out Snickers’ GORE-TEX® jackets and trousers. These highly-technical garments are extremely durable with a membrane that has over 1.4 billion pores per square cm. They’re 100% waterproof to keep you dry, windproof to keep you warm, and breathable to keep you comfortable all day long

There’s a host of designs, styles and extensive size options so you can select the right jacket for you and your job. There is also a great range of Winter Vests and Bodywarmers, even a Body Mapping Micro Fleece – so you’ll be well looked after all day, every day.

For more information on Snickers Workwear’s ‘Waterproof Working’, call the Snickers Helpline on 01484 854788, check out the website and download a digital catalogue at www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or email info@snickersworkwear.co.uk

High Torque Cordless Impact Wrench from Milwaukee

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This is Robin’s last episode from Dublin and we sign off with a beast of a cordless impact wrench.

The high torque Milwaukee M18 FUEL ONE-KEY ONEFHIWF34 Cordless Impact Wrench is a force to be reckoned with and Albert shows us what it’s all about and how it might just be the best impact wrench on the market.

Milwaukee ONEFHIWF34 Cordless Impact Wrench

Cordless Impact Wrench specs

The M18 FUEL high torque impact wrench with ONE-KEY technology delivers 1627 Nm of fastening torque in a compact size of 213 mm, which gives more access in tight spaces.

The 4 -Mode DRIVE CONTROL allows the user to shift into four different speed and torque settings to maximise application versatility.

Mode 4 bolt removal, provides a maximum nut-busting torque of 2034 Nm then shifts to 750 rpm for unmatched control when removing fasteners.

The integrated blow counting sensor enhances the consistent repeatability of the chosen torque setting.

ONE-KEY tool control enables wireless tool customisation for increased productivity and consistent results.

ONE-KEY tool tracking & security offers a Cloud-based inventory management platform that supports both location tracking and theft prevention.

Three-quarter inch friction ring reception.

Flexible battery system: works with all Milwaukee M18 batteries.

More Milwaukee on Skill Builder.

More impact wrenches from Milwaukee Tools.

Chat with plumber Ty Harnett about Alfie

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Roger has a chat with entrepreneur Ty Harnett about Alfie, his new invention which he hopes will change the plumbing landscape.

https://www.coolag.co.uk

INFO FROM COOLAG IN THEIR OWN WORDS

A faster, more robust and watertight connection for securing fixed showerheads, shower hose wall fittings, wall mounted taps and bar shower valves, wc’s and hand basins.

Eliminate leaks within walls and floors
Prevent pipes from being knocked or drilled
Guarantees perfectly upright shower fittings
DZR brass for exceptional corrosion resistance
Reversible manifold for hollow and solid walls
Dual seal within the wall structure
Interlocking base plate for various applications
Prevents depth planning of fittings or using offset adapters

Alfie has been approved by WRAS (water regulations advisory scheme).
Please refer to The water supply (water fittings) regulations 1999 (England & Wales), The water supply (water fittings) regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009, The water supply (water fittings) (Scotland) Byelaws 2014 when considering point-of-use protection for the prevention of risk of backflow in the design of bathrooms or shower rooms.

#Plumbing #Alfie #Coolag

Milwaukee Cordless Table Saw – Robin’s Site Test

Robin takes a closer look at the cordless table saw last seen in the Dublin review videos earlier this year. After two months of using this saw on site we might not be able to get it back from him.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL FTS210 ONE-KEY Table Saw
https://uk.milwaukeetool.eu/m18-fuel-one-key-table-saw/m18-fts210/

FTS 210 info from Milwaukee:

The ONE-KEY M18 FUEL table saw delivers the power to rip cut at the same feed rate of an equivalent AC saw, with the ability to cut 190 m of 19 mm OSB board on one 12.0 Ah battery charge.

Next generation POWERSTATE™ brushless motor, REDLINK PLUS™ electronics and REDLITHIUM-ION HIGH OUTPUT 12.0 Ah battery pack deliver superior performance, durability and run time in high demand applications.

Rack and pinion sliding fence allows the fence to be adjusted accurately and easily from the front of the saw giving 622 mm of rip capacity.

210 mm blade allows 63 mm depth of cut at 90 degrees.

ONE-KEY tool tracking & security offers a cloud-based inventory management platform that supports both location tracking and theft prevention.

Quick change guard and riving knife allows the user to remove and adjust the riving knife and guard without the need to remove the throat plate.

Integrated carry handle allows easy transportation on and off the jobsite.

Onboard storage for all table saw attachments.

Vacuum adaptor supplied fits directly to all Milwaukee dust extractors.

More Milwaukee Tools on Skill Builder.

Easy DIY Solution to Treat Rising Damp in Walls

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Roger uses one of his favourite products for treating rising damp internally in brick walls.

We show you how to treat damp walls in an old house internally with Dryrod from Safeguard Europe, their latest development in Rising Damp treatment.

Dryrod provides a highly effective damp-proof course even in saturated internal walls. This results in salts in the wall being less mobile and therefore less able to migrate further into the plaster.

More articles on rising damp on Skill Builder.

Check out Safeguard’s website: http://www.dryrods.com

Who Should Project Manage an Extension? ASB #21

Send us your pictures and videos: http://skill-builder.uk/send

Chris Evans is buying a house and wants to fit a new bathroom. He’s watched our videos and wants to make sure the bathroom is waterproof.

David Kilvington has a new combi boiler (ATAG 36kw) installed in his utility room and noticed that if he uses any of the downstairs appliances (taps, washing machine or toilet), that the combi will turn on after the water is shut off. How can he fix this?

Lee Hanson is looking at having a large extension to the rear of his house and has had an architect on board from the very beginning. He had intended to contract the architect to see him through the construction but has struggled through the tender process as many builders and building firms seemed to be pricing themselves out of the job and he didn’t understand why.

#11 ~ Attitude & Work Ethics

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Have you got the right mental attitude and work ethics in the workplace? Roger and Robin, fresh back from their summer holidays, jump back into podcast action and tackle the subject of having the right attitude and work ethics. We’ve worked with some great people and some shockers, some of who are described in this episode. Find out what Roger and Robin are looking for from a work colleague.

Our show sponsor is HB42 the Ultimate Answer to Sealing & Fixing – www.hb42.co.uk

Further reading:

Top 10 Work Values Employers Look For – thebalancecareers.com

Attitude Really is Everything and Here’s Why – workethic.org

Why You Need A Positive Attitude At Work (And How To Be Positive In The Workplace) – buddingoptimist.com