New Products

Is there an alternative to hiring scaffolding?

hiring scaffolding

If you’re hiring scaffolding on a regular basis to do jobs such as window replacements, roofline repairs and even short duration roofing jobs here’s a product we’ve come across that could save you time and money and put you back in control of your work because you will no longer be waiting around for scaffolding.  It’s called the Easi-Dec access …

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Baxi launches Baxi 400 Combi LPG

Baxi 400 Combi LPG

Following the launch of the Baxi 200 and 400 Combi and Heat ranges, the manufacturer is extending its offering to include a dedicated combi LPG option, to enable homes in off-grid areas to enjoy the benefits of a high efficiency boiler. The Baxi 400 Combi LPG has been developed from the ground up through consultation with installers, so that everything …

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Abacus Infinity Single Fall Shower Tray installation: Is this the best wet room tray?

best wet room tray

In this video Roger Bisby demonstrates how to install an Abacus Infinity Single Fall Shower Tray which is designed to make wetrooms sleeker and cleaner and eliminates the need for fiddly floor tile cuts and grout lines which trap dirt. With wet rooms continuing to grow in popularity customers are increasingly looking for solutions that are sleek in design and …

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Pilot Marker Pens review

Pilot Marker Pens

Roger Bisby considers the benefits of investing in a decent set of Pilot Marker Pens. There are so many occasions in my daily work when I have need of a permanent marker that I always have a set on the van. One common application is underfloor heating where it pays to identify each circuit as you bring it up to …

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Bosch launches active integrated dust extractor

integrated dust extractor

‘Look after your health – it’s your greatest asset,’ is the message to trade professionals from Bosch as it launches the GDE 18V-76 Professional Dust Extractor. Designed as an active integrated attachment for all Bosch GBH 18V-26 (F) Professional Rotary Hammer Drills, its development ls part of a continuing drive by the manufacturer to minimise dust-related illness. While asbestos is …

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CK Tools launches fixed blade VDE stubby screwdriver

VDE stubby screwdriver

Supplier of quality hand tools and security solutions Carl Kammerling has launched a fixed blade VDE stubby screwdriver. After undertaking research with professional electricians, Carl Kammerling identified that most carry a non-insulated stubby screwdriver. Despite understanding the importance of using insulated tools, electricians often encounter situations where their usual VDE screwdriver won’t fit. The new C.K Stubby VDE Slim Screwdrivers …

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Snickers FLEXIWork range offers freedom of movement on site

FLEXIWork range

While fabric, functionality and fit have always been hallmarks of its working clothes, Snickers says it’s the innovation and technology in the design of FLEXIWork garments that sets them apart from other brands. They’re designed for fast-paced working environments with body-mapping designs said to ensure superior freedom of movement on site. There are waterproof jackets, fleeces, t-shirts and hoodies, plus …

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Heavy duty safety barrier

safety barrier

The Oxford Plastics Strong Wall Heavy Duty plastic Pedestrian
 Safety Barrier is a robust and stable
 barrier system which is designed to meet the demands of
 providing safe access for pedestrians through 
construction works. The barrier comes with an 18kg base which ensures that
 the barrier is stable in windy conditions. Strongwall features include: • Compliant with Chapter 8 Streetworks …

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Scaffolding alternative supplied

Scaffolding alternative

Easi-Dec, the working at height safety specialist, has supplied Everest with 72 Roofline systems to provide installation teams with a safe, efficient and cost effective solution for accessing roofline level when carrying out gutter, soffit and fascia replacements. After working with scaffolding for several years, Everest investigated alternative working at height solutions. Having approached Easi-Dec about its Roofline system, the …

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Keylite Polar PVC Roof Window Review

Keylite Polar

Keylite Polar is a brand new white PVC roof window which is said to establish a new standard in maintenance free, energy efficient roof windows. Roger Bisby takes a closer look. It surprised me to learn that the number of white roof windows now being sold in the UK is almost half of the total and if the trend continues …

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Mercedes-Benz pick-up truck revealed

Mercedes-Benz pick-up truck

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its first pick-up truck – the hotly anticipated Mercedes-Benz X-Class which will be available in Europe from November at a price of 37,294 Euro.  The Mercedes-Benz X-Class is said to push the boundaries of the modern pick-up – designed to be used as a rugged, all-terrain pickup but also as a vehicle for urban lifestyles and families. The …

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Triton Geared Eccentric Orbital Sander review

Triton Geared Eccentric Orbital Sander review

Roger Bisby revs up with the Triton Geared Eccentric 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? No sooner do …

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App to help builders resolve disputes with ‘cowboy customers’

cowboy customers

You worked overtime for the new customer who was keen to have it finished on time, and sent your invoice promptly. Now you’re working on your next job, and need payment for the last one. The weeks tick by and no payment arrives. You call, text and email – nothing. Then you send a strongly worded letter, and the response …

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Fischer fixings review

Fischer fixings review

Roger Bisby tries out a dynamic duo from fischer fixings. I am always interested in looking at new fixings. It seems to be one of those Dragon’s Den type products that every Tom Dick and Harry thinks they can improve and in the end most of these bright ideas seem to be variations on the same theme rather than radical …

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Quick drying plaster review

Quick drying plaster review

Roger Bisby tries out British Gypsum’s Thistle Bonding 60 that is designed to dry in one hour and accept any type of finish you care to use. You have to hand it to British Gypsum they keep going after new markets for their bagged plasters. The latest target in their sights is the making good and small repair market. This …

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A cut above: Knipex grips review

Knipex grips review

Roger Bisby tries out a few Knipex grips and laments a life of losing tools. Having spent a great deal of my working life as a plumber/builder Knipex is a brand I know very well and it seems I’m not alone. When I recently used a pair of inferior slip joint grips in a plumbing demonstration and struggled, the calls …

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DeWalt extends XR FLEXVOLT range

XR Flexvolt range

DeWalt has extended its XR FLEXVOLT range to include a Mitre Saw as well as the SDS Max and Plus Hammers. Advantages of the XR FLEXVOLT system which was launched in 2016 include: ·        Sustained all day operation for onsite heavy duty construction application, without cable inconvenience ·        Wide range of 54V power tools to suit any job ·        Cross-compatible …

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