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We all know a drill is one of your best friends in the workshop or on the job, but sometimes understanding which drill bit accompanies the drill can be tricky. When searching online, you’ll come across many different types of drill bits and as a responsible tradie or DIYer, it’s key to pick the right one for the job. To do that, it pays to understand each of their functions and characteristics, which will ultimately help you save your single most important resource -time. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear and in-depth knowledge of the most common types of drill bits and their uses. Ready to become a drill bit wizard? Let’s dive in. What are drill bits? Just like drills, drill bits are designed with specific jobs in mind. These power tool accessories are removable tools fitted to the head of the drill to create circular holes in a range of materials including wood, metal, and plastics. The shank, otherwise known as the back end, is clamped in place by the jaws of the drill while the point of the bit impacts the material. Drill bits explained: construction material Drill bits are typically categorised by the type of material they are made from. We’ve listed the most common ones below: High-carbon steel – ideal for drilling into softer materials such as wood and plastic. HSS (High-Speed Steel) – these bits are capable of drilling for long amounts of time without losing their edge. As well as use on soft materials, they can be used on dense metals. Carbide-tipped – these are durable steel bits which can endure masonry jobs i.e. drilling concrete. Diamond-tipped – usually used for drilling into glass, porcelain, hardened steel, and precious stone drilling. Titanium-coated – these bits are great for general purpose drilling because they’re able to drill quickly. Titanium-coated drill bits are suitable for iron, steel, aluminium and wood. Different types of drill bits This section covers the most common types of drill bits: Twist bit Brad point Flat wood bit Tile bit Masonry drill bit Twist bit The twist bit is the most common type of drill bit due to its ability to create quick, clean, and accurate size holes. They’re usually made from high-speed steel and thin rods of alloy steel making them ideal for construction projects, general maintenance, and household repairs. Brad point There are different types of drill bits for wood (we’ll show you another example in just a minute) but this one is most commonly used. They’re designed for woodworking use where exact hole size is required. To prevent wandering or splintering, the W-shaped head bites into the timber ensuring accuracy. Flat wood bit This is another example of a wood drill bit. Intended for use with power drills, the flat wood bit bores large holes in timber. They’re equipped with a sharp point in the centre which leaves a flat bottom at the end of the bore. This is ideal where a head of a bolt needs to be recessed into the wood. Tile bit As you might have guessed from their name, a tile bit is used for drilling into tiles. Carbide-tipped, tile drill bits cut cleanly through ceramics, porcelain and natural stone while minimising the risk of damage to these fragile materials. They are ideal for work in kitchens and bathrooms. Masonry bit These drill bits are ideal for work on brick, stone and concrete. They’re usually carbide-tipped and made with hardened shanks to ensure durability. Although they’re tough, if you’re drilling for long amounts of time, you will need to make sure to periodically withdraw the bit from the material to avoid overheating. Knowing the types of drill bits and their uses will ensure you pick the correct one for your project. You’ll find a lot of the times that these drill bits come in sets to ensure you have the correct size every time. You can check out our wide range of drill bits and drill bit sets on our website. Now you’re a drill bit wizard you’ll be on your way to drilling like a pro! Related blog: Types of Pliers and Their Uses Read Full Story -
Tips and Guides
Make the most of the weekends and light summer evenings by sprucing up your space with our cheap home DIY projects. Whether everything needs fixing, or you simply think your space needs a refresh, there are cheap things you can do to the house to improve it. We all have those jobs we’ve been avoiding for ages so you can finally tick them off that niggling to-do list with this helpful bit of motivation. We’ve rounded up 10 DIY ideas to get stuck into this summer that won’t break the bank. DIY Painting kitchen cupboards Tools needed: 120-grit sandpaper Masking tape Primer Your Paint of choice Paint roller A brush A Screwdriver If your kitchen is looking a little bit sad, this is a great DIY task to bring some new life into it on a budget. With just a bit of sanding and a lick of paint, your kitchen can go from outdated and grungy to shiny and modern. We suggest glossy paint for this task as it will be easier to clean off any dirt, but we can’t tell you what to do. Jet wash patio or driveway Tools needed: Pressure washer Hose connected to water supply This is always a satisfying summer activity that’ll make a big difference to your patio. Hook the pressure washer to the hose and turn on the water. Before starting, make sure the water is flowing through the washer and out the spray wand. The best way to clean your patio is to blast off most of the stubborn dirt with a high-pressure trigger lance. Then, lower the pressure settings and mix with detergent to wash the remainder. Regrout your tiles Tools needed: Dust mask Safety gloves Grout Rake Sponge Tile grout Grout float Cloth This is a slightly more advanced DIY but sprucing up tired-looking tiles can make a whole world of difference in the kitchen or bathroom. First, you’re going to want to dig out any crumbling or grimy grout with a grout rake. Be careful not to crack or chip the tiles as you’re working. Wipe over the area with a sponge once all old grout has been removed. Then, leave the surface to dry before re-grouting. Using a grout spreader, apply your preferred grout to the tiles. To remove the excess, use your sponge from earlier. Once all is dry (usually about an hour), use a dry cloth to polish the tiles. If this is too much for you, you can always just give your grout a scrub instead! Fix a leaking tap Tools needed: Adjustable spanner Screwdriver Hex keys Box spanners Tap washers and O-rings Safety goggles We know this isn’t the most fun summer DIY, but leaking taps can quickly become an annoyance in the home. Luckily for us, they’re usually easy to fix and you don’t need a call out to the plumber. An outdoor firepit Tools needed: Spray paint for marking String & a stake to draw it out A shovel Gravel to fill your pit Concrete landscaping stones A rubber mallet Creating an outdoor firepit is a great way of making a space outdoors you can invite friends to. There are different types of fire pits you can create for your garden, but essentially digging a hole in your lawn, filling it with gravel, putting stones/bricks around the edge and bam you’ve got yourself a luxury firepit. Make sure you pick a location far away from anything you wouldn’t want to catch alight! Tip: Add solar lights around your garden, this makes fire pit garden parties so much better. Repurposed herb garden caddy Tools needed: Wood/pallet/cabinet Sandpaper Nails A hammer A handsaw This is a DIY project for the garden fanatics and chefs among us. Creating a herb garden out of re-purposed wood can be so rewarding, plus, unlimited herbs! We previously created one out of an old chopping board that was going mouldy at the ends, anything you find can be re-purposed. All you have to do is saw the wood to the correct length and get hammering. We suggest using ceramic pots and chalk pens, then you can draw the names of the herb on the pots. Tip: This can be a great gift idea for new homeowners. Have a garage clear-out Tools needed: Your patience Okay, hear us out here. Sometimes, you can’t build up your home without clearing a little space. Summer is the best time to give your area a likely well-need sort out, plus you can sell things off your front garden in the sun! This one is an easy job that can make a big difference, get the tunes on and start going through everything, we’re sure you’ll find things you didn’t even know you had. Replace the hardware on drawers, cabinets, or doors Tools needed: Screwdriver New handles This is an underrated home DIY that we think is a cheap and effective way to modernise your home. Replacing the handles on your furniture or doors can make them look cleaner and new. We think dark door handles look good on white doors and straight bar handles look nice on kitchen cabinets. Painting your front door Tools needed: Screwdriver Masking tape Sandpaper Wood filler Sugar soap Primer Gloss or eggshell paint Paint roller or brush Another super easy DIY that can completely transform the front of your house is applying modern colours such as dark grey or even olive green to your front door. We love pairing a refreshed painted door with some potted shrubs on either side to really make it pop. Tip: Make sure to unscrew all the door furnishings first. Anything that can’t be removed, that you don’t want painted, needs to be covered in tape. If you have glass panels in your door, you’ll want to mask these off too. Adding a walkway to your garden Tools needed: A shovel Bricks Gravel Adding a walkway to your front or back garden can be a sweet way to add more visual elements to your lawn. You can either put concrete slabs down or you can carve out an entire pathway and edge it with bricks and fill it with gravel. It’s up to you how mad you go with it, but we think it looks great, plus it’s always fun to jump from one slab to the next over grass. Tip: If making a full pathway with gravel, add solar lights in the borders. So there you have it, 10 great cheap DIY ideas you can do this summer, now get building! Related blog: 10 Essential Gardening Tools Every Gardener Needs in Their Set Read Full Story -
Products
We’ve just launched our second Summer Super Deals promo of the year and you’re invited to have a look at our favourite discounted products this Summer! Ah, Summer, finally the sun has started making a more regular appearance, the days are longer, and the flowers are blooming *achoo*. We love summer here at Mad4Tools, but we know that with the sun, comes a new level of garden and home maintenance. So, we’ve compiled a short list of our best picks to help you get the most out of your summer. Home DIY and Garden Tools Hyundai HYM3200E Electric Lawn Mower Promo price – £89.99 Make your lawn the envy of the town. This Hyundai electric lawn mower has a quick release 25L grass catcher, 3 cutting heights and weighing only 8.8kg you’ll find this ultra-lightweight mower easy to push around your garden. You can also forget the price of petrol as this mower is completely electric, what a dream. Draper Cordless 20v Hedge & Grass Trimmer Promo price – £109.00 Next up we have the Draper Cordless 20v Hedge & Grass Trimmer with Battery. This helpful tool is great if you need something lightweight and long-running to tidy up your garden. The trimmer has two interchangeable blades and an ergonomic comfortable handle, making it easy to use without causing strain. You’ll get up to 90 minutes of run time to create your masterpieces, plus the set comes with a fast charger to get your trimmer up and running again in no time. Silverline Step Up Platform Promo price: £57.50 Need to access those areas that are out of arm’s reach? Use this Silverline Step Up Platform to benefit from a bit of extra height – 0.8m to be exact. Whether you’re planning to do a little DIY around the home or need more reach around the worksite, this fold-away platform is perfect for allowing you to get the job done. The step-up platform also folds away neatly, making it simple to store in between those jobs. Up until August 31st, you can save an impressive 25% on this item, so what are you waiting for? Specifications: – Platform dimensions (L x W x H): 1440 x 445 x 800mm. – 150kg capacity. – Weight 5.5kg. – Folded dimensions (L x W x H): 900 x 470 x 165mm. – Certified to EN14183:2003. Sealey 4-Way Folding Platform Ladder Promo price: £179.00 If you need that extra heigh but need your ladder to be multipurpose and safety regulated, this EN 131 certified four-way, four-section aluminium ladder is a great solution. This can be used as a platform, straight ladder, step ladder and even an offset ladder. Plus, with twelve reinforced rungs and stabiliser feet, you know you’ll be in safe hands. For extra peace of mind, you’ll also receive a 1-year manufacturer warranty when you purchase this item. Loyal eDIY Scaffold Tower Promo price from – £319.00 Finally, we have the Loyal eDIY Scaffold Tower for those big jobs around the house. They’ve been designed with both safety and durability in mind. These towers are easy to set up and install and they’re available at various heights to suit the task at hand. Now featuring the newly designed stiffener bars for ultimate rigidity and peace of mind. The models with 4 integral stiffener bars make these towers the most stable in the market by far. Outriggers may also be fitted on the lower heights for additional stability and are included as standard on towers with a working height above 5 metres. At a saving of 36%, you’re sure to be getting great value for money! Related blog: Scaffold Towers: Everything you need to know! Lighting and Electrical Masterplug Open Drum 40 Metre Cable Extension Reel Promo price – £29.99 Whether you’re needing to power your tools, portable lighting or any other electrical appliance in that workshop, this Masterplug Reel is a tough and dependable power solution that’ll work for you. It incorporates a long 40m cable length, 4 x 13 amp rated sockets with safety shutters and a thermal cut-out for extra protection. It’s currently on offer for £29.99 which means you can save a whopping 36% up until the 31st of August. Defender 5.0Kva Transformer 110v Promo price – £149.99 The ever-popular Defender Power Tool Transformer is also part of our Summer Super Deals. This transformer is built for demanding construction tasks, supplying you with the power you need without blowing a fuse. It reduces 230v input electricity to 110v for safe site use and is designed to be used with industrial 110v appliances. Workwear and PPE Deals Scruffs WORKER PLUS Graphite Grey Work Trousers Promo price – £23.95 If you’re a trouser over shorts individual, regardless of the weather we won’t judge! In fact, we’ve lowered the price of our exclusive Scruffs WORKER PLUS Trade Trousers this summer for people like you. Featuring multi-function pockets, 10 x versatile compartments and reinforced stress areas, these will work hard whilst you’re working hard. They’re available in sizes 28in to 38in waist and come in short, regular or long leg lengths. Scruffs Trade Work Shorts Black Promo price – £25.95 Eager to get those legs out? We have various shorts on offer as part of our Summer Super Deals but our top pick are these Scruffs Trade Work Shorts! Why you ask? Not only are they durable and lightweight with tough reinforcement areas but they feature an abundance of pockets for all of your storage needs. You’ll have pockets coming out of your ears but at least you won’t lose those pesky screws, nuts and bolts or spanners ever again. Features: – Colour: Black – Pocket Configuration: Holster pocket, rule pocket, mobile phone pocket and cargo pocket – Material: 65% Polyester / 35% Cotton – Material Weight: 250gsm – Fit: Regular fit – Fastening: Zip Fly Scruffs Titan Safety Work Boots Promo price – £29.99 Last but not least are the Titan work boots from Scruffs to protect those feet. With steel toecap and midplate protection, these stylish, lightweight and flexible boots will keep you safe and comfortable on your feet all day long. The boots also feature closed eyelets helping to prevent unnecessary trip hazards. Features: SBP safety rating. SRA slip resistance. Nubuck leather upper. Steel toecap & midplate protection. Flexible & lightweight sole. Padded tongue & collar for extra comfort. Closed eyelets. Colour: Tan or Black Available in sizes 7-12 (UK) To discover the full range of our Summer Super Deals, head over to MAD4TOOLS today. Offers end 31st of August- Don’t miss out! Stock is subject to availability. 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It can be hard to pick the best work shorts for the job. Whether you need holster pockets, Hi-Vis shorts for safety, or even an elasticated waist (don’t worry we won’t judge). We’ve made a list of some of the men’s work shorts options to help you figure out which will be the best fit for you and your trade. We’ve divided them into categories so you can find the best shorts for you. Work Shorts with Holster Pockets We know that tradies NEED pockets. You have to carry around multiple things at once, be always on the go, and don’t get us started on screws disappearing into the abyss. What better way to keep everything in one place than a pair of handy shorts with holster pockets so you can always feel prepared. These Dewalt Cheverley Trade Work Shorts in Grey have a reinforced holster pocket, cargo and back pockets for multi-use and they also feature a low rise waist and tunnel belt loop for added comfort. Next up we have the Trade Flex Shorts from Scruffs are a flexible slim fit style short that allows you to have freedom of movement and provides long-lasting comfort throughout the day. The shorts are packed with additional features, including lightweight and durable ripstop fabric, a cargo pocket, a mobile phone pocket, tool loops and D-ring for tool and accessory storage. These Trade Flex shorts are designed to be less baggy than other regular work shorts, yet still provide flexibility in movement. Work Shorts Without Holster Pockets If you need your pockets but don’t need to be carrying half the earth with you, you can opt for something without the holster pockets. These Scruffs Vintage Cargo Cotton Trade Work Shorts in black are hard-wearing, comfortable, and relaxed-fit style work shorts with multiple pockets, suitable for light industrial occupations. They also come with a free adjustable belt to keep them up and secured (no builders bum’s going on here). P.s. you won’t find these anywhere else though, as they’re exclusive to MAD4TOOLS.COM! The Ox Fleece Jogger Work Shorts in grey are a perfect option if you need to stay comfortable at work. They have a heavyweight cotton drawcord, brushed back fleece for extra comfort and warmth, a snap-fastening mobile phone back pocket and an elasticated waistband for an extra comfortable fit. Hi-Vis Shorts If you work in an environment where you need to stay in site, then Hi-Vis shorts are what you’ll need. These Portwest Orange Poly-Cotton summer shorts are super stylish. The modern knee-length style and contrasting trims have made these shorts a favourite for hot days. Featuring a convenient thigh pocket and mobile phone pocket, with a half elasticated waist for a comfortable fit. The PW3 Hi-Fleece Holster shorts by Portwest are ideal to keep you cool in summer. They also include a half-elasticated waist, are 40+ UPF rated to block 98% of UV rays and have 7 pockets for ample storage. We think they’re one of the best work shorts for summer this year. Lightweight Shorts for Summer We know tradies are well-known for being outside in all weathers, and when the sun starts shining, you’ll need a suitable lightweight pair of shorts to make the heat a little more bearable. If you’re looking for a light pair of work shorts these OX Ripstop multi-pocket shorts would be a great fit. They’re ultra-Lightweight, extremely durable and have reinforced Ripstop Anti-Tear fabric. They also have Cordura Reinforced back & side pockets so you won’t have to worry about ripping through them. The next contestant is the Tuffstuff Elite Work Short. These are the lightest-weight rip-stop shorts from the Tuffstuff Elite range and really do look the bizniz. They include Tuff-Tex reinforcement to the zones to tackle the hardest knocks, and pockets to store all of those handy little tools. Cargo Shorts Cargo shorts are a classic staple in a tradie’s wardrobe, their main feature is their durability and their easy-to-access pockets. These are the two top we love right now. The Everyday Short in core Dickie’s style comes with multiple pockets for carrying your workday essentials. Made from a polycotton blend, this comfy and casual short is designed for everyday working. Plus you can’t go wrong with this colour as it’ll match your boots too! If you need something that’ll match the darker elements in your wardrobe, these Stanley Tucson Cargo Shorts are great for this. They’re also constructed from a durable poly/cotton ripstop fabric and have a variety of pockets and a hammer loop! Lastly but definitely not least, we have our customer favourite Scruffs Ripstop Work Shorts. They utilise a unique and durable Ripstop polyester fabric that allows for less material with superior anti-rip strength, making them ideal workwear shorts that keep you extra cool, do not feel heavy, and, that stay tough. We love these and we’re sure you will too. If you can’t quite find the Men’s work shorts you need in this blog, head over to our site Mad4Tools.com where we have hundreds of short options available. See related blog: https://www.mad4tools.com/blog/keep-cool-with-mad4tools-range-of-work-shorts/ Read Full Story -
Tips and Guides
It’s that time of year again, birds tweeting, weeds sprouting, and the grass is starting to get out of hand. Your garden can either be your little haven or it can feel like a chore, but whatever you feel about your garden, you need a good set of basic tools to help you get the best for your little patch of land. We’ve put together this list of the top 10 essential gardening tools to set you up for success. Gardening Gloves Let’s kick off with the most underrated ‘tool’ there is for your garden. Why have we put gloves at the top of the list here? Well, if you’ve ever tried pulling up nettles or fighting the untamed rose bush, then you’ll understand why gloves are up here. Your hands are the most valuable tool of all when it comes to physical gardening, do them a favour and protect them from those brambles. Our Top Pick: Draper Heavy Duty Gardening Gloves Hand Trowel Second, on our list, one of the best gardener’s hand tools you’ll ever need – The trusty trowel. The small hand trowel is used for so many jobs around the garden, great for planting out bulbs and seedlings, removing weeds, re-potting and transplanting plants, bedding in, cultivating, and mixing additives into your soil. To ensure that trusty trowel lives up to its name, make sure to buy one made from heat-treated and hardened carbon steel – it’ll improve its durability and resistance to rust. Our Top Pick: Faithfull Countryman Hand Trowel Hand Fork We’ve had the trowel, now for its trusty brother The hand Fork. This is a great tool for working the top soil and for easy removal of those pesky weeds. This fork is also heat-treated carbon steel for the durability factor and as a plus can match your trowel! We have a combined option if that’s your style. Our Top Pick: Faithfull Countryman Hand Fork Garden Digging Spade At number 4 we have a classic digging space, Sometimes the hand trowel doesn’t quite cut it for those larger jobs, and you need the tool to prevent yourself the back pain. This spade is used for digging and turning over large patches of ground and it’s ideal for spading up the ground, preparing beds, and moving soil. It’s essential if you ask us. Our Top Pick: Faithfull Countryman Garden Digging Spade 1050mm Gardener Rake You may think of a rake as an autumn tool, but rakes are an underrated tool when it comes to garden management. Not only can you use them to clear leaves and twigs from your lawn but rakes such as a straight-head rake can be used to break up soil and level out beds. This rake comes with a wrist strap, so you don’t fly off the handle and tempered and hardened carbon steel. Our Top Pick: Draper Young Gardener Rake 860mm Secateurs Medium Next up, a good pair of garden tool Secateurs will serve you well when trying to prune back hard branches on trees or shrubs. These will come in handy when you need to cut back those out-of-control raspberry bushes in the later summer months, and don’t forget your gloves! Our Top Pick: Bahco PG-12-F Bypass Secateurs Medium 20mm Capacity Shears Much like secateurs, you can use hedge shears to maintain your branches and prune back your trees. The advantage of shears is that you can also use them for larger-scale trimming activities such as cutting thicker branches, cutting lawn edges (you can get specific border shears for this task) and maintaining your hedge so you can impress the neighbours from a distance. Our Top Pick: Silverline Hedge Shears Rubber-Coated Plastic Handles 565mm Plastic Watering Can 10 Litre So, we’ve gone through the tools you need for digging and pruning but what else do plants need? Water! Sometimes you just aren’t able to reach certain areas with the hose and you need a trusty watering can to get the job done. This 10 Litre watering Can will hold enough water to give your plants the drink they need and get your garden thriving. Our Top Pick: Plastic Watering Can 10 Litre Electric Trimmer We’ve spoken about the hand tool way to get your lawn edges clean but try the low-effort way with this Classic Electric Trimmer. If you really want to get your lawn looking beautiful this is definitely the tool you need. It comes with a 10-metre power cord, is ultra-lightweight and it comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. Our Top Pick: Webb ELT250 Classic Electric 250w Line Trimmer 23cm/9in 240v Electric Lawn Mower Finally, what would your lawn be without your loyal Lawnmower? This one is foldable for easy storage, can cut as low as 11mm and it includes a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. Because let’s be real, there’s nothing better than looking back at your hard work with a pint in hand. Our Top Pick: Flymo Turbo Lite 270 Electric Hover Lawn Mower 27cm/11in 240v Related blog- How to maintain your garden tools Read Full Story -
Tips and Guides
When’s Father’s Day again? You may be asking yourself. It’s Sunday the 19th of June. Hopefully, you’ve found this guide just in time to avoid you breaking out into a cold sweat of idea panic. It’s that time of year to reward dad for his hard work, after all, he deserves some credit for keeping you alive, being a personal taxi, and turning a blind eye when you sneak back in at 3 am all those years ago. And we can’t forget those honorary dads- grandfathers, brothers, husbands, and friends, they deserve to be shown love too. We know dads are hard to shop for, they don’t curate a wish list as mums do and they never seem to want anything. But don’t worry, we at Mad4Tools are here to help take the stress out of finding a way to say, ‘thanks dad, love you.’ Below is our simple gift guide, which will suit all budgets and all types of dads, even the fussy ones: Father’s Day Gifts Under £20 JCB Horton Hoodie Grey Work Hooded Jumper £14.95 Starting off with a belter of an idea, who doesn’t want one of these comfy hoodies, and as a plus, you can always steal it off him later. The hoodie has thumb grips in the cuffs, a lined snood-type hood with a drawstring, and a kangaroo pouch front pocket to hide snacks in while working. Even we want one of these. Draper Redline 13 Function Pocket Knife £4.51 Forget a pocketknife with one function. Try One with THIRTEEN. The Draper multi-function pocketknife tool is ideal for camping, fishing, and many everyday situations. It includes things such as a pen knife, screwdriver blade, scissors (super handy this one), tin opener, corkscrew for popping those bottles when out and about, and more. If you’re looking for a practical gift that Dad isn’t just going to throw at the back of the junk drawer, this is the one for you. You must be aged 18 years or older to buy this product. Scruffs Worker T-Shirt in Navy £6.95 If you’re looking for something for summer, look no further. This lightweight stretchy t-shirt is perfect for the working environment. It comes with flexible stretch fabric and is designed with a longer body to ensure all-day comfort. If navy isn’t Dad’s colour, swap it out for the graphite grey version! Available in sizes S-XL. ProForce Hexagon Key Wrench Set 10-Piece (Metric or Imperial) £1.50 Settle any frustrations with this Hex Key Wrench Set and Holder. These are perfect for the DIY king kind of dad, particularly for flatpack furniture if you’re moving soon. They’re also fully heat-treated to HRC50-55 and are professional quality chrome vanadium, so these won’t be breaking anytime soon. Bonus points if your dads called Allen, you can fob this off as a personalised gift for him;-) Faithfull Prestige Steel Hand Tool Set 2-Piece £18.26 If your dad is Faithful to his garden, these two Steel hand tools are ideal for him to get his hands on. These two are the true duo of a good garden, you can use them for a multitude of jobs such as re-potting, cultivating soil and removing weeds. Just imagine, A cold beer, the sun, the ugly bucket hat comes out the cupboard, these and you’ll have a very happy gardener dad. They also come in a smart presentational box making it the ideal gift, we’ve got your back. For more Garden tool inspiration, Check out our extensive garden range. Father’s Day Gifts Under £30 Scruffs Ripstop Trade Work Trousers £21.95 If your dad is a little rough with the ol’ knees these anti-rip strength Ripstop trade work trousers could be a great option to stay protected. Did someone say pockets? They come with fabric knee padded pockets, holster pockets AND cargo pockets, how much stuff does one man need to carry. They’ll make ideal workwear for him as they don’t feel as heavy as traditional work trousers (unless you fill the pockets with rocks). Related Blog: Scruffs Ripstop Technology – Lighter in Weight, But Not Lightweight Scruffs Trade Work Shorts Ink Blue Navy £25.95 If you fancy a little more of a cooler vibe and an excuse to get those crazily hairy legs out try out the Scruffs shorts version. Regardless of whether he’s a handyman, DIYer, or gardener, the Scruff’s Trade Work Shorts will be his greatest companion in the summer months. If this colour isn’t his flavour we also have other Scruffs Trade shorts in different colours and styles. Tajima Extra Wide Tape Measure £28.17 How’s this gift idea measure up? If he’s a DIYer this gift would be a great idea for him. It comes with a unique magnetic base and a powerful 2600Gb magnetic end hook. There’s nothing better than letting a tape measure snap back to you- But watch those fingers. It’s available in both 5m and 8m for measuring those extra-long planks. Scruffs Titan Safety Boots £29.99 Dad been sole searching for comfortable work boots? Well, here they are. The Titan work boots (SBP and SRA rated) come with steel toecap and midplate protection as well as a padded tongue and collar for all day comfort. These are also exclusive to Mad4Tools, so you won’t find them anywhere else! Available in tan or black and sizes 7-12. Father’s Day Gifts Over £50 LED Lenser P7 Core Flashlight Torch £46.95 You might be the beam of light in his life, but for when you’re not there a Core Flashlight torch could be the next best option. With an advanced focus system, you can achieve both intense spotlight and flawless flood (near) illumination. The torch comes with 4x AAA batteries, a wrist strap (for swinging it with reckless abandonment) and a metal housing exterior in case you drop it before you give it to him. Sealey Siegen Cantilever Toolbox £89.95 We are getting serious now. These are the ultimate gift that every dad would love to receive. Starting with this Sealey Cantilever Toolbox, part of the Siegen range by Sealey, the metal cantilever toolbox features hex keys, spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers and sockets. This tool kit is suited to the ambitious fixer-upper or DIY Dad’s across the nation. For similar items, check out our extensive range of tool bags and boxes. Draper Cordless 40v Line Trimmer 29cm/12in £227.61 The Ultimate gift this year is the Draper Cordless Line Trimmer. Have you ever seen a man unhappy while making those beautiful straight edges in the grass- you don’t even have to answer that one. The Draper cordless grass trimmer is powered by a rechargeable low maintenance lithium-ion battery. The adjustable head can be rotated to four cutting positions, perfect for tackling the trickiest areas and tightest corners Set Contains: – 2 x Li-Ion 5.0Ah battery. – 1 x 4A Fast charger. Go on be the good person and send this guide to your siblings (they’ve probably forgotten). Or if this guide hasn’t quite found the thing for him, we have a helpful father’s day gift ideas page on our website. Read Full Story -
News and Information
Our annual Summer Super Deals Sale is here! You’ll be able to save big on a wide selection of power tools, hand tools, lighting & electrical and safety workwear from the nation’s favourite brands. To help you source out some of the best deals in the Mad4Tools sale, we’ve curated a list of products from top brands including Milwaukee, Ragni, Scruffs, JCB and DeWalt. So, what are you waiting for? Take a look below and grab these deals while you still can! Tool Deals Olympia Cordless 20v Combi/Impact Drill Twin Pack Kit – Save 41% Milwaukee Drill & Screw Bit Set 20 Piece – Save 72% Ragni Professional Bricklaying Trowel Set 5-Piece – Save 44% Solo Classic 453 Pressure Sprayer Trolley & Lance 11 Litre – Save 47% Handy S50 Garden & Salt Broadcast Spreader 23kg – Save 23% Silverline Step Up Platform – Save 27% Silverline Telescopic Extendable Pruning Saw – Save 45% Lighting & Electrical Deals Luceco LED Garden Spike Light Pack of 4 – Save 38% Sealey SB1 Wireless Rechargeable Soundbar – Save 67% Sealey SPP02 Solar Panel 12v/2.4w – Save 61% BG Outdoor Double Socket – Save 48% Summer Workwear Deals Tuffstuff Elite Work T-Shirt (Available in Grey or Black) – Save 25% Scruffs Worker T-Shirt – Save 30% Scruffs Vintage Cargo Shorts – Save 33% Scruffs Ripstop Trade Shorts – Save 33% Scruffs Trade Work Shorts (Available in Black, Grey or Navy) – 26% DeWalt Builder Safety Boots – Save 20% Amblers AS1007 Safety Wellington Boots – Save 59% JCB TREKKER Safety Work Trainers – Save 31% To discover the full range of deals in our sale, head over to MAD4TOOLS.COM today. Offer ends on 30th June so don’t miss out! Read Full Story -
Industry News
Construction has long been viewed as male-centric and decidedly unfriendly to females. But, at a time when the industry is growing and instantaneously facing a skill shortage, huge efforts need to be made to support women joining the construction industry. Changing the stereotypes associated with construction workers and giving women new opportunities to look at to build their careers are the first steps towards a positive outcome. Source: citb.co.uk What percentage of construction workers are female? According to Go Construct Statistics women remain under-represented in the trade professions with data indicating that women in construction only make up 14% of all jobs – a number that has remained relatively stagnant since the 90s. There are several factors for this, including: Common Construction Myths Construction is just “jobs for the boys” Myth buster: Over 32,000 women in the UK work in construction Working in construction means working out in the cold Myth buster: Working in construction doesn’t just mean working ‘live’ on site, it can also involve working in a range of locations such as an office, working from home or even in a workshop. You need to be strong to work in construction Myth buster: Not all roles in the industry include forms of physical activity and most of the time it includes using your brain. Take for example a Quantity Surveyor. Made for Men Men have historically made up the vast majority of the trade workforce, and this is still being reflected in the working environment today. Take for example toilet facilities. Some sights are yet to provide female toilets, in addition to using male-orientated signs – “Warning Men Working Overhead” or “Danger Men at Work”. As well as on-site factors, the way some jobs are structured means some firms might not offer maternity or flexible working – a key incentive for attracting and retaining women workers. Benefits of a Diverse Workforce Although a gender-balanced working environment isn’t a reality in the construction industry just yet, there are numerous reasons we need to work towards it. Performance is a major one, with McKinsey revealing that a more gender-diverse workforce is 25% more likely to achieve above-average profitability. Heavily contributing to this is the fact women and men think differently, so companies can benefit from having fresh outlooks and perspectives to help form strategies. From a brand perspective, gender diversity will have a positive impact on the company’s reputation by presenting it as a desirable place to work. It also helps to attract top talent from a wide range of pools. Benefits of Working in Construction Trades offer Higher Earning Potential Regardless of industry, women have the potential to earn far more as trade employees than in traditionally female-dominated professions. Totaljobs reports an annual salary of £47,500 for construction workers, compared to just £23,000 for those who hold Administrator positions. Affordable Education Higher education such as college or university is not for everyone. Instead, learning a trade can be a better way for individuals to get on the career path. It’s a cheaper alternative. Women in Construction Week 2022 is this week (March 6-12th), so let’s get involved and help pave the way for women in construction. Read Full Story -
Industry News
Although roof tiles can last a long time, up to fifty years in some cases, there are odd times they need replacing. And, as their purpose is to protect the home underneath, when a problem develops, it needs immediate attention. It is not a job that can easily be put off until another day. Whether the tile damage is due to high winds, or severe frost, roof settling or as a result of fallen debris, delays in response will compound the problem, increasing the risk of costly damage. While replacing a roof tile is in itself not a particularly difficult job, it is carried out at height so poses serious risks to personal safety. For this reason it’s important to consider all aspects of safety before tackling this job. This begins with stable, secure access, and not taking unnecessary risks. Never work on a roof during windy and wet conditions, no matter how good your equipment is. Wait, or call in a professional. Replacing a nailed roof tile A broken tile or one that has slipped cannot normally be simply nailed back into position because the original fixing nails will be hidden behind the bottom edge of the tile above. The replacement tile must be secured in place with a clip (known as a tingle). This consists of a piece of lead sheet approximately 300 x 15mm. . The first step is to remove the broken tile. This is done by gently sliding it downwards, ensuring that the overlapping tiles above are not disturbed. Remove the old nails from the batten using pliers if possible. If this is too difficult, then cut them off flush using a cold chisel or bolster. Then attach the clip to the batten in the gap between the two slates in the course above, fixing it with a galvanised nail, through the clip, about 25mm from the end, into the batten. You will end up with the short side of the clip running horizontal and the long edge vertically down. Then, gently slide the new tile into position from below so it sits on the new clip. Fold the bottom end of the clip over the tile to complete the repair. Replacing a non nailed roof tile These tiles are even easier to replace because they are not nailed to the roof battens. Rather, they are held firm by the use of nibs that protrude from their top edge. Tilt the tiles, in the course above the broken one, upwards so you have enough room to free the remnants of the broken tile from the batten. Use a small wedge underneath the adjacent tiles to hold them in place while you carefully insert the new tile by sliding it in position from below. Make sure the nibs are securely hooked over the timber batten. Once in place, ease the tiles above back to their original positions, again making sure that the nibs remain hooked over the batten. When securely in position, remove the wedges from the adjacent tiles. For more how-to guides, check out our Tips and Guides section on our blog! Read Full Story
