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Tips and Guides
Summer is here, and with the days growing longer, the weather improving and more time to spend working on DIY projects, there’s never been a better time to invest in high-quality summer tools. Whether you’re pulling up the weeds, working on a new landscaping project or cleaning the car, it’s always useful to have to right tools. That’s why we’ve rounded up a selection of essential tools to get the job done this summer: Lawnmower Our gardens become essential during the summer months, with seemingly every man and his dog settling on our patch for relaxation, sport and general entertainment. That’s why it’s so crucial that you invest in a quality lawnmower to keep your grass short and healthy. A high-quality lawnmower from MAD4TOOLS will let you adjust the grass cutting length and keep your garden looking amazing. Garden Hand Tools Removing those pesky weeds from your driveway and patio can be tricky. Pull the heads off, with the root remaining, and it’s only a matter of time before they grow back again. A simple and affordable solution is a weed hook. This £4.86 tool also works for clearing nettles and brambles. Need to do a spot of gardening too? Whether you’re in the market for a shovel, rake, hand trowel, watering can or anything else, we have a great selection of summer garden tools that you can check out on our website. Paint Brushes The summer sun might be glorious, but that extra light has a habit of revealing our less-than-perfect painting jobs both inside the house and outside. That’s why buying a new set of brushes like the Defiance Trade 5 Piece Paint Brush Set is such a smart move. High-quality and ready for any task you throw at them, they’ll help you get your paintwork back to showroom standard. Pressure washer There’s no joy quite like that of breaking out the pressure washer and going to town on a little grime. Our range of pressure washers includes both domestic and trade models designed to tackle even the toughest of dirt you might encounter and return that tired decking to its former glory. Hedge trimmer Hedges don’t grow an awful lot through autumn and winter, but they really kick into life through spring and summer, making a hedge trimmer all-but-essential for most homeowners. Our range of hedge trimmers includes both corded and cordless models, so even the largest gardens can be tended to easily. Handsaw Whether you’re trimming tree branches down to size, cutting timber for new decking or any other task which requires a saw, you’re going to need a reliable, comfortable handsaw. A model like the OX Pro Universal Cutting Hand Saw makes for a terrific option It comes with an ergonomic soft-grip handle for extreme comfort and supremely sharp blades to make light work of any task. Need the job done quickly? Try the Tajima Japanese Pull Hand Saw which cuts 3 times faster than normal blades. Vehicle cleaning tools Sundays are made for cleaning the car and with the weather set to be somewhere around ‘scorching’, there’s no excuse not to break out the vehicle cleaning tools. We’ve got everything you need, from wheel cleaning brushes to microfiber cloths via chamois, upholstery brushes and so much more. Sparkling paintwork? Well, it’s only a little elbow grease away. Related blog: How to maintain your garden tools Read Full Story -
Information and Tools
Since 1999 the Apache brand has taken a modern technical approach to its workwear designs. Starting in response to a general lack of quality, affordable industrial wear at the time, Apache set out to prove it was possible to look good in the workplace for a reasonable price. This has resulted in today’s range of functional, innovative, and stylish workwear and footwear, that will not only look good but will also keep you safe at all times. It is no surprise that Apache Workwear has become such a notable brand in the UK once you realise that the brand is manufactured by Sterling Safetywear Ltd, the company known for producing reliable safety footwear and protective clothing for the DeWalt line. From trousers and shorts to safety boots and trainers, the brand has made sure to cover a diverse range of workwear, which we are proud to stock here at Mad4Tools. Apache Workwear When it comes to trade workwear, you’ll struggle to find such great quality at this reasonable price point. Trousers Up first are their workwear trousers. Apache’s trouser range covers the traditional fit and a modern 3D tapered leg fit such as the Apache ATS 3D Stretch Trade Work Trousers. If you’re looking for lightweight, stretchy and long-lasting work trousers, these are for you. Key features include: Cordura reinforced hems, triple-stitched areas, cargo and padded phone pockets, reflective detail on back and shaped knee pad holders. For £35.16, you’re looking at a good all-round tradesman trouser. Shorts The Apache ATS Cargo shorts are ideal for the warmer months, or all year round if you’re the ‘shorts whatever the weather’ type of tradie! The steel Grey ATS cargo short is made from a lightweight technical fabric and has an active waist design as well as having multiple pockets. At £25.23, you can’t go wrong. It doesn’t just stop there. Apache also has an impressive range of jackets, hoodies, tops and accessories, all of which are made to last and look great. Apache Footwear Apache’s footwear has been manufactured in accordance with CE EN 20345:2011 standards. Boots Whether you’re looking for something completely waterproof, oil and chemical resistant or footwear with a steel toe cap, you’ll find a design perfect for you. Another great feature you’ll find on all Apache models is their excellent ankle support and cuffs to ensure all-day comfort and support. What more could you want from your footwear? Take, for example, the Apache AP715SM Safety Dealer Work Boots. £30.12 Featuring: Water-resistant leather upper Steel toe cap and midsole protection Dual-density PU/TPU outsole Anti-scuff toe guard Comfort insole Anti-static Ideal for many types of industry including construction and engineering Another classic example is the Apache AP314CM Safety Work Boots. £43.33 Not only are these a popular modern styled boot for all trades but they come with their advantages too: Wheat nubuck water resistant flexi hiker Steel toe cap and composite mid-sole Padded collar and tongue EVA rubber sole unit Chemical resistant sole Oil resistant sole Shock absorption sole Anti Static Apache also offers trainers such as the KICK Safety trainer. Providing the same great benefits as its other footwear, like shock absorption, steel toe and oil resistance, all for a great price. You’ll battle to find anything quite like it. To see the full range of Apache safety workwear and footwear that we stock at Mad4Tools, take a look at our website. 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 -
Tips and Guides
CSCS ‘Construction Skills Certification Scheme’ is the leading skills certification scheme for people working within the UK construction industry, and a CSCS card provides proof that you’re qualified and sufficiently trained for the type of work you’re carrying out. Just like how your driving license confirms your age, your CSCS confirms your qualifications. The scheme keeps a database of people working in the construction sector who have achieved or are committed to achieving their relevant qualifications, which can easily be checked against by site managers. The History of the CSCS Card The CSCS Card is, today, a ubiquitous part of the experience of working on a construction site, but it wasn’t always that way. Going back to the early 1990s and here in the UK, the accident levels within the construction sector were quite startling, as were the levels of fatalities. In terms of health and safety, the construction sector was amongst the very worst in Great Britain and was widely perceived as being a dangerous place to work. In turn, this was dissuading the next generation of construction workers and managers from joining the industry. Put simply, it wasn’t acceptable. The government, alongside the Health and Safety executive, looked to the gas industry where the CORGI system of accreditation had been establishing competence for years, with excellent results. The issue for the construction sector was that, unlike the gas sector, construction is an extremely broad church (which even includes church building!), and with so many trades, the accreditation system had to make sense for everyone. And so, the CSCS Card was born. Is a CSCS Card a Legal Requirement? Despite the popular usage of CSCS cards, there is no legal requirement to own one in order to work in the construction sector. At present, CSCS cards are optional. However, you will find that most principal contractors and major house builders will require you to hold a CSCS card before you’re allowed on site. Increasingly, construction firms both large and small are rallying behind the card. What Do I Need to Apply for My Card? The majority of CSCS cards require a construction related qualification, as well as a Health Safety & Environment Test, passed within the last 2 years. You can find out the type of test you need to take and further information here. How Do I Get a CSCS Card? Applying for your card is easy and starts with you checking which card is right for you by using the online CSCS Card Finder. Card Finder will also tell you which type of CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test you need to take. These tests cost £22 to complete. Once you’ve obtained the right qualifications and completed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment Test (within the last 2 years), you can call CSCS on 0344 994 4777 to apply for your card. You may need to email CSCS copies of your qualifications. Details of how to do this will be provided over the phone. How Much Does a CSCS Card Cost? The current fee is £36 which you can pay over the phone using a credit/debit card. It’s important to keep your CSCS card safe, as you will have to pay to replace it. If you need to replace a lost, stolen or broken card you can do so through the CSCS online application service. What Types of CSCS Card are There? When it comes to CSCS card, there’s a card for every level and every profession. Here’s the current range of cards they offer: Labourer Apprentice Experiences Technical, Supervisor or Manager Experienced Worker Trainee Industry Placement Skilled Worker Advanced Craft Supervisory Manager Academically Qualified Person Professionally Qualified Person Provisional (temporary card) *Construction Site Visitor *Trainee (craft and operative) *Trainee (technical, supervisory and management) *Construction Site Operate (CSO) *Construction Related Occupation (CRO) *These cards have since been withdrawn, but remain valid until the expiry date. MAD4TOOLS offer a range of quality tools and equipment to suit a variety of professionals. Whether you are looking for Personal Protection Equipment or a new power tool, we have you covered. Read Full Story -
Tips and Guides
It’s Father’s Day this Sunday (June 20th) just in case anyone had forgotten! It’s that time of year when we spoil our old man with priority in the bathroom, unlimited cups of tea and biscuits and full control of the television remote. The small but meaningful things in life…and if you really want to push the boat out, you’ll say I love you dad with a small gift. To help take the headache out of choosing a Father’s Day gift, here at Mad4Tools we’ve drawn up a list of presents any father would be pleased to add to their collection. And, if you’re a father reading this then simply print it out…and leave a copy lying around, several if needed – in plain view, on the fridge door for example, or better still, in the fridge! 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 £25 Metabo Screwdriver Bit Set 32-Piece £5.95 We’re kicking off our Father’s Day gift ideas with this mega deal. At only £5.95 there’s no need to break the bank to treat Dad. The bits in this Metabo Screwdriver Bit Set are made from chrome-vanadium-steel (S2-Quality) and colour ring coded for quick and easy identification. This deal is only valid until Wednesday 16th though, so be quick if you want to snap up a saving of 55%. Unilite PS-i1 LED Pocket Pen-Style Inspection Work Light £5.65 Ideal for the Electrician Dads, the PS-i1 is a super-compact penlight that combines power and portability in one neat package. The unit features 6 x White Cree SMD LEDs, which provide 175 Lumen of power. This is perfect for use in several lighting tasks. To guarantee its integrity, it features a strong ABS housing, making it ideal for industrial use. Scruffs Vintage Cargo Cotton Trade Work Shorts Black (Various Sizes) £16.95 Regardless of whether he’s a handyman, DIYer, or gardener, the Scruff’s Vintage Cargo Shorts will be his greatest companion in the summer months. These Scruffs cargo shorts are hardwearing, comfortable, and come with a free adjustable belt. What’s more, they’re exclusive to Mad4Tools, so you won’t find them anywhere else! For similar products, check out our extensive range of work shorts. Father’s Day Gifts Under £50 Silverline Assorted Drill Bit Set 204 Piece £32.57 This Father’s Day, gift dad with a set that has every drill bit he would ever need. Ideal for the keen DIYers. Featuring: 51 HSS titanium-coated drill bits, 42 black finished HSS drill bits, 14 masonries, 18 wood-boring drill bits; 3 pilot drill bits, 47 screwdriver bits, 10 nut drivers, 3 drill stoppers, 4 hole saws, 1 hole saw adaptor, 3 cupped nail sets, 3 screw finders, 1 centre punch, 1 countersink, 1 drill gauge, 1 bit holder and 1 hex key. Silverline are so confident in their products that they offer a Lifetime Guarantee on all their Hand Tools, and 3 Years on Power Tools, what more could you want? Technics Heavy Duty Open Mouth Tool Tote Bag £36.65 The Technics Heavy Duty Tote Bag is a quality and flexible tool storage solutions made for the trade. Featuring tough, tear-resistant material, an adjustable shoulder strap and multiple internal and external pockets to hold all those tools. He’ll have no excuse to be messy now! Handy EV3000 Electric 3000w Garden Leaf Blower & Vacuum 93-167mph 240v £39.99 Is Dad a keen gardener? Blow him away with the Handy Electric Garden Leaf Blower & Vacuum. It comes equipped with a hugely powerful 3000w motor and an extra-long 10-metre power cord, making outdoor clear-ups a breeze. In addition to blowing and vacuuming, it also shreds debris, reducing it at a ratio of 10:1 and leaving you with a highly compostable mulch that will take up minimal space in the capacious 45-litre collection bag. Buckbootz GUYZ Largo Bay Safety Work Trainer Shoes Blue & Black (Sizes 6-13) £49.83 Buckbootz introduces a dynamic KPU/leather safety trainer in contemporary athleisure styling with a host of the very latest design, component and safety features. The Buckbootz GUYZ are fitted with rubber outsoles for superior grip, longer life and maximum test heat and oil resistance. Father’s Day Gifts Under £100 Hyundai HY2175 Cordless 18v Combi Drill with 89-Piece Accessory set & 1.5Ah Li-Ion Batt £69.99 If you want to put a smile on that DIY-loving dad, stepdad, or grandad’s face, this could be the perfect present for them. Fitted with Hyundai’s powerful 230v motor and 2-speed gear drive system the HY2175 cordless drill has specially developed air inlets to ensure optimum motor cooling for a longer lifespan. Contained in a heavy-duty lightweight plastic carry box the HY2175 comes with 89 accessories that include a selection of popular sizes of HSS twist drills, tungsten carbide tipped masonry drills, wood boring drills, flat wood drill bits, rotary burrs, wire brushes and a combination of 25mm and 50mm screwdriver bits. Solo Pro 458 Garden Pressure Sprayer & Lance 9 Litre £65.95 The Solo 458 pressure sprayer with a shoulder strap and stable base has a 340 cm3 pump that generates a working pressure of 3 bar in the 11-litre tank after a few strokes. The sprayer is extremely robust, easy to use, and cleaning is as straightforward as can be. Greenworks G24HTK2 Cordless 24v Hedge Trimmer 51cm/20in with Battery £79.99 Dads who like to keep their garden neat will love this Greenworks’ 24V hedge trimmer. It allows you to carry out jobs around the garden without being constrained by where the nearest electrical socket is. The trimmer features a front pommel grip for strong and comfortable manoeuvring. The polished steel blades give plenty of length and strength for an even cut and the dual-action blades reduce vibrations, helping to cut branches evenly from both sides. Buckbootz BBZ6000BL Waterproof Rubber Safety Wellington Boots Blue (Sizes 5-13) £83.20 If you’re looking for a hard-wearing, long-lasting, premium quality safety work boot, look no further. The Buckbootz Blue Safety Wellington Boots are made of a neoprene/rubber waterproof material that features a structured Aerospence honeycomb breathable lining. These boots also have detachable cushion insoles with a distinctive safety side flash and a Hi-Viz lining that rolls down for extra safety. Father’s Day Gifts Over £100 V-Tuf V3 High Performance Portable Electric Pressure Washer 240v 135Bar £124.50 This powerful, compact, and lightweight 135 Bar pressure washer, is ideal for cleaning outdoor patio areas, garden furniture, driveways, paths, and even caravans. The V3 features: A height-adjustable handle Easy press extended trigger gun 5m high-pressure hose 3 nozzle options for jetting, foaming & blasting Foam cannon Rotary floor cleaning tool to contain dirt when cleaning the floor surfaces Induction motor Webb R410SP Classic Petrol Self Propelled Rotary Lawn Mower 41cm/16in £189.99 Dad will enjoy rugged build-quality, numerous convenience features, and superior cutting-capability when they get their hands on the UK-designed Webb WER401SP ‘Classic’ Petrol Rotary Lawnmower! It features single-lever height-of-cut selection, so selecting the most effective blade position couldn’t be simpler; and it benefits from a fold-down handlebar that makes for straightforward transport and storage. What’s more, its OHV (overhead valve) design will prove fuel-efficient, quiet in operation and clean-running. For more Father’s Day gift ideas, head to our website where you’ll find thousands of the latest trade products at incredibly discounted online prices. Read Full Story -
Tips and Guides
If you want to shift heavy loads safely and securely, a beam lifter is an essential tool. Beam lifters are designed to help you lift and lower weighty items such as beams, ductwork and piping, and understanding exactly how they work – and how to use them properly – is key to getting the job done efficiently. We’ve got our red devilish mascot – also known as MAD-LY – on hand to give you some helpful tips on how best to use your beam lifter. MAD-LY’s got a ton of expertise on how to get tons moved, so pay close attention to his guide to beam lifting effectively. “First,” says our friendly devil, “you’ve got to understand your equipment and how it works. The bottom bit is the underframe, and that’s supported by props that keep the whole contraption stable. The stand is the tall bit that goes up the back, and on the front, you’ve got the spindle transmission (that’s the knot that holds it all together), the spindle, and the load arm, which is the bit that moves up and down to lift your load. At the top, you’ll find the heading fork, which holds your load, and ideally, all this works together to lift weights up and down. If you want to stay safe (which I advise!) make sure you stick with all the parts on the original piece of equipment you buy and don’t go replacing anything with unknown bits and pieces.” MAD-LY himself claims that he can lift beams with nothing but his littlest finger – he’s always refused to prove it, so we’d recommend using a beam lifter. Always check the specifications of the product and the loads you’re planning to lift and make sure no one is in the way of the equipment. High-vis jackets and hard hats are a recommendation whenever you’re carrying out heavy lifting, and even though MAD-LY is a bright red devil, even he recognises the need. MAD-LY Says… “To get your lifter working, you need to set it up properly. Make sure the ground is stable and flat, and always follow the instructions on the product itself to put the thing together – that’s how you’ll get a devilishly good lift out of it. Load your weight onto the lifter, and fix it in place securely. There will normally be drillings in the heading fork to help you out here. Remember that the weight on the beam lifter should always be parallel when going up and down, and always fully secured, using something like a shackle with a bolt, nut and cotter pin. If there are chains or moving parts involved, these need to be fixed in place too. Now it’s time to adjust the height, and you can do this by cranking the handle to move the tool up and down. Make sure you do this at a smooth, even pace – don’t rush it or jolt it: slow and steady wins the race.” Your lifting beam should be stored in a safe place where it’s protected from damage, and stable enough that it won’t tip over when tilted to angle of 10 degrees in any direction. MAD-LY advises adding feet to your lifting beam, or using a stand if needs be, because fallen equipment can lead to breakages and costs for you and your business. “The most important thing is to read the instructions!” Says MAD-LY. “Every tool is different, and you can become just as much of an expert as I am (well, maybe almost as much), if you pay attention to the manual, and always act safely, calmly and confidently with your tools.” Thanks, MAD-LY! For more ‘How to’ guides, check out our Tips and Guides page on our blog. Read Full Story -
Information and Tools
Ear defenders or earmuffs are essential if you want to keep your hearing at the top of its game, especially when you’re working in loud, harsh environments. Choosing the right Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) can make an instrumental difference to your quality of life, and with so many different options available, there’s something for every situation. Whether you need discreet noise protection to shield your eardrums from factory noise, or thermal ear defenders to safeguard against cold conditions and extreme sounds, MAD4TOOLS has the right product for you. Understanding Protection Levels Ear defenders are rated according to how much protection they offer against different decibel levels and different levels of noise attenuation. We know that sometimes it can become a little overwhelming when trying to understand the level of protection you need. So, below we’ve helpfully outlined what these terms mean. What is attenuation? Attenuation is the process of losing noise energy and is recorded by SNR values assigned to each set of ear defenders. The higher the SNR, the higher the level of noise attenuation provided by the hearing protection. What does SNR stand for? SNR is a Single Number Rating system. The SNR value is used to understand the level of noise attenuation provided by different ear protectors. What is HML? When you’re shopping for ear protection, you’ll also notice H, M and L ratings, which refer to the level of noise attenuation. H = High frequencies M = Medium frequencies L = Low frequencies Understanding decibels (dBs) We use decibels (dB) to measure sound intensity, which means a log scale is used rather than a linear system. For example, for every three-dB increase, the intensity of a sound will roughly double to the human ear. To work out your daily and weekly noise exposure and estimate the performance of hearing protection you need, you can use HSE’s handy calculators. Types of ear defenders Below, we’ve put together a selection of some of the best ear protectors available today. Standard ear defenders Delta Plus INTERLAGOS Adjustable Safety Ear Muffs The Delta Plus Interlagos Safety Ear Muffs feature ABS cups and pads filled with synthetic foam. These defenders have a double plastic headband (POM), which are adjustable in height and soft reinforcement for better comfort. Available in 2 colours, yellow or grey. OX Standard Lightweight Ear Defenders – SNR 25dB On a budget? These OX ear protectors are perfect for you. They are ideal for everyday use and can be worn overhead, behind the neck or under the chin. They’re also lightweight and robust and conform to EN352-1. Ear defenders integrated with helmet Silverline Forestry Helmet with Visor & Ear Defenders Impact-resistant helmet with integral ear protectors and visor for all-around safety. The helmet features an adjustable head harness, padded brow strap and chin strap. Conforms to EN352-3, EN397 and EN1731. Delta Plus SUZUKA Clip-On Safety Ear Muffs / Defenders SNR 27dB The Delta Plus Suzuka Clip-On ear muffs feature high flexibility ABS arms and cups padded with synthetic foam. These can be used on their own or with a face shield holder. Suitable for use with GRANITE, QUARTZ, ZIRCON and DIAMOND safety helmets. Electronic ear defenders Silverline Electronic Ear Defenders SNR 30dB Solid-state circuitry allows normal speech and sounds to be heard but automatically deadens noise above 85dB. They also feature an on/off switch with adjustable volume control and an auto-adjust headband. Related blog: Get to know: Delta Plus PPE Read Full Story -
Tips and Guides
When it comes to working on any site, safety should always come first but extra attention must be paid when working at height. A great way to prevent a fall is by using a scaffold tower. According to the HSE’s annual Health and Safety at Work for Great Britain report, there were over 5,000 injuries caused in 2019/2020 as a result of falling from height. Falls from height also continue to be the main cause of fatal injury, accounting for 29 deaths last year alone, proving just how vigilant you need to be on site. Key Points and Regulations The type of scaffold tower chosen must be suitable for the work you’re about to carry out. It is essential that these towers are erected and dismantled by those who are qualified and competent to do so in accordance with the Working at Height Regulations (2005). A PASMA qualification acts as proof of that competency. Many organisations provide training courses for this and ensure an employee knows about the potential dangers and precautions required during tower use. All towers must be inspected following assembly and then at suitable regular intervals by someone who is qualified. If the tower is used for construction work, and a person could fall 2 metres or more from the working platform, then it must be inspected following assembly and then every 7 days. If the inspection shows that it is not safe, you must cease work straight away and put right any faults. The result of an inspection should be recorded and kept until the next inspection is recorded. Main Dangers Hazardous methods of erection and dismantling – not following the manufacturer or supplier’s instructions for safe erection sequences, including any bracing requirements. The scaffold tower is assembled incorrectly – with missing parts such as platform guardrail. Towers can collapse if sections are left out. Misusing the scaffold tower – where a tower is moved with people or material on the apparatus, or in windy conditions. Ignoring safe workload – taking more people, equipment, or material than it’s explicitly designed to support. This causes a severe risk to the user and those surrounding the equipment. Tips for Using and Moving Using Never use a scaffold tower: In strong winds As a support for ladders, frames, or other access equipment With damaged or absent parts With incompatible components Moving When moving a scaffold tower, make sure to: Check that there aren’t any overhead power lines or other obstructions Inspect the ground. Make sure it is firm, level, and free from potholes Lower the height to a maximum of 4 metres Push or pull from the base only We’ve also put together the below guide of essential scaffolding safety tips, so you can work in total safety. Build a stable base – When you’re building your scaffolding, ensure that you’re building on stable, firm ground. Never use bricks or building blocks to take the weight of any part of the tower. Install a guardrail – It’ll mean a slightly longer set up but installing a guardrail will prevent anyone from accidentally stepping or slipping off the edge of the platform. Adopt a three-point grip – Climbing ladders can be dangerous, so always ensure that you’ve got three points of grip when you’re climbing your scaffolding. That can be two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot, but three points of grip are absolutely vital. Invest in the right footwear – It should go without saying but climbing on top of scaffolding without the right footwear is exceptionally foolish. Strong, sturdy safety boots are required when working, to ensure proper footing and, therefore, great safety. Always wear a safety helmet – Never be without a safety helmet when using a scaffold tower. Ensuring the correct procedures and health & safety requirements are adhered to is vital but accidents can always happen, a safety helmet can help to reduce any injury. Organise your tools carefully – Keeping tools on the floor next to you might be convenient, but it can also be extremely dangerous should you trip on them or accidentally knock them off. That’s why we recommend either investing in a dedicated tool tray, to keep your tools within arm’s reach but away from your feet. Replace old scaffold tower – The longer the scaffold tower is in use, the higher the chance that your scaffolding will fail. We’ve seen everything from cracked steel to cupped base plates fundamentally compromise the safety of your scaffolding. That goes for both professional and domestic scaffold towers so don’t hesitate if you need to buy a replacement. See our fantastic range of scaffold towers professional scaffold towers. For more information on scaffold towers, check out our blog – Scaffold Towers: Everything you need to know! Read Full Story -
Information and Tools
Pliers are an essential tool for both tradesman and DIY enthusiasts, but like every tool, actually deciding which ones you need can be a real problem – especially if you’re not in the trade. Pliers are used for a wide range of purposes. From cutting and shaping wires to gripping bolts, removing nails and more, you’ll find that there’s a plier for every job. At MAD4TOOLS, we supply pliers from some of the biggest names in tool manufacture from around the globe. Every single day, the tools we sell help people get jobs done, but if you’re stuck at the decision stage, we’ve got something that’ll help – a complete guide to the most common types of pliers available. Let’s get started. Plier Parts First, it’s important to understand the key parts of a plier and their individual functions. These parts may vary slightly from plier to plier. Tip – The tip of the plier Pipe Grip – Used for gripping round objects such as pipe Cutters – Typically used for cutting wire and cable Jaws – The working end of the plier used for gripping Pivot Point (or Fulcrum) – This is where the two handles meet at a hinge, allowing the handles to open and close. In turn, this allows the jaws to open and close to perform its job Handles – This is the part you hold. These can be curved or straight Waterpump pliers Often called waterpump pliers in the UK, but sometimes known as angle-nosed, tongue-and-groove and groove-joint pliers, these pliers are ideal for working on larger objects, like pipes. Featuring serrated jaws at 45 to 60 degrees and expandable mouths, they’re ideal for gripping large objects and holding them in place and are available in multiple sizes. Cutting, crimping & stripping pliers Featuring an extremely sharp end and robust handles, these pliers are ideal for cutting through a variety of wires, as well as crimping and stripping. They’re an essential tool for electricians or those simply performing wiring-based jobs around the house. Side cutters might have long, curved or short noses, and end cutters can be used on wire, rivets and bolts. There is a wide variety of cutting, crimping and stripping blades available. Locking pliers Locking pliers perform a similar function to that of a wrench, with a knurled screw that allows you to lock your pliers into position to stop them from slipping. Sometimes called vice grips, they allow you to pull or twist without losing your grip. You’ll find that locking pliers will feature a release that can disengage the lock, and will have serrated jaws for greater grip. Long-nose pliers Long-nose or needle-nose pliers are ideal for working in tight spaces and are ideal for a wide range of tasks, from jewellery work to cutting small-gauge wire. They feature long, slender jaws with a pointed tip which makes it easy for the pliers to reach small spaces. Fencing pliers Designed exclusively to cut and pull heavy-duty staples from things like fencing, featuring two wire cutters. The heavy head can also be used for hammering too, in a pinch. Combination pliers The ideal tool for the DIY user but still a popular choice amongst professionals, combination pliers combine attributes from a number of other pliers, like the ability to cut, crimp, strip, pull and twist. Though they’re less specialised, they often feature the attributes required to effectively do a number of jobs. To discover our full range of pliers, visit our MAD4TOOLS pliers page, where you’ll find models of every type of plier discussed above at low, low prices. Read Full Story
