With its slim design that fits easily in a pocket or toolbox, GP Batteries new Beam P36 Task flashlight makes the perfect partner for any professional tradesperson or DIY enthusiast.
 
Part of an award-winning range*, the Task P36 is a durable, powerful torch with a lumen output^ 300 – 25 lm and beam distance of ^120m, that will bring professional performance to any trade task or DIY undertaking.
 
Ergonomically designed for ease of use and storage, the torch is made from durable aircraft grade aluminium. Features include:

If you’re fed up with reading tapes upside down, get to grips with Fisco’s new ‘Mark-Right’ Tape. It’s designed for right- handed craftsmen and women with a blade that reads from right to left.

So measuring and and marking gets a whole lot easier and more accurate because you wont have to read the tape measure upside down and use your left hand to hold the tape in position whilst marking.

What’s more, the ‘Mark-Right’ reduces marking and cutting time for a right-handed user by 50%. Check out the video at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ECTpcx7JzGI

Filplastic, commercial storage & display experts, have recently run a campaign to discover how much time is wasted by tradespeople looking for tools through their vans.

168 tradespeople across the UK were surveyed to understand the frustrations they have on a daily basis.

How much time do tradespeople waste finding tools?

Wolseley’s Plumb Center has donated a replacement toolbox full of essential plumbing products to a young professional after he fell victim to van theft. The merchant has also pledged to continue to help out victims across the UK, as and when these incidents are reported.  

The Plymouth-based plumber lost upto £1,700 worth of tools and was almost forced to stop working after thieves raided his van last month. 

Wolseley branch staff spotted his story in a local newspaper and rallied round to source replacement tools from various suppliers including John Guest, Rothenberger and Milwaukee. The plumber was gifted the tools at his local Plymouth Plumb Center by branch manager Keith Whitley. 

A change of season means a change of focus on what you wear on site. That’s why Snickers can help you keep your cool when the heat is on. 

From staying warm and dry, think about staying cool and dry and look for working clothes that excel at ventilation and moisture transport to keep you working comfortably wherever you are on site.

That’s why Snickers have incorporated 37.5® Technology fabric into its garments. It’s very quick-drying material that captures and releases moisture vapour – like your sweat - for superior coolness and dry working comfort. 

As the rise of more modern jointing techniques such as push and press continues leading manufacturer, Pegler Yorkshire, has developed a combined toolkit that gives installers the right equipment to speed up installations. 

Phill Jackson, marketing and business development director said: “Each installation brings its own challenges but the key is being able to adapt.  Our toolkit provides all the essential equipment for installers to be able to adapt their installation as the job dictates whether that is via push, press or a combined approach.” 

We are living through an unprecedented time of technological change. It’s not just smartphones, which have seen the fastest ever adoption of any technology in the world’s history. There is also ever cheaper solar power, self-driving and electric cars, drones, not to mention breakthroughs in artificial intelligence. Benjamin Dyer of Powered Now focuses on just one of these -  smartphone technology – and looks at how this is going to change things in the plumbing trade.

There is a huge amount of aftermarket accessories and add-ons for vans, both for the exterior and interior, that can help not only keep you organised, but also keep your tools and supplies secure.

We take a look at Filplastic’s top storage suggestions and tips for tradesmen who spend their days working from their van:

1. Use wall-mounted tilt-bins
Installing wall-mounted tilt bins or shelving can help keep your van clutter free, which ultimately means you will be able to tools or supplies much faster. There are many options, and they are often designed to be on-the-move, meaning they have securing mechanisms to stop all of the contents emptying onto the floor of your van as you move from job to job.

Qualified plumbers and gas engineers can stock-up with more ‘Trade Rated’ products than ever before thanks to the new Plumbfix catalogue.

Leading trade supplier, Plumbfix has released the latest edition, which features a wide range of essentials and innovations given the ‘Trade Rated’ independent accolade, showing they are rated highly by other trade customers to provide additional reassurance.

All products ordered via the catalogue are available for next day delivery seven days a week, or via its Click & Collect service, which allows goods to be picked-up in over 490 Plumbfix trade counters, which are exclusive to qualified plumbers and installers and located in Screwfix stores, nationwide in as little as one minute.

James Ridout, UK Director at Aquabion® UK Ltd reviews the problems with limescale and discusses the benefits of using a water conditioner system.

The problem with limescale

Much of Great Britain is made up of limestone and chalk, with more than 60% of homes in the UK being supplied with hard water. Hard water is water that contains a high concentration of the dissolved minerals calcium and magnesium. Whilst there are benefits to hard water, when it evaporates, it leaves behind calcium carbonate deposits. Otherwise known as limescale, these deposits stick to any surface and can accumulate quickly, causing endless household and plumbing problems.