UK SPECIAL
SCAN TO ENTER
UK SPECIAL
SHOWS, NEW PRODUCTS AND FIGHTING TOOL THEFT...
There’s a fair bit of show coverage within this latest issue, including events that are long established industry expos like the D&M Tools Show, as well as some slightly more niche offerings, like the London International Woodworking Festival We had feet on the ground at each and these shows proved to be both vibrant and busy.
While the broader market is undoubtedly tricky or flat (insert your description of choice) the tools market does appear to continue to thrive at shows.
Perhaps it’s hard to beat the potential face-to-face with customers, and the opportunity to demonstrate a new power tool in front of punters? Likewise end users continue to grasp the chance to see new gear in the flesh. The tools industry is probably one of the more tangible sectors out there – the opportunity to hold a new tool and see how bulky it is (and how heavy it is with the battery included) means that events provide a golden opportunity for users. For the brands looking to shift product, we have testimonies within this issue on how a well-timed event can boost sales. This point also plays into the ageold bricks and mortar vs online retailing dynamic. Doubtless plenty of tools are sold online, but how many times do customers go to shows first to get their hands on them while they are weighing up their buying decisions? It’s hard to accurately make those kinds of calculations. As is judging how many online customers first head into tool shops or merchants to get some face-to-face time with a new product before they part with their cash over the ‘net.
Reviews can form part of the buying decision too, and we’ve got expert insiight in this issue, getting to grips with one of the latest from Metabo.
But that’s not all. We’ve also got space dedicated to recent quality tool launches, including products from STABILA and Norbar. Also on the industrial side, we find out from Wera how it has made a difference to one business by helping reduce production downtime. In addition, we’ve also insights on the enduring topic of tool theft, including some tips on the kind of things that tool retailers and merchants can do to help stem the tide.
We’ll be doing this all over again in 2025, with two issues covering the tools market in spring and autumn. We’ll be looking at some of the key trending products in the market, including the likes of storage and lighting. And we’ll be doing more of the same, with tools reviews, show reports and spotlights on brands that can help make a difference to your business. If you’ve views, products, hot takes on the market or similar, let us know at the email below. See you in 2025.
Peter Brett Tools Editor info@torque-expo.com
04 NEXT LEVEL WITH STABILA > YOU CAN DROP IT, DUNK IT AND READ MULTIPLE ANGLES WITH IT; DIGITAL SPIRIT LEVEL TECH196DL
06 BREWING WITH WERA > WERA HELPS A BREWER TO OVERCOME PRODUCTION WOES AND BOOST EFFICIENCY
08 INTELLIGENT TORQUE TOOLS FROM NORBAR > JOINT-SENSING EBT-C IS PRIMED FOR BOLTING APPLICATIONS IN MANY INDUSTRIES
10 REVIEW: METABO > PETER BRETT GETS HANDS ON WITH METABO’S CORDLESS PLUNGE SAW
12 SHOW REVIEW > WE HEAD TO THE D&S SHOW TO GLEAN INSIGHTS FROM THE MARKET
14 NEW LOOK FOR UNIOR > FRESH PACKAGING PROMISES TO HELP BRING NEW END USERS TO UNIOR
16 SHOW REVIEW > THE LONDON INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF WOOD IS AIMED AT THE HIGH END
18 TOOL THEFT > AN FOI REQUEST REVEALS SOME SHOCKING TOOL THEFT NUMBERS…
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St Albans. Herts AL4 0JJ
Email: info@torque-expo.com
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Although the utmost care is taken to ensure that information contained herein is accurate and up to date, the Publisher cannot be held responsible or in any way liable for errors or omissions during input or printing of any material supplied or contained herein. The Publisher also cannot be held liable for any claims made by advertisers or in contributions from individuals or companies submitted for inclusion within this publication. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or of Stag Publications Ltd.
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Next level
STABILA now has 135-years of experience to lean on in the development of its top level product lines, including one of its latest launches, the TECH196DL, a versatile and tough digital spirit level featuring acoustic guidance and a version with super-strong magnet system that frees up users’ hands for aligning and adjusting…
STABILA’s commitment to innovation continues with its latest range of products, including digital spirit level TECH196DL. Built to deal with the rigours of the job site, with features like IP 67 waterproof ratings, drop tested, end caps, sealed vials, electronic user signals, and the ability to read angles other than vertical and horizontal, TECH196DL is factory calibrated for accuracy at level and plumb, to two decimal places in five different functions, from % to degrees, to mm/m, in/ft, and to calculate pitch.
The new TECH 196DL electronic spirit level from STABILA is designed for a wide range of measurement work. Variations include the 196M model that comes equipped with an extrastrong rareearth magnet system, which keeps the hands free for aligning and adjusting pillars and supports. Meanwhile, the TECH 196 DL from STABILA is also available in a short version of just 23 cm, without vials, in a completely digital design, which is particularly suited to aligning short building elements (e.g. window sills) or for tight spaces.
STABILA says: “STABILA has always made a point of being the specialist in measuring and levelling and has invested millions in innovation. Accurate reliable tools as a whole become a badge of competence for British tradespeople, who take real care and pride in the tools they use.”
Robust, precise, no calibration required
Both models – TECH 196 DL and TECH 196M DL – have two digital displays that can be read off perfectly in any situation, promptly showing the measurements of inclinations, slopes and angles. It can complete common measurements particularly quickly and efficiently.
There’s a broad range of applications too. The TECH 196 DL model is suitable for taking exact measurements in carpentry, joinery, kitchen installation, stair installation and civil engineering. It is also ideal for architects to check completed work, for example when reviewing the slope of a balcony. In gardening and landscaping, it is the perfect aid when laying a garden path with slopes. The TECH 196M DL model has an extra strong rareearth magnet, making it especially suitable for metal construction, metalwork and concrete formwork. The user thus always has free hands to align and adjust the relevant parts, pillars and supports.
The new electronic spirit levels are protected to IP 67 against dust and water, so well that they can even be temporarily submerged – for up to 30 minutes at a depth of one metre (ULTRAPROTECT). Another plus point is that dirty buttons can be easily cleaned after work is complete, thanks to the robust membrane keyboard.
They are CALFREE too, which means it is not necessary to calibrate the electronics during everyday use thanks to the highquality sensors and advanced production process, even if the product is dropped or subjected to temperature fluctuations.
Higher measurement accuracy, many electronics functions
The already high standards of accuracy have been enhanced still further with this latest generation and there are a range of functions tailored to challenging requirements. Those include acoustic guidance, with two different audible signals enables components to be aligned more quickly, without having to look at the spirit level. For work in poor light conditions, both displays are illuminated to two levels, at the push of a button. Another helpful feature is that the digital display automatically turns to the reverse position, enabling it to be read off easily at all times. Thanks to reference angle mode, an angle measurement can also be accepted, saved and transferred to other components.
Sales support
To support sales in specialist shops, STABILA offers two attentiongrabbing cardboard displays for the new electronic spirit levels TECH 196 DL / TECH 196M DL: a floor display and counter display for the short version.
www.stabila.com
Counter-top POS for the short version of the TECH 196 DL
Flexi Tubs & Buckets
Durability test one. Watch the video now!
Purchase in singles or case quantities. Pallet deals are also available.
Open a trade account at dktools.com or contact our sales team for more info.
Next-day delivery available across the UK mainland, subject to terms and conditions.
Overtorquing bolts was causing failure and downtime for one brewer – until a Wera solution was implemented
FIXING UP THE BREWERY PRODUCTION LINE
Wera UK’s Solutions Specialist recently visited visited a global brewer to help solve a range of particular challenges…
The incorrect torquing of bolts is a hazard for safety, brand reputation, efficiency of product and more besides, whether said bolts are on automotives, out in the field like in wind turbines, or on the production line. That goes for brewer’s production lines too. One global brewer contacted Wera UK to help it overcome some of the challenges it was facing, with Solutions Specialist Michael Fox despatched to help tackle issues the business was facing.
// The innovation ingrained into the Wera Safe Torque wrench rules out the possibility of fittings being over-torqued. //
During the changing of filling valves, production staff members were frequently stripping threads – due to over torquing the M6 and M8 bolts. That resulted in increased downtime for the bottling line and also tied up resource from the maintenance department, affecting planned work and potentially creating a backlog of breakdowns, negatively impacting the OEE of the entire shop floor.
The innovation ingrained into the Wera Safe Torque wrench rules out the possibility of fittings being overtorqued, as the mechanism in the head will slip once at the set torque. This not only stops components being damaged, but also reduces the likelihood that fittings are undertorqued due to the operator being worried applying too much torque. Subject to the correct use, this reduces the effect human error can play in the changeover process, improving the repeatability of the process as well as preventing downtime.
By ensuring threads are no longer being stripped, OEE across the full shopfloor has the potential to improve, whilst also increasing the service life of the machinery as temporary repairs will reduce in frequency. It also means costs can be reduced on consumables such as helicoils that may be being used to repair damaged threads.
By helping to eliminate human error from the process, it also opens up the changeover process to more operators on the shop floor, that may not be as experienced. The implementation of the Safe Torque also reduces the training required to carry out the process when new starters join the business.
In addition to this, the torque feature can be disengaged so the tool can be used as a standard ratchet – meaning it can be a versatile tool to have on the shop floor and used on a variety of other processes without knocking the calibration out.
There’s more on Wera’s Safe Torque wrenches at products.wera.de
Win a bundle with Wera! Complete a short survey for your chance to land Wera products for free. Follow the QR link to fill in the quick survey for your chance to win.
NEW INTELLIGENT TORQUE TOOL FROM NORBAR
Norbar’s battery-powered, intelligent-jointsensing EBT-C is primed for bolting applications in multiple industries…
The new EvoTorque Battery Tool Compact (EBTC) has been launched by Norbar to tackle common challenges faced by torque tool operators, including overheating during operation and accurate setting up.
The compact batterypowered torque tool features patented transducer control and ‘intelligent joint sensing’ technology for high accuracy and repeatability. It continually measures the joint during tightening and when necessary, employs dynamic braking to avoid torque overshoot, so it’s ideal for a range of bolting applications across multiple industries.
As aforementioned, a key challenge faced by lithium
powered torque multipliers is overheating during operation, which can result in the operator temporarily suspending work while the tool cools down – ultimately affecting productivity.
The EBTC is equipped with a patent pending cooling system that significantly improves the thermal durability of the tool during operation, meaning the operator can continue bolt tightening where other tools would overheat.
EBTC is the latest electronic torque tool developed and manufactured by Norbar it brings together the company’s 80 years’ experience in producing highly accurate and efficient torque tools. The tool has the highly dependable classleading Norbar gearbox resulting in less downtime and fewer gearbox repairs – again leading to greater dependability and increased productivity. The gearbox is also designed with a ball bearing rotation system that makes it easier for the operator to set up on applications.
The ergonomically designed handle with integrated display screen makes it easier for the user to comfortably view the display whilst operating. This display provides clear, realtime feedback of torque data and allows for easy adjustments of tool settings.
Operator safety is our priority with a 'safe to start' button enabled on the tool as factory default, helping to ensure hands are safely positioned at startup.
Each tool is supplied with a robust case designed to allow the tool to be stored with the reaction arm and socket fitted, enabling the end user to grab the tool from its case and apply to the application without the need to attach or remove the reaction every time.
Ian Hyland, Product Manager at Norbar Torque Tools, says: “The new EBTC brings together all of the company’s experience in manufacturing powered tools. This is a new generation of torque tool that inherits all of the Norbar DNA, benefiting the user with the knowledge gained from decades of power tool evolution. The EBTC is an exceptionally highquality product that the end user can depend on for repeated accuracy and safety.”
www.norbar.com
Norbar says the EBT-C has a highly dependable class-leading gearbox resulting in less downtime and fewer repairs
A ‘safe to start’ button is enabled as factory default to boost operator safety
Hot spot: Norbar’s latest overcomes common overheating challenges faced by torque tool operators
// The EBT-C is equipped with a patent pending cooling system that significantly improves the thermal durability of the tool during operation. //
It’s robust, waterproof, precise and the best part? It doesn’t need calibrating!
Available in a range of sizes with POS to help you display.
Space Saver Display
• Dedicated space for a growing category
• Easy to merchandise
Counter Top Display
• Perfect to display the 23cm TECH 196 at till point
• Display full range of sizes; 40 cm, 61 cm (M), 81 cm, 100 cm, 122 cm, 183 cm (M)
• Display product protected with anti-the昀 security wire
• Allow yovur customers to interact without the risk of the昀
Stabilia Tech 196 DL 61cm (M)
StabiliaTech196DL 23cm
METABO TAKES THE PLUNGE
Does Metabo’s Plunge Saw help users master the (saw) depths and stay on the rails?
Peter Brett gets hands-on with Metabo’s KS18 LTX 66 BL and puts it through its paces…
Metabo’s KS18 LTX 66 BL comes with a sturdy and stackable metaBOX that can easily be loaded onto a wheeled trolly for transport
// A really good USP is the 66mm depth of cut at 0 degrees which means that the saw can easily cut through rafter timbers. //
Ihave waited a long time to lay hands on Metabo’s response to the competition in the plunge saw market. I regard a cordless plunge saw (used with or without a guide rail) as an essential, both on site and in the workshop. They can be as accurate as you are careful in setting them up and weigh a lot less than a site saw. A couple of trestles and some sacrificial timber across them is good for crosscuts and longer rips too.
Important things in a plunge saw are enough power, smooth plunge and safe handling. We can rely on cordless and corded versions to deliver that these days.
There are lots of things to like on the Metabo KS18 LTX 66 BL Plunge Saw because, I think, the Metabo R&D team were able to take advantage of seeing what the competitions’ features were and then they added more. But to get a real appreciation of just how many features are at your fingertips, it pays to have a really close look at what features are included, but also how they work and how easy they are to use.
First of all, the base is a solid, rigid alloy casting that holds all the moving bits securely with no play – important for accuracy. If some looseness creeps in with wear and handling, then it is possible to adjust all those angles etc to go back to ‘out of the box’ accuracy.
The matching Metabo guide rail has been designed to fit saws from several other major manufacturers – a very handy feature in my book. Maybe you might have forgotten your own rail, (I have done that) or you could be swapping saws for different jobs
The plunge controls are easy to use, and the plunge spring just gives the right amount of ‘push’. To avoid accidents, the thumb switch has to be pushed down and then the trigger pulled to activate the motor and the plunge action. It feels safe and controlled and both hands should be out of the way on the respective handles on the body of the saw.
Making the cut
Setting the plunge depths is easy once you have mastered the slightly fiddly red button that has to be pushed down to release the plunge mechanism. There are two indicators on the cursor – one showing an ‘FS.’ The FS shows the depth of cut when
used with a guide rail, the other indicates depth of cut from the base. For millimetre accuracy there is a micro adjuster above the blade guard, should it be necessary to finely adjust a cut through a material without blunting the blade on the floor screed underneath, for example. The saw can cut up to 14mm close to a wall with the fence as a straight guide.
Setting the blade for angled cuts requires no tools – just loosen a couple of red ‘butterfly’ nuts front and back of the saw and set the cursor on the accurate and easily readable graduated scale. It’s pretty accurate in my experience.
Other controls include a 12interval milled wheel that can be set to control the speed of the motor – high speeds for wood, and lower speeds for plastics and thin boards. The wheel is right by the back of the battery so easy to access when needed.
Blade changing is fairly straightforward via the spindle lock lever and a hex key (supplied and held in a slot under the battery casing.)
We expect far better dust collection nowadays with health and safety concerns to the fore. A dust bag can be fitted onto the nozzle at the back of the blade guard – it’s pretty efficient – the bag fills up remarkably quickly. Or it can be fitted to a vacuum extractor using Cordless Control.
Other little handy bits are the blade brake and the windows in the casing that show where the front and rear of the blade are in the cut. A really good USP is the 66mm depth of cut at 0 degrees which means that the saw can easily cut through rafter timbers.
Using the latest battery packs like the 5.5 Ah18V pack, provides lots of oomph and because Metabo is part of the CAS (Cordless Alliance System) any CAS battery pack will fit – well it works for the rails, why not for the batteries?
The whole kit comes packed in a sturdy metaBOX that is stackable so can be loaded onto a wheeled trolly for easy transport.
I really enjoyed using this saw – it is powerful, capable, easy to adjust and appears strong enough to withstand the rigours of the worksite. And I love the fact that you can use it on different manufacturers’ guide rails – a great boost for practicality.
www.metabo.com
THE D&M SHOW: SHOW TIME AGAIN!
With demos, new tools and experts on hand providing users with chance to assess whether it’s time to change their tool brands of choice, the D&M Show is a thriving corner of the trade. Peter Brett reports from this year’s edition…
HHaving chatted with many visitors at the annual D&M Tools Show it seems that it is one of, if not the most, popular shows on the annual tools calendar. It is well organised, has lots of free parking a short distance away, good security, and there is usually good weather too – so there is room to see the outdoor demos without deafening the indoor audience. But the two main factors that bring in the crowds are that there are great show deals to be had – in many cases better than on the internet.
Demos are employed to sway purchase decisions...
But equally important, and perhaps more so, is the effort that tool companies make to bring along new products and the staff whose job it is to help develop and market these new tools. A chance, in my view, for users to perhaps consider the opposition and maybe even change brands on the basis of a solid chance to compare products by handling the tools and watching the demos.
Kevin Rowles, Director of Sales and Marketing for Metabo, told me that the company had had record sales in October largely due to the D and M show. He thinks that Paul Dowding (D&M MD) does a very good job of targeting the marketing at the end users. Both locally and countrywide, the bases are covered. The show itself covers a Friday and a weekend, allowing a much wider range of end users to attend. It also helps that some exhibitors provide sweets and things that help keep kids and partners happier.
Kevin also told me that the Metabo experience was repeated at several other major manufacturers/exhibitors, so it will be interesting to see how that pans out. Who knows what effect the USA election will have either?
The Show is also the perfect opportunity for new brands and suppliers to show their faces. For example, the new range of midrange woodworking machines from Holzstar marketed by NMA Agencies. They looked to me like good sturdy products at reasonable prices for those working in smaller workshops or being the proud owner of a goodsized double garage.
Now gathering more users is the Cordless Alliance System (CAS). This is a common battery system that users of a variety
// Our show has stood the test of time, spanning many generations of apprentices, trades people and tool enthusiasts. //
of other CAS tools can use the Metabo battery interface. It allows users a greater choice of tools from various manufacturers. I now have a couple of CAS tools in my armoury – and so far, has worked a treat.
Security is another issue that D&M is championing. Theft from tradeys’ vans is still running at levels that would occupy a lot of time of many police officers. A police officer from the local force was encouraging visitors to the Show to take up the offer of a free marking system that police can use to identify tools that have been recovered after being stolen. The statistics for theft are shocking and I have heard tales of the lengths that thieves will go to, to break into vans. Literally peeling van sides open like a sardine tins. This is when the invention of cordless angle grinders doesn’t seem like such a great idea!
Tool shows can be a gamble for an exhibitor – everything from the weather to an impending election can affect the footfall and
Brands new and old appeared at this year’s D&M Show
the customers’ desire to spend money on tools. The D&M Show has a good reputation in these respects and the timing is perfect – right between the end of the summer holidays and the excitements of Halloween and Bonfire Night. I spoke to half a dozen of the exhibitors before and after the event and they all agreed that the show was consistently busy over its three days, with most exhibitors exceeding their sales projections.
So, in order to get a ‘view from the horses mouth’ so to speak, I asked Paul Dowding, MD of D&M Tools for his views, once the dust had settled. Thanks Paul – your comments are illuminating and give we readers an insight into the ongoing success of the D and M Show.
He said: “The 24th year of the D&M ‘The Tool Show’ show ended on a high after our best attendance so far! Excited tool fans flocked from far afield to get their hands on a whole host of new and exciting tools from the biggest brands in the industry. Several ‘show debut’ new tools were launched for the first time, which attracted lots of interest and purchasing, all helped with our exclusive show deals.
“Our show has stood the test of time, spanning many generations of apprentices, trades people and tool enthusiasts. Their desire to see the tools up close, discuss the options with representatives of the brands and take it home or straight to the jobsite hasn’t changed.
“As well as all our usual favourite brands, who have attended for many years, some new exhibitors joined the extensive lineup. We were delighted to welcome SawStop, Einhell, Holzstar, Unilite and Bunker.
“Our shared passion for tools continues with us all at D&M Tools, our suppliers, and customers alike – there’s nothing better.”
www.dm-tools.co.uk
Workshop efficiency BOOSTERS
Durable workshop-focused trolleys – ideal for mechanics, electricians or even on construction sites – have been launched by Jefferson Tools
Crafted with durability and utility in mind, new robust and durable trolleys from Jefferson Tools are designed to thrive in demanding environments typical of busy workshops. Available in multiple configurations, they are pitched as perfect for a mechanic’s garage, an electrician’s workspace, a construction site or even agricultural shed.
“The new trolley range signifies a major advancement in our mission to provide premium workshop solutions,” says Darren Binns, National Sales Manager at Jefferson Tools. “We are setting a new benchmark for what professionals can expect from workshop mobility solutions. These trolleys are overengineered by design, ensuring they excel even in the most challenging environments where other products might fail.”
// The new trolley range signifies a major advancement in our mission to provide premium workshop solutions //
Jefferson Tools’ trolleys are built for durability and also for ease of use. For instance, the threelevel trolley’s compact design allows it to hold parts, power tools and bulky equipment too large for a traditional tool chest, all while being easy to manoeuvre thanks to its side handle and lockable castor wheels. It measures 870 x 400 x 875mm with a capacity of 150kg across three levels.
The twolevel workshop trolley adds a layer of security with its lockable drawer, ideal for storing sensitive tools. Its softclose ball bearing runners ensure smooth operation, while its overall capacity of 194kg is distributed across two levels and a drawer. Another available option features a lockable sliding top, providing an additional work surface and two sliding drawers, each with a 15kg capacity. Its compact design (838 x 355 x 700mm, expanding to 1,210mm when opened) offers a substantial 158kg capacity.
The largest in this range has a gas sprung lid and five latched drawers. The gas sprung lid features a rear locking mechanism for added security, while the five drawers, lined with nonslip liners, and a robust base shelf provide ample storage for larger parts and tools. This model boasts an impressive overall capacity of 320kg, ensuring it can handle demanding tasks in virtually any professional setting.
The new range of Jefferson Tools workshop trolleys is now available for order. For more information and to download the latest catalogue, visit
www.jeffersontools.com
–
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THERE ARE TOOLS, GOOD TOOLS AND GREAT TOOLS AND… BASIC SKILLS, SKILLS AND SUPER SKILLS
Serving a profitable niche, the London International Wood Festival showcases top level timber skills and some high end brands too. Peter Brett reports…
Ihad never heard of the London International Wood Festival but somehow it popped into my inbox and I became intrigued. The usual Google Search resulted in a load of info about people, places and tools. But it was also clear that the Festival is put together by an elite group of highly skilled and informed people who are determined to maintain the traditional skills and associated tools of woodworkers, particularly in the western tradition.
This year the Festival was a five day long celebration and demonstration of these skills.
The Festival consisted of two parts. From Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November a number of courses run by experts in their field was held. For example: Making a Dutch Tool Chest with Megan Fitzpatrick (she is also an expert on Shaker Traditions of woodworking) developed skills in bedrock joinery and hand planning mouldings.
Christopher Schwarz ran a fiveday course on making a traditional stick back chair. I saw one of the completed items and it really was a delightful and practical work of art.
Mark Harrell delivered a handson course on how to sharpen and maintain traditional saws as well as well as making your own bad axe – the wickedest thing about the bad axe was the mirror finish on the edge that was literally razor sharp.
The courses were run from the Design and Engineering School at the University of East London at its modern campus near the Olympic Park – a 30minute DLR journey from the centre of London. And very modern it is too – the paradox of the new buildings and the old timetested skills and tools illustrated in the Festival didn’t escape me.
For those who couldn’t do the courses, the last two days of the Festival were taken up by the Bazaar – an opportunity for visitors to see and possibly purchase some of the finest tools made in the UK currently.
PHILLY PLANES sells handmade traditional wooden planes used largely for making wooden chairs like the stickback mentioned above.
Skelton Saws make a variety of very, very beautiful and brilliantly performing hand saws but only those with a decent budget should apply – some examples were over the
// The Festival is put together by an elite group of highly skilled and informed people. //
£500 mark. An awful lot of hand cut dovetails to make them viable – definitely a case where the tools can’t be blamed by the bad workman.
For some more saws and planes, but on the cheaper end of the budget, were a variety of tools by the likes of Lie Nielsen and Veritas sold by Classic Hand Tools based in Suffolk. To add to the interest the company imported Lie Nielsen experts John Parkinson and Robin Nolan to answer all the questions while Ryan Saunders did the same for Veritas tools of Canada. It is
always good to have an expert give out the fruits of their knowledge an experience.
Although this Festival is an unlikely crowd pleaser – its audience is selfselecting and a selfselecting minority at that – it still points out that fine skills and knowledge are worth preserving. People still appreciate hand making skills and fine pieces in the world of cheap mass production we inhabit.
www.londoniwf.co.uk
The Festival includes skills courses
The London International Wood Festival is an annual celebration of woodworking skills
TOOL THEFT SURGE: DO YOUR BIT
Tool theft statistics show a huge variation over different locations, but few areas will claim to be immune to this perennial problem. Protrade shares some local stats and measures that can make a dent on the worrying stats…
New research by Protrade, supplier of professional power tools, reveals a significant rise in power tool theft across the East Midlands, with incidents more than doubling in 2024.
The study, based on data from a FOI request to the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Police Force, highlights a major growing issue faced by tradespeople in the region.
In Nottinghamshire, 330 power tools were stolen between
// We started to log all serial numbers for every power tool we sell. There have been occasions where local police forces have used this information to assist in pressing charges where tools have been recovered and identify the rightful owners. //
2023 and 2024, marking a 71% increase compared to 192 thefts reported in 2022/2023. Derbyshire saw an even sharper rise, with 166 tools stolen in 2023/2024, up from just 62 in the previous year – a staggering 167% increase.
The research adds to mounting evidence of a nationwide problem. According to Trades United, over 44,500 tools have been reported stolen across the UK in the past six years, averaging 7,417 stolen tools annually. With 45 territorial and national police forces across the UK, this equates to an average of 165 power tools stolen per region annually.
Nottinghamshire’s theft rate is 100% higher than the national average, underscoring the severity of the issue in this area.
Craig Sanders, Joint Managing Director at Protrade, expressed concern over the rising thefts: “Tool theft is increasingly being reported by our customers and is becoming a source of mass frustration for tradespeople in the East Midlands. At the end of the day, these are people’s livelihoods, and so it’s an issue that should not be taken lightly.”
“The impact tool theft is having on tradespeople is being exacerbated by the weak growth in average earnings that the
construction sector has been experiencing, as well as the ongoing cost of living crisis. In July of this year it was reported that construction workers were experiencing just 3% growth in regular pay compared to the 5.6% average across other sectors.
“Our customers need stronger action from the government and police force to combat this growing problem. It’s clear that whatever measures are in place to tackle these crimes isn’t enough, and more needs to be done to address this issue.”
A petition calling for a ban on the sale of tools at car boot sales, a measure many tradespeople believe could help curb the surge in theft, was live on the UK Government website but has since been taken down.
The government stated it has no current plans for such a ban, but recognises the impact of tool theft on tradespeople and is consulting on how new laws and crime prevention strategies could better protect tradespeople’s vans and their contents.
Protrade tells Torque Magazine: “A few years ago, we started to log all serial numbers for every power tool we sell. There have been occasions where local police forces have contacted us and use this information to assist in pressing charges where tools have been recovered and ultimately identify the rightful owners. These wins are few and far between, but we are trying to do our bit.
“Some of the professional tool manufacturers now also have smart technology, for example Milwaukee with their OneKey tools. This allows the item to be tracked, geofenced and even disabled, should it be stolen. Although you might not get your tools back, there’s a certain comfort that they no longer work!”
www.protrade.co.uk
// Our customers need stronger action from the Government and police force to combat tool theft. It’s clear that whatever measures are in place to tackle these crimes isn’t enough, and more needs to be done to address this issue. //
