Tools UK SPECIAL – Summer 2024

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

UK SPECIAL

WELCOME BACK!

It’s good to be back with another Tools UK Special from Torque and it’s also good to have some positive news stories to report on against a background of wavering interest rates, financial uncertainty and now, a General Election.

We’ve seen modernisation programmes in the trade, not least Thor Hammer, which progressed with very important and timely updates on the manufacturing floor as well as enhancements to the building, marketing, presentation etc. A huge amount of work in a year.

I did think of entitling my piece ‘Testing Times for Tools, Trade and Tradeys’ –a nice bit of alliteration, but as usual the truth is always more complicated. Tool end users and the tool market seems to be very resilient. Whenever I ask tool sellers about business, I always get the intake of breath through pursed lips and the reply that says ‘things could be better’. And yet life carries on – maybe not in the same way, but usually in a way that ensures survival.

Its always hard to get a balanced picture of a situation, but I think most would agree that we seem to be slowly emerging from a unique set of circumstances. Think of the pandemic, lockdown, the crashing of the economy, rising interest rates, a war in Ukraine and a severe energy and materials price shock. We have gone through it, but some have deeper wounds than others. And there are some who did very nicely indeed thank you.

From my observations of things, I have been hit particularly hard by the huge increase in the cost of materials – and yet work has still been coming in, albeit with not quite so flush a budget as before.

Most tradeys I speak to valued being able to work during lockdown and continued to put bread on the table. Trades have become a fourth emergency service as they dealt with burst pipes and electrical issues etc and other things that a pandemic can’t stop.

Other issues like the ongoing fight against tool theft of all kinds endure. Neil Mackay of Mackays of Cambridge is a veteran campaigner who is becoming very familiar even to MPs in parliament.

There have been some canny responses from users. Site safes are increasingly popular and simple things like clearing vans of tools overnight to keep tools secure are now at the forefront of simple things to do. There are also insurance schemes and toolmarking programmes for example.

But I am sure we will soon see some major solutions from manufacturers, using the ever-present App on a smartphone to track stolen tools at longer distances and whose presence on the tool would be enough to deter a thief looking for a quick getaway.

Please help us to enable the supplement to reflect the makers and users by talking to us, sending us news, pictures and ideas where you can.

Happy Tool Using,

Peter Brett Tools Editor info@torque-expo.com

04 ON THE LEVEL WITH STABILA > HOW KEEPING TRADESPEOPLE AT THE HEART OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT HELPS KEEP STABILA LEADING THE INDUSTRY

06 PRODUCT ROUND-UP > BRAND NEW PRODUCTS AND REFRESHERS FOR YOUR PERUSAL

08 YOUR SHOP’S OWN BRAND OF TOOLS? > A W TOOLS EXPLAINS HOW RETAILERS BIG AND SMALL CAN BOOST MARGINS

10 TOOL REVIEWS > TWO PRODUCTS PUT THROUGH THEIR PACES BY OUR RESIDENT TOOLS EDITOR PETER BRETT...

12 DRAPER ON SUPPORTING STOCKISTS THROUGH TOUGH TIMES > TOOLS UK SPECIAL INTERVIEWS DRAPER TOOLS BOSS MATT SHEEN AFTER A YEAR IN THE ROLE

14 MAKING TOOLS IN SHEFFIELD WITH SORBY > WE HIT THE ROAD AND VISIT THIS HERITAGE BRAND WHICH CAN TRACE ITS HISTORY BACK TO THE DAYS OF SHAKESPEARE

16 UNIOR: FORGING, MACHINE BUILDING & HAND TOOLS > UNIOR’S EU-MADE HAND TOOLS ARE PART OF A BIG PRESTIGE MANUFACTURING OPERATION

18 MARVEL-OUS THOR > AN OVERHAULED FACTORY, NEW HIRES AND AN EXPORT BOOST ARE AMONG THE HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS UPDATE FROM THOR HAMMERS

Disclaimer

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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ON THE LEVEL: IN DISCUSSION WITH STABILA

Tools UK Special speaks with Oliver Partington, STABILA UK’s Sales and Marketing Director UK & Ireland, over keeping tradespeople at the heart of product development and why it’s not always best to be first to market…

We start our discussion with a statement, perhaps a leading question: “STABILA is acknowledged to be an industry leader with its levels. Most trades I have spoken either own or aspire to own STABILA levels – my observation is that they are often a badge of competence for some tradespeople?”

STABILA UK’s Sales and Marketing Director UK & Ireland, Oliver Partington, replied by emphasising the truly impressive credentials of the STABILA brand. It has always had a focus on its ‘how true pros measure’ message, and this year the company celebrates its 135th anniversary: “STABILA has always made a point of being the specialist in measuring and levelling and has invested millions in innovation, with over 200 patents to its name. These include acrylic glass vials that are completely sealed and highly resistant to damage. Other patents include extruded aluminium frames and more recently, the weatherproofing of digital tools.”

Oliver comments that: “Accurate reliable tools as a whole become a badge of competence for British tradesmen, who take real care and pride in the tools they use.”

Now the provocative question: There are always ups and downs in any business, so was STABILA ever guilty of complacency and the failure to innovate?

In answer, Oliver points to the above and emphasises the number of patents STABILA still holds. The innovation mechanism within the company seems to be that, because the product range is very specialised, innovations large and small, when added to the range, become part of a system that is made to maximise efficiency and accuracy.

My observation is that new digital and laser technology wasn’t always that easy to use, reliable or completely accurate – how early was STABILA able to get going on practical and workable digital and laser tech. I brought up some of the issues associated with laser technology that I had observed, like the thickness and colours of projected laser lines, ease of use and multi­function tools that could help a jobbing builder justify the cost of a laser level as opposed to traditional ‘strings and bubbles’.

Oliver fielded my points with aplomb: “We were there at the start of the emergence of commercially viable laser levels in

the ‘90s and when digital levels with waterproof electronic modules started emerging about 15 years ago.

“When it comes to laser levels our focus over the last few decades has been about getting the quality right, so we are not always first to market, but we invest in improving the product and making something best in class, designed for the craftsman.”

Was this driven by perceptions of the market or a desire to develop new products in­house on the basis that there was a lot of competition out there?

And what about the cynical view, that new tech also allows for more sophisticated (and therefore more expensive) equipment for upselling. STABILA is a business after all. Or was development driven by onsite professionals who needed new tools and tech for more demanding jobsite applications to save time, for improved accuracy and ease of use?

// For us at STABILA, it is all about giving value to the tradesman and finding ways of helping them work more accurately and quickly. //

Oliver says: “For us at STABILA, it is all about giving value to the tradesman and finding ways of helping them work more accurately and quickly. Ultimately giving them better value for money.

“An example is the basic use of a laser level. When levelling you need to always measure from one side of the surface to the other, so you are always restricted by the length of a level. When you use a laser level you extend the measuring surface to up to 40m!

“Or digital level – example of fitting kitchens on your hands and knees adjusting the cupboards, a digital level has acoustic signalling, so you don’t need to keep popping your head up.”

Oliver assures us that feedback from trades of all kinds is always welcomed and is included in design briefs and end products.

PRODUCT FOCUS: Digital Spirit Levels and Multi-Line Lasers

The digital spirit levels TECH196DL and TECH196M DL are obviously built to deal with the rigours of the jobsite and have features like IP 67 ratings, waterproof drop tests, end caps, sealed vials, electronic user signals, and ability to read angles other than vertical and horizontal. The M version has rare earth magnets for attaching to steel construction elements –is this a new feature to reflect new construction methods?

Oliver replies that we should focus on three key features:

• IP67 – waterproof and submergible for up to 30mins.

• Calibration free – with the majority of digital levels, you need to calibrate it yourself, essentially telling the sensors what level is, so you are still reliant on the accuracy of the human eye when calibrating. With the TECH196DL this is factory calibrated, any drops or impact won’t knock the sensors off or impact accuracy

• Functionality – you can read accuracy at level and plumb, to 2 decimal places in 5 different functions, from % to degrees, to mm/m, in/ft and to calculate pitch.

Onto the LAX 600 and LAX 600G Multi­Line Lasers, which are available in various kits, with or without charger/battery for example. Users can choose the CAS battery share system too. Why so many options, we ask STABILA?

“We pride ourselves on depth of range to allow tradesmen to make choices, 90% of our sales are green lasers, but we don’t want to ignore the 10% who want red.

“We include craftsmen in the design of all our products. And although we were not the first to market we did learn about positives and negatives from what was already out there and invest in the little things that make a difference to tradespeople.

“Likewise, the benefits of being on the CAS system is that the batteries are compatible with an increasing number of other brands like Metabo or Mafell. If you have enough CAS batteries already you can buy the kit without the battery.

“The levels are designed for reliability, accuracy and tough enough to resist conditions on jobsite. Hence the IP65 rating and the green lasers for visibility of lines up to 40m.”

While the levels are obviously well specced, STABILA must surely take account of what the competition is doing. What USPs do they have?

Oliver is quick to reply: “There is a lot of choice out there when it comes to lasers, a lot of variation and also a lot of risk when it comes to reliable accuracy.

Reliable, accurate and tough – some of the key criteria STABILA has in mind while crafting its products

“The LAX600G is not the first multi­line laser in the market, but we have invested the time and energy in learning what tradesmen need to bring a product to market which combines the key USPs that are important to them. For example, the 40m range is best in class in the market. Many competitors’ lasers are not visible at this range. The IP65 rating is best in class, because the majority of multi­line lasers are IP54. The design is also robust, protected and built to be repaired.

“The key message is that it is less about one specific attribute which sets it apart, but the combination of them all which is unrivalled.”

What about the need for a wide range of accessories that fit the products so it is clearly important?

“A laser level is great, but for tradespeople to get practical benefit from it from a wide variety of jobs, they need to be able to mount it. So, it is essential that we focused in on quality mounting accessories, allowing the laser to be mounted on stud walling, suspended ceilings, tripods, RSJs etc.

“The LAX600 includes a pulse function so you can use it up to 100M away with a receiver as well, again adding to its versatility.”

Finally, we ask STABILA about its versatile lasers, which can be used on everything from tiling to kitchen fitting. Does this make the tools more appealing in the marketplace? And will end users pay the extra costs?

“We include craftsmen in the design of all our products. We were not the first to market so we could learn about positives and negatives from what was already out there and invest in the little things that make a difference to tradespeople.”

www.stabila.com

PRODUCT ROUND-UP

DK Tools leads our compilation of some of the fresher products available in the market…

Bucket list: 18 SKUs make up the new Amtech Flexi Tubs & Buckets range

Wiha’s revamped speedE electric and tool backpack

DK Tools Launches New Amtech Flexi Tubs and Buckets Hot off the press, DK Tools has announced the launch of its new Amtech Flexi Tubs and Buckets range, comprising 18 SKUs tailored to meet diverse needs. They are available in vibrant colours including yellow, red, blue and green, as well as eco­friendly black, which is crafted from 100% recycled materials. This range offers unparalleled value compared to competitors, the firm says.

Key features such as heavy­duty design, super­strong reinforced handles and cold temperature resistance ensure durability and reliability. The black range further demonstrates DK’s commitment to sustainability with its recycled material construction.

With a variable capacity ranging from 14L to 65L and additional bucket options, this range caters to various tasks and environments. Plus, all products are backed by a three­year guarantee, providing peace of mind to end­users. For more information or to become a stockist, visit www.dktools.com

COAST, CORE and OCTOGRIP showcased

BBB focused on its COAST, CORE and OCTOGRIP ranges at the recent Torque­Expo event in Telford.

Its long­established COAST™ range of LED Lighting products includes a wide range of Hand­Held Torches, Head­Torches, Lighted safety products, Knives & Multi­Tools, sold & used extensively throughout the UK industrial sector. Also included in this range are COAST Alkaline (primary cell) batteries in popular AAA, AA, C, D and 9V sizes, which the company says are exceptionally well priced for a battery tested/proven to

OCTOGRIP has eyecatching POS options available for retailers

match the most expensive, leading brands.

The CORE LIGHTING programme was also highlighted. Launched in 2020, CORE has a concise 10 SKU range specifically developed to offer a series of products with excellent features and benefits which are priced exceptionally competitively and have proved ideal for larger contracts and enduser purchases where ‘price per product’ is of key importance. Annual sales are reportedly over 400,000 torches and still growing.

Finally, the OCTOGRIP Work Gloves range was on show too, with their high quality feel, fit, grip and durability at a surprisingly affordable price and with a unique, patented palm grip. Since introduction in 2019, there are now approximately 2,000 stocking outlets for OCTGRIP, all of whom have seen it quickly succeed within their customer bases, often becoming their highest­selling gloves range.

The OCTOGRIP range is well presented and initial orders are usually supplied with a Free­Standing Floor Display complete with audio/video screen, showing & explaining the key attributes of OCTOGRIP gloves in action. Find out more at www.octogrip.com

More applications for Wiha’s speedE electric screwdriver

As seen at the Cologne International Hardware Fair in March this year, Wiha’s revamped speedE electric screwdriver now has stronger rotation power and a larger application range. The firm also used that show to push other recent launches like its tool backpack and the XXL4 tool case trolley. Find out more at www.wiha.com

HOW RETAILERS CAN BOOST MARGIN WITH OWN BRAND TOOLS

A W Tools Director Sam Walker explains how the firm can work with retailers large and small on some margin-boosting own brand tool ranges, sharing its expertise from its Sheffield HQ…

// In 1923, my great-greatgrandfather set up a business manufacturing saw blades and since then the business has grown, evolved and adapted to where we are today. //

Who are A W Tools?

A W Tools is the current name of a family business that has been in Sheffield for over 100 years. In 1923, my great­great­grandfather set up a business manufacturing saw blades and since then the business has grown, evolved and adapted to where we are today but it has always remained in the Walker family.

Are you still manufacturing today?

We were manufacturing in Sheffield up until 2007 as Atkinson­Walker (Saws) Ltd when we split the company into two directions, Atkinson­Walker carried on manufacturing and we focused solely on import and distribution as A W Tools (Europe) Ltd. But the technical knowledge we have from our manufacturing roots has allowed us to be very careful in selecting the right factories to manufacture our products for us and ensure we continue to supply products aimed at professionals instead of DIY users.

What makes you different?

I'd say our own branding service makes us quite different to

Clear cut: Circular saw blades are among the most popular products in A W Tools’ own branding range

Why should retailers look at own branding?

Own branding is the way that the largest retailers are going. You only have to look at what B&Q have done with their Magnussen range to see the potential that it has and it all comes down to one simple thing: profits. Own branded products cost less, they return a larger margin and they drive repeat sales by encouraging customers to return the next time they need something.

So, is it aimed at larger retailers?

Not at all, we supply all sizes of companies with own branded products. Naturally the companies who order in larger quantities get better prices on things like packaging but we have various free packaging options for customers placing small orders too. We offer small order quantities and quick lead times so we're perfectly set up to supply any size of business.

// Own branded products cost less, they return a larger margin and they drive repeat sales by encouraging customers to return the next time they need something. //

Why should customers use you instead of dealing with the factories direct?

Factories tend to have higher MOQs which means it's only possible for the big companies who sell in large volumes and have plenty of storage space. Because we do our branding in our specialist facility in Sheffield we can offer own branded products in most cases on orders for just five pieces or more. There's also a lot of factories out there and finding the ones who make the correct quality takes a lot of time and expertise; there's no point putting your brand onto something that simply isn't good enough. By using the products we source you can guarantee you are putting your brand onto something that is manufactured for use by professionals.

www.awtools.co.uk

Sight for saw eyes: A W’s service expands branding opportunities for tool shops too

A W Tools Director Sam Walker

FACOM OGV COMBI WRENCHES – NOT A LOOSE NUT IN SIGHT

Facom's OGV Combi Wrenches are designed to overcome the challenges of unwelcome rounded bolts and manufactured to be able to handle extra torque as needed. Peter Brett puts them through their paces...

Ask any mechanic, amateur or professional, about the problems associated with rounded corners on fasteners and you will have opened a can of worms. Firstly, users don’t like the amount of time wasted and the effort required to deal with rounded corners. Secondly, you will get a rundown of all the ways in which these users try to deal with the problem. These range from the brutal and destructive angle grinder solution, which often works, but leaves a lot of associated damage.

The use of a proper bolt extractor can seem sensible and often proves to be effective if the bolt has not been tightened too much. But drilling the hole in the bolt destroys it and finding new bolts could be an issue.

The method I use most often is to use jaw locking pliers. These grip the head or thread and can be locked on hard. The downside here is that the threads and heads are completely destroyed in the process, so finding new bolts is a necessity.

All of the above can be effective if access to the bolts is reasonable and the users work carefully to ensure that their method works. Often that doesn’t, leaving a problem…

Enter the Facom OGV Combi Wrenches:

The set of eight wrenches have a well­designed plastic carrier that holds them firmly and sequentially. Each spanner has an identified size printed on for easy identification.

These wrenches have a satin chrome finish to resist corrosion and the dimpled I­Beam design makes for a good grip for applying the required pressure. The moment you pick them

Gripping stuff: Facom’s OGV Wrenches use a six point box end so extra torque can be applied on the larger six points

up, experienced and not­so­experienced users alike will feel that the design and manufacture of them is excellent. They just feel like quality tools: well­balanced, well­made and wellfinished. Users might notice that the length of the spanner body is just that bit longer than ‘standard’ thus allowing extra torque to be applied when needed.

They are designed to grip rounded over bolts in a variety of ways using a combination of flat and ridged jaws. It is hard to explain how they work – I suspect by concentrating force on areas of the jaws that are not damaged on a bigger area of the spanner jaws

Facom’s own research comes up with the statistic that 60% of rounded fasteners can be removed using the open end of. Even better, and showing that extra force and contact can be brought to bear, 80% of rounded fasteners can be removed using the box end of the wrench.

While European end­users prefer a twelve­point box end, the choice of a six point box end on these wrenches means that extra torque can be applied on the larger six points, while twelve points just provides less torque and weaker points that may slip and round over the fastener.

My own researches, unscientific as they must be, proved to me that the box end of the wrenches really does grip better and must therefore allow more torque to be applied even on rounded over bolts and nuts. From a layperson’s point of view – the box end simply fitted more snugly and gripped better. They worked for me, so I recommend them.

www.facom.com

FLEX VC VACUUM CLEANER

– DUST COLLECTION MADE PERSONAL

Vacuum packed: Full of features, Flex’sVC Vacuum Cleaner is a highly portable boon to end users on site, finds Peter Brett

Dust has been an enemy for a quite a while – its dangers have become widely known, and dust control and collection is something that even single private contractors need to be aware of. Clients are aware too and will ask about dust control on the worksite, even on small jobs.

Fortunately, various design and R&D teams have been working on the challenges and the array of dust control methods is large and growing. That includes large and small machines and the variety should enable most users to find solutions to their particular dust collection issues. Becoming very popular are smaller vacs that can be toted around easily and will collect small amounts of dust from various applications – hanging pictures or drilling for plastic wall plugs spring to mind. The FLEX VC 2L MC Hip 18.0­EC falls neatly into portable category and is part of the FLEX company’s range of cordless tools that are coming onstream at regular intervals.

// The whole unit when assembled can be carried from task to task via the built-in handle and dust is easily collected by the very flexible ribbed dust hose. //

The actual vacuum and filters unit is quite compact, but capable. It is roughly rectangular with a removable lid that contains a pleated filter, a dust extraction port, the hose aperture and dust bag. The whole unit when assembled can be carried from task to task via the built­in handle and dust is easily collected by the very flexible ribbed dust hose that has an amazing amount of stretch – (more than a metre!) and a nicely designed plastic nozzle. This nozzle can be removed to fit a crevice tool or brush for example.

One of FLEX’s 18v batteries can be slid in under the dust collecting box and a rocker switch can be used to select two speeds or off. These are quite powerful – holding a hand on the end of the vacuum collection hose will prove this.

Round the waist or over the shoulder?

Also included in the box is a strong padded belt that holds the whole vacuum on a clip. It can be slung around the waist and adjusted to fit. The straps are long enough for a large waist to be accommodated and equally adjustable in the other direction. While the whole unit weighs 2.7 kgs without the battery, it feels ok carried on the waist for a reasonable time. But if you are prepared to do a bit of octopus wrestling there is an optional strap system that is easy to work out from the instructional diagrams. I confess that I thought that I would give it a go without consulting the instructions and it took me longer than I thought. Once in place, the over­the­shoulder padded straps proved to be comfortable and certainly spread the load more. Definitely good to have the option.

But does it all work?

I have mentioned the strong vacuum stream already – and it is good if not better than most of the competition I have used. Even medium amounts of dust can be easily collected leaving very little behind. The size of the nozzle automatically provides a built­in size limiter for debris collection, because clearing blocked pieces in the hose is always a time­consuming pain. Because it is relatively light, it is genuinely portable. I found that when drilling holes into brick or plasterboard I could drill with one hand and collect dust with the other. That always makes me and clients happy, and saves a lot of cleaning at the end of the day. For a few quid over £200 (internet pricing) the FLEX is a good and safe way of saving time and lungs. And I suspect that once a user starts using it for one tool, other tool’s dust collection will soon be used.

www.flex-tools.com

MATT SHEEN > REFLECTIONS, ONE YEAR ON

Now just over 12 months in the hot seat at Draper Tools, Matt Sheen tells Tools UK Special about how the firm has been supporting stockists through tough times and looking to the future and broadening its appeal and support for the next generation of tool users…

What was it like to be back in the company where you started your career – but now at the head of it?

It was like coming home in a way, great memories from my first time here, of course much has modernised in the company, but at the same time it had that familiar family feel. There are many people who have been part of the team for numerous years, showing how strong staff retention is here at Draper. Equally, there is a good blend of new team members, helping achieve a balance.

Can you pick out some of the things that have changed and remained the same over the years?

So much has changed in terms of the technology and the processes at Draper, our new warehouse system is state­ofthe­art and the building itself is designed to be as environmentally efficient as possible. The business as a whole is more aware of its impact than ever, with issues such as sustainability, reducing waste and our carbon footprint sitting high on the agenda and a dedicated team always striving for improvements in this area.

Our support and positive impact more locally is something that’s not changed, only got stronger over the years. Discussions around employee wellbeing and supporting the local

community have always been important but there’s more of an emphasis on this now with mental health champions on the team and strong support of our local community via charities such as Saints Foundation, Trinity Winchester and more.

Yes, there are many changes in terms of how the business has grown, the product range has diversified and we export to more countries globally now – but the sense of community and of really being a family is still very much alive at Draper.

// The business turns 105 this year and has survived a great deal during that time, I’m confident we’re in good shape to meet and adapt to the new challenges that may come our way. //

2023 is widely considered to have been a challenging year – inflation, the economy, shipping costs, materials costs etc. As a recently installed CEO what are your feelings about those? Challenges? Solutions? Changes?

It’s no secret that 2023 has been considered a challenging year for businesses everywhere, with tough economic conditions to deal with. We’re no exception to this at Draper, there are of course many new issues like shipping challenges and costs for us to contend with. Material costs have seen less pressure for us, but at the same time inflation, and the cost of living have been in our thoughts for our staff, and the market.

We do our best to meet any challenges by sticking to the fundamentals, focusing on product quality, meeting demand and supporting our stockists every step of the way. Regular communication in the business is key at tough times – as is communication with our suppliers, our stockists and the wider market as a whole to ensure we meet any difficulties head on. The business turns 105 this year and has survived a great deal during that time, I’m confident we’re in good shape to meet and adapt to the new challenges that may come our way.

Draper prides itself on various initiatives, both local and international, including green policies, social and local initiatives, charity work and sports sponsorship for example. In tougher times was there a pressure to reduce or change these? Was there a new balance struck?

That would be the easier option, but we have made a longterm commitment to our social, green and charitable responsibilities, which we have continued through 2023, and we mustn’t lose this, it’s very much at the heart of the company and a big part of the way we do business. Likewise, our sponsorships, especially those in the automotive sector, help us to connect with new audiences and grow our business, so these are equally important to achieving our goals.

It all comes down to products. Have you got any new ones lined up? Have you had any difficulty sourcing or transporting them? And have you any growth areas you are focusing on?

In 2023 we have really analysed where our strengths lie, having over 11,000 products, with such diversity, it can be a challenge. However, we have identified the channels we wish to target with our range, and customer base. The automotive sector will continue to be a key focus for us, we’ve seen a good deal of growth and success here already and have plans to build on this with new lines for professionals in the pipeline. The new Bunker storage collection has been an important part of our success in the sector – a brand new range of both modular garage storage and roller tool cabinets – it’s been very popular with professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Other product success has come from our recent XP1000 range of VDE pliers and screwdrivers, which has seen good uptake in the electrical trade. We’ll still have a keen focus on tools for other trades and our garden/DIY ranges too of course.

Motor racing sponsorship and motor shows? New? Potential growth?

We’re very proud to announce our continuing partnership with the successful British Touring Car team, EXCELR8 Motorsport for the 2024 season. This is the sixth year running we’ve backed the team, a period almost unrivalled in the BTCC paddock and they’ve achieved so much in that time. The partnership sees the team making use of our extensive product range to prepare and run each touring car, both at the workshop and trackside at each of the ten race meetings. We’ll also

// The automotive sector will continue to be a key focus for us, we’ve seen a good deal of growth and success here already and have plans to build on this with new lines for professionals in the pipeline. //

be exhibiting at several of the races, giving us the opportunity to engage with thousands of motorsport fans.

We’ve also got a longstanding affiliation with Santa Pod Raceway, known as the ‘European home of Drag Racing’.

Automotive shows are a big part of what we do, we’ve already had a really successful start to the year at the Autosport Show and the NEC Restoration & Classic Car Show. Events like these offer us a unique opportunity to showcase our range, allowing people to get a closer look, particularly at lines like the Bunker collection.

You’ve made a few key appointments lately at Draper, can you take us through some of those?

In 2023 we brought in new skill bases and experience to the company. At Director level we recruited Mark Broughton as the new Director of Finance, and he has now officially joined the Board as Finance Director. Mark has been a great addition, with his experience and commercial mindset. In the Sales Team, it was great to bring in Carl Osborne, and Nick Ward who I worked with in my previous company, both were looking for progression, and have the approach we are looking for at Draper. In addition, bringing Paul Middlemiss in too, to focus on our Automotive side of the company, which is very important to us.

We also recently appointed our youngest person to the senior leadership team, with the promotion of Sarah Hartland to Head of Marketing.

These new appointments to the team have put us in a strong position to continue towards our business goals.

And how about the future for Draper?

Looking to the future, we’re keen to broaden our appeal and support the next generation of tool users. This is also a challenge for the industry itself, there are skills shortages predicted across many trades. That’s why we’re pleased to work with colleges and apprentices where we can, and get behind initiatives such as National Apprenticeships Week. International operations are also expanding for us and we now export to more than 70 countries worldwide, from Australia to the Caribbean. We’ve got a dedicated international sales team and are keen to continue reaching new markets.

www.drapertools.com

IN SHEFFIELD, SORBY MEANS STEEL

Robert Sorby’s manufacturing processes include automated processes combined with highly skilled hand-made finishing touches. Peter Brett takes a detailed look at the manufacturing processes of this heritage brand…

The Sorby steel families seem to have a tangled history of relations, company names and various other configurations. They seem to have been well­regarded for the quality of the tools that they made – whichever Sorby family branch or factory they came from. They mostly managed to take advantage of innovations like cast steel that allowed them to produce wood chisels that were much in demand throughout the world and kept the Sorby name in the forefront as a serious player in steel.

The modern Robert Sorby company now ensconced on the Atlas site in Sheffield, while still a direct descendant of the various Sorby iterations from 1624, is a completely different animal. Gone are dirty furnaces, forging presses and steel filings in every crevice. They have been replaced by a modern, well lit, heated, safe manufacturing space that boasts of a significant investment from being under the umbrella of the Spear and Jackson Group. An invitation to visit was eagerly accepted.

I couldn’t have been made more aware of the differences between this factory and others I have recently visited. Each one has a different history and each has faced a variety of challenges and each has responded to the challenges in a different way – resulting in the grand variety of steel manufacturers we have in Sheffield.

I think I am right in saying that the great Charles Darwin himself, prized the variations between species, because it allowed for a greater number of evolutionary directions and solutions. As in nature, so in steel.

The Factory Floor

After being welcomed into the quiet and peaceful meeting room for an introduction to Sorby, we were led out onto the equally quiet, unhurried, light and well­ventilated factory floor. The various work stations are all clearly defined with all the tools and machines required at the ready. Some workstations were capable of doing a variety of tasks while others seemed to be focused on particular products.

In my visit I tried to follow the progress of a set of woodworking chisels from steel bar to boxed and ready to go. No forging is done in this factory, but chisel blanks of a specialist steel are brought in, subjected to an annealing process so that they can be accurately ground to shape. Some of this grinding is by hand, others by CNC machines, depending on the products. I admired the skill of the grinders who had to produce accurate profiles on each of the chisels they were working on. The grinding of a large chisel suitable for oak­framing seemed to me to be particularly tricky and hard work. Smaller ones were ground to shape more quickly.

Making the handles, especially for the turning tools, is a completely automated process. Only the final touches like polishing and printing of the Robert Sorby name are done by hand.

Once the chisel blades had been fully shaped, tempered, hardened and examined for defects they are tested for hardness. If you ever buy a set of Sorby chisels, look on the back near the cutting edge, where you will find a pinpoint dent that will have used by the hardness tester to assure the hardness of the steel.

//

Another Sorby characteristic is the circular grind marks on the back caused by the circular grinder that does a very good job of flattening the backs of the chisels. //

Chisel blanks of a specialist steel are brought in, then subjected to an annealing process before being accurately ground to shape

Final touches like polishing and printing of the Robert Sorby name are done by hand

Another Sorby characteristic is the circular grind marks on the back caused by the circular grinder that does a very good job of flattening the backs of the chisels.

Next, it is time to attach a handle to the blade. ‘Standard’ Sorby bevel edge wood chisels have a few different shapes of hard boxwood or plastic handles made to suit the preferences of the end users. Each is graduated in size to fit the chisel width.

I think the proportional size is important. I once happily passed on a set of chisels I bought online to someone who needed them just because I couldn’t get used to a large handle on a small blade. It’s now something I look out for.

Putting a handle on a chisel is a skilled job because the blade needs to go in exactly at the right angles front and back and side to side, and then pressed in so that it is unlikely to ever come out again.

From here the chisel gets a quality control check, final wipe down, blade protectors slid on and then into the sturdy cardboard box ready for a happy end user to unpack.

And There’s More

Of course, just as in the past, Sorby does not only make chisels but a wide range of woodturning chisels, chucks and sharpening tools to name but a few. The website is very informative and is worth a visit.

On reflection over the various visits to factories that we have made, I concluded that no matter where the making takes place, you will find the people dedicated to producing quality tools according to the production needs of the tools themselves.

It is possible, I guess, to order in batches of brick bolsters and simply finish them, but the quality would probably not match the British­made ones. Equally, it is possible to make fine quality chisels without the forging capability onsite. Solutions come in different forms and thank goodness for that.

www.robert-sorby.co.uk

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Unior: 100-plus years of tools manufacturing expertise

A proud owner of a European Quality Trademark, Unior is a sizeable manufacturer with a broad range of tools hitting the industrial, bike and other markets...

Unior is a producer of hand tools from Slovenia since 1919 with over 2,000 employees and an international network of associated companies and distributors, who successfully represent Unior in many countries worldwide.

The company is divided into three main divisions: forging and sintered parts – Unior is a supplier of forging parts for the automotive industry and produce forgings for steering mechanism, connecting rods for engines, drive shaft elements, gearbox components and other, which are supply to many of the world’s biggest car manufacturers, machine building (including special CNC machines) and hand tools.

// Unior hand tools are high quality and certified with the European Quality Trademark. Manufacturing is backed by multiple years experience through forging, machining and other processes. //

Unior’s hand tool advantages

Unior hand tools are high quality and made in Europe (ISO 9001 certified). They are certified with the European Quality Trademark (EQTM), which is the first certificate of its kind to certify the quality of European trademarks. More than 86% of Unior’s hand tools are made in the EU.

That manufacturing is backed with multiple years of experience through all the production processes, including forging, machining, heat treating, surface protection and among others. The experience is backed by production flexibility, with the complete production circle done in­house at Unior.

Socket sets to digital callipers... the Unior hand tools range is vast

A key advantage that Unior enjoys is good and stable purchasing sources, due not least to the fact Unior is a coowner of a steel processing factory in Slovenia.

Unior has its own development and quality department with the appropriate testing facilities, giving the firm confidence to offer an impressive lifetime warranty for its tools.

The spectrum of product is significant too. Unior offers a wide range of different tools and workshop equipment, such as standard industry tools, motorbike tools, automotive tools, bike (bicycle) tools, insulated tools (VDE certified up to 1000V) and others.

Also offering fast deliveries from its European production base, Unior has other kinds of support to offer too, including marketing, technical, sales and logistics expertise.

Century of experience for the millenium

Unior says: “For centuries, we have been proud of our longstanding traditions and international reputation as a development partner in the production, transformation and processing of metals. Certainly, our strengths include the combining and cooperation of different departments, as this enriches what we offer and bolsters our competitiveness, paving the way for entering tough foreign markets.”

To find out more about the full range Unior offers, the company can be contacted in the UK by email or phone as below...

sales-uk@uniorhandtools.com

Tel:- 01476 576985

HAMMERING AWAY

Thor Hammer has been busy since Torque last caught up with the UK manufacturer. An overhauled factory, key new hires, a brand boosting marketing ploy and an export boost are among the highlights the company details for us...

So much has changed in the world of Thor Hammer in the last 12 months, in all aspects of the business.

Structurally there has been a major overhaul, with a new factory roof, doors and window to improve the energy effi ciency of the building and present a fresher appearance to the business. It was no small achievement to stay safe and opera tional throughout the programme, which was also completed six weeks earlier than planned. While there are always oppor tunities for continuous improvement to be had, the difference in a year certainly shows our intent for the future.

// The commercial side of the business has also undergone a major overhaul. Becoming more visible in the marketplace was a key message from our customer base.

On the staffing front, we now have a new Commercial Manager in place. Stuart France has come from the distribu tion side of our industry, bringing in a wealth of knowledge and experience. As we become aware of the more experienced

Hammer time: As well as producing quality mallets and hammers, Thor has also been busy behind the scenes overhauling its factory in the West Midlands

staff starting to think about retirement, we have a programme in place building for the future to ensure knowledge (up to 50 years knowledge in some instances), is not lost. Modern methodologies and traditional skills combine, ensuring the Thor quality remains.

The commercial side of the business has also undergone a major overhaul. Becoming more visible in the marketplace was a key message from our customer base. Everyone had heard of Thor, but didn’t know Thor. So, to celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2023, we wanted to put that right. A marketing image makeover to suit the digital age, a new catalogue, website upgrades to become more user friendly and a presence on social media (LinkedIn and Instagram) have all taken place. Product videos, extolling the benefits of our Deadblow and Split Head ranges have also been produced,

35% of Thor Hammer product was exported overseas last year

with more coming soon, to support customer knowledge, marketing and sales.

We have become more prominent around the country too. Historically we would rarely venture out, but 2023 saw us at six exhibitions and shows with our new branded Toolbars, demonstration displays and customer interaction challenges. 2024 is already booked up too, so keep an eye out for us!

The customer base is also growing. Thor is becoming a more regular product with major retail and industrial supply outlets. Not just in the UK either. Last year, more than 35% of our product went overseas, to all continents around the globe. Even though we shouldn’t say it ourselves, that’s not too bad for a 100 year old company based in the West Midlands.

www.thorhammer.com

2023 THOR HAMMER WORLDWIDE CLIENT BASE

BATTERY RIVETER FOR RIVET NUTS

HIGH LEVEL OF PRODUCTIVITY

Power and efficiency in assembly lines

QUALITY IN RIVETING

Thanks to quick adjustment of force and stroke

EASY MAINTENANCE

With quick change of mandrels and nosepieces

ERGONOMICS AND COMFORT

Thanks to its low weight and ergonomic grip

QUICK INSTALL

Automatic threading and unscrewing with pressure