Love power tools? Then you’ll want to check out the highlights from this week’s #TradesTalk Twitter chat, with guest co-host HiKOKI.
Here’s our round-up of the best bits, but do search the hashtag on Twitter to see more of the conversation, which covered everything from the trades’ most-loved tools to ideas on how power tools can be developed in the future. Unsurprisingly, ideas on how to keep tools safe from thieves was also a hot topic.
The first question looked at the favourite tools of the #TradesTalk community.
https://twitter.com/EdwardHacking/status/1120778465228349441
https://twitter.com/GlennonLtd/status/1120768626179608579
Got to be my dewalt impact driver perfect for those small jobs and tough enough to get things done, bargain at £100 including drill bit set
— Payne and Son (@PayneAndSonSuff) April 23, 2019
The next question was about the rise of cordless tools.
To many to mention Impacts, ads, drills, laser levels, radio, disc cutter, battery grinder miter saw circular saw k I'm getting board now ! I think we could go completely cordless but not sure how well all tools and batteries could handle the hard tasks #TradesTalk I.e ripping
— James B (@JamesB177) April 23, 2019
A2 – I'm completely cordless these days… Saves a lot of trouble with PAT testing and much safer when working at heights. I just wish the batteries were universal though… #TradesTalk
— Kevin Walker (@bitznpcz) April 23, 2019
I have all cordless tools not saved enough pennies to buy the corded tools required yet, but i have some great people that are happy to lend me if they can do so to get me by. (@cliveomalley @DripFix @PagesPlumbers @grbservices )#TradesTalk
— Andrew J Mayar (@Andy_J_Mayar) April 23, 2019
The third question was about battery safety.
A3. Don't chuck 'em in a toolbox. Terminals can short and they can cause a fire. #TradesTalk pic.twitter.com/yu1cHZ9MIt
— Bourton Handyman (@BourtonHandyman) April 23, 2019
A3: Errmmmm…. not a lot? Unplug it when it's fully charged, don't leave them plugged into the tool during transit/storage. Guess strong sunlight and high heat wouldn't be too good either #TradesTalk
— London Gas (@LondonGas) April 23, 2019
A3- don’t overheat them, keep them stored safely and when charging keep well ventialated. Ideally don’t let them stay in the charger once charged #TradesTalk
— rowlingelectrical (@rowlingelectric) April 23, 2019
The tool theft epidemic was the next topic.
A4 This is a massive issue. The numbers we have seen and the impact it has is terrifying. We help where we can, but proudly we have partnered with @RAINYDAYTRUST to help people who have fallen victim to tool theft #TradesTalk
— HiKOKI Power Tools UK (@HiKOKIUK) April 23, 2019
https://twitter.com/TIKC_UK/status/1120779699179982849
https://twitter.com/fash1985/status/1120774216977195008
Then the chat moved on to what features the trades would like included in power tools.
https://twitter.com/DaveTheSparks2/status/1120776928666038273
A5 But it needs Power, Speed, Safety, Quality, Reliability, Ergonomic and lets add a dash of dust and water proofing, IP56 will suffice. #TradesTalk
— HiKOKI Power Tools UK (@HiKOKIUK) April 23, 2019
A5) on a theft perspective I think some kind of internal tracker would be good, linked to a app like find my phone type thing. Also ability to put it in lockdown so can’t be used. #TradesTalk
— Gary Bedford (@grbservices) April 23, 2019
Phone Apps help track tool performance, use and could track HAV’s which is very important!!! #Tradestalk
— Mike (@Eng32Mike) April 23, 2019
QR code on the tool that will give you all specs and info you might require for the site or task at hand. Information such as HAVS details, temperature limits, list of parts should they need replacing. This could be located in the battery port. #TradesTalk
— Phil Edwards Carpenter (@fillyourp0ckets) April 23, 2019
#TradesTalk takes place every Tuesday on Twitter from 8-9pm, covering everything from tools to marketing for the trades.
