Taken to task

The Festool following is loyal and growing — as is its product range. PBM considers some of the tools that could prove popular with your trade customers.

Battery technology continues to advance and with it the range of jobs to which cordless is suited. Festool’s avowed philosophy is to take a purposeful approach and ascertain how technology might best serve the application in question, and optimise the results so that the products are perfect for the tasks at hand.

The following represent some of the latest developments which the company says is seeing that ethos being put into practice.

Cordless drills

As the name suggests, the 18 V CXS 18 and TXS 18 compact drill screwdrivers are available in the C and T design. The former allows for precise work in drilling and screwdriving whilst the latter ensures easy handling and a short distance from the workpiece.

Described as lightweight, compact, versatile and powerful both benefit from an EC-TEC brushless motor. All the attachments within the current Festool 18V cordless drill/driver range are also compatible with the new CXS/TXS 18.

A chuck and bit holder in one, it is only half the size and said to be 80% lighter than a standard drill chuck making the tool an even more compact solution.

Reciprocating saw

It’s the brushless EC-TEC motor, switch-activated pendulum stroke and low level of vibration that allows the RSC 18 cordless reciprocating saw to be smoothly guided through conversion or dismantling work. Whether it’s on wooden beams and roofing boards, cutting out window and door frames or roof and wall openings through chipboard, the manufacturer says this tool is an all-rounder.

The power of the pendulum stroke is continuously adjusted via an easily reachable switch, with higher cutting speeds allowing for better work progress in soft and medium-hard materials.

Thanks to the special chuck, the saw blade is quickly ejected when it needs replacing, so there is no danger of burning your fingers or hand when removing it. In addition, the clamped saw blade can be rotated by 180°, so that the teeth are facing upwards. The saw can also be used with a Bluetooth controlled dust extractor.

ExoActive exoskeleton

Powered by an 18-volt battery, the ExoActive exoskeleton makes light work of strenuous overhead tasks by actively supporting tradespeople under their arms. For dry mortarless construction, painting, wallpapering, or installation jobs on walls or ceilings, the device provides the wearer with an added boost when their arms get tired and takes the load off their neck.

By reducing the stress on the body, users can work more effectively, and focus more on the quality of the work The required support level can be adjusted, whilst it is described as being comfortable and easy to wear with no restriction in your range of movement. Furthermore, it can be quickly adapted to the user’s individual body size.

The ExoActive provides each underarm with support of up to 50 Newtons, equivalent to reducing the load by approximately 5 kilograms, and there are three predefined working areas: from the waist up, from the chest up or overhead.

Ear protection

Workplace noise will not only damage the ears in the long term, but it can also create potentially harmful distractions and limit interaction with fellow workers. Small, light and convenient, the Bluetooth GHS 25 l ear protection from Festool turns the on-site volume down to a healthy level whilst allowing users to make phone calls or listen to music.

Thanks to built-in microphone technology, the wearer will hear only what they want to. The manufactures says that they can, for instance, comfortably perceive speech within a safe listening volume (up to 79 dB) without a problem and won’t have to remove the ear protection to speak to colleagues.

Loud ambient noise outside the safe sound level of 79 dB (corresponding to EU standard EN352) is, meanwhile, blocked. When making phone calls, the microphone effectively suppresses disruptive background noise and the earplugs can be recharged in the charging case supplied, with up to 13 hours of runtime.

n For more information on Festool’s range of products and support services, enter the shortcode www.rdr.link/mas008

Knipex New Pipe Cutter

The Knipex Pipe Cutter for Multilayer and Pneumatic Hoses (90 10 185) is suitable for a wide range of pipe and hose cutting applications, ranging from Ø 4 to 20 mm. The tool is designed with a universal support for rightangled positioning, ensuring accurate and precise cuts every time.

The ergonomically shaped handles are made of glass fibre reinforced plastic, making it easy on the hands even during continuous use. Thanks to the low force required and automatic opening feature, in addition to an easyto-use exchangeable blade, the tool is said to be perfect for any job that requires frequent cutting.

C.K TOOLS FAST4ACCESS DRILL BITS

Described as being the shortest fluted wood bits on the market, the new Fast4Access drill bits are just 80mm in length and are designed to allow users to drill through wood to create clean and fast holes in limited space. 50% shorter than the existing Fast4 range, and said to be 30% shorter than similar products on the market, the drill bits are ideal when space is too tight to drill a hole head on, or accuracy is essential. Designed for tight corners, smaller joists, and jobs where a smooth run is critical — for example installing pipe through multiple joists — Fast4Access promises fast, tidy results when drilling into wood.

n Further information is available via www.rdr.link/mas010

MAKITA UK LXT TWO-PIECE COMBO KIT

The new DLX2460TJ Combo Kit features two of Makita’s most popular professional cordless power tools — the powerful DTD153Z 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver and the compact DHP487Z 18V LXT Brushless Combi Drill. Housed in a Type 3 Makpac Connector Case for easy storage and transportation, the kit also includes two 5.0Ah 18V LXT BL1850B Batteries and the DC18RC Fast Charger which can be used across Makita’s vast LXT range.

Combo Kits are available in many different product configuration options available to suit individual requirements, applications and budget, and are said to be increasingly proving popular with customers.

n For more details, enter www.rdr.link/mas009

ROLLINS & SONS

ESTWING — NEW SLEDGE HAMMER

n Find out more through www.rdr.link/mas011

Available in eight sizes from 2.5 to 16lb, the new Estwing Sledge Hammer is forged from durable alloy steel and is induction case hardened for durability. It is fitted with an ergonomic fibreglass shaft which is light, strong and features a textured rubber overlay to ensure a comfortable and secure grip which helps to dampen vibrations during use along with being thicker below the striking head to provide overstrike protection. Estwing products are available through Rollins & Sons. n Use the shortcode www.rdr.link/mas012 to discover more.

CARHARTT K87 POCKET T-SHIRT

Some 30+years since first making its debut and still a firm favourite, Carhartt has now released a number of seasonal new ‘Heather’ colours for Spring 2023 to bring a “fresh new look to this tough Tee.” n See the full range via www.rdr.link/mas013

Made with heavyweight cotton, the T-shirt has been designed with a rib knit crew neck and flat two needle cover stitch hem for added durability. The K87 is cut for a relaxed fit to allow for a range of motion, whilst a chest pocket means the wearer can keep their essentials close.