Finding a tool that not only works well for you, but helps you to produce your best work is not an easy task. Every professional and DIY enthusiast has their favourite tool, and when it’s time to replace that piece of equipment, nothing seems to work quite as well. So if there is a chance that you can prolong the life of your tools, then you can put off that fateful day when you have to replace your favourite piece of equipment. Sharpening your tools is one known way to increase the lifespan of your tool and is a process that is quick and easy, once you have had a few tries. You may think that an expert is needed as there are always fears of doing it wrong your first time, but with the right information and equipment, sharpening your tools yourself could save you both time, money and tool replacement in the long-run. Why is it Important to Sharpen Your Tools? You probably already know that blunt tools make for much harder work and results in a lower quality finish – but this isn’t the only reason you should look to sharpen them. When using your tools, the action of grinding them against another material results in swarfs being transferred to your tool. For example, when you use a chisel, excess material from the surface you are chiselling sticks to your tool; making it look blunt and your life a lot harder. Removing the excess swarf when sharpening your tools makes for healthier tools and an easier DIY experience. Sharpening your Tools with Stones This may sound a bit caveman-esque but when it comes to sharpening your tools, stones can be used again and again to provide a cost-effective and productive way to extend the lifespan. If you are considering using sharpening stones then you will need to choose between oil, water and diamond stones. It’s important to choose the best stone to suit your needs; water stones tend to wear quickly so may not be suitable within certain industries. For more information on how to sharpen knives with these stones, please see this guide. This applies to both household, industrial and gardening tools and by using the correct stone you will get a sharp edge with minimum fuss. Sharpening your Tools with Sandpaper Using sandpaper is another option for sharpening your tools; it’s quick, it’s effective and it doesn’t break the bank. Sandpaper comes in a range of grits so you can choose the best material to meet your needs – it is also extremely accessible, with a range of options available on eBay. Clean Tools are Effective Tools Sharpening your tools without cleaning them can make things significantly more difficult for you as it means that your stones have to sift through layers of grime and rust before getting to your tool. This will mean continual and prolonged effort on your part instead of taking a few simple steps to clean them and make the whole process a lot easier. After you have finished the cleaning process it is important to use a good quality oil which will help prevent any rusting. Keeping well maintained tools means that you will be able to use them again and again, while regularly cleaning your tools with reduce the need to sharpen then so often. So fear not when taking your first steps to sharpening your tools. Perhaps begin with sandpaper as this is easy to source and is relatively cheap, before branching out into other sources once you begin to feel more confident. Editorial originally features on the Trend Direct UK blog.

Making impressive inroads into the UK workwear and PPE market is Danish company F. Engel, one of Europe’s leading workwear manufacturers; UK workforces are now recognising Engel for its high quality, long lasting and superbly fitting clothing ranges and their suitability for almost any kind of work situation or outdoor use. Heading up the wide choice of brands under the Engel banner is the COMBAT collection which includes the Engel COMBAT ‘Tradesman’ work trousers with hanging tool pockets (2761-630) and the COMBAT Pilot jacket (232-107). Designed for action to give maximum comfort and flexibility, both items have the brand’s instantly recognisable contrast stitching and reflective piping and are offered in a choice of colours. The work trousers have been designed to be as practical and useful as possible with many functional and easily accessible pockets including a Cordura hanging tool pocket either side and thigh pockets with flaps. In addition there are two flapped back pockets, a reinforced ruler pocket with extra sections, an adjustable hammer strap and Cordura reinforced knee pockets with two knee pad positions. The trousers have an extra deep hem so the length can be increased if required. Made from 65% polyester, 35% cotton, 280 g/m2 and available in a wide range of sizes to ensure a perfect fit. Often sold alongside matching trousers, is the COMBAT pilot jacket. Made from 100% Oxford Polyester with PU coating 260g/m2 with a quilted nylon lining and soft fleece collar, the jacket has pockets for almost every purpose throughout the working day so that everything is kept both safe and to hand when needed. It has adjustable cuffs with Velcro, a storm placket and a detachable hood with zipper. All Engel garments are available from The Workwear Trade Centre, Milton Keynes; Telephone: 01908 561569; email: sales@wtc-workwear.co.uk and Anchor Safety, Ipswich; Telephone: 0800 328 5028; email: sales@anchorsafety.co.uk For more information visit: http://www.fe.dk/en/ email: Mark McBrayne at mmc@f-engel.com or telephone: +44 (0) 7933 150197

Redbacks Cushioning Limited, the manufacturers of the World’s only patented, ‘leaf-spring’, non-foam or gel kneepads, has introduced a new strapped version as an addition to its original, big-selling product for pocketed work trousers. Designed, overseen and approved by a senior Ergonomist, Clinical Scientist and Biomedical Engineer, the new product retains the company’s award winning cushioning technology which incorporates a flexible TPE (Thermo Plastic Elastomer) leaf-spring set within a unique honeycomb matrix. Elasticated, soft Neoprene straps which have dust and particle resistant fastenings, allow the kneepads to be worn on bare skin without chafing, or over trousers, and ensure that they stay in the correct position when kneeling, walking or sitting. The pads have a water-resistant covering and a soft breathable, inner fabric that wicks away sweat whilst providing thermal protection from warm or cold surfaces. Scientifically proven to reduce point pressure and distribute weight evenly, the impact forces associated with kneeling are absorbed giving added protection against back and neck pain. Durable and hardwearing, Redbacks strapped kneepads give the user unrivalled, all-day comfort and long-term protection even in the most harsh environments. For more information and to order visit www.redbackscushioning.com   email: or info@redbackscushioning.com   or telephone: + 44 (0) 1327 702104

Caterpillar has reported a 15% decline in global revenues for 2015 and a 40% fall in profits. Caterpillar Inc made revenues of US$47.0bn (£32bn) in 2015, down from $55.2bn the previous year. Profit per share fell from $5.88 in 2014 to $3.50 for 2015. Total profits fell from $3.7bn for 2014 to $2.1bn for 2015. The two most significant reasons for the decline were weakening economic growth and substantially lower commodity prices. Caterpillar was particularly hit by the slowdown in previously booming Brazil and China. Faced with the fall in sales, Caterpillar spent $908m on restructuring the business in 2015, which was a major cause of the hit on profits. Chairman and chief executive Doug Oberhelman said: “Cost management, restructuring actions and operational execution are helping the company while sales and revenues remain under pressure from weak commodity prices and slowing economic growth in developing countries.  We took tough but necessary restructuring actions in 2015 – and they were significant.  I am proud that our team stayed focused on our customers in this difficult environment.  Our balance sheet is strong; our product quality remained at high levels; we gained market position for machines for the fifth year in a row; inventory levels have declined and are well positioned as we look forward to 2016; and our safety levels are world class.  We are benefiting now and expect to even more in the future when markets rebound.” No improvement is expected in 2016.  The company expects its sales and revenues to be in a range of $40bn to $44bn. Sales in construction industries are expected to decline about 5 to 10 percent from 2015.  In the United States, improving labour market conditions and relatively stable economic growth should continue to support the wider economy and construction, Caterpillar said.  However, it expects continuing weakness in developing countries and lower activity in oil-producing regions. Mr Oberhelman concluded: “Our outlook reflects struggling oil and other commodity markets, and continued economic weakness in developing countries.  While the U.S. and European economies are showing signs of stability, the global economy remains under pressure.  While we manage through these difficult economic times with substantial restructuring actions to lower costs, we are also preparing for the long term.  We are continuing substantial investments in R&D and our digital capabilities.  These investments will be positive for Caterpillar and our customers through connected fleets and jobsites and access to data and predictive analytics.  Investing in the future is important to improving productivity and the bottom line – for Caterpillar and our customers over the long term.  While it is tough to predict when an economic recovery will happen, the investments we are making and the actions we are taking to lower our cost structure and improve quality and our market position will help deliver better results when a recovery comes.”  

For more than 110 years STANLEY® has maintained brand name recognition for manufacturing products with good value and even better quality. With every product, STANLEY® continues to design tools that last a lifetime and help get the job done right- STANLEY® screwdrivers are no different. STANLEY® offers ratcheting, multi-bit, and standard screwdrivers that make completing the task at hand fast and easy. If you’re looking to save time STANLEY®’s ratcheting screwdrivers are just what you need. STANLEY®’s ratcheting screwdrivers are designed with a 4:1 gear ratio for driving up to four times faster than traditional screwdrivers. These screwdrivers are also easy to use with their bi-material grips for great torque and anti- slipping. In addition, the ratcheting mechanism makes forward and reverse driving a breeze. Rely on STANLEY® multi-bit screwdrivers to make life simple and to get the job done with a little speed. STANLEY® multi-bit screwdrivers provide convenience and accessibility- everything you need can be stored in the internal bit storage handle. Multi-bit screwdrivers offer easy access to bits as well as fast changeover which make these screwdrivers indispensable to your toolbox, workbench, or tool belt. STANLEY® standard screwdrivers have plenty to appreciate as well. DIYers benefit from the value and quality in each standard screwdriver. For example, the quad or four sided handles are great for better tip torque. In addition, quad handles are anti-roll so users don’t have to worry about these screwdrivers rolling away or rolling off the ladder when working. The cushion grip style offers a great feel and tip identification provides users with fast and easy selection with each color type. Another plus, some standard screwdrivers are designed with vinyl grip for users in the automotive and/or chemical industry. These screwdrivers are great when working with corrosive materials. For users who love a bit of innovation, try STANLEY® FatMax® Simulated Diamond Tip Screwdrivers. Many screwdrivers take a beating over time and become less effective at staying seated in screws. STANLEY® FatMax® Simulated Diamond Tip Screwdrivers offer longer tip life than standard screwdrivers and are encrusted with simulated diamond sand composite to help bite into screws for easy driving and screw removal. Color coded handles also make it quick and easy to choose the right screwdriver size for the project at hand.