Having been in the tool trade for over 95 years, Draper Tools is a brand that understands the industry and the needs of professionals. Director, Tom Draper gives readers his take on the electrical tools market.
Over the past 10 years, many of the most significant changes in the tool sector have been in the power tools market. A major example of this is how, thanks to the advancement in battery technology, cordless power tools now last longer than ever in terms of their run time, together with quicker charge times and great efficiency. This in turn allows today’s electrical workers to tackle more jobs in less time.
There have been subtle improvements when it comes to electricians’ hand tools too, with the features, functionality, weight and performance constantly evolving in these kinds of tools. For instance, the popular Draper Expert Ergo Plus Fully Insulated Cable Cutter, made with special hardened and tempered steel, is at the forefront of innovation in electricians hand tools. Its high leverage joint provides 30 percent more cutting power, while an integrated opening spring avoids fatigue when in constant use.
So, although changes to the range of hand tools available for electricians are more understated, the trend is for enhanced features that allow for longer usage and improved product lifespan, reflecting the changes seen in the power tool market.
Safety is, of course, an ever increasing priority for the industry and we are seeing testing requirements for electricians’ tools and equipment becoming stricter year-on-year. This, in turn, is driving the need for more calibration and testing of tools.
Up-to-date equipment
As a distributor and supplier to many electrical wholesalers, it’s our job to stay ahead of these new requirements to ensure wholesalers are able to offer their customers up-to-date equipment that complies with the latest legislations and recommendations.
A typical example of this would be how it is no longer recommended to use a conventional screwdriver to tighten terminal connections, owing to the fact that it is easily possible to under and over tighten connections, creating a potential safety issue. As result of this new guidance Draper Tools is introducing a new Torque Screwdriver Set, which conforms to EN60900 regulations and meets the latest standards.
We would always advise wholesalers to be aware of the latest safety guidance in order to meet industry demands and accurately advise customers. This is a priority for us and something we’re always happy to help wholesalers with.
We find that when it comes to sales, users want to know they’re compliant with current laws, but more importantly they’re seeking strong assurances that the products on offer will genuinely protect them and their workforce. So being able to communicate or clearly show relevant safety specifications can give instant peace of mind and helps simplify and encourage a range of electrical tool sales.
Time and resource are increasingly precious commodities for today’s electrical workers, who frequently need all the extra support they can get from their toolbox. Tools and equipment for the trade need to be smart, efficient and genuinely able to make a job easier. It’s things like offering a comprehensive screwdriver set that is also very compact in size, negating the need for carrying several larger screwdrivers, that are being called for. Solutions like this that save time, increase efficiency and enhance safety are what the industry must strive to offer.
In the tool sector, whether changes and innovation are subtle or sizeable, the trend is for safety and increased productivity. Rigorously tested, high quality tools and equipment, with clearly communicated safety credentials should always be the mainstay a wholesaler’s tool offering.
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