Building Connection Spring 2018

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tools is their lack of cords.
This keeps everyone safe
from electrocution risk
– both when using the
tools but also from all
the extension leads
running through the
sites or private
DIY work. And I
know there are no
more tradespeople
or DIYers being
electrocuted when they pull out an old
240v drill or saw.
You’ve probably noticed that most
manufacturers are also fighting to
provide features that make their tools
easier to use. To me this often means
they are safer. They’re adding features
such as safety or locking devices,
lighting and small blades that are less
likely to ‘throw’ if the apprentice uses
them when they’re blunt.
EXTRAORDINARY CHOICES
I understand most manufacturers are
improving battery life. I even
hear there is a battery station
coming out that will invert
a group of batteries to
run 240v corded tools…
and I used to joke with
my mates about
buying a cordless
generator.
If I could
provide some tool
suggestions for
manufacturers, I would probably ask
them to:
1. add a small pump – great for lift pits,
basement work
2. add a quality water saw
3. put QR codes on their tools so
newbies can check how to use/clear
e.g. nail guns
4. offer a branded dust sheet to put over
tools not being used
5. provide universal maintenance guides
(online) e.g. when to spray with
lubricant, what to do if a tool gets wet
etc.
SELECTION CRITERIA
WHAT TO LOOK FOR HOW SOME COMPANIES DO THIS
No instruction needed Pictograms, different colour for buttons /
levers, embossed / engraved symbols etc
Safe Saws and grinders usually use a 2 stage switch
and have a lock function
Ergonomic Easy to hold, grip in use, light as possible, easy
to clear (nail guns), minimum vibration.
Cut line / drill point easy to see Right handers like blade on the left. Maybe
saws will be available for left handers soon?
Illumination Many drills and saws use a small light to
illuminate the work surface
Easy to find Yellow, orange are easily visible
Durable / droppable / attachments are
securely fixed Text
Option for dust extraction Vacuum system
BATTERIES
∫ fits ALL tools
∫ long run time
∫ fast recharge
∫ Indicator on battery
∫ multi battery charger
ACCESSORIES
∫ universal fittings to take bits, blades ALL masonry drills, saw / grinder blades, multi
– tool blades should fit
∫ spanners and allen keys attached
place for different tips Blades easy to changes
Range Every type of tool – demolition, metal shears,
gardening etc.
SHOUT OUT FOR CORDLESS
‘BARNRAISING’ 4 HUMANITY!
I always help Salvos (and any other NGO or
religious organisation) if I can. We joined
Robyn and Mitchell at Street Level in Sydney
and demolished a shambles of partitions to
make a 300m2 multi-purpose space for their
church and community functions.
It was over $100K of work we did for
around $25K. I worked out what had to be
done and on the first day, we were joined by
Stefan and his colleagues from Salesforce.
These dynamic executives donate their time
to help others. I am SUPER impressed and I
showed them lots of different skills.
But what became clear was how much
they needed a bunch of essential cordless
gear. All the usual tools: drills/drivers,
saws, masonry and metal grinders, rotary
hammers, reciprocating saws, vacuums,
lights, charger stations... they wanted to use
them. So to all you manufactures out there,
Salvos Street Level needs this kit.
I am happy to work with you and Bunnings
to ‘house’ these in a trolley for getting things
done for humanity. And if this works I want
these to be seen with hundreds of groups of
volunteers across Australia/Oceania .
So not only will work get done, but more
and more unskilled people will learn how to
use tools properly.
I encourage the likes of Dewalt, Makita,
Bosch, Milwaukee, Ryobi, AEG, Hilti to think
about what they can contribute to volunteer
groups as I guarantee they’ll see that social
capital will provide them with a different
type of profit.
Jerry Tyrrell is co-founder
of Tyrrells Property
Inspections. He has more
than 46 years’ experience
as a contractor, architect
and author.
And YOU can make a difference by
emailing me your advice, tips and
feedback ANY TIME jwtyrrell@tyrrells.
com.