According to the latest market research study published by P&S Intelligence in the US, the size of the hand tools market was over $2.1b in 2021 (€2.04b) and it will reach above $3.1b (€2.9b) by 2030, advancing at a growth rate of more than 4% in the near future.
The strongest factor credited for this growth is the booming construction, automotive, shipbuilding, and manufacturing industries. The increasing usage of hand tools in the aerospace sector and by DIY enthusiasts for a diversity of applications, such as hammering, drilling, and sawing, is driving the industry growth.
Owing to their versatility, general-purpose tools are the most frequently utilised around the globe. They are fairly simple to use and need no special skills. Because of these factors, these implements held the largest market share, of about 67%, in the year 2021.
Cutting tool usage will grow at the highest hand tools market compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 5%, in the years to come. Saws, knives & blades, chisels & files, and cable & wire cutting tools are utilised in a number of industries, including automotive, construction, aerospace, and electronics.
Their augmenting usage for carpentry, furniture, and DIY purposes will drive their procurement in the future. Construction had the largest share in the year 2021, among industrial end users. With the increasing population and fast urbanisation, the requirement for commercial and residential facilities is increasing, which, in line, drives the demand for hand tools. Likewise, the increase in upkeep and construction activities has been a key driver for the usage of hand tools around the world.
Olympia Tools make great quality & great value power tools
Toolbank Ireland, using their industry experience and know-how, have expanded their initial range of opening price point Olympia Power Tools. This includes an additional 23 models, including a broader range of corded machines, plus their NEW X20S™ 20V range.
Perfect for the budget-conscious first-time user or occasional DIYer, this compact range of must-have corded and cordless power tools has been carefully selected to cover most DIY jobs around the home. Olympia Power Tools make modern user-friendly designs that are easy to use. So, whether it’s drilling, sawing, or sanding, your customers can achieve the best possible results every time. There is also a Two Year No-Quibble Guarantee.
The X20S™ 20V range includes a choice of battery sizes and charger options to suit different power tools and different applications. A 4.0Ah X20S™ battery is best for heavy applications, such as grinding and sawing, giving your customer all the power they need to get the job done.
The 1.5Ah or 2.0 Ah batteries are ideal for lighter applications such as drilling. To keep batteries fully charged, the X20S™ 20V range includes a 1-hour fast charger and a standard 3–5-hour charger. X20S™ batteries and chargers are 100% compatible with all tools in the X20S™ 20V range.
For further information please contact, Toolbank Ireland, 24 Magna Drive, Magna Business Park, Citywest, Dublin D24FNYO, Ireland. Call +353 1 467 7000 or email irishsales@toolbank.ie or visit www.toolbank.ie.
Bellota Tools invest a further €4 million into state of the art robotic technology
The Spanish company Bellota Tools has invested another €4 million into a new forge press for its Legazpi plant in Spain allowing the company to double their production of forged tools
in response to the growing global demand.
Iñaki Esain, Manufacturing Director, says the new machinery comes with important advantages. Firstly, it will allow Bellota to double its production capacity, while allowing them to produce more sustainable tools with higher levels of energy efficiency.
In addition, the new machinery is in line with circular economy principles, since it will also reduce the percentage of surplus steel during the process by around 13%. It will also reduce the consumption of raw materials, since it will require less metal to manufacture the tools, and it will lessen electricity consumption during the manufacturing process by reducing the number of strikes necessary to shape the tool. In fact, this new machine will improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption by around 20%! This will also result in an improvement in work safety standards by eliminating one of the repetitive mechanical steps that occurs during the manufacturing process.
All this is possible thanks to the incorporation of a 700 ton press, five robots, a new induction furnace and five polishing and finish machines. From a labour point of view, the new machines allow certain mechanical works to be reduced, resulting in greater safety and ergonomics for the worker. In addition, the new line enables a substantial increase in productivity (by providing greater flexibility through short production runs and quick tooling changes, introducing industry 4.0 fundamentals: predictive maintenance, consistency in quality, etc.). All this represents an important conceptual change to be able to manufacture in a more flexible, competitive way and with higher quality, safety and sustainability standards.
How will this benefit Ireland specifically?
Les Ashley, Head of Sales for Ireland & UK says, “Bellota’s investment will help increase output, which will bring our stock availability levels up to 98%. It will also raise the bar again by improving quality whilst keeping our prices extremely competitive in these uncertain times.”
For more information or if you would like to meet to discuss the range, please contact Les Ashley on 087 440 8077 or email les.ashley@bellota.com, www.bellota.com.
Bellota would like to thank all our customers, and wish them a very merry Christmas.
Good luck with the Christmas seasonal business. Most of all, enjoy your family time and we look forward to being of service to you in 2023.
CAT Power Tools – Success in being different
One of the main challenges facing the hardware sector in Ireland, is ‘standing out from the crowd.’ Offering something that is new, innovative, and exclusive to your customer base is a challenge. Over recent years AEF have brought on experienced team members who have faced these challenges.
At AEF they provide the perfect solution, offering a comprehensive range of premium branded products which are regionally exclusive*. Their partnership approach with their customers promotes their engagement in the CAT brand and ensures success in store. Caterpillar is one of the world’s most recognisable brands and is synonymous with quality and innovation. Globally the Caterpillar licensed ranges account for over half of the global sales of the Caterpillar business ($6billion +). For AEF partnering with them was an easy decision to make and one they are excited about. AEF having been in business for over 52 years believe that they understand the Irish market well and the expectations of their customers.
AEF believe their go-to-market strategy for Caterpillar provides security for the retailer in their area and makes them a destination store for Caterpillar products. Their team are passionate about ensuring they provide the best service to their customers. This approach has proven successful since they launched in July, with 17 partners now on board.
Currently AEF stock nine categories in the Caterpillar ranges: Professional Power Tools, Site Storage Boxes, Tool Bags, Wheelbarrows, Welders, Gloves, Power Washers (electric), Torches and Construction Tools. In 2023, they have more exciting launches with five new areas coming online. These will complement what they already have available and bolster the physical presence in store and brand awareness.
If you are interested in becoming a CAT partner, please contact them today onsales@aef.ie. www.aef.i
*Terms and Conditions apply
The D20 Cordless Power Tools range from Draper Tools
Introducing the new D20 series of cordless power tools from Draper Tools. The impressive range features a convenient multi-tool battery system – where one interchangeable battery system powers every tool in the range. Eliminating the hazards of tangled cables and the need for accessible power sockets, the D20 range is well-suited to trade users, featuring high-quality cordless power tools that are ideal for a variety of tasks on the job, in the workshop, in the garden or home. Whether your customers need an impact driver or wrench, a drill for masonry or wood-working, a saw for timber or branches, even a pressure washer or nailer/stapler, the range boasts an impressive performance and some very handy features.
Most of the D20 range features a brushless motor for improved performance and durability and there’s a range of battery sizes and charger options available too.
The D20 series includes some fantastic tool kits that are ideal for everyday tasks. These include the D20 Fix ‘N’ Go Kit, which features a brushless combi drill, brushless impact driver, D20 twin port USB adaptor, 2 x 2.0Ah batteries, charger and an impact screwdriver bit set. This handy kit comes stored in a 440mm hard bottom tool bag for easy transportation and storage. Also set to be popular is the 8-Piece D20 Workshop Kit. This kit comes with a brushless combi drill, brushless impact wrench, brushless 15mm grinder, D20 Flexi inspection lamp, 3.0Ah battery and 4.0Ah battery, charger, durable storage case and a tin of ten metal cutting discs.
With over a century of history and heritage, numerous award-winning products and 5-star rated customer service, Draper Tools is a brand you and your customers can trust.
To date, the Draper product range includes over 10,000 lines, so whatever the trade or task, you’ll find a huge choice of quality tools available. www.drapertools.com
Dual Power: flexible, powerful, cordless
For the DIYer looking for cordless, durable and eco-friendly products, Varo has developed the Dual Power range: one battery platform, compatible with more than 100 tools.
Additionally, many of their Dual Power tools are equipped with a brushless motor, which means more power and durability.
It also minimizes vibrations and ensures less time to spend on maintenance.
The platform consists of two battery types:
- A 20 V battery pack, compatible with all 20 V Dual Power tools
- and a 2×20 V battery pack, which fits all tools, no matter the amperage, and ensures an even longer working time when used on a 20 V tool
The Dual Power charger was designed to be able to charge all Dual Power batteries, both 20 V and 2×20 V.
Varo offers Dual Power starter kits containing one or more tools as well as one or two of the universal batteries and a charger. If you already own Dual Power equipment, all Dual Power batteries, chargers and tools can also be acquired separately. Thanks to these universal batteries and charger, there is no need to buy a separate battery for each tool, making Dual Power the more economical and ecological choice.
Cordless Pruner Saw
Autumn weather means heavy winds and having to remove large branches that may have broken off. Use the POWDPG7572 Cordless Dual Power pruner saw to cut them into smaller, more easy-to-manage pieces. Thanks to its compact design, your customer can wield this pruner saw with just one hand. It makes the work go faster, it also provides the necessary working comfort and freedom of movement. Easily manoeuvre the machine in narrow, hard-to-reach areas, e.g., in between branches or bushes.
The premium quality bar is 100mm in length and fitted with a sturdy chain with 14 teeth. At a sawing speed of 6,7 m/s, your customer can effortlessly cut through all kinds of wood. Ideal for pruning small branches and other fine sawing.
To guarantee your safety, the saw comes with a protective cover for the chain and bar, a hexagon wrench to adjust the chain tension, as well as an empty 20ml bottle for oil.
For further information, please contact Les Ashley, les.ashley@varo.com or directly on 087 440 8077.
International Tool Industries present the SKIL Power Tool Range
Now entering their fifth year in business, International Tool Industries’ (ITI) journey has been very successful, but this year has had its challenges to say the least according to Don O`Toole, General Manager. “Even though the revenue stream has been very positive for 2022 and sales were steady, it most certainly doesn’t reflect on how busy the industry was last year, during very buoyant times”.
Constantly looking for new opportunities and new products to add to their portfolio, ITI launched the SKIL Power Tool range almost nine months ago, a brand that is synonymous for almost 100 years, within the construction industry and with DIY tradespeople. The famous Skilsaw was one of the first electric powered saws ever produced as an alternative to the conventional hand saw. The Skilsaw or otherwise known as a circular saw, revolutionised the industry for professional
carpenters, with less labour time and energy lost and efficiencies in time improved.
As time went on since the SKIL saw was launched, many more power tools were invented, designed and manufactured for decades to follow. Now they have a full complement of power tools available in the range from 240v machines to a 20volt battery platform. They also have a ‘One battery fits all program’ to include an extensive range of garden powered products. SKIL are exceling at re-entering the market seeking to reclaim their share of an ever-expanding industry.
International Tool Industries are the sole distributor in Ireland for this prestigious brand and are looking forward to developing this range of products in 2023. The good news is, SKIL are launching their New XP (Extreme Power) tool range in the spring of 2023, with brushless motors, longer run times on a 20v battery platform at very competitive pricing points for both professional and DIY enthusiasts.
For more information on the SKIL Power Tool range, visit the ITI website or contact your local account manager, to provide you with an up-to-date catalogue. www.internationaltoolindustries.com, Tel. 047 30650 (Sales Office).
TIMCO launches 200 new hand tools in extensive new product range
TIMCO has recently launched a comprehensive and extensive new range of hand tools, now consisting of over 200 premium quality items providing the performance that trade professionals rely on every day.
From striking and demolition, to bricklaying and plastering, as well as sawing, cutting, clamping and measuring, the TIMCO Hand Tools range has been specifically designed for a wide variety of tasks. It includes a number of tool sets, including spanners, screwdrivers, spirits levels, files and rasps, which complement the individual items and enhance the customer offering in specific ranges.
The new hand tools range has been expertly researched and sourced by the TIMCO team over a number of years. These exciting new additions complement TIMCO’s existing selection of hands tools, which includes products such as riveters and staplers as well as wire brushes, applicator guns and measuring tools.
The new hand tools are all TIMCO branded, featuring the company’s signature colour red, and the packaging clearly displays the main features and benefits of each product.
TIMCO are on track to have launched 1,000 new product lines in 2022, as it continues to expand its business in response to growing demand for quality products that the trade rely on every day. This range expansion comes in the landmark 50th anniversary year for the Nantwich-based company, which now supplies a total of more than 8,000 products for the construction and industrial sectors.
The latest product launches include the addition of hi-vis clothing to the company’s CE-Approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) range which now includes vests, polo shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces, trousers, jackets and coats. TIMCO has further extended its ironmongery category with more than 200 new interior and exterior ironmongery products launched as part of a full range review.
TIMCO also added to its selection of A5 size Range of Specific Product Guides containing comprehensive and dedicated product range overviews. These are category specific and available for customers use; providing them with additional marketing collateral as well as helping to drive further sales.
TIMCO’s ongoing focus and investment has been centred on the website and its ongoing development to improve speed, search functionality and overall user experience. Examples include Related Products, Out of Stock Alternatives as well as Back in Stock Dates and a unique Stock Watch Function which provides customers with an ‘alert’ when the selected product returns to stock.
Fiskars Gardening & Pro Tools
At Fiskars, they believe in the art – and science – of creating and enjoying your own outdoor haven. That’s why they take a holistic approach to develop tools that reflect hours of immersive study, research, and validation, resulting in a range of tools that seek to outperform the competition and feel like a natural extension of the body.
Fiskars cultivating tools are intuitively designed to help your customer plant, nurture and harvest what they love. Their gardening accessories include kneeling pads and tool organisers to help make your customer’s time in the garden more enjoyable and efficient. Fiskar’s powerful and durable hedge shears, loppers, and pruners feature smart technologies that maximise your customer`s power. Razor-sharp teeth on their saws let your customer make short work of thick branches, while their shears and snips gives your customer the dexterity and precision that they need for delicate cutting of flowers and other produce.
Their rugged shovels and digging tools are designed with robust connections and ergonomic features to help reduce pressure on the users back and hands. Tree pruners make it easy to cut branches up high, while their collection of durable rakes allows for easy clean up.
Pro Tools
Designed to outperform, outlast and reduce negative impact on the body, Fiskars Pro tools do more than “get the job done;” they work for the user. Fiskars hardware shears and snips feature everything from aviation snips to pipe cutters, bolt cutters, and utility snips armed with various technologies; all designed for tough, relentless cuts. PowerArc™ blades are intelligently curved to alter the angle between blades for 40% more power, while hardware tools equipped with PowerGear® technology boast leverage-enhancing gears to give the user more power – especially during the toughest part of the cut – for easier cuts through sheet metal, plastic pipes, ductwork and more.
For intense demolition tasks, the Fiskars collection of sledgehammers and wrecking bars feature IsoCore™, a patented technology that absorbs more shock and vibration, reducing muscle fatigue and joint pain. Wedge-faced sledge and club hammers offer five times more destructive power, while their framing and finishing IsoCore™ Hammers keep every strike effective, controlled, and comfortable for major framing jobs and small interior tasks.
All Fiskars® Pro tools are built to last and backed by a full lifetime warranty.
For more information visit their showrooms in Waterford or to become a stockist contact; Fiskars Group, WWRD Ireland LTD, The Atrium / Suite 17, Maritana Gate, Waterford, X91 KAOC,
www.fiskarsgroup.com.
Contact Pat Keane, Republic of Ireland area sales manager, Tel 086 7796386, patrick.keane@fiskars.com Or David Armstrong, Northern Ireland area sales manager +44 (0) 7968 520219, david.armstrong@fiskars.com.
