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Stepping Up: Bailey Ladders

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The risk of falling when working on ladders is alarmingly underrated. One of the leading, and simplest causes of falls is working in the wrong direction compared to the position of the ladder, especially when using traditional step ladders.

Traditional step ladders are designed so that the work be performed front on to the step ladder, and not by working outside the width of the ladder styles. E.g. not having the ladder side on to a wall and working off to the side. Working like this causes overreaching leading to unbalancing and potentially falls. Similarly, when a task requires an extended period of working at height, standing on traditional thin rungs can lead to high muscle stress and user fatigue.

The solution is to use a Bailey Platform Step Ladder. Using a platform ladder enables safe and stable 360degree facing working ability, whilst the users body remains centred within the ladder styles. Using Platforms can also increase job efficiency, with the time and effort to reposition the ladder being decreased. And reduce user fatigue via the spacious anti-slip standing platforms which allow workers to move around and stand comfortably for extended periods with their whole feet fully supported.

Bailey’s platforms also feature the additional innovative design of a multi-function handrail for tool and part storage. And can be fitted with an optional safety gate to create a fully surrounded user, for the ultimate efficient, safe work zone.

Given all these advantages for user safety, (whilst always following the manufacturer safety documentation), platform ladders are being increasingly mandated on sites, especially Tier Once.

To suit site requirements, Bailey Ladders offers an extensive range of platform ladders, with Aluminium and Fibreglass options across heights ranging from 2 step to 12 steps, and factory fitted or optional caster wheel alternatives. And even an adjustable platform height option.

To see the full range, visit Baileyladders.com.au

Sutton Tools celebrates the opening of new factory in Rangiora:

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Rangiora, 20th March 2025 – Sutton Tools, a global leader in cutting tool manufacturing, proudly announces the opening of its new state-of-the-art facility in Rangiora, New Zealand.

This milestone celebrates not only the company’s expanded capabilities but also honours the legacy of Jim Sutton and the resilience of the Kaiapoi team after the devastating 2022 fire.

At the opening ceremony, Managing Director Peter Sutton reflected on the momentous journey from crisis to recovery. “Just over three years ago, we lost everything overnight.

But thanks to the vision set by Jim Sutton — ‘We will rebuild’ — and the unwavering commitment of our team, we are here today,” Peter said.

The Kaiapoi facility has a history of transformation. After Sutton Tools’ acquisition of Patience & Nicholson (Evacut) in 1994, significant reinvestment turned the plant into a world-class centre, producing 15 million drill bits annually. Following the 2022 fire, the engineering team’s surviving building became the foundation for recovery. Within 36 months, 20 new machines were built, and 80% of the lost market share was regained.

Peter Sutton acknowledged the leadership of Kevin Donovan, the dedication of Glenn Morgan, Richard Frew, Robert Sutton, and the many Kaiapoi staff who supported production efforts across both sides of the Tasman.

Dedicating the new facility to Bill and Jim Sutton, Peter said, “This plant stands as an enduring legacy of resilience, teamwork, and innovation — values that define Sutton Tools.”

Macnaught Manual Grease Range

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For more than 75 years, Macnaught has been engineering, designing and manufacturing high quality fluid and lubrication equipment for agricultural, industrial, automotive, transport and mining industries. Since the beginning, our vision has been to offer professionals absolute reliability and uncompromised performance in the harshest environments.

The Macnaught Manual Grease range is a testament to these efforts with key products setting the benchmark for quality, reliability and useability in Australian conditions.

The Macnaught FLEXIGUN® is readily acknowledged as the leading manual grease gun available today, with options for 450G & 400G, including bulk fill, in this stalwart of Australian industry. Also available is the LEVERGUN®, again available in 450G & 400G + bulk fill, options.

As fully serviceable grease guns with a 10 Year Warranty, it is easy to see why users continue to rely on this great manual greasing tool as part of their day-to-day maintenance activities.

To enhance the manual greasing offer, Macnaught also produces a range of Grease couplers, including the acknowledged market leader KY SUPERGRIP®.

In addition to the standard coupler, there is now the KY+ Safety Grease Coupler, quick connect range. With internal pressure relief, quick & easy release mechanism and the original KY floating jaws, this range is truly the market leading option to improve your manual lubrication processes.

Rounding out the Macnaught range of manual greasing equipment are the POWERLUBE™ Air Operated Grease Pumps and kits.

The POWERLUBE™ Air Operated Grease Pumps and Kits offer a comprehensive solution for those larger tasks and hence 20KG, 60KG and 180KG grease drums. Utilising a 50:1 ratio air motor but low air consumption and with outputs of up to 450g/min grease flow, they truly are the most reliable and consistent performer available to the Australian consumer.

The P3-01C (20KG), P6-01 (55KG) and the P8-11 (180KG) kits come complete with the pump, cover, follower plate, 4M high pressure discharge hose, Z swivel and B2 Booster Gun. Each kit can also be supplied with a mobile trolley to further enhance their flexibility and ease of use.

Without question, the Macnaught range of manual greasing options is second to none, providing Australian industry with unsurpassed performance, reliability and serviceability.

For more information visit GREASE EQUIPMENT – Macnaught to see the full range or talk so your local Macnaught distributor to find out how you could benefit from an upgrade to your manual greasing processes today.

Be sure of the grab

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When it comes to using adhesive sealants, the stakes are high – they are predominantly used externally, & there are tasks where mechanical fixing is not desired & the applicator needs a ‘third hand’ on the job. You need to be sure of the grab when choosing an adhesive sealant to use on the building site – if the product fails there could be call backs or damage to their reputation.

Introducing new Selleys 670 Fast Grab and 675 Crystal Fix, a range of adhesive sealants with extreme end strength and either high instant grab or 100% clear finish. Powered by advanced hybrid technology, it provides unrivalled performance on any building material and can be used for all your building and construction needs.

Based on Advanced Hybrid technology this high strength elastic adhesive sealant with fast strength build-up designed for bonding and sealing applications where immediate grab is required. High tensile strength offering very broad primerless adhesion on most building materials, wet & dry, with excellent resistance to ageing and weathering making it suitable for internal and external use. It’s highly elastic with a movement capability of ±20% and is safer for the applicator as it does not contain solvents and isocyanates.

Ideal for bonding and sealing in industrial and construction where a tough flexible rubber joint or a powerful elastic adhesive is required. Suitable for temperatures from -40°C to +90°C, up to +180°C for 20 mins during powder and thermal coating processes.

Based on Advanced Hybrid Technology this multipurpose crystal clear elastic adhesive sealant is designed for where an invisible bond or seal is necessary. High tensile strength offering very broad primer-less adhesion on most building materials, with excellent resistance to ageing and weathering – making it suitable for internal and external use. It’s highly elastic with a movement capability of ±20% and is safer for the applicator as it does not contain solvents and isocyanates.

The main advantage of a crystal clear adhesive sealant is that the product is invisible and therefore, can’t be seen. Selleys 675 Crystal Fix is ideal for applications such as bonding U Channels onto bathroom walls where you don’t want the oozed out adhesive to be visible after application.

For more information, visit selleys.com.au.

DeWALT brings the power

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In the competitive landscape of power tools, DEWALT continues to distinguish itself with innovative and reliable products. The DCD1007 18V XR 3 Speed Hammer Drill Driver and the DCF860 18V XR 3 Speed Impact Driver are no exceptions, offering a blend of power, precision, and versatility that caters to the most demanding trade professionals.

The DCD1007 18V XR 3 Speed Hammer Drill Driver is a standout with its three-speed settings providing 169Nm of torque, providing unparalleled flexibility for a variety of tasks. Whether you’re drilling into wood, metal, or masonry, this tool adapts effortlessly, ensuring optimal performance and control, like the Anti-rotation System which provides enhanced control in bind up situations. The ergonomic design, coupled with a lightweight build, reduces user fatigue, making it ideal for extended use. Additionally, the brushless motor technology not only enhances efficiency but also prolongs the tool’s lifespan, making it a wise investment for those who demand reliability and durability.

Complementing the Hammer Drill Driver is the DCF860 18V XR 3 Speed Impact Driver, a compact powerhouse designed for high-torque applications, offering as much as 282Nm. It’s ability to deliver rapid bursts of power makes it perfect for driving screws and bolts with precision and ease. The impact driver’s intuitive speed control allows users to tailor its performance to the task at hand, minimising the risk of damaging materials and ensuring a professional finish. Together, these tools exemplify DEWALT’s commitment to quality and innovation.

They are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern construction, providing users with the confidence to tackle any challenge. In a market saturated with options, the DCD1007 and DCF860 stand out as benchmarks of excellence, reinforcing DEWALT’s reputation as a leader in the power tool industry. For those seeking tools that deliver on performance and reliability, these models are indispensable additions to any toolkit.

Selecting a castor

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With a seemingly endless combination of wheels and frames available, selecting the right castor for your application can be challenging. Below are four variables to consider when choosing a castor.

Heavier loads will require increased capacity castors with wheels made from higher density materials. Bearing selection is also an important consideration: Roller bearings can carry heavier loads than ball bearings. To calculate the minimum load capacity required, divide the weight of the load by the number of castors on which the weight is distributed.

Richmond wheels and castors range from load capacities of 40kg to 10,000kg.

Stainless steel frames and bearings are available for use in harsh conditions. Richmond developed a range of high and low temperature wheels for applications like commercial freezers or industrial ovens. Richmond High/Low Temperature Wheels can perform in temperatures from -30°C to 300°C.

Wheels will perform differently depending on the floor surface. A solid nylon wheel performs better on a carpeted surface due to the decreased rolling resistance of the nylon wheel. On a harder surface such as concrete or tiles, a rubber wheel will perform better. An uneven surface may lead to irregular weight distribution, increasing the load on the castors. It also could be important to select a wheel type that won’t mark the surface the castor is to be used on.

Richmond can recommend a wheel type to suit any floor surface.

The major factors that contribute to rolling resistance are load, wheel diameter, wheel hardness and floor surface. Rolling resistance can be decreased by selecting the largest suitable wheel diameter and the hardest suitable wheel material for your application.

If you’re still unsure about your requirements, feel free to contact Richmond Rolling Solutions or your local CSS Member Store.

The shallowest C2 seismic concrete screw-bolt in Australia

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Seismic design in construction can add complexity and cost. To simplify this, ICCONS® has proudly developed the shallowest C2 seismic concrete Screw-Bolt in Australia. Part of the Thunderbolt®PRO range, the SXTB08055 offers innovative performance, cost efficiency, and ease of installation.

● Outstanding Performance: Assessed for Cracked Concrete, Fire, C1, and C2 seismic approvals.
● Cost-Effective: Reduces fixing costs compared to typical seismic C2 assessed anchors.
● Labour-Saving: Requires only 50mm concrete embedment for rapid installation.
● Versatility: Available in Hex, Countersunk, Pan, Internal, and External Metric Thread head styles.
● Durable Finishes: Options include Zinc, Nautilus C or Mechanically Galvanised coatings for corrosion resistance.

C1 Seismic tests focus on tension and shear loads under moderate conditions, while C2 Seismic tests add rigorous reference and alternating load tests, accommodating wider concrete cracks (0.1mm to 0.8mm). The severe testing makes C2 anchors crucial for safety critical applications in high building importance level or earthquake-prone regions.

ICCONS’ SXTB08055 C2 seismic Screw-Bolt stands out with its shallow embedment, increasing productivity without compromising safety. It is:

● AS 5216 compliant, Fire rated and Seismic C1 and C2 assessed
● European Technical Assessment
● Designed for ‘close to edge’ applications with low expansion forces, and easy removal.

Ideal for applications including seismic bracing, wall systems, and fire-rated fixings.

As seismic safety standards evolve, selecting the right anchor is critical for compliance and structural integrity. The Thunderbolt®PRO SXTB08055 offers an industry-first solution as the shallowest C2 seismic Screw-Bolt in Australia, delivering unmatched performance, versatility, and ease of use.

For expert advice, contact ICCONS engineers at engineering@iccons.com.au, explore the DesignPRO software for anchor designs, or download the Thunderbolt®PRO Technical Data Sheet for detailed specifications. ICCONS®—Don’t Risk It®.

MAKTRAK – The next generation in modular stowage

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Introducing MAKTRAK, Makita’s most advanced modular storage system, designed to optimise Transportation, Access, Storage, and Organisation on the jobsite. Built with impact-resistant copolymer, MAKTRAK is engineered for maximum durability in the toughest conditions.

Launching with seven versatile storage solutions, MAKTRAK offers stackable tool boxes and organizers with large glove friendly latches, dual-hinged removable lids, and clear lids for easy visibility. With up to 50% more holding capacity than leading competitors, the system ensures that tools, accessories, and equipment are always secure and within reach.

Designed for seamless mobility and adaptability, MAKTRAK allows professionals to customise their setup for any task. Whether transporting heavy loads across rough terrain or keeping small parts neatly organised, each component integrates effortlessly to maximize efficiency on the jobsite. The system is built for secure stacking and transport, fitting easily in work trucks and vans while providing fast access to essential gear.

With innovative engineering and rugged durability, MAKTRAK doesn’t just store your tools—it works as hard as you do.

MAKTRAK – The Next Generation in Modular Storage.

Take productivity to the next step

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HARLINGEN is an established company of over 20 years. They proudly offer cutting edge machine tooling solutions to thousands of clients operating in over 40 countries worldwide with fulfillment centres in California and Shanghai.

Their new 35,000m² facility employs a state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing departments that deliver cutting edge machine tooling, which include many features that have come to be expected in today’s modern CNC industry.

As well as advanced CNC tooling for the aerospace, automotive and manufacturing industries, HARLINGEN offer a wide range of tools and accessories that are relevant to the industrial, automotive and construction industries, that range from drilling to tapping & thread repair.

Austlift Australia: Innovation you can rely on

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When it comes to safety and reliability in lifting, rigging, and lashing, Austlift Australia is the name professionals trust. From construction sites to transport fleets, our products are designed to deliver outstanding performance, durability, and peace of mind—because we understand that when safety is on the line, there’s no room for compromise.

Our innovative product range is crafted to meet the demands of even the toughest jobs. The Swiftcore Ratchet Tie Downs are a standout, offering unrivaled strength, ease of use, and longevity—ideal for securing loads with confidence. Similarly, our Durabone Round Slings provide industry-leading performance, combining lightweight design with exceptional durability, making them the perfect solution for lifting applications where reliability is non-negotiable.

Austlift products aren’t just built to last; they’re built to perform. Every item in our range undergoes rigorous testing to meet Australian standards, ensuring professionals can rely on them day in and day out. Whether you’re transporting, lifting, or securing, Austlift has the tools to help you get the job done safely and efficiently.

Behind the scenes, Austlift works exclusively through a trusted network of distributors and retailers. We don’t sell directly to end users, ensuring our partners remain the go-to destination for our premium products. That means when you see Austlift on the shelf, you know it’s backed by a team committed to supporting the retailer, enhancing their service, and providing the tools you need to succeed.

Choose Austlift for innovative solutions, trusted quality, and peace of mind on every job. When safety and performance matter most, professionals choose Austlift.