Specialists in Carpentry, Passive Fire & Brickwork Supplies

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The two key things to look for in a brickwork supplier

When it comes to choosing your brickwork supplier, you need to know you’re in safe hands. Poor service or quality can lead to delays, lost revenue and even a damaged reputation. As such, you must know exactly what you’re getting yourself into before you sign up with anyone. At Multifix, we have been supplying contractors in the construction industry for over 30 years now. In that time, we’ve picked a few things up along the way. Given brickwork is one of our specialist sectors, we believe we have found a winning formula to give you what you need when shopping for supplies. With that in mind, we have listed the two main things you need to find out when you’re looking for a brickwork supplier. Do they stock the best brickwork products? With brickwork especially, you must be using good products. Whether it be for durability, weather resistance or structural integrity, shortcuts are quickly exposed. As such, having proven products is essential. It’s one of the main reasons why we stock leading brands, such as ARC, Vista, Timlock, Rytons and Ancon. In addition, we are proud to be a premium distributor of industry leaders Visqueen and their DPC. For those unaware, DPC is short for damp-proof course membrane and stops moisture rising through walls or floors in homes. Taking this into account, when you’re looking at who to be your supplier, check to see exactly what kind of products they have. If you see their ranges or product agreements and don’t feel confident in what you’re seeing, even if it’s cheap, walk away and find someone else. If you’re using excessively cheap products, there’s a good chance things will end up being more expensive for you in the long run. This is because the materials will likely have to be replaced when you could’ve got it right the first time of asking. Exactly what kind of service is the brickwork supplier providing? If the supplier you’re after has a product range that you can trust and feel comfortable about using, then the next thing to determine is how they operate. There are quite a few things here you have to consider. Is next-day delivery an option? If so, what is the latest time to order? And do I have to pay for the delivery? On the topic of delivery, will my goods come on a courier or will they be delivered by a van as part of the company’s fleet? How about their customer service team? Are they reachable at all times during the business day, or is it email contact only? When it comes to ordering, how can I do so? Is it only by phone or by email, or is there an online portal? Every single one of these questions will have to be asked and the information should be very easy to discover. What do Multifix offer? In our case, we do offer next-day delivery and the cut-off time is 5pm. However, for pallet couriers and nationwide delivery, the cut-off time is 4pm. We also have a minimum order value of £50 for free delivery. Depending on where you are ordering from, your delivery will come on one of our own vans, driven by one of our own drivers. You can check every postcode that we deliver to here. Our knowledgeable customer service team is available 8:30-5 via phone, WhatsApp or email and will take orders for you. Equally, we do have an online customer portal you can use for ordering. If you come across a company that isn’t being transparent in what they offer, you are better off avoiding them altogether. Choosing a brickwork supplier that is right for you Like we said at the beginning, what matters most is that you have a supplier that is right for you. They need to be able to work to your schedule. The chances are, if you can find one with a good product range and with good service, you’ll be onto a winner. In turn, this makes your life a lot easier as you can order with confidence and build a great relationship with that supplier. If you wish to speak with us about the possibility of being your brickwork sundries supplier, or even recommending one, you can get in contact with us here.

Should you split your business or use one supplier?

As a company, you just want things to run smoothly. You want to know you’re getting reliability, good service and ultimately, a good deal for what you’re paying for. If you’re getting late deliveries and noticing product order costs are going up despite being cheaper elsewhere, it’s going to rankle you. You start to get the feeling that you’re being treated like just another number instead of a human being. No one likes being treated as a number instead of a customer. If this sounds relatable to you, then it may be time for a supplier switch. However, it isn’t always as simple as that. It is also one of the reasons why some split their business among multiple suppliers, rather than just using one. Even with bad service, some would rather stick with a company in some capacity as it’s a lot less hassle than making a change, as opposed to cutting ties. Which is best for you, though? Is it better to put all your eggs in one basket with one company, or play the field and use several? One way to come to a decision is by trialling a supplier first. That way, you stick with your existing supplier in the short term, but can test the waters with another and then decide whether to split or switch. While we can’t (and won’t) directly tell you and your company what to do, we can outline the pros and cons of both scenarios, so you can make a more informed decision. Ultimately, we want what is best for you and your company and as such, we are going to explore both options in this article for you. What are the pros of splitting your business? In some ways, you arguably have more power when you split your business. It’s the same when doing a food shop and you go to different supermarkets; some will have items cheaper than others, so you use all of them to get the best price. You also aren’t stuck if something goes wrong. If you need something the next day for example and one company can’t do it, there’s a good chance you’ll find one who can. This also extends to product quality or preference. You may prefer a certain type of product that one company does over another, so you aren’t restricted as to what you can or can’t get. Following on from that, there may be a product that one company stocks that another doesn’t. Keeping your options open means you won’t have to settle for less. What about the pros of staying with one company? In terms of ease, having one company is definitely simpler than juggling several. If you only have one company to order from, that saves time than ordering with many. As such, it can be more efficient to just have one. You will also have much better relationships with the one supplier, as over time, your business will be valued and appreciated. It also stops you trying to spin a lot of plates. Rather than try and manage relationships with multiple suppliers, you can focus on gaining the most from one. In fact, this can work in your favour as if you are a long-term customer, you’re likely to get preferential treatment compared to a new customer. This can even extend to having better support and even discounts. That is something we do at Multifix, with a policy that the more you spend, the better the rewards for you. What cons are there for splitting your business? The main con is the amount of extra admin to juggle. More suppliers means more relationships and that means more effort. It means multiple invoices, as well as different systems to navigate. This in itself is an issue. According to research from Gartner, the average UK cost of processing an invoice ranges between £4 and £25. In some instances, if errors are made, it can be up to £50 per invoice. Also, while you may be sniping for all the cheapest prices, that can actually work against you. As an example, let’s say you make three orders from three companies because they have the cheapest prices. That’s great, but if it’s under the minimum delivery cost for each, you’ll end up paying more. It could be cheaper to buy it all with one and get free delivery than split it all among several and pay added costs. Finally, you’ll always likely be treated as a number with multiple suppliers. Because you won’t be using them exclusively, you’re likely to miss out on the best rates and the best level of service. As such, you also won’t have much of an opportunity to strike long-lasting relationships. Your business will still be appreciated, of course, but they’ll see it as having little reason to give you special treatment. And the cons of using only one supplier? The main con of only using one supplier is that you potentially run the risk of being taken for granted. You might find you’re not getting discounts or improved service despite your loyalty, which can be hugely frustrating. Likewise, they may become complacent with you on other things. Say a delivery is a day late, they may take the approach of, “oh it’s only so and so, that’s alright.” Naturally, you don’t want this. If something happens with that company as well, whether it's a logistical disruption or financially related, you’re a bit stuck. At least with other suppliers, you can navigate this, but with one, it’s difficult. Lastly, you might be missing out on better products elsewhere. The company you’re solely using might have a good alternative, but if they don’t stock exactly what you want, that can be challenging. So, what’s best for me? Ultimately, that’s only a question you can answer. As we said at the start of the article, we won’t tell you what to do with your business. What we will say though, is if you are using one supplier and you aren’t getting the benefits listed, you should definitely consider finding a new one. No one wants to be taken for granted and everyone wants the best offers, so it’s important you get the maximum from your supplier. If you would like to open a dialogue on how Multifix can help you, as either a sole supplier or as another one for you to use, you can contact us here.

Battle of the screws: Plug and screw vs masonry screw

For years, it’s seemed as if the plug and screw has been the go-to screw for carpenters. Reliable, effective and trustworthy, it’s easy to see why it’s been such a staple. However, some have voiced that they take too long to install and have been looking for alternatives. In fact, some of you have told us that you’re preferring to go with masonry screws instead, which is very interesting. Which is better though? Is the plug and screw still the undisputed number one for carpenters, or have things changed? In light of your comments, we have decided to put a comparison article together to try and find out. We stock both plug and screws and masonry screws, so we have no bias either way, but we’ve provided an objective touch to the question. By the end, you’ll know the strengths and weaknesses of each and that in itself will hopefully be enough to let you decide which is best for your projects. What are the key differences between the two screws? A plug and screw is a plastic plug and a screw. The plug goes into a pre-drilled hole in the wall and then the screw is threaded into it. As you thread the screw, the plug expands within the wall and you get a very strong grip as a result. A plug and screw can be used for things like joinery, furniture assembly, trim work and more. Meanwhile, a masonry screw also needs a pre-drilled hole, but it’s much stronger than a plug and screw. So much so, that it can be used for harder materials, such as concrete. A masonry screw can also be used for securing wooden fixtures, attaching wood to concrete and staircase installation. In addition, a masonry screw won’t need a plug either as it will self-tap its way into the material. It’s worth noting that you wouldn’t use either for things like fine joinery, wood-to-wood joinery or hardwood applications. What makes the plug and screw stand out? There are a number of reasons why the plug and screw is favoured, none more so than the fact it’s widely available and also cheap. A box of 200 Nylon Hammer Through Fixings - Plug & Screw M5 x 50mm - 25mm Fixing costs £9.73 ex. VAT, for example. If you ever run out, you’ll likely never have the issue of scrambling around trying to find some, as everyone will have them. When it comes to actually installing a plug and screw, you don’t need too much either. Aside from a pre-drilled hole, all you need is a screwdriver and then you’re good to go. Also, you’re much less likely to cause damage to the wall you’re screwing into. This is because of the plug part, which spreads the impact load over a wider area. As such, you’re less likely to have cracks or holes in the wall when using a plug and screw. And what makes a masonry screw so useful? The main pro for a masonry screw is its strength. They are very strong and can handle a sizable amount of weight, which is especially useful when attaching shelves or brackets. It’s difficult to put an exact weight limit on a masonry screw, as many things have to be taken into consideration. This includes the strength of the material and the size of the screw. That being said, anything up to 45kg should be fine. They are also much easier to install, as you don’t need the plug element of the plug and screw to get it to fit. As soon as the hole is pre-drilled, you’re away. Also, while they are predominantly designed for heavier materials such as concrete, they can also be used for wood. This makes them quite versatile too, which can come in extremely handy depending on what your project is. Where does a plug and screw come short? The main con for a plug and screw is the one we led this article with; the time it takes to actually install. As you have to pre-drill a hole first, then line up the plug right, then finally thread the screw, what’s a simple task can take a while. In addition, that isn’t necessarily enough to guarantee proper installation. If any of the hole size, alignment or screw insertion is wrong, you risk both damage and a weak hold. If you do want something slightly heavier than normal too, the plug and screw can struggle. They can provide some strength and aren’t exactly weak, but they maybe aren’t the best bet for heavier items. And the cons of a masonry screw? While you can use a masonry screw in a lighter material, such as drywall and timber, there is the possibility it’s excessive. You could end up splitting the timber by pushing the masonry screw too far, while it might not be as strong in a lighter material as it is in a heavier one. This happens when the thread doesn’t work with the material as well as it would in say, concrete or brick. As such, it gives a weaker hold. Also, due to the force of the masonry screw, you do run the risk of surface damage. As such, you’ll have to take care when using it, so there’s also an element of skill needed to utilise it properly. How to choose between plug and screw and masonry screws If time is on your side, then the plug and screw is still the best choice, all things considered. It’s cheap, it’s effective, it’s reliable and while it can be a little fiddly with the pre-drilled hole and the fitting, it’s still a top solution. Equally, if you’re against the clock and you’re well within your budget, then a masonry screw is a better choice. You’ll be able to get a job done very quickly using masonry screws, assuming the material you’re working with isn’t too weak. If you would like to browse our plug and screws and masonry screws range, you can do so by clicking the links. Equally, if you would like to discuss pricing options or to find out more, you can do so here.

The two key problems with technical support in the PFP sector and how Multifix can help

Having great technical support in the PFP sector is something of a necessity. Whether it’s having a direct line to technicians or needing training, it’s needed. However, some can find it challenging to come across. This is a concern, as with something as imperative as safety on the line, you will need good technical support. Without it, life becomes very difficult. You run the risk of being using certain products wrong and could face delays from waiting for things to be sorted. In this article, we will highlight how our technical support stands out and how it can be a real asset for you moving forward. It is worth noting that the technical support we offer is run by Protecta, who are a partner of ours. We are choosing to reference them in this article as we have picked out the two most common pain points. As such, we’ve also been able to identify how we believe we can solve them for you. Assessment details taking too long Picture the scene. A firestopping contractor or a surveying company has gone for a site inspection. After looking at it, they realise they’ll need an assessment test before continuing. For those unaware, assessment details are where the manufacturer carries out a non-standard detail on what you require, then approves it or not. The manufacturer writes an assessment based on evidence from tested details and if there is enough evidence, will give sign off. This can prove especially useful when you have something of a unique challenge that you need to overcome. The issue comes from site managers being told they won’t be able to have one for three weeks due to a lack of time or availability. That subsequently means three weeks of standstill or scrambling about for other products to get the job done. However, it doesn’t have to be so drastic. Just what does an assessment detail entail? As per the Passive Fire Protection Forum (PFPF) ‘Guide to Undertaking Technical Assessments of the Fire Performance of Construction Products Based on Fire Test Evidence’, this is what an assessment detail looks for: Whether they can “extend the scope of the design/application of a product” To “provide confidence and compliance in the product” To “underpin the scope of certification” The assessment detail must be “robust and written by competent individuals,” which is to be expected given safety is on the line. If the product fails in any of these categories, it’s essentially back to the drawing board. But what’s imperative is that you know sooner, rather than later. Whenever one of our customers needs an assessment, we turn to Protecta. Protecta normally respond to such queries on the same day and they aspire to respond to all queries within 24 hours. If they can detail it, the wait time for the detail is three to five days. It’s hard to be exact because of things like drawings that could be needed, but you’ll have an answer within a full working week. It’s worth noting that Protecta always try to adhere to standard, tested details where possible. This is because any assessment is site specific. You may have limited access to training Whether it’s for new starters or just to fully maximise your output, training sessions are essential and can have a very positive impact. Be it to fully learn how to utilise a product or to gain a better understanding of why PFP is needed, training is essential. However, it can be difficult to arrange for training sessions to take place. Sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint a location and sometimes it’s difficult to get instructors to come at a time that suits. What we can do is offer you professional training with a Protecta expert, free of charge, in a location of your convenience. We can have a Protecta expert at your customer office, or in some instances on site, to talk you through the products and the training. It’s worth noting though, that this face-to-face training is primarily educational. There are only a few customer offices that can accommodate hands-on, practical training, which can be problematic. However, we are one of those. Our training room at our warehouse in Barking can be booked for training, at no cost to Multifix customers, for you and your team. Here, we can show you exactly how to use the products and answer any questions you may have, removing the chance of mistakes on-site. Multifix can help you get things right Delays or improper use of products can be hugely detrimental to those in the passive fire protection industry, so good technical support is vital. As we said earlier in the article, there are a lot of companies out there supplying the PFP sector that offer a great level of technical support. But, with the free training, quick response times and assessment details, we have something maybe better for you. Combined with Protecta’s expertise, we are confident that our technical support can boost efficiency and make life easier. It’s certainly something that we believe and it’s certainly something that we will be more than happy to try and prove to you. If you would like to find out more about technical support, please get in touch here to speak to one of our expert team. Equally, if you want to directly get in touch with the Protecta technical support team, you can email them here.

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Three ways Multifix is serious about sustainability

As the days, months and years go by, the need for companies to be more energy-efficient and sustainable continues to grow. After all, if every company actively tries to have more sustainable measures, that can only be a good thing for the planet, right? It’s certainly something we believe at Multifix as we have actively tried to be more responsible with how we operate. Even things like our LED motion-activated lighting, which turns off automatically if there’s no movement for a time, play a part. You may be wondering why this is important to you, but it can be a good thing for your ESG, too. For those unaware, ESG is a framework that stands for environmental, social and governance. Construction companies in the UK are judged on their ESG and those with net zero claims are judged on their output. As such, using a more sustainable company is a huge boost for you as a customer. However, we have a few things that we do with one eye firmly on our sustainability as we constantly look for ways to be net zero. While we are far from perfect, we believe these three things in particular prove that we are taking sustainability seriously. Our packaging To drastically reduce our use of single-use plastic, we have made it mandatory that all our deliveries are sent in cardboard packaging. While we know that paper/cardboard comes from trees, trees are regenerative, so it’s the most ecological way of carrying your goods. This packaging can also be recycled, which is also helpful. Single-use plastic, as well as being non-biodegradable, frequently ends up in oceans or waterways and that can harm wildlife. As well as that, even creating single-use plastic adds to greenhouse emissions due to what is needed to make it, so we’re happy to not use it. When it comes to pallets, it’s a slightly different story, but we still try and do what we can. All of our shrink wrapping is recyclable and we have a robot that wraps the pallets themselves. The robot stretches the shrink wrap to the perfect point, which gives us maximum efficiency. It also stops the customer from having too much and cuts down our waste as we’re only using the correct amount. The materials that bring the shrink wrap to our warehouse are also recycled. Again, if you’re looking to go net zero, actions like this will indirectly help you. We’ve installed air-source heat pumps Instead of having a gas or electric heating system, we have installed air-source heat pumps at our main office in Maidstone, Kent. Compared to traditional heating systems, air-source heat pumps are much more environmentally sound. That’s because they use air as their heat source instead of fossil fuels, so there are no greenhouse gas emissions. For those wondering how they work, the heat pumps extract outside air and use that to generate heat. This works even in the harsh winter, so it’s an all-year-round solution. Out of all the things we do to try and achieve net zero, having air-source heat pumps is perhaps one of the most innovative ways to do so. Considering the environment with our vans This is perhaps the hardest one to try and manage given the need for fuel, but we still make an effort to cut our carbon footprint with our vans. All of our routes are mapped carefully so that we only use the fuel that we need, thus avoiding any unnecessary journeys. For example, we won’t have a driver doing a triangle trip of Bristol, Norwich and then Romford. In addition, our FORS Silver accredited vans are all Euro 6 compliant. Euro 6 is a regulation that comes with an emissions limit, requiring engine gases to be treated before being released through the exhaust. When acquiring our fleet of vans, this was something that was considered before every purchase, as we try and limit our carbon footprint. Also, the cars our sales fleet have are all hybrid or electric. We also have electric charging points at our head office. A sustainable future As mentioned earlier, we know that we aren’t perfect. There is more we can do and we are always looking into ways we can be more sustainable. One example of something we have an eye on is the emergence of electric-powered vans. While we aren’t in a position to utilise them just now, it’s something definitely on our radar. Ultimately, if every company sticks to the ethos of being greener and more sustainable, it can only benefit all of us. If you would like any further information on how we’re trying to be more sustainable at Multifix, you can get in touch with us here. Equally, you can see our sustainability pledges here.

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Diisocyanates regulations in 2023: how do they affect you?

If you work in carpentry, then your professional life would’ve changed overnight on August 24, 2023, because of a new regulation. As of that date, the laws around using diisocyanates changed and we’ve heard from a few of you that you aren’t entirely sure where you now stand. For those unaware, diisocyantes are used to make polyurethanes. They can be found in sealants, adhesives and foams, amongst other things. They are dangerous for humans and can cause irritation on the skin and in the eyes. More serious side effects include having occupational asthma. To help confusion, we have put this article together for you to tell you all you need to know and to save you a headache. That being said, you can read the whole regulation here. Come the end of it, you’ll know exactly what’s happened, how it affects you and what your next steps are moving forward. What are the regulations? On January 1, 2021, it was announced that the EU REACH regulation would be brought into effect in the UK. In short, EU REACH is a regulation of the European Union. It seeks “to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals,” as per its website. Given the harm diisocyanates can cause humans, since 2008, EU regulations have classified them as a category one skin sensitiser and respiratory sensitiser. As per the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), this means that diisocyanates “may cause an allergic skin reaction.” In addition, they also “may cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.” You may also be wondering how the UK can be governed by an EU law post-Brexit, but that is because EU REACH falls under the retained EU legislation list. Polyurethanes are quite commonplace within the carpentry world, so having the regulation set in stone is a big deal. So are diisocyanates banned as of now, then? No, not at all. What is new though, is that unless you are using diisocyanates in an extremely small concentration, you will need training. By extremely small concentration, we mean products with a total diisocyante concentration of less than 0.1%. However, products with less than 0.1% are extremely rare. Even a normal 750ml tube of Fire and Acoustic Seals’ Fire Door Foam has more than 0.1%, for context. This is stated in the new regulation; “As from 24 August 2023, adequate training is required before industrial or professional use.” The training courses aren’t particularly long, with the ones most applicable ranging from 30-40 minutes in length. In addition, your training certificate will need to be renewed every five years. You can do all the training online though, which is useful. It will cost you €5, but can be free - we explain where, when and how below. Where can I get the training? A new website from Safe Use of Diisocyantes has gone live, for the purpose of training. This gives you the choice of either doing self-learning or registering for sessions with a trainer. The link for the Safe Use of Diisocyantes website is here. If you choose to do the self-learning, this costs €5 (about £4.29) per user or certificate. However, you can also get the training for free. The Association of the European Adhesive and Sealant Industry, otherwise known as FEICA, is offering a code that’ll remove the €5 cost. You can access that code here. The discount code only covers certain parts, but it covers everything you need to work in the construction industry. It covers: One-component PU foams (048) Joint sealants (048) Flooring adhesives and coatings (049, includes 048) Crack injection resins (050, includes 048) Plumbing (048) Carpentry (048) Realistically, it’ll be course 048 that you’ll need to do, as it covers carpentry, one-component PU foams and joint sealants. If you need to do flooring adhesives (049) or coatings or crack injection resins (050), both include 048 as well. More information can be found on the link with the code, including a designated email address for questions about the training. Clearing up the confusion around the new regulations New regulations happen all the time and while there is the initial stage of confusion, once you get your head around them, everything becomes easier. Hopefully after reading this article, you’ll know what the new regs are and how to get the training you’ll need to move forwards. Thankfully, the training courses are quite short and can be booked for free thanks to FEICA, so they won’t be too much of an inconvenience for you. If you have any further questions about the regulations, we will gladly try and help as best as we can. You can find out how to contact us here.

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Comparing the benefits of fully and partially threaded screws

When it comes to picking between a fully or partially threaded screw, you’ll know that it’s normally one or the other. Both have their benefits and flaws, so it’s important that whatever one you choose is the right one for the project at hand. But what exactly do they do? What makes them different, besides the obvious? What do they do differently? That’s what we’re going to answer for you in this article. Multifix supplies a wide range of screws, so we will take a look at what both of them do, what their pros and cons are and how they differ. Come the end of the article, you’ll have everything you need to know which screw is right for your upcoming project! Fully threaded vs. partially threaded – what are the key differences? As you can tell by the name, the main difference is the screw itself. A fully-threaded screw will have a thread going all the way to the tip of the screw head. It is also made up of three parts – the head, shaft and tip. Meanwhile, a partially threaded screw will have a thread about half the length of the screw. The remaining part of the screw is a completely smooth section, which helps with clamping (more on that later). Like the fully-threaded screw, it is made up of a head, shaft and tip, but the shaft is both threaded and unthreaded. Pros of the fully-threaded screw With a fully-threaded screw, you can drill straight into the material and the surface it’s being drilled into won’t split. When it comes to working with wood, this is especially important to note. This is down to the way the screw is designed and in addition, they generally come with a self-tapping tip, which ensures the hold. Because the thread goes all the way to the top, fully-threaded screws are a one-and-done type of screw, in that it shouldn’t come loose in the future. Pros of the partially threaded screw What makes a partially threaded screw so useful is that it guarantees a better fit. Basically, the threaded part of the screw only goes into the bottom piece, so it pulls it in tighter and clamps it down better. This is made possible because of the smooth part of the screw. As there is only part of the screw that has a thread, the thread hones in on the bottom piece, with the smooth part flowing through to keep things tight. Effectively having a level of auto-clamping is a huge boost. Sometimes, it’s just not possible to be able to clamp two pieces of material together with a vice. Cons of fully-threaded screw The main con to a fully-threaded screw is that it is very prone to jacking. Jacking is when the threads in both materials become separated. The thread in the top part of the material holds it up, thus making it impossible to clamp properly. Unless both materials are physically clamped down with a vice, there is a high risk that a fully-threaded screw will cause jacking. As mentioned above, sometimes it isn’t easy or possible to have two materials physically clamped together. If you’re working in a tight space, this is something you need to consider. Cons of a partially threaded screw Getting sizing right is key when it comes to partially threaded screws as if you get it wrong, you run the risk of splitting the material. If any part of the smooth side of the screw goes into the material you’re drilling into, the top material will likely bulge or split. This is because the screw would’ve gone too deep. As such, you’ll have to make sure that the screw is measured properly before use, which can be a drawback depending on what materials you’re working with. Choosing between the two There are clear differences and strengths between both screws, but whatever one you pick is going to depend on what project you’re working on. If you’ve got a lot of space and can use a vice to secure materials together, then a fully-threaded screw won’t let you down. You can also provide a lot of long-term security by having one fitted properly, too. If things are a bit tighter space-wise, or if you just want a better fit, then partially-threaded screws should be your go-to. Just be sure to make sure that your partially threaded screws are the right size before you use them, if you so choose to go down that route. If you would like some further information on the type of screws we provide, or some extra clarification, you can reach our expert team here. Equally, if you need something now, you can see the variety of screws we stock at Multifix here.

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Three reasons why Multifix brand jigsaw and reciprocating blades

Having a good jigsaw or reciprocating blade when doing a job is incredibly important. If the blades are poorly made or weak, you’ll replace them often, while also running the risk of delivering poor results and costing you money. That is one of the reasons why we stock Bosch blades, both recip and jigsaw. They are proven, reliable and brilliantly made. It is also one of the reasons why Multifix have decided to own-brand quality jigsaw and reciprocating blades. That isn’t to say we’re going to be a direct competitor to Bosch – that isn’t the case at all. However, we feel we have something that can help you. Here are three ways we believe that Multifix-branded jigsaw and recip blades can help you with your projects. The blades are good The need for proven quality when working with blades is huge and a big part of that comes from where the blades were made. The Multifix branded blades, like other leading manufacturers, are made in Germany. This isn’t to say that they’re better or worse, just made with the same quality aspirations. Having the blades German-made was a requirement for us, as we know that is synonymous with reliable quality. In addition, we have factored in the most popular types and sizes for our range. We have wood and metal jigsaw blades that cut to 50mm, 60mm and 67mm, while also having options for clean, coarse and clean fine cuts. As for our recip range, we have blades for wood and bi-metal, that can cut to 60, 190mm, 100mm and 180mm. These come in clean and coarse fast cut for wood blades, while we offer clean to 3-8mm thickness for the bi-metal blades. We have more control over our stock From a logistical perspective, having our own-branded blades does make life a lot easier for both ourselves and you. As they are our own brand, we have full say over production, quality and stock control. As we don’t have to go to a middle-man in the manufacturer, we have greater control. This means that we can stick to our policy of having at least three months’ worth of stock in our warehouse at any one point. It’s worth noting that we strive to do this for other blades too, but naturally, controlling branded stock is going to be easier for us. By having greater availability, if you’re ever in a spot, we will have something that can help you at very short notice, no questions asked. It’ll be cheaper for you Perhaps most importantly from a financial perspective, by branding our blades, we can set the prices. As there’s no additional margin to share, that therefore allows us to sell the blades to you at a much cheaper price than other blades. For context, you can get a pack of five jigsaw blades clean cut to 30mm for £5.90 ex. VAT. By contrast, our Bosch jigsaw blades for wood clean fine cut will cost £14.70 ex. VAT, so there is quite a difference. The blades are designed to be long lasting too, so we very much believe that we are offering value for money with them. A different solution Ultimately, we want to move into this market as we feel we have something to offer. We couldn’t be prouder of the blades and we believe they’ll be an asset for you. We understand that there may be some hesitation to switching from a leading brand for our branded blades and that’s ok. As mentioned earlier, we do still sell Bosch blades and that won’t be stopping anytime soon. If you still wish to purchase those, then we will gladly assist. However, we are confident that we have a product that can make a difference for you, while also costing you less and being more readily available. If you would like to speak to our customer service team to find out more about the blades, you can find out how to do so here. Equally, if you wish to see the range for yourself, you can find that here. *prices correct as of September 2023

Five ways the Multifix customer portal can solve critical construction issues

Placing orders can be a stressful experience for Buyers and Site Managers alike. If time is of the essence, an order taking ages is far from helpful. Waiting around for a quote because there’s no price information for what you need is also very annoying. On top of that, there might also be no product description, so you’re taking a shot in the dark. All while the clock is ticking, with Contractors breathing down your neck asking for regular updates. It doesn’t have to be this way. One of the reasons why Multifix has been going strong for 30 years and counting is because we get this. We understand these pain points and the knock-on effect they can cause. It’s the reason why our core values as a company focus on doing what’s right for you; “save you time, make life easy.” It’s also the reason why we’ve designed our customer portal the way we have. We want to make your transactions as seamless as possible, leaving you with less to worry about and with more time to get the job done. We have a lot of customers who prefer to conduct their business with us over the phone – and that’s OK. We love the interactions we have with you. But what if we told you there’s an easier way? A quicker way? A less stressful way? In this article, we will show you five ways our customer portal can simplify things for you and improve your workplace productivity. 1. It’ll help you beat tight deadlines While most planning is done on a day-by-day basis, it can be a problem when you think you’ve got all you need and then suddenly, you don’t. Whether it’s a miscalculation or bad luck, finding yourself close to the end of a project without having everything to finish it is irritating. However, with just a few clicks, our online portal can help you with that. Available at any time of day, you can pick out whatever you need and rest easy knowing your much-needed items are in safe hands. With next-day delivery as standard, you have the power to lift a huge weight from your shoulders. Also, thanks to our ‘Quick Order’ function for users, you can set your most commonly used products as your favourites, making it even faster to order. 2. You have full visibility of the cost Budgeting can be difficult. Any delay or staff issue has the potential to hurt your pocket and balancing that out against what you need to order isn’t always easy. What makes this task even harder is when you go to order something…and there’s no price. In fact, there’s no price for anything. You then ask for a quote for what you need, wait for them to put it together and bemoan how compromised your position is. If the quote comes through and it’s too high, with time running out, it certainly leaves you in a spot. With our portal, there are no surprises with our prices. You can see all of them, for whatever product you want, whenever you like. And what’s more, there are no hidden surprises or secret charges. When you shop with us through our portal, your final price will be exactly what you expect it to be – as it should be. 3. You get what you need when you order Not everyone in construction comes from a construction background and sometimes that shows. This tends to be more noticeable in the admin departments for Site Managers, especially with specifics. As an example, say you’ve got a job where you’re using a Paslode IM350+. You’re running low on your 2.8 x 51mm ring shank nails and need some more. You ask admin to get you some and the next day, you get them, but they’re for the IM360 instead, rendering them useless. Now, this can of course come down to a lack of communication from your side and in this instance, it’s not entirely the admin’s fault. They’ve put in an order for the exact product, but because there was no description, they couldn’t see the difference and maybe thought it was a generic nail. Thankfully, those ordering from our portal will hopefully believe that’s a thing of the past. With full product descriptions for everything we stock, it’s very difficult to get something wrong. Taking the example of the screws, the admin team will go back to the site manager and ask for what size, making sure it’s the right order. Given how much confusion can wreak havoc on a site, our portal product descriptions are designed to minimise that as much as possible. 4. It can manage and control all of your orders If you’re a Carpenter, you’re probably used to your phone going off every 20 seconds or so. Whether it’s a Purchaser or a Site Manager reaching out to you, you’ll know they tend to have a lot of requests! This can be time-consuming and frustrating. It’s also very annoying when you have an order placed and then one of your team goes, “Sorry mate, can you add on one of these as well?” Well, to save you from bombardment and to prevent this, we have a requisitions section on our portal. This enables your team to order without bothering you, but gives you the power to sign off or not. All the hours spent combing through WhatsApps, texts, emails…gone. With a requisition order, someone on your team will make a provisional order, you’ll be notified by email and then you can decide whether to place it. This makes your projects much more streamlined and on top of that, will reduce your screen time on your phone. 5. It adds accountability There’s a good chance you’ve led a job, ordered what your crew asked for…and noticed a lot of it mysteriously went missing. Your team of external workers will all be professional, but everyone is prone to mistakes. In their case, it could be they’ve opened some nails and left them carelessly, they’ve been run over by a forklift and now can’t be used. Wastage is a big issue for any site and one that burns a hole in your pocket. Thanks to our requisitions section within the portal though, you can try and limit it. This prevents workers from buying whatever they want, which offers buyers a lot of peace of mind. Should you want to, you can even hide pricing if you don’t want your workers to see what things cost when they submit their order forms. As such, you have more power and can have more accountability with your ordering and your projects, which can only be a good thing. But, you don’t have to use it We know that old habits die hard. We also know that the mantra, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is largely correct. And for those who used to order over the phone – and those that still do – we, of course, can facilitate that. Our phone lines are still going to be open for you if you need advice, want to talk about delivery options or just prefer to order over the phone. While the portal can do everything you could want in terms of an ordering perspective, it can’t give you that human touch. It won’t be able to have a chat with you, or ask how things are going, which can feel robotic to some. As such, we understand that phoning us can be better for you. You can find out all of our contact info here and we’ll be delighted to take your call. By no means are we saying that the portal is perfect and we have identified a number of solutions to make it better for you. We are keeping these close to our chests for now, but we are determined to make it as streamlined and helpful as possible. After reading this article though, we hope you’ll agree that moving to the portal is the way forward. The five pain points we’ve identified can impact anyone, but by letting us help you with our portal, they can be consigned to the past. If you would like to give it a try, you can sign up for our portal here.

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Article

Where does Multifix deliver to?

Not having what you need can be disastrous and can lead to project delays and idle labour on site. As such, it’s imperative that when you’re ordering supplies, you know that they will turn up on time and when they say your delivery will arrive. At Multifix, delivery reliability is one of our priorities. We have our own fleet of drivers and vehicles to deliver your goods and they have a 99.3% delivery success rate. 75% of our orders from our own vans are on-site before 12pm midday. In addition, you can track your delivery via the portal and our driver will call you shortly before they are on-site to let you know they’ve arrived. We’re not in the business of just dumping your parcel and leaving; our drivers require a signature on all deliveries and take a picture to prove it’s turned up. But, where does Multifix deliver to? That is the number one question we are asked. The answer is nationwide. We will deliver your goods to any part of the country, without question or issue. Be it Liverpool, Nottingham, Plymouth or Carlisle, we'll get you what you need. However, our fleet of vans doesn't go nationwide. We are mainly south/southeastern based, so anything north of the Midlands and west of Swindon is currently out of bounds for our delivery drivers. As such, we have compiled a full list of where our vans will go for you. You can either scroll down and browse or press Ctrl and F at the same time (Cmd and F if you’re on a Mac) and type in your postcode to check. Please note, we are always looking to expand our reach. Therefore, keep an eye on this page if and when we do so, as we will update it accordingly. As mentioned above, we do deliver nationwide, so if you do not see your postcode or part of the world on the list, we can arrange delivery by courier to anywhere outside of our delivery routes. Equally, if you can’t see your postcode but can see one very near you, please get in touch and we’ll see what we can do! You can find out how to contact us here. Bedfordshire Arlesey (SG15) Bedford (MK40, MK41, MK42, MK43, MK44, MK45) Biggleswade (SG18) Dunstable (LU5, LU6) Henlow (SG16) Leighton Buzzard (LU7) Luton (LU1, LU2, LU3, LU4) Sandy (SG19) Shefford (SG17) Berkshire Ascot (SL5) Bracknell (RG12, RG42) Crowthorne (RG45) Maidenhead (SL6) Newbury (RG14, RG20) Reading (RG7, RG8, RG10) Slough (SL1, SL2, SL3) Thatcham (RG18, RG19) Windsor (SL4) Wokingham (RG40, RG41) Bristol Bristol (BS1, BS2, BS3, BS4, BS5, BS6, BS7, BS8, BS9, BS10, BS11, BS13, BS14, BS15, BS16, BS20, BS30, BS31, BS32, BS34, BS36, BS37, BS39, BS40, BS41, BS48, BS49) Buckinghamshire Amersham (HP6, HP7) Aylesbury (HP17, HP18, HP19, HP20, HP21, HP22) Beaconsfield (HP9) Bourne End (SL8) Buckingham (MK18) Chalfont St. Giles (HP8) Chesham (HP5) Gerrards Cross (SL9) Great Missenden (HP16) High Wycombe (HP10, HP11, HP12, HP13, HP14, HP15) Iver (SL0) Marlow (SL7) Milton Keynes (MK1, MK2, MK3, MK4, MK5, MK6, MK7, MK8, MK9, MK10, MK11, MK12, MK13, MK14, MK15, MK17, MK19) Newport Pagnell (MK16) Olney (MK46) Princes Risborough (HP22, HP27) Tring (HP23) East Anglia Aldeburgh (IP15) Attleborough (NR17) Beccles (NR34) Brandon (IP27) Bungay (NR35) Bury St. Edmunds (IP28, IP29, IP30, IP31, IP32, IP33) Cambridge (CB1, CB2, CB3, CB4, CB5, CB21, CB22, CB23, CB24, CB25) Chatteris (PE16) Diss (IP21, IP22) Downham Market (PE38) Ely (CB6, CB7) Eye (IP21, IP23) Felixstowe (IP11) Halesworth (IP19) Harleston (IP20) Haverhill (CB9) Huntingdon (PE26, PE28, PE29) Ipswich (IP1, IP2, IP3, IP4, IP5, IP6, IP7, IP8, IP9, IP10) Leiston (IP16) March (PE15) Newmarket (CB8) Norwich (NR1, NR2, NR3, NR4, NR5, NR6, NR7, NR8, NR9, NR13, NR14, NR15, NR16, NR18) Peterborough (PE1, PE2, PE3, PE4, PE5, PE6, PE7, PE8) Saffron Walden (CB10, CB11) Saxmundham (IP17) Southwold (IP18) St. Ives (PE27) St. Neotts (PE19) Stamford (PE9) Stowmarket (IP14) Sudbury (CO10) Thetford (IP24, IP25, IP26) Wisbech (PE13, PE14) Woodbridge (IP12, IP13) Essex Basildon (SS13, SS14, SS15, SS16) Benfleet (SS7) Billericay (CM11, CM12) Bishop’s Stortford (CM22, CM23) Braintree (CM7, CM77) Brentwood (CM13, CM14, CM15) Buckhurst Hill (IG9) Bures (CO8) Burnham-on-Crouch (CM0) Canvey Island (SS8) Chelmsford (CM1, CM2, CM3) Chigwell (IG7) Clacton-on-Sea (CO15, CO16) Colchester (CO1, CO2, CO3, CO4, CO5, CO6, CO7) Dagenham (RM8, RM9, RM10) Dunmow (CM6, CM7) Epping (CM16) Frinton-on-Sea (CO13) Grays (RM16, RM17, RM20) Halstead (CO9) Harlow (CM17, CM18, CM19, CM20) Harwich (CO12) Hockley (SS5) Hornchurch (RM11, RM12) Ilford (RM6) Ingatestone (CM4) Leigh-on-Sea (SS9) Loughton (IG10) Ongar (CM5) Maldon (CM9) Manningtree (CO11) Purfleet (RM19) Rainham (RM13) Rayleigh (SS6) Rochford (SS4) Romford (RM1, RM2, RM3, RM4, RM5, RM6, RM7) Sawbridgeworth (CM21) Southend-on-Sea (SS1, SS2, SS3, SS99) Southminster (CM0) South Ockendon (RM15) Stansted (CM24) Stanford-le-Hope (SS17) Tilbury (RM18) Waltham Abbey (EN9) Walton-on-the-Naze (CO14) Westcliff-on-Sea (SS0, SS1) Wickford (SS11, SS12) Witham (CM8) Gloucestershire Badminton (GL9) Cirencester (GL7) Fairford (GL7) Lechlade (GL7) Tetbury (GL8) Wotton-under-Edge (GL12) Hampshire Alresford (SO24) Bognor Regis (PO21, PO22) Brockenhurst (SO42) Chichester (PO18, PO19, PO20) Eastleigh (SO50, SO53) Emsworth (PO10) Fareham (PO14, PO15, PO16, PO17) Fleet (GU51, GU52) Gosport (PO12, PO13) Havant (PO9) Hayling Island (PO11) Hook (RG27, RG29) Lee-on-the-Solent (PO12, PO13) Lymington (SO41) Lyndhurst (SO40, SO43) Portsmouth (PO1, PO2, PO3, PO6, PO24) Romsey (SO51) Southampton (SO14, SO15, SO16, SO17, SO18, SO19, SO30, SO31, SO32, SO45, SO52) Southsea (PO4, PO5) Stockbridge (SO20) Waterlooville (PO7, PO8) Winchester (SO21, SO22, SO23, SO25) Hertfordshire Baldock (SG7) Berkhamsted (HP4) Borehamwood (WD6) Broxbourne (EN10) Buntingford (SG9) Bushey (WD23) Harpenden (AL5) Hatfield (AL9, AL10) Hemel Hempstead (HP1, HP2, HP3) Hertford (SG13, SG14) Hitchin (SG4, SG5, SG6) Hoddesdon (EN11) Kings Langley (WD4, WD5) Knebworth (SG3) Much Haddam (SG10) Potters Bar (EN6) Radlett (WD7) Rickmansworth (WD3) Royston (SG8) St Albans (AL1, AL2, AL3, AL4) Stevenage (SG1, SG2) Waltham Cross (EN7, EN8) Ware (SG11, SG12) Watford (WD17, WD18, WD19, WD24, WD25) Welwyn (AL6) Welwyn Garden City (AL7, AL8) Kent Ashford (TN23, TN24, TN25, TN26, TN27) Aylesford (ME20) Birchington (CT7) Broadstairs (CT10) Bromley (BR1, BR2) Canterbury (CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4) Chatham (ME4, ME5) Cranbrook (TN17, TN18) Crowborough (TN6) Dartford (DA1, DA2, DA4) Deal (CT14) Dover (CT15, CT16, CT17) Edenbridge (TN8) Etchingham (TN19) Faversham (ME13) Folkestone (CT18, CT19, CT20) Gillingham (ME7, ME8) Gravesend (DA11, DA12, DA13) Greenhithe (DA9) Hartfield (TN7) Heathfield (TN21) Herne Bay (CT6) Hythe (CT21) Longfield (DA3) Margate (CT9) Maidstone (ME14, ME15, ME16, ME17, ME18) Mayfield (TN20) New Romney (TN28) Orpington (BR5, BR6) Queenborough (ME11) Ramsgate (CT11, CT12) Rochester (ME1, ME2, ME3) Romney Marsh (TN29) Sandwich (CT13) Sevenoaks (TN13, TN14, TN15) Sheerness (ME12) Sittingbourne (ME9, ME10) Snodland (ME6) Swanscombe (DA10) Swanley (BR8) Tenterden (TN30) Tonbridge (TN9, TN10, TN11, TN12) Tunbridge Wells (TN1, TN2, TN3, TN4) Wadhurst (TN2, TN5) Westerham (TN16) Westgate-on-Sea (CT8) West Malling (ME6, ME19) Whitstable (CT5) Uckfield (TN22) London Barking (IG11) Banstead (SM7) Barnet (EN4, EN5) Beckenham (BR3) Belvedere (DA17) Bexley (DA5) Bexleyheath (DA6, DA7) Brentford (TW8) Carshalton (SM5) Chislehurst (BR7) Coulsdon (CR5) Croydon (CR0, CR9) East London (E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7, E8, E9, E10, E11, E12, E13, E14, E15, E16, E17, E18, E20, EC1, EC2, EC3, EC4) Edgware (HA8) Enfield (EN1, EN2, EN3) Erith (DA8, DA18) Feltham (TW13, TW14) Greenford (UB5, UB6, UB18) Hampton (TW12) Harrow (HA1, HA2, HA3) Hayes (UB3, UB4) Hounslow (TW3, TW4, TW5, TW6) Ilford (IG1, IG2, IG3, IG4, IG5, IG6) Isleworth (TW7) Kenley (CR8) Mitcham (CR4) Morden (SM4) North London (N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6, N7, N8, N9, N10, N11, N12, N13, N14, N15, N16, N17, N18, N19. N20, N21, N22, NW1, NW2, NW3, NW4, NW5, NW6, NW7, NW8, NW9, NW10, NW11) Northolt (UB5) Northwood (HA6) Pinner (HA5) Purley (CR8) Richmond (TW9, TW10) Ruislip (HA4) Sidcup (DA14, DA15) South Croydon (CR2) South London (SE,1, SE2, SE3, SE4, SE5, SE6, SE7, SE8, SE9, SE10, SE11, SE12, SE13, SE14, SE15, SE16, SE17, SE18, SE19, SE20, SE21, SE22, SE23, SE24, SE25, SE26, SE27, SE28, SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6, SW7, SW8, SW9, SW10, SW11, SW12, SW13, SW14, SW15, SW16, SW17, SW18, SW19, SW20, SW1X) Southall (UB1, UB2, UB3) Stanmore (HA7) Sutton (SM1, SM2, SM3) Thornton Heath (CR7) Twickenham (TW1, TW2) Wallington (SM6) Welling (DA16) Wembley (HA0, HA9) West Drayton (UB7, UB8) West London (W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W6, W7, W8, W9, W10, W11, W12, W13, WC1, WC2) West Wickham (BR4) Woodford Green (IG8) Upminster (RM14) Uxbridge (UB8, UB9, UB10, UB11) Oxfordshire Abingdon (OX13, OX14) Bampton (OX18) Bicester (OX25, OX26, OX27) Burford (OX18) Carterton (OX20) Chinnor (OX39) Didcot (OX11) Faringdon (SN7) Henley-on-Thames (RG9) Kidlington (OX5) Oxford (OX1, OX2, OX3, OX4, OX33, OX44) Thame (OX9) Wallingford (OX10) Wantage (OX12) Watlington (OX49) Witney (OX28, OX29) Woodstock (OX20) Somerset Banwell (BS29) Bath (BA1, BA2) Clevedon (BS21) Weston-Super-Mare (BS22, BS23, BS24) Winscombe (BS25) Surrey Addlestone (KT15) Aldershot (GU11, GU12) Alton (GU34) Ashford (TW15) Ashtead (KT21) Bagshot (GU19) Betchworth (RH3) Bordon (GU35) Camberley (GU15, GU16, GU17) Caterham (CR3) Chertsey (KT16) Chessington (KT9) Cobham (KT11) Cranleigh (GU6) Dorking (RH4, RH5) East Molesey (KT8) Egham (TW20) Esher (KT10) Epsom (KT17, KT18, KT19) Farnborough (GU14) Farnham (GU9, GU10) Gatwick (RH6) Godalming (GU7, GU8) Godstone (RH9) Guildford (GU1, GU2, GU3, GU4, GU5, GU13) Hindhead (GU26, GU27) Horley (RH6) Kingston Upon Thames (KT1, KT2) Leatherhead (KT22, KT23, KT24) Lightwater (GU18) Liphook (GU30) Lingfield (RH7) Liss (GU33) Oxted (RH8) Petersfield (GU31, GU32) Petworth (GU28) Midhurst (GU29) New Malden (KT3) Redhill (RH1) Reigate (RH2) Sandhurst (GU47) Shepperton (TW17) Staines-upon-Thames (TW18, TW19) Sunbury-on-Thames (TW16) Surbiton (KT5, KT6) Tadworth (KT20) Thames Ditton (KT7) Teddington (TW11) Virginia Water (GU25) Walton-on-Thames (KT12) Warlingham (CR6) West Byfleet (KT14) West Molesey (KT8) Weybridge (KT13) Whyteleafe (CR3) Windlesham (GU20) Woking (GU21, GU22, GU23, GU24) Worcester Park (KT4) Yateley (GU46) Sussex Arundel (BN18) Battle (TN33) Bexhill-on-Sea (TN39, TN40) Billingshurst (RH14) Brighton (BN1, BN2, BN4, BN41, BN42, BN45) Burgess Hill (RH15) Crawley (RH10, RH11) Eastbourne (BN20, BN21, BN22, BN23) East Grinstead (RH19) Forest Row (RH18) Hailsham (BN27) Hassocks (BN6) Hastings (TN34, TN35) Haywards Heath (RH16, RH17) Henfield (BN5) Horsham (RH12, RH13) Hove (BN3) Lancing (BN15) Littlehampton (BN16, BN17) Lewes (BN7, BN8) Newhaven (BN9) Peacehaven (BN10) Pevensey (BN24) Polegate (BN26) Pulborough (RH20) Robertsbridge (TN32) Rye (TN31) Seaford (BN25) Shoreham-by-Sea (BN43) Steyning (BN44) St. Leonards-on Sea (TN37, TN38) Winchelsea (TN36) Worthing (BN11, BN12, BN13, BN14)

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Article

Multifix Stuck It vs Grab It: Comparing benefits and uses

Finding a quality polymer adhesive can be something of a challenge. Whether it’s CT1, Stix All or Sticks Like, you need to have full confidence that it will hold because otherwise, it’ll cause huge complications. If the adhesive isn’t strong enough, then the materials simply won’t stick. You may have to compensate for that by using excessive amounts and still might have the same problem. As such, you must use a good one. That is why at Multifix, we have branched out and come up with our own! We have both the Stuck-It Extreme and the Grab-It, which are both solvent-free. They are versatile, high-strength products for bonding virtually any construction material. They’re products we’re extremely proud to have our name attached to and it’s been brilliant to see so many of you using them with great results. However, we are often asked what the differences between the two are. To avoid confusion and to prevent you from buying the wrong one by mistake, we have put together a pros and cons list for you. We understand that by having our name attached to both items, you may feel we’re being biased. But, we feel we’ve been as objective as we can, as ultimately, you having the right product means more to us than selling something you don’t need. The article will explain fully what each one does and which one is better for what application, allowing you to know exactly which one is which. What is the difference between the Stuck-It and the Grab-It? We’ll start with the similarities first. Both have a polymer-based formula and both are solvent-free, which makes them safer to use in a closed space. Solvent-based polymers are not only highly flammable, but also harm the environment. In addition, prolonged exposure to solvent-based polymers can lead to health issues for people, so it was imperative to make a product VOC-free Also, both can be used on wet or damp surfaces. Both can even be used for underwater applications, should the need arise. The differences come in what they are used for. The Stuck-It Extreme is designed to seal gaps where both a strong and waterproof finish is needed. It is also used for bonding materials, such as metal, wood, glass and plastic. In addition, it’s used for movement joints and is ideal if you want to hang mirrors, as it won’t bleed or damage the finish. The Grab-It, on the other hand, is used for anything you would otherwise use a panel adhesive for. It is also designed to bond skirtings and architraves. Also, if you make the surface slightly damp before you apply the Grab-It, the bond will not only be better, but will also cure a lot faster. Stuck-It Extreme – the pros The main pro for the Stuck-It Extreme is that it is not only an adhesive, but can also be used as a sealant. Given its multi-purpose, it saves you from having to buy a sealant as well as an adhesive. It will also save you money in general, as price-wise, it is cheaper than several popular brands in the market. This includes the likes of CT1, Stix All and Sticks Like. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you get less from it as a result, as it can also be applied universally. Whether it’s to replace silicone, or to be used as a panel adhesive, the Stuck-It Extreme can do it. It can even replace screws or nails in many situations. For example, a bathroom mirror. Finally, there are several different colours for the Stuck-It Extreme, depending on what you need to do. It is available in clear, brown, black or white, so there’s a lot of versatility. Grab-It – the pros As per the name, the Grab-It is a specialist grab adhesive. It has a very high initial grab and there is also very little slip, meaning there’s less effort and time spent on clamping and fixing the material. The main pro, however, is down to what’s inside the Grab-It. The Grab-It is devised from a polymer-based formula, which means it is VOC-free. It also doesn’t emit any heavy vapours, so it won’t smell when using it or leave any unpleasant, lingering aromas. Given many contractors will prefer a VOC-free product, this is a big bonus. Another pro for the Grab-It is that reduces snagging thanks to its grab and strength. The last thing any new homeowner wants is to do a check of their property and find there are defects or that things aren’t fitted properly. With the Grab-It, the possibility of snagging drops significantly thanks to these advantages. Finally, you get a lot of value for money with the Grab-It. It comes in a large 350ml tube, which is 60ml more than what you get in the Stuck-It Extreme. Also, it’s comparatively priced with more standard panel adhesives, so you get more for what you pay for. Stuck-It Extreme – the cons While the Stuck-It Extreme doubles up as an adhesive and a sealant, the initial grab for it isn’t as good as the Grab-It. By grab, we mean the connection between the two materials and the product. This is naturally an issue and means that if you are interested in the Stuck-It Extreme, you’ll have to make sure it’s right for your project. In addition, from a cost perspective, it also costs more than the Grab-It. The Stuck-It Extreme costs £6.23 ex. VAT for the white one, or £8.18 ex. VAT for the clear one. The clear one costs more as it’s a more expensive product to produce, so we would advise using white unless you need the clear one. By contrast, the Grab-It costs £4.08 ex. VAT, so at least £2 cheaper than both, although trade discounts are available. Grab-It – the cons The biggest con for the Grab-It is that it is only for use as an adhesive – it can’t be used as a sealant as well. While its strengths lie in one area, if you are looking for something to do both, this isn’t the product for you. In addition, if you need to take it down for whatever reason, it could leave a notable mark on the wall. This is because it’s only available in white, so this will need to be considered before purchase. Finally, we have discovered that if a completely flushed fit is required, the Grab-It can be slightly thick when applied. This isn’t great aesthetically and in this instance, you would be better off using something better suited. Stuck-It Extreme – who is it right for? If you want a sealant as well as an adhesive, then the Stuck-It Extreme is a great fit for you. Equally, if you also have a tighter budget and still want a product that is up to the task, it’s a good solution. Given it’s very versatile and covers a variety of different applications, it’s right for someone who wants something of an all-rounder. Also, the white option means it will cover just about any task that you need it for. This is especially important for those who need work done in bathrooms and kitchens. If you don’t need white, the clear option is available too. Grab-It – who is it right for? If it’s something with a great grab that you want, then the Grab-It is the answer. This is especially the case if potential cosmetic issues aren’t too much of a concern, as it only comes in white. Also, to save yourself from potentially having to do something twice, the Grab-It will ensure you won’t need to do much snagging. The fact you get 350ml for £4.90 as well means that you are getting a lot of value for money, but it won’t be suited to someone needing a completely flush fit. For example, cabinet doors or flooring materials would require an alternative product. The next steps This article was to make you aware of the differences between the Stuck-It Extreme and the Grab-It and by now, you’ll know that. More importantly, you’ll know which is right for your project. We don’t want people buying the wrong thing from us, we want you to get the right product the first time around. We very much believe in both the Stuck-It Extreme and the Grab-It, which is why we’re proud to have our name on it. But, it has to be the right product for you, which is also why we made this article. If you would like to purchase the Stuck-It Extreme, you can do so here. Alternatively, if you want to buy the Grab-It, you can do that here. Our team are also available for contact for any further questions you might have, all you have to do is follow this link to find out how.

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Article

Your Paslode questions answered

Paslode is arguably the biggest and most well-known brand when it comes to carpentry, which means people always want to know more. After all, if you’re committing to buying a Paslode power tool, you’ll want to know everything before doing so. The last thing you want is buyer’s remorse, where you’ve got a product you don’t need. That’s something we want to avoid, as we would much rather that you make well-informed and knowledgeable buying decisions. Perhaps unsurprisingly, we get several Paslode questions every day. People always want to know more about their products and with good reason. However, while our expert sales and customer service teams are happy to field your questions, there is a more practical route. By working with those teams, we have put together a list of our 20 most frequently answered Paslode questions and have provided answers for you, too. This way, when it comes to making a decision on Paslode products, you have everything you need right in front of you. Do you offer Paslode training? Yes! We have Paslode specialists at Multifix who can offer training, which is normally done on-site but can also be done online. You can find out more about the online course here. The training covers familiarisation of the tools, how to use them properly, health and safety and environmental issues. At the end of the course, you’ll receive a certificate. Is there a surcharge with your Paslode products? No – the price that you see on the portal is the price that you’ll pay for the item. There are no hidden fees or surprises, although there may be a delivery cost depending on your order total. Will Fischer nails fit a Paslode power gun? Yes and no. So, the Fischer nails will fit a Paslode IM350 as the IM350 can take other nails. But, Fischer nails will not fit the Paslode IM360, which only takes specific nails for that power tool. However… Will using other nails void my warranty? Yes – if you’re using a Paslode nail gun and it jams/breaks because you’ve used other nails, your warranty will be invalid. It’s the same with other gas cells for the IM350+. These will largely work fine and are compatible, but if they cause the gun to break, your warranty will be void. Will using other nails invalidate my Paslode training? Also yes. The Health & Safety training part of the course specifically states you have to use Paslode nails for a Paslode product. What is the difference between the IM350+ and the IM360XI? In short, the IM350+ is lighter, more compact, less noisy and vibrates less. However, the IM360XI is more powerful, can last a lot longer and is much more technologically advanced. The nails for the IM360XI are specifically made, but they’re cheaper than the IM350+ nails. We have covered this in more depth in an article, which you can read here. Which nails fit what Paslode gun? The clipped nails, or D head nails, are for the IM350. Full-sized nails, or moon head nails depending on what part of the country you’re from, are for the IM360. How many nails can my Paslode gun fire in a day? There are two ways to answer this question; how many shots per gas cell and how many shots per battery charge. The IM350 can shoot 1100 shots per gas cell and 9000 shots per battery charge. Meanwhile, the IM360 can shoot 1250 shots per gas cell and 13000 shots per battery charge. Why is my Paslode gun not firing in cold weather? That’ll be to do with the gas – basically, the gas doesn’t work as well in the cold. As such, don’t leave it in the back of a van! In the winter, it’s advisable to keep a Paslode gas cell in your pocket, or you can try and warm the gas up with your hands. What’s the difference between first and second fix? First fix nail guns are for pretty much anything structural. This includes roofing, fencing, cladding, decking etc. You can also use them for panelling and stud work. Second fix nail guns, on the other hand, are for skirting and architrave. What Paslode gun nailer does what job? The IM350+ and IM360XI are first fix, while the IM65 straight and IM65 angled are second fix. Is Paslode the only brand that does nail guns? No, there are plenty in the market. These include Fischer, DeWalt, Hikoki, Milwaukee, Makita, Bosch and Senco, amongst others. While we can assist with Paslode and Makita, we can’t with some of the other brands listed. You can find a list of our recommended power tool retailers here. How can I prolong the lifespan of my nailer? In order to ensure your nailer lasts for a long time, you need to clean it to maintain its functionality. We stock a cleaning/maintenance kit here and you can watch a how-to YouTube video here. What are the key differences between a gas nailer and a mechanical one? A gas nailer will need fuel for it to work, whereas a mechanical nailer is entirely battery-powered. It can be cheaper to use a mechanical nailer, as it requires less maintenance. For example, a battery’s lifespan can last three years, whereas a fuel cell can last 1100 shots. However, gas nailers are lighter and a fuel cell tends to last longer than most batteries. What does the blue cap do on the IM360XI fuel cells? It doesn’t do anything special per se – it just denotes that the nails are for the IM360XI and not for the IM350+. Is there a shelf life on the Paslode fuel cells? There is an expiry date on each fuel cell, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use it if it goes beyond that. You’ll lose performance with cells that go beyond that date, but they don’t just stop working. What PPE do I need with my Paslode power tool? You’ll need protective gloves, steel toecaps, a helmet, a hi-vis, ear protectors and eye goggles to operate a Paslode power tool . You will only be using them on-site, so you’ll need the site PPE essentials to use it. How loud is my gun? The IM350+ is 89 dB (A), the IM360XI is 96 dB (A). How heavy is a Paslode compared to a Fischer? There isn’t a lot in it; the Paslode IM350+ weighs 3.3kg, while the IM360XI weighs 3.8kg. The Fischer FGW 90F fits somewhere in-between, weighing 3.5kg. What’s the difference between a straight and an angled gun? Both are second fix nail guns, but the angled gun is more for tight spaces. It’s much easier to get around corners and doors with an angled one, although their nails are more expensive. The straight nail gun is more for straightforward construction, but is also much bulkier than its angled counterpart. That just about covers it! Those are the 20 most frequently asked questions we get about Paslode and you should now have all the answers you need before making the next step. If we haven’t answered a question you have in mind, please get in touch with our expert team and we will get you the answer you need.

Comparing the Paslode IM350+ and IM360XI: which nail gun is right for you?

For many carpenters, the Paslode IM350+ is one of the most reliable nail guns on the market. You’ve likely used it for many jobs, it’s never let you down and it’s something you’d recommend. But, the introduction of the IM360XI somewhat complicates things. Is it better? Can it make your work more efficient or easier? Is it cheaper to maintain? As Multifix, we stock both products and the nails for them, these are questions we’re asked by carpenters who are always exploring how they can do their job better. The truth is, you might not actually need to change. With some unsure in which direction to go in, we’ve put together a comparison article that identifies the pros and cons of each product. After reading this article, you’ll be able to identify what each nail gun does and which one is best for your needs. The IM350+ and IM360XI – what’s the difference? For those of you who have read our Your Paslode questions answered article, you’ll know that the long and short of it is that the IM350+ is lighter. However, the IM360XI is more powerful and much more technologically advanced. They also both require different gas cells. Perhaps the main key difference is the type of nail, though. The IM350+ will only take clipped head nails, or D head nails. By contrast, the IM360XI will only take full roundhead nails. Aside from that though, they are very similar. The nail length range on both is 50-90mm and it’s the same 2.1 Ah Li-ion battery for both as well, which takes 90 minutes to recharge. Additionally, both will manage two to three fixings per second, which equates to around 1000 fixings per hour. Now, we’ll delve into the specifics to help you understand each product better. Weight and handling As mentioned above, the IM350+ is a lighter nail gun than the IM360XI. There isn’t much in it – half a kilogram, in fact (3.3kg vs 3.8kg) – but it’s lighter nonetheless. You may think half a kilogram doesn’t mean much, but it has a huge impact on the levels of vibration both emit. The vibration value in metres per second squared for the IM350+ is 2.6kg, whereas on the IM360XI it’s 3.9kg. That’s quite the difference in kickback. The IM350+ is also smaller than the IM360XI, which makes sense given the weight difference. The IM350+ is 370 x 305 x 110mm, while the IM360XI is 381 x 328 x 127mm. There’s also quite a difference in noise, too. The IM350+ is quieter than the IM360XI, with the sound level of the IM350+ being 89 dB (A), compared to 96 dB (A) for the IM360XI. Taking everything into account then, the IM350+ is easier to handle, lighter, quieter and doesn’t vibrate as much. Winner: IM350+ Power and performance While the IM360XI isn’t as light or compact as the IM350+, it certainly makes up for that in other areas. With the IM360XI, you will get 1250 shots from each gas cell. By contrast, the IM350+ will give you 1100, so you get 150 extra shots with the IM360XI. Most impressively though, you will get 13,000 shots per battery charge with the IM360XI. This is a huge upgrade on the IM350+, which will give you 9000 shots per battery charge. The IM360XI is also significantly more powerful than the IM350+. In terms of impact force per shot, the IM360XI will give you 105 joules, while the IM350+ will give you 82. As far as power-to-weight goes then, the IM360 really does pack a huge punch. There is a slight caveat, however. The magazine capacity for the IM360XI is 47 nails, whereas on the IM350+, it’s 55 nails. Despite that though, the IM360XI is head and shoulders above the IM350+ when it comes to power and performance. Winner: IM360XI Technology, nails and cost Nail gun technology Given the IM360XI is a much newer model, there’s no surprise that it comes with a few gadgets that the IM350+ doesn’t have. Aside from the obligatory on/off switch, both also come with a rafter and belt hook. Where they differ though, is that the IM360 has a battery and fuel gauge, in addition to a Start & Go sensor. The Start & Go sensor is essentially a power-saving tool, as it turns the battery off if there hasn’t been any movement for 60 seconds. This is great for conserving battery life. The battery and fuel gauge is very useful as it tells you exactly how much gas and juice is left in your cell and battery respectively. For something so simple, it’s odd that the IM350+ doesn’t have this function. Naturally, this leads to some unpleasant surprises as your IM350+ can suddenly stop working due to the battery or gas cell running out. This is at least prevented with the IM360, allowing you more control over the nail gun. The nails themselves Moving onto nails and as stated earlier, they are rather different. The IM350+ only takes clipped or D head screws, which allows the user to stack them closer together. The IM360XI meanwhile, only takes full-sized roundhead screws. It is crucial to note that you can’t swap them over – IM350+ nails will not work with the IM360XI and vice versa. On average, IM360XI nails are around £4-8 cheaper per pack than IM350+ nails. As an example, the nail/fuel pack straight shank 3.1 x 90mm for the IM360XI list price is £71.92 after VAT. The nail/fuel pack smooth shank 90 x 3.1mm nails for the IM350+ however, has a list price of £79.96 after VAT. Despite the nails being cheaper for the IM360 though, there’s a good chance the contractor-supplied nails for a job are for the IM350+. This is because the IM350+ is still hugely popular, so the natural assumption is that it is being used for the project. Cost of each nail gun As for the cost of the nail gun itself, it’s a dead heat. Both list prices are exactly the same – £527.99 after VAT. You can purchase the IM350+ here or the IM360XI here. Technology winner – IM360XI Nail cost winner – IM360XI Product cost winner – draw The IM350+ - who is it right for? There is a reason why the IM350+ is so popular among carpenters and even with the IM360 being on the market, that won’t change. It’s very easy to use, the nails for it are more accessible, it’s light and mobile – there are a lot of pros for using it. It all depends on how you work. If you like something light, reliable and doesn’t kick back despite having some power behind it, this is perfect. It’s very compact, it isn’t as loud and it’ll let you get the job done quickly. The IM360XI – who is it right for? Equally, if you want something with more punch, then the IM360 is the best fit for you. It does everything that the IM350+ can do and does it better. There’s more capacity, more shots per charge and cell and more power. This comes at a cost of being heavier, louder and with more vibration, but it’s also more efficient thanks to its technology. It’s amazing how something so simple can be such a huge point of difference, but being able to see how much charge/gas you have left is very important. What to choose? Ultimately, this depends on preference. There’s no doubt the IM360XI is a better nail gun, but it’s also not as easy to handle as the IM350+. Also, the accessibility point is something to consider. It would be very annoying, to put it mildly, to turn up to a job with an IM360XI and find there are only IM350+ nails supplied. In truth, both are outstanding products. Paslode has essentially taken a great nail gun and found a way to make it better. It doesn’t mean the old one is suddenly bad, as both will be a huge asset for any project. You are now armed with the information to make an informed decision based on your preference, though. And knowing this information, you can make a decision that’s best for your purposes and needs. If you would like to speak to an advisor about our Paslode range, you can do so here. Equally, you can buy the IM350+ here or the IM360XI here. If you are after the nails themselves, you can find those here.

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Article

The good, better and best JSP respiratory masks

If you’re reading this, you’ve likely concluded that single-use disposable masks aren’t for you anymore. They’re hot to use, you need to get your face fitted every time and they can’t be used for that long. They do a job, but they’re a bit of a faff. As such, now you’re after something more long-term. If that’s the case, then you’re in the right place. Many of our customers often ask about JSP masks, but aren’t sure which one will suit them best. At Multifix, we’ve stocked JSP products for a while now. Our range is only growing, so we have put this article together for you, covering the key points of the JSP range. Come the end of the article, you’ll be able to distinguish the capabilities of the JSP range and what respiratory mask is best for you. Good – JSP Force 8 If you’re after an entry-level respiratory mask, the Force 8 is a good place to start. One reason for this is that it’s compatible with PressToCheck filters, which temporarily stops air passing through. This lets the user know whether the mask is airtight or not, although please note that you will need to be clean-shaven to wear this mask. The Force 8 also comes with a typhoon exhalation valve for reduced breathing resistance, moisture build-up and heat. The twin-filter half mask is available in three different sizes (small, medium and large) and can also be worn with a hard hat. There are also other filters available, depending on what you need for your carpentry requirements. In addition, while the Force 8 is designed for eight-hour use, it is reusable so long as you clean it after every job. The Force 8 is easily detachable, so the mask body, exhalation valve and diaphragm can last you a long time with a regular wash and clean. For those who won’t need a respiratory mask that often, the Force 8 is ideal. Reliable, light and protective, this will protect you against dust, paint fumes and fibreglass as and when you need it. Better yet, it’ll do so without hurting your bank account too much. However, if your work requires you to wear a respiratory mask frequently, it may be best to look at ones with more functions and more longevity. RSP - £32. You can get the Force 8 for £10.79 elsewhere, but that’s just for the mask. The full price of £32 meanwhile, comes with two filters. Better – JSP Jetstream Constructor It’s worth noting that we don’t stock the Jetstream Constructor, although we can get it in by request. However, up until very recently, the Jetstream Constructor was something of a flagship product for JSP. The leap in advancement, capability and price from the Force 8 is huge, but you also get so much more for your money. It incorporates powered air. In short, powered air respirators ensure that a high volume of clean air is being sent to the breathing area, offering a greater level of protection. The first thing to observe is that the Jetstream Constructor is rather unique in that everything isn’t in the helmet. The rechargeable respirator is attached to a belt and connected to the helmet through a very flexible hose, saving head weight. The filter is graded at EN 12941 TH2P, which is the second highest standard, while the hose delivers 180 litres per minute of air through the filter. Meanwhile, the EVO5 safety helmet has an EN397 standard and the polycarbonate visor has been graded at EN166 1.B. One thing that causes discomfort for some is the need for a face fit when trying on respiratory masks. However, with the Jetstream Constructor, you don’t need one. Thanks to the design, those with facial hair and glasses can wear it with no problems, which is incredibly helpful. From a work perspective, there’s a lot right with the Jetstream Constructor, but it’s not perfect. While the hose is designed to be convenient, some may find it gets in the way when moving about. It can also be an issue if the belt or hose catches on something. That said, the battery for the Jetstream Constructor lasts eight hours and the kit package comes with everything you need. The filter, hose, charger, battery, belt, helmet, visor, flow meter and carry case all come with the kit, which has proved very popular. RSP - £489.95. The all-in-one package certainly suits, as it would be much more expensive to buy them all individually. Best – JSP Powercap Infinity We are now at the top end of the JSP scale in terms of performance and price, but the cream certainly rises to the top in JSP’s case. The new Powercap Infinity doubles up as a four-in-one safety solution for those wearing it, covering the head, eyes, respiratory and ears. However, the Sonis ear protectors that can attach to it don’t come with it. Onto specifics, the Powercap Infinity provides a minimum of 160 litres of clear, purified air per minute. It is also graded at protection level TH3, which is the highest possible rating in the EN12941:1988 + A2:2008 standard. The head protection is rated at EN397, while the optical class 1 visor has an EN166.B rating. This not only improves safety, but will offer you impact protection of up to 270mph. There are three types of Sonis ear protectors available to clip onto the Powercap Infinity. For those landscaping or in workshops, the Sonis 1 is ideal and provides protection up to 26db. If you’re using construction machinery amidst industrial noise, the Sonis Compact offers protection up to 31db. Finally, the Sonis 3 is ideal for quarrying and gives protection up to 36db. In regard to usage, the Powercap Infinity’s battery gives eight hours of use before needing to be recharged. The battery takes eight hours to charge, which is a while, but has a lifespan of 500 full uses. Also, much like the Jetstream, face fit tests are a thing of the past with the Powercap Infinity. More importantly, those with facial hair and glasses can wear it with no issues and no visibility problems. Perhaps the biggest draw to the Powercap Infinity though is the smart PPE incorporated within it. Twice a second, real-time diagnostics will be monitoring both yourself and the system and then give you feedback based on that. Battery and filter condition is available on the heads-up display and you will also get audio warnings if either needs replacing. The technology will also check high respiratory demand and maintain positive pressure inside. Finally – and rather uniquely as a safety design – the battery isn’t at the top of the helmet. JSP has identified that while helmets protect you from debris falling from heights, there is a caveat. If something falls and hits you on the head, the helmet will absorb it, but the battery area will not. With nowhere else to go, it’ll be the battery that causes you more damage than the debris, as it has to push downwards. As such, you can choose whether the battery is at the front or the back of the helmet instead. Of course, if something were to land on the battery, there’s a good chance it’ll be damaged beyond repair, but you’d at least escape serious harm. Also, a lot of high-profile projects have trusted the Powercap Infinity. Network Rail has sanctioned them for use on HS2, while Berkley Homes and Taylor Wimpey will be using them for their upcoming ventures. They are also being used at Hinkley Point. RSP – £623.50. The top end of the budget scale, but also a complete package. Will last the test of time and still be a top product years down the line. The JSP range is very much a quality-first brand and everything here will be a huge asset for your endeavours. If you’re on a budget and need to use something sparingly, then the JSP Force 8 is ideal. If you’re looking for something that could last decades with care, the Jetstream Constructor is for you. If you want something for life or want the top-of-the-range spec, the Powercap Infinity is your best bet. As mentioned earlier, we don’t stock the Jetstream Constructor, but we can get it in by request. We do stock the Force 8, which you can acquire here. Equally, if you did want the Powercap Infinity, you can find out more about that – and discuss pricing options – here.

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Customer Testimonial | Gary at C&M Carpentry

"Delivery drivers are really good, that is one of the reasons its far superior to the other firms" - watch more of Gary's story!

Multifix’s PPE: Enhancing safety and protection

PPE is naturally a hugely vital part of the job. Whether it’s a hi-vis, a helmet or eye protection, in order to work in the construction sector, you’re going to need PPE. It can’t just be any PPE, either. PPE such as helmets, head protection and gloves all need to be at an EN standard; otherwise, you won’t be deemed safe when on a site. One issue we keep hearing about is finding a reliable provider of PPE, to help you with your projects and tasks. This is where we come in. By no means are we suggesting that we are PPE specialists, but we do have a lot of PPE in stock, ready for immediate dispatch, to help you get the job done. Our PPE comes from a number of manufacturers and is professionally graded. We can also get it to you as soon as possible, thanks to our fleet of dedicated drivers. To give you an idea of what we have in stock, here is a rundown of the PPE that we have available. Unbranded helmets and hi-vis The primary form of PPE in the workplace is either a hi-vis or a helmet – and we have lots of both in supply. The only caveat to this is that it is all unbranded, but if that isn’t an issue, then we have everything and more that you’ll need. Be it orange or yellow hi-vis waistcoats, waterproof bomber jackets with a hood or orange hi-vis trousers, we can have you fully kitted out. As far as safety helmets go, we stock these in a number of different colours. Our helmets come in an assortment of colours with additional add-ons, if needed. Boots No matter if you’re a size four or a size 12, we’ll have a pair of steel-capped boots for you. Our range of boots comes in either black or honey leather, so there is some slight choice in colour. It’s important to work in comfort, but also to work knowing your feet are safe in the event of anything happening. Gloves and sleeves Whether it’s rigger gloves, builder’s gloves, or just disposable gloves, we have you covered. We offer gloves either as a pair or in large boxes up to 100, depending on what it is you’re after and even have some speciality gloves in our collection as well. Also, except for our disposable gloves or household gloves, every one of our gloves is rated at EN388. We try to have all our gloves in small, medium, large or extra-large. In addition, we also offer an EN388-rated 350mm Kevlar sleeve with a thumbhole, to fully protect your arm when in the workplace. Eye and ear protection It’s important to protect your senses when in the workplace, which is why we also have a number of options for your ears and eyes. We stock EN 352-2 graded overhead ear defenders, as well as your generic earplugs. We have corded hi-vis earplugs or disposable ones that come in a box of 200. As for eyes, we stock a number of safety goggles and safety specs. Respirators and face masks Finally, our respirator and face mask options certainly go from one extreme to the other. Whether it’s a three-ply disposable face mask in a box of 50 or a JSP Powercap Infinity respirator, we’ll have something for your needs. We also stock FFP2 valved masks, FFP3 masks and also a number of half-masks, including the JSP Force 8. As uncomfortable as they can be, we also supply face fit tests, which can be essential depending on what mask or respirator you choose. That is a full rundown of the type of PPE that we can offer you. If you are seeking a reliable supplier of PPE, we are more than happy to assist you in any way we can with your projects. If you would like to find out more about the PPE offerings we have here, or our delivery service, please get in touch with us here.

Three top tips for buying power tools (and why you shouldn’t always use Multifix)

When you start a new job and discover you need power tools, it can be tricky to know where to start. Asking your mates is a good shout, but maybe their suggestions aren’t taking your fancy. Depending on what line of work you’re in too, you maybe don’t want something too expensive. If you’re only going to use it a handful of times, you probably don’t want to risk breaking the bank. There is also a lot of choice with a lot of competing brands for similar items and finding out where to start can be daunting. You needn’t fear, though. At Multifix, we offer a range of power tools, both 110V corded and 18V cordless, that will cover all your basic needs. Our Paslode and Makita range covers just about every power tool going, be it circular saws or drywall screwdrivers, or even combi tools. If you’re stuck, we’re happy to field calls to help you make the best purchase for your project. Sometimes though, that isn’t enough. And it certainly isn’t enough for some of our customers, who frequently ask for DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Festool. This is very understandable; they’re all reliable and outstanding brands, but when we inform you that we don’t stock them, we are asked… Why does Multifix only supply power tools that they keep in stock? Why don’t they sell other brands? Why don’t they have more variety? Well, we thought it would be best to give you some answers. As online competition increases, it’s sometimes cheaper to buy certain power tools elsewhere than it is for us to buy them wholesale and sell to you. What we do have in stock, we can still give you the best deal for – especially with Paslode and Makita products. In the main though, we would suggest you look elsewhere. It’s not only cheaper than going through all the hoops with us for a power tool we don’t stock, but you get much more variety, too. In fact, we tell our customers the same thing on the phone. However, the next question we get is ‘what should I look out for when buying power tools?’ So, with that in mind, we have come up with our top three tips on what to do when purchasing power tools elsewhere. Tip one: Know exactly what tools you’re getting There’s nothing worse than getting on site, unpacking your new tools and realising you’ve not got what you need. It’s a simple tip, but it goes a long way. Site veterans may scoff at this tip and assume it’s only for DIY users, but you’d be surprised. We’ve had more than a few calls from professionals saying, “this isn’t what I wanted,” when they’ve not fully checked what they’re buying. The product images can be very deceiving, so make sure you read the description before purchasing. Things like sanding belts or extra blades – or even batteries – aren’t always included. For example, the DeWalt cordless saw range at Screwfix doesn’t include a battery or a charger; you have to buy them separately. Tip two: Register your tools Unfortunately, there's a small chance that the power tool you have ordered either stops working, is faulty from the get-go, or breaks while using it. At this point, you'll want to return it, but unless you've registered it, you'll find this difficult. We sometimes hear of these examples happening, which is bad enough as is, but made worse by hearing the power tool wasn't registered. If your power tool isn’t registered, you won’t be fully covered by warranty. Do it before you even use it. We understand it can be an easy thing to forget, especially when in a hurry, but it’s vitally important you do so. Otherwise, you risk wasting your head-earned money. Also, registering your tools often results in a longer warranty period and in some cases, free servicing. It’s worth doing. Tip three: Check the fine print The topic of warranty leads us to our final tip. Make sure you know exactly what the warranty is and what options that come with it. For example, some companies – ourselves being one – will come and collect the broken power tool from your site, which saves you time and money. Others may not offer that and it could be up to you to send it back through tracked mail, at your own expense. Knowledge is certainly power in these sorts of situations and it can only help if you know exactly what you are getting with your power tool. Now you have our top three tips, here are five power tool specialists that we would recommend you shop with… Power Tool World The clue is very much in the name with Power Tool World, who live and breathe…well, power tools. There are several reasons why we would recommend them and they mostly focus on customer satisfaction. Given they specialise in power tools, Power Tool World always have a big stock holding, so if you need anything, there is a very good chance they have it. Also, they offer PayPal Pay in Three as a payment option, offer free delivery on orders over £50 and you can order before 7pm for next-day delivery. ITS If you’re based in London, ITS are especially useful as they have stores in Leyton, Walthamstow and Harlow. This means you can pick up from them direct if you need something immediately. Plus, ITS will offer a price match if you see anything on their site that either Screwfix or Toolstation can offer cheaper. They can even one up Power Tool World with their next-day delivery service too, as you can order up until 8pm and still get your item within 24 hours. ToolChimp If it’s Tacwise products that you need, then ToolChimp is your go-to. They stock hundreds of Tacwise products and accessories, ranging from air nailers to plastic staples. ToolChimp also has 0% finance options on orders over £120 and will offer a free delivery service in the UK, provided your order is over £100. Nuts & Bolts Equally, if it’s Festool products that you’re after, Nuts and Bolts – otherwise known as N&B – are an excellent option. They offer great availability and very fair prices for the German power tools. This is important given how tough it can be getting out of stock Festool products, as not everyone can wait seven working days for an order. However, it is best to order through N&B over the phone, as their portal can be difficult to navigate. It’s worth noting there is nothing wrong with the service and the delivery is normally spot on, but some may find their website to be clunky. Westcountry Machinery4Wood Much like N&B, Westcountry Machinery4Wood specialise in Festool power tools. Really, this makes sense given joiners love Festool products because of their precision to the millimetre. Their pricing and service are very good, plus their website is easy to use and order from. As such, this makes them a very comfortable recommendation from our side of things. You might think it’s weird to see us pick five competitor companies to buy from, but it's in your best interests to use these tips for power tool shopping. When it comes to Paslode and Makita power tools, we provide industry-leading service. Despite that, we can’t cater to the entire power tools market in the same way that these companies can. So, in short, if it’s DeWalt or Festool you’re after, use these companies; they’ll have everything you need and more and all come with our seal of approval. With these tips too, you’ll get a satisfactory transaction every time and won’t be let down like you are when you call us and we can’t help. If it’s Paslode or Makita you’re needing though, let us help you – find out how to speak to an advisor here.

The Claims We Make

In this video we will cover some of the claims we make and how we fulfill them.

Customer Testimonial | Dale at Andy Lewis Carpentry

"The biggest surprise for me of Multifix was just how much that the customer service do care about what you're doing" - watch the full interview of Dale's experience of using Multifix.

All about delivery

If you’re new to Multifix, you might have some questions about the delivery service we provide. If you can’t find your question answered, give us call on 020 3248 4086, and we’ll be happy to help. Do you offer next day delivery? Yes, at least 95% of all of orders are picked and packed the same day we receive them and are delivered the next working day as standard. See below for our order cut off times. On the odd occasion we’re out of stock of a particular item, we’ll contact you to let you know and when you can expect your delivery. What is the cut off time for next day delivery? For next day deliveries within our own-van delivery zone, our order cut off time is 5.00pm. If your site is outside of own van delivery zone, these times vary as we would need to arrange a courier for you: for orders over 50kg (deliveries by a pallet courier), the cut of time is 4.00pm and for orders less than 50kg, the cut off time is 4.30pm. Do you offer same day delivery? As all of our fleet have left the depot by 7.00am, we can arrange same day delivery using a third-party courier service. Depending on where you are in the country, charges will vary. If you have an urgent requirement, talk to us and we’ll find a solution for you. Do you deliver nationwide? The short answer is, yes we do. We have been delivering to London & the South East for 30 years, with our own vans delivering to 93% of our customers. In those areas we don’t go to so regularly, we use reputable courier services. We know that using a third party service can be stressful for both you and us, but we are proud to have a 90% success rate with our partner services. What areas do you deliver to? Our own-van delivery zone is expanding all the time; we now deliver to Swindon & Wilshire and have a 3-year expansion plan to extend our coverage even more. To check if you’re in our own-van delivery zone, take a look at this map. Can you offer AM deliveries? 75% of our customers’ orders are delivered before midday. If you have an AM delivery requirement, please speak to one of our team when you place your order. If you’re ordering via the customer portal, just add the information to to the delivery notes section. If you opt for delivery on a third party courier service to guarantee an AM delivery, carriage charges will apply. Do you offer booked in deliveries and/or time slots? We know that some sites have delivery restrictions to keep the traffic flowing around them. We work together with several of our customers to achieve timed deliveries that are mutually workable. Talk to us to see how we can help you. Do you charge carriage? From 1 March, 2024, we will be introducing a carrier charge for all orders under £100. What is the minimum order value? Our Operations team plan the most efficient use of our fleet on a daily basis. To help minimise our impact on the environment, we encourage our customers to place orders with a minimum value of £100. We know that this is not always possible due to site circumstances or space, so we are flexible in our approach. When can I expect my delivery? Multifix drivers call you shortly before they are due to deliver and leave parcels in a safe place when asked to do so. Can I track my delivery? When your order has been dispatched on our fleet, you’ll receive a text notification. This contains a link to the customer portal, showing an estimated arrival time. Here you will also find live tracking of your order. The ETA is updated regularly, according to the traffic conditions. You’ll also receive a text when your delivery has arrived – useful if you’re not the one on site receiving it. If your order is being delivered by a third party courier service, you will receive communications direct from them. Can I collect? If you’d prefer to collect from us, you can do so from our Distribution depot in Barking (IG11 0EG). Just head to the Customer Collections area, which is signposted. From order placement, all we need is an hour to process, pick & pack your order. Where can I find PODs for my orders? If you are registered on the customer portal, all order history including PODs will be shown on your account dashboard. If you’re not registered on the portal, simply call the Customer Services team and they’ll be able to provide a POD for you. What happens if there’s problem with my order? In the event of a problem with your order, please speak to a member of our Customer Services team in the first instance and we’ll sort out the issue for you. Are your vans and drivers your own, or do you use couriers? Yes, we have our own branded vans & lorries and employ our own drivers. Having our own vehicle fleet, and employing our own drivers gives us the agility to respond to customer needs, focusing our team where they’re needed the most. Our drivers are friendly & courteous and know their routes well as we don’t switch their areas - this way they get to know regular customers and their preferences. How will my order be delivered? Our fleet consists of panel vans, curtain sided trucks and a van & trailer combination with crane offloading facility for bulky items. All vehicles are 3.5 tonnes, which enables fast site offloading. Are your vehicles sign-written? All of our vehicles are sign-written with black and yellow Multifix branding, to enable easy identification for safety & security purposes. Do your drivers have their own PPE? Our drivers all have 5 point PPE (hat, gloves, glasses, boots & hi-vis) for their protection and to meet your site requirements. Will your drivers help me offload? Our drivers will help you take your boxes to your container or site office – it’s all part of our personal service. For deliveries not on our own vehicle, third party couriers offer a kerbside delivery service. Do you have FORS accreditation? Yes, we are FORS silver accredited. This accreditation ensures driver training, vehicle safety and insurance cover are to standard and CO2 emissions are measured and improved upon.

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The Claims We Make

Customer Testimonial | Dale at Andy Lewis Carpentry

All about delivery

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