Category: Knowledgebase

Fire Doors – The Complete Breakdown of Components

Ensure complete protection from fire, with these key components for fire doors

Fire Door Safety Week is now upon us (23rd-29th September), and Toolfix are proud to be an official supporter of the campaign. FDSW is aimed at spreading knowledge on fire doors and their importance in saving lives.

When a fire breaks out, a correctly designed and fitted fire door will delay the spread of fire and smoke, creating safe refuge and a protected route for the emergency services to come to your aid.

There are a number of different components to a fire door, each of which play a vital role in how effective it is in preventing the spreading of fire and smoke. However, those components that are hidden within the door, such as seals and packers, tend to get overlooked.

Fire Safety Range

Hinges

A minimum of three fire rated hinges should be installed on each door to prevent it from warping in a fire. These must be properly secured to the door with all screws present, to ensure optimum performance. It is vital that hinges are CE marked & compatible with the door leaf’s certification. It is also highly recommended to use hinges with Certifire Approval. This indicates that they have been rigorously tested, to meet specific requirements of performance, when placed under the pressure of fire.

Toolfix supply a wide range of fire tested hinges, all with correct identification and testing from the manufacturer. Our popular Ball Bearing Hinges are fire tested to BS EN 1634-1:2000 suitable for 30-60 minute timber doorsets (meeting FD30/FD60 requirements).

Packers

Packers are used for the easy and quick levelling of door frames, but can also play an important role in preventing fire from spreading through a fire door.

Designed to be used in conjunction with intumescent expanding foam, our Fire Rated Packers are inserted around the frame fixings to provide the foam with a uniform surface during expansion and help prevent the foam flowing out onto the floor under its own weight.

Packers are rated for fire safety using a time measurement in minutes. Those rated to FD30 offer protection for up to 30 minutes, and those rated to FD60 offer up to 60 minutes of protection.

Sealants/Expanding Foam

When closed, the gaps around a fire door should be no more than 4mm in width, as this prevents flames and smoke from spreading through and into the adjacent rooms. Products that can be used to seal the gaps between the door frame, include fire rated expanding foam and sealants.

Our Intumescent Expanding Foam is a one-component, B1-Grade, ready to use polyurethane foam with a fire rating of up to 240 minutes (tested according EN1366-4).

We also stock intumescent acrylic and silicone sealants, with a fire rating of up to 4-5 hours in certain joint configurations. Acrylic sealant can be painted over, allowing it to match the colour scheme of the environment, which silicone can’t. However, it is water permeable meaning it is not suitable for applications in damp environments, where as silicone is water resistant.

Glazing Tape

As with packers, intumescent glazing tape is rated using FD30/FD60 Regulations, as well as Certifire Approval.

Glazed fire doors are becoming increasingly popular, as they allow joiners to incorporate natural light, illumination and transparency into their work, whilst completely adhering to building regulations and ensuring safety against fire. Intumescent glazing strip can work in conjunction with the fire rated glass, to provide a complete solution against the spreading of the fire.

Designed for installing double glazed units, laminated glass and single glazing into timber doors, our Firestrip 30 glazing tape provides a 30-minute fire rated glazing strip. This is an economical option when compared to other fire-resistant strip materials, yet is certified with CF297 (Certifire Scheme) and BS476 EN 1634 (parts 1 and 4).

Intumescent Door Strips

Intumescent Door Strips can come in a variety of forms, to protect against fire, or both fire and smoke. Those that protect against smoke as well as fire, will consist of a seal with connected brush pile or foam strip.

Our intumescent smoke and fire seals are made up from a graphite base within a PVC sleeve. Designed to fit into the rebate of the door, these products expand when in contact with heat to ensure fire and smoke isn’t able to move through the gaps.

The Astro Quad Seal strip is an Astroflame intumescent (graphite based) fire seal combined with a Schlegel Aquamac smoke, acoustic & thermal seal contained within a PVC sleeve. This allows it to provide a permanent barrier to Fire, smoke, acoustic, and thermal applications.

Astroflame Seal Samples - Toolfix Knowledgebase 1

Closers

It is important to always keep fire doors closed to prevent the spread of smoke and fire. Along with the rest of the door hardware, closers must be up to a fire rated standard.

Our Rutland Door Closers all meet the fire rated standard with the range being fire tested for 30, 60 and 120 minutes on timber doorsets. The vigorous fire testing of the closers means the hardware also conforms to the BS EN 1634-1:2008 standard.

Grilles

Intumescent fire grilles are used to provide an answer to situations where ventilation is required in fire doors. In the situation of a fire, they swell when exposed to heat and provide a fire barrier to restrict the passage of hot gases. Intumescent grilles are rated using FD30/FD60 Approval Regulations.

Our Intumescent Fire Grille comes available in multiple sizes from 150x150mm up to 450x450mm, and provide fire protection for up to 30 minutes. Grilles are tested to BS 476: Part 22 1987 and EN 1634: Part 2.

Locks

Typically, sashlocks and deadlocks are not designed to offer added protection against fire. However, we stock Intumescent Pad Sets that can be used in conjunction with both styles of lock, to provide added protection against fire for 30-60 minutes (FD30/FD60).

Other Fire Door Recommendations

Hold Open Devices

The Dorgard DG2000 device enables you to legally and safely hold fire doors open, whilst allowing the door to close when the fire alarm sounds preventing the spread of fire and smoke.

Fire Door Signs

‘Fire Door Keep Shut’ signs are to be placed visibly on the door so people immediately understand they need to keep the door closed for safety reasons.

Panic Bolts and Latches

Commonly used as the last exit out of the building, these components are important for getting people out of a building in a panic situation as no prior knowledge of the device is needed.

Fire Safety Range

We’re here to help…

As always, we are here to help, not just fulfil orders.

Discover and shop our range online at toolfixservices.com, or if you’d prefer to speak directly with our knowledgeable sales team, please get in touch on 01733 347348.

Winkhaus Thunderbolt + FAB Double Door Espag Kit

Everything you need to know about our Winkhaus Double Door Espag Kit, currently on offer throughout September

Winkhaus Double Door Kit Offer

FAB Slave Lock + Shootbolts

The Winkhaus FAB slave door lock provides a high security locking option WITHOUT the need for a security kitemark cylinder, cylinder guard or a security handle. The lock is operated by a flush, integrated two-way lever; the FAB slave lock throws two heavy duty 20mm shootbolts into the head and cill. No additional hook keeps are required. The FAB system requires doors with opposing eurogrooves. This particular double door kit consists of the Short FAB Slave Lock (RH/LH), in conjunction with FAB Shootbolts (1853-1996mm doors).

Key features include:

Unlike conventional PVCU double doors a dummy mullion is not required, which can dramatically reduce sightlines.
Secure U26 keep rail with 20mm long laminated steel top and bottom shootbolts.
Easily operated by the convenient operating lever.
Quickly installed in the slave leaf of double doors, and removes the need of a security handle and cylinder.
Ideal for double doors with irregular sash widths.
Meets PAS 24 Security Standards and is approved by the Secured by Design Initiative, therefore offering high security.

Master Door Multi-Point Lock

Also included within the kit is the Master Door Multi-Point Lock. This locking system is designed to work with the FAB Short Slave Lock, and features two chamfered deadbolts that secure the door closed. This Short variant has a lowered top hookbolt position and cropable, square ended faceplate suitable for shorter doors from 1625mm high.

Key features include:

Lift-lever operation means the central deadbolt and top/bottom twin deadbolts are thrown internally or externally by lifting the door lever handle. The door is then locked by operation of the lock cylinder barrel.
Has a protective surface coating in excess of EN 1670 : 2007 Grade 4 which is designated as “Very high corrosion resistance.”
Meets PAS 24 Security Standards and is approved by the Secured by Design Initiative, therefore offering high security.

Adjustable Single Shootbolt Keep

Also included within this double door kit are two adjustable single shootbolt keeps. These keeps feature a removable +/- 2mm adjustable insert with a 13mm receiver hole.

Options of style of keep and length of shootbolts available but will increase the price of the kit. To find out more about the options available please call in-store and speak to one of our professional advisers on 01733 347348.

Winkhaus Double Door Kit Offer

We’re here to help…

As always, we are here to help, not just fulfil orders.

Discover and shop our range online at toolfixservices.com, or if you’d prefer to speak directly with our knowledgeable sales team, please get in touch on 01733 347348.

4 Benefits of Setting Up a Toolfix Online Account

Make shopping online with Toolfix quicker and simpler with an online account

These days, most tradesmen have turned to shopping for supplies online, as it allows them to easily search for the products they need, without the hassle of going out to stores, searching down countless aisles and then waiting in a queue before buying the product.

These are a few of the many reasons why we encourage customers to shop online with us, using our website store. However, by setting up an online account with us, you can benefit from all of the above with added bonuses to make your experience that little bit more enjoyable.

Below are four key benefits of setting up an online account with Toolfix.

Repeat Orders

The majority of tradesmen will have a select range of products/brands that they trust, and will therefore consistently purchase these each time they shop with a business.

Toolfix account holders can benefit from our “Repeat Orders” feature, which allows them to purchase previously ordered products without needing to browse the website for each one separately.

This can save you time and hassle, as all previous orders are saved and can be accessed by logging into your account. From there, you simply choose the “Repeat Order” option and will be directed to the checkout page to finish the order.

Not only does having an online account allow for repeat orders, but you can also create a “Favourite Products” list, for when you want to purchase select products within a previous order.

Check Order Progress

Another benefit of setting up an online account with us, is the option to track the progress of your order at any time.

The benefit of this is that you are then able to inform customers as to when the product is expected to be delivered. Which allows for improved planning of jobs, and keeps the customer aware of when they can expect the job to be complete by.

Product History

By setting up an online account with Toolfix, you also have the option to browse through a list of the products that you have previously purchased (up to 12 months prior). This includes the number of orders, items per order, value of the order and the date when the product was last ordered.

This allows tradesmen to track what items they have purchased, and gives them the ability to easily go back and total up the amount spent on specific jobs, ensuring an accurate price is given to the customer.

Pay for Invoices Online

Customers who have signed up for an online account, also benefit from the ability to access and pay for order invoices online.

This is a highly useful feature of having an online account, as it allows you to quickly find and pay for past orders from your phone, desktop etc. without needing to directly contact the business and potentially wait on the phone for a member of staff to be available. Not to mention, it simplifies the process of keeping on top of paying invoices.

We’re here to help…

As always, we are here to help, not just fulfil orders.

Discover and shop our range online at toolfixservices.com, or if you’d prefer to speak directly with our knowledgeable sales team, please get in touch on 01733 347348.

The Guide To Choosing The Right Putty Replacement

More and more window installers are moving away from sealing glazed units using methods such as; linseed oil putty, burnt sand mastics, etc. While putty replacements are becoming increasingly popular due to the limitations of the traditional methods. Linseed oil oxidises and becomes brittle with age and exposure to air while burnt sand mastics can be slow to set if made without driers. These are just some of the limitations of the traditional methods, while the latest in putty replacements remain permanently elastic and can be painted over within hours of application, depending on the brand.

Putty replacement is a developing technology and every brand is offering its own unique features and benefits. This can make the purchasing of the products more confusing than it has to be, which is why we have developed this comparison guide on our 3 best-selling putty replacements.

All the key features a window installer needs to know when buying a putty replacement are compared side by side below, and if you want to learn more about a specific product there are full data sheets available at the bottom of the blog.

Comparison Chart

Hodgson Heritage Putty

£9.99 per tube

On offer until 30/08/19

Repair Care DrySeal

Repair Care DrySeal

Timbabuild TimbaGlaze

Product Data Sheets

The performance indicators above are those that we feel are of highest importance, when deciding on the right putty replacement for an application. There are other features that set the products apart which are mentioned in the data sheets attached below:

Festool Cash Back Promotion 2019

Step-by-step guide on how to claim your cash back in Festool’s 2019 promotion

During the period from 1st July 2019 up to and including the 31st August, Festool are holding a promotional offer, giving customers the chance to claim up to £100 cashback on purchases of selected Festool products.

To claim your Festool Cash Back there are three simple steps:

Step 1 – Purchase eligible Festool product

Purchase a promotional product from us within the period from 1st July 2019 up to and including 31st August 2019. A PDF including all eligible products, their part numbers and cashback amounts has been attached below.

Step 2 – Upload the purchase invoice

Upload the purchase invoice to the Festool website by no later than 13th September 2019.

Step 3 – Claim your Festool Cash Back

After your details are verified, your account will be credited with the corresponding cashback amount.

3 year product warranty

All tools included within the cashback promotion come with an all-inclusive 3 year warranty (1), once registered online. Warranty includes:

Full repair, free of charge. (2)
Replaced in the event of theft.
Original parts guaranteed.
Money back.

Warranty all-inclusive is valid for all Festool tools registered within 30 days of purchase. Visit https://www.festool.co.uk/service/warranty-terms-and-conditions for the applicable Festool Warranty Terms and Conditions.
“Full repair, free of charge” also applies to battery packs and chargers, but not to other consumables and accessories, or to tools that have been dismantled, or to damage caused by improper use, the use of non-original spare parts, or in the event of continuous use resulting in extensive wear.

Tradeline 390 Filtration Vacuum – “M-Class” Construction Dust Filtration

The advanced M-Class filtration vacuum

Numatic have taken their 50 years of industry experience of vacuums and put it into the TEM390A. Using the same motor from their Henry models coupled with the all steel head, shows Numatic had durability and reliability at the forefront of their engineering.

Toolfix Promotional - Numatic TEM390A Hoover 1

This is the only commercial vacuum with a steel head and on-tool extraction on the market

Running alongside the reliability of the motor is; the patented AirFlo technology, HepaFlo filter bags and the TriTex filter giving this commercial vacuum its M-class rated status. Having the M-class rating on this machine allows it to be used in the workshop and out on site complying with the strict HSE requirements. To learn more about the importance of M-Class filtration, then read our blog How to meet the legal requirements for dust extraction.

Toolfix Promotional - Numatic TEM390A Hoover 2

Power and performance wherever and whenever you need it.

The TEM390A is specially designed to go over rough terrain and to be pulled up stairs and curbs. The folding pull handle keeps this machine compact when transported and stored but versatile enough to easily manoeuvre it across site. The cleaning reach of a commercial vacuum is also important to consider as power points may be far and few between. This is why the TEM390A comes with a 10m cable and a 2.9m hose as standard, but an optional extra of a longer hose by the metre going all the way up to 15m.

This months offer on the TEM390A is not to be missed. Buy the machine before the 31^st July and get a free tool caddy which fits on top of the M-Class filtration vacuum – download our promotional flyer to find out more.

Buy Online

Promotional Flyer

The Toolfix Team

A simple, honest and quality service that you can rely on.

Discover and shop our range online at www.toolfixservices.com, or if you’d prefer to speak directly with our knowledgeable sales team, please get in touch on 01733 347348.

QWood – The Innovative Beading Range

Our guide to QWood beading and the range available at Toolfix

QWood is the original brand and innovator of wood composite window and door beads.

Designed to replace traditional timber beading, the beading is manufactured in a wide range of profiles to suit many applications.

Qwood beads and bars have many benefits including:

Use Straight Out of Box- A complete ‘out of the box solution’. The moment it arrives it is ready to use. There is no need to extract moisture, treat, acclimatise or condition before using. QWood removes labour intensive inspection and sorting.

Reduce Preparation Times- Use ‘it all’ straight out of the box; QWood is consistent – every piece, every time. No knots, no defects, no bends. The beading is highly resistant to changes in temperature with minimal moisture absorption. Eliminate time consuming manual tasks such as sanding, de-nibbing, machining and preparation that are currently associated with timber beads.

Sustainability- QWood take sustainability seriously and are fully committed to the protection and the improvement of the environment for future generations.

The beading is manufactured under an environmental management system accredited to ISO14001.
Waste QWood is recyclable to reduce unnecessary land fill.
The wood fibres used in QWood are sourced from sustainable forest strands.

QWood Window Profiles (sash included)– Offering a complete range of high quality glazing beads that work in conjunction with the timber surrounding a window, to hold the glass pane in place on either side.

They also offer a range of high quality parting and staff beads, that provide great performance in conjunction with the timber surrounding window sliding sashes.

QWood beading reflects the natural appearance and feel of wood whilst having the beneficial properties of a composite, allowing for great long term performance.

QWood glazing beads offer the following benefits:

– No knots or gaps to fill

– Easy to cut, fit and paint

– Available in all popular sizes

– Cost effective substitute for traditional timber

QWood staff and parting beads offer the following benefits :

– Channel for brush

– Available in all popular sizes

– Easy to cut, fit and paint

– Cost effective substitute for traditional timber

QWood Rain Deflector- They have introduced a unique timber composite rain deflector profile that effectively deflects rain water running off the surface of external doors. Toolfix currently stock the innovative RD40 Rain Deflector profile online and in-store.

The RD40 Rain Deflector profile offers the following benefits:

– They can be painted (before or after installation) to match the finish of any door.

– They do not require end caps

– They are a cost effective alternative to traditional aluminium deflectors

These features give the joiner a number of key benefits. There is less off-cut waste, with associated savings in fabrication time. Because the profiles do not rot, site maintenance after fitting is not necessary, and is a more competitive and durable option to standard timber deflectors.

Toolfix stock an extensive range of QWood products, which are available to order online or in-store (call 01733 347348 to speak to professional adviser).

We’re here to help…

As always, we are here to help, not just fulfil orders.

Discover and shop our range online at toolfixservices.com, or if you’d prefer to speak directly with our knowledgeable sales team, please get in touch on 01733 347348.

FENSA Approved – What Does It Mean?

What it means to be FENSA approved, and how it can benefit you.

FENSA, formed in 2002, is the leading competent person scheme in the glazing industry. Being FENSA Approved means you’re able to self-certify your work, stating it’s compliant with building regulations in England and Wales, whilst notifying the local council at the same time, a legal requirement. It’s effectively a licence to practice.

Benefits of being a FENSA approved Installer

It’s proven that being a FENSA Approved Installer wins you more work. FENSA have issued over 13.5 million certificates since 2002, that’s over half the dwellings in England and Wales! The FENSA certificate is invaluable as solicitors request it when your house is sold and homeowners understand its value.

Their TV ad campaign this year will be seen over 190 million times and already this year there have been over 600,000 homeowner searches to find an installer via the FENSA website!

As part of the FENSA community you will receive access to exclusive Approved Installer benefits including free technical and marketing support, offers and discounts with key partners and presence on their website for homeowners to find you.

Find Out More

A series of roadshows are being run throughout the country for further information. They’re informal events with some food and drinks available. Upcoming dates and locations are below:

25th July – Newcastle (Great North Eastern Brewing Co)

29th August – York (Park Inn Hotel)

25th September – Nottingham (St James Hotel)

30th October – Oxford (The Oxford Retreat)

27th November – Leeds (The Northern Monk Brewery)

If you want to attend, please email dwilliams@fensa.org.uk for further details.

(The FENSA stand at Fit Show 2019)

We’re here to help…

As always, we are here to help, not just fulfil orders.

Discover and shop our range online at toolfixservices.com, or if you’d prefer to speak directly with our knowledgeable sales team, please get in touch on 01733 347348 or email us at sales@toolfixservices.com.

Toolfix Joinery Supplies Catalogue – 2019 Release

Toolfix release their brand new 2019 Joinery Supplies Catalogue

Toolfix are pleased to announce the launch of our new 250+ page Joinery Supplies Catalogue; the comprehensive Joiners Guide tailored to meet the needs of the joinery industry.

Designed with the user in mind, the new catalogue includes all of our staple joinery products alongside a wide selection of new product ranges, features, benefits, specifications and detailed technical sheets.

Featuring key brands such as Winkhaus multi point door locking systems, From the Anvil door/window ironmongery, Soudal adhesives, Mirka abrasives and many more, the new catalogue offers a wide range of industry leading products with complete choice being a focus point.

Furthermore, we have added an entirely new “Hardware & Fittings” section, packed with 17 categories of innovative product ranges such as the Lamello Joint Connector systems, alongside drawer runners and cabinet hinges etc.

Accompanied by the construction-based Site Supplies catalogue, the new Joinery Supplies catalogue can be viewed online, section-by-section and also downloaded from the Toolfix Knowledgebase area.

Request A Catalogue

We’re here to help…

As always, we are here to help, not just fulfil orders.

Discover and shop our range online at toolfixservices.com, or if you’d prefer to speak directly with our knowledgeable sales team, please get in touch on 01733 347348.

TOGGLER Fixings- The Key Four Fixings

Everything You Need To Know About TOGGLER Fixings

Plasterboard and hollow walls are one of the most commonly used internal building structures in modern developments. Although they have many advantages, hollow walls also pose difficulties when fixing heavy items onto which makes hanging items such as kitchen cupboards, TVs and radiators a problem for tradespeople throughout the UK.

This is where the TOGGLER range of plasterboard fixings come in as a unique selection of innovative fixings designed particularly for hollow wall situations. Read on to learn more about the four key fixings in the TOGGLER range, each with different benefits and advantages.

Buy Online

SNAPSKRU

The TOGGLER SnapSkru is the only self-drilling drywall anchor that symmetrically locks on to the wall or ceiling for a guaranteed secure fastening – with up to 80% more holding power than conventional anchors on the market.

The SnapSkru anchor’s built-in positive stop resists over-drilling and then opens creating a “pop”, locking the anchor to the rear of the wall to resist vibration and shock.

This ensures that the the plasterboard is under constant compression, immediately reinforcing the anchor point and providing much more holding power. In addition, the SnapSkru anchor allows the screw to be removed, without removing the anchor or damaging the wall!

toggler_Snapskru

SNAPTOGGLE

The TOGGLER SNAPTOGGLE is arguably the highest quality and most easy-to-use anchor on the market today, due to its simplicity, speed of application and unbeatable strength. The SNAPTOGGLE is the ideal solution for awkward and demanding tasks that professionals face when fixing to hollow materials such as cavity walls and ceilings.

All other toggle bolt fixings in the market are often difficult to install, ruin the rear side of the wall when over tightened and require a sizeable hole to be drilled to fit the anchor through. The SNAPTOGGLE can be installed in seconds due to its pivoting head and patented strap design. The fixing’s weight distribution over the solid metal channel head prevents any damage being done to the wall or ceiling, and the BM5 and BM6 anchors fit through a hole as small as 13mm!

ALLIGATOR

The TOGGLER ALLIGATOR offers the highest strength and vibration-proof holding of any other anchor, outperforming metal, adhesive, and even chemical anchors of the same size when fixing into concrete and brick. It also works in hollow wall and unexpected cavities by popping open and locking its teeth into the screw thread to resist pulling out.

More common solid wall anchors such as shield and expansion anchors require a precise hole to be drilled and won’t work in an unforeseen cavity, whilst chemical and epoxy anchors are quite pricey, time consuming to install and require specific conditions to set correctly.

On the other hand, the Alligator wall anchor can be installed in seconds with any drill due to its anti-rotation fins to prevent spinning, sets instantly, is rust-proof and non-toxic and accepts a wide range of screws.

With the ability to expand up to 2x its own length, it creates a highly effective bond between the screw and wall, allowing for even holding pressure along the entire length of the fixing, whilst sealing the hole from moisture.

HWA

The TOGGLER Hollow Wall Anchor offers secure holding power for light-medium loads in hollow walls and ceilings, whilst acting as a secure wedge anchor, with the ability to expand in solid walls and wooden studs.

Other hollow wall anchors often require a larger hole to install and damage the rear side of the wall.

On the other hand, the TOGGLER Hollow Wall Anchor installs through holes as small as 8mm, has anti-rotation fins to prevent spin-out and locks to the wall forming a unique structure, spreading the load away from the hole and offering secure vibration proof holding in materials up to 19mm thick as a toggle bolt and up to 39mm thick as an expansion anchor.

Buy Online

We’re here to help…

As always, we are here to help, not just fulfil orders.

Discover and shop our range online at toolfixservices.com, or if you’d prefer to speak directly with our knowledgeable sales team, please get in touch on 01733 347348.