FEATURES 29
Battery lifespan is another important factor to consider in an environment where loadshedding is unlikely to end for several years . Like any battery , the rechargeable batteries used in power tools have a limited lifespan . However , advancements in battery technology have significantly improved their durability and performance . Modern batteries can last for an extended period before needing to be replaced .
“ The advantage of lithium batteries over ‘ traditional ’ batteries lies in their safe chemistry said MILWAUKEE ’ S Koch , add to that longer life , constant power supply , fast charging and holding its charge when not in use . Our patented Redlink plus Intelligence system is built into all battery powered tools , ensuring one gets the most out of the tools and batteries .”
“ Power tools are going battery-operated worldwide . In the US , 95 % of all power tools are battery-operated . In Europe , it ’ s around 90 %. South Africa is still a bit behind , but as in any industry , there are people who prefer electrical power tools over battery-operated ones because they perceive the latter to be less powerful . However , batteries have improved over time to such a degree that certain tools perform better with batteries than with electricity ,” says Teubes .
While the market may be slow to adopt high-tech or digitalised tools , one area it doesn ’ t compromise , says Teubes , is quality . “ Plumbing users of tools are highly professional and quality orientated . They will not compromise on the quality of their tools , even if they argue the price . They tend to stick with known quality brands and will not touch non-compliant tools .”
ROTHENBERGER products conform to the EN and CE standards . Because of the high-quality and stringent testing that occurs in the Spain and Germany factories , warranty claims – which are minimal – can be reduced .
Helping this low return rate is that ROTHENBERGER products are used by qualified technicians and semi-skilled people , not unskilled . There
Lithium battery charger .
are also dangers associated with dealing with gases , so the users are both qualified and cautious .
Plumbers need to understand that as technology is changing , especially in the ‘ pipe joining ’ section , the new methods of jointing may well be reducing the use of brazing and welding . Certain pipes like copper will continue with the method – even then , jointing is being replaced by other technologies .
The use of lithium or li-ion is in pressing , pipe inspection , drain cleaning , bending , and threading .
In the case of threading , for example , a lithium battery application can do 50 threads , 2-inch pipe , on eight-amp batteries which results in a worktime of 50 minutes . Hence , saving on electricity and worktime in relation to cost .
MILWAUKEE offers a full range of tools for the plumber ( refer to website below ). PA
Acknowledgements :
• Eammon Ryan , editor of RACA Journal and Cold Link Africa .
• Metabo – www . metabo . com / tools
• Rothenberger – www . rothenberger . com / za-en
• Wikipedia for introduction
• MILWAUKEE - www . milwaukeetool . eu
October 2023 Volume 29 I Number 8 www . plumbingafrica . co . za