Appreciation Of Tools Day – Tool Trends And Changes In South Africa

It’s hard to imagine a world without tools as part of our daily lives. The 11th of March marks Appreciation of Tools Day, a day dedicated to honouring tools; those essential items that humanity has relied on for centuries.

In ancient times, humans created tools out of rocks. The first ever power tool is said to be a hand-powered lathe that was created by the ancient Egyptians. The humble screwdriver can be traced to the 1400s, and in 1859 an electric motor was combined with a manual drill – revolutionising the tools industry. Tools have continued to evolve and our modern tools are carefully designed and technologically advanced – with advancements taking place frequently.

Orlando Luis, CEO of Brights Hardware, offers some insights into current tool trends and developments that are shaping product development and consumer buying behaviour.

1. Tools get smarter

“There is an app for everything – tools included! Dewalt and Metabo have developed Bluetooth batteries and power tools that can be tracked and monitored remotely through an app. This app allows you to see how often the machine is working in a day and lets you activate and deactivate the tool – such as in a case of theft.”

“The market in South Africa has been slow so far in the uptake of these new developments, however, Brights predicts that they will grow in popularity as they offer great benefits for contractors who, for example, can monitor the number of man-hours being put in by their workforce.”

2. User-friendly tools

“In response to a growing trend towards DIY home maintenance and repairs, tool manufacturers are making power tools more and more user-friendly so that they are accessible for the average person to operate,” advises Luis.

“Examples of user-friendly tools include any power tool that is cordless, those that can operate for longer because of extended battery life, and power tools that require less maintenance because they do not have carbon brushes. Also, any power tool with additional operator safety features would be considered user-friendly.”

“When it comes to hand tools such as spanners, sockets, pliers, saws, hammers, chisels, screwdrivers, etc. ergonomic design features have been adapted and improved to assist the user with increased efficiency, productivity, comfort, and safety – with less user fatigue and of course better lifetime use.”

3. Going wireless: Cordless power tools

According to Luis, just about 80% of corded machines are available in a wireless format. Cordless tools are used for cutting, welding, sanding, metalworking, and more. Other advancements in the market mean that modern cordless tools can last much longer than they used to as well.

“In South Africa, our power tool purchase trends currently show a 50/50 split in the sales of cordless versus corded tools; compared to 80% cordless and 20% corded in the USA or Europe. However, we expect to see these numbers change in South Africa as more cordless power tools are developed.”

Examples of power tools available in a cordless format include jigsaws, circular saws, drills, impact drivers, screwdrivers, sanders, routers, grinders, rod cutters, and more. There is even a cordless heated jacket that has been developed which keeps the wearer warm in extreme climates.

4. Battery life gets a boost

“Battery manufacturers are constantly dealing with the challenge of making batteries that last longer and produce more power,” says Luis. “The advancement of lithium-ion batteries means that manufacturers have new ways to increase battery life and power.”

“A big trend we have seen in SA is the adoption of a single battery system or platform that fits all tools (with the most popular battery voltage system being the 18V/36V brands). So if you are buying cordless tools opt for 18V or 20V systems in lithium-ion technology – then as you grow your range of machines your battery systems will fit in all the different power tools in the brand range – this will allow you to rotate batteries to ensure no downtime while waiting for the other one to charge.”

“Also choose a brand that has intelligent chargers that can charge a battery in under 30 minutes. Makita has the most comprehensive range of longer-lasting 18V batteries, with over 100 different machines that can operate off one battery platform. Metabo, Bosch, Dewalt, Ryobi, Festool, Ingco, Hitachi and Black & Decker all also have 18V or 20V battery options.”

5. Innovative new tools

Luis says that, with sales increasing for current power tools and batteries, exciting new products are being developed all the time, and the brand research and development teams are working hard to not only boost tool strength and lifespan but to also offer new, innovative power tools.

“Battery-operating versions of most tools are being developed and will be able to do all the functions of manual tools. We will see larger applications coming to market that will allow machines to do much of the manual work that people did before – right up to laying bricks and plastering walls. Robotic power tools are also coming. You will be able to enter a command and there will be no operator needed – you will just sit back and watch to see the finished product.”

“Although not power tools per se, a new range of LPG gas-driven gardening tools, compressors, pumps, generators and engines have been developed which replace petrol-powered units, and are more eco-friendly, require less maintenance and are more cost-effective to run. Brights have recently started stocking a hybrid gas/diesel-powered generator.”

“The modern tool market is all about going cordless, increasing battery life, and becoming smarter and more user-friendly. In the face of all these developments, consumers should look for good quality brands that offer backup spares and repair services. Brights Hardware stores stock an extensive range of tool brands, including Total Tools – a leading global brand that we import directly, allowing us to pass the savings on to the customer,” concludes Luis.

Brights have on-site experts in all of the stores to provide advice and guidance on tools and power tools. Stores are located in Boston, Blackheath, Langebaan, Mitchells Plain, Montague Park, Plattekloof, Stonewood, Brackengate and Sunningdale. An online store shopping experience is available at www.brights.co.za which offers delivery to anywhere in South Africa. Brights offer same-day delivery in the Western Cape for products purchased online, and also has a tool hire service.