GWINETT ROOFING ACHIEVE A GREAT FIX WITH THE PASLODE IM45 GN AND JAMES HARDIE
Paslode have been building on their successful partnership with James Hardie at sites up and down the country, using the IM45 GN coil nailing tool to fix James Hardie VL and Hardieplank cladding on both new build and renovation properties. Recently, the Paslode team joined Gwinett Roofing on a couple of sites in the North of England and the Midlands, where they have been carrying our loft conversions. Prior to discovering the IM45 GN the team were using a screwing method, which was making the task lengthy and laborious. The Gwinett Roofing team were encouraged to try the IM45 GN by the James Hardie team, as a time and labour-saving solution for fixing both their Hardie Plank and VL Plank products. They had experience of using Paslode tools on previous roofing projects and were keen to give this alternative method a go. The IM45 GN tools were used with the James Hardie specified 2.5 x 35mm coil nail. A SUPERIOR FIX The team were immediately impressed with the speed of the tool and how easy it is to use, as well as how lightweight it was. The real benefit however was in the finish itself, where the material savings and fix advantages spoke for themselves. Using the IM45 GN, Gwinnett Roofing were able to get the fibre cement cladding fixed swiftly and cleanly. They noticed that the cladding sat much better over the nail head than it does with a screw, with the nail sitting much more flush and not protruding and the following boards fit on easily without the need for any additional hammering over the top The team also noticed less damage to the board as the nails went in smoothly and accurately. All this results in a great job done in less time than it would take using traditional fixing methods. SAVING TIME AND MONEY Another benefit of the IM45 GN is that it is easy to adjust the power setting of the tool depending on the surface material being fixed. The Gwinett Roofing team explained how this helped them when fitting the Hardie products; Every job is slightly different but I just have to adjust the power setting from the (Hardie) Plank to the VL and it works with both.” Finally significant time saving benefits were noticed by the team at Gwinett, where they estimated that on a large job hours can be saved by using the IM45 GN tool as an alternative to hand hammering. The tool can also be used with the standard high performing, quick charge Paslode Lithium battery and maintenance time on the tool is minimal. The IM45 GN tool and nail are readily available from Paslode dealers up and down the country, meaning that you can easily purchase your consumables locally should you run out. To find out more about the tool, take a look at the IM45 GN product page on the Paslode UK website.
PASLODE FOR ROOFERS: WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
Paslode have a reputation for delivering best-in-class nailing systems, revolutionising construction methods and reducing labour time whilst increasing product reliability and on-site safety. When completing your roofing projects, there’s selection of tools and fixings to make your job quicker and easier without compromising on quality, providing solutions for a range of different roofing applications. THE 360Xi FOR BATTENING When laying roof battening, boarding and flat roofing, the Paslode 360Xi framing nailer provides the perfect fixing solution. The tool boasts an unbeatable power-to-weight ratio promoting all-day productivity. BS5534 COMPLIANT – PASLODE NAILS HAVE YOU COVERED The 63 x 3.1 Paslode Nail for both the IM350 and 360Xi systems are tested and proven to equal or better the performance requirement set out in BS5534. For us, it’s not just about what’s on the outside, it’s what’s on the inside that counts! And you can trust the quality of the 63 x 3.1 Paslode fixing to meet your roofing requirements. FOR THE METAL ROOFER – THE IM45 GN COIL NAILER Perfect for fixing metal roofing, the IM45 cordless coil nailer has been proven to increase productivity on-site by as much as 40%. This also has an impact on costs, saving you precious time and money in comparison to traditional hand-nailing methods. NEW FOR 2024! – Meet the Paslode Roofing Team Paslode has increased it’s focus and commitment to the Roofing market by having a dedicated team, working closely with key industry partners to provide the best product offering, service and knowledge. We’d love to hear from you:Chris Horn – Technical Roofing Manager (North) – chorn@itwcp.comDanny Palmer – Technical Roofing Manager (South) – dpalmer@itwcp.comLeah Morrisey – Product Development Manager (UK) – lmorrisey@itwcp.com
PASLODE PROUDLY SPONSOR ON THE TOOLS ‘CARPENTER OF THE YEAR’
Photo credit: On The Tools
FUTURE-PROOFING OUR TRADES WITH PASLODE’S COLLEGE PROGRAMME
We all know it pays to invest in the future, and this is especially true when it comes to the trades and our aspiring tradespeople. Doing this now is a way in which we can help to grow and develop the building trade, working towards bridging the skills gap experienced in recent years and future-proofing the trades for the next generation. Over the last few months, Paslode have been working with colleges and apprentices up and down the country, providing support in their training and learning for the new City & Guilds end point assessment. Carpentry apprentices are now required to show that they have been taught safe use of a nail gun to enable them to progress through to their final exam. The Paslode team have been on hand to impart their knowledge and provide some excellent hands-on experience to the students. THE NEXT GENERATION OF CARPENTERS So far, the Paslode team have visited nine colleges, training over 300 students and with more colleges lined up for the next academic year beginning in September. The training has been well received, with feedback coming through both on social media and in person. Speaking to the apprentices and course leaders has allowed us to gather useful feedback and insight on our tools, which we have been able to pass on to our product development team for reviewing and considering for future innovation. As we move towards the end of 2023 into 2024 the team intend to continue visiting colleges and rolling out the training further, with the aim of also training college tutors to be able to carry out the training themselves to their students The next wave of college training is scheduled to begin in Spring 2024. If you are interested in learning more about the Paslode College programme, please fill out the Contact Us form on our website and the team will be in touch in due course. INTRODUCING PASLODE’S ONLINE TRAINING PORTAL To support our college training rollout we have also launched our new Paslode online training hub, providing education on the effective use of Paslode tools. This free, certified end-user training is designed for all tradespeople who have a Paslode tool in their hands on a daily basis. On finishing the course, you will receive a certificate of completion – valid for 2 years – as well as some useful downloads relating to Paslode tools, nails, and applications to print off and take away with you. To find out more about our online training, visit www.paslode.co.uk/training-and-certification/
IS YOUR GARDEN SUMMER READY?
As we head into the summer months and the sun begins to make a welcome appearance, we start to turn our attention to the outside areas of our homes. In recent years, since we were forced to spend longer amounts of time in our own environments, a natural trend has been to upgrade our gardens to make them a special place to enjoy in the warmer months with family and friends. So where do you turn first for a garden revamp? Let’s take a look at the areas you might want to spruce up and how Paslode can help you get the job done. Fencing – Around the border The quickest way to freshen up your outdoor space is by replacing the fencing, which may have taken some battering during the winter months. There’s a plethora of options to choose from and Paslode are on hand to help with your fixing requirements. Feather edge fencing is a traditional style of garden fencing, often chosen for privacy thanks to the overlapping panel style. This type of fencing is perfect for housing developments and where gardens are close together. The Paslode 360Xi nailer is ideal for fixing feather edge fencing, using our 51mm stainless steel A2 nails. With trellis fencing, you can take advantage of the sunlight in your garden, which makes it perfect for growing trailing plants and flowers. Use the IM45 GN coil nailer to fix trellis fencing using 32mm and 35mm stainless steel nails. For a modern, contemporary look why not try slatted fencing, which can be used for sectioning off areas of your garden in a stylish way? Here you can also use the IM45 tool with the nails mentioned previously, as well as our IM65 or IM65A finishing tools using our 51-63mm stainless steel brads. Sheds – From the bottom up Sheds and garden rooms have grown hugely in popularity as more of us are now working from home and spending an increased amount of time in our spaces. The Paslode 360Xi tool is perfect for building your shed from the ground up: If you need to include insulation or breathable membrane in your build the IM200 stapler is perfect for fixing this using 19mm or 25mm staples. Decking – Built on good foundations Decking can really elevate a seating area in your outdoor space and remains a popular choice for UK gardens. For your decking to last a good, solid subframe is crucial. The Paslode framing tools (both the 360Xi and IM350+) can be used to build the structure of the subframe using 75mm or 90mm nails. Where Paslode tools can really make a difference here is in the fixing of metalwork like mini hangers, clips and nail plates, our PPNXi is perfect for this. And for fixing timber decking boards, step forward Paslode’s sister brand NKT with their Deck Pro tool and 60 x 4.5mm Deck Pro screws. Cladding – Those extra details Finally, there are those finishing touches, whether that is to your garden exterior or your home itself. Timber and composite cladding can completely transform the look of your external space allowing you to add style and colour. Whether fixing timber or composite cladding, consider using the 360Xi or IM350+ tool with 51mm stainless steel nails. You can also use the IM45 GN coil nailer with compatible 35mm stainless steel nails – in fact, our IM45 tool has been specified by James Hardie to be used on their Hardie Plank and VL Board. The summer months are all too fleeting so getting your garden project completed in super quick time is essential. Paslode offer you a quality fix whilst saving time, giving you plenty of time for that cold beer in your garden at the end of a long, hard day.
MENTAL HEALTH IN CONSTRUCTION
Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 15-21 May 2023 this year and it has become evident in recent times that mental health issues can significantly impact those working in the construction industry. Studies and reports carried out over the past couple of years have highlighted some startling statistics proving that mental health and wellbeing has taken a massive back seat in the wake of the stresses and strains of modern life alongside the recent COVID-19 pandemic and economic instability. In order to improve attitudes and awareness in the industry we need to learn more and understand how mental health struggles affect our people. For more insights and information, check out some of these reports. Chartered Institute of Building report: One in four construction workers consider suicide (2020) The CIOB report, Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment uncovered that; “26% of construction industry professionals thought about taking their own lives in 2019 – before the COVID-19 pandemic had hit the industry – and 97% recorded being stressed at least once in the last year (2019)” Chartered Institute of Building report, 2020. Factors including long hours, delayed payments and job insecurity have all contributed to what CIOB president Professor Charles Egbu describes as a “silent crisis”. Mates in Mind: Mental Health in UK Construction: The Statistics (2022) The Mates in Mind study found that worryingly: “Men in the UK are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. However in construction – a male dominated industry – men are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average for men” Mates in Mind: Mental Health in UK Construction: The Statistics (2022) The report also highlights how the “macho” culture on-site “prevents many workers from seeking support and help when they may need it, putting further stress on their own mental health and wellbeing.” Mates in Mind offer help and support to enable you to “Be part of the change” with a range of resources, training, and support. What now? We at Paslode, as part of our parent company ITW Construction Products, have identified mental health as a key pillar in our safety agenda. We are taking steps to educate our people about the importance of looking after our mental wellness, providing workshops and digital resources, and have several members of staff trained in Mental Health First Aid. If these reports have inspired you to make a change on your site, Building Mental Health in Construction have created a fantastic set of resources designed to empower you to start the conversation and shatter the taboo surrounding mental help. Find all the information you need on their website: https://www.buildingmentalhealth.net/
SUSTAINABILITY AT PASLODE
Looking after the world around us is something that we take very seriously both as a brand and as a part of the wider ITW Global organisation. Every day we work hard towards making long-lasting changes to our business practices to ensure we do all we can to protect our environment for future generations. Here are just some of the areas where we are making continuous improvements to our business and the way in which we work. RESPONSIBLE SOURCING ITW focus efforts on sourcing more environmentally friendly and sustainable materials for our products. Each year, we increase the volume of recycled materials used in our operations where we can. We rate and audit our suppliers to evaluate their long-term viability and in turn their ability to support our businesses sustainably going forward. Approximately 45% of global third-party spending is with suppliers who are near the facilities they serve, reducing our carbon footprint and around 85% of our steel is derived primarily from scrap metal. SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS ITW develop new products and solutions through Customer-Back Innovation. Our customers are often challenged with environmental issues such as how to reduce energy use or emissions. Working with our customers, we aim to address these challenges through the development of new and existing products and the life cycle and durability of a product is always a key consideration. KEEPING PASLODE PRODUCTS IN USE FOR LONGER Paslode products are designed to have a long life cycle, and we are proud of the durability and reliability of our product offerings – we take pride in the fact that our tools are not disposable commodities. We provide training to users to ensure the products are being used safely and correctly, and to ensure a longer life span of the product. We are also extremely proud to offer an after-sales repair service, ensuring that all Paslode tools remain in action for longer. This repair service is available for up to 6 years after the product has been discontinued from the range. SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING ITW are investing in resources to identify ways to reduce packaging overall, while still protecting our product throughout the delivery process. The majority of our Nail FuelPack (NFP) boxes are manufactured from over 50% recycled cardboard and are FSC approved. Our NFP handles are made of 100% recycled material, and we have also removed a black plastic strap from our nail packs, resulting in a 50% plastic reduction per pack. Our iconic orange tool cases are also 100% recyclable. CARBON EMISSIONS & EFFICIENCIES By 2030, ITW aims to reduce GHG emissions by 40% below 2017 levels. Our strategy to achieve this target includes: We are pleased to have achieved a 37% GHG emissions reduction through 2021, compared with our 2017 baseline year, based on our third-party verified data. We periodically review our supply networks to optimise distribution and storage patterns, resulting in improved freight routes, less packaging waste and reduced carbon emissions and environmental impact. The electricity in our main Paslode European nail factory is powered by 100% renewable energy from the windmills around the local area in Denmark. Our nail manufacturing plant in Burgos, Spain is also in the process of replacing the current gas boiler heating system with one powered by biomass energy, fuelled by wood collected during the clearing of forests in the local Castile and Leon regions. Other ITW Construction Products factories in Europe are investing in sustainable energy sources such as solar panelling. ENTERING THE DIGITAL AGE Most of our communications are now carried out digitally, via our social media channels or website, or via email for communications to our dealer network. If you have opened one of our orange tool cases recently you will notice we no longer supply a physical warranty card – your tool can be registered directly via our website – and our Paslode tool training cards are now available digitally. We have also cut down on the amount of product literature that we produce, opting for directing our customers towards our web site and social media using QR codes and clickable digital links. If you would like to know more about ITW’s sustainability policy, click here.
40 YEARS OF INNOVATION: THE HISTORY OF PASLODE
THE ORIGINS OF PASLODE The Paslode brand was founded in the USA in 1935 by JW Leslie, an innovator in the packaging industry. The name itself is an acronym for PAcking Shipping LOading Devices. Leslie’s business prided itself in listening to customers, aiding them to develop innovative products that address their everyday challenges. This customer-backed innovation approach is something that Paslode still embraces to this day. Paslode’s first big breakthrough in the fixing market came in 1959 with the world’s first pneumatic tool – a light-duty upholstery tacker – closely followed in 1962 by the Paslode GN-212, the world’s first pneumatic nailer. The brand continued to develop products in the following years, with more innovations into the market. These included the invention of the PL™ Tape, a revolutionary collation tape used to hold together fasteners, amongst other things. PASLODE MEETS ITW In 1986, Paslode was acquired by Illinois Tool Works (ITW). Prior to this, Paslode engineers had been working on developing a solution for powering nailing tools without the need to attach a compressor. Ideas revolved around the concept of gas-powered nailing, and in 1983 the first US patent on the Paslode gas-powered gun nailer was issued. THE BIRTH OF CORDLESS NAILING In January 1986 Paslode launched the first ever cordless nailing gun, powered by a miniature linear combustion motor. Unlike the synonymous orange tools of today, the Paslode Impulse 300/75N was black and was designed for use on framing applications, firing 2-3 inch (approx. 50-76mm) nails. Several modifications were made over the next few years. In 1989 the IM-325 Type 1 came to market, with a larger combustion chamber and redesigned magazine allowing for longer nails to be used in the tool. During the 1990s Paslode continued to grow and develop its offering, and the first cordless finishing nailer was produced in 1992. In 1994 Paslode redefines metal connector installation with the Positive Placement® system, which comes to the market as a pneumatic tool in the first instance. INTO THE 21ST CENTURY AND BEYOND The 21st century continued much like the last with product innovation at the forefront for Paslode. In 2013 the Paslode Lithium Tools launched, including the improved IM65 and IM65A trim tools, and the NEW IM360Ci & PPN35Ci tools featuring innovative Start & Go® technology. Paslode continue to develop new and improved solutions for wood-to-wood framing and finishing applications whilst growing the range of specialist tools. The latest PPNXi tool has proven to be a must-have on-site for those tasked with fixing metalwork like joists and bracketry, and the IM45 GN coil nailer provides a perfect solution for a wide range of applications from fixing metal roofing to cladding installation. Both these tools have found their niche by substantially reducing fixing time when compared to hand hammering. The most recent addition to the legacy comes in the form of the NEW Paslode IM350+. This seventh-generation cordless framing nailer boasts the same power and performance as previous Paslode tools, ensuring that the reputation of power with dependability continues and will do for generations to come.
TRUST PASLODE FOR ALL YOUR ROOF FIXING NEEDS
Paslode have over many years built an enviable reputation for delivering best-in-class nailing systems, revolutionising construction methods and reducing labour time whilst increasing product reliability and on-site safety. When completing your roofing projects, Paslode have a selection of tools to make your job quicker and easier, whilst ensuring that you consistently achieve the best possible quality fix, offering solutions for a range of different roofing applications. FOR ROOF CONSTRUCTION – STEP FORWARD THE 360Xi At the outset of your roof construction, particularly when laying roof battening, boarding and flat roofing, the Paslode 360Xi framing nailer provides the perfect fixing solution. The tool boasts an unbeatable power-to-weight ratio promoting all-day productivity. FIXING METAL WORK? TRY THE PPNXi The Paslode PPNXi tool provides an efficient and safe way of installing hangers, brackets and straps thanks to an innovative locator probe that accurately delivers a hardened twist nail in the precise required location. FOR THE METAL ROOFER – THE IM45 GN COIL NAILER Finally, when fixing metal roofing the IM45 cordless coil nailer has been proven to increase productivity on-site by as much as 40%. This also has an impact on costs, saving you precious time and money in comparison to traditional hand-nailing methods.
STRONG, RELIABLE, DURABLE: THE NEW PASLODE IM350+
Building on a rich heritage of manufacturing quality cordless nailers that are trusted by professional users, Paslode are proud to announce the latest, new and improved iteration of our iconic IM350+ tool. The tool is the longest serving in the Paslode family, famed for its optimum performance and durability and benefiting from 40 years of customer insight and innovation. THE 7th GENERATION OF PASLODE TECHNOLOGY The new IM350+ tool heralds the seventh generation of Paslode’s gas-nailing technology, with a whole host of improvements made with the professional end user in mind, making the job of fixing wood to wood quicker and easier than ever before. FEEL THE DIFFERENCE With the new IM350+ you can really feel the difference right from the moment you pick the tool up. Improvements have been made across the tool to increase useability and comfort, which is vitally important when you are using your tool day in and day out. FATIGUE FREE ALL DAY The tool is the lightest on the market, with changes made to improve ergonomics and enhance the user experience. The rubberised grip handle makes the tool more comfortable to hold, and the tool itself is better balanced, which means you can work in comfort, fatigue free all day long. IMPROVED NAIL LOADING Some impressive changes have also been made to the nail loading system – a redesigned nail lip and by-pass follower allows for smoother nail loading, making the operation quicker and hassle-free. The fan also runs a little longer after rapid nail firing on the IM350+ tool helping to cool the tool quicker, preventing overheating. PRODUCTIVITY IS KEY Productivity really is at the heart of this newest IM350+ tool. Aside from the features mentioned previously, the tool also benefits from an improved battery removal system which makes it far swifter to change. We’ve also made it far easier for you to put your tool down with our new slip-proof head cover, making day to day operation of the tool simpler and user-friendly. The IM350+ is compatible with the standard Paslode Lithium battery and benefits from Paslode’s renowned quality and durability – it will withstand wear and tear on-site, guaranteeing you a tool that is both strong and reliable. To find out more about the NEW IM350+ tool on our product page, or visit your local Paslode dealer.