OCL Tools Blog

The two varieties of snow shovels are generally the plastic snow shovel and the metal snow shovel and some may say that the plastic snow shovel is slightly inferior to the metal snow shovel but these days with the advancements in technology and manufacturing methods, there are some really good strong plastic snow shovels on the market.

The metal varieties have their place and are definitely excellent at removing large volumes of snow but whilst they are strong enough and don’t break easily, they are heavier because of the material they are made of and because we tend to scoop up more snow. The metal varieties of snow shovels are great for removing larger volumes but will be heavier to lift and thus put more pressure on the muscles. It is largely down to personal preference and the volume of snow you are likely to be removing.

The plastic variety of snow shovel is lighter to use and there are some great types that are strong and very durable. The choice is largely a personal one and some prefer plastic whilst others insist on the metal varieties.

The aluminium snow shovels are stronger than the plastic variety but slightly more fragile than some steel types. Whichever model you choose, there is no doubt that come the winter months; the snow shovel is an excellent tool.

Always take the time to look at the different types available as there are many more than you might think, there are also the varieties that are made from largely plastic but have metal tips on the actual scoop which gives the plastic snow shovel more strength.

Tags: aluminium snow shovels, metal snow shovels, plastic variety snow shovel, snow shovels

When buying essential hand tools, it is really important to select the right ones and the right sized hand tools. Essential gardening hand tools include spades and forks and they normally come in two standard lengths and it is really important to select the correct one to ensure you don’t put extra pressure on the back and other muscles. It is important to select your own hand tools to ensure you can measure them out correctly.

Spades and forks also come in many different widths for digging and weeding different sized plots, the wider hand tools will always be heavier and you must take this into consideration when selecting them.

There are also different manufacturers and this will change the way the hand tools look and feel here are many different handle forms and the choice is largely down to personal preference, always try a few and decide which one works best for you. In general a good quality hand tool will have good shaft and handle connection and be strong and durable, it is always better to select good strong durable hand tools from the off set to ensure longevity and ease of use.

There are literally hundreds of hand tools on the market and new ones are being introduced and invented all the time, there are many hand tools that you will not need to begin with and it is important to make a list of what you are shopping for to avoid any unwanted hand tools.

The Hoe is one of the most used garden hand tools and gardeners will often find they cannot carry out specific tasks without it.  The hoe is often used for weeding and is an essential hand tool that is incredibly effective.  The hoe is often also used for turning over soil as well as weeding and hoe’s may come in different lengths although they tend to be quite standard. Most hoes will allow the user to be in a standing position without too much bending.

Always take the time to consider the different types of gardening hand tools before purchase, this ensures that you select the correct type that will last the test of time.

Tags: Forks, Garden Tools, Gardening Hand tools, Hand tools, Hoe, Hoe's, Spades

Rock salt works simply by lowering the freezing temperature of water and thus when applied to affected areas will successfully melt the snow and ice effectively.  Read More

Tags: Rock salt

There are different types of electrical safety gloves and there will be certain and specific regulations within organisations that state quite clearly the type of electrical safety gloves that must be worn. It is vitally important to protect the wearer in circumstances where there is a danger of electrical injury and carrying out tasks that pose electrical hazards is dangerous.

There are certain aspects of electrical safety gloves that have to have specific attributes and electrical safety gloves are normally standard rubber varieties that have excellent flexibility and strength.

Different working environments pose different levels of voltage risk and the safety gloves you need and require will reflect that.  Electrical safety gloves are only one part of the protection needed when working with high levels of voltage, normally protective safety gloves are worn over the top of the rubber insulating gloves to protect the hands further from cuts, abrasions and damage.

The fit of the outer safety gloves must be precise and allow the hands to move freely and have flexibility when in the working environment.  Certain safety gloves are worn over the rubber safety gloves in both the warm weather and cold weather to remove sweat and perspiration and to keep the hands warm.

Safety gloves worn in an electrical risk environment are continually tested to ensure they provide the level of protection needed and each pair of safety gloves will be inspected on a regular basis to ensure they are in full working order.

Many people mistakenly think that the rubber insulating gloves will offer full protection to the hands but in fact the safety gloves worn over the rubber insulating safety gloves are just as vital  for protecting the hands from further damage in the form of cuts and abrasions.

If the electrical safety gloves become damaged in any way, they must immediately be disposed of and a new pair employed to ensure constant protection, damaged gloves cannot be relied upon to offer the same amount of protection as a pair in full working order.

If in any doubt about the type or specification of safety gloves in specific environments, always seek advice and information to ensure you have the dull protection you need.

Tags: electrical safety gloves, insulating safety gloves, protective safety gloves, rubber insulating gloves, Safety gloves

It really depends on what job you are doing at home, which will determine the type of safety gloves you need.

Read More

Tags: Safety gloves

Snow shovels can be put into two categories, the plastic varieties and the metal varieties. The metal varieties are broken into aluminium snow shovels and steel snow shovels and there are differences between the two.

The plastic varieties of snow shovels are really great tools and are ample enough to move reasonable amounts of snow easily and quickly. They work really well with quite considerable amounts of snow but if the snow level is over knee level, the plastic variety of snow shovels may break or crack, this is largely down to the material they are made from and they are simply not made to scrape compacted snow and ice from roads. The plastic variety of snow shovel also comes in convenient fold away snow shovels for carrying in the car and during emergencies.

The metal varieties of snow shovel are either made form aluminium or steel, the aluminium snow shovel is lighter in comparison to the steel variety and is really easy to use. It will remove reasonable amounts of snow and last probably longer than the plastic variety of snow shovel.

The steel snow shovels are heavy tools but none the less, they are excellent at removing large levels of snow and they are great tools for removing compacted ice and snow that has formed on the road over long periods of time.

The length of the snow shovel also matters and you should always try out the different varieties before purchasing the right one for you. There are new and innovative designs being made all of the time and a newer version of snow shovel is largely plastic with a steel tip which gives the plastic snow shovel more strength when removing compacted snow and ice.

Tags: aluminium snow shovels, snow shovels, steel snow shovels

It is not really a question of what is the best thermal underclothing to purchase but more of which type is best for which environment and this can be a tricky choice.   Read More

Tags: Thermal underclothing

Stanley hand tools have been in business for many years and are largely successful because of the quality of their products and the reasonable prices they offer.   Read More

Tags: Stanley Hand Tools

Safety gloves cover a wide selection of gloves that are primarily used to protect the hands in a multitude of environments, some safety gloves are more specialised than others offering specific protection from certain chemicals and elements whilst others are designed to be more general and will protect the hands whilst working in low hazardous environments.

The leather safety glove is one example of this, leather safety gloves come in many different styles and designs as well as sizes and there are specific safety gloves designed for both males and females. In general leather safety gloves are waterproof, comfortable to wear and will generally protect the hands from abrasions and general wear and tear whilst in a working environment.

Within each category of safety glove is another category and there seems to be an endless supply of different types. Some industries will insist on specific safety gloves for specific environments whilst other industries will have a broader categorisation of what is necessary.

Electrical safety gloves are a very specific safety glove which is designed to protect the wearer from high and low voltage risk which can seriously damage or even result in death if the worker is subjected to them. The rubber insulated safety glove is commonly used and is often the first line of defence against such accidents.  If you are working within an electrical environment, there will almost certainly be regulation in place that insists all workers are required to wear specific safety equipment including specific safety gloves.

Many industries require electrical safety gloves including machine workers, maintenance workers, field service technicians and many more.  There are different types of rubber safety gloves depending on the environment you are in and they will have various linings in order to ensure comfort to the wearer. The linings are often made from different materials such as wool and linen.

Electrical safety gloves are also often worn under other gloves to protect the rubber insulating gloves from puncture and damage. This will also protect the hands from sharp objects and other dangers within the work place.

The most important aspect of purchasing any safety gloves is to purchase the correct ones for the environment you are in. Safety gloves are subject to constant testing and improvement to ensure they comply with all safety standards.

If you are shopping for a specific safety glove, always get as much information as you can, the internet is a good source of information and will ensure you purchase the correct safety gloves for you.

Tags: electrical safety gloves, Rubber insulated safety gloves, rubber safety gloves, Safety gloves

Home owners can be prepared for the bad winter months by ensuring they have all the necessary rock salt they need by purchasing this in advance. Rock salt is available in larger or smaller rock salt bags with easy carry bags for home use.    Read More

Tags: Rock salt