TOOLS OF THE TRADE
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Why Makita continues to lead the jobsite Makita has been manufacturing
manufacturing processes demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility without compromising performance. The Makita advantage Professionals choose tools for three reasons: reliability, power, and trust. Makita delivers on all three. The brand’s reputation has been built over decades of consistent quality control, rigorous testing, and feedback-driven design improvements. In an industry where downtime costs money and performance defines reputation, Makita remains a trusted partner on jobsites around the world. Three-D Agencies is a proud partner of Makita Corporation, delivering professional- grade power solutions to support tradespeople on every jobsite.
tools, from drills and impact drivers to outdoor power equipment. • XGT (40 V max): Designed for high- demand industrial and heavy-duty applications, delivering corded-level power without the cord. These platforms allow professionals to build entire tool arsenals on a single battery ecosystem. The result? Efficiency, cost savings, and fewer compatibility headaches on the job. Built for professionals What separates Makita from competitors isn’t just power; it’s precision engineering. These tools are engineered to withstand constant use in harsh conditions. Many Makita tools feature: • Brushless motor technology for extended life and efficiency; • Advanced battery protection systems; • Ergonomic, lightweight designs to reduce fatigue; and • Extreme Protection
extends far beyond traditional construction. Landscapers rely on cordless blowers and string trimmers. Mechanics depend on high-torque impact wrenches. Woodworkers trust precision routers and track saws. Even DIY enthusiasts are embracing Makita for its professional feel and reliability. This versatility reflects the company’s broader mission: to create a unified battery-powered ecosystem that supports every trade. Sustainability meets performance Makita has also invested heavily in sustainability. By pushing cordless solutions and reducing reliance on gas- powered equipment, the brand supports cleaner, quieter jobsites. Its battery recycling initiatives and energy-efficient
professional-grade power tools for over a century, building a reputation on the jobsite for durability and performance across residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Available locally from Three-D Agencies, the range continues to expand with cordless technology and battery platforms that are reshaping how electrical contractors work. A legacy of innovation Founded in 1915 in Nagoya, Japan, Makita began as an electric motor sales and repair company. Over the decades, the company expanded into power tools, becoming a pioneer in cordless technology. In fact, Makita was one of the first manufacturers to introduce lithium-ion battery tools to the professional market, setting a new standard for runtime, charge speed, and tool longevity. That early commitment to battery innovation has shaped the brand’s identity. Rather than chasing trends, Makita engineers tools around real-world jobsite needs: longer runtime, reduced downtime, and consistent torque under load. The cordless revolution: LXT and XGT At the heart of Makita’s modern lineup are its battery platforms: • LXT (18 V lithium-ion): A comprehensive system with hundreds of compatible
Enquiries: www.three-d.co.za
Technology (XPT) for dust and water resistance. Expanding beyond construction Makita’s reach now
Tork Craft rolls out 127-piece Trackbox Racing Edition toolbox
Non-compliant flame-retardant cables detected in lab tests I ndependent laboratory testing has uncovered non-compliance with South Africa’s compulsory SANS 1507 exceed red-stripe pricing, and white-stripe is the most expensive due to the use of advanced polymers in the manufacturing process.” He adds that SANS 1507, aligned with
tray houses everyday essentials: eight screwdrivers (slotted, Phillips, and Torx), a 3 m tape measure, 150 mm mechanical vernier, utility knife with ten spare blades, a 75-lumen torch, pencil-type tyre pressure gauge, Schrader valve key, brass wire brush, and a telescopic magnetic pick-up tool. The top tray is where things get more specialised, with sliding T-bar wrenches in six sizes (8–17 mm), spark plug sockets, and a comprehensive socket set spanning 1/4”, 3/8”, and 1/2” drives, including 1/4” bit sockets covering Torx, slotted, hex, Phillips, and Pozi drive types. Extension bars and drive adaptors complete the set. Across the three drawers, users will find combination spanners from 6–24 mm, circlip pliers (internal and external), a 250 mm locking plier, hex key set (1.5–10 mm), a 3/8” mechanical torque wrench with a 10–60 Nm range, reversible ratchets in 1/4” and 1/2” drive, a water pump box joint plier, 400 mm tyre levers, a chain breaker, cable lube tool, spring pulling tool, spoke wrench kit, machinist and mallet hammers, long nose, combination, and diagonal pliers, and a half-round steel file. A foam storage cut-out provides space for additional items, and a racing sticker set is included for good measure. make the Trackbox Racing Edition a practical choice for anyone who needs to transport a full tool set between jobs or to the track. The empty box is also available separately (TCTB005) for those who prefer to populate it with their own selection. Built for the field The lockable drawers and carry handles
Tork Craft has unveiled its latest addition to the Performance Garage range, the Trackbox Racing Edition (TCTB127) – a fully kitted 127-piece top box that packs an impressive spread of chrome vanadium tools into a compact, lockable steel case. This toolbox is locally available from Vermont Sales. Measuring 600 mm (L) x 270 mm (W) x 320 mm (H) and weighing in at 26 kg, this is a serious working kit designed for anyone who needs a well-organised, portable tool solution. The powder-coated steel construction is built to take knocks, while three lockable drawers running on 35 mm ball-bearing slides ensure smooth, reliable access to every tool inside. A top tray and lid tray round out the storage, with foam inserts keeping everything snug and in its place. What’s inside The TCTB127 covers an enormous amount of ground for a single toolbox. The lid
standards in several locally manufactured and imported electrical cables. This was revealed by South Ocean Electric Wire (SOEW)’s testing laboratory in Alrode. SOEW is a JSE-listed local cable manufacturer. This underscores the risk that numerous electrical installations, including underground mines and high-rise buildings, could be facing potential health hazards in the case of a fire due to the installation of inferior or non- compliant products where a standard wire or cable type does not meet all fire and related emission safety standards. Andre Smith, CEO of SOEW, explains that cables are identified by extruded stripes on their black outer sheath. A red stripe denotes Flame Retardant (FR) PVC, which produces dense smoke and corrosive hydrogen chloride gas (HCl) upon burning, making it unsuitable for certain buildings and underground mine installations. A blue stripe indicates Low Halogen Flame Retardant (LHFR) cables, emitting less smoke and fewer toxic gases, and a white stripe signifies Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cables, generating minimal smoke with no toxic emissions. “In applications such as solar installations, engineering projects, manufacturing facilities, construction, and industrial settings, selecting the correct cable is crucial to reduce safety and fire risks,” Smith explains. “Fire retardant (FR) PVC (red stripe) is unsuitable for confined environments due to its emissions, while LHFR (blue) and LSZH (white) provide graduated protection for applications involving sensitive electronics or personnel. Costs rise with the performance level. Blue-stripe cables
international standards such as IEC 60332, IEC 60331, UL 94, and BS 6387, mandates specific requirements for flame retardancy and emissions in all installed cables and wires. For example, Part 4 of SANS 1507 details additional criteria for fire-retardant cables, including materials, construction, and electrical performance. These standards ensure the cable design will delay the spread of a fire by self- extinguishing when the flame source is removed, as the cable’s required polymer’s Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) exceeds the percentage found in normal air, preventing sustained burning. Smith notes that SOEW’s tests revealed shortcuts by manufacturers, including the use of substandard polymers that render cables non-compliant and hazardous. Instances include mismarking FR PVC as LHFR or even LSZH by applying a blue or a white stripe on the cable and using LSZH only on outer sheaths, while inner cores and the cable bedding do not comply with the required standards. Contractors have also been found to substitute blue-stripe cables for the required white-stripe variants to cut costs. He adds that cable verification requires specialised equipment, which not all manufacturers possess. Many rely on unverified manufacturer datasheets. As a reputable manufacturer, SOEW cautions users across these sectors against these dangers and offers independent testing for compliance assurance.
Enquiries: www.soew.co.za
Enquiries: www.vermontsales.co.za
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
MARCH 2026
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