Are giraffes more at risk from lightening?

I attended ESD training in Germany last week, held by our suppliers Wolfgang Warmbier. I had attended training some 10 years ago, but felt it important to stay on top of the latest developments. The training was attended by delegates from around the world, Spain, Romania, Slovenia to name a few.  We spent the time discussing and learning more about the ways to combat and prevent ESD events, through a wide range of products.

Interestingly, we had hosted the MD of Wolfgang Warmbier previously in South Africa, and he was very keen to see some wildlife, we arranged a visit to a park, and he was most amazed not to see any giraffes (in this park).  The reason was that two had been struck by lightning and died. The others were moved for their safety. What causes lightening? I'm glad you asked:

Lightning is an atmospheric electrical discharge (spark) accompanied by thunder, usually associated with and produced by cumulonimbus clouds.  From this discharge of atmospheric electricity, a leader of a bolt of lightning can travel at speeds of 220,000 km/h (140,000 mph), and can reach temperatures of about 30,000 °C.

There are some 16 million lightning storms in the world every year. Lightning causes ionisation in the air through which it travels. How lightning initially forms is still a matter of debate. Scientists have studied root causes ranging from atmospheric perturbations (wind, humidity, friction, and atmospheric pressure) to the impact of solar wind and accumulation of charged solar particles. Ice inside a cloud is thought to be a key element in lightning development, and may cause a forcible separation of positive and negative charges within the cloud, thus assisting in the formation of lightning.

Static electricity effects us in our daily life- take a look here at what happened to a lady while filing up with petrol. The effect it has on the devices we use, normally happens during manufacture: whether a cellphone, laptop, appliance, Pc board etc. Nowadays anyone that is in anyway exposed to the inner workings of electronic devices, be it in production, maintenance or repair, needs to take into consideration, the effect of the HBM (human body model) and take the preventative measures to reduce an ESD event. 

I guess we take for granted how static is generated, or how often it occurs in our daily lives, I found this video which simplifies the description of thecharging process. Take a look and see that by rubbing two surfaces together (in everyday life) a charge is generated. We can gladly help you if you have any queries relating to ESD

Stay warm.
Best regards , 

John Christensen 

8 tips for power tool care

If you are cleaning any type of power tool that tends to collect sawdust, use the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner to blast out any dirt is stuck within the grooves.

Power tools are essential for maintaining and improving your home, and it pays to invest in quality tools that will not only do the job, but will last long as well.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of your tools will ensure that they are always in good condition and ready for use when you need them.
While today's power tools don't require a lot of maintenance, you still need to keep them clean and store them properly.
For well maintained tools follow these top guidelines:
1. Before performing any maintenance or cleaning refer to the manufacturers guidelines in this regard.

2. Always disconnect tools from the power source before cleaning them.

Always keep instruction manuals in a safe place where you can easily find them.

3. If you are cleaning a chainsaw, jigsaw, or any other type of power tool that tends to collect sawdust, you can use the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner to blast out any sawdust and dirt that has accumulated within the grooves and crevices.
4. Use a dry cloth to wipe down the power cord, and inspect the cord for any nicks, cuts, fraying or damage.
If you do find any damage , have the cord replaced before using the power tool again.
5. Check any exposed metal parts of the tool for rust. If there are signs of rust, remove it by briskly rubbing it off with some steel wool.
6. If you use your power tools on a regular basis, chances are that sooner or later they are going to need some replacement parts.
When purchasing power tools always check that the manufacturer carries sufficient stock of spares, and has service outlets, so that you can easily obtain any replacements parts when needed.
And that includes spares for power tools that are discontinued.

While today's power tools don't require a lot of maintenance, you still need to keep them clean and store them properly.

7. Always keep instruction manuals in a safe place where you can easily find them.
Many manuals contain detailed instructions on how to replace major components.
8. Clean your tools before putting them away in a dry place, out of children’s reach.
Do not use water or any wet cleaning materials on your power tools.
A small, stiff paintbrush and a clean cloth is enough to remove any built-up dust.

Article courtesy of www.home-dzine.co.za

  

For every lock there is at least one key.

Winter has finally landed, last week in Jo'burg it was fairly evident, and then out of nowhere we have such a glorious clear sky'd warm Saturday.  If this is how it is going to be then we can live with it.
I spent a week over at CK, in North Wales this month, what an experience, the folk there were so hospitable.  The weather was far from it, it poured and poured, to such an extend the grazing areas for the sheep were for the most part under water- this is a common occurance for the folk that live there. - they didn't seem phased by this weather (the sheep)

The reason for my visit was for a new product which arrives with us this week.  We think there is a need for quality  padlocks, I think the fact that we are faced with crime to the extend we are in South Africa, we are forced to lock up our possesions, whether it's your gym locker, or your front gate it just makes sense to offer a strong product like KASP Padlocks.  They have been sold in the UK since 2006 against the usual lock suspects and have thrived.
"Kasp locks are designed and manufactured to the highest standards. Precision engineered from premium grade materials, ensuring exceptional strength and outstanding reliability, Kasp locks are renowned for being locks you can trust.  Kasp range is supported by colour-coded packaging designed to be informative ( Red=high, Orange=Medium & Yellow=low security) and assist selection in-store. That's why Kasp® is confident to offer a full 10 year guarantee against defects in manufacture and materials on all mechanical security products,"

                                             

Locks for various uses like:

Luggage, Cabinets, Toolboxes, Lockers, Sheds,Gates,Garages,Shutters,Vehicles,Site Gates,Lock offs,Containers,Machinery,Bikes,Scooters, Motorbikes

You are more than welcome to view our range and find locks to match your needs.  We will also be offering "keyed alike" (which means you can have more than one lock but one key can open them all)

I have added some new "How to Videos". If you have ever hurt yourself while running check out Derek Redmond this guy's will and determination is truly inspirational..

Let's not forget the guy hanging over a building testing the strength of our Padlocks.  Locks you can trust.  Next time you need a padlock get one you can trust, a KASP.

We have joined in support of OUTA (Opposition to Urban Tolling) and you might see our bumper stickers on the Jo'burg highways.(we have plenty if anyone needs more)

Best regards , 

John Christensen

Christensen Tools
Please call us. We do everything in tools.
Choose Christensen Tools for quality.

3D printer creates working wrench

Scientists have created an amazing video showing how astronauts of the future will 'print out' their tools.

It shows work by the Z Corporation, in Burlington, Massachusetts, which specialises in 3D printers that can make almost anything - even tools with moving parts.

In the clip, made by National Geographic, a huge adjustable wrench is first of all scanned into a computer, down to the accuracy of 40 microns - less than the width of a human hair.

The image is then sent to a printer that uses a "specially engineered composite material" that starts out as a powder and is then bound together with a type of resin.

Within 90 minutes, it has created a fully working, robust copy of the original wrench that even features the adjustable head.

Theoretical physicist David Kaplan, from Johns Hopkins University, said: "So going into space, you just take a printer and you can print whatever you want."

NO TOLL GP !

German tools and German beer- a great combination.

I have just returned from the eisenwarenmesse , (if your German is like mine and is limited to ordering a beer, not to worry) its the Main Hardware and Tool show held in the German city of Koln (or Cologne).  Here all the main players in the market strutt their new products.  You also get to sample the various beers Koln is so well known for.  They are all on tap, and taste like nothing we have here.  I got stuck in this Brewery

I had been to the Koln Hardware show many years ago and immediately noticed the effect of the global economy with this visit.  There were a lot less exhibitors and visitors to the show. I thought it was because of them charging me the equivalent of R80 for a sandwich and tiny bottle of water, but alas I think the European crisis is having a bigger impact.

I managed to see most of the stalls and view their products, there is a lot of the same products being sold by different suppliers.  My focus has always been on alligning ourselves with quality conscious suppliers.  Price is one thing, but the real cost of poor quality is another. I think I have identified a few new products that would complement our range.  I will tell you more once they have been finalised. Just a teaser is ....

Rescue Tape Gets You Out of Nearly Any Bind (Without a Sticky Mess) -Duct tape is good for a great many things, but if you're sick of the sticky, messy hassle, Rescue Tape is a pretty great alternative. It sticks only to itself, and can patch holes, act as shrink-wrapping, or even mend wounds. Rescue Tape is kind of like a Fruit Roll Up, in the sense that it's stretchy, sticks only to itself, and can withstand a ton of heat, electricity, and pressure. You can use (Rescue tape not the fruit roll) it for just about anything, big or small—fixing pipe leaks, protecting boards while you're soldering, or even just as an impromptu bandage.  You can even seal things underwater or while a pipe is leaking. Best of all, it doesn't leave behind the awful residue that other tape does, despite its strength. The video  is pretty cheesy, but actually does a good job of explaining the hard-to-put-into-words product. (this product is a new product and we are still finalising our agreements, so no stock is available just yet)

Rescue Tape Suggested Uses • Emergency Radiator Hose Repair • Water Hose & Pipe repair • Boat Rigging • Coating ends of Rope • Home & Garden • Corrosion Protection • Electrical Insulation • Weatherproofing Electrical Connections • Wiring Harnesses • Wire Bundles • Sealing Electrical Connections • Plumbing Repair • Emergency O-Rings & Seals • Sport & Tool Handles • And much, much more!

We have just launched our version 1 (V.1) of our Apple app (Christensen Mobile App), it is available free to download from the App Store (Android and Blackberry to hopefully follow shortly)

The app is something that will evolve, and we will be adding new content.  One feature we quite like is the "send a photo"- If you are in a situation where you need a tool for a particular job but can't identify it, snap a picture and send it to us with the useful "send photo tool" on the App.  We also added a handy torch (lets hope there is no loadshedding).

There are some nice "How to Videos" in THIS section.

We have a new range of Padlocks designed to keep your stuff safe and locked up- there is an amazingly death defying video to go along with it!

The  Fluke 2012 catalouge is Now Available.

Found a remarkable video where an Eagle owl is filmed at 1000 frames per second- truly beautiful.

Best regards , 

John Christensen

Apple app

We have great news!  Our first Apple app is ready for you to download.

Have a look and tell us what you think.