Essential with Screwfix downlights - Cutex!

sparc · Oct 21, 2013

So you've got the right sized hole cutter, marked out a neat DL pattern with your laser .... but have you borrowed the Cutex from your missus?

Just come back from having to clean the residue gum from a dozen brushed steel Screwfix DLs, using the first acetone-based cleaner I could lay my hands on: my wife's nail polish remover.

This was after having carefully peeled off all the stickers saying "Max 50W.... " which - surprise-surprise - the customer didn't want left on her shiny new downlights. This is the second batch of Screwfix downlights I've had trouble removing labels from. I'm wondering if their suppliers have gone over to horse-base glue to reduce costs even further!?

Anyone else finding a use for - er - 'non-standard' tools??

telectrix · Oct 21, 2013

you can actually buy label remover. does what it says on the tin.

Andy78 · Oct 21, 2013

I have used nail polish remover before for cleaning up worktops after applying edging glue and colourfill. Works a treat.

Also baby oil is a winner for buffing up stainless steel after you have got your mucky paws all over the new kitchen hob and extractor hood.

Another top tip is to stop buying downlights from screwfix. I get JCC fireguard for £5.50 which is cheap enough to compete with screwfix.

sparc · Oct 21, 2013

JCC for £5.50??

Andy78 · Oct 21, 2013

Yep. The GU10 fireguard ones with halogen lamp for £5.50 +vat.

lockhes · Oct 21, 2013

LEW by any chance andy

markc123 · Oct 21, 2013

Andy78 said:
I have used nail polish remover before for cleaning up worktops after applying edging glue and colourfill. Works a treat.

Also baby oil is a winner for buffing up stainless steel after you have got your mucky paws all over the new kitchen hob and extractor hood.

Another top tip is to stop buying downlights from screwfix. I get JCC fireguard for £5.50 which is cheap enough to compete with screwfix.

What you and your clients get up to is none of the forums business...

Andy78 · Oct 21, 2013

lockhes said:
LEW by any chance andy

Yeah lol. Which branch do you use ?

lockhes · Oct 21, 2013

hull with good old dopey nathan

Andy78 · Oct 21, 2013

markc123 said:
What you and your clients get up to is none of the forums business...

It's a legitimate excuse for having a bottle in my toolbox, at the moment. Don't go spoiling it.

Andy78 · Oct 21, 2013

lockhes said:
hull with good old dopey nathan

Hahahaha he really is useless isn't he ? I don't know why they let him on the counter, he always has to call for backup to process a sale.

lockhes · Oct 21, 2013

hes usless i just go help myself its quicker and easier

if he wasnt lees brother he wouldnt have a job lol

markc123 · Oct 21, 2013

Bet you wouldn't be calling poor Nathan useless if he succumbed to your baby oil techniques lol.

Andy78 · Oct 21, 2013

lockhes said:
hes usless i just go help myself its quicker and easier

if he wasnt lees brother he wouldnt have a job lol

Ah thought there would be a good reason for it. Thought he was doing community service or something.
Lee runs a really good branch there. They do some good prices and it's usually my first stop to gear up for a job, but the lad should be making the tea and sweeping up to be fair.

sparc · Oct 21, 2013

No LEWs near me unfortunately. Mine is doing a JCC can + Osram LED for £12 plus the vat. Haven't tried it yet, sounds almost too good to be true.

Andy78 · Oct 21, 2013

sparc said:
No LEWs near me unfortunately. Mine is doing a JCC can + Osram LED for £12 plus the vat. Haven't tried it yet, sounds almost too good to be true.

I would jump on that, sounds a great deal. Just be sure they are not fobbing you off with a low lumen version Osram lamp.

lockhes · Oct 21, 2013

Andy78 said:
Ah thought there would be a good reason for it. Thought he was doing community service or something.
Lee runs a really good branch there. They do some good prices and it's usually my first stop to gear up for a job, but the lad should be making the tea and sweeping up to be fair.

yeah they are a good bunch

we only really use them sometimes yess electrical if where that side of town

Andy78 · Oct 21, 2013

Ugh I have been in yesss a few times now. Really slow service and not enough staff for a big branch. I don't really use any of the big chain wholesalers any more.
The local independants I find better. I use LEW, AA Jones, and Exsen, occasionally toolstation though for the odd cheap bits.

lockhes · Oct 22, 2013

never been in jones

used to used exsen

i quite like yes i always seem to get served quick and helpfull

Andy78 · Oct 23, 2013

lockhes said:
never been in jones

used to used exsen

i quite like yes i always seem to get served quick and helpfull

Xsen have picked themselves up lately. They actually keep stock in now and are back on the ball with pricing, their T+E prices are usually the best I can find. Worth a try again if you haven't used them in the last 6 months.

lockhes · Oct 23, 2013

its where ever i get sent by boss which is usually LEW though for sonme reason we use xsen for the not usually on stock items and most large swa

jimmymac · Oct 23, 2013

sparc said:
So you've got the right sized hole cutter, marked out a neat DL pattern with your laser .... but have you borrowed the Cutex from your missus?

Just come back from having to clean the residue gum from a dozen brushed steel Screwfix DLs, using the first acetone-based cleaner I could lay my hands on: my wife's nail polish remover.

This was after having carefully peeled off all the stickers saying "Max 50W.... " which - surprise-surprise - the customer didn't want left on her shiny new downlights. This is the second batch of Screwfix downlights I've had trouble removing labels from. I'm wondering if their suppliers have gone over to horse-base glue to reduce costs even further!?

Anyone else finding a use for - er - 'non-standard' tools??

I keep a tin of Carb Cleaner in the van, useful for all sorts of jobs like removing glue and it's only £1.99 for a big tin from the local car spares shop

timo1 · Nov 8, 2013

I hate the stickers that they put on the plastic conduit and i.p junction boxes. I dont lose sleep over it , im really just posting to get rid of the annoying banner on my log in as I havent posted for over seven days lol

Smudge · Nov 9, 2013

Andy78 said:
I have used nail polish remover before for cleaning up worktops after applying edging glue and colourfill. Works a treat.

Also baby oil is a winner for buffing up stainless steel after you have got your mucky paws all over the new kitchen hob and extractor hood.

Another top tip is to stop buying downlights from screwfix. I get JCC fireguard for £5.50 which is cheap enough to compete with screwfix.

Baby oil?? I hope this isn't a wind up cause i'm going straight home to try it on mine...

by mine, i clearly mean my, erm, cooker hood...

telectrix · Nov 10, 2013

Andy78 said:
I have used nail polish remover before for cleaning up worktops after applying edging glue and colourfill. Works a treat.

Also baby oil is a winner for buffing up stainless steel after you have got your mucky paws all over the new kitchen hob and extractor hood.

Another top tip is to stop buying downlights from screwfix. I get JCC fireguard for £5.50 which is cheap enough to compete with screwfix.

last time i put baby oil on my cooker, she liked it so much, she bought the company.