Hello All,
When I first started installing Domestic Heating systems in the early 1970`s we used a `Floorboard Saw` - a specially designed hand wood saw with a curved front - to cut all of the Floorboards that we needed to take up to install the pipework - it was hard work on the wrist when a lot of boards had to be cut.
I hate to think about the amount of time it must have been taking to Cut and Lift the amount of Floorboards required to install a Heating system and carry out a Re-Plumb in even a 3 Bedroom House !
And then have to cut notches in all of the Joists using a Handsaw !
I am sure that other Members who worked in the 1970`s / earlier years used exactly the same Floorboard saw.
And as other Members have mentioned we used Rawlplug Tools for the screw holes for Radiator brackets, Clips and most other fixing holes in Walls.
Although I was `Young, Fit and Enthusiastic` I soon decided to buy a `Skillsaw` [the actual brand] a Drill, Transformer and extension leads !
Because of the design of the `Original Skillsaw` blade guard it was actually quite dangerous to use cutting across Floorboards.
From memory these Tools were `REALLY Expensive` at that time [possibly about 2 weeks wages ?] and I felt that I could not leave them out of my sight for even a moment when working on Sites or Refurbishment Jobs - I became almost `paranoid` about the Tools being stolen.
It was almost unheard of - a `Young Plumber / Heating Installer` having those Power Tools - and ridiculously even most large Plumbing & Heating Companies had Tradesmen working with Floorboard Saws and Rawlplug Tools in the early to mid 1970`s.
The money that must have been lost [could have been saved] Labour wise by not having Power Tools must have been astronomical !
Regards,
Chris