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Article
The benefits of using B3 foam instead of traditional methods

Recently, more and more construction workers are looking to use B3 foam for their tasks, especially when it comes to insulation and sealing.   But just what are the key benefits of using B3 foam? And how can using it not only make your life easier, but also help you get the job done well?  In this article, we will look at some of the key reasons to use B3 foam and look into just how much it can help you.  Firstly, what is B3 foam?  B3 foam is a polyurethane foam that self-expands and is used to fill gaps in the construction process.   Alternatives to B3 foam include expanding foam tape, non-expanding foam and other fire-rated foams, amongst others.  A gamechanger for insulation  The biggest selling point for B3 foam is its insulation capabilities, which have the potential to be revolutionary when used correctly.   When applied properly and with care, B3 foam can make a huge difference in regards to boosting energy efficiency and keeping the heat in.   The B3 foam itself expands when used to completely fill gaps, adding an insulation layer in the process and preventing the possibility of things like air leaks.   In fact, B3 foam will form an airtight seal when it is applied, so the chance of an air leak or any thermal bridging is pretty much wiped out.   This all makes a huge difference, making it easy to see why B3 foam is becoming more and more popular.    Expanding power and fending off moisture   As touched upon, another big pro to using B3 foam is the manner in which it expands after it’s used, which allows it to fill in pretty much any gap completely.   B3 foam can expand to two to three times its original volume after being applied, which enables it to completely cover the area it has been applied to, even if it is being applied in a peculiar area with obstructions.   In addition, B3 foam is very moisture resistant and this makes it a great choice for use in a basement or a loft, or any other humid or damp environment.   As it can help condensation buildup and moisture breaking through, this subsequently reduces the risk of any structural damage, as well as mould.   Easy to use and durable  Finally, using B3 is very easy. By using a foam gun, you can get to areas that would otherwise be difficult to access, while it is also compatible with a variety of core surfaces.   This includes the likes of wood, metal, concrete and masonry, which makes it a very versatile and adept product.   It is also incredibly durable and long-lasting, which is naturally very important. The lifespan of B3 foam is akin to the lifespan of the building it’s been applied to, which makes it incredibly low maintenance once it’s been applied.   Once it’s done, it’s done – you’re highly unlikely to have to go back to it or find a replacement in the immediate short term.   A more efficient way  There is a reason why B3 foam is becoming more and more popular and it’s something that we’re very much aware of at Multifix.   We are always working on our range and are making sure that we have suitable levels of stock at our warehouse for your use.   To see what types of B3 foam that Multifix offers, click this link.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
The construction industry is struggling, but are things getting better?

It’s no secret that things in the construction industry at this moment in time are not in the best of health. There’s hardship everywhere you look and unfortunately, it’s a very difficult time for many.   At some point, there will be a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, but the question on the lips of many is when is that light going to start to become brighter?  In this article, we will look at the current state of the construction industry and analyse where potential shoots of positivity could come from in the remainder of the year.  What’s actually happening at present?  The picture is a somewhat bleak one, with construction companies folding at the highest rate in a decade, according to the Financial Times.  According to the government’s Insolvency Service, 4,280 companies in construction went under between June 2022 and 2023, which was 16.5% more than the previous year.   The picture didn’t improve for the rest of 2023, with it being reported by insolvency practitioner Begbies Traynor in January 2024 that 7,849 firms were at risk of collapse.  That report from Begbies Traynor also highlighted that construction was the number one industry under significant financial distress.  Is there any positivity on the horizon?  The good news is yes, although it may still be a harsh ride until the end of the year. Currie & Brown have recently published their April 2004 UK construction market outlook and there are positive signs ahead.  They are forecasting that there should be an increase in construction activity, although there is a risk this “could strain the current limited labour and contracting resources.”  As such, they are hoping for a more staggered approach instead of “a synchronised rush where everyone pursues projects simultaneously.”  In addition, they believe that despite the slowdown, there is ample long-term demand and they feel that companies who can position themselves strategically will be best placed to deal with the spike.   The upturn isn’t just predicted by Currie & Brown, either. S&P Global believes that a painful six month period of decline is now over, as March 2024 saw the strongest increase in new orders since May 2023.   This is especially encouraging as it has shown that a period of growth is coming to the construction industry, which is really important.   The Glenigan Index isn’t quite as optimistic in the short-term, but does believe non-residential construction is showing signs of life, which is good.   Reasons to be hopeful  The Currie & Brown report is certainly a ray of sunshine amidst an otherwise cloudy backdrop and a much-needed one at that.   Naturally, there is still a long way to go, as per the Glenigan Index, but the S&P Global insight was especially positive.   As outlined in this article, we understand that things are very tough for everyone at present – whether you’re a small firm or a nationwide giant. If you have any concerns that we may be able to help with, feel free to get in touch with us. You can do so here.  

Read more → 3 min read
Video
Grab Strength Test

In this video, Daniel takes a few branded adhesives and compares their grab strength test with the Multifix Stuck-it Extreme

Read more → 5 min watch
Article
How a speedy supplier can improve your supply chain

The famous saying “slow and steady wins the race” certainly is true in some aspects and when it comes to a project, you can’t rush quality. However, it doesn’t always apply.   This is especially the case when you need service from your supplier quickly – be it getting a quote, making an order or receiving a delivery.  In this article, we will explain just why speed from your supplier matters and how it can make your life a whole lot easier.  More time to prioritise the things that matter  With a speedy supplier, everything falls into place much easier. You aren’t spending your day waiting around for a quote, you aren’t falling behind schedule because your deliveries are late and you can order what you need within seconds.   This allows you time to solve other issues and to focus on the things that really matter on your projects, whatever they may be.   Irrespective of what project you’re working on, being efficient helps significantly and if you can find a way to ensure that with your supplier, it all helps.   Speaking of help, what can Multifix do when it comes to speed?  Speed is one of the things prioritise so much at Multifix – and especially prioritising it while not compromising on our reliability or quality of service as a result.   For example, we’ve worked especially hard to be in a position where we can guarantee that you’ll have a quote back within half an hour.  In addition, should you be on our customer portal, it’s possible to make an order within 30 seconds. Everything on the portal is aimed at your convenience and that includes speed.   As for deliveries, 75% of our deliveries are on-site before 12pm midday. In some cases, we’ve been able to have goods ready before site work even starts.   When it comes to making your life easier, these are things we’ve found really help.   Rapid resolutions  We know how much speed can make an impact on your lives and your work projects, so that is one that will always remain one of our core customer values.   One aspect of our speedy service is our delivery though, which we are delighted to say has a 99.3% success rate. To find out exactly where we deliver to, click here.  

Read more → 2 min read
Video
Customer Portal overview - top features that will help your business

In this video, you will get an idea of what the top features are on the Multifix Customer Portal, in view of you understanding what you can do to get the maximum out of your portal account. Guides are here: https://multifixuk.com/expert_hub/portal-onboarding If you are unsure as to what user you are, see here: https://youtu.be/a8aaywvVmfs

Read more → 2 min watch
Article
I don’t have time – what do I need to know about Multifix?

We get it, you might not have time to hear us out properly. So here’s a super quick run-through of what we can offer you: - Fast and reliable delivery service – 99.3% success rate, 75% arrive before midday, next-day delivery as standard and your order can be live-tracked - Quality products, whatever you need – whether you’re in carpentry, brickwork or firestopping, we supply products from some of the best brands on the market - Expert staff – our team members have many years of experience behind them, so you’ll always be speaking to someone knowledgeable  - A personal touch – we remember your name, you get a call before delivery and we strive to give you a quote in 30 minutes - Customer portal – power to order in seconds, have proof of deliveries and invoices in one place, set up requisitions and impose spending limits  If you wish to find out more about any of these, give us a quick call and we’ll answer your queries. You can find out how to contact us here.  Sounds interesting? To see what else we can offer you, watch this video to find out more.  

Read more → 1 min read
Article
How can Multifix prove that they can give expert advice?

One thing that you’ll often see companies claim is that their staff members are experts in their field and that they’re extremely knowledgeable.  However, that isn’t always the case and it can be annoying for you to ring up a supplier, place an order and not get what you want, due to a lack of knowledge or experience.   At Multifix, we’re incredibly proud of the expertise within our team and we frequently make mention of it. But how can we prove that to you, especially if you’re someone who hasn’t used us before?  In this article, we will explore why we say what we do and how we can back up the claims that we make.   Staff with years of experience  When people join Multifix, they tend to stay. As an example, all of our account managers and customer service specialists have been with the company for several years – some of whom have been with us for over a decade.  Naturally, this is huge testament to the great work they do and the environment they’ve helped to create, but along the way, they’ve gained more and more experience and knowledge within their roles.  As such, when you speak to them, you can be assured that you’re speaking to an expert and that they’ll be able to handle your query with confidence.   Regular training   It’s no secret that things change in construction – whether it’s new regulations, new products or new technologies and it’s important to us that we keep our eye on the ball.   That’s why we frequently have training sessions for our staff, so that they are well versed with new developments, as and when they arise.   We’re more than happy to welcome in external experts to pass on their knowledge to our team, so that they are better equipped to take your query.  We see things first-hand  Another thing we do at Multifix is that we frequently go out on the road to see our customers and to see how they’re doing with their projects.  This is great for a number of reasons – not only can we see how things are going and whether our customers are satisfied with our service, but we can gain a better understanding of what you need from us when we’re out in the field.   These experiences help us immeasurably and speaking to you to find out what your key issues are and how they can be prevented has also allowed us to become more knowledgeable to handle your questions.   Sticking to our word  As with every form of life, your word should be your bond and that’s very much the case with us. When we say that we have a team of experts ready to take your query, we really mean it.   Our entire operation is built around doing what is best for you and that includes having extremely knowledgeable staff members to assist you wherever they can.   To find out more about how we can help you, please feel free to get in touch with us. You can do so by following this link.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
Our top five selling carpentry products of 2023

Seeing what is popular with our carpentry customers is always very interesting and for us, it’s also very important. We have to know what you want so that we can be better prepared for you in the future.   In this article, we will highlight the five best-selling carpentry products of 2023 and look at what makes each product so desirable.   5. Multifix 350ml Solvent Free Panel Adhesive  At number five is the 350ml Solvent Free Panel Adhesive, which is a very useful product for any carpenter.   Able to be used both internally and externally, the white panel adhesive cleans up with water and will provide very strong bond strength and reliable adhesion on the majority of common surfaces.   It can also be used on damp surfaces, which is a big plus and thanks to its extended open time, you have more time to reposition, should you need to.   In addition, there is an enhanced slump resistance, which allows for quick and direct bonding, while the high solids formulation reduces shrinkage.   You can view the product here.   4. Paslode Ring Galv Nail – IM360 Xi  Paslode nailers can be a carpenter’s best friend, regardless of whether they are first or second fix and when it comes to first fix, the IM360 Xi is one of the very best.   As such, it’s perhaps little surprise that the nail and fuel pack for that nailer feature so highly on this list. The sizes we offer are 51mm, 63mm, 75mm, the 90mm ring shank and the 90mm smooth.   This nail/pack comes with 3300 x 2.8mm nails, as well as three Xi-series fuel cells, making it a very useful combi-pack.  You can find the product here.   3. 600ml Fire & Acoustic Intumescent Foil The 600ml Fire & Acoustic Intumescent is an extremely valuable product for carpenters, given it plays a huge part in keeping people safe.   The role of any intumescent is to swell when exposed to heat and the Fire & Acoustic intumescent is very effective.   After being exposed to temperatures of 125 degrees, the intumescent starts to swell up and this acts as a barrier, preventing smoke and fire from coming through.  It is Certifire approved (CF5840), fire rated (BS476 part 20/22:1987 and EN 126-4 (2006)) and offers up to four hours of fire protection.   In addition to the 600ml foil, there is a 310ml cartridge and the product has recently become available in the colour orange.   You can find the 600ml here.  2. 750ml Fire & Acoustic Seals Door Foam  Fire & Acoustic Seals also take the second spot from 2023 with their gun grade 750ml fire door foam for fire doors and doorsets.   The foam is designed to seal the gaps between walls and fire door frames and the foam itself can offer fire protection of up to one hour.  It can be used with many different substrates, including timber frames, softwood, hardwood and even MDF.   The foam itself is orange and has been extensively tested for both 30 and 60 minutes fire resistance grading, which it has achieved with BS 476:Part22:1987 and BS EN 1634-1.  You can purchase the product here.   1. Paslode Galv PPN Twist Nail  At the top of the list are the Paslode hardened twist nails for the PPN nailer! These 3.4x35mm nails come in a set of 2500 and come with two fuel cells.   These nails are hardened and twisted for ease of use, while they are also electro galvanised. The unique full head design offers the best quality finish in addition to outstanding performance.  Given how popular Paslode products are, we had an inkling that at least one Paslode product would end up in our top five, but to have two in and one at top spot says a lot for its popularity!  You can find this product here.  Supplying the carpentry sector  Carpentry is part of the fabric of Multifix, much like our other areas of expertise, so we will always strive to keep on top of what you need.   If you would like to speak to someone about our carpentry range, we are more than happy to help. In fact, you can even meet us by clicking this link. 

Read more → 4 min read
Article
Does Multifix offer 60-day payment terms?

At Multifix, we have always been very open with our payment terms, which are 30 days net EOM and this applies whether you’re buying with us for the first time or have been with us for years.   However, some of you have asked whether we extend that limit or are able to extend it – namely to the tune of 60 days.   The answer to this question is yes we do, but we don’t offer it as standard. In this article, we will explain why this is the case and when and how 60-day terms can be acquired.   What does Multifix offer as standard?  As mentioned above, our standard payment terms are 30 days net EOM. This means that customers have 30 days to pay off their balance with us.  We do this because we understand the construction industry can be difficult at times and goalposts can be moved without warning for contractors.  As such, having the buy now pay later scheme in place is beneficial for our customers and it allows us to offer the best possible service we can to you.   How can I get 60-day payment terms?  If you wish to explore extending your payment terms with us, you need to put a request in with us in writing so that we can action it.   This would also need to be made clear to us before you order, so we can have everything ready in place accordingly.   Once we have your request, we can assess whether we can action it and then we’ll let you know very quickly whether we can do so or not.   Being flexible  As we said earlier, we understand that sometimes things move unexpectedly and you can be caught cold in construction, which can be a very stressful experience.   If we can help this by giving you 60-day terms when needed, then we will do all we can to make sure that we can make this happen for you.   If you would like to contact us to see if we can provide this for an upcoming order, you can get in touch with us here. 

Read more → 2 min read
Article
HSS-R drill bits vs HSS-G – what’s better for you?

One question we’ve been asked recently revolves around drill bits and which is better out of the HSS-G and the HSS-R.   In the interest of fairness, we have to share that we have recently stopped selling HSS-R drill bits. However, in this article, we will compare the two as objectively as we can.   We will highlight the pros and cons of both and by the end of the article, you’ll be well aware of the differences between the two.   Firstly, what exactly are they?  As mentioned above, they are both drill bits. However, HSS stands for high-speed steel and the R and G stand for different things.   The R stands for rolled, while the G stands for ground. This means that the R has been rolled into shape, while the G has been ground to shape.  The differences between the two are that the G undergoes more grinding and sharpening processes, thus making it more precise, while the R is very wear-resistant.   What are the pros of the HSS-R?  The main pro of the HSS-R is its cost, with it being notably cheaper than the HSS-G. Naturally, for those who are keeping a close eye on the purse strings, this makes them very appealing.   In addition, they are very durable. They are also wear-resistant and strong, so when it comes to general-purpose drilling, they are very effective.   They are also very easily accessible, which can help if you’re in a bit of a spot and you need something at short notice.   And what goes against the HSS-R?  Because of the way that they are made, HSS-R drill bits will not be as precise as HSS-G drill bits, which naturally can be a problem depending on what you’re working on.   In addition, they won’t fare as well at high cutting speeds as HSS-G drill bits, which makes them unsuitable for projects that require demanding drilling applications.   Finally, they are not the most versatile. They are best used with metal, but aren’t the best for drilling into some of the more tougher materials.   What about the HSS-G? What makes that good?  The precision of HSS-G is its main selling point, as the accuracy you get with an HSS-G is exceptionally good. It also leaves a nice surface finish, which can be important.   Despite being more precise too, they are also very effective with harder materials. Whether it’s steel, stainless steel or alloy steel, an HSS-G drill bit will be great for you. They are also very efficient when used with wood.   Much like the HSS-R drill bits, the HSS-G drill bits are also very versatile and wear-resistant, but they also come in a number of different sizes and coatings, giving them more versatility.  And what lets HSS-G drill bits down?  They do cost more than HSS-R drill bits, which can be problematic. Budgets are becoming more and more important and with a need to make every penny stretch, the added cost can be off-putting.   In addition, finding HSS-G drill bits in smaller sizes can be harder than getting hold of HSS-R drill bits, which are very easy to obtain by comparison.   This isn’t a major issue, but could be annoying, depending on what you need and when you’d need it.   High-performing drill bits  Both of these drill bits offer high performance, but for us, the HSS-G edges it. The fact it’s more precise, more versatile and more needed by customers gives it the nod for us.   This is also why we have discontinued our HSS-R range, as while it is undoubtedly a very good drill bit, the HSS-G is seen as better.   If you would like to see our range of HSS-G drill bits, you can do so here.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
Solvent vs non-solvent – why does it matter?

One of the more prominent issues UK construction faces revolves around solvent use. Some have taken this very seriously, but there are still some unsure as to why.   In this article, we will look to explain why solvent-free alternatives are a better bet and offer some insight as to why it’s such a pertinent issue.   Why should we move away from solvent-based products? Why are they seen as bad?   Solvent-based products are not bad per se, at least in terms of their effectiveness. In fact, they are extremely effective at what they are tasked with doing.   For construction, this is normally around adhesion. It is no secret that a solvent-based adhesive will likely perform much better than a non-solvent adhesive.  This has forced innovative creators to try and replicate solvent-based adhesives and to good effect too, as there are now plenty on the market that can do a very good job.   But why should we put down solvent-based adhesives? The main reason is because of the negative environmental impact that comes with them.   In short, they contribute towards air and water pollution as a result of the VOCs they release when used. VOCs are hazardous chemicals and can play a part in smog formation and water contamination.   In addition, they can also pose risks to humans. If you are exposed to VOCs for prolonged periods of time, you can potentially suffer from breathing issues, nausea, headaches and more.   As well as that, solvent-based adhesives are flammable, so an element of care will be needed to mitigate any fire risks.  Can non-solvent-based products do the job though?   Yes, they can. However, as mentioned above, it likely will not perform to the same standard – but that doesn’t mean they can’t do the job to a very high level.   As they are VOC-free as well, they will also be a lot safer to use. They are safer to be used around humans, they are better for the environment and they aren’t flammable, so it eliminates a fire risk.   In addition, at a time when the construction world is moving away from solvent-based adhesives, solvent-free adhesives are likely to be used instead.   The most popular ones on the market are there for good reason, as they can be trusted to deliver a comparably good performance to solvent-based products.   A more sustainable future  With the UK construction industry doing all it can to be more sustainable and environmentally conscious, be it through net zero or the types of products used, solvent-based adhesives are likely to become a thing of the past.   In its place are products that are getting closer and closer to replicating the performance levels of non-solvent-adhesives, while also keeping the air cleaner.   If you would like to see our range of solvent-free products, you can do so here.  

Read more → 2 min read
Article
“Reliable, honest and efficient” – Pantera customer testimonial for Multifix

Recently, we received a testimonial from Pantera Group, which has been established in the world of carpentry for many years.   As you may have seen, we are very fortunate to have several video testimonials, which we very much appreciate. You can see those here.   However, we do have written ones as well and the one from Pantera certainly falls under that bracket.   Here’s what Mat Glendenning, Managing Director of Pantera, had to say about us…  “I have continually been impressed…”  “We have continued to work with Multifix for over a decade. The service provided is always attentive, reliable, honest and efficient.  “As a specialist Carpentry Contractor working across some of the largest projects in London and the South-East for over 25 years, surviving in the construction industry is challenging.   “Multifix are a part of the team that supports us to not only survive, but to thrive. I have continually been impressed with their approach to innovation and appetite for continual improvement.   “I would recommend Multifix to any company looking to have one less thing to worry about.”  Always appreciative   Receiving praise from our clients in the form of testimonials isn’t something that we take for granted and is something we are hugely appreciative of as a company.   We know how much the spoken word means in the construction industry, so to have so many experts vouch for us does mean a lot.   Should you wish to leave feedback for us, either in the form of a testimonial or otherwise, we would love to hear what you have to say. You can find out how to contact us here.  

Read more → 2 min read
Article
“A gamechanger for our business” - J&L Carpentry customer testimonial for Multifix

Customer testimonials are really important for any company in any industry, and that’s certainly no different for us at Multifix.   Indeed, we’ve spoken before about how important it is to gain recommendations within the construction industry, which you can read more about here.   As such, we always welcome the chance to receive a testimonial, as we know how much weight it can carry. Usually, we like to get them on video – you can see our library of testimonials here – but sometimes, we get them in written form too.   Here is a written testimonial that we received from Jenna Nugent, who is Operations Manager at J&L Carpentry.  “They continuously go above and beyond”   “With over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, J&L Carpentry Ltd work with the UK’s top residential developers, carrying out all aspects of carpentry and joinery works, as well as timber frame construction and BM Trada Fire Door installation across London and the home counties.   We have been working with Multifix for many years now and they continuously go above and beyond to help us day to day where needed, making sure everything required will be on site the very next day.   We were introduced to the Multifix online portal during a meeting and we can confirm this has been a gamechanger for our business.   It is very streamlined, user friendly and the fact it provides a tracking link and PODs instantly has been extremely helpful.   We highly recommend Multifix and look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”  Doing our bit  At Multifix, we are always looking for ways in which we can better our service to you and it’s therefore brilliant to hear such positive feedback.  If you would like to submit a testimonial, we would welcome your feedback – either good or bad, as we can grow in either case. You can find out how to contact us here.  

Read more → 2 min read
Article
What does it mean to be FORS credited?

One thing you may have seen us shout about is that we have FORS silver accreditation for our fleet of vans, which we have achieved for a few years now.   But what does it mean? And more importantly, what does it mean to you? Does it make much difference to your delivery service?  In this article, we will explain why it’s so valuable to us and why it’s of benefit to you and offers you peace of mind when choosing us as your supplier.   First, what is FORS?  FORS stands for Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, which does what it can to set the standard for safer, smarter and greener road transport operations.   FORS, which is a voluntary accreditation program, gives companies a framework and sets benchmarks for them to help operators boost performance in environmental impact, safety and operational efficiency.   Being with FORS allows you to have further training, to put in place safer working practices and to commit to higher standards as a company.   So if you’re Silver-rated, what does that mean?  FORS have three ratings; bronze, silver and gold, with gold being the top. To achieve these ratings, lots of things have to be put into place to ensure you achieve them.   By having Silver accreditation though, FORS believe that “you employ good practice and comply with the requirements laid out by the FORS Standard.”  It also means that we’ve added some additional safety measures to our fleet, too. These include cameras and proximity sensors.   What does that mean for me, though?  For you, it means that when you order with Multifix, you can rest assured that our fleet and drivers have been proven to be safe, well-trained and efficient by an independent regulator.   It means that you can order with us knowing that your delivery will be reliable and that the route planning for it to get to you will be done with care and diligence.   Pushing for more  Having Silver accreditation from FORS is a huge badge of honour for us, but we aren’t content with just settling. In accordance with FORS requirements, we are always looking at ways we can improve.  Our Multifix fleet of vans go all over the country carrying valuable goods for projects. To see where they deliver to, click here.  

Read more → 2 min read
Article
How the cold impacts your Paslode nailer

When the days start getting shorter and the cold weather starts to hit, those working in carpentry will know that their Paslode guns could start to play up.   But why is this? What is it about the cold weather that causes Paslode nailers to occasionally malfunction and cause inconvenience?  In this article, we will explore why this happens and look at some of the things you can do to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.   If the Paslode nailer is cold, it won’t work – is that right?  No, this is incorrect. For a Paslode nailer not to work to its full capacity in the cold, three things need to happen.  The first is that the nailer itself needs to be cold, that much is true. However, unless the gas fuel cell is also cold, it will still work normally.   In addition, the outside air also needs to be cold for it to be an issue. And by cold, we mean under five degrees.   You could have a cold nailer and a cold gas fuel cell in the middle of summer for whatever reason, but because of the warm air, it would still work fine.   It is the same the other way around, too. If a gas fuel cell is cold, but is inserted into a Paslode nailer at a normal temperature, it will still work fine.   The only way it will malfunction is if the nailer is cold, the outside air is cold and the gas fuel cell is also cold. This can cause misfiring, slow firing and other problems, so it can be very inconvenient.   What can I do to prevent my Paslode nailer from having issues in the cold?  If you are using it outside, the nature of the air is obviously something you cannot control. However, you can control the other two elements, which will make it work in cold conditions – especially for the gas fuel cell.   Carpenters will keep the gas fuel cells in their pockets to try and keep them warm, or rub the gas fuel cell with their hands to try and warm it up.   As for the nailer itself, storing it correctly after use can help, but this isn’t always practical. As such, the main focus on getting it to work properly in the cold weather should be on the gas fuel cell.   Defeating the elements  Working in the winter is challenging enough as is, as working in the freezing cold comes with its own issues.   However, by taking some time out to make sure your Paslode nailer will work effectively, you’ll make life a lot easier for yourself when working.  With Paslode being one of the biggest brands in the carpentry sector, we have made it our mission to be as knowledgeable about their range as possible.   If you have any Paslode questions and would like to speak to a team member about the brand or what they offer, you can do so by clicking this link. 

Read more → 2 min read
Article
How much carpentry stock do you hold at Multifix?

One of the key things you need to know as a carpenter is how much stock does a supplier have at any one point, as you never want to be caught short waiting for goods to turn up.   Without knowing so runs the risk of delays and can cause setbacks that you just don’t need or want at any point in your projects.   As such, we are always open with our stock levels and in this short article, we will highlight just how much we have at any point and why.   How much carpentry stock do you have at any point?  At any point, we have up to six month’s worth of carpentry stock at our warehouse in Barking. This covers all key products, in addition to big-name brand products, such as Paslode items.   Having worked with carpenters for over 30 years, we know from experience the type of products that you need with frequency and have prioritised those, so you are never caught short with us.   Whether it’s screws, nails or foam, we’ll have you covered if you need something either immediately, or whether you need to make a bulk order for a project.   In addition, if you are using our customer portal, you’ll be able to see exactly what items are in stock at that current time. There will be either a green or a red dot next to the item, which indicates whether we have it or not.   Can you be trusted to deliver when I need it?  Without wanting to toot our own horn, yes. We’re proud to offer a very reliable delivery service, which has a 99.3% success rate.   In addition to that, 75% of our deliveries are on site before 12pm midday, as we understand that getting what you need to you quickly is hugely important.   We also have our own fleet of drivers to deliver your goods, who will give you a phone call when they are 10 minutes out to let you know when to receive it, so that your team are not waiting around on site.   In addition, through our customer portal, you can live-track our drivers and get a current ETA on your delivery with just a few clicks.  Having carpenters covered  At Multifix, we believe it’s sensible to have half a year’s worth of carpentry stock as we always want you to have access to what you need.   With the range of products at our disposal that we keep in stock too, you can rest assured that by using Multifix, you’ll have quality products to pick from.   If you would like to speak to someone at Multifix about our carpentry range, please feel free to contact us via this link. 

Read more → 2 min read
Article
How the Multifix customer portal is the management tool you need

A common misconception regarding the Multifix customer portal is that it is only for placing orders. It’s great for doing that, but that’s just one of its features.   In fact, the portal can help you greatly from a management perspective and really help you save a lot of time in the process, with a lot of valuable information readily available.   In this article, we will go through three of the ways that it can be the management tool that you need, thanks to some of its features.   You can track your order and get an accurate ETA  Once you’ve made an order of anything, all you want to know is when is it going to turn up. Construction is no different, but finding out can be a bit of a faff.   However, with the customer portal, finding out is incredibly easy. With a few clicks, you can see exactly when your delivery is going to turn up and can plan accordingly.   All you have to do is click on the van icon by your order under the Despatched tab and you’ll get a screen giving you an ETA and a delivery progress bar.   It’s worth noting that you do not need to have placed an order on the portal to have access to this feature. Getting an ETA will be available to you, no matter how you order.   Of course, if something happens on the road, you can also see that and factor it in. You also have the option to live track our drivers, so you can see exactly where your delivery is!  Our drivers will still call you 10 minutes before they’re due to arrive to give you a heads up, but knowing when they’re set to arrive can be a huge help.  To see how to track your order, you can watch a short video on how to do so here.   You can access proof of deliveries and invoices  Searching for a proof of delivery to check an invoice can be hugely frustrating and time-consuming, but the portal has something in place to help with that.   With the portal, you can access all your proof of deliveries (PODs) and invoices with relative ease, containing all the information that you need.   Through the portal, you can either download a PDF copy of either a POD or an invoice, or you can print off a copy straight away.   While you still may need to print off copies for your records, it won’t be a disaster if you lose one, as you can download as many copies as you need from the portal.   You can see how to do so by watching this video.  You can set up spending limits   There’s a lot to juggle in a managerial role and that can be difficult to stay on top of, but the portal can be of a huge help to you in that regard.   One way of doing so is setting up spending limits, which can help improve cost control, mitigate risks and stop impulse purchasing.   Through the portal, you can put spending limits on your account, which gives you a great deal of control from a managerial perspective, while also reducing unnecessary spending.   Having that element of control as a manager can only be a good thing and is something that the portal can provide with very little fuss.  To find out how to set up spending limits, click here for a video explanation.   Making your day-to-day easier   One of the main reasons we created the portal is because we wanted to make things easier for you – to save you time and to make things more efficient.   We fully accept that some people don’t wish to use the portal for ordering and that’s fine. We understand it isn’t for everyone and we wouldn’t want to put a barrier in the way of your great relationships with our team.   However, we do believe in its ability to be an outstanding managerial tool and the three reasons listed are perfect proof of that.   If you would like to find out more on how the customer portal can help you, read this article on how it can make your life easier.  

Read more → 4 min read
Article
Do I get a dedicated team if I work with Multifix?

Taking the decision to work with Multifix is one that we hope will be very beneficial and productive for you. That is certainly what we will strive to deliver for you, as standard.   But aside from our reliable delivery service and extensive range of products, what do you actually get by having Multifix as a supplier? More specifically, do you get a team that will work with you to achieve your goals?  In this article, we will explain the type of support that you get from us when you join Multifix and highlight what team environment you can expect to find yourself in.   So what happens when I decide to work with Multifix?  Regardless of whether you’re in Carpentry, Brickwork or a Fire Stopping Contractor, you will be given a team to support you when you join Multifix.   This consists of a Customer Service Specialist, an Account Manager and a Business Development Lead.   All three of these people will be working with you to make sure that you get the very most out of your Multifix partnership and will be on hand to answer any query you have.   Your first point of contact would be the Business Development Lead, who will sort out your prices for you and deal with any issues you may have when you onboard with us.   After that, the Account Manager will be your point of contact for anything more technical or for any enquiries that you may have.  Finally, if you need to order something and you aren’t using the portal, then your best point of contact will be the Customer Service Specialist.   The only sector this is different for is if you’re a Fire Stopping Contractor, in which case you’ll have the services of an Account Manager and a Customer Service Specialist at your disposal.   Experts to cover all bases  The reason why we share the load between multiple people is for a few reasons, but mainly so that you aren’t just limited to one person for all your queries.  If you only had one point of contact, they could be on another call, away from their desk, ill or on holiday, which would leave you somewhat stuck as a customer.  We don’t want that for you, so we give you multiple points of contact, all of whom can help you beyond their specialist roles if the need arises.   We’re proud to have a number of knowledgeable experts within our team and having access to three of them at any point can boost efficiency.   Putting you first  One of the core principles of the company is to treat our customers with the utmost respect. We like to have strong relationships with our customers, including being on first-name terms, as we feel this is more personal.   By assigning you with a team of three keen to help and informative experts, we feel this goes a long way to securing that, in addition to giving you everything you need.   If you would like to speak to us about working with Multifix, we’d love to take your call or email. You can find out how to get in touch with us here.  

Read more → 3 min read
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