Using UK power tools on the building site in Canada?
#16
Re: Using UK power tools on the building site in Canada?
In such case I simply have no choice but to sell
If you, Simon, say that they are cheaper there, and considering that staff is heavy weight I will most probably benefit from selling my kit and buying new one upon arrival.
This website is just great - so much information....
Thank you all for answering my question!!!
If you, Simon, say that they are cheaper there, and considering that staff is heavy weight I will most probably benefit from selling my kit and buying new one upon arrival.
This website is just great - so much information....
Thank you all for answering my question!!!
Just ship your hand tools ( non power ) and for all your power tools its best to ebay them before you get to Canada and use the money towards a new set of gear.
regards
Joinerboy
#17
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 30
Re: Using UK power tools on the building site in Canada?
OK then - it seems I have two choices - 1) using my tools at home only; 2) selling all power tools, but shipping hand tools over.
Case of shipping my power tools is probably out of question now, as I will have to buy new set of staff for construction site, there is no need to pay for expensive shipping of heavy power tools and just to end up using them at home.
Thank you ALL once more!!! You have been of great help!!!
Case of shipping my power tools is probably out of question now, as I will have to buy new set of staff for construction site, there is no need to pay for expensive shipping of heavy power tools and just to end up using them at home.
Thank you ALL once more!!! You have been of great help!!!
#18
Re: Using UK power tools on the building site in Canada?
its not just voltage.. its the frequency.. uk is 50hz, canada 60hz.
if you bring tools that have a motor from the uk to canada for home use they wont last long if you are using a transformer to change the voltage. basically mains power is a nice smooth AC wave. most transformers output a AC square wave, this knackers the motors..
and you cant use 110v 50hz tools on a 110v 60hz supply.. plus they wont be allowed on site. plus tools are dirt cheap here. sell yours and buy new here.
if you bring tools that have a motor from the uk to canada for home use they wont last long if you are using a transformer to change the voltage. basically mains power is a nice smooth AC wave. most transformers output a AC square wave, this knackers the motors..
and you cant use 110v 50hz tools on a 110v 60hz supply.. plus they wont be allowed on site. plus tools are dirt cheap here. sell yours and buy new here.
#19
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,404
Re: Using UK power tools on the building site in Canada?
My advice is to bring them along and see for yourself.
A lot of people try to help, and often give advice that is wrong/inaccurate (myself included).
There are no laws to stop you from bringing them, and there are no Liability issues in the event of an accident. At worst, even if you cant use them on site, you can use them at home.
Your tools may already meet the CSA standard- see for yourself from the link provided. There doesnt seem to be anything too onerous- things like guards, etc, which you'd expect.
I'd imagine you probably wont get much if you sell them back home, so you dont really have much to lose by bringing them over...
A lot of people try to help, and often give advice that is wrong/inaccurate (myself included).
There are no laws to stop you from bringing them, and there are no Liability issues in the event of an accident. At worst, even if you cant use them on site, you can use them at home.
Your tools may already meet the CSA standard- see for yourself from the link provided. There doesnt seem to be anything too onerous- things like guards, etc, which you'd expect.
I'd imagine you probably wont get much if you sell them back home, so you dont really have much to lose by bringing them over...
#20
Re: Using UK power tools on the building site in Canada?
its not just voltage.. its the frequency.. uk is 50hz, canada 60hz.
if you bring tools that have a motor from the uk to canada for home use they wont last long if you are using a transformer to change the voltage. basically mains power is a nice smooth AC wave. most transformers output a AC square wave, this knackers the motors..
and you cant use 110v 50hz tools on a 110v 60hz supply.. plus they wont be allowed on site. plus tools are dirt cheap here. sell yours and buy new here.
if you bring tools that have a motor from the uk to canada for home use they wont last long if you are using a transformer to change the voltage. basically mains power is a nice smooth AC wave. most transformers output a AC square wave, this knackers the motors..
and you cant use 110v 50hz tools on a 110v 60hz supply.. plus they wont be allowed on site. plus tools are dirt cheap here. sell yours and buy new here.
All my UK power tools ran off transformers here for a year or so, and one by one they burned out. At best you gain a little breathing space to replace them.
#21
Re: Using UK power tools on the building site in Canada?
My advice is to bring them along and see for yourself.
A lot of people try to help, and often give advice that is wrong/inaccurate (myself included).
There are no laws to stop you from bringing them, and there are no Liability issues in the event of an accident. At worst, even if you cant use them on site, you can use them at home.
Your tools may already meet the CSA standard- see for yourself from the link provided. There doesnt seem to be anything too onerous- things like guards, etc, which you'd expect.
I'd imagine you probably wont get much if you sell them back home, so you dont really have much to lose by bringing them over...
A lot of people try to help, and often give advice that is wrong/inaccurate (myself included).
There are no laws to stop you from bringing them, and there are no Liability issues in the event of an accident. At worst, even if you cant use them on site, you can use them at home.
Your tools may already meet the CSA standard- see for yourself from the link provided. There doesnt seem to be anything too onerous- things like guards, etc, which you'd expect.
I'd imagine you probably wont get much if you sell them back home, so you dont really have much to lose by bringing them over...
motors like a smooth AC current, the square wave from transformers causes a lot of wear on the motors. like the person above said they seem to die within a year if used here. anything you get for selling them is better than bringing them and finding they burn out..
this isnt advice, its science.. google it if you want confirmation. or do a search here and see the numerous threads where people have had tools burn out.
plus transformers are horribly inefficient. use a lot more electricity than just the item they are running.
meeting the CSA standard is not enough, everything on work sites here must have the CSA stamp on it. i couldnt even use UK steel toe cap boots here when i needed to work in a factory. they had all the EU stamps but thats not good enough. the boots i bought were identical, but had the correct stamp and i was good to go.
#22
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 30
Re: Using UK power tools on the building site in Canada?
Many thanks to every one of you!!!
I made my mind now - my tools are in very good condition, so I am sure I can ebay them or even will be able to sell them among friends.
Taking them to Canada will be similar to gambling or playing a lottery - the end result will be uncertain.
As I understood, many of the respondents to my thread had their own. sadly. bad experience with UK tools that either can't be used on Canadian site or simply burn in the short time.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with me - I will sell the whole lot in the UK.
I made my mind now - my tools are in very good condition, so I am sure I can ebay them or even will be able to sell them among friends.
Taking them to Canada will be similar to gambling or playing a lottery - the end result will be uncertain.
As I understood, many of the respondents to my thread had their own. sadly. bad experience with UK tools that either can't be used on Canadian site or simply burn in the short time.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with me - I will sell the whole lot in the UK.
Last edited by Powermantic; Jan 22nd 2010 at 10:27 pm. Reason: mistake
#23
Re: Using UK power tools on the building site in Canada?
trust me, anything that runs from a motor will have its life shortened lots by using it with a transformer..
motors like a smooth AC current, the square wave from transformers causes a lot of wear on the motors. like the person above said they seem to die within a year if used here. anything you get for selling them is better than bringing them and finding they burn out..
this isnt advice, its science.. google it if you want confirmation. or do a search here and see the numerous threads where people have had tools burn out.
plus transformers are horribly inefficient. use a lot more electricity than just the item they are running.
meeting the CSA standard is not enough, everything on work sites here must have the CSA stamp on it. i couldnt even use UK steel toe cap boots here when i needed to work in a factory. they had all the EU stamps but thats not good enough. the boots i bought were identical, but had the correct stamp and i was good to go.
motors like a smooth AC current, the square wave from transformers causes a lot of wear on the motors. like the person above said they seem to die within a year if used here. anything you get for selling them is better than bringing them and finding they burn out..
this isnt advice, its science.. google it if you want confirmation. or do a search here and see the numerous threads where people have had tools burn out.
plus transformers are horribly inefficient. use a lot more electricity than just the item they are running.
meeting the CSA standard is not enough, everything on work sites here must have the CSA stamp on it. i couldnt even use UK steel toe cap boots here when i needed to work in a factory. they had all the EU stamps but thats not good enough. the boots i bought were identical, but had the correct stamp and i was good to go.
Last edited by getoutofbritainquick; Jan 22nd 2010 at 11:40 pm.
#24
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2007
Location: St Albert, Alberta
Posts: 193
Re: Using UK power tools on the building site in Canada?
I run a number a teams on construction sites doing flooring. Uk power tools will not be allowed as they do not have the CSA stamp on them, anything that does not have the csa stamp you can not use, and they do carry out spot checks all the time on larger sites.
cordless tools are also not used over here half as much a the uk, you would not believe the amount of cables they run out all over the sites, no way would you get away with that back in the Uk.
You can buy canadian chargers for you cordless tools but the charges on their own cost almost as much as a complete tool set.
110 & 220 is also on most sites however most 220 is for large equipment only. very few gen sets are used to power sites, sites go on to mains via splitter boxes very early on to provide all site power.
cordless tools are also not used over here half as much a the uk, you would not believe the amount of cables they run out all over the sites, no way would you get away with that back in the Uk.
You can buy canadian chargers for you cordless tools but the charges on their own cost almost as much as a complete tool set.
110 & 220 is also on most sites however most 220 is for large equipment only. very few gen sets are used to power sites, sites go on to mains via splitter boxes very early on to provide all site power.
#25
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,533
Re: Using UK power tools on the building site in Canada?
Hi
English electricals have been the subject of many discussions on here. It has been said that from a Home Insurance viewpoint.....it may invalidate your insurance if something happens and you need to make a claim. I should imagine that similar considerations will be given for the work place and UK power tools. Just a thought to be considered.
If I have got this a... about face....someone will be along to tell us....I am sure.
Good luck
Stef
English electricals have been the subject of many discussions on here. It has been said that from a Home Insurance viewpoint.....it may invalidate your insurance if something happens and you need to make a claim. I should imagine that similar considerations will be given for the work place and UK power tools. Just a thought to be considered.
If I have got this a... about face....someone will be along to tell us....I am sure.
Good luck
Stef
Hello everyone – My PR application has been approved recently and I am starting to plan my move. Being a carpenter in the UK, I wonder if I can use my power tools in Canada. Perhaps some of you work in trades or even shipped your tools from UK?
Will they work in Canada? If so, is it better to ship my staff or will I be better off by selling them here and buying new kit once in Canada?
Any advice will be highly appreciated, thanks!!!
Will they work in Canada? If so, is it better to ship my staff or will I be better off by selling them here and buying new kit once in Canada?
Any advice will be highly appreciated, thanks!!!
#26
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,404
Re: Using UK power tools on the building site in Canada?
#27
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,533
Re: Using UK power tools on the building site in Canada?
Sorry, That is what everyone is saying....I do not speak with any authority and people can double check other sources ....as I said it was what has been said on here many times. Everyone knows the world over, that if an insurance company can wriggle out of a claim...they will do....that much is not disputed. Why would you not belive it of Canada?
Stef
Stef
#28
Re: Using UK power tools on the building site in Canada?
I certainly found tools cheaper here im a sheet metal worker and brought my bosch cordless drill but batterey charger didnt work. That cost me £250 pounds. Over here i got a cordless Dewalt Drill,Impact driver,Jigsaw,And reciprocating saw for $400 from home depot
#29
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: Ontario
Posts: 6,609
Re: Using UK power tools on the building site in Canada?
I know my OH has found that tools don't seem to last as long here - always breaking down - even the more expensive ones.