What is the best way to keep your tools secure?

Posted on February 28, 2013 by tarahamilton

With tool theft on the increase, secure tool and workshop storage is becoming increasingly important. Gangs of tool thieves are targeting vans and garden sheds looking for power tools to steal and these stolen items are usually sold on at car boot sales.

In Cambridge 22 cars and vans have been targeted by tool thieves in the space of a week and thieves have been walking away with hundreds of pounds worth of items. Recently, police recovered more than 150 power tools from a house in London. These tools included drills, chainsaws and angle grinders.

Make sure your tools are locked away

Make sure your tools are locked away

Making sure you tools are locked away securely, will not only keep your tools safe, but it can also keep your home and property protected too. As many thieves steal tools and use them to break into people’s homes.

How do you keep tools safe?

For the best protection for your tools, make sure they are locked out of sight. Asgard Secure Steel Storage offers a range of high security workshop storage units to provide security for your tools and equipment.

Secure Workshop Storage

Secure Workshop Storage

Asgard workshop storage is made from strong weatherproof steel and has been fitted with the best security features, such as a pick resistant locking mechanism and 5 point locking system to keep thieves out. The reinforced hinges, doors and panels also make this an extremely tough storage unit. Find out more about these high security workshops, by visiting the Asgard Website.

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Tool theft increase in the UK

Posted on February 18, 2013 by tarahamilton

January 2013 has seen many reports of tool theft, in various areas of the country.  Police in Galloway, believe that gangs of power tool thieves are operating in Stewartry, as a large haul of tools has been stolen from properties in a two week period totalling £10,000. Items that these thieves are targeting are nail guns, cordless drills and other electric tools.

Bracknell has also fallen foul to tool thieves, as police have recovered chainsaws, leaf-blowers, hedge trimmer and hand- drills, however the thefts have yet to be reported by victims.

These thefts highlight the importance of secure tool storage, to prevent theft and keep your tools safe. So how do you keep tools safe?

Tool security tips:

  • Never leave tools in a van or car, especially in plain view.
  • Mark your tools with your postcode.
  • Lock your tools away securely.

The best way to protect your tools from theft is by locking your tools away securely. A range of workshop storage is available from Asgard.  These metal workshop storage units form Asgard Secure Steel Storage are made from strong weatherproof steel and are fitted with tough features to keep thieves out.

Keep your tools secure in Asgard workshop Storage

Keep your tools secure in Asgard workshop Storage

“I only have a wooden garage, so I am always concerned about breakins.  These days we don’t have the money to upgrade the garage so this was ideal for us.  Very strong and really heavy – Bolting down to the floor is an excellent idea”. John

A pick resistant locking mechanism, strong locking system and reinforced components all help to offer the best security for tools.

Find out more about Asgard workshop storage units on the Asgard website.

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Why Do Garden Accidents Happen?

Posted on December 23, 2012 by andyheath

How To Prevent Gardening injuries

Why Do Garden Accidents Happen?

  • people take shortcuts
  • lack of skill or training to ensure that the job is done safely
  • ignorance of potential risks
  • lack of planning and preparation
  • and, of course, bad luck; being in the wrong place at the wrong time

Making your garden safer

  • Design a garden so that it reduces the need for high maintenance and lifting.
  • Avoid trip hazards such as loose paving slabs, hosepipes left unravelled or uneven surfaces.
  • Use surfaces that provide a good grip underfoot.
  • Avoid the garden if possible when conditions are icy and slippery.
  • Empty paddling pools after children have finished playing in them.
  • Learn which plants are poisonous and ensure children and pets stay away from them.
  • Electrical equipment should never be used in wet weather.
  • Use an RCD (residual current device) to prevent electric shocks. It cuts out the flow of electricity when a cable or flex is cut through.
  • Lock away chemicals such as weedkillers and insecticides. Just because they have the words ‘organic’ or ‘bio’ on them, does not make them safe for children to touch.
  • Wear safety equipment – such as goggles, hard hats, gloves and steel toecapped boots – when using machinery. Tuck in loose items of clothing.
  • Never leave a barbecue unattended and make sure the flames are extinguished before going to bed.
  • If you are in the least bit unsure about the safety of tackling a job, call in professionals.
What is the right lawnmower for you?

Take care in the garden

 Pond safety

  • Position the pond where it can be seen from the house.
  • Design the pond with gently sloping edges – this is safer than a sudden drop into deep water.
  • Cover small ponds with a combination of heavy-duty wooden trellis and wire mesh. Safety grids that sit just below the surface of the water are also available from a number of retailers.
  • Put a fence around large ponds to ensure children cannot access them.
  • Grow plants around the deeper side of a pond to stop children getting near the edge.

Personal safety equipment

Around 300,000 individuals in the UK attended Accident and Emergency departments after having an accident in the garden in 2004. Some 87,000 people were actually injured while gardening.

The lawnmower tops the list of the most dangerous pieces of equipment, with 6,500 lawnmower related accidents reported each year. Suprisingly the innocuous flowerpot is the second most dangerous tool, causing 5,300 accidents, with falls, cuts and lifting injuries some of the most common types of accident recorded.

Many of the following points might sound like common sense, but it’s incredible how many people end up in hospital because they haven’t taken basic safety precautions in the garden.

Expert Information courtesy of the bbc

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Tools you should have in your tool box

Posted on November 25, 2012 by tarahamilton

 

If you are new to home maintenance and don’t know where to start, having a set of the right tools is essential. A tool box full of essential tools will help you to complete most jobs around the house and will save you loads of money by being able to do it yourself!

Empty tool box? This is what you should have:

Screwdrivers

You will need both a flat head screwdriver and a Phillips screwdriver. A flathead screwdriver has a single blade suitable for flathead screw, whereas a Phillips screwdriver has a four star point, fitting into a Phillips screw head. It is a good idea to get Phillips screwdrivers in varying sizes for different projects.

Wrenches

There is a variety of wrenches out there, but for starting off your toolbox the Crescent wrench is probably the best choice. This is adjustable, as it has a sliding jaw which changes the width, allowing you to use it on different size nuts and bolts.

Hammer

A hammer is an essential part of your tool box. They can be used for putting nails into wood and can also be used to do demolition. Be sure not to go for something too heavy and make sure it is comfortable to use.

Tape measure

You will always find a need for your trusty tape measure, no matter what job you are doing it is sure to come in handy. Make sure you include this in your tool box.

Level

Don’t want wonky pictures or wall mounted TV? Then you will need this in your tool box to prevent crooked wall hangings.

Pliers

You’ll need pliers if you are planning on doing any electric work within your home. They are good for cutting, bending, gripping and stripping wire.

Cordless drill

For when a screwdriver just won’t cut it, some projects just can’t be done without it. Drill holes, put in screws and take screw out easily with a cordless drill.

Crosscut saw

You’d be surprised at how many times you’ll need a saw, when trying to fix things or carry out project in the home. This type of saw is a good general purpose saw, which cuts against the grain of the wood.

Utility knife

For cutting and scraping, you will find plenty of tasks that call for this sharp blade. Blades are cheap and easily replaceable, so this item is sure to last you a long time.

 

As your collection grows and you become more experienced and start to challenge yourself with your DIY, the time will come when you have to move away from your toolbox and into something bigger. The garden shed or garage is a great place to store your tools and you could even turn them into a workshop. If you don’t have these facilities at your home, but have room for a metal storage unit, why not try a workshop storage unit specifically designed to keep your tools safe? These workshop storage units are available from Asgard, and offer many security features to keep your tools safe.

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How to keep your DIY tools in the best condition

Posted on November 18, 2012 by tarahamilton

 

If you love DIY, you probably love your tools. Show them you care and keep them well maintained. Check out these tips on how to keep your tools well maintained and prolong their life.

Power tools

Check the cord on your power tools regularly. A cord in good condition should be free of abrasions and cuts. To keep them in the best condition, try and keep cords away from high traffic areas and avoid them being stood on as this can cause damage.

Look after your tools

 

Clean your workshop

If you are lucky enough to have a workshop for your tools, try and keep it clean. Sawdust and resin can get inside your tools and can cause damage to components, this is a particular problem with power tools. Clean build up as often as possible as this will reduce the amount of damage caused.

Clean your tools

Make sure you clean your tools after every use, this will prevent debris from building up. Wipe tools down with a rag before storing away, so that they are clean and ready to be used again.

Store your tools in a safe place

Storing your tools in a safe place will help to prolong their life. Asgard workshop storage is the perfect solution for keeping your tools safe and try. These tough workshop storage units are specifically designed to offer the best storage for your tools. Full of features and Insurance Approved, they are incredibly secure and safe. The Asgard Workshop Storage range is made from strong weatherproof steel and feature a tough 5 point locking system, pick resistant locking mechanism and also include a tool rail to keep your tools organised.

Asgard Workshop Storage

 

This tool maintenance will help expand your tools life span significantly, saving you money in the long run.

Information provided by mytoolshed.co.uk 

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Don’t be a tool theft victim

Posted on September 16, 2012 by tarahamilton

If you love DIY and home projects, you have probably accumulated a vast and expensive range of tools to carry out every odd maintenance job you could possibly think of. You now have so many tools, there’s no more room for them in the house. If you’re on the verge of being banished out of the house, we have the perfect storage solution.

Asgard has a range of workshop storage, perfect for your tools. These workshop storage units are insurance approved, which is great for your expensive items. Made from tough weatherproof steel, you will struggle to find anything stronger. Incredibly secure, with pick resistant locks and 5 point locking systems. These workshop storage sheds have reinforced doors, hinges and panels. We’d like to see a thief try and get into one of these! See the range here>

With tool theft a problem, security and protection are the best forms of prevention.  Thieves are breaking into shed and garages, taking anything of value. Tools are particularly useful to thieves, as they can use them for future break-ins and can even use them to gain access to your home.Don’t leave yourself wide open to theft.

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Protect your lawnmower!

Posted on July 28, 2012 by tarahamilton

If you don’t have a shed or garage, its important to have somewhere safe and secure to store your lawnmower, out of the sight of thieves. Here on shedforce we have spoken a lot about garden and shed theft in the recent months and it is still a continuing problem. Expensive lawnmowers and other electrical gardening equipment is a prime target for garden and shed theft, due to their high value. Recently there have been a spurt of shed break-ins in Stafford with thieves taking gardening tools and using them to break into houses.

In Nottingham, a thief was caught on camera steeling a lawnmower that had been left outside a house in a front garden and even with the video footage the owner of this lawnmower will be lucky to get her mower back. As you see from this article, even leaving your lawnmower unattended in broad daylight will put you at risk to theft.  Another lawnmower theft took place during the day in a garden in Londonderry. Unfortunately our gardens aren’t as safe as they used to be and police in areas all over the country are warning people to take more care.  Garden equipment needs to be locked up at all times when not in use, don’t give thieves the opportunity to strike.

Rural communities have also been warned by the police to protect their property,

“It is important that people take responsibility for their property and making sure that shed and outbuildings are properly secured is a step in the right direction. Use good, strong locks to secure outer doors and even consider locking up items which are stored inside sheds and outbuildings. It is also a good idea to install outside security lighting which can act as a good deterrent to potential thieves. Another must to help prevent rural crime is to report any suspicious activity to the police so we can act upon it and build up a good picture of any on-going criminal activity” Sergeant John Clayton. See the full article here

The police know that no one is immune to theft and want to make sure everyone is looking after their property in best way. If you do not own a shed or a garage the only way to protect your equipment, other than keeping it in the house, is purchase a garden shed. There are a variety of different types of garden sheds on offer, from a range of retailers.

For security for your lawnmower and other electric gardening equipment, a range of secure metal lawnmower storage units are available from Asgard. Thieves will find these mower storage shed a challenge, as they are designed to keep them out! With security features such as pick resistant locks and tough locking systems Asgard metal sheds offer great security. See the full range on the website.

Filed under: Lawnmower storage, Outdoor garden storage unit, Outdoor metal garden shed, Secure storage, Tools Storage | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Storing your garden tools safely this summer

Posted on July 10, 2012 by tarahamilton

As we all know, acquiring all of our fancy gardening tools and equipment can be very expensive. So just imagine how you would feel, if someone came along and decided to help themselves. Not very happy I can imagine. Shed and garden theft isn’t a new phenomenon, however people think ‘it won’t happen to me’, unfortunately this is a crime which is on the rise all over the country.

In June, Blenau Gwent an area in wales had 23 garages and sheds burgled in just one month and of those 7 were said to be insecure or without sufficient security.  The crime and disorder reduction officer for the area, PC Paul Whittaker stated “It shows no sign of stopping despite attempts to tackle the problem. Power tools, gardening equipment and bikes appear to be the main target for thieves”.  Read more on this story>

In the same month, across Bath 22 garages and sheds were broken into and raided.  It’s not only homes that are the targets of these types of thefts, schools have become vulnerable too. Schools in Stamford and Worcester have also been affected by a number of shed burglaries, with playground toys and tools being taken.

As these items are kept outside, they are more susceptible to theft. Local police are reinforcing to communities the importance of keeping tools locked away securely and help them to keep these thieves at bay. In Somerset police are embarking on the  sheducation of the general public, offering advice on shed theft as well as cycle and car theft. A portable display will visit supermarkets and events during the summer, a time when shed thefts normally rise.

What can you do to prevent shed crime?

  • Check that thieves cannot gain entry simply by removing boards from the sheds sides or rear. Alternative to a wooden shed, a metal shed is a great investment and has a much higher level of security than its wooden counterpart. As secure metal shed is a great deterrent to thieves. A wide range of high security and insurance approved metal security sheds and metal garages are available on the market.
  • A good lock is the key to keeping pesky burglars out. Make sure your shed is always locked when not in use.
  • Sheds with padlocks, will always be more vulnerable as they are easy to remove. A shed with an internal locking system will always be more secure than a padlock.
  • Fit an alarm. Shed alarms are relatively inexpensive, easy to install and can be battery operated or mains powered.
  • Opt for a shed without any windows. If you can see what’s inside, so can a thief.
Metal Security Shed from Asgard

For the best in garden security visit Asgard, with a wide range of tough, all metal security sheds in a variety of sizes available, burglars won’t stand a chance.

Information from This is bath, News Wales, Worcester news and Stamford Mercury

Filed under: Best sheds, Garden equipment, Garden Safety, Garden security, Garden sheds, Garden tools, Gardening, Home Security, Secure storage, Sheds, Tools Storage, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Nuts about sheds

Posted on February 26, 2012 by andyheath

Nuts magazine and National shed week have created a shed survey with some rather interesting shed facts.

Young men crying out for Sheds!

Over a 3rd of young British men crave their own man haven

As part of National Shed Week, NUTS magazine has compiled ˜THE SHED REPORT – an in depth study into the role of the shed in the modern mans Britain and why every man should have one.

Research from the UKs number one mens magazine has shown that the humble wooden garden fixture is no longer just the preserve of Alan Titchmarsh or Arthur Fowler – with over 1/3rd of young British men claiming that they would love to own a shed. The study reveals that they are increasingly being used for a variety of different reasons from relationship stabilisers (a lean-to psychiatrist if you will) to practical extensions of the home to sanctuaries from modern day life and even as investments. A modern mans shed truly can be his castle!

Nuts Editor at Large, Pete Cashmore says, “The Shed is now an integral part of the any British bloke’s life – it provides a sanctuary from the rigours of every day life and is a place that he can truly call his own. This is why we at Nuts celebrate the noble shed and all it stands for!”

Top findings include:

  • Over 1/3rd of 18-25yrs olds want to own a shed
  • 1/3rd of men think having a shed is a positive influence on their relationship
  • 40% of respondents believe a good shed is an important factor when buying a house
  • The average age to own a shed (“Shed Age”) is 32 years old

Sheds are good for relationships:

  • Whilst over 1/3rd of men feel a shed improves their relationship their partners also agree- 19% of women seeing shed time as a positive influence on their man
  • The recommended amount of Shed Time from shed owners is 3 ½ hrs a month to secure a happy and fruitful relationship. Whilst for those under 25yrs olds simply 2hrs/ month will suffice

Sheds and their value:

  • With the credit crunch seemingly here to stay sheds are also becoming a lucrative investment as 40% of people consider a shed to be an important factor when buying a house.
  •  The average UK value for a shed comes in at a healthy £508 with over 17% of shed owners having sheds valued in excess of £1000! Welsh shed owners invest the most in their wooden sanctuaries topping the shed value list with 36% of owners valuing their sheds at over £1k

Sheds and their owners:

  • Over half of the UK owns a shed
  • However for the younger generation the desire to own a shed is the strongest. Over 1/3 of the under 35yr olds who do not currently own a shed desire one!
  • London and the West Midlands (not areas normally associated with the outdoors) desire a shed the most with 16% and 20% respectively
  • Owning a shed is no longer therefore just for the older retired generation. Indeed the average age for people to ‘come of shed age’ (purchase their first shed) is a sprightly 31.8 years of age with the West Midlands leading the pack by popping their shed cherry at the age of 29. People in the South-West, however, leave it until the ripe old age of thirty five before tying themselves down to such a shrewd investment

TIPS FOR SHED OWNERS

  • Buy a good set of tools
  • Erect some shelves
  • Lay good foundations
  • Keep a radio in your shed
  • Keep your shed organised
  • Make sure your shed is water tight
  • It is well worth applying a coat of preservative and repeating the treatment each year to prevent decay of your shed
  • If you intend to use the shed as a workshop choose a bright spot in the garden with a pleasant view
  • If you intend running an electrical supply to your shed it would be sensible to have it close to your house
  • When choosing where to put your shed, remember to think about the access to it
  • And for real enthusiasts
  • Make your shed your haven, store all the things you want and like in it but make sure you keep your shed secure
  • Share your shed with others

TIPS TO KEEPING YOUR SHED SECURE

  • Ensure that your shed is securely locked
  • Use suitable plants, such as thorny shrubs, to enhance the protection of your garden perimeter
  • Try and extend your burglar alarm to cover your shed too.
  • Install outdoor security lighting
  • Mark valuable belongings with your postcode and house number, this makes stolen items easier to identify as yours
  • Photograph valuable equipment and belongings in your shed.
  • Ensure that your household insurance policy covers your garden and your shed

Sheds and shed stuff

Filed under: Metal sheds, Allotment shed, allotment storage, Tools Storage, Alan Titchmarsh | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Shed facts and figures. What are sheds used for in modern society?

Posted on February 24, 2012 by andyheath

Top Ten Shed Facts

Taken from the Sunday Express.


1. If you laid all the sheds in the world end to end thewy would rap around the planet six and a half times.
2. The Garden Shed was voted into the Millenium Dome’s national identity display as one of the top symbols of britishness.
3. Last year Britain spent £85 million on sheds.
4. The number of homes in Britain with a garden shed is 9.6 million and 52% of the population own one.
5. Delia Smith makes up her receipes in one, George Bernard Shaw wrote ‘Pygmalion’ in his and the inventor Trevor Bayliss build the prototype for his clockwork radio in his garden shed.
6. English Heritage has recently honoured 52 listed listed sheds in a photographic exhibition celebrating them as architectural treasures.
7. TV’s most famous shed belongs to the Fowler family in ‘Eastenders’, but Arthur would turn in his grave if he knew that since his death it has been used as a ‘passion pad’, a place to harbour criminals and for his young son Martin to grow cannabis.

what are sheds used for?

8. If you type the work ‘SHED’ into Google it lists 5,380,000 sites, with 1,740,000 devoted to them.
9. In a recent survey more than a third of those questioned would like to install a hot tub in their garden shed.
10. In 1995 police arrested a teenager in Detroit for attempting to construct a Nuclear Breeder Reactor in his parents’ potting shed. For his Boy Scout Merit Badge.

Asagrd Secure Steel Storage – UK shed manufacturers

Asgard Secure Steel Storage – The UKs leading Shed Manufacturer

Filed under: Alan Titchmarsh, Allotment shed, allotment storage, asgard, bike shed, Garden Buildings, Garden equipment, Garden Safety, Garden security, Garden tools, Metal sheds, Tools Storage | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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