Blog
Blog
What you should know about steel before buying hand tools
On the packaging of hand tools, abbreviations are very often placed: CrV, CrNI, Cr-Mo or the short description "tool steel". These descriptions inform the consumer about the type of steel from which the product was made. Before purchasing tools, it is worth paying attention to these markings and familiarizing yourself with their meaning. To properly interpret the above abbreviations, one should be aware that steel classification is carried out according to various criteria. One of these is the chemical composition, where a distinction is made between alloy steels and non-alloy (carbon) steels. Alloy steel – an alloy of iron with carbon and deliberately introduced alloying elements. These additives occur in varying amounts – from trace values up to several tens of percent. As components they are very important because they significantly influence and change the properties of the steel. The most common alloying elements are: molybdenum, vanadium, aluminum, tungsten, nickel, chromium, manganese, silicon, titanium, niobium and cobalt. To increase strength and reduce brittleness, the following are used in the production of hand tools: chromium-vanadium steel (CrV) – characterized by increased resistance to corrosion and rust formation. The alloying addition "chromium" significantly improves the steel's hardenability. The alloying addition "vanadium" increases the steel's ductility during heat treatment, which positively affects resistance to high temperatures and resistance to deformation. chromium-nickel steel (CrNI) – characterized by very high resistance to corrosive agents such as seawater or sulfuric acid. In addition to acid resistance, this steel is distinguished by heat resistance and high-temperature strength. chromium-molybdenum steel (Cr-Mo) – decidedly the lightest, which means that products made from this steel are more durable while having a lower own weight. The alloying addition "molybdenum" increases the ductility of the steel at high temperature and prevents deformation. It also increases the overall corrosion resistance of the steel in humid and acidic environments. Non-alloy (carbon) steel – an alloy of iron with carbon that does not contain specially introduced elements. The content of elements other than carbon is small – they are admixtures and impurities. Due to costs, their removal is not economical. It is the percentage of carbon and the heat treatment of the alloy that affect the properties and characteristics of non-alloy steel. Essentially, non-alloy steel is used for the production of components with simple construction and those that require high tensile strength (e.g. pressure vessels). Some hand tools are made from non-alloy tool steel with a carbon content in the range of 0.6–1.5%. The working surface of such tools is hard, and the steel hardens well.Author: Grzegorz Nowak
Read more
Choosing the right protective mask – protect your respiratory system
Working in a highly dusty environment can lead to many occupational diseases. Therefore, in some positions it is necessary to use protective workwear (PPE) that protects the respiratory tract. These are most often masks and dust half masks. Depending on the filters used, they provide protection against specific hazards in the workplace. How do you properly select dust personal protective equipment and how do you use it? Choosing a mask for different types of work If an employee's health is at risk during work, they must be equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment. Most often this is protective workwear (PPE). This applies not only to the risk of bodily injury from sharp edges, but also to high levels of dust. In such situations it is necessary to put on protective half masks that protect the respiratory tract from excessive levels of dust, fine particles, as well as harmful microorganisms or hazardous mists. What is the basic use of protective masks? They are used, among others, in food production and the wood industry. They are indispensable in mining, agriculture, construction and the chemical industry. A painting mask protects against oil mist (spray painting), fine particles (powder coating) and organic vapors from solvents used. A grinding mask has a different design, as it must protect against metal shavings and dust generated when working with an angle grinder. As you can see, the application of protective half masks is very wide. So how do you choose the right model? Protective half masks: selection and use To begin with, it is worth considering whether to choose a reusable mask with a replaceable filter or a half mask with a valve and built-in filter. For most jobs, when difficult working conditions occur periodically, a disposable dust mask works better. Why? It adapts to the face very easily, providing a proper seal. A well-designed envelope or dome shape allows the mask to be folded flat, which significantly facilitates storage. It provides a high level of personal hygiene – a used half mask should be discarded without the need for disinfection. An activated carbon filter effectively protects against microorganisms and also neutralizes unpleasant odors. An additional valve facilitates exhalation. For the reasons listed above, they are much better for occasional use. Therefore protective half masks can also be found in workshops. Reusable masks, on the other hand, are intended for continuous work in a harsh environment. Mask filters: how to increase respiratory protection Browsing the available range in our store, you will quickly notice that protective masks have different markings. So how does an FFP2 half mask differ from FFP1? This is the designation of the filter installed in a given model. According to the EN 149 standard, which specifies respiratory protective equipment, we distinguish three classes of protection for PPE masks: The first class, marked with the code FFP1, provides protection efficiency of 80%. It is used for nuisance dusts, provided their toxicity is low. This can be, for example, a protective grinding mask or masks used in quarries. It is also suitable for the construction industry. A filtering half mask FFP2 already protects 94% against solid particles down to 0.6 μm found in the air. It can be used as protection against dusts and aerosols with high harmfulness (causing irritation even with short-term contact). It performs well in the metal industry and mining. It is also used in sawmills. FFP3 protective masks provide filtration at the 99% level and are used in the chemical industry or when sorting waste. They also provide appropriate protection for pharmacists. For everyday use, FFP2 protective half masks are most often used, which provide significantly better protection than class 1, giving them greater versatility. Especially in home applications, when it is difficult to determine the harmfulness of dust to health. How to choose the best protective mask? Selection of a protective half mask should begin by determining the level of hazard. When seeking advice, it is worth asking, which mask for spray painting will be best? Such a product will respond to different hazards than masks for powder coating due to the different conditions in both cases. A universal solution that will work in most cases are FFP2-class models. They will be suitable during a home renovation and painting rooms. However, a dust mask for grinding does not need to provide such high protection: in that case it is sufficient to choose a model marked FFP1. Additional aspects when choosing PPE half masks are their size and wearing comfort. They should allow full freedom of movement and also the ability to communicate with other workers. Proper use of protective masks We have already discussed selecting the appropriate protective half mask. Equally important is the correct use of personal protective equipment. Dust masks are often used together with additional eye and face protection. In such cases, goggles should not interfere with the correct fitting of the protective mask. After putting on the protective mask you should make sure it fits closely all the way around. It is best to do this with the help of a mirror. It is not advisable to touch the external side of the half mask, especially the filtering areas, because in this way you can contaminate the mask and thus reduce its effectiveness. Usage time is also important. For FFP2 PPE half masks it most often ranges from 3 to 8 hours of continuous wear. This means that you can take it off and put it back on during that time (for example after a lunch break). The usage time depends on the level of air contamination and the user’s breathing rate. Dust masks should be stored in a dry and clean place, away from sunlight. This will ensure the highest effectiveness during use.Author: Paweł Sokołowski
Read more
Rotary hammer vs hammer drill – basic differences
Properly selected power tools make even the heaviest renovation or construction tasks easier and faster to carry out. However, it is easy to get lost among the numerous models offered by stores. An example can be the rotary hammer and the impact drill. Choosing between them can be difficult for someone who does not know their construction and applications. Therefore, below we present the strengths of the rotary hammer and the impact drill. Check which tool will work better for your case. Rotary hammer: what is it used for? Electric rotary hammer is a tool for heavy construction work such as drilling and chiselling. The first of these can also be carried out using electro-pneumatic impact. It is performed with the help of a small compressor placed in the device. It also requires the use of drills with an SDS shank. This method of mounting is responsible not only for the rotational movement but also for a reciprocating (back-and-forth) motion. Thanks to this, the rotary hammer requires less force during operation. So is a rotary hammer suitable for every drilling task? What is it generally used for? It is a less precise tool, which is why it excels mainly at working on hard materials, particularly concrete. Professional rotary hammers are also used for chiselling and grooving walls for installations, e.g. electrical. What characterizes impact drills? Another drilling tool with impact is the impact drill. What is this power tool used for? Due to its greater precision it will be suitable for working on softer masonry made of brick. It is most often equipped with a mechanical impact based on the operation of a gear. This is a less efficient solution, requiring the operator to apply more force. Better results are provided by rotary hammer with pneumatic impact, which also uses a small compressor. Such a model is also available as rotary hammer for concrete, since it will perform well when working on harder materials. Differences between an impact drill and a rotary hammer Pneumatic impact drills are intended for soft materials such as brick masonry. On the other hand, rotary hammers will cope even with the hardest concrete. The difference is also visible in work comfort. A small impact drill works with simple, universal chucks or hex-type chucks. However, during work it is necessary to press the tool against the material. Meanwhile, drill bits and chisels for rotary hammers can perform a reciprocating movement, thanks to which rotary hammers do not need to be pressed against the wall surface. This is mainly due to a different construction of the impact itself. In addition, impact drills also work well when drilling metal or plastics, whereas rotary hammers are used only when drilling or chiselling masonry and walls. Parameters of the impact drill and rotary hammer to pay attention to When buying power tools, it is worth comparing their specifications. Not every rotary hammer will cope with the hardest building materials. What should you pay most attention to? Device power. For professional applications it is worth choosing rotary hammer models above 1 kW. For impact drills, 800 W is sufficient. Impact energy, which is specified for pneumatic impacts, usually ranges between 5-10 J. The higher this parameter, the harder materials you will be able to chisel or drill. Impact frequency is a characteristic typical for electro-pneumatic impact. In models for home use it usually amounts to 48,000 impacts per minute. A battery-powered drill for specialists can operate at an even higher frequency. Type of chuck. With rotary hammers, an SDS chuck is standard. For impact drills, drill bits for a universal chuck are generally used. In professional applications, when using pneumatic impact, even drills are fitted with SDS-shank drill bits. Power supply method. Cordless rotary hammers are definitely more convenient and mobile, however operating time is limited by the battery capacity. Before purchasing power tools, it is worth taking them in hand and checking how they feel. Not only the handle contour matters, but also the weight distribution. When is it better to use a rotary hammer, and when an impact drill? Battery-powered impact drill is an excellent addition to a home workshop. A versatile tool with high mobility will handle most challenges in such cases. A pneumatic rotary hammer will be suitable for professionals for whom work efficiency is a high priority. Frequent work in the field without access to mains power? A battery-powered rotary hammer, on the other hand, will allow work in any location. For hard-to-reach places, which are common when, for example, installing wooden structures, an angle impact drill will work well. Impact drill or rotary hammer – what to choose in the end? Are you wondering whether a small cordless impact drill will be enough for you, or whether it's better to invest in a modern tool like a rotary hammer with dust extraction? The choice depends on the type of work you most frequently do. A professional rotary hammer allows chiselling and drilling in the hardest concrete. Of course, you will also need appropriate concrete drill bits, preferably with an SDS shank. On the other hand, battery-powered impact drills will perform best in a home workshop. If you want more advanced equipment but do not plan major renovations, an interesting option may be a two-speed impact drill, providing better adjustment of working parameters to your needs.Author: Paweł Sokołowski
Read more
Ratchet wrench: how does it work and how to use it?
In a toolbox you can find many useful items. Alongside screwdrivers, pliers and electrical tape there is often also the magical ratchet wrench. It allows you to loosen or tighten a bolt without repeatedly repositioning the tool. How does a flat ratchet wrench work and how should you use it correctly? Check below. What is a ratchet wrench? At first glance flat-ring ratchet wrenches differ little from classic metal tools. Their only secret is an additional gear, sometimes visible as an extra rim, and a small direction switch. Inside the device, however, there is an important mechanism that makes every DIYer's work easier. It is this mechanism that is responsible for the characteristic sound coming from the wrench when it is turned in the opposite direction. The role of ratchets is to loosen and tighten bolts. But their most important advantage is especially visible in hard-to-reach connections. After placing the wrench on a nut or bolt head, you don't have to remove and refit it with every movement. Such a wrench transmits torque to the bolt in only one direction. How does the ratchet mechanism work? The principle is relatively simple and is based on the action of a cam with teeth. Its shape enables interaction with the teeth of the large gear of the wrench, which is placed over the bolt head or nut. When tightening a bolt the teeth are locked, causing the transfer of torque. In this case, the device works exactly like a regular flat wrench. However, when turned in the opposite direction, the cam slips over the large gear, producing the characteristic sound. At the same time the large gear does not rotate, which allows the wrench to move without turning the bolt itself. The above example concerns tightening a bolt. But the same situation can occur when loosening a connection. Do you need a different ratchet wrench for that? The design of the device allows switching the cam to the other side. Then torque is transmitted during loosening, and not during tightening. Types of ratchets It's worth having the most popular tools in your toolbox, like a 13 mm ratchet wrench. However, if you spend a lot of time in a home workshop, you may need more varied solutions. Which types of ratchets for wrenches can prove very useful? A mechanical ratchet, the simplest solution, used in hand flat and ring wrenches. In professional solutions, with a fine gear, it is possible to transmit torque up to 700 Nm. However, in most cases it is not worth using such wrenches "by force" so as not to damage the mechanism. A pneumatic ratchet, powered by a stream of compressed air, which allows achieving much higher torque up to 1500 Nm in professional applications (especially important when loosening seized bolts). A torque (dynamometric) ratchet allows setting the exact tightening torque according to the recommendations of the manufacturer of the assembled set. A battery-powered ratchet is powered, in turn, by electrical energy from a nickel-cadmium battery. You can find it in cordless wrenches sold together with sockets. These can also be combined with universal mechanical ratchets. Ring wrenches with a ratchet can also differ in additional solutions applied in them. A 19 mm half-open ratchet wrench has a special mechanism design that allows placing the wrench in any position. It will be useful wherever a traditional (closed) wrench cannot be applied, for example because of too small a distance to the casing. An interesting solution are also flat wrenches with a ratchet and a joint. Their head can tilt up to 90°, which significantly makes it easier to reach hard-to-access places. How to choose the right size ratchets for wrenches? Many people use an adjustable wrench, which can sometimes replace an entire tool set. Ratchet wrenches cannot, however, be adjustable due to the presence of the mechanism. But just as little space is taken up by a ring ratchet wrench with sockets. It has as many as 20 elements corresponding to the most popular bolt sizes. It is an ideal solution for every home. In a workshop loosening bolts often requires more effort. That's why it's worth opting for a slightly larger ratchet tool set. It has additional extensions that make it easier to access the most hidden and hard-to-reach screw connections. Indispensable at the side of every specialist. How to choose the right ratchet wrench? Have you decided that your workshop should have a good wrench that will help you with every job? It is therefore worth visiting our e-shop and purchasing a set of flat-ring ratchet wrenches. What should you pay attention to before completing the transaction? Material. Cheap supermarket tools are made of cheap and low-grade steels. If you are looking for a durable wrench that will easily transmit even large loads, aim for tools made of chrome-vanadium steel (CrV), which show good mechanical properties. Chromium-molybdenum steel is used for the mechanism. High resistance to rust and weather conditions will ensure the highest durability of such tools. The size of the head should be chosen according to your needs. A small ratchet wrench will work well in hard-to-reach places. Larger models, on the other hand, can transmit greater loads. With them you will cope with tightly tightened or seized bolts. The shape and material of the handle. An ergonomic wrench will make work easier and reduce muscle strain. This is especially important during long work in the workshop. Number of teeth in the mechanism. You can most often find wrenches with 45 or 72 detents. What's the difference between them? The greater the number of cooperating teeth, the smaller the rotation needed to loosen a bolt. So models with a 72-tooth mechanism will work well in hard-to-reach places where there is limited room for moving the wrench. Number of pieces in the set. A universal solution that you can quickly adapt to any bolt size will work in every home workshop. If you have no experience with workshop tools, it is worth using the help of a seller or another specialist. Based on their experience, they will suggest which type of ratchet wrenches will work best in your case.Author: Paweł Sokołowski
Read more
Cordless handheld saw: what should you know about it?
The cordless circular saw is a basic piece of equipment not only for carpenters but also for various professionals involved in renovating and finishing homes, gardens, or driveways. Choosing the right blade allows you to cut not only wood but also metals, plastics, ceramics, and even light construction materials. Why should you add one to your workshop? See for yourself! Construction and applications of the cordless saw At first glance a cordless handheld saw is not an elaborate device. However, it contains many important components and parts that have been designed in an extremely compact way. What does the construction of a circular saw look like? The heart of every device is its electric motor. It determines the rotational speed of the blade (approx. 5000 rpm), which translates into efficiency and quality of work. A powerful battery means you can take the circular saw anywhere, for example to the garden where a new gazebo is being built. A durable mounting for the saw also allows for quick blade changes. The main handle allows secure control of the tool and making straight cuts. An additional handle provides even better guidance of the cordless saw when cutting harder materials or making more complex bevel cuts. Depth and angle adjustment give great possibilities to shape the cut materials to specific needs while maintaining high cutting precision. The upper fixed guard attached to the body works well together with the lower guard that retracts during operation. These largely ensure user safety. The base plate, which also serves as the guide for the cordless saw, together with the parallel guide, ensures that every cut is smooth and straight. This design means that circular saws are excellent for trimming parts and performing long straight or bevel cuts. They handle not only wood but also metals, plastics, ceramics, and some construction materials. Key features of handheld cordless saws Due to their design, a small cordless circular saw allows very precise cuts in various materials. That alone makes it worth having this tool in your workshop. Many models are, however, equipped with additional accessories for the circular saw that make work easier and expand the capabilities of the tool. Besides the previously mentioned guards and depth and angle adjustments, this can also include additional work area lighting. Straight and bevel cuts Most often, straight cuts are made with a handheld saw. These can be short (trimming boards or metal rods) or long (such as shortening an OSB panel). In the latter case the best results will be achieved with a cordless saw with a guide rail. After setting the appropriate width of the piece to be cut, the cut will be not only precise but also even. In many cases, however, chamfering is required. This is necessary when trimming two elements that meet at a corner of a room. It is in such cases that a handheld saw performs best. Adjusting the angle between the blade and the base (main guide) allows cutting with the circular saw at any angle, not only the most commonly encountered 30° or 45°. Depth adjustment A cordless handheld circular saw allows not only angle adjustment but also depth adjustment. A wing screw is used to set the correct blade protrusion depending on the thickness of the piece being cut. It is recommended that the saw blade protrudes below the material by no more than the height of one tooth. Dust extraction adapter Cutting produces chips as a byproduct. To keep the workspace tidy, the circular saw is equipped with a chip ejection port to which a vacuum hose or an additional fabric bag can be connected. Such a dust extraction adapter is useful not only for indoor work but also outdoors, for example when carrying out small garden architecture projects, to prevent the area from being contaminated with chips. LED lighting Proper visibility is crucial during precise trimming. When guiding the electric circular saw along the cut line, use additional LED lighting. A small lamp is aimed directly at the material being cut. LED lighting is also useful when working in the evening or in a dim room. Modern brushless motor The drive is the heart of every device. The motor for a circular saw must provide sufficient blade speed so it does not jam in the material. The most common are cheaper brushed electric motor models. However, these require regular brush replacement to operate correctly. That is why professionals opt for modern brushless motors. An electric circular saw powered by such a motor is less prone to failure and more durable. They are also more efficient, which increases maximum runtime on a single battery while maintaining better operating parameters. Safety when working with a handheld circular saw The basic protection against injuries are the blade guards: the fixed one mounted directly to the body and the lower pivoting one that retracts during cutting. Handheld circular saws also have two handles that provide better control over the tool. It is recommended to use both handles while working, especially when trimming thick or large elements. A good circular saw is additionally equipped with a switch lock. To prevent accidental startup of the device, it is necessary to press the lock release first. The blade brake is activated after switching off the device to stop the spinning blade more quickly. This way it will not pose a danger after putting the electric saw aside. At the same time, this mechanism increases the durability of the blade and the tool. Additional accessories for handheld saws In addition to the built-in conveniences, it is worth equipping yourself with additional accessories for the cordless handheld saw. One of the most useful purchases is an extra 18 V battery. With its help you will avoid sudden interruptions during work. Especially since all Högert cordless tools in the 18 V system are compatible with the same cells. Thus the battery you buy can also be used with the drill-driver, angle grinder or impact wrench from our brand. The cordless circular saw also works with an additional guide rail. It provides greater precision during cutting. Choosing the blade for the material being worked A cordless circular saw allows easy blade replacement. To do this, simply place the tool on a flat surface and, after clearing away chips, loosen the mounting screw. After unscrewing it and replacing the blade with a new one, the screw should be tightened again with the appropriate force. When mounting the blade it is necessary to check the direction of rotation. This is usually marked by an arrow, which must match the rotation direction of the blade after mounting. For cordless saws, mainly circular saw blades are used. They are equipped with large teeth that allow efficient cutting of wood. They are made of metal and can be resharpened multiple times. A circular saw for wood is used during renovations and when building wooden structures. An alternative is carbide-tipped blades. They are made from two materials. The blade core is made of flexible steel to make it resistant to cracking, while the teeth are made from hard sintered materials that can handle materials such as plastics, metals, or light construction materials. What to pay attention to when buying a cordless circular saw? Cordless handheld saws work excellently for trimming and cutting wooden, metal, or light construction materials. Their main advantages are precision and cut quality. They are often chosen also for their bevel-cutting capability. But which circular saw will be the best? A properly selected model must ensure high blade speeds, reaching up to 5000 revolutions per minute. It is also worth opting for portable cordless models. With such a setup, durability and reliability of the tool are important. In this respect, saws with brushless motors are significantly better than ordinary electric motors with carbon brushes. An additional advantage of modern motors is their higher efficiency, and therefore longer runtime on a single battery. So if you are looking for the ideal solution both for professionals and for a home workshop, choose Högert devices with an interchangeable battery system for all 18 V power tools.Author: Tomasz
Read more
Who are we?
Högert Technik is a brand of tools and PPE accessories. We are a young, modern brand operating in international markets. Since 2015 our products have been available for sale in Europe, Asia and South America. Honesty, openness to new challenges, professionalism and support for our customers are an integral part of the principles and culture of our brand.
The Högert Technik brand was born out of a passion for quality, simplicity and usability. It was designed with intensive use and demanding users in mind, who work with hand tools every day. The integration of a product’s idea with its application at work is the ambition of Högert Technik engineers, who precisely design every detail of the tools. Hot-forged steel, careful stress-relieving and hardening of the products, their detailed quality control process and logistics optimization create an assortment whose quality-to-price ratio is unattainable for other companies.