FEIN Power Tools UK, the inventor of electric power tools, discusses its anniversary and how one pipe saw machine has remained a best-seller without major alteration or upgrade for more than 30 years.

The inventor of the electric power tool, FEIN Power Tools UK, is proud to have served British industrial workers for 30 years. Whilst the manufacturer is the father of electric power tools, and following a cordless evolution now offers a large range of cordless tools to the industrial sector, one of its bestselling machines to this day remains a pneumatic pipe saw. Not only that, but the pipe saw remains relatively unchanged from the initial model sold some 30 years ago, with only the air motor receiving minor adjustments during the last generation of machine.

So, how is it that this pneumatic reigns supreme amongst a vast catalogue of powerful corded and cordless tools? Paul Kitchin, National Applications Manager for FEIN UK, answers the question.

“The saw has multiple purposes. First and foremost, as you might expect, it is great for sawing pipes. With the right clamp and extension it cuts pipes with a diameter of up to 440mm. Another clamp allows for angled and straight cuts into lesser thicknesses, and the use of the girder clamp enables the user to cut into steel girders.

“We are seeing the most use within utility companies for pipe maintenance, generalist work on piping in sub-terrain areas, and even for workers who are on-site de-commissioning nuclear power centres. Due to stringent Health and Safety regulations, many of the guys coming to us for help need a pneumatic solution, over an electrical power or petrol powered one, and a solution they can trust. They need a machine of good enough quality and grunt to be worked hard and without pause and that is precisely what the FEIN pneumatic pipe saw is made to do.

“The level of trust for this machine is so high, that we have a network of hire companies that batch buy and hire out the machines regularly, and call on us to directly support and give guidance when needed on-site. Whilst the electric tools have evolved with brushless motor technology and protective measures for the components, the saw is a bit more ‘exposed’, needing some TLC for it to remain in good working order.

“We strongly advise that the saw, and in fact pneumatic tools of similar kinds, be taken care of and maintained. Owners should use dry air filters and moisture traps to ensure a film of oil is retained around the motor and innards of the machines. In humid/fluctuating weather, and also within work vans themselves, we notice over time that machines can rust and wear out without this basic maintenance.”