Regular readers will know that I build a few decks - 10 so far this year,
the last one being a massive 34 sq mtrs.

The real PITA is screwing down the deck boards, over 1,200 on that last
deck - so in May I spent the best part of £200 on a Makita 6844 autofeed
screwdriver. All the dealer blurbs claim it's ideal for decking.

Screwfix sell collated decking screws & an e-mail confirmed they should be
suitable for the Makita. Only problem, they are Pozidrive & the Makita
comes with Phillips head bits. I get onto the Makita web site to look up
the part number for the Pozi bits & order a pack of 10 from a dealer -
except they don't fit the machine.

Makita admit they have the wrong part number on the web site & send me a
pack of 3 bits.

First deck, the machine is a fecking disaster, unable to drive more that 10
or so screws without jamming to the point of needing pliers to sort it.
Several calls to Makita service, a few adjustments and its a little better
for a while.

Four boxes of Screwfix collated decking screws later and I'm getting a
little hysterical about it. Its taking more times to clear jams than I'm
saving. SF must be the largest screw supplier on the planet, can they be
wrong?

More calls to Makita who offer to check it out if I send it back. Costs me
£10 to return it.

Very impressed with the service, returned within 2 working days with a
complete new front end at no charge.

A note attached says "We cannot guarantee that other manufacturers screws
will work in Makita machines. Please ensure Makita screws are used to
prevent failure".

I didn't even know that Makita supplied collated screws. When I check it
out they supply Drywall screws or stainless steel screws to a maximum length
of 55mm - not really long enough.

Further e-mails to Makita elicits the reply that I have to use their
stainless screws - which cost 110% more than the SF decking screws. I ask
Makita if their screws will drive in 15mm from the end of a board without
splitting, like a decking screw will - no reply so far.

So it looks like I'm bolloxed. £200 worth of machine that doesn't fecking
work, £24 worth of incorrect bits, £112 worth of collated screws, most of
which ended up being put in with an impact driver, £10 to send the fecking
thing back & countless hours of lost labour. Makita blame the screws,
Screwfix blame the machine - I'm piggy in the middle.

You would think that these allegedly professional companies would get their
act together and make sure they got these things right.

Mutter, mutter.


--
Dave - The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk

It sounds like the bottom line is that it's really only ideal for the
much lighter task of plasterboard.

No amount of goodwill and dealer service will fix the problem, if the
tool has been incorrectly marketed for something it's not really up
to.

In your position, I might well push for a refund - which ultimately
will cost Makita less than the lost sales this discussion will
generate.

Have you considered a gas-nailer/Paslode?

I got mine (an IM350) for floorboards (soft nailer tip, 63mm ring galv
nails, results were excellent) - but I'm now finding the paslode gets
used as much with 90mm nails for framing.

I know both harder galvanised nails and a stainless steel nails are
also available, but haven't tried them - my use has been all indoors.

Oooh - in fact - Makita have just launched a clone of the Paslode
IM350 (as Paslode's patent has just expired) - why not press Mak for a
straight swap?

see: http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-M...ler-791224.htm

I don't suppose you got the Mak from Screwfix? It might at least be
possible to try dumping the whole problem on them.

If not, I would certainly try discussing with SF - especially if you
have an email that categorically says their screws are OK. I can
understand Mak being a bit 'use ours or else' - annoying and expensive
though it is - for they can't be expected to maintain a list of suitable
screws on the market.

If nothing else, perhaps SF would take back any unopened packs?

Is there a standard (BS, DIN, something else) for collated screws? Could
you identify which product isn't conformant?

It's not good though. I would have hoped the tool would have quite a bit
of tolerance.

--
Rod

Hypothyroidism is a seriously debilitating condition with an insidious
onset.
Although common it frequently goes undiagnosed.
www.thyromind.info www.thyroiduk.org www.altsupportthyroid.org

The Medway Handyman wrote:

thing back & countless hours of lost labour. Makita blame the screws,
Screwfix blame the machine - I'm piggy in the middle.

I take it the problem did not exist to start with, so what screws were
you using at first?

Might it be worth talking to a fixings specialist? IIRC the recently
departed Mr. Hall used to rate http://www.topgun.co.uk/ as very good on
sourcing unusual fixings requirements,,,



--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

wrote:
It sounds like the bottom line is that it's really only ideal for the
much lighter task of plasterboard.

Most of the dealers advertise it as perfect for decking. The thing works
with up to 75mm screws apparently, can't see any other use. Makita make an
extension handle specifically for use on floors.

No amount of goodwill and dealer service will fix the problem, if the
tool has been incorrectly marketed for something it's not really up
to.

In your position, I might well push for a refund - which ultimately
will cost Makita less than the lost sales this discussion will
generate.

Have you considered a gas-nailer/Paslode?

I have, but I'm against it for 2 reasons. I reckon screws are a better fix
& they are removeable if necessary. Also, my mate runs a hire shop & he
won't hire them out anymore because he says they are completely unreliable -
he does do loads of repairs though.


--
Dave - The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk

Rod wrote:
I don't suppose you got the Mak from Screwfix? It might at least be
possible to try dumping the whole problem on them.

Alas no, wish I had.


If not, I would certainly try discussing with SF - especially if you
have an email that categorically says their screws are OK. I can
understand Mak being a bit 'use ours or else' - annoying and expensive
though it is - for they can't be expected to maintain a list of
suitable screws on the market.

If nothing else, perhaps SF would take back any unopened packs?

Had to use them with impact drivers to finish the jobs off.

Is there a standard (BS, DIN, something else) for collated screws?
Could you identify which product isn't conformant?

I'll have a look.

It's not good though. I would have hoped the tool would have quite a
bit of tolerance.

So would I :-(


--
Dave - The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk

John Rumm wrote:
The Medway Handyman wrote:

thing back & countless hours of lost labour. Makita blame the
screws, Screwfix blame the machine - I'm piggy in the middle.

I take it the problem did not exist to start with, so what screws were
you using at first?

It did, but I assumed it was either me not using it properly of just
teething troubles. It wasn't as bad at first, seemed to get progressively
worse.

Might it be worth talking to a fixings specialist? IIRC the recently
departed Mr. Hall used to rate http://www.topgun.co.uk/ as very good
on sourcing unusual fixings requirements,,,

I'll check them out, thanks.


--
Dave - The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk

The Medway Handyman wrote:
John Rumm wrote:
The Medway Handyman wrote:

thing back & countless hours of lost labour. Makita blame the
screws, Screwfix blame the machine - I'm piggy in the middle.
I take it the problem did not exist to start with, so what screws were
you using at first?

It did, but I assumed it was either me not using it properly of just
teething troubles. It wasn't as bad at first, seemed to get progressively
worse.

So what is it like now they have replaced the nose?


--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

John Rumm wrote:
The Medway Handyman wrote:
John Rumm wrote:
The Medway Handyman wrote:

thing back & countless hours of lost labour. Makita blame the
screws, Screwfix blame the machine - I'm piggy in the middle.
I take it the problem did not exist to start with, so what screws
were you using at first?

It did, but I assumed it was either me not using it properly of just
teething troubles. It wasn't as bad at first, seemed to get
progressively worse.

So what is it like now they have replaced the nose?

Only got it back 2 days ago, no chance to try it yet.


--
Dave - The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk

The Medway Handyman wrote:
John Rumm wrote:
The Medway Handyman wrote:
John Rumm wrote:
The Medway Handyman wrote:

thing back & countless hours of lost labour. Makita blame the
screws, Screwfix blame the machine - I'm piggy in the middle.
I take it the problem did not exist to start with, so what screws
were you using at first?
It did, but I assumed it was either me not using it properly of just
teething troubles. It wasn't as bad at first, seemed to get
progressively worse.
So what is it like now they have replaced the nose?

Only got it back 2 days ago, no chance to try it yet.

So it might be its going to be ok with screwfix screws, but Mak were
just putting on tin knickers to cover themselves...

--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

John Rumm wrote:
The Medway Handyman wrote:
John Rumm wrote:
The Medway Handyman wrote:
John Rumm wrote:
The Medway Handyman wrote:

thing back & countless hours of lost labour. Makita blame the
screws, Screwfix blame the machine - I'm piggy in the middle.
I take it the problem did not exist to start with, so what screws
were you using at first?
It did, but I assumed it was either me not using it properly of
just teething troubles. It wasn't as bad at first, seemed to get
progressively worse.
So what is it like now they have replaced the nose?

Only got it back 2 days ago, no chance to try it yet.

So it might be its going to be ok with screwfix screws, but Mak were
just putting on tin knickers to cover themselves...

Now I'm extreemly peeded off. Tried it & its worse than it was before,
won't put a single screw in. I enclosed a complete strip of screws when I
returned it, not one had been used. ******s didn't even test it.

Very angry letter in post to Makita.


--
Dave - The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk

In article , The Medway
Handyman scribeth thus
John Rumm wrote:
The Medway Handyman wrote:
John Rumm wrote:
The Medway Handyman wrote:
John Rumm wrote:
The Medway Handyman wrote:

thing back & countless hours of lost labour. Makita blame the
screws, Screwfix blame the machine - I'm piggy in the middle.
I take it the problem did not exist to start with, so what screws
were you using at first?
It did, but I assumed it was either me not using it properly of
just teething troubles. It wasn't as bad at first, seemed to get
progressively worse.
So what is it like now they have replaced the nose?

Only got it back 2 days ago, no chance to try it yet.

So it might be its going to be ok with screwfix screws, but Mak were
just putting on tin knickers to cover themselves...

Now I'm extreemly peeded off. Tried it & its worse than it was before,
won't put a single screw in. I enclosed a complete strip of screws when I
returned it, not one had been used. ******s didn't even test it.

Very angry letter in post to Makita.


Sad to see an otherwise good manufacturer not responding as they ought
to a genuine complaint..

Bit like this new Hewlett Packard printer. They still can't get the
bloody paper handling right;(...

And their support doesn't do what it sez on the tin either(..
--
Tony Sayer

The Medway Handyman wrote:
John Rumm wrote:
The Medway Handyman wrote:
John Rumm wrote:
The Medway Handyman wrote:
John Rumm wrote:
The Medway Handyman wrote:

thing back & countless hours of lost labour. Makita blame the
screws, Screwfix blame the machine - I'm piggy in the middle.
I take it the problem did not exist to start with, so what screws
were you using at first?
It did, but I assumed it was either me not using it properly of
just teething troubles. It wasn't as bad at first, seemed to get
progressively worse.
So what is it like now they have replaced the nose?

Only got it back 2 days ago, no chance to try it yet.

So it might be its going to be ok with screwfix screws, but Mak were
just putting on tin knickers to cover themselves...

Now I'm extreemly peeded off. Tried it & its worse than it was before,
won't put a single screw in. I enclosed a complete strip of screws when I
returned it, not one had been used. ******s didn't even test it.

Very angry letter in post to Makita.

I hope you paid by credit card. I know that doesnt get you a working
tool but it means you can deal with someone else, and use one company
to supply the whole kit, thus ensuring they cant blame each other.


NT

"tony sayer" wrote in message
...
In article , The Medway
Handyman scribeth thus
John Rumm wrote:
The Medway Handyman wrote:
John Rumm wrote:
The Medway Handyman wrote:
John Rumm wrote:
The Medway Handyman wrote:

thing back & countless hours of lost labour. Makita blame the
screws, Screwfix blame the machine - I'm piggy in the middle.
I take it the problem did not exist to start with, so what screws
were you using at first?
It did, but I assumed it was either me not using it properly of
just teething troubles. It wasn't as bad at first, seemed to get
progressively worse.
So what is it like now they have replaced the nose?

Only got it back 2 days ago, no chance to try it yet.

So it might be its going to be ok with screwfix screws, but Mak were
just putting on tin knickers to cover themselves...

Now I'm extreemly peeded off. Tried it & its worse than it was before,
won't put a single screw in. I enclosed a complete strip of screws when I
returned it, not one had been used. ******s didn't even test it.

Very angry letter in post to Makita.


Sad to see an otherwise good manufacturer not responding as they ought
to a genuine complaint..

Bit like this new Hewlett Packard printer. They still can't get the
bloody paper handling right;(...

And their support doesn't do what it sez on the tin either(..

Middle of the road trying to pass themselves off as top quality.