| 81 Richard Loader A dangerous practice that sparked an idea The block has been enhanced so that it is now fabricated from the most durable and hard wearing materials, while the method of use has evolved to speed. CONTRACTING Core Drill Block www.coredrillblock.co.nz • Diamond Blades • Site Tools • PPE Safety • Machinery CoreDrill Block Stockist www.diamond-tools.co.nz | 09 277 8830 Good old fashioned kiwi ingenuity is becoming a very good news story, with Auckland company Core Drill Block Ltd winning the 2023 Site Safe Safety Innovation award, the hero being the block that vastly improves safety and accuracy while drilling. The inspirational story behind Core Drill Block Ltd starts way back in 2003, when Dave Honey, a panel beater by trade, was working on a demolition site in Australia when he witnessed a dangerous work place practice that sparked an idea. A contractor was core drilling through concrete, using his feet to stabalise the 200mm core drill bit to get the cut started, an act he had done numerous times judging by the badly worn state of his boots, and his feet hanging out the sides. Dave’s immediate thought was that there must be a safer and more accurate way to use the core drill, and set o to design and develop the first core drill block. But it was not until 2017, after Dave had returned to New Zealand and joined forces with his brother Graham, that Core Drill Block Ltd was established, operating out of Graham’s home garage. Through further development, the block has been enhanced so that it is now fabricated from the most durable and hard-wearing materials, while the method of use has evolved to speed up the set-up time. “The block is designed to be bolted to the surface being drilled and the core drill bit then slides over top, so it guides the core drill for an accurate pinpoint position,” says Graham. “This eliminates the need to use expensive and bulky drill frames, or the more hazardous method of placing the core drill between the users feet. Since the block holds the drill ȊThe block is designed to be bolted to the surface being drilled and the core drill bit then slides over top, so it guides the core drill.ȋ steady it also allows for much cleaner and accurate result.” Since commencing operations, Graham and Dave have built a larger shed, complete with oɝce, to keep up with the ever increasing demand as more and more contractors become familiar with the block and the benefits it provides. “The product is now pending its worldwide patent. We have distributors both here and Australia, and we’ve also had a few customers from overseas including the UK and USA. Our customers include core drillers, construction or civil workers, plumbers, electricians, drain layers, and home DIYers. The main application is core drilling ȵoors, walls or even the surface of a concrete drain pipe, and there are plenty of sizes to choose from ranging from 32mm – 250mm in diameter. We can also make custom sizes.” As well as manufacturing the product, Graham and Dave are also in hot demand as core drillers. Not long after the product was first developed they were awarded a contract drilling 3000 holes for KiwiRail at Britomart. “We are now drilling for a number of large contractors. They just want us back because we are accurate and safe.” Entering the Site Safe awards provided the perfect opportunity for Core Drill Block to grow awareness of the product, but Graham says wining the innovation award was ‘icing on the cake’ confirming they have a very special product. Each edition priority delivered to your door. . www.waterfordpress.co.nz/subscriptions . . . i i 03 983 5525 Stay informed; we work with business owners and decision-makers across all economic sectors, profiling their success. i ; i i i i - ll i , ili i . Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. r i , r I tr , r . businessnorth Volume 21 | Issue 3 | June 2022 www.waterfordpress.co.nz businessnorth
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