GPH UK, a solar installation company, turned to FEIN to solve a Tek screw challenge in line with their solar panel manufacturer requirements.

About the company

GPH UK are a solar installation company, trading since 2014. Their primary focus is on renewable energy solutions, working collaboratively with customers and suppliers to create a difference to the planet for future generations. The company have 8-10 operators installing solar panels for industrial, residential and commercial use. 

The Challenge

When installing solar panels, the operators at the company use Tek screws to fit industrial roofing. In order to main the quality and integrity of the roofing structure, they have to adhere to strict guidelines as mandated by the solar panel manufacturers. These manufacturers had instructed GPH UK that the previous impact driver tools they were using could not be used anymore. The reasoning behind this decision was that when using an impact driver the washer in the Tek screw could sometimes overtighten which meant that you didn’t get a proper seal, or undertighten which could lead to water pooling. As a result, if the screw was not accurately tightened every time, this could lead to a void in the guarantee provided by the manufacturer. 

 

FEIN’s Solution

Our technical expert Gavin, visited GPH UK and met with owner James Beale, to gain an understanding of the problem and what the company needed in order to address this challenge. It was during this visit, that Gavin recommended the ASCM 18 QSW. When paired with the QuickIn Tek Screwhead, the tool has a nose piece that stops Tek screws from being overtightened, ensuring that you tighten the screw to the correct depth every time. Converting the 4 speed drill driver into a Tek Screw specific screw gun, without the need for dedicated powertool only for Tek screws. 

The ASCM 18 QSW also boasts a 4-speed metal gearbox and weighs just 1.3kg, making it the lightest drill/driver in FEIN’s range. 

ASCM 18 QSW AS - 4 SPEED CORDLESS DRILL/DRIVER

  • Small and light 4-speed cordless drill/driver with brushless motor and QuickIN interface. Perfectly suited to universal drilling and screwdriving.

  • 4-speed solid metal gearbox for optimum cutting speeds for drilling in metal and self-drilling screws up to 6 mm.

  • Brushless FEIN PowerDrive motor with 30 % higher efficiency and long service life.

  • QuickIN solid metal drill chuck (120 Nm) with carbide-tipped clamping jaws and high clamping forces.

  • The AMPShare interface makes almost 100% more screw connections (approx. 1100, diameter of 5 x 40 mm in timber) possible per battery charge with the same level of FEIN quality. (ProCORE 4 Ah).

To the machine

The Benefits

Thanks to this new combination recommended by FEIN, GPH UK were able to switch machines for all 8 of their operators. Benefits include:

  • Meeting manufacturer requirements – and continue their mission and commitment to renewable energy solutions 
  • Accuracy & Quality – Tek screw installation met the correct depth and correct screw every time 
  • Benefits from a multi-functional drill – the ASCM 18 QSW is 1 drill that serves multiple applications without the need to invest or switch between different machines
  • Lighter machine – weighing just 1.3kg, this compact lightweight machine is perfect for roofers 
  • Keep manufacturers guarantee – installation guarantee by the manufacturer remains intact. 

Speaking about the partnership, Gavin said: ‘This is one of those instances where I really value meeting an end customer like GPH UK. Their mission and story really stood out to me, and I could easily understand the challenge they were facing. I am so pleased that I was able to recommend a product like the ASCM 18 QSW, where it was directly addressing a problem they were facing whilst providing them with a solution that gave them great flexibility for other applications as well.’

FEIN's Range of Cordless Drills