What if I don’t know how much I need ?
If you don’t know how much consumables you will need don’t worry. We will let you have it on a sale or return basis. As long as it is not used or damaged, we will accept it back, up to 3 months after the hire.
Do I need to pay a deposit ?
Yes. you will need to pay an initial deposit depending on what value of item you are hiring. This can be paid with most credit or charge cards or cash.
If you hold a credit account with us then a deposit is not needed.
An account application can be downloaded from the home page.
What identity do I need ?
You will need two seperate proofs of identity. One should have your signature on i.e Credit or charge card, driving licence etc. and one should have your address on i.e. recent utility bill, community tax form etc. We do not accept Provisional driving licences – or – Mobile phone bills as identity ++
Do you deliver out of hours?
Yes we can deliver out of hours by arrangement only. There is an additional charge for this service depending on what time of day you wish delivery or collection to take place.
What are your opening times?
We are open Monday to Friday from 7am until 5.30 pm and Saturday from 7.30 am until 12.30 pm
What if I want something in an emergency?
Remember this is for emergencies only! We have emergency call out numbers for our customers 07904 385 067 and 07958 678 534
Do you offer Site visits to advise?
Yes, we can arrange a free visit with one of our technicians to advise you on site.
Please ring us for an appointment on 0208-807-5577.
What is SafeHire?
We have recently received our nineth succesive year in achieving the SafeHire accreditation. To receive this the company has to undergo a rigorous inspection which includes a long and detailed checks that our operation meets stringent Safety and Quality criteria. These checks include ensuring compliance under Health & Safety law, Consumer protection law and Environmental law.
The SafeHire certification scheme is operated by the Hire Association of Europe the internationally recognised leading body for the developement of the hire and rental industry.
The certification ensures that Alexandra Tool Hire Ltd is fully committed to looking after their customers by having safe equipment available for hire or rent.
Our independent SafeHire assessors have carried out a detailed examination of our operations including a review of our servicing and testing procedures implemented to ensure that all customers are provided with proper safety instructions. In addition, throughout the certification period, “Mystery customers will visit at random to ensure that these high standards are being met” said the Hire Association of Europe Director.
Is this all the equipment you have for hire?
No, this is not all the equipment, this is just a selection of the equipment we have for hire. We are continually adding to our stock.
Lots of items are called by different names so if you cannot see what you want please get in touch, we know most of all the alternative names for equipment.
Do you erect towers?
Yes, we operate a tower erection service.
There will be a nominal charge for either erecting and/or dismantling the tower.
Do you have special rates?
Yes, we continually give special rates for a number of reasons :
1. Special weekend rates
2. Special rates for long term hires
3. Special rates for holiday periods
4. Special rates for intermmitent hire
How to use a Cement Mixer?
Types of mixer
There are various sizes of concrete mixers other than specialist mixers. They are usually described by size i.e. 4/3 and 5/3-1/2 this tells you how much dry material is put in and how much you get out when mixed. The 4/3 is 4 cubic foot in and 3 cubit foot out.
The standard mixer for small everyday use is usually the 4/3 mini mix. This mixer can go through a standard doorway and has a stand to raise it high enough to enable the mix to tip into a wheelbarrow.
Setting up
Set the mixer up on level ground near to your supply of sand and cement also out of the way of pedestrians and vehicles. You will also need a water supply either a hose or large container. You may need to protect the floor surface as the mix can splash around.
For a consistent mix you will need to measure the ingredients accurately. A dry bucket is a useful measure. A shovel is not very accurate, but most people use this method.
A guide to useful mixes
Aggregate = crushed stone or gravel
This is a guide and you may need to vary these ratios for your particular job
Making the mix
Start the mixer while empty. If you try to start the mixer with a load it will possibly do damage to the machine.
While the drum is turning, tip the desired ingredients into the mixer, making sure you keep your hands and bucket away from the turning drum.
Do not add the water until all the dry materials are thoroughly mixed and show as one uniform colour. Add the water slowly until the required constituency is reached.
Make a note of how much water you have added for future mixes. Let the mixer run until you are satisfied everything is thoroughly mixed.
Emptying the mixer
With the drum still rotating, lift the mixer by the handles to tilt the drum and allow the mix to flow out into a wheelbarrow or on to the ground.
Cleaning the mixer
Any mix will stick to the outside of the drum; it is advisable to wash it off periodically through out the day with a brush and bucket of water.
Turn off the mixer when finished. Clean the inside and outside of the drum as soon as you have finished as it will be hard to get off if left for any time.
How to sand wood floors?
1. Make sure all boards are secure.
If any boards are damaged they can be turned over or replaced.
If replacing they need to be of the same condition, otherwise the finished job will see the different shade of the new wood. There are places that sell reclaimed timber alternatively the boards can be replaced with ones from another room that are not being sanded.
2. Knock all nails down
below the surface this can be done with a nail punch, if this is not done it could cause you to use extra sanding sheets when sanding.
3. Start sanding diagonally across the boards
with the main floor sander; this will tend to level the surface of the boards. When using the course sanding grit papers care should be taken when putting them on, making sure they are on tight and level, it would be advisable to retighten them after one or two minutes (they tend to loosen off after starting up). Remember to keep the machine moving whilst in motion, stopping in one spot will damage the floor.
4. Sand along the boards with the medium and fine
sandpaper, this will remove the scratches from the course first sanding.
5. The edging sander
can now be used. Remember to keep it flat on the surface and do not tip it, this will leave marks on the floor. Use the same sequence of sandpaper; course first then medium and fine.
6. Filling in any holes or cracks.
A useful tip is to use the clean sawdust from the sanding, mix it with the floor finish that is to be used not only is it the correct colour of the wood but it will save you money in expensive wood filler. If the gaps are too big for filling; strips of wood can be used.
7. A final sanding of the floor:
although the floor will look good after the medium sanding you will need to finish with the fine sandpaper; the quality of the finished job will be improved if this is done.
8. Sweep and vacuum the floor
when the dust as settled, usually after about 1 hour. Use a damp cloth to get the dust out of corners.
9. Try not to walk on it,
this can leave dirty marks, before it as been coated. Newspaper can also leave print marks.
10. For the best finish
wipe the floor with wire wool between coats of floor finish. Vacuum up before applying the next coat.
11. Remember to empty the dust bags safely
and regular because of the fire hazard. Dispose of sawdust wisely because it can be a fire hazard.
12. Use the appropriate safety equipment (PPE)
i.e. Dust Mask – Goggles – Ear Protection – gloves.