Platium Tile Tools

My wife used to run a usability lab during the dot-com hayday (no not now, the first one). As a result I've developed an appreciation for tools redesigned based on actual user analysis (read as: OXO). For that reason I took an interest when I read the introductory summary of the Platinum Tile tool ine from Custom Building Products.

"Platinum tools were created by watching and listening how tile professionals used their tools everyday so we could truly understand how they’re used. [...] And we discovered that they use their tools for tasks that they simply weren’t designed for. Then we started at square one to make the best possible tools for the job and designed the most innovative line of tile installation tools ever. So instead of telling contractors not to use their tools that way, we redesigned them so they could be used that way."

How are they different, you ask?

For their Platinum Notched Trowel, the first difference is the notch pattern--they claim it allows for more contact with less pressure exerted. They also designed the rear of the trowel with a wedge tail...I can imagine this was one of the 'misuses' that they saw lots of those tile professionals doing in the field. ;-)

For their tile nippers they've added a number of small niceties - a compound action pivot action that eases cutting through harder tile, rounded tips that reduce the contact surface and again reduce the force required, and finally an added V-groove for all those folks 'mususing' their regular nippers to pull baseboard nails.

If you're interested, the Platinum line also includes a powered mixer, knee pads and a grout float.

Posted by Aaron on July 13, 2006 5:42 PM |

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