After snapping yet another flat head screwdriver during a roofing bolt installation back in 2019, John Mijalski decided enough was enough and embarked on a mission to find a solution to driving in roofing bolts.
3 years later after designing, patenting, and finding an exclusive manufacturing & distribution partner (that’s us!) the Impact Rated Roofing Bolt Driver is here.
Featuring a unique cruciform head design, the driver is made specifically to fit the cross-head form of roofing bolt drivers. 4 Drive wings create a strong location in the bolt head and provide increased contact with the drive edges. This helps prevent camming out and dramatically reduces bolt head damage caused by traditional screwdriver slippage.
Having launched this Spring, 2021, the simple yet incredibly effective Impact Rated Roofing Bolt Driver is proving to be a hit with professionals in the trade.
We sat down with John to get to know the man behind the tool invention.
(Armeg) Tell us a bit about yourself?
(John) I’m Based in Hoddesdon Hertfordshire, My Interests outside of work are Fishing, DIY Projects around the house and Garden; and I currently have a renovation project on an old JEEP.
How long have you been an electrician?
I’ve worked as an electrician for 25 years.
What kind of electrical work do you do?
The majority of electrical work has been commercial and industrial installations, but I do quite a lot of domestic work too.
What do you enjoy the most about being an electrician?
I enjoy solving a problem / fault. Pleasing the customer has its rewards too.
When did you first come up with the idea to develop the Roofing Bolt Driver?
I decided to create the driver when I snapped the corner off a flat head screwdriver in 2018.
The other problems I faced were the time it was taking to tighten the bolts up and the flat head drivers not fitting properly. When working at height, which is often the case with cable management, you need things to be easier!
What jobs & applications do you work on when using Roofing Bolts?
The most common time for me to use the gutter bolts /roof bolts are in commercial or industrial situations, where cable management trays are being used above suspended ceilings. I do this daily on industrial contracts, sometimes commercial in the initial stages of the installation.
How does the Roofing Bolt Driver help?
It’s quicker and easier to locate on the bolt, plus gets the bolts much tighter.
Tell us about the process you underwent to bring the Roofing Bolt Driver to life? From initial idea to the finished product today?
I wanted a male version of the female cross on the bolt head. After having a 3D version printed, I realised the user could not locate it easily because the cross was not visible enough.
I then thought of scribed lines on the outside to give it a reference, and this made things slightly easier. I also removed the side walls for a better physical view, without compromising the outer tips of the cross, under impact. I applied for a patent with the design which had clarity for a detailed descriptive.
While thinking of making a working prototype, and patent pending; I met Dean Butcher at the Armeg stall during a trade show at the NEC in Birmingham. After a brief description of the tool and showing him a scruffy sketch, he gave me his card.
After a difficult time trying to get a company using spark erosion to make a few one-offs, I decided to visit a local engineering company and they eventually made me 20 blanks, which I then took to a spark erosion company (Neptune Engineering) Hertford. They were very professional and eroded the business end as I like to call it. Once I had the prototypes, I contacted Dean almost a year after we met.
Why did you choose Armeg as a partner?
I chose Armeg because I like the products, I use their Holesaws, ¼” drive bit sets, HSS drills and like the quality. Plus, I wanted to keep things British. I also wanted to set the standard high in quality and looks, which are very important.
How has it been working with Armeg?
Excellent, positive all the way.
What is your favourite feature of the Roofing Bolt Driver?
The black finish really sets it off, especially with the Armeg laser etching; also, the scallops make such a difference to the usability, and they look unique.
How will you feel seeing your product concept in electrical wholesalers and being used by electricians?
If I see them hanging on a shelf, it will feel slightly strange at first (I have to admit) but when I see someone recommending it to a colleague saying “they’re really good”, that will be job done!
For more product information click here.
