Make life easy, search the forum.

Discuss Always improving: 365-Drills diamond core tile drill bits tips for drilling holes in in the Tiling News; Tile News area at TilersForums. USA and UK Tiling Forum

Please checkout the following advertisement.
At 365Drills we are always improving and this year (2012) we turn our attention to the most iconic product the Bathroom Fitters Kit.

Later this year the Bathroom Fitters Kit will have a new look for the small cores. This is the prototype.

2012pack.jpg
kit2.jpg


THE PROTOTYPE DOES NOT YET HAVE THE LARGER CORES ADDED - DONT WORRY THEY WILL COME !

I have decided to create two compartments on top of the yellow drill plate to hold the smaller 6mm and 8mm diamond cores.

Reasoning behind the change (which does cost money!) is that the four cores together tended to rattle quite a bit.
Also on some packs it was possible for the contents to drop out of place. Not elegent !

We are really busy talking to a big retailer in Germany and they demand perfection.

Knowing there was a chance that the rattling and the dropping would annoy them it seemed worth investing in new tooling.

Prototype finished (its in a resin block) we will turn this into an aluminum mould and create three identical sets. Once done we will be launching the new look bathroom fitters kit.

As a UK company trying to gain exports we have to listen hard to our European markets. Our broker is really making great progress and I hope to give you more news as the year goes on.

Obviously packaging changes do not affect the quality of the product. It still drills holes in tiles - and does it well !!

But as a forward looking company if we can iron out these little squeeks then it should improve our fighting chances against the ever growing competition.

One thing this forum is great at (you the contributors) is that you can often spot things or tell us things that we have missed.
So I have put that image up just in case I have made any totally obvious gaffs. You will be the first to point them out I am sure!

Yes the big cores are not on the prototype pack yet - but they will be. So please dont say that we missed them. Its not a gaff its machining.

But if there is anything glaringly obviously now is the time for me to change the resin mould. We and tinker with that all day or scrap it and start again.

2012pack2.jpg

Its cheaper for Barry to machine new resin moulds than to try to change an aluminium one.
The CNC will carve any shape required.

2012pack3.jpg

Small changes in software to create a virtual 3D image are cheaper than acutal production.


As I said fingers crossed this is right - but if it needs a tweek the month of May 2012 is the one to do it in ! !
 
Last edited by a moderator:
OP
A

Alan M

Re: Always improving: 365-Drills diamond core tile drill bits tips fo

Maybe the case could be done as a stand alone product sold empty.

I wouldn't want a case every time I replaced a set of cores as the case will presumably put last them by a long way.

Like wise people who buy a set of cores for a one off job to use then chuck probably don't want a case either.

People who use regularly and would make use of a case could then buy it seperatley on an ad hoc basis and replace it when required.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


i think i would be in a similar situation.
i have the bathromm installers kit and a 40 mm (2 in set)
i would love a case designed for them. i would love the full set but if i bought the set i would have extra cores left lying around.
 
OP
J

jonnyc

Re: Always improving: 365-Drills diamond core tile drill bits tips fo

i dont think i would be bothered by drill bits not coming in a fancy case , if i thought i was still getting a quality drill bit.
i see that you are comparing the quality of your drill bits with the likes of marcist and other high quality drill bits.
If your drill bits are so good and a fraction of price of such expensive bits recognised in the industry, why dont you just prove your quality and cost effectiveness by testing side by side.
this would beat any marketing/packaging sell.
If you match the best on offer for quality at a fraction of price ,you will blow all opposition away .
But i am guessing your market is not the company like me that uses these bits on a daily basis amongst a workforce.
your target might be the occasional user who does basic tile and dosent need to drill holes in porcelain for aesthetic reasons on a very regular basis.
in this instance your very competitive cost is a no brainer to the buyer for his one off job and he may never need to put drill bit to the test on regular basis to compare if he got such a good deal after all.
I as a professional want the best tools and most cost effective in my armoury.
Please dont misunderstand me , i think you have a solution for a certain percentage of tilers or diy at a very competitive cost, but i feel you might just be floating a little high on your deserved success from considered and well presented marketing and maybe therefore a little light headed at your lofty alititude to suggest that your drill bits are every bit as good as a product that cost multiples in cost of yours.
would love to hear your considered and valued comments.
 
OP
D

Deleted member 1779

Re: Always improving: 365-Drills diamond core tile drill bits tips fo

Cheers yes I will answer that by breakdown into headed sections:

1) Product comparisons:


Agreed. We would love to put our products side by side to be tested with other systems. Our now very established PORSADRILL system is 6 years old, a trusted brand and has gone on to become a toolbox essential item for professional installers worldwide. We are very open to submitting PORSADRILL to third party independent reviews and tests with unbiased results comparing total drilling solutions.
The difficulty though has always been seeking a totally unbiased testing company.

Example

a) We could bankroll an independent testing company to complete side by side testing. Cost: It would cost us about £1000 in our competitors equipment (we would have to buy it!) plus it would cost £1500 for the tests. Total budget £2500. Result: Even if having spent the money and our product came out on top anyone reading the reviews would simply judge that we had fixed the results. Readers would be highly sceptical of any findings.

b) We could go to a national tester like “Which?” magazine. Or maybe TV – Go to the “Gadget Show” Problem: Afraid these outlets find the whole area to be too niche so would not be interested in doing any sort of product review. Its not like testing coffee making machines or mobile phones. The market for tile drills is just too small to warrant them doing a feature on it.

c) Within the tile industry perhaps the media could do a test. Example: Tile magazines, Plumbing Magazines, Builders magazines. Problem: The magazines are slightly tied to their advertisers and do not want to upset their advertisers, especially those with the deep pockets. Most mags only tend to do articles and features if the manufacturer pays for an ad ! So conflict of interest.

Special Footnote for point C.

We have actually been independently reviewed by the respected Professional Builder magazine” The article tested PORSADRILL and gave it a glowing review.
We did not pay for that review. We did not sponsor a page. We did not make any payment to the tester.
But because of this the test also was merged into a project test of silicone and installing a sink. I will share the results via this post.



2) Who is our market? Who BUYS from 365drills.
A common mistake is that its assumed systems costing £300+ are used by Professional Installers and that our £49.99 is a DIY product based on price.

The truth of the matter (evidenced by sales) is that PORSADRILL does not appeal to the DIY market at all.

Its biggest market is for professional installers.

Thats because we have been told time and again the DIY market does not like the £49.99 price point. For a consumable its too expensive. The DIY market likes £29.99 and we have been told this by B&Q, JML, Pitch-TV, QVC, Jewsons, Travis-Perkins. We have been asked to raise our price of the kit from £49.99 to £60 and then to split the kit into two separate items for the DIY market. One kit at £29.99 for the small holes. A second kit at £29.99 for the pipe fittings at 16mm 30mm and 40mm. They insist if we want the DIY market then two kits for £29.99 each is the way to get sales.

kit2.jpg


At £49.99 for a consumbale the DIY market is not keen.

This product appeals to professional installers.


So who is our market? Our market is actually Professional installers who either dont want to pay £300 for a solution, or who have had equipment stolen from site, or van. Or who simply want to achieve the same result but for less money. History bears this out because in year 6 upto 70% of our trade is now repeat sales or recommended sales done on word of mouth.


3) Would product testing beat our current marketing and packaging.


This point I think we covered in point 1. If an independent tester was ready to take on PORSADRILL then we would submit it without bias. But our biggest marketing success is still word of mouth. That comes from people on here (the forum) answering posts. The people who have bought and use our product can actually be our biggest flag wavers. And on site that can be really useful because we get loads of people calling in to order based on what they have been told by another plumber and installer working along side them. Our marketing is not puff. If it was our product would have died a quick death. Whats keeping it strong in the last years is the people who have clicked the “Buy” button and then giving honest review and feedback.

4) You have quoted: “I as a professional want the best tools and most cost effective in my armoury


We hope you (and new readers) will consider using PORSADRILL. Our main kit at £49.99 is ridiculous value for money. At £7 a drill that's a great bargain. We are also the only company to back up our “all in one solution” with 37 other sizes. Even if you have got a £300 drilling system there may come a day when you need a special one off size. Example: Putting in a set of ten spotlights. Our competitors only supply a LIMITED RANGE of alternative sizes. We provide a full range. And we can have them on site to you by the morning. 24hour service. We can even provide bespoke sizes. We custom build sizes for you.


5) Testimonials Some - from people who tried our system.

Below are some customer testimonials. Before we print these on line we must be legally be able to PROVE to any third party who requests the origin of the testimonial that we have details on file.

Legal Statement: We are able to validate and provide full contactable details for all testimontals printed here for 365Drills and the PORSADRILL system


=============================================================
Want to say: I HAVE USED THESE DRILL BITS FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS NOW AND I HAVE NOT FOUND ANY THING THAT DRILLS REALLY HARD TILES LIKE 365 DRILL BITS EXCELLENT PRODUCT GRAHAM PARKER STYLISH BATHROOMS ILKLEY WEST YORKSHIRE

Submit: Submit


=============================================================

Hi there i was speaking to topps-tiles today telling them about your sets off diamond drill sets the manager seemed very interested she said she would have a look at your web site and speak to there buyers so good luck, hope you still send some of your sponges kind regards Ivor Matson.
From: 365 GROUP
Sent: Monday, December 20, 2010 1:18 PM
To: Ivor Matson IJM Services
Subject: 365 Group Confirmation Email for order ref: RC8908236
=============================================================
Dear Sir,
Thank you so much for the drill system which arrived safely this morning which under the circumstances pertaining with the weather is quite remarkable and I am so pleased. My son who is a tiler has been tile my bathroom with hard porcelain tiles for me and found your system online and it seems just the thing he needs to make sure there are no broken tiles when he has to drill to put up accessories etc.
Thank you again for your excellent service. Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
Kindest regards,
Sue Eddy.
=============================================================
--- On Tue, 21/12/10, 365
Dear 365drills,

Used 6mm drills today on very hard porcelain,and did not dissapoint ,6 holes and still going on the same drill bit .Previously tried de walt and numerous other makes costing a fortune ,would recommend 365 drills 100%
Many thanks
Glenn Bush

- oscarpuss
=============================================================
I must write to you to say how effective your drills are.
After being UNABLE to get any local tradesman to drill two 65mm holes in tiles because, they said, there were already 40mm holes in the spots where I needed the larger ones drilled. There was nowhere to locate their pilot bits....
I scoured the web and came across your page. After seeing your video demonstration of a diamond drill in action, I bit the cost bullet and purchased the drill.
A very prompt delivery ensued. Only 15 minutes' work was needed, and I felt confident at all stages of the "drilling" procedure.
The attachment shows the result, and speaks for itself, really. The bit seems unaffected by the job, and I will now try to sell it on, probably on eBay.
I shall use photos in my advertising blurb, and I hope that you will not mind my providing a link to your website- and its video.
Well done in providing a product that is easy to use- and does exactly what it says on the tin!
Many thanks
Derek Thomas
=============================================================
I have just finished seven 6mm holes in 10mm porcelain from one bit and I would say it is probably good for more Even if I get only two more from this one bit this means I have had all the others in the pack for nothing!!..
I kept the drill at a third revs and had a small sponge pressed against the tile just above the bit and squeezed out a drip of water every couple of seconds with the drill still turning

Kind regards,

Bob England
Senior Planner
P. J. Carey (Contractors) Ltd
=============================================================
"Rachael Keary" <rachaelkeary@ >

Hi Richard
I just wanted to email you to say thankyou for the round drill piece for cuting holes in my porcelain tiles. I searched everywhere in Dublin for these and was told it was impossible to cut porcelain in such a way. One orgainisation aid they could but wanted to charge me hundreds of euros. The drill pieces cut six perfect holes in my 60 by 60 cm porcelain tiles . Thanks again
Regards
=============================================================
Richard:
I love 365drills --- Is there any chance you a looking for a manufacturers representative for Florida USA? I have a manufacturer rep company Victory Management Solutions. We represent various European companies such as GROHE (faucets) and Kuppersbusch (appliances) in Florida.
Our agency also represents other lines in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America
I have attached a line card for our international operation for your review. If there is any interest please let me know.
I will be attending the Kitchen and Bath Show in Atlanta on April 30 to May 4. If by any chance you will be attending maybe we couldmeet and discuss further.

=============================================================
Hi
I'd just like to write and thank you for producing an excellent product that is great value for money.
Not knowing the drilling implications we bought porcelain tiles for our new bathroom. 4 hours , 4.5 x 6.5mm diamater holes, £ 45 later spent on 3 different types of specialist tile drills and with the prospect of another 24 holes to drill I searched "driiling porcelain tiles". I found your product on the www.diynot.com forum.
The kit I bought has cut the remaining holes like butter.
I can't believe your product is not in the DIY superstores.
Thank you for resolving what was turning out to be a nightmare.
Regards
Mark Walker
118 Festing Grove
=============================================================
Hello,
Your "Bathroom Fitters Pack" of porcelain hole cutters has been highly recommended to us by a valued customer.
I was therefore wondering whether we had an account with yourselves (I can not see one on our system), or you could give me a list of distributors, who stocked this product.
I would consider other products, if you could send me details, that we could stock, as we have a lot of bathroom fitters as customers.
We have a good catchment area, as we are ideally situated in the centre of 3 large towns (Doncaster, Barnsley, and Rotherham).
Regards
Dave Lee
Branch Manager
Travis Perkins
=============================================================
Hi Richard,

Can I show your product rather than looking at it in brochures, the reason is to show the benefits of whole cutting for waste pipe and be able to demonstrate the product to my bosses..

If you have already sent this product then please accept my apology and look forward to doing business with you soon.


Regards,
Simon Parker
Jewson Limited

=============================================================

Product Testing: Independant review of PORSADRILL by Professional Builder Mag

professional_builder4.jpg


professional_builder1.jpg


professional_builder3.jpg



professional_builder2.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
OP
J

jonnyc

Re: Always improving: 365-Drills diamond core tile drill bits tips fo

thanks for coming back so quickly and i will spend some time going through your points later.
I guess what i need to do is buy a kit and find out just how good the bits are.
so that is what i will do this morning.
for me as an installer of stone and porcelain , i have to deal with many different sizes of hole especially for uplighters that have no cover plate, and in this respect you have great choice.
just one question the colour of drills in one off sizes are black rather than silver . are they made from same material and quality.
i will order one of a specific size as well as kit.
i have bought before from you at i think stone show some years ago and look forward to trying the new drill bits out. do they differ at all from 5 years ago.
 
OP
D

Deleted member 1779

Re: Always improving: 365-Drills diamond core tile drill bits tips fo

All we ask is that readers try them. !!

As consumers everyone is protected by two legal requirements.

1) Fit for purpose. We have to sell you goods "as descibed" and fit for purpose. If they dont work - you get your money back! Thats provided they have been used in a manner described in the instructions (supplied).

2) Online distance selling sales act: You have seven days from recieving the goods to totally reject them. Rules are simple, if they arrive and you dont want them you can just send them back. You dont even need to give a reason! We must refund you the cost of the goods and the postage costs out. But you must pay for the return back.

Whats the difference between black and silver PORSASDRILL ?

Answer none: We brand them sometimes for tile retailers who GIVE THEM AWAY** !! so they wanted them painted black. We sometimes send black, sometimes silver. Its all the same base. There is no difference in endurance.

23.jpg

Some PORSADRILL cores arrive black.

There are some production differences from 5 years ago. We have made the diamond matrix a bit harder. We are better at getting the diamonds to stick to the core.

But its basically the same.

** Some retailers give our products away free. For a customer buying £5000 worth of tiles the retailers wanted to guarantee the installer wouldnt break the tiles and return them. So they see £49.99 as cheap insurance to avoid having hard porclain tiles return back. We did this with the BBC (British Bath Centre) London where some tiles sell for £120 psm. The guy was fed up with installers breaking tiles and bringing them back. Now every sale get a free set of diamond core drills for the customer. But they wanted them to look a bit more sexy. We did them in black for them and some others retailers.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
OP
J

jonnyc

Re: Always improving: 365-Drills diamond core tile drill bits tips fo

think you have tried to send me a message.
my inbox is not full now so can try again .
thanks
 
OP
D

Deleted member 1779

Re: Always improving: 365-Drills diamond core tile drill bits tips fo

Yes it was the forum discount code (will send again)
 
OP
D

Deleted member 1779

Re: Always improving: 365-Drills diamond core tile drill bits tips fo

Well this is it folks... Pack one hot off the press for June 2012

bfknewpack.jpg


The Best selling Bathroom Fitters Kit off the production line with the new improved packaging.
Designed to stop the drills rattling. But also to cure the issue of the internal drills dropping out of their slots inside the pack.

Took quite a bit of re-engineering (more than I wanted) but fingers crossed that the results will be worth the time money and effort.

Best bit about working in the UK and have a BRITISH factory is that we can modify things quickly. No need to bother China and getting it all wrong in translation.

Just spin up the CAD software and machine out the Aluminum moulds.
 
OP
B

bugs183

Re: Always improving: 365-Drills diamond core tile drill bits tips fo

Great stuff 365! Really good to see a manufacturer actually remember who they are selling too, and listen to any feedback.
I've not used your drills, but i can tell everyone is chuffed with them.
Do you have a launch date for the bumper bit boxed set as i will certainly get one. A box for your drill bits i think is invaluable as you can see at a glance whether you have misplaced any bits, very handy for end of the day, tired tiler time. As the other guys say, maybe sell a bit free box too.
Are you getting rid of any ex demo girls, i saw the one had a broken arm, i'll take off your hands!
 
OP
D

Deleted member 1779

Re: Always improving: 365-Drills diamond core tile drill bits tips fo

About the box I still cant get them low volume for less than £10 a box which is a nightmare.

314107_10150863415752014_495283148_n.jpg


Yes poor girl broke her arm !!

OUUCCHHHHH


I am still searching for a case mfr that will be able to do the project for us. But its taking longer than I thought.
 
OP
J

jonnyc

Re: Always improving: 365-Drills diamond core tile drill bits tips fo

do you manufacture the whole drill bit here in the uk or is the packaging and/or rubber/plastic hole template.
 
OP
D

Deleted member 1779

Re: Always improving: 365-Drills diamond core tile drill bits tips fo

Everything is made here in the UK. And also if anyone needs any special sizes made then we have fully equiped workshop which can custom make any size.

For example we made a 123mm for a guy who wanted tile circles of 120mm exactly. We charge out machine time at about £60 an hour with a minimum of 3 hours per job.

563297_10150879039562014_2099311197_n.jpg
 

Reply to Always improving: 365-Drills diamond core tile drill bits tips for drilling holes in in the Tiling News; Tile News area at TilersForums.com

Or checkout our tile training advice or the Tile Standards

This website is hosted and managed by www.untoldmedia.co.uk. Creating content since 2001.

New Tiling Questions

UK Tiling Forum Stats

Threads
66,601
Messages
866,706
Members
9,513
Latest member
05jtaylor
Top
AdBlock Detected

We get it, advertisements are annoying!

Sure, ad-blocking software does a great job at blocking ads, but it also blocks useful features of our website. For the best site experience please disable your AdBlocker.

I've Disabled AdBlock