Keeping an eye out for products that are perhaps not always associated with an independent garage has the potential to earn factors that little bit of extra profit. Bodyshop and repair materials are not for every factor customer but catching those that are interested can be a game changer. Mirka supplies bodywork sanders and a number of add-on abrasive materials that provide an ideal opportunity for upselling. PMF investigates.
Q. Why should motor factors stock bodyshop products and what type of jobs can factor customers use them for?
Mirka’s line-up of tools, including its electric range, is ideal for all end users in the marketplace, as the sanders are suitable for sanding applications on car/vehicle body repair without being a drain on the workshop’s compressor.
These tools require no air, which also makes them the perfect choice for users in the mobile repair market. The brand offers a two year warranty as standard on all power tools, with an additional year given, subject to the tool being registered within 30 days of purchase on the Mirka website, which shows the confidence the company has in the tools’ design.
Q. What do the sanders offer the bodyshop market and where do Mirka’s tools come into their own?
The DEROS’ versatility makes it the tool of choice for any size of garage or repair shop, including mobile repair. In addition, it now has a Bluetooth connection that allows the tool to connect to the new Mirka app, which is available through Google play and the App store, although the app requires version 9.1 or later for iOS devices and version 5.0 or later for Android devices. The program is designed to provide users with an insight into the vibration levels of the tool and ways to minimise the risk of developing HAVS (hand arm vibrations).
The sander is also an ideal tool for the small shop or independent user, where compressed air power may be in an issue. The electric tool isn’t a drain on the compressor and is flexible in terms of where you can sand, since there is no need for trailing airlines as an electric extension is all that is required.
One of the key features of the DEROS is that, when it is combined with a suitable extraction unit and the Abranet abrasive range, the system creates a virtually dust-free, cleaner environment. This makes the use of the tools safer and helps to protect the health of the worker.
Product Profile
Mirka DEROS
The Direct Electric Random Orbital Sander (DEROS) is a sander suitable for use on a variety of surfaces. The upgraded Mirka DEROS features an integrated vibration sensor and Bluetooth low energy technology. The smallest and most ergonomic sander on the market is equipped with a brushless motor, which maintains constant speed even under heavy load. With the lowest vibration values in its class and a symmetrical design, the tool can be used for long periods of time without the user getting fatigued.
Abranet
The company claims that Abranet is better performing and has a longer lifespan than traditional abrasives, making it a cost-effective solution. Designed for dry sanding by machine or by hand, its true dust-free sanding characteristics result in a cleaner work environment as well as a better surface finish.
Abranet Ace
Abranet Ace is developed for tougher and more demanding sanding applications. Due to its optimised net construction and ceramic grains, the abrasive offers superiorcut and performance.
Abranet Ace HD
Abranet Ace HD is durable and tough, with ceramic grains. Its strong net structure resists high wear and tear and the product is ideal for heavy duty applications. The improved woven mesh backing increases the lifetime of the abrasive and speeds up the sanding process.
Abranet NC
Abranet NC has been developed for sanding material that must not be contaminated with corrosive agents. The preparation of corrosion sensitive surfaces requires abrasive products which contain the lowest possible amount of heavy metals. Special procedures are applied throughout the production process of the abrasive to reduce the metal content and ensure consistent quality. Due to its construction, Abranet NC has significantly lower heavy metal content than the corresponding traditional products. The material is suitable for sanding of aluminium and painted aluminium parts within the automotive sector.
