Three product stories lead today's sweep. Stabila has a compact green laser level worth knowing about, Makita has formally launched its UK workwear range, and a round-up of Milwaukee's 2026 pipeline shows the M18 FUEL family continuing to expand. Alongside those, the stair balustrade installation guidance from Richard Burbidge is a solid reference for joiners working to Approved Document K, and the sun safety conversation on UK sites continues to gather momentum as summer sets in.
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Key stories today
Stabila LAX 60 G: compact green laser for site layouts Stabila's LAX 60 G cross-line laser uses a green beam, which the human eye picks up roughly four times more easily than red in daylight or under artificial site lighting. The tool self-levels within a few degrees and projects both a horizontal and a vertical line simultaneously, making it suited to partition work, tiling grids, electrical box heights, and window or door frame alignment. At the compact end of Stabila's range, it fits into a tool bag without a dedicated case. Source: ITS Hub / Toolstop
Makita Workwear range lands in the UK Makita has launched a dedicated workwear range through makitaukworkwear.com, bringing the brand's teal and black colour scheme into site clothing. The range is understood to include work trousers, hoodies, fleeces, and hi-vis options. For trades already running Makita cordless tools, the workwear extends the brand into PPE and clothing for the first time in the UK. Source: ITS Hub / Toolstop
Milwaukee Tools: what is coming in 2026 A current preview of Milwaukee's 2026 UK pipeline points to continued expansion of the M18 FUEL range, with new entries expected across fastening, cutting, and measuring categories. Milwaukee has consistently released between 30 and 50 new tools and accessories per year in the UK market, and the 2026 schedule appears to follow that pattern. Trades investing in the M18 platform can expect new additions without changing their battery ecosystem. Source: ITS Hub / Toolstop
Stair balustrade installation: five steps and the building regs that matter Richard Burbidge has published a practical guide covering the key principles of fitting a stair balustrade to UK building regulations. Approved Document K sets the structural and safety requirements, including minimum balustrade heights and spindle spacing that prevents a 100mm sphere from passing through. For joiners and builders taking on stair work, the guide is a useful compliance reference. Source: Professional Builder
Sun safety gaining real trade-sector momentum The Marley Safe in the Sun campaign and the Don't Ignore Cancer partnership with SIG Roofing are both running this month, and they reflect a genuine shift in how the trade industry is framing UV exposure. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and outdoor workers receive a significantly higher annual dose of UV radiation than office-based workers. Several brands are now treating sunscreen as PPE rather than a personal choice. Sources: Professional Builders Merchant | Professional Builder
Ryobi ONE+ battery compatibility: still a live question for trades The ITS Hub compatibility guide on Ryobi ONE+ batteries continues to surface as a high-search topic. The short answer is that all 18V ONE+ batteries work with all 18V ONE+ tools, but the 36V MAX POWER sub-platform is separate and not cross-compatible. Trades mixing old and new Ryobi tools need to check their voltage before buying packs. Source: ITS Hub
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Watchlist
- The Stabila LAX 60 G sits below the performance tier of green lasers like the Leica Lino L2G or Bosch GLL 3-80 CG, but Stabila's reputation for accuracy makes it worth independent verification on site. A hands-on test would answer whether the self-levelling speed and beam brightness hold up on a busy site.
- The Milwaukee 2026 pipeline story is currently retailer-led. Worth monitoring for official Milwaukee UK press releases confirming specific model numbers and specs.
- Makita Workwear is a brand-new UK launch with limited independent coverage. A product-level look at spec, sizing, and EN compliance would strengthen any editorial piece.
- No significant hand tool launches in today's pack. Knipex featured in a competition context only.
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