British Post Office Tool Case No. 3

Let me introduce you to the British Post Office Tool Case No. 3.

These tool cases have been around I’m told for over 50 years, I have two of them, one of them is about 40 years old, the other celebrates its 30th birthday this year! Whilst I didn’t work for the ‘Post Office’ or British Telecom as it would now be or BT for short, I did work for a government organisation with close ties to the GPO, PO, BT etc.

So here are the two cases I have.

The older one is the one on the left and it’s had a hard life! The only main differences between them is the ID pocket on the outside of the older one and the saddles on the handle strap are sewn to the case on the older one, where as they are riveted on the ‘newer’ one on the right.

Looking at the older one now in some more detail.

As you can see the leather is very soft and supple on this one. It’s currently empty waiting for me to renew the zip on it. A job I did about 28 years ago as well as redoing some of the stitching. The leather hasn’t had any special treatment since it was issued to me.

So opened out you can see the running loops running across the case for tools to slot in to, these can be varied in size and they tend to stay at the same tension all the time, no elastic is used, just leather.

The big pocket on the left is for small items and it is held shut with big press studs.

And moving on to the ‘newer’ one.

As you can see from the stitching the design is the same with only a few minor differences. Not quite a supple as the older one, but it is gradually getting there I guess, may be another 20 years and it will be as good.  It still has the original zip on this one, but the tag fell off some years ago and a cable tie has been serving that duty since!

And here is it fully populated with tools, some of the tools are the same age as the older case, still giving good service, no need to replace them. The side cutters are new though, these do become blunt or damaged with use. It didn’t come with all of the tools you see, I added to it over the years, hence doubling up on the loops!

And again inside the pocket are some additional hand tools, bits and bobs etc.

 

The remarkable thing about these tool cases is that you can still buy them, not cheap I give you that, but as you can see they will last a life time! They are available from this company Canford in UK sizing details are in their own PDF file.

How to charge your electric vehicle

There are several types of charging points for electric cars, each offering different speeds and capabilities. Here’s a breakdown:

Types of Charging Points

    1. Level 1 AC Charging (7 kW Slow Charging): This is the most basic type of charging, typically using a standard household outlet or a type 2 connector (Single Phase Mains). It’s slow and usually takes about 8-20 hours to fully charge an EV.
    2. Level 2 AC Charging (22 kW Fast Charging): These chargers use a 3 phase 240V outlet and can charge an EV much faster, typically within 4-8 hours. However, not many houses have a 3-phase supply.
    3. DC Fast Charging (24 kW or Higher Rapid Charging): These provide a high-power direct current (DC) and can charge an EV to 80% in about 30 minutes to an hour. They are commonly found at public charging stations and along main roads and autoroutes.
    4. Ultra-Rapid Charging (>100 kW): These are the fastest chargers available, providing power at 100 kW or more. They can add significant range in just 15-30 minutes.

How to Use Them

    1. Locate a charging point: Use apps like Zap-Map, Electromaps, Electroverse, or your car’s navigation system to find nearby charging stations.
    2. Connect the charger: For Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, you’ll need to connect your own cable – the one that came with the car when you bought it – to the charger. By contrast, for DC fast chargers, the cable is usually tethered to the charger.
    3. Start charging: Follow the instructions on the charger or the app you’re using. You may need to scan a QR code or use a contactless card or fob to start the charging session.
      Instructions are often in a pictorial format so you don’t need to worry about what language they are in. You can often change the display language on the charger screen if there is one.
    4. Monitor the charge: Keep an eye on the charging progress through the app or the charger’s display. Most will notify you when the charging is complete.
    5. Stop the charge: Once your car is fully charged or you need to leave, stop the charge using the app or on the charger’s interface. Depending on the charger, you may need to ‘tap out’ by holding your card up to the card reader on the charging unit.
    6. Payment: Pay for the charging session through the app, contactless card, or other payment methods provided by the charging network. If you have set up an account such as with AlterBase within the Deux-Sèvres, payment is taken from your bank account. Fast and Ultra Fast chargers will often accept bank cards/credit cards for payment.
    7. Charging speed: The speed of charging also depends on the battery temperature and the level of charge of the battery. The fastest charging is often between 20% and 80% state of charge and charging slows down above 80% to avoid overheating the battery and causing long term damage. For most daily use, it’s more economical to limit your charging to a maximum of 80% and only charge to 100% for long journeys.

In some local areas, there are only low power AC chargers. These work well for a top-up whilst you go and have lunch or do some shopping. However, you will need some form of contactless card for the charging network (not a merely a bank card) to use them.

In Deux Sèvres, consider signing up with AlterBase which has the most widespread network in the department. They have just revised their contracts and now have an app and a smart key fob that can be used at each charger.

Using public charging points can seem overwhelming at first, but with a little practice, it becomes second nature. To find fellow EV in the area where you can share information and ask questions, do consider joining the Deux-Sèvres EV Owners Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/dsevowners/.

Sticky Rubber!

It might sound embarrassing to admit, but the day you put your hand in to your camera bag and go to grab that lens or camera body you haven’t used for a few months only to discover the rubber parts have become all sticky and your fingers get coated in a black mess is not a good day….

However, there is a solution to this issue that I have used on a couple of my camera bodies and a couple of lenses that were functioning just fine, but the rubber grips on the bodies or the lens rings had started to become this sticky mess.

Yes it is a car care product that I had on the shelf already. With just a very small amount on an old fluffy hand towel and then rubbed carefully on to the grip and in to the rings on the focus/zoom ring. And then buffed using a clean part of the old towel the rubber came back as good as new.

Every couple of years I make a point or repeating this treatment. Making sure to not let any of the gel like product enter the camera body or lens and the rubber parts don’t seem to go bad ever again.

You can apply the gel with a cotton bud if you need to get it in to smaller confined spaces.

It will also work on any other gadgets that have some form of rubberised coating.

Keep your gear in top working order and don’t stop using it just because it has become sticky!!

Planning a long journey in an EV

Planning a long journey in an electric car requires some thoughtful preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some key tips to consider:

    1. Charge Before You Go: Start your journey with a fully charged battery. This will give you the maximum range and reduce the need for frequent stops early in your trip.
    2. Plan Your Route: Use an EV route planning tool like A Better Route Planner (ABRP) https://abetterrouteplanner.com to map out your journey. These tools can help you locate charging stations along your route and estimate charging times.
    3. Know Your Range
      • Check your real-world range, not just the manufacturer’s claim. Cold weather, speed, hills, and air conditioning can affect this.
      • Leave some buffer—plan to recharge when you’re at ~20% battery to avoid anxiety.
    1. Charging Strategy: Follow the three golden rules for charging on EV road trips:
      • Stop rapid charging around 80% full, as charging beyond this point takes much longer.
      • Plan to stop before your battery hits 20% to avoid stress and maintain battery health.
      • Choose reliable charging networks like PowerDot, Total Engeries, Instavolt, Osprey, MFG, and Gridserve.
    1. Overnight Charging: If possible, choose accommodation with charging facilities. This allows you to charge your car overnight and start each day with a full battery.
    2. Pre-Trip Checks: Make sure your EV is in good condition before setting off. Check tyre pressure, fluid levels, and ensure your charging cables are in good working order.
    3. Drive Efficiently: Driving at a steady speed and avoiding rapid acceleration can help maximize your range. Slowing down slightly can also make a significant difference in your energy consumption.
    4. Be Prepared for Delays: Make allowances for broken or occupied chargers. Having a backup plan for charging stops can save you from unexpected delays.
    5. Prepare for Weather Conditions
      • Cold weatherreduces range—precondition your car while plugged in and use heated seats instead of cabin heating.
      • Hot weather? Pre-cool your car while charging and park in the shade.
    1. Use Charging Time Wisely
      • Plan charging stops at places with amenities: cafes, restaurants, shops, or scenic spots.
      • Stretch, relax, and enjoy—it’s part of the EV travel experience!
    1. Costs: Be aware that the cost of public charging is cheaper in France than it is in UK, therefore consider charging before you get on the boat, or travel through the Channel Tunnel.
    2. Stay Informed: Familiarise yourself with your EV’s range, charging capabilities, and energy efficiency. Understanding your vehicle’s data, such as battery level and range estimations, will help you make informed decisions on the road.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a stress-free and eco-friendly journey in your electric car. Safe travels!

Is an Electric Car Right for Everyone?

Electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant popularity in recent years due to their environmental benefits, lower operating costs and advanced technology. However, while EVs can be an excellent choice for many people, they are not necessarily the right fit for everyone. Whether an EV is a good choice depends on factors such as driving habits, charging access, budget and climate.

Who Benefits Most from an EV?

✅ Daily Commuters and Urban Drivers

EVs are ideal for people who mostly drive short to moderate distances each day, such as commuting to work or running errands around the city. Most modern EVs offer ranges between 240 and 500 kilometres per charge, which is more than enough for daily driving needs. Additionally, regenerative braking, which recaptures energy when slowing down, makes EVs particularly efficient in stop-and-go urban traffic.

✅ Homeowners with Charging Access

One of the most convenient aspects of owning an EV is the ability to charge it at home. Homeowners with a garage or driveway can install a Level 2 home charger, which allows for overnight charging. This eliminates the need to visit public charging stations regularly and makes EV ownership much more practical.

✅ Eco-Conscious Consumers

EVs are an excellent option for people looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Unlike petrol- and diesel-powered cars, EVs produce zero exhaust emissions. Even though electricity production may still involve fossil fuels, EVs generally have a lower overall environmental impact compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Moreover, as the grid uses increasingly greener sources, EVs will become even more environmentally sustainable.

✅ Drivers Looking to Save on Fuel and Maintenance Costs

Although EVs can have higher upfront costs, they tend to be cheaper to operate over time. Electricity is typically more affordable than petrol, and EVs require far less maintenance—no oil changes, fewer moving parts, and less wear and tear on the brakes. Over several years, these savings can add up, making an EV a cost-effective option in the long run.

Who Might Face Challenges with an EV?

❌ Long-Distance and Rural Drivers

If you regularly drive longer distances or live in an area with limited charging points, an EV might not be the most practical choice. While public fast-charging networks are rapidly expanding, they are still not as widespread as petrol stations. Charging on long trips takes more time than a quick petrol station stop, and in rural areas, charging stations may be scarcer.

❌ Flat Dwellers and Those Without Reliable Charging Access

If you don’t have a home charger, relying on public charging stations can be inconvenient. While more flats, retailers and workplaces are installing EV chargers, they are not yet available everywhere. If you need to depend solely on public chargers, the experience can be time-consuming and sometimes expensive.

❌ Buyers on a Tight Budget

While EVs can save money on fuel and maintenance, the initial cost is often higher than that of a traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicle. Although government incentives and rebates can help offset the price, they may not be available for all models. For those with a limited budget, a hybrid or a fuel-efficient petrol-powered car might still be a more affordable option.

Conclusion: Should You Buy an EV?

As technology improves and charging networks expand, EVs will become an even more viable option for a wider range of drivers. Here in France, the government is encouraging uptake with grants for vehicle purchase and for installing a charging point at home. Manufacturers are starting to bring in new, smaller models and supporting  leasing deals for drivers with more modest incomes.

Glossary of words associated with Electric Vehicles

    • DC – Direct Current. The battery in most EV’s are 400 Volts D.C.
    • AC – Alternating Current – Your home mains supply is typically 220-240 Volts A.C. EV’s can be connected to AC mains, but the charge rate is much lower than a DC charger and therefore it takes longer.