By speedcutterBehind the Blade: An Interview with SpeedCutter’s Creator Marc
When it comes to fire safety on-site, even small mistakes can be costly. After years in residential construction, Marc saw a recurring problem; poorly made service holes compromising fire-rated walls. His solution? The SpeedCutter, a tool that combines precision cutting with built-in fire-stopping. In this interview, Marc shares the inspiration behind the invention, what sets it apart, and how it’s changing the game for trades and contractors alike.
What inspired you to develop SpeedCutter?
After many years working on different residential development sites. I noticed damaged fire rated plasterboard walls caused by the trades when forming the holes for pipes and cables. This was caused by the trades either using a blunt drill bit or even a hammer, a too small hole which meant the intumescent would not work as it couldn’t expand, or too large which meant more intumescent material was used unnecessarily.
Were there any existing solutions that influenced your design, or did you take an entirely new approach?
No, the traditional mastic did not solve / prevent the tradesmen not forming the holes correctly, which meant there was considerable time and money wasted. SpeedCutter was and still is a unique alternative to eliminating human error.
What makes the SpeedCutter unique compared to traditional methods of cutting and fire-stopping?
As SpeedCutter has a built-in intumescent lining which has Classification and is left inside the drywall, it creates an automatic fire stop multi -service transit device, which in the event of a fire, the intumescent will expand and close off the hole. Also, as the Speed Cutter remains in the wall, it will always have sharp teeth to form a smooth hole every time.
Can you explain how the integrated fire collar works and why it’s an important feature?
Inside SpeedCutter there is an intumescent material that will expand and close off the gap in the event of a fire. Why this is so special, is that there is no mastic which means SpeedCutter cannot be compromised and SpeedCutter can have additional cables added / removed at any time. Whereas the traditional mastic would require a fire stopper to reinstate the fire stopping.
How does SpeedCutter help meet fire safety regulations and compliance standards?
SpeedCutter has been tested to BS EN 1366-3: 2021 and has Classification for EI 30. Whereas traditional intumescent mastic has no protection from other trades using the same fire stopped penetration to add or remove pipes / cables.
What industries or professionals have benefited the most from this tool?
SpeedCutter provides many benefits ranging from the trades, due to using a new cutter on every penetration, this means they can do their job quicker and without damage so will not get contra-charged from the main contractor. The main Contractor will benefit from using SpeedCutter as will save time on the build programme from no delays. The building control inspector and person responsible will benefit as SpeedCutter is manufactured off site and has testing pre-approved.
Do you have any plans to expand the SpeedCutter product line or develop new fire stopping innovations?
Yes, but for now, I think it’s important to launch SpeedCutter as it is and use the feedback from the customers to which road to take next.