A new survey of UK tradespeople has revealed the significant impact that rusted, seized and poorly maintained components are having on productivity across the construction and trade sectors, with nearly 6 in 10 (57%) encountering these issues at least weekly.
The research, commissioned by WD-40®, shows that over half of tradespeople (51%) say stuck or rusted parts are one of the most common causes of delays on site.
Cleaning and preparation work is also a major contributor to inefficiency, with 48% of respondents highlighting it as a regular cause of delays, alongside tools or equipment not working smoothly (46%).
The findings come at a time of increased seasonal pressure on the industry, with 68% of tradespeople reporting that their workload increases during the spring period. More than a third (36%) say they are typically booked three weeks or more in advance as demand rises.
Despite these challenges, the research also highlights a strong culture of preventative maintenance among tradespeople, with 87% stating they carry out maintenance such as lubricating parts, cleaning equipment, or protecting components either regularly or occasionally.
This reflects a wider emphasis within the industry on proactive upkeep and using the right maintenance approach for the job – whether that’s freeing seized components, reducing wear on moving parts, or removing built-up grime before it becomes a problem.
Delays linked to maintenance issues are also having a wider operational impact, with 51% of tradespeople saying they have overrun on jobs as a result.
When asked what they would do with an extra hour saved per day on site, the most common responses were finishing jobs faster (43%), reducing stress or workload (30%), improving quality of work (27%), and taking on more work (16%).
A spokesperson from WD-40® said: “Time is one of the most valuable resources for tradespeople, and these findings show just how often preventable issues like rusted or seized components are getting in the way of getting jobs done efficiently. Preventative maintenance clearly plays a key role on site, and there is a real opportunity to help tradespeople protect their time, tools and productivity by using the right solution for the task at hand.”
WD-40’s Specialist® range includes products designed for specific on-site challenges, from penetrating sprays to help free seized parts, to lubricants that reduce friction and wear on moving components. For more information, please visit WD-40 Specialist® Range.
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