search
Ask ACHR NEWS AI
cart
facebook twitter instagram linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Subscribe
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • SHEET METAL
    • Fabrication
    • Workers
    • Machinery
    • Architectural Sheet Metal
    • Metal Roofing
  • OTHER TOPICS
    • Duct Sealing & Cleaning
    • Spiral Duct
    • Shop Layout
    • Steel Reports
  • EDUCATION
    • Columns
    • Apprenticeship Reviews >
      • Submit Review
    • Sheet Metal Unions Map
    • Sheet Metal History
    • History of SNIPS NEWS
    • Webinars
  • DIRECTORY
  • MORE
    • Newsletter
    • eMagazine
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Quiz
    • SNIPS NEWS Store
    • Contractor of the Year
    • Sponsor Insights
  • SIGN UP
  • Back to The NEWS
SNIPS NEWSSheet Metal And HVAC Industry News

STRANGE

How long have Englanders been using knuckle-dusters for deburring?

By Emell Derra Adolphus
Knuckle duster
July 5, 2019

When UK police officials found a knuckle-duster (or brass knuckles) in a man's car after stopping him on suspicion of drunk driving, the man claimed the weapon was used for deburring in sheet metal work.

Now, there may be many differences between how we do things in the U.S. compared to our brethren across the pond, including their seemingly random deviations on the spellings of words such as gray (grey), digitization (digitisation) and airplane (aeroplane). But sheet metal work seems to be pretty cut and dry no matter what country you're working in. Or so we thought. 

The Hucknall Dispatch reports:  

Nigel Greensmith was stopped in his car on suspicion of drink driving, on Southwell Lane, Kirkby, at 6 a.m. on May 24, when the item was found.

Michael Little, mitigating, said the knuckleduster was made by a work-mate and was used to "de-burr" the sharp edges of metal sheets.

"People are being sent to prison for these offences, and he is very conscious of that," Mr Little said.

Mr. Greensmith was fined £300 (about $330) for the weapon, and the knuckle-duster was forfeited and destroyed. However, if the weapon really was fabricated by a workmate, Greensmith should have no problem getting his hands on another so that he can continue his deburring duties. 

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

 

Emellheadshot
Emell Derra Adolphus has more than a decade of writing and journalism experience. He is senior editor of ENR’s Top Lists and Survey Rankings at ENR magazine and frequently contributes stories on technology, climate resiliency, diversity, equity and inclusion.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • HVAC-enrollment

    The Trades Are Back: HVACR Programs See Nearly 30% Enrollment Spike

    A new wave of future technicians is entering the pipeline.  
    Training and Education
    By: Matt Jachman
  • 2025 Top 40 Under 40

    2025 Top 40 Under 40 HVACR Professionals List

    The 11th annual Top 40 Under 40 list highlights those...
    HVAC Contracting
    By: Hannah Belloli-Oster
  • LG Ductless Mini-Split Systems

    The 9 Types of Heat Pumps

    As the U.S. moves toward electrification, heat pumps are...
    HVAC Commercial Market
    By: Joanna R. Turpin

More Videos

SNIPS NEWS Buyers Guide
Explore Carlisle HVAC Insights

Related Articles

  • Contractors across the country agree it’s difficult to provide customers with a specific life expectancy for their HVAC equipment.

    HVAC System Life Cycles: How Long Should It Last?

    See More
  • Tiger Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning Services and Electrical HVAC Technician

    Just How Long Should HVAC Equipment Last?

    See More
  • System Life 1

    HVAC System Life Cycles: How Long Should They Really Last?

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • Using Schematic Diagrams to Troubleshoot HVAC/R Electrical Circuits

  • drafting.gif

    Sheet Metal Drafting Using Solidworks, 1/e

  • front cover only.jpg

    How to Market Your HVAC Business

See More Products

Related Directories

  • Howe Corp.

    Howe manufactures flake ice making equipment for use with virtually any refrigerant including natural such as R-744, and R-717, Ice storage bins, Condensing units for our ice flakers.
  • U.S. Boiler Co.

    Proudly offering residential and commercial hydronic heating products that have been designed, engineered, and manufactured in America.
  • New England Combustion Products

    New England Combustion Products is an authorized manufacturer's representative for today's leading mechanical & plumbing equipment lines. With over 40 years of extensive engineering experience, fuel savings solutions are available to our wide variety of commercial and industrial clients in both the replacement and new construction marketplaces.
×

Sign Up. Stay Informed.

The #1 trusted source for the HVACR industry since 1926

SUBSCRIBE
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Advisory Board
    • Classifieds
    • Submit a Letter
    • Directories
    • Store
  • ACCOUNT CENTER
    • Create an Account
    • Start a Subscription
    • Manage My Account
    • Sign Up for Newsletters
    • Visit Customer Service
    • Update Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2026. All Rights Reserved BNP Media, Inc. and BNP Media II, LLC.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing