I'd also have a look at the fuel filter and make sure the fuel lines haven't gone hard or cracked. If it's a two-stroke, double-check the fuel mix as well, even if it's fresh.

Another thing to check is the spark plug. If it's wet when you remove it, that's usually a sign the engine is flooding. If that's the case, leave the plug out for a while, open the throttle, and let it clear before trying again.

If it has adjustable carb mixture screws, a rough starting point is to gently screw them all the way in (don't force them), then back them out about 2½ turns anti-clockwise. Set half choke and try again. It won't be perfectly tuned, but it should usually be close enough to get it running if the carb is the issue.

Also worth checking that the carb butterfly is actually opening when you squeeze the throttle. I've seen linkages come loose before, and the throttle trigger was moving but the carb wasn't.

One quick test is to put a tiny splash of fuel (or carb cleaner) into the intake and see if it fires briefly. If it does, you've probably got a fuel delivery issue rather than an ignition problem.

That said, after 500 pulls I'd be very close to launching it into low Earth orbit too.

Freehand sharpening on a bench grinder definitely takes some practice though, particularly keeping the correct angle and both cutting edges even.

If you only sharpen bits occasionally, a drill sharpening jig/guide can make the process much quicker and reasonably accurate without needing years of experience.

They’re especially useful when you’re in the middle of a project and don’t have time to go out buying replacement bits.

For anyone interested, we do stock a handy drill bit sharpening attachment designed for use with an angle grinder here:

👉 https://xcatalogue.co.uk/product/drill-bit-sharpener-attachment/

Useful little workshop tool for bringing worn drill bits back to life 👍

Fresh fuel in it, spark plug looks alright, chain moves freely, but it just refuses to fire properly. Sometimes sounds like it wants to start for a second then dies straight away.

Starting to become a problem because the hedge and garden are growing like crazy now summer’s here and I really need to get it sorted.

Any common things I should check before I give up and throw the thing into orbit? 😂

Then I bought an impact driver and now I probably use that 80% of the time for screws. Especially longer screws or decking screws, it’s just quicker and less strain on the wrist.

Still use the drill loads though for pilot holes and general DIY stuff around the house. Honestly think having both together is the best setup.

It’s been several months since the Xcatalogue Loyalty Points system officially launched, so we wanted to post a long overdue update and thank everyone who has been using and supporting the system.

The loyalty program has now become a core part of the growing Xcat platform and will continue expanding alongside the new marketplace and account features currently under development.

Customers can already:
✅ Earn loyalty points automatically on eligible orders
✅ View points balances inside their account
✅ Redeem points for discounts on future purchases
✅ Benefit from promotional bonus points offers and events

Since launch, the system has been running quietly in the background while we focused heavily on larger platform development, including:
• The new internal messaging system
• Multi-vendor marketplace infrastructure
• Seller communication tools
• Account system improvements
• Future inventory & financial systems
• Long-term EU/global marketplace planning

The long-term goal is for Loyalty Points to evolve far beyond simple purchase rewards.

Future planned integrations may include:
🔹 Marketplace activity rewards
🔹 Community engagement incentives
🔹 Seasonal promotions & bonus events
🔹 Educational/tutorial participation rewards
🔹 Future competitions & challenges
🔹 Seller and fulfilment ecosystem rewards
🔹 Future Xcat tools, calculators & apps

As Xcatalogue grows, the loyalty system will continue developing into a much larger rewards ecosystem integrated across the wider platform.

We’d like to thank everyone who continues to support Xcatalogue as the platform evolves step-by-step behind the scenes.

More updates coming soon.

— Xcat Team

The goal of this system is to carefully grow Xcatalogue into a trusted marketplace platform for quality tools, workshop supplies, electronics, DIY products, and specialist sellers — while maintaining the standards and reliability our customers expect.

As part of this expansion, the new Xcat Internal Messaging System is now being integrated into the platform.

This system will allow:
• Customer ↔ Seller communication
• Marketplace support messaging
• Order assistance & updates
• Future seller support tools
• Improved account notifications
• Faster response times across the platform

You may already notice the new Messages notification area appearing across the site as we continue testing and improving the system.

The marketplace itself is still under active development and will initially launch with carefully selected and approved sellers only.

Future plans for the platform include:
• Trusted regional fulfilment sellers
• Improved vendor tools
• Marketplace automation systems
• Expanded product categories
• EU marketplace expansion
• Smarter inventory & pricing systems

Xcatalogue is being built step-by-step with long-term stability and quality in mind, and we’d like to thank everyone who continues to support the project as it grows.

More updates coming soon.

— Xcat Team

Terry

This is a major step forward as we continue building Xcat into a trusted marketplace for quality tools, batteries, gaming consoles, workshop equipment, refurbished stock, and other DIY and trade-related products.

Rather than being an open marketplace for anyone, Xcat focuses on approved sellers only — helping maintain stronger buyer trust, better quality listings, and a more reliable shopping experience for everyone.

🔹 Lower selling fees
🔹 Less competition from poor-quality listings
🔹 A focused UK marketplace built around real products people actually want
🔹 Trusted seller approval and long-term growth opportunities

We are starting with a simple fixed 8% seller fee and manually reviewing every seller application to ensure the right fit for the marketplace.

If you sell products that match the Xcat marketplace and want a better long-term platform than the usual race-to-the-bottom marketplaces, we would love to hear from you.

You can learn more and apply here:

👉 https://xcatalogue.co.uk/become-a-seller/

This is just the beginning — and another important step in building the long-term Xcat ecosystem.

Xcat Team.