Plumbing & Mechanical articles from September 2005

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from September 2005

Reap what you sow.(Letters TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2005... I have a rebuttal for the person who withheld his or her name ("Hiring The Future," Letters To The Editor, July 2005). I am a female-owned commercial plumbing and HVAC contractor with 32 years in the business. My father was a plumbing...

Wake-up call.(Letters TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2005... Jim's July editorial was one of his best ("Challenges For Service Firms," July 2005). I've been selling to service plumbers for the past 31 years. Here in Connecticut I can count on my fingers great service companies and the rest are a bunch of...

Year-round electric.(Letters TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2005... I just read the article "The Electric Bathroom," in the July issue. It is a very good article and gives people a lot of pertinent information about electric floor-warming systems. However, the article mentions that electric floor warming...

House passes AHP legislation; PHCC pushes for senate support.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
September 1, 2005... The House of Representatives approved a bill July 26 that would give trade associations, such as Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association, the power to pool their members nationwide and offer healthcare plans to their members....

Former plumbers union officials fined, expelled by independent hearing panel.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
September 1, 2005... Reproduced with permission from Construction Labor Report, Vol. 51, No. 2527, pp. 468-469 (June 8, 2005). Copyright 2005 by The Bureau of National Affairs Inc. (800/372-1033), www.bna.com. Martin J. Maddaloni, the former president of the...

New hydronic heating training packages available.(Around THE INDUSTRY)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... BNP Media and PM columnist John Siegenthaler, P.E., have released hydronic heating training material and design software after two years in development. "The Modern Engineering Concepts Hydronic Heating Manual" and MEC Hydronic Heating Design...

Fall hydronic heating installation, design schools announced.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
September 1, 2005... Six new locations have been selected for the Fall 2005 rotation of the I=B=R Hydronic Heating Schools, presented by the Hydronics Institute Division of GAMA and managed by BNP Media. More than 700 people have attended I=B=R courses during the...

DOL grants to train workers with limited English skills.(Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The Labor Department's Employee and Training Administration announced it will award nearly $5 million in grants to develop and implement programs addressing the language and job-training needs of workers with limited skills in English. The...

History channel airs updated 'History of Plumbing'.(Briefs)
September 1, 2005... Tentatively scheduled for Sept. 21, the History Channel's "Modern Marvels" program will be showing an updated version of the "History of Plumbing: Arteries of Civilization" episode. Originally aired in 1997 and rerun numerous times, "History of...

NFPA requires sprinklers in nursing homes, nightclubs.(Briefs)
September 1, 2005... The Standards Council of the National Fire Protection Association issued key safety codes that will require fire sprinklers in all nursing homes, new construction one- and two-family dwellings, and in all new construction nightclubs and like...

Service Experts' 2Q revenues remain flat.(Briefs)
September 1, 2005... For the second quarter of 2005, Service Experts' revenues were flat at $168 million. Its profits increased 61 percent for a total of $9 million. According to parent company Lennox International, the segment benefited from a lower cost structure...

Money Masters seminar set for October.(Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The next Money Masters seminar sponsored by Nexstar is scheduled for Oct. 21-22, 2005, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Local service contractor Elite Electric will provide a tour of its operations during the two-day program. Deadline for registration...

Commercial kitchen gas equipment standards updated.(Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The American and Canadian national standards for gas equipment in commercial kitchens have been updated. The updated codes are ANSI Z21.69/CSA 6.16, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 and CSA B149.1. The new versions will enhance safety and sanitation by...

QSC raises record funds for youth charity program.(Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Quality Service Contractors held a charity golf tournament (sponsored by Hodes Co.) at its recent Power Meeting in St. Louis and raised a record amount of $11,805. The funds will go to Challenge Air for Kids & Friends, an aviation program that...

Legionella course held in Chicago, Oct. 21.(Briefs)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... HC Information Resources will hold a new course, "Legionella and Other Waterborne Pathogens: Minimizing Risk in Building Water Systems," in Chicago on Oct. 21. It is the day after the 6th International Conference on Legionella. Instructor will...

Bassett Mechanical hires new VP.(Briefs)
September 1, 2005... Bassett Mechanical (Kaukauna, Wis.) hired Chris Linn as vice president of marketing and business development. Prior to joining the company, Linn was chief marketing officer with STL Technology Partners.

Colin Powell keynote speaker at 2006 Builders' Show.(Briefs)
September 1, 2005... The National Association of Home Builders announced that former Secretary of State and retired Army Gen. Colin L. Powell will be the keynote speaker at the opening ceremonies of the 2006 International Builders' Show, Jan. 11-14, in Orlando,...

Essentials of PHC Project Management Course.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
September 1, 2005... The recent Essentials of PHC Project Management Course conducted by the PHCC Educational Foundation was attended by 21 business owners, operations managers, project managers, estimators and superintendents. The four-day course was held in Fort...

Homeowners satisfied with remodel projects.(Around THE INDUSTRY)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... A majority of Americans who remodeled their kitchen or bath in the last year said they were satisfied with the entire process, according to a report from the Home Improvement Research Institute and commissioned by the National Kitchen & Bath...

International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
September 1, 2005... With the recent approval by its board of directors, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials now has a new chapter in Honolulu. The first officers of this new Hawaii chapter are (left to right): Clayton Oku, vice...

Get ready for RadFest East.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
September 1, 2005... RadFest East, Oct. 11-12, 2005, held in Chantilly, Va., is a two-day radiant festival for anyone in the building trade interested in radiant heating. Activities include Radiant Outfitters courses (Radiant Basics or Radiant Precision), installer...

Oil Heat Cares launches Web site.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
September 1, 2005... Oil Heat Cares, a charitable foundation spearheaded by NAOHSM (National Association of Oil Heat Service Managers) recently received IRS Code 501C-3 status and launched a comprehensive Web site, www.oilheatcares.com. Individuals now are able to...

Plumberex clears bankruptcy.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
September 1, 2005... Palm Springs, Calif.-based Plumberex, a manufacturer of ADA undersink pipe covers, has successfully emerged from bankruptcy, it reported. Its plan of reorganization was confirmed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Riverside, Calif., July 5. The...

PMI celebrates 30 years.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
September 1, 2005... This year the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute celebrates its 30th anniversary as the "Voice of the Plumbing Industry." Now representing manufacturers from nearly every plumbing product line and having increased its role in the legislative,...

Heat-Fab, Selkirk announce distribution agreement.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
September 1, 2005... Heat-Fab Inc. entered into an agreement with Selkirk/Canada for distribution of Saf-T Vent AL2904C products in provinces of eastern Canada. Canadian Aqualine Sales Inc. will continue to distribute Saf-T Vent in western Canada.

3M buys CUNO.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
September 1, 2005... 3M completed its acquisition of CUNO Inc. for $72 per share. CUNO designs, manufactures, and markets a comprehensive line of filtration products for the separation, clarification, and purification of fluids and gasses for uses in the...

Acorn introduces new division, Acorn-Aqua.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
September 1, 2005... Stainless-steel plumbing product manufacturer Acorn Engineering Co. has introduced a product line of drinking fountains and electric water coolers through its newly formed division Acorn-Aqua[TM]. A Web site has been launched...

Lochinvar seeks VIP contractors for Knight Boiler program.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
September 1, 2005... Lochinvar Corp. is looking for premier contractors to promote its new high-efficiency Knight Heating Boiler. Contractors joining the VIP program will be provided with ads, direct mail, brochures, Web site support and counter cards to promote...

In-Sink-Erator kicks off Pro Circle program.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
September 1, 2005... To promote its newly structured Pro Circle program, In-Sink-Erator is offering each plumbing contractor who applies, and is certified, an automatic entry into the Pro Bowl Sweepstakes. Contractors can enter online at www.procircle.com from...

State Contractor promotion offers Omaha Steaks.(Vendor & Supplier NEWS)
September 1, 2005... State Industries has partnered with Omaha Steaks to offer purchasing rewards in State's "A Cut Above the Rest" promotion. Through Nov. 15, 2005, State residential and commercial water heater purchases will earn points toward steaks, burgers and...

Briggs Plumbing Products.(On The Move)
September 1, 2005... Briggs Plumbing Products, a CISA Holding company, appointed William Houlin as its president and CEO. He has more than 20 years experience in executive management, marketing and business development with PRG-Shultz, Black & Decker, Polaroid and...

Jacuzzi Bath Division.(On The Move)
September 1, 2005... Jacuzzi Bath Division promoted Paul Salyards as its new president. Salyards joined the company in March as vice president of marketing. Beth Somplatsky is the new vice president of marketing. She joins the company from Compass Home.

BrassCraft.(On The Move)(promotes Simon Davis )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... BrassCraft promoted Simon Davis to vice president of BrassCraft and vice president/general manager of Cobra Products. Cobra Products offers drain-cleaning tools and other machines for the DIY and professional markets. Davis had been a principal...

ECR International.(On The Move)
September 1, 2005... ECR International hired Bob Shea as regional sales manager for the New York City Metro territory. Before joining ECR, Shea served as the director of sales and marketing for General Utilities, a diversified energy and security company providing...

Milwaukee Valve.(On The Move)
September 1, 2005... John Labellarte was promoted to chief operating officer at Milwaukee Valve. He had been serving as general manager since joining the firm in 1999.

Easy Street.(On The Move)
September 1, 2005... Easy Street appointed Margie Williams as vice president of the Flat Rate Software Division, in addition to her duties as marketing director. Jackie Burkhart was appointed director of promotions, public relations and training, in addition to her...

Elkay.(On The Move)(appoints Frank Profiti)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Elkay named Frank Profiti as vice president sales and marketing, Elkay Canada Ltd. Profiti brings more than 20 years of industry experience to the position, and has held senior sales and marketing positions with A.O. Smith, Blanco, Price...

Crane Co.(On The Move)
September 1, 2005... Crane Co. announced the appointment of Curtis Robb to the newly created position of vice president--strategic planning and business development. Robb has over 20 years of experience with acquisitions transactions at HSBC Securities, CCF...

A 'Dear John' letter: Joe tells John that he's leaving the company, and why.(Business TIPS)
September 1, 2005... Dear John, "I know that you're not accustomed to receiving letters of resignation, but I have some things I need to get off my chest before I leave, so here goes. I hope my letter gets your attention. If it does, maybe you won't lose too many...

CURT, ABC launch workplace improvement initiative.(Around THE INDUSTRY)
September 1, 2005... The Construction Users Roundtable (CURT) and Associated Builders and Contractors recently called on the U.S. construction industry to continue to progress in promoting workforce training, recruitment, retention and career development. The...

Water softeners for hydronic systems.(HEATINGHELP.COM)
September 1, 2005... Original inquiry: Does anyone have experience with salt-alternative-type water softeners? I have very hard water and need to condition it to prolong the life of piping, boiler, appliances, etc. I don't want to add sodium if the alternatives...

Bad science: ask questions before using any product that seems too good to be true.(Hydronics WORKSHOP)
September 1, 2005... Technology marches onward. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Consider the hardware now available to hydronic heating pros relative to that available 10 years ago. Modulating boilers have become the norm instead of the exception in several...

Tucson Plumbing's triple play: how this plumbing company took a proactive approach for its future.(Tucson Plumbing and Heating Inc.)(Cover Story)
September 1, 2005... It's 1952, and Jack and June Owens have started their new business, Tucson Plumbing and Heating Inc. Business is steady and plentiful in Tucson's new construction market--it is estimated that the company installed plumbing in one of every five...

Difference: why do the nation's leading builders specify STERLING.?
September 1, 2005... brand name "For builders, brand names mean sales leverage. STERLING gets us entry- level values, plus the great KOHLER name that consumers love. And KOHLER takes us right through to the top level of luxury. Patti Wynkoop, Vice...

Women in plumbing revisited: part 2 of this series continues the discussion of finding new avenues to recruit future workers. While the first part dealt with immigrant/ethnic workers, this installment concerns recruiting women into the industry.(RECRUITING For The Trades Series)
September 1, 2005... "The long-term story in the labor force has been the growing participation of women, but this has had minimal impact upon construction crafts." "Craft Labor Supply Outlook: 2005-2015" Construction Labor Research Council, 2005 In...

The best just got bigger!(AIR AND DIRT SEPARATORS)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Although often copied, the world's leading air eliminator has never been equaled. The Spirovent[R] is #1, and we are reminded of that at industry gatherings by the customers who have made their own comparisons. They've tried to save a buck or...

Solar, sheep and big sky country.
September 1, 2005... We have to admire people who list "working the land" as their occupation on their tax return. Becky Weed and Dave Tyler are two imaginative folks who own and operate the Thirteen Mile Lamb & Wool Co., located in the beautiful Gallatin Valley of...

Truck & inventory roundup: inside & out.
September 1, 2005... One Tidy Truck A.C.M. Appliance Repair Service, Binghampton, N.Y. Our Truck Of The Month features focus mainly on exterior appearance--a catchy slogan, an attractive graphic, an unusual color combo. But beauty is more than skin-deep...

Proactive steps to stop counterfeit goods: trade groups are working in national and international arenas to help stop the spread of fake products.
September 1, 2005... Intellectual property theft and the sale of counterfeit goods are not just problems in this country. They are problems all over the world. The World Customs Organization estimates that counterfeiting goods--such as jewelry, clothes and...

Pocket-sized CO detection.
September 1, 2005... AS PLUMBING and heating professionals become increasingly aware of the dangers of CO while on the job, new products make it easier to raise alarms in dangerous environments. Carbon monoxide and other gas monitors now can be worn or carried...

Wonderful educational opportunity: ask and ye shall receive--ASPE's Technical Symposium.(Plumbing PRIMER)
September 1, 2005... The one request I receive from readers that is extremely difficult to answer is where they can take a short course on plumbing engineering design. These short courses just don't seem to exist. I know what is really being requested: "I know the...

Controls & house wiring: believe it! House wiring and controls wiring are the same critter.(Hydronic CONTROLS)
September 1, 2005... If you understand basic house wiring--what the electrician does--you'll be better at wiring your own boiler controls. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You've heard me say many times that you should learn to do your own low voltage controls...

Another chance at bat: revisiting consolidations--don't miss the opportunity again.(In The FIELD)
September 1, 2005... Sometimes you only get one chance at an opportunity in your lifetime, and you either jump at it or miss it. Such was the last round of consolidations a few years ago. Your company was either ready, as a market-leading, profit-making machine, or...

Gut reactions--don't jump to conclusions: judging others too quickly without all the facts can lead to problems.(Managing YOUR BUSINESS)
September 1, 2005... I was 8 years old when I told my dad that we were making fun of this kid in school. When the teacher asked us what our dad's job was, he said, "He sells rags." We laughed so hard we almost fell down. This poor kid had the bad timing to follow...

It didn't work for us--here's why! Part two of our solutions to management ideas.(Practical MANAGEMENT)
September 1, 2005... America does not have a skilled craft shortage! Our contractors simply cannot find enough craftsmen and are relying on dinosaur training methods to produce them. We will show you some of the reasons why our innovative training ideas Nos. 3, 4,...

Home-grown techs: apprentices make a very strong commitment to their training at Heritage plumbing and heating.(Heritage Plumbing and Heating)
September 1, 2005... IN AN ECONOMY crying for qualified technicians, one Nexstar member company found a source for technical help that keeps pace with its demand for service--it is growing its own. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Heritage Plumbing and Heating's...

Poor flushers: one solution.(FIRST PLACE)
September 1, 2005... I have a suggestion for diagnosing a possible stoppage in a commode. Too often, we flush a commode only to watch the water swirl and swirl, but not go down. The real cause may be the age of the commode. The jets and rim flush are loaded up with...

Poor flushers: another solution.(tool tips)
September 1, 2005... Take an old screwdriver and heat it with a torch until you can make a 90-degree bend. After sharpening the end, use it for cleaning rim holes in closet bowls, which always seem to fill up with lime. This works great. Dave Roskens ...

Trip-lever trick.(tool tips)
September 1, 2005... This tool tip will help with cleaning tub drains with trip-lever style overflow and wastes. After removing the trip-lever, cover the overflow opening with a blank plate that has had its center drilled out 1 inch. You can snake through the...

Send us your tool tips.(tool tips)
September 1, 2005... If you have an idea that has saved you time and money, Plumbing & Mechanical would like to share your tip with our readers. You can e-mail your idea directly to PM editor Steve Smith at smiths@bnpmedia.com, or mail it to him c/o PM, 1050 IL...

Mixing air & water: 'love is in the air,' according to Hansgrohe.(PLUMBING TRENDS)
September 1, 2005... Last year, it was hinted that an emerging trend in the shower market would be the addition of air to shower systems. Hansgrohe recently has patented just such a technology to offer clients a shower experience like no other. [ILLUSTRATION...

BlazeMaster CPVC.(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... BlazeMaster CPVC: BlazeMaster[R] CPVC fire sprinkler systems are faster and easier to install than metal fire sprinkler systems by using a special one-step joining system. The pipe and fittings are lightweight, can be cut onsite with simple...

Low-pressure sprinkler [no photo].(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... Low-Pressure Sprinkler [No Photo]: The Series LFII 6.9 K-factor residential sprinkler from Tyco Fire & Building Products features a large orifice, which provides the same amount of water with much lower pressure. Ideal for NFPA 13 residential...

Water flow alarm.(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... Water Flow Alarm: Reliable recently released a multipurpose riser designed especially for providing an alarm on combination sprinkler and plumbing systems for single-family residential systems. The unique design alarms only when water flow in...

Wall hydrant [no photo].(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... Wall Hydrant [No Photo]: Zurn's Z1322 and Z1332 Ecolotrol wall hydrants' 8-inch diameter cored hole is used for tilt installations; makes a clean cut opening without damaging the wall. The wide box faces fit flush with the surface, and the...

Commercial wall hydrant.(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... Commercial Wall Hydrant: Arrowhead Brass introduces a competitively priced commercial anti-siphon, automatic draining, nonfreeze wall hydrant with integral backflow preventer. It features copper casing and all-bronze interior parts. Includes...

Institutional connections.(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... Institutional Connections: FlexHead[R] Industries, the inventor and patent holder of several types of flexible sprinkler connections, announced it has launched a new sprinkler product line for use in institutional applications. Installers can...

Water monitor [no photo].(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... Water Monitor [No Photo]: The Watts Silver Eagle 957 Reduced Pressure Detector Assemblies is installed on fire protection systems connected to the public water supply in health hazard applications. Used to monitor unauthorized use of water from...

Sidewall sprinkler.(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... Sidewall Sprinkler: Viking Corp. introduces its new Microtech[TM] residential horizontal sidewall sprinkler (VK452). It delivers low flow rates for 12 X 12 ft., 14 X 14 ft. and 16 X 16 ft. room sizes with a smaller, less noticeable appearance....

AQUASAFE [no photo].(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... AQUASAFE [No Photo]: Wirsbo's AQUASAFE, a multipurpose plumbing a fire sprinkler system, is nonstagnant and uses an interconnected grid of tubing to feed its exclusive multiport sprinkler heads and cold-water plumbing fixtures. Circle 41

Residential fire protection.(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... Residential Fire Protection: REHAU's residential fire protection program integrates sprinklers with cold water plumbing for one multipurpose system. Using 3/4- or 1-inch RAUPEX[R] pipe and EVERLOC[R] fittings, it meets NFPA 13D standards for...

Diesel oil protection.(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... Diesel Oil Protection: Castrol[R] Tection Extra[TM], a 15W-40 diesel engine oil, offers viscosity protection and fights viscosity loss with a unique polymer resisting breakdown. With superior dispersancy to manage high soot levels and powerful...

Direct vent system.(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... Direct Vent System: Selkirk's Direct-Temp[R] direct vent system Metalbestos[R] now includes the 5-inch by 8-inch size, co-linear products and conversion kits. For use with fireplaces, high output stoves, chimneys and direct vent appliances. ...

Truck security [no photo].(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... Truck Security [No Photo]: Reading Truck Body's new and improved wireless Latch-Matic[R] system allows the user to simultaneously lock all of the service body compartments by use of a single key-chain-type transmitter. Designed for use with the...

Drain & sewer cleaner.(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... Drain & Sewer Cleaner: New from Electric Eel Mfg, is the Model D-5 drain and sewer cleaning machine. It combines professional quality and affordability in a continuous cable drum machine for cleaning 3- to 10-inch diameter lines up to 100 ft....

Infloor composite boards.(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... Infloor Composite Boards: Infloor Radiant Heating Inc. has added InfloorBoard[TM] to its product line. The dense composite boards are covered with aluminum and have precut grooves in which 3/8-inch tubing is placed. Heat spreads evenly and...

Fire Guard Washer Box.(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... Fire Guard Washer Box: ProSet has fire-tested its new Fire Guard Washer Box for appliances such as washing machines and icemakers. It installs within a one- or two-hour rated gypsum wall using the same installation methods of non-rated plastic...

Air eliminator.(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... Air Eliminator: Spirotherm Inc. introduced the new 2-inch, all-brass Junior air eliminator manufactured specifically for installation in light commercial and large residential hydronic systems. A patented coalescing medium scrubs out 100...

Stub out ells.(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... Stub Out Ells: KBI introduces its new line of copper Stub Out Ells for transitioning a CPVC plumbing job to copper when coming through the wall. Its CPVC stub out ell is made with Flowguard Gold material. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Circle...

End caps.(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... End Caps: John Guest offers three new sizes of end caps to its line of push-in fittings. Without draining a system, the caps can be used to temporarily "cap-off" installations for pressure testing and rough inspections. Makes a secure leakproof...

Tankless service valves.(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... Tankless Service Valves: Webstone's Isolator EXP tankless water heater service valve set contains an inlet and outlet valve allowing for one-man full-port diagnostic testing, cleaning or draining of the system and heater with quarter-turn ball...

Style B Tap Extension.(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... Style B Tap Extension: Walton Co.'s Style B Tap Extensions are an inexpensive alternative to hard-to-obtain extra-length taps. For both machine and hand tapping in difficult-to-reach locations. Designed for long service life, these quality...

Copper tubing prep.(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... Copper Tubing Prep: General Pipe Cleaners' new CopperKey[R] lets you easily and efficiently prep copper tubing and couplings in tight spots. Its patented ratchet-action design requires only a few inches of clearance and is up to three times...

New valves [no photo].(Product Focus: Sprinklers & Fire Protection)
September 1, 2005... New Valves [No Photo]: Major valve and component manufacturer Jomar International recently launched two new products: JOFLO, a line of economically priced ball valves; and JOPRESS, hot forged CR brass full-port valves with press connection...