Snips articles from March 2003

Snips archives from March 2003

Protection or a problem?: Pros and cons of promoting residential CO detectors.
March 1, 2003... Each winter, news stories of monoxide-related carbon deaths remind the public that CO is the most common form of poisoning in the United States. A fire marshal usually warns that carbon monoxide monitors are art absolute requirement in every...

Tape Measure. (A Notcher Above).(from Klenk Industries Inc)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Sheet metal tool manufacturer Klenk Industries Inc. says its new Magnetic-tip Tape Measure simplifies the task of measuring lengthy ducts and other objects that are difficult to reach. The 25-ft. tape's large, magnetic end-hook readily adheres...

Duct beader. (A Notcher Above).(from Empire Machinery and Tools Ltd)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Empire Machinery and Tools Ltd.'s "General" duct beaders now offer adjustable bead rolls along the length of the shaft, on both the 16 ga. and 2 ga. models. Company officials say it allows accurate beading of shorter lengths of duct. Upper and...

Sheet metal shear. (A Notcher Above).(from Shook Manufactured Products Inc)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Shook Manufactured Products Inc. says its "Jiffy Tuff" swivel-head sheet metal shear features 120-volt, four amp double insulated power with a variable speed switch. It also includes an 8-ft. cord, high-speed/steel cutting blades, and more....

Bending brake. (A Notcher Above).(rfom Van Mark Products)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Van Mark Products recently announced the newest accessory for their line of portable bending brakes. The TrimCutter cuts light-to heavy gauge materials right on the brake, leaving clean factory edges every time. It uses a four-point...

Air hammer. (A Notcher Above).(from Superior Pneumatic & Manufacturing Co)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... The makers of the "Big Bully" Pittsburgh Lock Seam Straight Grip No. 261 say it can cut your finishing time up to 80%. It can be used to fold over or seam metal up to 22 ga. and lighter on general fabricating, run Pittsburgh Lock Seams on...

Tool, Fastener guide. (A Notcher Above).(from Dynamic Fastener Inc)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Contacted to provide information about their newest tools, Dynamic Fastener Inc. officials said they couldn't pick just one. Instead, they mentioned the company's recently released new tool and fastener "hand" guide. According to company...

Analog oscilloscope. (A Notcher Above).(from B&K Precision Corp)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... B&K Precision Corp. now offers the Model 2121, a 30 MHz, dual-channel analog oscilloscope. Company officials say the compact, bench-top unit is ideal for use in design, maintenance, manufacturing, quality control and educational applications....

Digital multimeters. (A Notcher Above).(from Fluke Corp)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Fluke Corp's new 110 Series digital multimeter was designed for use by contractors and anyone who has a need for a mid-priced unit, according to company officials. It features a flexible polyurethane holster to protect the multimeter's...

Tool bags. (A Notcher Above).(from Klein Tools)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Klein Tools has introduced a new line of rugged canvas bags with internal pockets. For models are available, ranging in size from 16-to 18-in, with a leather or Naugahyde bottom that extends 3 in. up the sides. The 16-in, bag has eight interior...

Folding plier tool. (A Notcher Above).(from SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Inc.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Company officials for SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Inc. say many people asked them to develop a folding plier tool that has component locks, is comfortable to use, and offers a complete tool package. The PowerLock is their answer. ...

Infraed Thermometer.(from Wavetek Meterman Test Tools)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Wavetek Meterman Test Tools has released the IR610 infrared thermometer. The unit measures test points up to 500[degrees]F (260[degrees]C). with the ability to change from Fahrenheit to Celsius with the turn of a switch. The IR610 meets CE...

Angle grinder. (A Notcher Above).(from Metabo Corp)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Metabo Corp. now offers the WE-14-125 Plus 5-in, angle grinder, a variable-speed grinder/cutoff machine with automatic electronic speed stabilization. Company officials say the WE14-125 is ideal for applications requiring quick stock removal...

Refrigerant monitor. (A Notcher Above).(from Mine Safety Appliance Co.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... The instrument division of Mine Safety Appliance Co. says its Chillgard RT refrigerant monitor is certified to meet ASHRAE's new 147-2002 standard, which specifies that on large refrigerating systems a "refrigerant monitor capable of detecting...

Cutoff Machine. (A Notcher Above).(from Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. recently introduced the 6185-20 14-in. Handheld Cutoff Machine. It features a 14-amp, 4.8 max hp motor and metal and concrete cutting applications. Company officials say the tool is easy to use. The downward...

Leak-detection equipment. (A Notcher Above).(from Spectronics Corp)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Spectronics Corp. offers a number of products to help hvacr technicians find system leaks. Among the company's newer offerings is the Titan Stinger 2, a "two-in-one" unit that combines a cordless fluorescent leak detection flashlight with a...

Suggestions for proper use of hand tools. (A Notcher Above).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... In its "Pocket Guide to Safety," the National Roofing Contractors Association offers these suggestions. * Inspect tools and equipment before and after each use for defects or problems. * Remove immediately from service any tagged item...

Thermo-hygrometer pen. (A Notcher Above).(made by Cooper Instrument Corp)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Cooper Instrument Corp. makes a thermo-hygrometer pen called the DRH122. Cooper says it offers accurate measurement a reasonable cost. It provides temperature and humidity readings in a matter of seconds. Temperature readings range from...

Ergonomic shears. (A Notcher Above).(introduced by Class Cutlery Co)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Class Cutlery Co. has introduced shears that feature an ergonomic, soft handle for heavy big cutting jobs. The lightweight shears have Ultraflex handles made of a special material that company officials say offers greater comfort. The contoured...

Suggestions for proper use of power tools.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... * Always consult the owners manual for proper use, maintenance and repair instruction. * Never carry a tool by its cord or hose. * Wear eye protection and ear protection, if necessary. * Do not wear loose-fitting clothing or...

Wholesale changes: NHRAW; bows to successor HARDI at convention.(Northamerican Heating, Refrigeration and Airconditioning Wholesalers Association)(Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International)
March 1, 2003... ORLANDO, Fla. -- The final international conference of the Northamerican Heating, Refrigeration and Airconditioning Wholesalers Association, held here Dec. 8-10, morphed into the first meeting of the Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration...

Work in the valley: Illinois contractor tackles tooling company facility.(Miller Engineering Co, Ingersoll Cutting Tools)
March 1, 2003... CHERRY VALLEY, Ill. -- Work recently wrapped up on the $40 million new marketing and production facility of Ingersoll Cutting Tools' U.S. division. The 30-acre corporate campus includes three buildings totaling close to 350,000 sq. ft. ...

Ten steps to reduce welding costs. (Tech Tips).
March 1, 2003... Many companies strive to get the best possible price on welding equipment and consumables. Although this is an admirable goal, these companies may be overlooking the big picture, which says that rather than aim for a savings based on a one-time...

ACCA, ABC announce support for White House economic stimulus plan. (Association News).(Air Conditioning Contractors of America, Associated Builders and Contractors)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Air Conditioning Contractors of America and Associated Builders and Contractors recently announced their support for President Bush's economic stimulus package, saying its tax provisions will help contractors significantly...

ARI honors industry leaders, instructor at annual meeting. (Association News).(Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute)
March 1, 2003... ARLINGTON, Va. -- Four industry leaders and one hvacr instructor were recognized with special awards by the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute at its 49th annual meeting in Palm Springs, Calif. The 2002 Richard C. Schulze...

Rehau donates heat system to Va. Tech for solar-energy contest. (Supplier News).
March 1, 2003... LEESBURG, Va. -- Rehau donated a radiant floor heating systems to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, popularly called Virginia Tech, for use in its national solar decathlon contest entry. Virginia Tech took fifth place in...

AC Technology opens Toronto facility. (Supplier News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... UXBRIDGE, Mass. -- AC Technology Inc. is opening a combined service center, evaluation, and repair facility in Toronto. According to David Reece, vice president of worldwide marketing, the new service center will allow the company's...

Cooper-Atkins acquires maker of wireless monitors. (Supplier News).(KTG Inc)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... MIDDLEFIELD, Conn. -- Cooper-Atkins has purchased Cincinnati-based KTG Inc., a developer of wireless systems for hot and cold temperature monitoring. KTG products will be marketed under the Atkins brand name, a high-technology measurement...

Limbach facility services bought by New York investment firm. (Contractor News).(FdG Associates)
March 1, 2003... NEW YORK -- Construction services company Limbach Facility Services Inc. has been acquired by investment group FdG Associates. With the transaction, FdG officials said, Limbach regains independence after 16 years of operation as a...

2003 is the year to 'PAY!' according to ASA. (Contractor News).(American Subcontractors Association)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The top three payment issues that subcontractors say have an impact on their businesses are slow final payment, pay-if-paid clauses, and late progress payments, according to a survey of American Subcontractors Association...

FMJ launches project manager Academy. (Contractor News).(FMI Corp)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... RALEIGH, N.C. -- In response to what it sees as a growing demand in the construction industry for improved project management capability, FMI Corp. has launched its Project Management Academy. Founded to help less-experienced project...

2003 AHR expo attendance estimated at more than 57,000. (Meetings & Conventions).(Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigerating Exposition)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... CHICAGO -- This year may have been a record for the international Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigerating Exposition. Organizers pegged the unofficial attendance at more than 57,000 (visitors and exhibitors), and said the final count...

Political analyst, economics professor to speak at quality construction conference. (Meetings & Conventions).(the 2003 Campaign For Quality Construction National Issues Conference will take place from 5/5/03 through 5/7/03)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... WASHINGTON -- The 2003 Campaign For Quality Construction National Issues Conference is scheduled for May 5-7 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, in Washington, D.C. The conference will focus on key construction industry business issues and serve to...

ISH-North America 2003 to feature Hvac, environmental issues. (Meetings & Conventions).(the second annual ISH North America conference and exposition will be held 10/1/03 through 10/3/03)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... ATLANTA -- Hvac has been selected as part of the conference program for the 2003 ISH North America conference and exposition. Show organizers Messe Frankfurt Inc. have redesigned the seminar program so conferences fall along one of six...

Steril-Aire Inc. names new regional manager for Southeastern U.S. (People in the News).(listing of new appointments)
March 1, 2003... Steril-Aire Inc., Cerritos, Calif., has promoted Douglas A. Smith to southeastern regional manager. He will be responsible for sales and marketing in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Kentucky. Slant/Fin...

Obituaries.(Brief Article)(Obituary)
March 1, 2003... Robert Gilbert, 78, former president and CEO of Rheem Manufacturing Co., died Jan. 8, 2002 at Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith, Ark. Karl E. Neupert, 62, president and CEO of Consolidated Supply Co., Portland, Ore., died Dec....

NEMI releases educational software on school air quality. (Indoor Air Quality).(National Energy Management Institute)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Saying the nation's school systems are suffering from an "IAQ crisis' the National Energy Management Institute has created an educational CD-ROM on indoor air quality for parents, teachers and school officials. "How...

Companies form group to create mold remediation standards. (Indoor Air Quality).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... MINNEAPOLIS -- A group of companies that regularly encounter mold issues have joined together to create voluntary industry standards for inspections and other mold-related services. Officials from the nonprofit Indoor Environmental...

Nov. machine tool consumption down 9.7% to $145.52 million. (Wholesaler News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... ROCKVILLE, Md. -- U.S. machine tool consumption in November 2002 totaled $145.52 million, according to AMT -- The Association For Manufacturing Technology and AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association. This total, as...

Klenk Industries names sales representative of the year. (Wholesaler News).(Chuck Feldman)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... CHICAGO -- Klenk Industries used the 2003 Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Expo to announce its 2003 sales representative of the year: Chuck Feldman of J.C. Marketing. The award was presented to Feldman Jan. 27 at Klenk's...

Arizona. (Regional News).(Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association of Arizona relocates office)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association of Arizona has relocated its office. The new address is 3310 W. Cheryl Dr., Suite C-104, Phoenix, AZ 85051. Its phone number is (602) 242-6336. Brad Porter and Warren...

California. (Regional News).(approves major school bond for equipment to improve energy use patterns)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... California voters have approved a major school bond, including funding and incentives for equipment to improve energy use patterns and to shift peak electrical demand. The school bond is the first in the stand to include funding for...

Illinois. (Regional News).(Paul H. Schwendener Inc. is named general contractor of the month)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Paul H. Schwendener Inc. was highlighted as the general contractor of the month during the February dinner meeting of the Association of Subcontractors & Affiliates, Chicago chapter. Schwendener is a new member of the organization's General...

Marketing plan. (Books Software & Lit.).(offered by Hudson, Ink)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Hvac industry consultant Hudson, Ink is offering a yearlong marketing plan for hvac contractors called the "Hvac Marketing PowerPlan System." It includes software that automatically calculates budgets and tells contractors which media outlet to...

Literature on CD. (Books Software & Lit.).(issued by Dri-Steem Humidifier Co)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Dri-Steem Humidifier Co. now has a CD-ROM available that contains product catalogs, installation instructions, operation and maintenance manuals, case studies, videos and much more. The company's products are fully described and operation...

Fan brochure. (Books Software & Lit.).(issued by Industrial Air)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Industrial Air has issued a 44-page brochure that describes the benefits and features of its new class I centrifugal fans (series 205). The booklet also provides complete information on the company's 11 available sizes and variable...

Circuit breaker locator. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... The CF12 circuit breaker finder allows one person to determine which breaker controls a specific circuit, and turn of power only on that circuit. Plugging the transmitter into a standard outlet sends a signal down that circuit. A switch on the...

Merv 11 filter. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... This company offers a MERV 11 filter as a simple and cost-effective way to improve the air quality in commercial buildings, It includes a 100% synthetic, gradient density, non-woven media that is totally hydrophobic and enclosed in a strong...

Fabric duct. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... A Wisconsin-based company has created the Sonic Vent, a linear vent diffuser offering a more cost-effective and quieter fabric duct system, according to company officials. The Sonic Vent consists of 3/16-in. diameter perforations that run...

Infrared tube heater. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... This company's new TLP line of infrared tube heaters is CSA-certified for indoor and outdoor applications, vented and nonvented applications. Company officials say the line was made to offer high performance, optimum fuel efficiency and easy...

Flashing. (New Products).
March 1, 2003... This product was designed to make it easier to install ducts in wall cavities. Thermo-Stack flashing consists of a precision die-cut support frame that fits over the wall plate, holding the wall stack evenly spaced between studs. Installed, it...

Wholesalers & Mfr. Reps. Directory. (Nationwide -- Mexico & Foreign).(Directory)
March 1, 2003... The following is a paid directory of distributors, wholesalers and manufacturers representatives, listed by state. To have your company included in this list, please call Sally Fraser at 248-244-6240. We urge our readers to contact...

Our mission: make a good thing even better than before. (Editor's Page).
March 1, 2003... It's a funny thing about opportunities. They often come when you least expect them. I know that's a cliche, but it's true. No one could have predicted the stroke that Ed Bas, SNIPS' former editor and publisher, suffered in July 2002. And if you...