Tools of the Trade articles from January 2005

Tools of the Trade archives from January 2005

Giant steps.(Editor's Note)
January 1, 2005... What do you get when you combine gray and yellow? Graylo? How about when you add a bold red to orange and blue? I guess what I really want to know is, "What do you get when DeWalt buys Porter-Cable and Delta, and Milwaukee joins Ridgid and...

Tool show rundown: seen and heard at November's Stafda Show.(Takeoffs: the buzz from the biz)
January 1, 2005... We're sworn to secrecy on specifics, but you're going to see a lot more development and new players soon in cordless nailers--generational improvements and new products.... Cordless impact drivers are still the hottest tools in drill/driving,...

By the numbers.(Takeoffs: the buzz from the biz)
January 1, 2005... 52,355 number of entries for the 2004 Site Commander Sweepstakes. 48 number of hours between The Home Depot's new store openings. 22 Average Number of years Tools readers have been in business. 3 to 4 minimum...

Truck on steroids.(Takeoffs: the buzz from the biz)
January 1, 2005... Leave the Hummers for the Yuppies. Your next truck will leave them slack-jawed in the dust: The International 7300 CXT has a world-class air-ride cab, on-demand all-wheel drive, and air brakes that can handle 13-ton loads, and it's available...

Worth repeating.(Takeoffs: the buzz from the biz)
January 1, 2005... "I SUPPORT YOUR CALL FOR TESTING STANDARDS AND THINK YOU SHOULD BOYCOTT PUBLISHING MANUFACTURERS' SPECS UNTIL THEY OFFER US A RELIABLE SYSTEM."--MIKE GUERTIN, CONTRACTOR, RHODE ISLAND

Pencil it in.(Takeoffs: the buzz from the biz)
January 1, 2005... Woodworks Feb. 4-6 Ontario, Calif. 877-525-7480 www.woodworksevents.com Work Truck Show March 2-4 Indianapolis 800-441-6832 www.ntea.com Midwest Builders Show March 16-17 Rosemont, Ill. ...

Hall of Fame 2005: honoring the people behind the tools that changed our lives.(Industry Pioneer)
January 1, 2005... Marshall Burns may be one of the last bridges still spanning the historic past and boundless future of the tool industry. Certainly few people have witnessed firsthand the changes in tools and technology that he's seen in his lifetime. And even...

Nailer.(Hot Finds)
January 1, 2005... Hitachi's new NR90AD 3 1/2-inch clipped-head framing nailer weighs 7 pounds, a pound lighter than leading competitors, the maker says, but has the power to fasten engineered lumber. The tool includes selective actuation for switching between...

Saws.(Hot Finds)
January 1, 2005... The Stiletto 22-inch and 26-inch Edo Mi push-pull fine cross-cut saws feature stainless steel blades precisely ground and sharpened along with a black walnut handle with a durable hard gloss surface. The saws' shark teeth include 10 teeth per...

These boots are made for workin': new boots to keep your feet comfortable and looking good.(Products)
January 1, 2005... Standing all day on rooftops, hot pavement, and cold scaffolding, your work boots can be as important a tool as your cordless drill. And thanks to new technologies in materials and construction, as well as some existing proven offerings, there...

Truck box.(Hot Finds)
January 1, 2005... Knaack Mfg. has revamped its Weather Guard diamond tread aluminum truck boxes with new features and impressive security. The boxes' Extreme Protection Lock retracts when locked for added tamper resistance (which also provides visual...

Metal-cutting saw.(Hot Finds)
January 1, 2005... Makita's 4131 7 1/4-inch metal-cutting saw features a 13-amp motor, a no-load speed of 3,500 rpm, a large cutting capacity, tool-free blade cover for chip collection and insulation, and a stainless steel base plate. The saw's Cermet-tipped saw...

DeWalt tackles jobsite security: Dewalt's SiteLock wireless security system aims to curb jobsite intrusion and theft.(Security)
January 1, 2005... DeWalt's recent survey of more than 1,500 construction professionals indicates that jobsite security is the No. 1 concern among construction industry end users and buyers. The study shows that 97 percent of construction pros are concerned about...

Corrosion update: Vycor deck protector boosts connector corrosion resistance in treated lumber.(News)
January 1, 2005... After the industry's phase-out of CCA, concerns arose about the higher-corrosivity of new treated lumber alternatives and their effect on fasteners and connectors. Fastener manufacturers and lumber producers alike have been working toward...

Light it up: laser level layout for plumbers and electricians.(Laser Level Layout / Great Gadgets / Crack-Free Slabs)
January 1, 2005... It used to be that laser levels and the cutting-edge technology that powered them were so rare and expensive, only the largest or most profitable contractors could afford them. Now, of course, prices have fallen dramatically (indeed, one...

Molding clamps.(Great gadgets: cool tools for less than $100)
January 1, 2005... I use Collins Spring Clamps so much that I carry them right on my pouch for any trim job I'm working. They enable me to secure and stabilize a molding miter (say for a crown molding return, mantel parts, casing assembly, or a coffered ceiling...

Caulk gun.(Great gadgets: cool tools for less than $100)
January 1, 2005... I hate cheap caulk guns. It's partly because they always seize up at the worst possible moment and partly because I get very upset when I have to search around for a knife and a poker to open the tube of caulk. Now that I've discovered the...

Nail puller.(Great gadgets: cool tools for less than $100)
January 1, 2005... Stiletto's titanium Clawbar with Dimpler (above right) is 11 1/2 inches long with two effective nail-pulling heads, but weighs only 8 ounces--noticeably lighter than the 9 1/2-inch steel cat's paw I've used for years. And, it slides easily into...

Hammer.(Great gadgets: cool tools for less than $100)
January 1, 2005... I use Norwolf's 18-ounce "A-hammer" for everything--demolition, framing, and finish work--and it's the best hammer I've ever swung: the balance is great and I swear I drive nails faster and easier with it than with other hammers. That may sound...

Crack-free slabs: consistency and detailing prevents cracking.(SiteLines: dispatches from the field)
January 1, 2005... One word describes successful concrete work: consistency. Exercise the same level of care at every stage of the process. PREPARING THE BASE If the gravel subgrade settles after you've poured, cracks can occur. The two prime offenders...

Born to run: our 2005 report on compact, midsize, full-size, and sport utility trucks.(Annual Truck Report)
January 1, 2005... Last year was a big one for full-size pickup makeovers, but for 2005 the biggest new-truck news can be found in the middle of the pack--notably, in the introduction of several totally revamped, upgraded, and enlarged midsize pickups from Dodge,...

You haul: increase your jobsite storage, security, and efficiency with a tow-behind trailer customized to fit your needs.
January 1, 2005... Whether you're a one-man operation or oversee multiple crews on a number of jobsites, you've got plenty of tools, equipment, and supplies to haul. If you're tired of crawling into your truck bed searching for a drill or running back to your...

Pace American.(You Haul)
January 1, 2005... Heavy-duty, commercial-quality ConQuest trailers are manufactured with .030 smooth aluminum with 16-inch-o.c. hat posts, 3/8-inch-thick plywood interior walls for rigidity, integrated heavy-duty roof construction, dust-proof sidewalls,...

Wells Cargo.(You Haul)
January 1, 2005... The company offers a range of enclosed cargo trailers for a variety of uses. Standard features include strong SmartFrame technology, LED stop/tail/turn lights, Torflex rubber torsion suspension, all-aluminum anti-rack cam locks, extruded...

H&H trailers.(You Haul)
January 1, 2005... This single-axle standard enclosed cargo trailer features a 100 percent tubular steel chassis, including frame, walls, and ceiling supports; a smooth, rivet-free .040 aluminum body system, custom aluminum extruded body trim, rubber torsion...

Toolmaster trailers.(You Haul)
January 1, 2005... Manufactured one at a time, Tool Trailers are built specifically to fit the needs of each individual customer and trade. Designed to maximize space and minimize setup time, these rolling workshops open from all sides to expose workstations and...

Haulmark.(You Haul)
January 1, 2005... One of a range of trailers available from the company, the compact Cub professional-grade easy to tow tag hitch trailer is designed for hard work and frequent use. It includes 3/4-inch plywood flooring, 3/8-inch plywood interior sidewalls,...

Kiefer built.(You Haul)
January 1, 2005... Kargo King trailers feature a rugged all-steel welded frame, sealed doors, all-aluminum exterior sidewalls with 16-inch-o.c. uprights, 3/8-inch plywood interior walls, one-piece heavy-duty fiberglass roof, sturdy flooring with optional 2-inch...

Featherlite.(You Haul)
January 1, 2005... The Featherlite Model 1625 can be used to haul equipment, parts, tools, and more. The enclosed bumper-pull unit has an aluminum frame, fenders, and roof, a 3/4-inch plywood floor, sturdy double rear doors, and an aerodynamic V-nose. New options...

Clutch hitters: spend five minutes drilling concrete and masonry with one of these rotary hammers and you'll wonder what to do with your old hammerdrill.(Rotary Hammers)
January 1, 2005... By coincidence, it was just 10 years ago to this very issue of TOOLS OF THE TRADE (Winter 1995) that I used a Tool Test to select and buy my 1/2-inch hammerdrill. It has dependably drilled anchor holes in tile, mortar, block, and usually into...

Bringing heat: what kind of portable heater should you choose?
January 1, 2005... When it's too cold on the job, some tools, materials--and workers--just don't perform. Ask Ken Polhamus of Great Plains Drywall, who has seen his share of frozen Illinois winters. "We'll rock if it's 20 below zero, as long as we've got heat...

Fall protection.(Product focus: safety products)
January 1, 2005... The Roofer's Kit from Hy-Safe Technology provides complete fall protection compliance for roofers and others working on top of residential housing. It includes an adjustable full-body harness, a shock-absorbing lanyard, 50-foot rope lifeline,...

High-visibility wear.(Product focus: safety products)
January 1, 2005... The GloWear line of high-visibility apparel from Ergodyne is designed to provide comfort and style in addition to safety/visibility in order to encourage workers to wear them. The line includes Class 3, Class 2, and non-certified...

Safety glasses.(Product focus: safety products)
January 1, 2005... The DeWalt/Badians Pro Series DPG56 Ventilator protective eyewear line features full wraparound styling for comfort and protection. The glasses feature rubber-tipped temples with belt ribs to keep them in place; a soft, non-slip rubber...

Kneepads.(Product focus: safety products)
January 1, 2005... Irwin has introduced a line of kneepads. I-Gel kneepads (shown) feature an imbedded gel insert that provides impact resistance, non-marring caps that won't damage surfaces, a perforated, breathable neoprene material, and a one-strap design....

Kneeler board.(Product focus: safety products)
January 1, 2005... New from Bon Tool Co., the Contoured Kneeler Board features foam polyurethane molded to fit the shape of kneeling knees, therefore providing more even weight distribution and relief for the knees and joints. The pad is set on a waterproof,...

Roof safety.(Products focus: safety products)
January 1, 2005... The Flexastep series of roof safety products from Marbilt features four slide guard models, two platform stands, one five-step ladder, and a ladder locking system. They can be used on various roof pitches to create a safe work surface, with...

Lifeline.(Products focus: safety products)
January 1, 2005... Miller Fall Protection's Falcon Self-Retracting Lifeline is designed for durability in rugged environments and exceeded a series of durability performance tests, including being run over by a utility van, dropped from 20 feet, and hit with a...

Cold-weather gloves.(Work Glvoes)
January 1, 2005... The 2.9 glove provides extra insulation from the cold without sacrificing handling or grip, says the maker, Mechanix. The gloves feature Taslan nylon on the outer shell for wind protection, Neoprene knuckle and thumb panels for warmth and...

Heavy-duty gloves.(Work Gloves)
January 1, 2005... Designed for heavy-duty outdoor use, Ironclad's Ranchworx gloves are washable, durable, flexible, and breathable, the maker says. The gloves feature genuine Bullwhip leather that is washable and breathable, the Combo Cuff with hidden Velcro for...

Welding gloves.(Work Gloves)
January 1, 2005... Designed for welders and those working in electrical and petrochemical environments, Carbtex gloves from Perfect Fit Glove feature a new fiber material that offers thermal, abrasion, and cut protection. In addition, the maker says, the gloves...

All-season gloves.(Work Gloves)
January 1, 2005... Designed for breathability, protection, and tactility, All-Season Performance Work Gloves from Gorgonz protect hands without being cumbersome. High-ventilation mesh and vented neoprene allow maximum airflow across the back of the hand to keep...

Levels.(New Products)
January 1, 2005... True Blue levels from Empire Level have True Blue vials, which feature dark bands on the ends to enhance bubble visibility. The vials work in conjunction with the Empire Viewing System, colored funnel-shaped high-contrast bezels that frame the...

Screwdriver.(New Products)
January 1, 2005... Ready Products' Retract-A-Bit screwdriver features a self-storing bit system that allows bits to be changed with the push of a button: Depress the locking collar, retract the bit into the handle, then slide the button of the desired bit into...

Dust barrier.(New Products)
January 1, 2005... ZipWall has introduced the next generation of its dust barrier system, which allows users to easily create an airtight dust barrier using spring-loaded poles that stretch and secure plastic sheeting, a tarp, or drop cloth from floor to ceiling....

Ladder tray.(New Products)
January 1, 2005... New from Kintz Mercantile Products, the Flip Tray provides a place for up to 40 pounds of tools and supplies at the top of a stepladder. The unit attaches easily to the top of virtually any stepladder with universal mounting clips and flips...

Work light.(New Products)
January 1, 2005... Bull Dog Power Products' model S10171 floor light features a 25-foot power cord and reel. The 16-gauge heavy-duty extension cord has a separate plug and can be reeled in and out without twisting. The 500-watt halogen light lights up to 5,000...

If they don't have it, you don't need it: Tim Landry and Dwight Sherman, Berland's House of Tools.(ToolHounds: we just love tools. Is that a problem?)
January 1, 2005... You think you've got a lot of tools? The three super-size Berland's House of Tools near Chicago, where Dwight Sherman and Tim Landry run the show, each boast 30,000 square feet of tool space, housing 30,000 SKUs of tools from wall to wall and...