Tools of the Trade articles from January 2006

Tools of the Trade archives from January 2006

My next life.(Editor's Note)
January 1, 2006... I know what I want to be when I come back in my next life (assuming I've earned one)--a contractor. "Why on Earth would you want to come back as something you have already been?" you might ask. Excellent question--very perceptive. Well, to be...

It was downright difficult to get around Oriole Park at Camden Yards at the STAFDA Convention's opening party in Baltimore, but we made it.(TOOLSworthy: NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE CONSTRUCTION WORLD.)
January 1, 2006... It was downright difficult to get around Oriole Park at Camden Yards at the STAFDA Convention's opening party in Baltimore, but we made it. The blues band was cool, the country band was pretty solid even though they were caged in with chicken...

Evan Potler.(TOOLSworthy: NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE CONSTRUCTION WORLD.)
January 1, 2006... TOOLS OF THE TRADE art director Evan Potler won an Ozzie Award (a big deal in the publishing world) for our March/April 2005 article featuring utility knives.

DeWalt senior product engineer Christine Potter is dispelling battery myths.(TOOLSworthy: NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE CONSTRUCTION WORLD.)
January 1, 2006... DeWalt senior product engineer Christine Potter is dispelling battery myths--reminding cordless tool users that so-called memory isn't an issue with today's batteries, so don't run them completely down thinking you're extending their life.

Get a grip.(Takeoffs: The buzz from the biz)
January 1, 2006... TOOLS' sister publication BUILDING PRODUCTS reported that after police arrested a Racine, Wis., man for stealing tools, a chandelier, a sink, and tile during a construction site crime spree he admitted he was obsessed with doorknobs. He had...

Pencil it in.(Takeoffs: The buzz from the biz)(Calendar)
January 1, 2006... DeckExpo Feb. 16-18 Memphis 678-344-6283 www.deckexpo.com The Work Truck Show March 1-3 Atlanta 800-441-6832 www.ntea.com Building Energy '06 March 7-9 Boston www.buildingenergy.nesea.org National Green Building Conference March...

Worth repeating.(Takeoffs: The buzz from the biz)
January 1, 2006... "BUILDING MATERIAL PRICES WILL CONTINUE TO RISE AT A FASTER RATE THAN THE OVERALL ECONOMY." --KEN SIMONSON, ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF AMERICA

By the numbers.(Takeoffs: The buzz from the biz)
January 1, 2006... $4,000,000,000 Estimated cost of tools, equipment, building materials, and appliances stolen from construction jobsites annually. (Source: NAHB) 390,000,000+ Square feet of building space currently registered to become LEED certified. ...

At your service.(Takeoffs: The buzz from the biz)(Cartoon)
January 1, 2006... DO YOU TAKE CREDIT CARDS? YEAH, BUT WE USUALLY GIVE 'EM BACK

Lithium-ion gains more players: DeW alt, Bosch are latest to enter lithium-ion game.(PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2006... The lithium-ion battery pool just got deeper with DeWalt and Bosch both launching lines, following Milwaukee's launch last year and Makita's recent roll-out. In November DeWalt announced its 36-volt lithium-ion tool line, which will target...

Office on wheels: Ford and Microsoft partner for on-the-road communication.(TECHNOLOGY)
January 1, 2006... Ford and Microsoft have teamed up to create a mobile office system for the Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup. The mobile system includes a small, lightweight Stargate Mobile computer that can be docked inside the truck and powered by the truck's...

Cordless cut-out tool.(HOT FINDS)
January 1, 2006... RotoZip by Bosch's spiral saw is now available in an 18-volt cordless version. The tool offers the same power and speed as its corded counterparts, the maker says, as well as complete RotoZip attachment and accessory capabilities for uses...

Plunge-cut saw.(HOT FINDS)
January 1, 2006... Festool's TS 55 plunge-cut saw allows the blade to retract into the housing, providing users the option to start and end the cut anywhere on the material. A splinter guard allows for splinter-free cuts on both sides of the blade. Other features...

Makita angle grinders.(Recalls)
January 1, 2006... Product: Makita GA7011C 7-inch angle grinder (visit www.cpsc.gov for specific serial numbers) Problem: The guards on some of the angle grinders will not fully cover a hubbed grinding wheel, which could lead to injury if the hubbed grinding...

Porter-cable circular saws.(Recalls)
January 1, 2006... Product: Porter-Cable 7 1/4-inch MAG-Saw circular saws with model numbers 324MAG (serial numbers 10001 through 108962), 325MAG (serial numbers 10001 through 014712), 423MAG (serial numbers 10001 through 100371), and 424MAG (serial numbers 10001...

Warming trend: warm floors your crew can install.(SiteLines: Dispatches from the field)
January 1, 2006... Radiant floor heating is the most comfortable way to heat a space. Period. I love it and so do my customers and the builders and remodelers who increasingly demand it. Since radiant systems heat objects (not the air, like conventional systems),...

Mr. Clean: pressure washers help you get the dirt out.(SiteLines: Dispatches from the field)
January 1, 2006... A pressure washer is one of those tools you don't really need until you really need it. It's the only way to manage the large amounts of mud that find their way off the site and onto your customers' driveways, sidewalks, and street. It's great...

Ridgid R84040: battery-powered adhesive/caulk dispenser saves time and more.(FIRST TEST)
January 1, 2006... When the Ridgid R84040 18-volt adhesive/caulk gun arrived at the office, my crew and I shared the same thought: Just because you can make something doesn't always mean you should. But while that adage applies to many things, our test proved the...

Thrill rides: today's work vehicles go upscale to meet demand.
January 1, 2006... Once upon a time, a truck was a truck. II looked like hell and smelled like sweat. You threw your tools in back, muddy boots in front, and beaded off to the job. A work vehicle was just that--no frills, no fooling, maybe even no radio. But...

Aftermarket advantage: when it comes to ruling the road, accessories can make all the difference.
January 1, 2006... For most contractors, a pickup truck is more than just a method of getting from point A to point B. The work truck endures everything you throw at it--literally--serving as a storage facility, a work table, and a cargo hauler, all while making...

Rough & ready: these demolition hammers are ready for heavy-duty action.(TOOL TEST: DEMOLITION HAMMERS)(Cover Story)
January 1, 2006... There is nothing quite as dirty, dusty, and plain-old tough as demolition work, especially for breaking up concrete and masonry. The work is unpleasant enough for both the crew and the tools so we try to get it over with as quickly--and as...

Remote control: new technologies help build communication bridges between your office, crew, subs, and sites.
January 1, 2006... It's an age-old problem: To grow, management gurus tell you to "work on your business not in it" So you hang up your toolbelt and settle into the office. The next thing you know, your jobsites have descended into chaos and you spend the day in...

Safety vests.(PRODUCT FOCUS: SAFETY PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2006... The SV3310 (orange) and SV3315 (lime) safety vests from Xtreme Design are available in solid and mesh versions. They feature 3M Scotchlite reflective tape, vertical hook-and-loop closure, and an inside pocket. The vests meet or exceed ANSI...

Foul weather gear.(PRODUCT FOCUS: SAFETY PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2006... Ergodyne has added foul weather gear to its line of GLoWEAR high-visibility apparel. Designed to protect workers against rain, sleet, snow, wind, and cold, the new line includes a rain jacket, rain pant, thermal jacket, thermal pant, and...

Respirator.(PRODUCT FOCUS: SAFETY PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2006... The QuickFit respirator is designed for easy on and easy off, says AO Safety, with a QuickDial twist-and seal design that allows for one-handed operation with no hooks or straps. Other features include smooth, contoured headgear with silicone...

Safety glasses.(PRODUCT FOCUS: SAFETY PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2006... 180 Slimline safety glasses from North Safety feature a low-profile shape along with a high-nine base curve for better coverage and wide field of view. The lightweight glasses are made of non-conductive, high-impact polycarbonate material. Soft...

Earmuffs.(PRODUCT FOCUS: SAFETY PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2006... Bilsom Leightning HiVisibility Earmuffs protect workers from noise while the fluorescent green ear cups provide reflectivity in low lighting or inclement weather; the steel-wire-construction, foam-padded headband also is reflective. The ear...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
January 1, 2006... Correction: In Launch Time in the November/December issue (page 44) the incorrect price was provided for the Perles MDS0 mixing and drill kit. The correct price is $150-$175.

Safety glasses.(PRODUCT FOCUS: SAFETY PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2006... Foresight safety glasses from Worldwide Vision Technology attach to the existing slots in MSA and Bullard 4100 and 3000 hard hats. They can be adjusted to fit and lowered or raised under the brim of the hat. The glasses meet ANSI Z87.1-2003...

Safety equipment.(PRODUCT FOCUS: SAFETY PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2006... Job Site Armor safety equipment products from Milwaukee provide protection that meets or exceeds standard industrial safety guidelines, the maker says, while addressing comfort needs through the use of lighter-weight materials, adjustability,...

Shoe traction device.(PRODUCT FOCUS: SAFETY PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2006... Yaktrax Walker shoe traction devices fit onto the soles of shoes and boots to provide added traction on compacted-snow and ice surfaces. The product features abrasionresistant steel coils that provide 10 times the gripping points as spike-based...

Safety glasses: triad safety glasses from Elvex Corp. now come with polarized lenses, ideal for outdoor environments prone to reflected light and the associated glare.(PRODUCT FOCUS: SAFETY PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2006... Triad safety glasses from Elvex Corp. now come with polarized lenses, ideal for outdoor environments prone to reflected light and the associated glare. According to the firm, the glasses offer a style similar to sunglasses and feature a soft...

Guard rail clamp.(PRODUCT FOCUS: SAFETY PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2006... Safety Maker's VersiShield Guard Rail Clamping System can be used on multi-housing construction sites to erect OSHA-compliant guardrail and stair-rail systems, says the maker. The system clamps to the edge of a concrete slab without drilling....

Insulation Knife.(NEW PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2006... The Insul-Knife from Cepco Tool Co. performs like a razor, cutting fiberglass insulation precisely and cleanly, the maker says. It also can be used with foam pipe insulation, Styrofoam insulation boards, foam block, and more. The blade can be...

Cordless screwgun.(NEW PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2006... PAM Fastening Technology is introducing the PC-12 cordless screwgun system that's ideal for drywall applications, especially where power is not available. The tool drives 1- to 2-inch fasteners at 600 to 900 screws per charge. * Cost:...

Locking Pliers.(NEW PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2006... A dual cam mechanism on the LockJaw Auto Adjusting Locking Pliers allows for automatic, one-handed adjustment of the tool's jaws to the size of the object, eliminating the need for the user to manually adjust the jaws with a screw. The tool...

Dust barrier.(NEW PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2006... ZipWall now offers its dust barrier system, which utilizes spring-loaded, telescoping poles to secure screening material to isolate the work area, in a 4 Pack Plus packaging option, a comprehensive solution that can save buyers money versus...

Gas nailer.(NEW PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2006... New from Hitachi, the NR90GC 3 1/2-inch gas-powered clipped-head framing nailer drives up to two nails per second and 1,000 nails per hour. The tool's 7.2-volt nicad battery fires more than 4,000 nails per charge and each fuel rod fires 1,200...

The doctor is in.(ToolHounds: We just love tools. Is that a problem?)
January 1, 2006... Step into Bostitch's nail research lab with Ed Sutt and Tom Stall and you'd think you were on the set of CSI. Immaculate countertops are loaded with high-tech testing equipment. Colored screens of micro-spectro-photo-whatchamacallits cast a...