Tools of the Trade articles from July 2002

Tools of the Trade archives from July 2002

[?] Habla ud. Espanol? (Editor's Note).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2002... If you work in construction and aren't within earshot of Spanish-speaking workers, you've become a minority yourself. On just about every jobsite I visit around the country, I see and hear groups of Hispanic workers involved in almost every...

Site Commander specs. (Mail call: readers sound off).
July 1, 2002... I am looking for information about all the products used on your 2000 Site Commander. We have two Dodge Dakotas in our company and wondered if there is a list of all the manufacturers that contributed products to this truck. And by the...

Space tools for everyone. (Mail call: readers sound off).
July 1, 2002... The piece on space tools was great! Not just for its value as a story, but for its enriching content for your readers as well. How about doing future articles on carpenters building interesting things like airplanes and boats? Or houses...

Ladder safety in question. (Mail call: readers sound off).
July 1, 2002... I take exception with the comment in your ladder story that fiberglass ladders won't conduct electricity (Ladder Leaders, May/June 2002 issue). While it is true that fiberglass possesses dielectric qualities in a pure state, the reality is...

Unique tools requested. (Mail call: readers sound off).
July 1, 2002... In your coverage of tools, it would be useful to some of your readers if you covered unique tools and approaches to problems. For example, I would like to see an article on a thermite plasma cutter, which is used to cut holes in concrete, or to...

Screwed up? (Mail call: readers sound off).
July 1, 2002... It is with interest that I note Joe Youcha's use of the term "lag bolts" ("Chompin' at the Bit", July 2001, page 36). I have spent a lifetime looking for "lag bolt" nuts, perhaps Joe could suggest a source! Or perhaps he really used--"lag...

Ricochet Rangers: student engineers tackle nailer safety. (Cutting edge: your source for trade news).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... A team of four Dartmouth College engineering students called the "Ricochet Rangers" think they've discovered a way to improve framing nailer safety and have won a university award for their ingenuity. "When nailers are fired at too shallow...

President's tour: conversations with leaders. (Cutting edge: your source for trade news).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... There's a quiet revolution going on at Senco Fastening Systems, hidden from view by the lush green lawns and leafy trees that surround Cincinnati, and camouflaged within a calm corporate culture. Its leader is the company's soft-spoken,...

First test: cordless impact drivers. (Cutting edge: your source for trade news).
July 1, 2002... I know these tools have tons of uses on all kinds of sites, but the first thing I thought when I saw the new generation of cordless impact drivers was that these could be the ultimate deck-building tools. Manufacturers make big power and speed...

Hardware City museum. (Cutting edge: your source for trade news).(New Britain Industrial Museum)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... New Britain, Conn., has earned the right to be called The Hardware City, in the same way Nashville got to call itself Music City. New Britain was the center of the machine shop universe and probably spawned more inventions per acre than...

Circ saw recall. (Cutting edge: your source for trade news).(DeWalt voluntarily recalls circular saws)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... DeWalt is voluntarily recalling 55,000 of its 7 1/4-inch circ saws sold between July 2001 and December 2001. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission's notice, spindles on the affected saws may slip, causing the blade to contact the...

Cutting concrete: how a pro breaks through. (Site lines: dispatches from the field).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... While some people might have you believe that diamond blades will make short work of concrete and rebar, nobody can debate that the best way to make a jog or opening in a concrete wall is to form it in the first place. But even veterans make...

Wall scanners: three electronic stud finders from $60 down to $14. (Site lines: dispatches from the field).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... I don't know about you, but for some reason my stud-seeking abilities with a hammer are decreasing. The old "tap tap tap" turns into "miss miss miss" the older I get. Either they don't frame them the way they used to, or I need help. So I...

Battery maintenance: helping your batteries live a long and productive life. (Site lines: dispatches from the field).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... About half the price of a cordless drill, recip saw, or circ saw is spent on batteries. Since replacing these batteries when they fizzle is expensive, many tool users often just get a new tool. New batteries for mobile phones and laptop...

Launch time 2002: it's getting hard to keep up with the new tools, but that's a problem we like to have. Here are this year's newest introductions.
July 1, 2002... Late summer is an awesome time of the year for us. It's around this time when many manufacturers unveil their latest tools and accessories, hottest technologies, and all-around great gadgets. This is also when companies attending the National...

Zircon. (Launch Time 2002).
July 1, 2002... The CF12 circuit breaker locator from Zircon helps a solitary user determine which breaker controls a specific circuit so he or she can turn off power and work on one circuit without turning off power to the other circuits. The device includes...

American Tool. (Launch Time 2002).
July 1, 2002... American Tool offers a new line of ViseGrip locking pliers with a handle made of durable composite resin, offering users a better grip and a more comfortable feel. The pliers are available in a variety of jaw sizes for a range of tasks. The...

Hitachi. (Launch Time 2002).
July 1, 2002... The C7SB2 7 1/4-inch circular saw features a 15-amp motor, a magnesium gear case, a no-load speed of 5,800 rpm, a one-piece aluminum die-cast base, and a soft-grip handle. The tool offers a 55-degree bevel, compared to 45 degrees in a previous...

Milwaukee. (Launch Time 2002).
July 1, 2002... The 1/2-inch Super Hawg high-torque drill features a 13-amp motor and offers up to 1,750 rpm, the highest amp and speed in its class, says Milwaukee. The tool features a low-speed clutch, a rotation speed selector for smoother high-low shifts,...

Porter-Cable. (Launch Time 2002).
July 1, 2002... Porter-Cable now offers a line of laser levels, including model LL3100, which features three bubble vials and three laser beams for square, plumb, and level tasks, and a built-in magnetic base for securing the unit to metal studs and pipes. The...

Metabo. (Launch Time 2002).
July 1, 2002... The Power Grip compact cordless driver from Metabo is ideal for use in a range of hard-to-reach places, including cabinetry, electrical installation, and automotive work. Designed to fit in the palm of your hand, the tool is 7 9/16 inches long...

Quik Drive. (Launch Time 2002).
July 1, 2002... The latest screw for the Quik Drive fastening system is designed specifically for use with composite lumber materials, including decking. It features an aggressive type-17 cutting point and an auger shank designed to aid in material removal....

Campbell Hausfeld. (Launch Time 2002).
July 1, 2002... Designed to offer greater handling, power, and reliability, Campbell Hausfeld's new professional series of pneumatic tools includes nine tools: two 1/2-inch impact wrenches, a 6-inch dual action sander, a 3/8-inch ratchet, a 2 5/8-inch air...

PAM Fastening. (Launch Time 2002).
July 1, 2002... PAM Fastening's E-Z Driver screwdriver accessory holds screws in place while driving, allowing one-handed operation in hard-to-reach places. The unit attaches to any screwdriver or drill and features a rotating ring that locks into place for...

Porta-Nails. (Launch Time 2002).
July 1, 2002... Designed for speedy hardwood flooring installation, Porta-Nails unveils its Portamatic Hammerhead 2, a pneumatic version of the company's original Hammerhead flooring nailer. The tool features the Preferred Seating system, which ensures that...

DeWalt. (Launch Time 2002).
July 1, 2002... Nicad batteries heat up during charging and heat is bad for battery cells. To evacuate heat and maximize battery life, DeWalt has a new fan-cooled battery charger for 24-volt tools. The new charger circulates air to dissipate damaging heat. It...

Marshalltown. (Launch Time 2002).
July 1, 2002... Marshalltown is introducing 11 new DuraSoft handle joint and putty knives, including a 1 1/4-inch chisel knife, a 2-inch flexible putty knife, and a 5-inch joint knife with hammer end. The tools feature high carbon steel blades that are...

Spotnails. (Launch Time 2002).
July 1, 2002... New from Spotnails, the VRN45 coil roofing nailer features a 360-degree adjustable exhaust, a quick-clear nose, and a rubber grip. The tool, which weighs about 5.4 pounds, will drive coil roofing nails from 7/8 inch to 1 3/4 inches long. It...

Makita. (Launch Time 2002).
July 1, 2002... Makita is unveiling two new jigsaws that feature a newly designed tool-less blade clamp, LED lights built into the housing to illuminate the cut line, and a variable-speed dial with electronic speed control. According to the firm, the tools...

CST/berger. (Launch Time 2002).
July 1, 2002... New from CST/berger, the LaserMark MP5 instantly provides plumb, level, and square calculations up to 100 feet from the unit. It features five self-leveled, highly focused 650-nm beams that operate simultaneously and deliver accuracy within...

Senco. (Launch Time 2002).
July 1, 2002... Designed for the professional user, Senco's line Of XtremePro pneumatic tools features upgraded internal drive components for maximum durability, long-term performance, and higher drive power ratings than the company's previous models. The...

Bosch. (Launch Time 2002).
July 1, 2002... The Bosch 11318EVS 12 1/2-pound SDS demolition hammer can remove 350 to 400 pounds of 5,000-psi concrete per hour, compared to 175 to 225 pounds per hour for traditional 1 1/2-inch combination hammers, the company claims. The tool offers 8.8...

Stanley. (Launch Time 2002).
July 1, 2002... Sheather Plus collated framing nails offer 100 percent more uplift capacity and up to 50 percent more shear energy capacity than common sheathing nails, says Stanley. The nails feature a 50-50 shank design; 50 percent of the nail is...

On the slide: from cripples to cornice to crown, sliding compound miter saws are the way to go. Our tester runs 11 saws from frame to finish. (Tool test: sliding compound miter saws) (Cover Story).(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2002... Before sliding compound miter saws landed on the jobsite, I remember cutting compound angles in wide stock with my circular saw. I'd use it for cutting stair risers and skirt boards, large baseboard, and exterior cornice pieces. Now with...

All wet: here are four great wet saws that'll handle almost any material and job. (Tool test: 10-inch tile saws).
July 1, 2002... Our remodeling projects often involve high-end tile and stonework, intricately designed layouts, and materials of all sizes, from tiny tile to 24-inch-square slabs. The only way to cut this wide range of materials is with a 10-inch wet tile...

2002 top 100. (Readers' Choice).
July 1, 2002... You, the readers of TOOLS OF THE TRADE, have created an elite group of products--the Reader's Choice Top 100. This impressive list is made up of the products that created the most interest among our readers. As you read each issue over the last...

Save time and money with electronic tools from Zircon: exclusive features at affordable prices. (Readers' choice: tools of the trade presents the top 100 products readers requested information on in the past year).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... Only Zircon offers a complete line of high-technology electronic hand tools for professional tool users and contractors. Our tools take the guesswork, mystery and anxiety out of projects--with exclusive features that are not available from any...

Gloves that work as hard as you do: the professional's choice two years running. (Readers' choice: tools of the trade presents the top 100 products readers requested information on in the past year).
July 1, 2002... Ironclad Performance Wear revolutionized the way the world looks at gloves. When your hands sweat, Ironclad gloves breathe; when your hands get wet, Ironclad gloves wick away moisture; when your hands work, Ironclad gloves work with you. ...

Pro Shot[TM] L5 laser system: unmatched performance, great value. (Readers' choice: tools of the trade presents the top 100 products readers requested information on in the past year).
July 1, 2002... After establishing a track record for reliability and performance over the last two years, the Pro Shot[TM] L5 Digital has recently become an even better value. Refinements in design and manufacturing have significantly improved both accuracy...

Laser Genius makes leveling easy. (Readers' choice: tools of the trade presents the top 100 products readers requested information on in the past year).
July 1, 2002... Infiniter's newest cross-line laser--Laser Genius 6250--is the most functional and accurate on the market. It is a magnetic compensatory self-leveling system with an auto shut down function when out of leveling range. The Laser Genius 6250 can...

Keeping the spirits alive: a new generation of levels offer plenty of innovations. (Product watch: keeping you on top of the latest tools and accessories).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2002... No matter how much you rely on laser levels to guide you on your jobsites, there will always be a need to reach for a spirit level and look a bubble in the eye. From plumbing walls to leveling door headers, there's no quicker, easier, or...

The 10-inch Stealth torpedo level from Johnson Level features the PlumbScope top-reading plumb vial and V-grooved rare earth magnets that are five times stronger than strip magnets. (Product focus: spirit levels).
July 1, 2002... The 10-inch Stealth torpedo level from Johnson Level features the PlumbScope top-reading plumb vial and V-grooved rare earth magnets that are five times stronger than strip magnets. The unit is crafted with a high-strength, glass-filled polymer...

Stanley's FatMax Brassbound Hardwood level features a hardwood body bound in brass with brass-reinforced rubber end caps. (Product focus: spirit levels).
July 1, 2002... Stanley's FatMax Brassbound Hardwood level features a hardwood body bound in brass with brass-reinforced rubber end caps. The level vials include thicker glass covers for more impact resistance and hermetically sealed bezels that repel...

New from Klein Tools, the Torpedo Level features a rare earth magnet base that is five times stronger than strip magnets. (Product focus: spirit levels).
July 1, 2002... New from Klein Tools, the Torpedo Level features a rare earth magnet base that is five times stronger than strip magnets. The level features a durable die-cast aluminum frame and ABS panels for a lighter weight and comfortable grip. The unit...

Designed for fast and accurate wall installations with plumb leveling from plate to plate, Stabila's plate level includes a plumb vial permanently positioned 66 1/2 inches off the floor that won't slide out of view and a high visibility scale on both sides of the extension rail. (Product focus: spirit levels).
July 1, 2002... Designed for fast and accurate wall installations with plumb leveling from plate to plate, Stabila's plate level includes a plumb vial permanently positioned 66 1/2 inches off the floor that won't slide out of view and a high visibility scale...

The Levelution PC1 comes in nine lengths: 12, 16, 24, 32, 36, 48, 72, 78, and 96 inches. (Product focus: spirit levels).
July 1, 2002... The Levelution PC1 comes in nine lengths: 12, 16, 24, 32, 36, 48, 72, 78, and 96 inches. Keyed inserts allow accessories to be added easily, including a T-square and rafter hook. The unit is crafted with heavy-duty aircraft-grade aluminum with...

Designed to be hit with a trowel, Stabila's type 187K mason's level features the Dead Blow Shield that protects the unit's frame and transfers the impact energy through the level to the work surface, the maker says. (Product focus: spirit levels).
July 1, 2002... Designed to be hit with a trowel, Stabila's type 187K mason's level features the Dead Blow Shield that protects the unit's frame and transfers the impact energy through the level to the work surface, the maker says. The tool includes an...

Grinding system. (Product watch: keeping you on top of the latest tools and accessories).
July 1, 2002... Here's an alternative to angle grinders for grinding concrete and removing paint, adhesives, and epoxy coatings. Hilti's DG 150 grinding system includes a self-cleaning vacuum that removes 95 percent of airborne particles. The unit features a...

Tool bag. (Product watch: keeping you on top of the latest tools and accessories).
July 1, 2002... The new ToolTote tool bag features 14 external pockets and an over-sized zippered opening. Made by ToolPak, the bag is made with durable nylon and webbing and has a rigid bottom that will not damage surfaces. ToolTote includes padded handles...

Safety system. (Product watch: keeping you on top of the latest tools and accessories).
July 1, 2002... The Xenon Horizontal Cable Lifeline System from Soll Americas provides fall protection in an easy-to-use, hands-free format. The system features a shuttle connector that bypasses immediate supports without disconnecting, sliding freely along...

Reciprocating saw blades. (Product watch: keeping you on top of the latest tools and accessories).
July 1, 2002... Morse Master Cobalt reciprocating saw blades last up to three times longer than average competitive blades, says the manufacturer, M.K. Morse. The blades feature a special tooth configuration combined with a fatigue-resistant backer and an 8...

Fine wire staplers. (Product watch: keeping you on top of the latest tools and accessories).
July 1, 2002... Duo-Fast has introduced three new industrial fine wire staplers, designed to provide reliable operation for high-cycle applications such as panel installation and light wood assembly. The tools feature a working pressure of 60 to 100 psi, a...

Circular saw blade. (Product watch: keeping you on top of the latest tools and accessories).
July 1, 2002... Irwin Marathon Plus circular saw blades last 40 percent longer and cut 25 percent faster than comparable blades, says the maker, American Tool. The blades' carbide teeth are designed to stay sharp longer and they are set at a 23-degree angle...

Work support stand. (Product watch: keeping you on top of the latest tools and accessories).
July 1, 2002... The Ridgid Flip Top Work Support stand from Emerson Tool can be used at the rear or side of a tool to support stock up to 250 pounds. The 11-pound stand is height adjustable from 27 to 45 inches above the floor and folds flat for storage. A...

Grinder. (Product watch: keeping you on top of the latest tools and accessories).
July 1, 2002... The 1706AE 6-inch slide switch grinder is the latest addition to Bosch's line of small angle grinders. The unit features a 12-amp, 9,300-rpm motor, epoxy-coated field windings for added endurance, Service Minder brushes, protected and sealed...

Pencil holder. (Product watch: keeping you on top of the latest tools and accessories).
July 1, 2002... An innovative accessory for tape measures, the Pencil Boy from C.H. Hanson attaches a carpenter's pencil to any flat-sided tape measure, making it easier to make marks and draw lines when measuring. According to the firm, the gadget allows...

Brick chisel. (Product watch: keeping you on top of the latest tools and accessories).
July 1, 2002... Designed for cutting, cleaning, and trimming brick, Marshalltown's 4-inch brick chisel features a protective hand guard that reduces pressure on the palm of the hand. The tool is crafted with hardened and tempered steel. For more information,...

Saw blade. (Product watch: keeping you on top of the latest tools and accessories).
July 1, 2002... Laser-cut saw blades in Freud's Diablo Series feature a thin kerf design, requiring less power to cut and causing less fatigue, extending the life of the saw. The blades also include a Perma-Shield coating that resists rust and corrosion,...

Outlet remover. (Product watch: keeping you on top of the latest tools and accessories).
July 1, 2002... A safer way to work with electrical outlets, the PlugGrip plugs into any dual 110-125-volt grounded outlet, providing a solid grip for installation or removal. When the power is shut off, the device grabs the outlet and holds it so the outlet...

We just love tools. Is that a problem? (Tool Hounds).(alternative use of tools, carpentry strategy)(Brief Article)(Column)
July 1, 2002... Necessity is the mother of invention--and tool hounds. Say you've got to cut curves into some huge oak timbers that weigh 400 lbs. apiece. Your bandsaw is out--or is it? Not if you're Mark Orwig (left) and Dennis Smith. The two master...