Tools of the Trade articles from September 2005

Tools of the Trade archives from September 2005

Do you believe in magic?(Editor's Note)
September 1, 2005... A Piece of life's puzzle fell into place for me last week: The connection between Knowledge and Magic. First, I got an e-mail from reader Joe Novack, a former contractor and director of the Building Trades Department at Madison County High...

ICE.(TOOLSworthy: NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE CONSTRUCTION WORLD.)
September 1, 2005... We're spreading the word about a great idea launched in early 2005 by a Cambridge, England, paramedic, who is encouraging people around the world to enter an "ICE" (stands for In Case of Emergency) phone number into their cell phones so that...

FCC.(TOOLSworthy: NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE CONSTRUCTION WORLD.)
September 1, 2005... Speaking of good telephone ideas, the FCC has designated "811" as the nationwide number to call before you dig. This gives contractors one number to call before excavating to allow utility companies to mark underground lines. Use it.

Ironclad.(TOOLSworthy: NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE CONSTRUCTION WORLD.)
September 1, 2005... Work glove manufacturer Ironclad is in search of America's next real-life action hero--the man or woman who gives the job their all. The winner of the Ironclad Action Hero Contest wins Ironclad gear and a trip to Hollywood, and could be...

MTV.(TOOLSworthy: NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE CONSTRUCTION WORLD.)
September 1, 2005... The flood of home improvement reality TV shows swelled even more this summer when MTV launched its own version, Trailer Fabulous. The show makes over a mobile home with fresh paint, furniture, landscaping, and design touches, as well as new...

NBC News in Washington, D.C., reported that thieves used a backhoe to rip out end steal an ATM machine in Dale City, Va.(Tools in the News)
September 1, 2005... NBC News in Washington, D.C., reported that thieves used a backhoe to rip out end steal an ATM machine in Dale City, Va. It was unclear if they still had to pay the out-of-network fee.

A 15-year-old girl in London was rescued from 130 feet up a construction crane after apparently climbing up and walking across a narrow beam--while sleepwalking.(Tools in the News)
September 1, 2005... A 15-year-old girl in London was rescued from 130 feet up a construction crane after apparently climbing up and walking across a narrow beam--while sleepwalking. Reuters reports that the girl--first seen curled up on top of a concrete...

Good news ... bad news.(Takeoffs: The buzz from the biz)
September 1, 2005... "The good news is we are not from OSHA, and the bad news is we're from the immigration office." --Immigration officer announcing to Hispanic construction workers that the "safety training" meeting they thought they were attending in...

Worth repeating.(Takeoffs: The buzz from the biz)
September 1, 2005... "WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE, WHAT USE ARE ANY OF THE OTHER TOOLS OF THE TRADE?" --JOE NOVACK, MADISON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, MADISON, VA

Pencil it in.(Takeoffs: The buzz from the biz)
September 1, 2005... Hanley Wood's The Remodeling Show Oct. 12-15 Baltimore 866-490-3097 www.theremodelingshow.com STAFDA Annual Convention and Trade Show Nov. 6-8 Baltimore 800-352-2981 www.stafda.org Hanley Wood's JLC Live! Nov. 29-Dec. 2 Portland, Ore....

Too weird for words.(Takeoffs: The buzz from the biz)
September 1, 2005... "I guess we're just lucky... nobody ever steals anything from our truck!" [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

By the numbers.(Takeoffs: The buzz from the biz)
September 1, 2005... $15.5 billion Projected demand for power and hand tools by 2009 (Source: Freedonia Group) 52,500 Cubic feet of wood in the General Sherman giant sequoia tree in California's Sequoia National Park (Source: National Park Service) ...

New tool brands launched: Worx, Hemi, Kawasaki, and Rockwell are latest pro brands.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Power tool shelf space is getting more crowded, as still more pro tool companies and brands enter the U.S. market. During the past few months, we reported on two new brands, Moty-ko and Perles. In addition, at least four other pro tool lines...

Bosch offers new batteries: BlueCore batteries avoid heat problems to last longer.(BATTERIES)
September 1, 2005... Bosch recently unveiled its BlueCore nicad battery technology and faster chargers. According to the company, BlueCore batteries feature advanced cooling rods between each pack's individual cells that absorb and dissipate the heat that can cause...

Drill bit sharpener.(HOT FINDS)
September 1, 2005... One of several new drill bit sharpening tools from Drill Doctor, the premium, pro-oriented model 750X allows users to create a custom variable point angle between 115 and 140 degrees, has more than double the relief angle options as the...

Electrical kit.(HOT FINDS)
September 1, 2005... New from Greenlee, the TK-30 all-in-one electrical kit includes three core products: a DM-20 manual ranging multimeter, GT-11 non-contact voltage detector, and GT-10 polarity cube. All three tools meet safety standards. They come in a carrying...

Recalls: DeWalt compressors.(CuttingEdge: Your source for trade news)
September 1, 2005... Product: DeWalt D55143 3-gallon hand-carry oil-free air compressor with date codes (printed on name plate on rear air tank) 200448, 200453, 200502 through 200505, 200508, and 200509. Units marked with an "R" on the end cap are not included. ...

Lock down: Metabo adds security feature to rotary hammers.(SECURITY)
September 1, 2005... Metabo now offers rotary hammers with the Code! anti-theft system, which protects against unauthorized use. Using a remote control, tool owners can enable or disable protected rotary hammers; if a disabled tool is stolen, it will be inoperable....

Nailer tips.(HOT FINDS)
September 1, 2005... Bostitch now offers interchangeable, application-specific tips for its N62 and FN16250 finish nailers--either with the tools starting this summer or for purchase separately in packs for existing tools. The profile tips include tongue-and-groove...

Site-built laminate countertops: here's how to control your schedule and increase your profits.(SiteLines: Dispatches from the field)
September 1, 2005... OK, I know what you're going to say--building laminate countertops is crazy. And years ago when I was running a big framing and trim crew, I would have agreed. Nowadays, I remodel more and work with smaller crews, so the ability to manage when...

Rack & roll: tools and techniques for rafter production.(SiteLines: Dispatches from the field)
September 1, 2005... Cutting rafters one at a time works, but it's slow. With the right tools and layout tricks, I can gang-cut entire roof systems accurately and quickly. SETUP Racks. To get the rafters' top edges in plane, I build low, stable racks...

Great gadgets: cool tools for less than $100.(FIRST TEST)
September 1, 2005... HAMMER TACKER Why it's so hard to find a good hammer tacker is beyond me. While my old hammer tacker worked, it posed numerous problems: It was hard to load, it didn't close securely or easily, and, because it had a straight handle that...

Deals on wheels: Part 2: you've calculated dealer costs, taken your test drives, and mapped out your payments. Now you're ready to deal.
September 1, 2005... In Part 1 of this feature (July/ August 2005, page 32), we outlined how to gain control of your next truck purchase, including knowing models and options, understanding dealer costs, and choosing your best payment options. Now, here are some...

High gear: our fastest framer runs with the latest class of 7 1/4-inch wormdrive and hypoid saws.(TOOL TEST: WORMDRIVES/HYPOIDS)(Cover Story)
September 1, 2005... Getting framers to tool-test wormdrive saws is like convincing kids to eat ice cream. After telling my lead guys we'd be testing the classic saws alongside the newest introductions in the category, I realized that I could have charged them...

Trim lines: small brad nailers play a big role when it's time for trim-out.(TOOL TEST: BRAD NAILERS)
September 1, 2005... When I started building some 22 years ago, conventional wisdom was to hand-nail trim. In Maine, where I lived at the time, trim nailers were just (coming into vogue, and brad nailers, well, there weren't any. Times have changed and so has...

Mud bath: drywall finishing for when you can't sub it out.
September 1, 2005... Sometimes you have to do it yourself--and that means taping, mudding, and sanding drywall. Maybe the job is too small or the timeline is too crunched for your sub, but whatever the reason, knowing the tricks to drywall installation can keep...

Detector.(PRODUCT FOCUS: LASER TOOLS)
September 1, 2005... Laser Tools' Lightgage Detector System includes a two-plane optical sensor and dual-beam positioning laser to detect the center of the laser beam within .0001 inch in both horizontal and vertical planes. This allows the user to measure...

Laser level: Pacific Laser Systems' PLS2 E System is the smallest, most powerful line laser available for indoor and outdoor use, the maker says.(PRODUCT FOCUS: LASER TOOLS)
September 1, 2005... Pacific Laser Systems' PLS2 E System is the smallest, most powerful line laser available for indoor and outdoor use, the maker says. Outside in bright sunlight, the laser can be paired with the PLS LD laser detector for use up to 100 feet. The...

Laser level: the FatMax five-beam self-leveling laser from Stanley features five bright laser dots, integrated magnetic universal mount, out-of-level indicator, automatic shut-off, and heavy-duty magnetic damping compensator for quick leveling and stabilization of beams.(PRODUCT FOCUS: LASER TOOLS)
September 1, 2005... The FatMax five-beam self-leveling laser from Stanley features five bright laser dots, integrated magnetic universal mount, out-of-level indicator, automatic shut-off, and heavy-duty magnetic damping compensator for quick leveling and...

Laser line generator.(PRODUCT FOCUS: LASER TOOLS)
September 1, 2005... Zircons compact LaserBall 360 laser level consists of a mounting cup that can be attached to almost any flat surface with self-adhesive strips and the LaserBall, which is placed into the cup and rotated to project a horizontal or vertical line....

Laser level: the RT-7715-2 two-beam level and plumb CrossLiner laser from RoboToolz features automatic leveling, variable beam options for simultaneous or independent operation of vertical and horizontal lines, a locked line angle, fan angle of 140 degrees vertical and 120 degrees horizontal at 30 feet, and out-of-level indicator.(PRODUCT FOCUS: LASER TOOLS)
September 1, 2005... The RT-7715-2 two-beam level and plumb CrossLiner laser from RoboToolz features automatic leveling, variable beam options for simultaneous or independent operation of vertical and horizontal lines, a locked line angle, fan angle of 140 degrees...

Laser level and square.(PRODUCT FOCUS: LASER TOOLS)
September 1, 2005... Ideal for floors, paneling, wall studs, and more, CST/berger's LaserMark LM2 90-degree interior layout and squaring laser level projects 90-degree horizontal and vertical lines on the floor and up the wall. The tool features a...

Laser hole locator.(PRODUCT FOCUS: LASER TOOLS)
September 1, 2005... New from Stabila, the HL100 laser hole locator allows plumbers, HVAC installers, and electricians to more easily drill holes in a row: Attach the unit to the first drilled hole, dial-in right and left, and dial-in level or slope, and the tool...

Laser level: ideal for interior jobs, the Pentax PLP-190 is a self-leveling horizontal/vertical visible plane laser with vertical plumb.(PRODUCT FOCUS: LASER TOOLS)
September 1, 2005... Ideal for interior jobs, the Pentax PLP-190 is a self-leveling horizontal/vertical visible plane laser with vertical plumb. The unit features variable rotation speed and has a 1,000-foot-radius detector range. It comes with a wall mount, a...

Line lasers.(PRODUCT FOCUS: LASER TOOLS)
September 1, 2005... Designed for small-scale interior applications, DeWalt LaserChalkLine self-leveling line lasers feature a built-in magnetic bracket with a swivel function for easy rotation, a universal wall mount accessory, and an easy-to-read control keypad....

Laser pointers.(PRODUCT FOCUS: LASER TOOLS)
September 1, 2005... Designed for a range of interior and exterior applications, the Spectra Precision LP20 and LP40 self-leveling laser pointers from Trimble are portable and rugged, with moisture sealing, built-in overmolding, and the ability to withstand a...

Laser range meter.(PRODUCT FOCUS: LASER TOOLS)
September 1, 2005... Hilti's PD 30 laser range meter measures distances from 2 inches up to 600 feet, and it can calculate area and volume, and add and subtract measurements. It has an accuracy of 1/16 inch over the entire operating range. The unit is pocket-sized...

Flexible Hose Clamp Driver.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... A twist on the standard nut driver, the Ideal Flexible Hose Clamp Driver features a flexible shaft that allows for easy installation of clamps in hard-to-reach spaces, such as for sprinkler system installations, engines, or plumbing repair. It...

Rotary hammer: Makita's HR2432 1-inch rotary hammer features a built-in dust collection system--a large dust bag and enlarged fan that the company says are three times more efficient at collecting dust and debris, along with an in-line dust collection hose with elbow-shaped nozzle for clear sight lines.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Makita's HR2432 1-inch rotary hammer features a built-in dust collection system--a large dust bag and enlarged fan that the company says are three times more efficient at collecting dust and debris, along with an in-line dust collection hose...

Rotary hammers.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Bulldog Xtreme D-handle and pistol-grip rotary hammers feature components with tight tolerances to keep them concentric, smoothly transfer impact energy, and last longer, says Bosch, and, combined with a powerful and better-cooled 7.2-amp...

Tool bag.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... The 22394 18-inch Tool Center from McGuire-Nicholas is crafted with 600D Toughwear, a heavy-duty yet lightweight material that resists tears, punctures, and water. The bag has a rigid frame, padded handle, and adjustable padded shoulder straps....

Work gloves.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... These Framer's Heavy-Duty High Performance gloves from Illinois Glove Co. are made with premium-grain goatskin leather and are machine washable. They feature reinforced palm patches, shock-absorbing knuckle padding, a spandex back, and...

Rotary hammer: Hitachi's DH24PF3 rotary hammer features a 7.0-amp motor that delivers 2.5 foot-pounds of impact energy, the most in its class according to the maker, with 0 to 1,150 rpm and 0 to 4,600 impacts per minute.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Hitachi's DH24PF3 rotary hammer features a 7.0-amp motor that delivers 2.5 foot-pounds of impact energy, the most in its class according to the maker, with 0 to 1,150 rpm and 0 to 4,600 impacts per minute. The tool features three modes of...

Tile saw.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... The Tilematic G2 and Super Tilematic G2 (shown) tile saws offer the largest cutting capacity in their respective classes, says the maker, Target. The Tilematic cuts up to 16 inches diagonally and can rip-cut a 24-inch tile, while the Super...

Jobsite heaters.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... The three indirect oil-fired portable heaters in this line from Allmand Bros. run on 120 volts and provide moisture-and contaminant-free heat, the company says. The models range from 320,000 to 505,000 BTU and deliver 2,500 to 3,100 cfm and a...

Flood light.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Rugged and weatherproof, the PF175H portable wide-beam floodlight from McGill is ideal for a variety of jobs, including construction sites. The light uses a 175-watt metal halide lamp and has a NEMA type-7 beam pattern. It features die-cast,...

Pressing tool.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Ridgid's battery-powered pressing tool, which makes watertight connections of tubing in seconds with no soldering, is now available in a compact version (model Compact 100-B) for use with smaller-sized tubing and in hard-to-reach areas. The...

Hand tools.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... The Heritage hand tool line from Great Neck Saw Mfrs. combines today's performance standards with the look of antique tools, including a hardwood handle and brass trim. The tools, sold individually or in sets, include a 4-in-1 deluxe...

Work wear.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Duluth Trading Co.'s ToughTek vest, pants, and shorts are made of 10.5-ounce Fire Hose cotton canvas, which resists tears, rips, and abrasions. The vest has a mesh-lined back and side panels for breathability, 15 pockets, four detachable...

Recip saw blades.(NEW PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2005... Milwaukee's The Wrecker recip saw blades have eight teeth per inch for cutting through wood, thick metal, plastic, and composite material. The blades' Bi-Metal Matrix II material with 8 percent cobalt increases blade life, the firm says, and a...

Mind over matter.(ToolHounds: We just love tools. Is that a problem?)
September 1, 2005... Shariar Ghalam's father knew his dream for his son to become a musician was long gone when he discovered the boy had taken the strings off his violin to make a crane. It wasn't too much of a surprise. Ghalam kept his parents on their toes by...