ProStaff Reviews

The ProStaff team moves to the Pacific Northwest as Bend Radiant Heating Inc., Bend, Ore., installs a Noritz CB180 combi boiler for a residential remodel in Madras, Ore.

Steve Zettle, owner/operator of Bend Radiant Heating Inc., after installing the Noritz CB180 combi unit.

In business for 12 years, Bend Radiant Heating performs hydronic heating and tankless water heater systems work, which includes radiant floor in several applications, radiators, air coil hot water, snow melt systems and tankless water heaters for both residential and commercial installations.

This is pre-DHW connection with the hydronic piping. Zettle used the Noritz supplied primary loop, Grundfos Alpha pump, controls via Honeywell AQ w/ floor sensors, manifolds (one shown and another in a remote closet) were Uponor EP w/actuators for zone controls, a single switching relay (S/R) to the air unit in the garage (not shown here yet but connected to the manifold in this photo). They opted to run the water temp to the air unit at the same temp as the floors just to simplify things; the garage is really small and the load was met using the heater at a lower temp.

The retrofit for the 1,500-sq.-ft. Madras home features a 3-zone hydronic and domestic hot water system powered by a Noritz CB180 combi boiler, with a hydronic fan coil in the garage to heat that space. The benefits of the hydronic fan coil are that it allows for a separate zone, and it is a less expensive option than running in-floor radiant heat in the garage. Bend Radiant Heating techs insulated the existing slab floor, installed PEX tubing and had the gyp-crete poured for the in-floor radiant heat.

The unit allows different temperature settings for the domestic hot water heating and space heating applications. For domestic hot water, temperatures range from 90 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. On the space heating side, the range is 100 to 180 degrees F.

Installing the Noritz CB180 combi boiler made sense due to its space savings, productivity, efficiency and reliability. The unit delivers hot water at a 95% efficiency—95% of the fuel consumed goes to heating the water to the preset temperature, as opposed to being lost up the flue into the atmosphere. This fuel-saving performance earns it the highest Energy Star rating, allowing homeowners to qualify for state energy rebates.

Weighing only 85 pounds, the wall-hung CB Combi is also significantly lighter than a traditional boiler, requiring only one installer to do the job instead of two. In fact, its compact size allows it to take up as much as 80% less space than a traditional floor-standing boiler and water heater.

Laying the PEX tubing for in-floor radiant heat.

Bend Radiant Heating has installed Noritz products for years, and has had good results. “Our confidence in the product and its reliability and its ease of installation make it a trusted boiler unit,” says Steve Zettle owner/operator, Bend Radiant Heating Inc.

The combi model contains three superior-grade stainless steel heat exchangers as well as scald prevention for domestic hot water safety. Venting can be accomplished using PVC, CPVC or PP piping through a sealed combustion direct vent or single vent. According to Zettle, “The piping was very simple, the internal pump is really nice, venting is super easy with all the options available, and the control setup was very straightforward, allowing for a lot of flexibility.”

According to Zettle, the Noritz unit features intuitive, straightforward controls.

The customer reports that the house is very comfortable, and the hot water production is seamless. “After I did a detailed explanation of how the system would work and educated the customer on the need to have the pump run at a very minimal time frame, the homeowner set up a recirc system,” says Zettle.

According to Zettle’s overall ProStaff assessment, this is the third project using the Noritz combi. “I think there is a huge market for the combi boiler, and I see our installation of these units becoming more frequent. I am using them on small snow melt jobs where we would typically install a separate boiler, now we are combining a new appliance that does both—so the customer gets a new water heater, tankless style, with a new snowmelt system—no additional appliances to do separate jobs,” says Zettle.

The unit allows different temperature settings for the domestic hot water heating and space heating applications. For domestic hot water, temperatures range from 90 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. On the space heating side, the range is 100 to 180 degrees F.

Same situation on radiant heat systems. We have a job doing a floor warming in combination with a forced air furnace, using a combi was an easy sell. If they have recirc, we are trying to set up a 40 – 50-gallon electric water heater off the combi so no flow issues, and so the recirc does not interfere with the space heating. “Pre-heat the water at 95% efficient and let the tank just trickle in a little extra to accommodate for recirc or for high volume use when applicable,” says Zettle.

Weighing only 85 pounds, the wall-hung CB Combi is also significantly lighter than a traditional boiler, and its compact size allows it to take up as much as 80% less space than a traditional floor-standing boiler and water heater.

The CB Combi delivers up to 9.2 gallons per minute of domestic hot water and can be used on a whole host of applications including radiator, baseboard or in-floor radiant hydronic heating; as well as HVAC systems using water-to-air heat exchange with an air handler, and pavement snow melting.

The DEWALT  XP™ Tape Measure (DWHT36225) is re-engineered from the inside out. The result is a compact, professional-duty ergonomic tape with a case designed for a better fit in the user’s hand.

I got my hands on the new XP tape this week, a couple months before it will be available for sale and I have to say Dewalt may have hit it out of the park with this one. Here are some highlights:

• Impact-resistant PC/ABS and rubber case is engineered to survive drops up to 60 feet.
• 9″ of heavy-duty thermoplastic coating at the beginning of the blade to provide 3X more blade protection, reduces blade breakage near the hook.
• Three-rivet fastened, extra large end hook grabs construction material from all four sides making grabbing objects while taking measurements easy.
• “Dual-Core Technology” internal return spring [dual springs that are more compact and powerful]
• Availability: Canada- May, US- July 2017
• Retail price: $29.95 US

I have a thing for tough, well made tape measures. There are a lot of poorly made, poorly engineered tapes out there but the new XP has zero traits in common with any of those tape measures in my opinion. From the moment I picked it up and felt the heft in my hand to the last time I threw it in my tool bag for the day I could feel the quality and engineering built into the XP.

The large hook end is designed to grab from all four sides, this type of design has long been an area of contention for many. Some people prefer a smaller hook to fit inside pipe or smaller openings, others like that a large hook will grab the end of material easily with the blade extended. I understand both arguments but in the end I guess I prefer the convenience of the large end and being able to easily hook the end of a pipe quickly. For insertion measurement I’ll just stick to grabbing my folding ruler, I feel more comfortable with that in the situation.

Inside the rugged exterior are two internal recoil springs. Dewalt is calling the new compact return spring system “Dual Core Technology”. The more compact design allows for a more powerful return of the tape from longer extensions but allows for a smaller design overall compared to other tapes already in the marketplace. The snap back as the tape returns for 10′ extension is enough to jolt your hand a little, the power is noticeable.

This closeup shows the end of the thermoplastic coating applied to the top of the blade. The coating is engineered and place there to extend the life of the highest wear-point of the blade. Its hardly noticeable except for the slight gloss added. Time will reveal whether this coating will mar with use but no visible distortion is present otherwise.

Overall I really do like the feel of the tape in my hand. The rubber and plastic exterior had just the right amount of grip in my bare or gloved hand. The steel belt clip seems more than adequate, though it is the straight metal design that tends to tear clothing if used regularly.

As a Stanley Black & Decker brand, DEWALT has created a rival to the longtime industry champion Stanley FATMAX tape with the new XP. If I’m honest I admit that the MADE IN THE USA labeling excites me. Dewalt could easily have manufactured this overseas, no matter where the materials were sourced, but they aren’t and ultimately that means jobs for our neighbors. Nice work, Dewalt.

The Bosch PS42 12V Max EC Brushless tool was put in the hands of some ProStaffers recently, and the verdict is in. Jason Ridgeway, HVAC contractor and owner of Ridgeway Home Services; Jake Mengelkoch, cabinetmaker; and the Hub’s own Eric Aune “played” with the tool for a couple of months and took it for a spin.

The Bosch PS42 12V Max EC Brushless 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver has an optimized impact system to deliver outstanding impact force, fits all standard hex drive bits and accommodates 85% of impact driver applications.

After receiving the PS42 brushless impact driver to test, Ridgeway came away very impressed.

“I switched it out with my previous drill in my daily service pouch and put it through the normal daily paces,” Ridgeway said. “The battery life on this unit is great, going several days without needing charge while used for both opening and closing-up units, as well as installing sheet metal duct work.”

This impact driver works great for installation work, as well. The small size makes it easy to maneuver into tight spaces, and the brushless motor keeps you from swapping batteries all day.

Regarding the brushless advantage, Mengelkoch says, “The Bosch PS42 features a brushless motor that gives you a leg up on the previous iteration, which featured a brushed motor and required more frequent charging.”

This 1/4″ hex-shank impact driver has variable speed control that contains two settings. The lower of which can be painfully slow, says Mengelkock, but it allows for extra accuracy when driving screws that may be likely to spin out with more power. On the higher of the two settings you obviously get a bit more punch, but it is very easy to keep under control for precision fastening.

According to Bosch Tools, the drill provides two speed settings: one for high speed and high torque, and one for low speed and low torque. Users are able to match the correct setting to the specific application and material to prevent overtightening. In addition to the impressive torque rating, these tools offer no-load rpm ratings of 0-1,200 and 0-2,600 rpm; no-load bpm ratings are 0-2,700 and 0-3,100.

The PS42 driver has a 5.5 in. head-length and weighs just 1.6 lbs. The Bosch PS42 delivers a maximum torque rating of 975 In.-Lbs. and weighs just less than two pounds (w/2.0 Ah battery).

“The drill is probably the strongest 12V out there,” says Ridgeway. “It’s powered through rusted screws, it’s drilled through laminated wood and has no problem with bit tips through three layers of metal.”

Yet there are some differing opinions from the ProStaffers on the drill’s overall power.

“While the impact has one of the smoothest brushless motors and drive transmissions I’ve ever experienced, I feel it’s a bit under powered,” says Aune. As 12-volt platforms expand throughout the market, more professionals are finding the power within these tool lines to be very usable on the job.

“The ergonomics, quality materials and smooth operation of the Bosch PS42 impact position it at the top of the list for 12V impacts in those categories, but an improvement on speed and torque are needed to truly take over the tool category, in my opinion,” continues Aune.

The Intangibles

The drill includes an LED light ring to illuminate the work area and dark locations, as well as a battery gauge indicator for easier charge monitoring. Seemingly arbitrary, that’s one feature that Mengelkoch loves the most.

“You can turn the LED on or off. At the shop I am constantly putting slides on drawers and as I’m driving the screws into the slides, the LED on most drills/drivers nearly blinds me every time, to the point where I’ve put tape over other LEDs to avoid it. The simple on/off button on top of the PS42 reduces the strain on my eyes for working with reflective pieces.”

Ridgeway seconds that feature, “It has a new feature where you can adjust the light to turn on or off, which is a nice, but one I left mostly up to the trigger pull to activate. It did take a minute to figure out as at first I thought there was something wrong with the light not working. Understanding this little detail is important.”

The drill comes in a really nice soft case that holds the drill charger and batteries, with plenty of room to put my bits and bit holder. “It makes it very convenient to keep it all together in one spot,” says Ridgeway, but if a suggestion could be made, “If there was anything to add to the drill I would say maybe the newer quick attachment for bits like found on some of the other drills.”

Oh, and, “I wish they would have a shoulder strap for the case to make it easier to haul around and up and down ladders to rooftops,” says Ridgeway.

Speaking of rooftops, Ridgeway accidentally dropped it from an 8′ ladder and it’s built strong enough to not even blemish the drill. “This drill can take a beating.” These tools are tough thanks, in part, to Bosch’s exclusive Durashield housing, a tough, flexible exterior that withstands the toughest jobsite conditions.

Each tool’s manageability is enhanced by its lightweight and ergonomic, easy-grip handle—an ideal solution for overhead applications. Other ProStaffer Kudos include:

• The materials and grip on the gun feel very natural and comfortable to hold.

• When you hold it in your hands, it’s very balanced weight-wise.

• The lightweight design won’t fatigue the user’s arm or wrist—which is important then the job requires working in tight spaces

The Skinny

Mengelkoch: This little guy packs a punch. After spending a few weeks with this in the cabinet shop, I’ve grown to appreciate it quite a bit. All in all, it’s a well-constructed, comfortable impact driver that helps you keep moving forward.

Ridgeway: Overall, the drill itself is a small but powerful, lightweight and well-built drill that I’m very happy to use. Honestly, if Bosch came out with more innovative tools like this and had more of an offering like Milwaukee and DeWalt, I’d start to think really hard on making a switch.

Aune: If you’re looking for a truly compact, very well-built impact for HVAC, plumbing or electrical service tasks, this impact will fit the bill. If you are drilling, driving fasteners larger than 5/16” or need an impact that does all of this all day and then some on one or only two batteries, then you’ll want to purchase the larger capacity [BAT420] 12V MAX 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion battery.

The new FLEXVOLT system from Dewalt has opened up a whole new line of tools and possibilities for the pro contractor looking to get more done in less time. We’ve had a few of the FLEXVOLT tools at work in our shop and in the hands of the ProStaff team for a couple months now and continue to be impressed. The latest is the DCB1800 Portable Power Station.

The power station is a combination 4-bank parallel battery charger and DC power inverter capable of providing 1800 watts continuous power at 15A with a peak power rating of 3600 watts 120v. That’s some serious power, this thing is sick.

There are a still a lot of tools on the job that haven’t lent well to cordless technology yet. Core drills, large demo hammers, compressors and various saws. Add to that the many contractors still using corded tools where upgrades either haven’t been in the budget or replacement of a perfectly good tool is unwarranted and you’ve got the need for portable power.

The DCB1800 power station is a portable generator running off (4) 20v MAX batteries, not a gas engine so indoor use is not a problem. The inverter is silent in comparison to any other portable power solution as well making it a non-factor where noise is a obstacle to getting the job done. This is a gamechanger for those looking to knock out some punch list items at the end of the job or quickly get in and out to complete a task with a corded tool when cordless isn’t available.

I wanted to get an idea of how much power this thing has so I loaded it up with (1) FLEXVOLT 20/60v MAX pack and (3) 20v MAX batteries, all new and fully charged and plugged my DW734 thickness planer in to it. I ran (14) 2×8 Fir boards thru the planer before losing power supply. The low power indicator lights started flashing after 10 boards, giving me four more complete before shutting down. That’s 112 feet of planing 2×8′s! I’d imagine ripping some plywood for backing or chipping with a rotary hammer for 20-30 minutes is within reach with a power supply like that. I’ll be putting this to the test on the job soon so stay tuned, for now check out video proof of my test:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHT9eJi9cvM