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Empire Level delivers a game-changing solution for layout applications with the new e105 Series True Blue® Digital Box Levels. Built from the ground-up to provide inspector grade high-precision accuracy, the new levels are the first auto-calibrated digital levels on the market.

“Whether the user is double checking that an angle is within code before an inspection, or using the audible indication for hands-free operation, a digital level is in almost every professional’s arsenal of tools because of their incredible versatility and accuracy,” said Rick Gray, Sr. VP and GM for Empire Level. “With inspector grade features such as an IP65 Rating, multiple measuring display options, inspect mode and the industry’s first auto-calibrated set-up, these new digital levels represent the very best in high-performing layout solutions from Empire, wearing the True Blue® badge of honor.”

Ready to measure accurately when powered on, the new e105 Series’ auto-calibrated feature will allow users to get a clear and precise digital readout immediately. Empire’s auto-calibrated functionally helps to guarantee accuracy and efficiency as existing digital level solutions require a manual calibration, which is both a complicated and counter-productive process that can include a large margin of error if not completed properly.

In addition, with seven measuring display modes, the new Digital Levels provide professionals the compatibility to make precision mode measurements in degree-tenths, degree-hundredths, mm/M or percentage, or the option to take rough-in mode measurements in degrees, in/ft. fractions or in/ft. decimals. For even further versatility, inspect mode allows for repeat inspection-grade measurements; an option that is ideal for code-specific applications such as ADA ramps or entrances.

Available in magnetic and non-magnetic, all of the new Digital Levels also feature an audio indicator that outputs a continuous tone when in level, dual backlit displays, and a hold function that allows the user to lock measurements in position for verification.  For added utility, each also includes an overhead inverted display, top read digital display, surface grippers, and a tilt indicator.

Backed by a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and vials, the new levels are built for the jobsite with an IP65 rating for water and dust protection, shock absorbing removable endcaps, precision milled edges, and solid block acrylic e-Band™ vials.

The new e105 Series True Blue® Digital Levels are a true testament to Empire’s continued focus on developing advanced products for layout and measurement applications that offer trusted accuracy from project planning through project finish. For additional information, visit http://www.empirelevel.com/digital-levels.php.

Non-Magnetic Digital Levels

16” True Blue® Digital Box Level (e105.16)- $99

24” True Blue® Digital Box Level w/ Case (e105.24)- $119

48” True Blue® Digital Box Level w/ Case (e105.48)-$159

72” True Blue® Digital Box Level w/ Case (e105.72)- $199

Magnetic Digital Levels

24” True Blue® Magnetic Digital Box Level w/ Case (em105.24)- $129

48” True Blue® Magnetic Digital Box Level w/ Case (em105.48)- $169

Milwaukee Tool continues to deliver new levels of performance, run-time, and durability for the professional with the introduction of M18 FUEL™ 1/2” Mid-Torque Impact Wrenches. The new tools are similar in size and weight to compact impact wrenches, but deliver 450ft-lbs of fastening torque and 600ft-lbs of nut-busting torque, outperforming some competitive impact wrenches in the High Torque class. “As the power tool industry evolves and expectations increase, users continue to demand fastening solutions that provide more power in a compact package,” said Eric Rusch, Product Manager for Milwaukee Tool. “In 2012 when we launched our M18 FUEL™ High Torque Impact Wrenches, we set an industry benchmark for power with cordless impact wrenches that were capable of torque up to 1200ft-lbs. However, not all users require the extreme power of our High Torque Impacts. Through our field research, it was evident that there was a need to provide a solution with more torque than our M18 FUEL™ Compact Impact Wrenches while benefiting from a lighter weight, more compact solution than our High Torque Impacts. With plenty of power to tackle a wide array of heavy fastening applications, the Mid-Torque is up to 4” shorter and weighs 2 lbs less than competitive tools in the high torque class, allowing more access into tight spaces and reducing user fatigue.” The new models will include an M18 FUEL™ Mid-Torque Impact Wrench with ½” Pin Detent and an M18 FUEL™ Mid-Torque Impact Wrench with ½” Friction Ring. Both are also designed with a three-mode DRIVE CONTROL™ feature, providing the user with the versatility to switch between Modes 1, 2, and 3 to match the power and speed to the application at hand. Similar to other M18 FUEL™ Impact Wrenches, these solutions have a specialized rubber overmold material that provides ultimate comfort during prolonged use while lasting longer against corrosive materials. As with all M18 FUEL™ products*, the new tools feature three Milwaukee®-exclusive innovations — the POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Hardware and Software— to deliver unmatched performance, durability and run-time. Milwaukee® is committed to improving productivity by providing performance-driven and trade-focused solutions so users can perform an entire day’s work on one battery system. These new tools are fully compatible with the entire M18™ line, now offering more than 125 power tool products. Available February 2017, the new M18 FUEL™ Mid-Torque Impact Wrenches are a true testament to Milwaukee’s focus on the user and investment in game changing technology. * M18 FUEL™ is engineered for the most demanding tradesmen in the world. Delivering unrivaled performance, all M18 FUEL™ products feature three Milwaukee®-exclusive innovations—The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Hardware and Software—that deliver unmatched power, run-time and durability on the jobsite. Simply put, M18 FUEL™ tools are the most powerful 18V cordless tools in their class.

The owner of a 2,800-square foot home in New Milford, Penn., was experiencing uneven heat throughout the residence, limited hot water and high utility costs. The installation of a new hydronic heating system helped drive home significant energy savings and ensure that “no place like home” feeling.

Kirk Walthers, owner of the two-story residence on Main Street, sought a quick solution to alleviate his heating woes – not only for the comfort of himself and his family, but also because he rented space in the home to a hair salon business.

“We had an old steam boiler with a cracked block, and hot water heaters that were not providing adequate warm water,” said Walthers. “We figured it was time upgrade to a more efficient system to make the home more comfortable for us and guests – with the hope of reducing our utility bills in the process.”

Walthers contacted Jay Haggerty, owner of Haggerty’s Comfort Plus in New Milford, Penn., to handle the upgrade.

“An older model oil-fired steam boiler had exceeded its useful operating life and was not providing even heat throughout the home,” said Haggerty. “Additionally, an electric hot water heater was aging and inefficient.”

With the city planning to upgrade his neighborhood to natural gas in the near future, Walthers requested specification of a boiler that could operate on propane now and convert to gas later.

Haggerty recommended replacement of the old boiler and installation of a WM97+^® 100K BTU boiler from Weil-McLain^® – a unit that operates via propane or natural gas. The WM97+ is a wall mount boiler featuring a condensing stainless steel fire tube heat exchanger design and up to 95% AFUE.

Haggerty also specified a new Aqua Plus^® indirect fired water heater to replace an electric 50-gallon unit.

Haggerty and team removed the old boiler and installed all new connections and ran copper piping in the boiler area. Installing the piping in some areas proved challenging.

“Part of the house was situated over a crawl space and navigating that space was challenging,” said Haggerty. “The house was built on large 8 x 8 square beams all the way around and we had to drill holes to get the pipe and tubing through the spaces.”

Walthers handled the removal of all of the steam radiators himself and Haggerty’s team installed the hot water baseboards.

The entire project was completed in less than two weeks.

“I’ve been using Weil-McLain systems since I’ve been involved in the heating business, and I’ve always liked them,” said Haggerty. The company provides great tech support and we’ve never had any issues with warranties.”

Walthers has experienced several benefits from the new Weil-McLain boiler and hot water heaters.

“The installation was a smooth process,” said Walthers. “And, the new water heater provides enough hot water for us and meets the needs of the salon.”

Walthers also appreciates the improved comfort in the home.

“The new heating system is quieter, takes up less space than the steam unit and produces a much nicer warmth,” said Walthers. “In fact, the house has never before been so comfortable.”

Most importantly, expensive heating bills are a part of the past.

“We’ve experienced drastically lower heating costs since the boiler installation – nearly 50% or better savings on those expenses,” added Walthers. “We actually have a credit on our propane bill now because we had paid ahead.”

ADEY, a U.K.-based company whose pioneering MagnaClean® magnetic filters were recently rolled out in the U.S., is now introducing a line of innovative, concentrated System Treatment Formulas designed to clean and protect hydronic heating systems. MC3+™ Cleaner and MC1+™ Protector both serve different purposes, but are both born of the same need to combat a frequently overlooked enemy of untreated hydronic heating systems – iron oxide sludge.

The Problem: Iron Oxide SludgeWith the advent of high-efficiency equipment, installers are finding that even in very small quantities, iron oxide sludge can potentially cause expensive damage – and significant drops in efficiency and performance – to boilers and ECM pumps. Both are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of sludge due to their narrower waterways, which can easily clog with debris. Dr. Neil Watson, ADEY Chief Technical Officer, sums it up this way: “Even the highest-quality boiler will deteriorate rapidly if it is fitted to a dirty system that hasn’t been flushed and cleaned effectively.”

The Solution: ADEY System Treatment FormulasEnter ADEY System Treatment Formulas. An integral part of the ADEY 5-Step Best Practice™ approach for cleaning and maintaining hydronic systems, MC3+ and MC1+ System Treatment Formulas work to produce results that ultimately boost system efficiency and performance.

MC3+ Cleaner, a concentrated liquid, works by loosening debris and scale so it can be harmlessly flushed from the system. The product can be left in the system for as little as one hour, or as long as 28 days. After the system is drained to flush loosened debris, system flow is restored. As a result, the system’s heating efficiency is also restored.

MC1+ Protector, also a concentrated liquid, is designed to be used after MC3+. It prevents scale buildup and dramatically slows the oxidation process that causes the formation of iron oxide sludge, maintaining system efficiency by keeping narrow waterways flowing freely. As a protective agent, MC1+ is designed to remain in the system without being flushed.Both products are available in single-use bottles or Rapid-Dose canisters fitted with an adaptor that delivers the formula in 20 seconds. Either delivery method treats 33 gallons, or up to 15 radiators, in a single treatment. Designed to work best in conjunction with ADEY MagnaClean magnetic filters, they can be delivered directly into a MagnaClean canister, or via the radiator or purge and fill point.

A Culture of Innovation“Everything we do is driven by innovation,” say Dr. Watson. In his position as Chief Technical Officer, that innovation extends to how ADEY creates and tests their products as well. ADEY has its own state-of-the-art laboratory, where products, including MC3+ and MC1+, are formulated and tested to make sure they meet stringent criteria for quality and consistency. “It’s something we can do that none of our competitors currently do, and I believe none of our competitors will be able to do,” says Dr. Watson.

Best Practices™ – Advancing the IndustryADEY System Treatment Formulas, like MC3+ and MC1+, are part of the foundation of ADEY’s Best Practice approach, a multi-step process designed with installers’ and end-users’ best interests in mind. John Vaughan, ADEY’s Managing Director, explains it this way:“For the past couple of years, we’ve been leading the charge in moving the industry towards the adoption of a best practice approach to ongoing heating system maintenance and protection, which includes system cleaning, magnetic filtration, chemical water treatment and water testing. This shift in focus was prompted by the development of ADEY’s own premium quality chemicals.” Designed specifically to work with ADEY magnetic filters, Vaughan says the company saw that a “holistic approach to water treatment could deliver even greater results in protecting systems from damaging corrosion.”ADEY’s work with leading boiler manufacturers in the U.K. has raised awareness among installers, and their customers, of the need for heating system maintenance to keep lengthy warranties intact. As the company’s complete line of residential and commercial MagnaClean magnetic filters gains ground in the United States, ADEY hopes to advance toward that same objective throughout North America.“Currently, our mission is to continue developing products that ensure installers are equipped with the best tools for the job, providing them with effective solutions that solve their everyday problems,” says Vaughan. “We also believe this is critical in driving the adoption of better standards across the industry. That’s why our biggest challenge is also our biggest opportunity – to inspire change.”

Source: ADEY® MC3+™ and MC1+™ System Treatment Formulas: Innovative Solutions that Combat Iron Oxide Sludge