Upgrades emphasize efficiency, boost savings A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and treatment, recently announced the launch of its newly upgraded A. O. Smith Mobile App, featuring demand response and time-of-use capabilities. Once connected to the A. O. Smith iCOMM™ Remote Monitoring platform, the app allows service professionals and homeowners to remotely monitor Read more
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Upgrades emphasize efficiency, boost savings
A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and treatment, recently announced the launch of its newly upgraded A. O. Smith Mobile App, featuring demand response and time-of-use capabilities. Once connected to the A. O. Smith iCOMM™ Remote Monitoring platform, the app allows service professionals and homeowners to remotely monitor and control their water heater to improve performance, increase savings and reduce downtime.

Upgraded specifically for residential heat pump water heaters, the app allows homeowners to set specific temperatures and operating modes from their phone. It also makes it even easier to save money by integrating a heat pump water heater into the growing number of utility smart grid programs. Customers of utilities with time-of-use rates can further reduce their utility bill by having their heat pump water heater operate when electricity is least expensive.
Utilities can benefit from the app as well with the new demand response feature. Once a homeowner opts into the utility demand response program, the water heater can respond to signals sent directly from the utility, allowing the water heater to be used as a grid asset and helping to reduce utility bills.
“Energy and environmental regulations, at the state and local levels, are influencing the adoption of energy-efficient appliances and building resources,” said Arthur Smith, specialty residential product manager at A. O. Smith. “The updated app and new features provide additional value for industry professionals and customers to choose an eco-friendly heat pump water heater over a standard tank-type unit.”
When it comes to energy efficiency requirements, California’s building codes are some of the most progressive, but regulations have begun to spread across the country. Industry professionals anticipate that most of the country will eventually be impacted by stricter building codes, creating an even larger demand for energy-efficient technology.
“We’re also seeing more builders installing smart appliances to differentiate their properties and meet customer expectations for new homes,” said Ralph Perez, A. O. Smith senior sustaining business manager. “The app allows builders to offer smart home convenience with the utility bill savings of a heat pump water heater.”
To learn more and download the A. O. Smith Mobile App, visit www.hotwater.com/resources/apps/.

New Step Bits are up to twice as fast with extended life Emerson’s (NYSE: EMR) Greenlee is innovating the step bit for an advanced holemaking solution. The new Greenlee GSB Series Step Bits are manufactured in the USA and feature an improved split-point tip for even faster penetration and a patented split-step design to optimize Read more
New Step Bits are up to twice as fast with extended life
Emerson’s (NYSE: EMR) Greenlee is innovating the step bit for an advanced holemaking solution. The new Greenlee GSB Series Step Bits are manufactured in the USA and feature an improved split-point tip for even faster penetration and a patented split-step design to optimize chip load for a faster and smooth cutting experience while achieving more holes per charge.

“We’ve taken our step bit design to a whole new level, focusing on the best possible performance with cordless drills,” said Rob Bentley, senior product manager, Greenlee for Emerson. “Greenlee is proud to announce a patented design that provides the fastest, smoothest cut, the longest life and the most holes per charge.”
Progressive cutting edges on the bits provide balanced aggression to maximize torque efficiency and minimize stalling when using a cordless drill. An improved double flute design provides enhanced chip evacuation, while also increasing cutting speed and bit life. Laser markings on the bits allow for easy part and size identification. The GSB Series Step Bits for mild steel will be offered in two sets, available in 10 Imperial-sized step bits ranging from 1/8-inch to 1-3/8-inch, and three Metric-sized step bits ranging from 4mm to 32.5mm.

Professionals interested in the GSB Step Bits can visit Greenlee.com/StepBits to learn more information. To request a hands-on tool demonstration from a Greenlee Pro Tool Specialist, visit Greenlee.com/requestdemonstration. For more information on Greenlee, visit Greenlee.com.
Emerson’s Professional Tools businesses include Greenlee as well as the RIDGID® and Klauke® brands and provides the industry’s broadest portfolio of advanced, reliable tools and technologies for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades globally. Visit emerson.com/professionaltools for more information.

With Deals from a Variety of Retailers Through the End of December, Bosch Invites Customers to Enjoy Incredible Savings on Top Products Bosch Power Tools, the world market leader for power tools and power tool accessories, today announced its special holiday savings with top retailers including Acme Tools, Lowe’s, Amazon and more. Now through the Read more
With Deals from a Variety of Retailers Through the End of December, Bosch Invites Customers to Enjoy Incredible Savings on Top Products
Bosch Power Tools, the world market leader for power tools and power tool accessories, today announced its special holiday savings with top retailers including Acme Tools, Lowe’s, Amazon and more. Now through the end of the month, customers can take advantage of the year’s biggest deals on their best-selling products, from the 12V Max 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit to the fan favorite 18V Freak 2-in-1 Impact Driver, and self-leveling cross-line laser.

- What: Bosch Power Tools’ 2020 Holiday Deals
- When: Available through December 31, 2020
- Where: Participating retailers. Visit www.boschholidaydeals.com for more information
For more information and a full list of Bosch Power Tools’ Holiday Deals for 2020, please visit www.boschholidaydeals.com, or connect on Facebook and Instagram.

Offering four times the charging current of a standard charger, the two-cycle charging method gets pros back to work faster Bosch Power Tools, a global leader for power tools and power tool accessories, today announced the addition of its new six-bay charger, the GAL18V6-80, offering convenience and speed when charging multiple Bosch 18V batteries. The sequential, two-cycle Read more
Offering four times the charging current of a standard charger, the two-cycle charging method gets pros back to work faster
Bosch Power Tools, a global leader for power tools and power tool accessories, today announced the addition of its new six-bay charger, the GAL18V6-80, offering convenience and speed when charging multiple Bosch 18V batteries. The sequential, two-cycle charging method is designed to minimize downtime, improve organization and stay power-ready in a lightweight, easy to transport package.

“Designed to get users back to work as quickly as possible, the newest addition to the Bosch charger lineup delivers fast and efficient 2-cycle charging,” said Jocelyn Cronin, Project Management Specialist at Bosch Power Tools. “Offering power and convenience at an unparalleled value, the charger is must-have for pros in any trade.”
The GAL18V6-80 features an 8-Amp charging current, which delivers four times the charging current of a standard charger. 8-Amp and Sequential 2-cycle charging gets users back to work quickly. The first cycle is capable of charging CORE18V 4.0 Ah batteries to 80 percent in 32 minutes and full charge in 50 minutes. Additionally, LED indicators show charging cycle and level for each battery, allowing users to monitor and prioritize battery charging while they work.
The charger also features a cooling fan, providing active cooling to optimize charging and prevent overheating. Additionally, it comes a large handle and cord wrap to make transportation easy and convenient.
Bosch Power Tools Battery Charger Fast Facts
- The 18V 6-Bay Lithium-Ion Fast Battery Charger delivers convenience and speed when charging multiple Bosch 18V batteries.
- Offering an 8-amp charging current, four times the charging current of a standard charger, the two-cycle charging method gets users back to work faster.
- The charger first cycles through the connected batteries, charging CORE18V 4.0 Ah batteries to approximately 80 percent in 32 minutes, before cycling again to charge the batteries to full capacity in 50 minutes.
- LED indicators in each charging bay show charging cycle and level for each battery, allowing users to monitor progress while they work.
- Each charging bay has a priority button that will immediately start the charging process in that charging bay. If the priority button is pressed once, the battery in that bay is prioritized, meaning that it will be charged to approximately 80% first. If the priority button is pressed again, the battery in that bay will be prioritized further, charging it to full capacity.
- An error indicator alerts users in case of charging interruptions due to temperature and/or faults.
- The charger is equipped with an active cooling fan, designed to prevent overheating and optimize charging.
- The charger doubles as an ideal battery transportation solution, featuring a large handle and cord wrap.
- A flexible charging solution, the GAL18V6-80 is compatible with Bosch 18V lithium-ion batteries.
For more information and specifications, please visit www.boschtools.com/us.

The RP 350 features a brushless motor, no service interval downtime and 360-degree swiveling head. RIDGID®, part of Emerson’s Professional Tool group, is adding even more versatility to its line of trusted press tools with the introduction of the RP 350 – an advanced, long- running press tool that’s built for the most demanding jobsites Read more
The RP 350 features a brushless motor, no service interval downtime and 360-degree swiveling head.
RIDGID®, part of Emerson’s Professional Tool group, is adding even more versatility to its line of trusted press tools with the introduction of the RP 350 – an advanced, long- running press tool that’s built for the most demanding jobsites. Engineered to be five percent lighter and almost three inches shorter than its predecessor, the RP 350 eliminates scheduled service intervals for less downtime and features a brushless motor, 360-degree swivel head and most advanced LED interface and lighting.
“RIDGID has been the leader in press technology for decades, and we’re excited to give tradespeople even more options for connecting pipe quickly, safely and with less fatigue,” said Michael Provenzano, global product manager, press connections, RIDGID. “We’ve already heard from contractors who previewed the RP 350 at the AHR Expo that the tool exceeds their expectations and they are excited to upgrade their pressing capabilities on the jobsite.”
Weighing only eight pounds with the battery, the RP 350 features an advanced brushless motor, known for maximizing tool longevity, efficiency and durability. The tool’s 360-degree swivel is an industry-first and comes paired with brightest-in-class LED lights to let users not only access tight spaces – but see them more clearly in low-light applications.

“The RP 350 is designed for contractor ease of use, not only from the standpoint of creating a quality press, but also to minimize contractor fatigue when using the tool,” said Don Embree, manager, industrial design – professional tools, Emerson. “Every feature we built into the tool helps put less impact on the body – for a more productive day and to reduce muscle fatigue.”
Ideal for making connections on residential, commercial and industrial jobs, the RP 350 is compatible with the full line of RIDGID jaws and rings, including: 1⁄2 – 4-inch ProPress® for copper and stainless steel, 1⁄2 – 2-inch PureFlow® for PEX, and 1⁄2 – 2-inch MegaPress® for carbon steel. It also offers maximum versatility, pairing with the RIDGID Press Booster for 2 1⁄2 -inch, 3-inch, and 4-inch carbon steel, StrutSlayrTM Strut Shear Head and the Press SnapTM Soil Pipe Cutter. The tool’s 18V battery platform includes a car charger for on-the-go battery charging; the unit also pairs with the RIDGID Link app to track tool usage, service needs, battery life and last known location. All RIDGID press tools, including the RP 350, come with the RIDGID Full Lifetime Warranty.
To purchase or learn more about the RP 350 and its accessories or other press tool products, visit RIDGID.com, or call toll-free: 1-800-4RIDGID.