Toolbox

Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE) announced that its Little Giant brand is expanding its condensate pump product line with the addition of the EC-1U-DV Undermount Mini-Split. The new pump controls HVAC condensate on ductless air conditioning units while keeping pumping equipment tucked safely out of view. It joins Little Giant’s extensive line of industry-leading condensate pumps.

The EC-1U-DV brings the performance of the EC-1-DV Series to a slim undermount unit that installs easily and neatly underneath equipment. This design features a sleek profile while delivering the critical condensate removal performance customers have come to expect from Little Giant.

The unit provides automatic condensate removal on any ductless mini-split air conditioner evaporative coil when gravity-feed drainage is not possible or practical. Because these types of air conditioning units are often placed in high-use spaces, the pump also offers quiet operation. It includes key specs and features that enhance the unit’s performance:

• Dual voltage 110 – 240 V 50/60 Hz
• 2.5 gph @ 1 ft (9.5 lph) flow
• Hinged reservoir platform for easy maintenance
• Multi-size hose drain adapter fits all popular drain hose connectors

To learn more about this product, visit LittleGiant.com or contact a Little Giant representative.

The brand’s new assortment of power tools takes on tough applications – from concrete to wood – with ease.

Bosch Power Tools announced the launch of 17 new power tools, adding new innovations to the brand’s growing CORE18V platform in 2023. The brand’s latest offerings include new options within the oscillating multi-tool and grinder tool categories, designed to deliver skilled workers with enhanced efficiency on the jobsite.  

“Our team of engineers are innovating relentlessly and are eager to introduce new tools and solutions – from mid-torque impact wrenches to the 18V Brushless StarlockPlus® Oscillating Multi-Tool – to help workers optimize performance on the job site,” said Philipp Gosau, director of product development for Bosch Tools North America. “The new StarlockPlus® Oscillating Multi-Tool combines improved user handling, increased cutting performance with outstanding blade grip and reduced vibrations up to 80% from previous generations, creating an elevated experience for workers when tackling the toughest of applications.” 

Cutting Solutions

Oscillating Multi-Tools

• 18V Brushless StarlockPlus® Oscillating Multi-Tool (GOP18V-34)

• User-friendly Oscillating Multi-Tool – Features upgraded user handling, increased cutting performance and an outstanding blade grip 

• Redesigned Handle – Rotated battery position by 90 degrees, helping to make handling more convenient with less interference when flush cutting 
• Vibration Control – Reduces vibration up to 80% compared to the previous generation of the Bosch 18V oscillating multi-tool 

Saw & Saw Accessories

• 18V Brushless Barrel-Grip Jig Saw (GST18V-50BN)

• Powerful 18V Jig Saw Design – Delivers up to 3,500 no-load strokes per minute
• Variable-Speed Control – Provides a dial to control operating speed, from 500 up to 3,500 no-load strokes per minute
• Corded performance – Delivers a corded-equivalent cutting capability up to 4.9-in. in wood with a cordless design

• 18V Brushless Connected Barrel-Grip Jig Saw (GST18V-60BC)

• Adjustable Blade Guide/Channel – Minimizes blade deflection while performing straight or curve cuts 

• Four pendulum stages – Delivers varied blade strokes to shift from fast cutting to cleaner cuts 

• Precision control – Saw blade channel helps remove fish tailing during curve cutting

• 18V Brushless Connected Top-Handle Jig Saw (GST18V-60C) 

• Four Pendulum Stages – Delivers varied blade strokes to shift from fast cutting to cleaner cuts

• Variable-Speed Trigger – Provides control over the operating speed by feathering the trigger 

• Adjustable Blade Guide/Channel – Minimizes blade deflection while performing straight or curve cuts

• 15-Amp 10-In. Jobsite Table Saw with Gravity-Rise Wheeled Stand (GTS15-10)

• Convenience Brake – Helps the blade stop in approximately three seconds, increasing productivity 
• Clampzone™ Areas – Allows the tabletop to be used as a light-duty, secondary work surface
• Open Frame Design – Equipped with open frame roll bar and lightweight construction for durability 

• Table Saw Outfeed Support Assembly (TS1015)

• Extended Work Surface – extends working depth of Bosch GTS15-10 1-in. table saw
• Convenient Storage – Stores flush to table
• Steel Construction – hardened metal construction with aluminum mounts 

• Table Saw Dado Insert (TS1014)

• Genuine Bosch Attachment – Provides high quality designed exclusively for the Bosch GTS15-10 10-in. Worksite Table Saw 

• Solid Surface – Allows the worker to custom cut the width, helping reduce splintering 

• Durable – Insert is made of steel construction with red finish

• Table Saw Zero – Clearance Insert (TS1017)

• Genuine Bosch attachment – High quality and designed exclusively for the Bosch GTS15-10 10-in. Worksite Table Saw

• Zero-Clearance Insert – Supports the workpiece closer to the blade 

• Improved Control – Helps maximize tear out 
• Reduces Wood Damage – Makes precision cuts at 90 degrees, insert reducing kerf clearance to the thickness of the blade

Concrete & Masonry Solutions

Grinders

• 18V Brushless 41/2 – 5-In. Angle Grinder with No Lock-On Paddle Switch (GWS18V-10P) 

• Brushless Motor – Provides comparable 10 amps of performance and greater efficiency that maximizes runtime and productivity  

• • Adjustable Tool-Free Guard – Designed with multiple fixed-adjustment settings to allow the user to position the guard in a variety of working angles 

• Kickback Control – Helps shut the tool off if the wheel gets into a binding situation

Rotary Hammers & Attachments 

• 18V Brushless SDS-plus Bulldog 3/4-In. Rotary Hammer (GBH18V-22)

• Superior Impact – Delivers 1.4 Ft. – Lbs. of impact energy (EPTA) for maximum performance in heavy-duty applications, like concrete 

• Efficient Brushless Motor – Maximizes battery runtime in extended applications

• Kickback Control – Helps to reduce the risk of sudden tool reactions in binding conditions 

• 18V Brushless Connected-Ready SDS-plus Bulldog 1-1/8 In. Rotary Hammer (GBH18V-28C)

• Superior Impact – Delivers 2.6 ft. – lbs. of impact energy (EPTA) for maximum performance in heavy-duty applications in concrete 

• Efficient Brushless Motor – Maximizes battery runtime in extended applications

• Kickback Control– Helps to reduce the risk of sudden tool reactions in binding conditions 

• SDS-plus 1/2-In. Dust Collection Attachment 

• • Mobile Dust Extractor Design – Built to deliver maximum mobility used with the Bosch 18V GBH18V-22 Bulldog™ rotary hammer 
  • Removable Dust Container – Provides capacity for up to 20 holes using a 1/2-in. diameter bit drilling 2-in. deep into concrete 

• Dust Control – Helps to reduce harmful airborne silica dust and the labor required for dust clean up

Fastening and Driving Solutions

• 18V Brushless 1/2-In. Mid-torque Impact Wrench with Pin Detent 

• Impact wrench design – Delivers power and control for tightening lag bolts, concrete anchors and lug nuts 

• Power – Delivers 330ft. – lbs. of max fastening torque and 590ft. – lbs. of max breakaway torque 

• Variable-speed power output – Controls max torque and speed with three settings 

Rivet Solutions

• 18V Brushless Connected Rivet Tool 

• Two-Mode Operation – Includes automatic running of the riveting operation and manual mode for individual riveting control
• Easy to Handle – Designed to provide balanced handling
• Compatible with a Range of Rivets – Installs aluminum and stainless-steel blind rivets in size 1/8-in., 5/32-in., 3/16-in., and 1/4-in. diameter
• Efficient Riveting – Offers a stroke length of 0.98-in and 3,595 lbs. of pull force

Batteries 

• 18V CORE18V Lithium-Ion 6 Ah High Power Battery (GBA18V60)

• Performance – Delivers 50% more runtime and over 75% more power than CORE18V® 4 Ah battery, powering high-demand applications
• Efficiency – Features two layers of enhanced 21700 cells for greater battery efficiency
• Bosch-Exclusive CoolPack™ 2.0 technology – Cools the battery and helps provide longer battery lifetime compared to non-CoolPack™ Bosch 18V batteries
• AMPShare System Combability – battery is compatible with Bosch 18V chargers and the AMPShare™ System, which is designed to be multi-brand compatible across many cordless products to make managing your workday easier

Starter Kits 

• 18V Starter Kit with (1) CORE18V 6 Ah High Power Battery and (1) GAL18V-160C 18V Lithium-Ion Battery Turbo Charger (GXS18V-19N16)

• Performance – Delivers 50% more runtime and over 75% more power than CORE18V® 4 Ah battery, powering high-demand applications 

• High-power, turbo charger – Provides fast and faster charging with optional Power Boost™ mode
• Battery efficiency – Features two layers of enhanced 21700 cells for greater battery efficiency 

• 18V Starter Kit with (2) CORE18V 6 Ah High Power Battery and (1) BC1880 18V Lithium-Ion Battery Fast Charger (GXS18V-20N26)

• Performance – Delivers 50% more runtime and over 75% more power than CORE18V® 4 Ah battery, powering high-demand applications

• Engineered for charging speed – Delivers at least 40% faster charging than Bosch standard 18V chargers with CORE18V® 4 Ah battery

• Bosch-Exclusive CoolPack™ 2.0 Technology – Cools the battery and helps provide longer battery lifetime compared to non-CoolPack™ Bosch 18V batteries

RIDGID® introduces its most powerful drum machine, the K-4310 FXP™ Drum Machine with a new cable counter that provides real-time, in-pipe cable distance for faster locating and diagnostics. Ideal for residential and commercial plumbing and drain cleaning projects, its powerful Brushless DCMotor spins at 230 RPM and provides long-lasting runtime, with less required maintenance.Clearing3″to 10″lines, the K-4310FXPis powered by RIDGID’s new FXP Technology Platform that lets users switch between battery and power adapter (in development) for maximum versatility.

The CableCounter feature helps professionals know where the cable is in the line as they are clearing blockages. The cable distance tracking feature allows professionals to always know where their equipment is located within the line, simplifying cleaning. The unit’s enclosed quick-change drum is easily removed, allowing for easier setup and transport, while the rotating inner drum efficiently dispenses cable and reduces the chance of cable flip over. Integrated AUTOFEED® Technology advances and retrieves cable up to 28 feet per minute with zero tools required for setup.

To purchase or learn more about theK-4310 and the entire line of drain cleaning solutions, visit RIDGID.com

The latest stud finder design virtually eliminates false positives with multiple sensors and high-tech signal processing

Plumbers are responsible for many tasks such as installing, repairing, and maintaining pipes, valves, fixtures, fittings, and drainage systems. To work safely and productively, plumbing contractors need as accurate a picture as possible of everything in the wall. Expediting plumbing work while minimizing costly mistakes, the stud finder is deemed an essential tool.

Plumbing contractors have long utilized stud finders with a design based on unrefined capacitive technology. While this technology can indicate the location of wood stud framing, it also discovers metal, plastic, wiring, and other objects in walls just as easily. Furthermore, constantly active, hypersensitive “deep scanning” models further increase the potential for “false positives” – objects mistakenly identified as studs. The result is that traditional stud finders frequently chirp or flash LED lights to indicate something was sensed, but it is not clear what that is.

Today, the challenge of quickly and accurately assessing what is within walls is only increasing. There is more behind the drywall than ever, including network cabling, plastic pipes, and tubing. Complicating matters, not all construction follows standard stud spacing practices of 16 inches or 24 inches on-center, and there are often additional support beams, fire blocks, and other framing features that can further muddy the picture.

In addition, piping may change directions to avoid studs, wiring, and other obstructions. Plumbing location also varies depending on the home’s style and layout.

Now, newer, and more refined technology is being introduced to the popular stud finder category, and it promises to redefine the standards for stud finder performance. The next generation “intelligent” models incorporate multiple sensors and sophisticated signal processing technology to alert the presence of false positives. Using a sophisticated, selectable deeper scan mode, the technology can also be used to quickly identify metal pipes and even plastic pipes or PEX tubing behind the walls when this is desired.

For professional plumbing contractors, this innovative technology will provide a more accurate representation of what is behind the drywall.

Increasing Plumbers’ Productivity and Profitability

For plumbers, maximizing their work efficiency and profitability involves knowing as clearly as possible what is inside a wall before cutting into it. They do not want to create damage. They want to reduce the risk of costly mistakes that need to be repaired.

To work safely and productively, plumbers typically rely on stud finders to accurately find the studs within a wall. This can be important to support long pipe runs and heavy fixtures. Plumbers also need to avoid wood studs, since most of the work involves remodeling rather than new construction.

Finding the voids between studs is necessary to quickly assess how much room there is within the wall space to reroute pipe or mount a new fixture. When remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, it can be particularly important to understand if the studs are plumb, or whether fire blocking runs horizontally.

To better address these needs, plumbers now can use advanced, second-generation stud finders like a new unit by Zircon Corporation that utilizes multiple sensors and sophisticated signal processing to filter out false positives.

Zircon, a wholly owned subsidiary of ZRCN Inc., has been in the stud finder game for more than 40 years. In 1980, the company manufactured the original StudSensor™ stud finder and invented the category. The Silicon Valley-based company produces more than just stud finders. They design and manufacture an extended range of sensor technologies in electronic hand tools including wall scanners, metal detectors, circuit breaker finders, drill guides, water detectors, and leveling tools.

The company’s latest innovation is the Wood Stud SuperScan® advanced stud finder with Target Control® Technology and FILTERz™ cancellation. By analyzing the complex data streams from multiple sensors and controlling the result using sophisticated intelligence, the stud finder can find wood studs and filter out metallic objects such as plumbing, conduit, straps, brackets, screws, protector plates, or ductwork in the wall.

DeepScan^® mode locates the center of wood studs and metal up to 1½ inches (38 mm) deep within walls. A MetalliWarning® indicator will display when metal is detected.

Additionally, the technology can alert the user to the presence of other low density, non-metallic targets, like plastic pipe and PEX tubing. To prevent cutting into dangerous electrical wires, the device also provides WireWarning^® Detection, which indicates the presence of live, unshielded AC electricity.

The stud finder has a new and improved user interface that provides an intuitive “go/no go” indication in response to what is being sensed. A new haptic vibration and a patented SpotLite^® Pointer that shines an arrow-shaped beam on the wall.

For plumbers, the ability to quickly identify what is inside the wall before cutting into it will substantially increase their productivity and safety.

Given the opportunity to see a much clearer picture of what is in the wall, plumbers would do well to upgrade their existing stud finder with an affordable, next-generation model that is sure to become the new standard in scanning.

For more information, call Zircon Corporation at (408) 963-4550, e-mail: info@zircon.com, or visit www.zircon.com