Uncategorized

After months of use, varied from thawing frozen AC coils to straightening PEX-a kinks on radiant tubing installs I think its time to set the record straight on cordless heat guns. Of, the only cordless heat gun, Milwaukee’s M18 #2688-20. Its legit. First let me say its not a complete replacement for a corded, multiple Read more

After months of use, varied from thawing frozen AC coils to straightening PEX-a kinks on radiant tubing installs I think its time to set the record straight on cordless heat guns. Of, the only cordless heat gun, Milwaukee’s M18 #2688-20.

Its legit.

First let me say its not a complete replacement for a corded, multiple temperature heat gun. The M18 is a single temp (listed at 875F on acmetoosl.com) but that is enough for typical tasks like heat shrink for wiring, simple thawing of small diameter piping and even PEX repair.

The 2688 Heat Gun has a well designed hook for carrying or storage. The hook fits well onto a belt or pants pocket but wont hang on a ladder rung or anything larger than about an inch in thickness.

Looking to buy?

Available accessories kit (49-80-0300) includes four different heat gun nozzles for a variety of specialty tasks. Each nozzle is fully compatible with any of Milwaukee’s heat guns. The deflector nozzle directs hot air to specific points, which is most useful when you want to strip a window of sealants without cracking the glass under heat. Air reduction nozzles further refine the blast of hot air to a small, circular point for spot melting. A hook nozzle moves the air flow in a circular pattern, which seals shrink wrap around cables or other similarly-shaped pieces instantly. The air spreader nozzle increases the width of the air blast and is useful for a variety of heat gun applications, including drying paint, putty, concrete filler and other construction materials.

The 2688 is not a full power heat gun and likely never will be, battery tech has come a long way but there are certain limits that we may always be up against with tools like this. Its a very useful tool and has earned a spot in my daily PACKOUT case for sure.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmIwN1CH13w/?taken-by=mechanicalhub

John Guest has continued to be a manufacturer of choice for the most innovative and high-quality plumbing materials on the market. JG ProLock and JG Speedfit feature the most advanced plumbing technology currently available, allowing them to be both efficient and easy to install. It is precisely these qualities that first piqued the interest of Read more

JG ProLock

John Guest has continued to be a manufacturer of choice for the most innovative and high-quality plumbing materials on the market. JG ProLock and JG Speedfit feature the most advanced plumbing technology currently available, allowing them to be both efficient and easy to install.

It is precisely these qualities that first piqued the interest of Trilogy Plumbing. Trilogy Plumbing Inc., headquartered in Anaheim, Calif., is among the preeminent plumbing contractors in the region. They specialize in the installation of first-class plumbing systems for new commercial and residential properties.

JG ProLock

Like John Guest, Trilogy possesses an unwavering commitment to the delivery of only the highest-quality services and results for their customers. In adhering to this goal, they work closely with constructors to assure that their systems will meet their desired standards.

Having familiarized himself with the benefits of John Guest’s JG Prolock and JG Speedfit, Trilogy Plumbing Vice President Rich Langenwalter recognized that John Guest products would be a perfect fit for his company and would uphold their commitment to providing excellent services for their clients. Langenwalter was particularly enamored with the fact that neither JG ProLock nor JG Speed fit require any tools to make lead-proof connections, drastically decreasing the installation times for plumbing systems. These benefits led Mr. Langenwalter to use John Guest fittings in the construction of Trilogy Plumbing’s first multi-million-dollar custom home.

Impressed with ability of the JG ProLock to facilitate a swift and premium installation process on the home, Mr. Langenwalter said, “This is a high-end fitting which I want to use for our high-end custom homes.” The project manager and technicians both spoke highly of John Guest’s products and credited them with making the installation process easier and more efficient. The quality of John Guest fittings was verified through the installation process, after which over 200 ProLock couplers, elbows, tees, reducing tees, reducers, and brass fittings all passed inspection immediately following construction. Langenwalter has since requested the incorporation of John Guest fittings in future Trilogy Plumbing projects.

ProLock End Cap

Trilogy’s projects range from a 200-fitting custom house to a 35-fitting one-bedroom apartment. Their experience with John Guest products has led them to conclude that no matter what the size of the project, John Guest fittings are the premier product for the execution of a swift, high-quality installation. John Guest is pleased that Trilogy Plumbing had such an enjoyable and satisfactory experience with JG ProLock and Speedfit, and looks forward to providing the necessary fittings for future Trilogy projects.

Ontario, Calif. —The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) is seeking applicants to serve as technical experts on Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standard (WE•Stand) task groups. The WE•Stand Technical Committee is seeking special subject experts to join the following task groups: 1. Alternate Water Sources — The scope of this task group is Read more

Ontario, Calif. —The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
(IAPMO) is seeking applicants to serve as technical experts on Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standard
(WE•Stand) task groups.

The WE•Stand Technical Committee is seeking special subject experts to join the following task groups:
1. Alternate Water Sources — The scope of this task group is to research technologies and develop
provisions for on-site treatment for storm water and blackwater catchment systems for non-potable
and potable reuse, and the appropriate disinfection and testing requirements for these systems
according to the end use. Additionally, definitions for different types of alternate water sources need
to be distinguished for better understanding across the industry.

2. Water Efficiency and Conservation — The scope of this task group is to investigate the waterefficiency
performance for the following:
• Different kinds of water heaters and water heating control strategies
• Pool covers that allow the collection of rainwater to be used as makeup water. The task group
will also research the efficiency performance of sand filters versus cartridge filters.
• Landscape plant material that reduces water usage. The task group will also review landscape
provisions in WE•Stand for updates.
• Using the performance path in RESNET HERS H20 and WER Index to compare with the
prescriptive path in WE•Stand.

3. Premise Water Supply System Design — The scope of this task group is to investigate premise
plumbing water supply system design provisions that would result in improved water quality and
water- and/or energy-efficiency performance. Strategies to investigate include minimizing pipe sizes
and lengths, strategically locating fixtures and appliances near each other and to the water heater,
piping strategies to prevent or minimize stagnation, velocity minimums and maximums for water
quality control, and technologies for leak detection devices.

4. Commercial Food Services — The scope of this task group is to research new water conservation
technologies for the commercial food service industry, including water treatment systems (POU
reverse osmosis, water softeners, etc.), dipper well alternatives, frozen carbonated beverage
machines, compressed air boosted pre-rinse spray valves, and biological and composting technologies
for FOG food waste management. The task group will explore better solutions for exempting the
requirement of tempering water for combination ovens, commercial food steamers, commercial
dishwashers, and ware washers while also considering the impact of hot water on grease interceptor
performance.

5. Non-traditional Toilets — The scope of this task group is to develop an informative appendix for
the Composting Toilet Inspection Checklist, and to investigate non-traditional toilets in the pending
ISO/FDIS 30500 Non-Sewered Sanitation Systems for possible inclusion in WE•Stand.

The objective of each task group is to develop recommendations for the WE•Stand Technical Committee for
consideration. Those interested in participating on the WE•Stand Task Groups may apply at
http://www.iapmo.org/WEStand/Pages/TechnicalCommittee.aspx.

A few months ago I started using the Milwaukee 8-gallon dust extractor. I’ve put it thru the ringer cleaning out old dirty oil boiler fire boxes, job site messes, used it around the shop and at home. This thing is a beast! Take a look at the video, I can say with honesty that as Read more

Milwaukee 8960-20

Milwaukee 8960-20

A few months ago I started using the Milwaukee 8-gallon dust extractor. I’ve put it thru the ringer cleaning out old dirty oil boiler fire boxes, job site messes, used it around the shop and at home. This thing is a beast!

Take a look at the video, I can say with honesty that as bad as that filter looks that thing just kept sucking.

There are a lot of well thought out features on this dust extractor, the first would be the low-profile design. Coupled with the perfect casters and large rear wheels the low center of gravity keeps it from tipping like other extractors I’ve owned or used. The longer than wide tub makes this deign possible. Its tool activation setting works without delay and keeps the vac running to clear the hose and filter once you’ve turned whatever you’ve got attached off. It also has a standard continuous run mode.

It comes with a 13 ft long anti-static hose and can be ran with or without fleece or plastic bags. From the start I have not used bags; I wanted to see how it performed and how long the filter life fared out without the bags. Using a bag will keep things cleaner overall though.

The extractor’s dual filtration system includes a HEPA filter, which captures 99.97% of all particles greater than 0.3 microns for best in class filtration and safety and provides users with an OSHA-compliant solution for the regulation on crystalline silica dust (29 cfr 1926.1153).

This is not a typical vac and its priced to reflect the technology built in to it. Do not make the mistake of comparing this to a typical ” shop vac “, the two are not the same nor are they designed for the same use and regulations.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlWkKxAgQnq/?taken-by=mechanicalhub

Using a standard laser measure outside is often a hit or miss affair, dependent upon cloud cover, trees and a building roof or overhang that may block the sun. All of these random elements are now history thanks to the advanced technology and versatility of the Bosch BLAZE™ Outdoor GLM400C Connected Laser Measure with Viewfinder Read more

Using a standard laser measure outside is often a hit or miss affair, dependent upon cloud cover, trees and a building roof or overhang that may block the sun. All of these random elements are now history thanks to the advanced technology and versatility of the Bosch BLAZE™ Outdoor GLM400C Connected Laser Measure with Viewfinder and the Bosch BLAZE™ Outdoor GLM400CL Connected Laser Measure with Camera.

Both outdoor laser measures rely on a 5.0-megapixel, 8X zoom camera with scratch-proof screen to find the laser target at up to 400 ft. in bright conditions, expansive indoor space or against busy backdrops. The easy-to-read color display illuminates large numbers and provides clear resolution in dark areas. The BLAZE GLM400CL version can take photos and comes with memory for 50 measurements and storage for up to 200 images, in addition to a lithium-ion battery.

Default real-time measurement provides immediate, accurate measuring that automatically adjusts as the user moves closer or father from the target. Measurement accuracy is +/- 1/16 in. Each device is sized to fit into any pocket for easy access. A digital bubble level provides a visual reference when measuring horizontal distances.

Measurement documentation can be transferred quickly to a smartphone or tablet relying on Bluetooth® connectivity in conjunction with Bosch’s MeasureOn app. Note: Photo files are too large to transfer via Bluetooth®, but can be transmitted using supplied USB cable. Easily organize, document and transfer measurements using the free Bosch MeasureOn app. The free-to-download app provides an intuitive and clear digital project overview, including floor plans, measurements and notes.

“Not every laser measuring job is indoors under controlled light conditions,” said Brandon Eble, product manager, measuring tools, Bosch Power Tools. “A high percentage of jobs will require some outdoor measuring. Typical jobs are in direct sunlight for about 75 percent of the project due to light coming through incomplete walls without drywall or another covering. This drove us to develop the Bosch BLAZE Outdoor GLM400C and GLM400CL laser measures. Our goal was to provide a tool that could be used for a full job, no matter the lighting conditions or distance required.”

The BLAZE Outdoor GLM400C and BLAZE Outdoor GLM400CL laser measures provide default real-time measuring, as well as length, area, volume and indirect measuring functions that are easy to employ using a display guide that walks the user through each measurement process. A built-in inclinometer determines the angle of pitch (tilt angle 360°), maximum/minimum stake out lengths and double indirect measurements. It also confirms when the tool is level.

The Bosch BLAZE Outdoor GLM400C with Viewfinder is powered by three AA batteries and includes a hand strap and pouch. The Bosch BLAZE Outdoor GLM400CL with Camera includes an integrated, rechargeable 3.1 Ah Lithium-ion battery that delivers enough runtime for all-day jobs, along with a micro USB cable, a battery charger, hand strap and pouch.

To learn more about the Bosch BLAZE Outdoor GLM 400 C Connected Laser Measure with Viewfinder Bosch BLAZE Outdoor GLM 400 C Connected Laser Measure with Camera or to find a local dealer, visit www.boschtools.com or call 877-BOSCH-99. Check out www.bethepro.com for additional tips and videos.