Every contractor loves getting a brand new tool. After all, you rely on tools to install, repair, and service your customers. Every faucet, pipe, valve, and water heater requires proper tools for installation or repair. If you have been to a trade show recently, some of the favorite gathering centers for plumbing contractors are the Read more
products
Every contractor loves getting a brand new tool. After all, you rely on tools to install, repair, and service your customers. Every faucet, pipe, valve, and water heater requires proper tools for installation or repair. If you have been to a trade show recently, some of the favorite gathering centers for plumbing contractors are the tool manufacturer booths showcasing their latest modern tools with grand presentations and hands-on demonstrations.
Here in 2016, we certainly have some of the latest power and hand tools to make a contractor wish they had an unlimited budget to simply buy them all. New technology, materials, and innovation has driven manufacturers to develop tools that make your job easier, faster, and in the end, more profitable. The days of low powered batteries with short life cycles are gone. Advancements are made in power, torque, battery life, speed, durability, and innovation has even come to the pipe wrench.
Plumbing Perspective reached out to several wholesale plumbing supply companies to find out some of the latest trends in tools contractors are purchasing. We spoke with Ally Steinke, Supply Chain Manager of First Supply in the upper Midwest. Their top three new selling tools are Milwaukee’s M18 Super Hawg, M12 Drain Snake, and the M18 Press Tool. Steinke said, “Contractors like the Super Hawg because it has the capacity and long enough run time to get them through the day. They no longer need cords to run their tool and it has a slipping clutch where it won’t grab if it hits a knot in the wood. And the Drain Snake runs off the M12 battery system so contractors can get through an entire day of service calls on one battery charge.” She notes that contractors should be on the lookout for a new M18 battery from Milwaukee. “This will have the longest run time on the market which will be needed for the high capacity tools.” Steinke added.
We also spoke with Jeff Puckette, National Counter Alignment and Implementation Manager for Ferguson for a view on some of their top selling new tools for plumbing contractors. One of their top new sellers is the Ridgid RV 12 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum. Puckette states that “Ridgid has re-launched their professional-industrial grade wet/dry vacuum cleaners. The unique feature of this model – originally launched in late 2015 – is the motor is positioned on the bottom, providing stability and easy access for filter maintenance and debris removal.” Milwaukee’s latest tools are hot items with contractors also as Puckette adds, “Milwaukee has launched a significant amount of innovative new products in multiple categories over the past two years. Two prevalent products for our customers are the M12 drain snake and a pipe wrench with an integrated cheater bar. And you cannot have a discussion about new Milwaukee tools without mentioning their One-Key™ Bluetooth technology and app which allows owners to customize, track and manage tool performance and location.” There are some exciting new tools launching soon says Puckette, “DeWalt has many product launches scheduled for the upcoming months, with a lot of excitement building around the release of their new FLEXVOLT battery platform. These batteries can alternate between 20V and 60V, depending upon the tool platform needs. The technology also allows tools that previously required a power source to be able to run cordless. Another item worth mentioning is the new 20V Max* Cordless Thread Rod Cutter which allows for cordless cutting of steel bars in the field.”
As a contractor, tools are your livelihood. They need to perform effectively under the most rugged and stressful conditions. They must be reliable and perform the function they were purchased for effectively every time. In the end, each tool should come with a return on investment. Some allow you to install products for customers that would be difficult or impossible to install without the proper tool. Others simply save you time and efficiency, allowing you to finish a job quickly and move on to the next job to take on additional business. In some cases, this allows you to offer reduced pricing to customers to win a bid over your competition and still provide the same quality with reduced installation and service time. This is especially key for commercial contractors that can couple a product and an installation tool that can offer lower construction cost because of the reduced labor costs on a job. For residential plumbers and contractors, imagine being able to fit another job in every day with tools to help reduce service time.
Plumbing Perspective has reached out to some of the top tool manufacturers in the trades to compile some of the hottest trends in power and hand tools for contractors in the plumbing trade. These names have become staples in the industry such as Milwaukee, Ridgid, DeWalt, Bosch, Rothenberger, and Hilti. In another article, we show you the Top 15 New Tools that have been introduced in 2016 to improve service performance and your bottom line.
Check out the Top 15 NEW Tools for 2016
Aug 25, 2016 10:00 AM. The wide range of tanks, process liquids and conditions requires appropriate technologies to provide consistent filling level information. With the right level measurement equipment nothing is easier than that. GF Piping Systems offers an advanced technology with the non-contact radar level transmitter type 2290 and guided radar level transmitter type Read more
Aug 25, 2016 10:00 AM. The wide range of tanks, process liquids and conditions requires appropriate technologies to provide consistent filling level information. With the right level measurement equipment nothing is easier than that. GF Piping Systems offers an advanced technology with the non-contact radar level transmitter type 2290 and guided radar level transmitter type 2291.
GF Piping Systems closes a gap in its offering with the new radar level transmitters type 2290/2291 for the chemical process industry and water treatment. They are used in challenging tank applications where other contacting or non-contacting measuring principles face limitations.
The level transmitter type 2290 combines all advantages of radar level measurement in a compact and economical unit. Type 2290 is available in a variety of different materials to resist even the most corrosive environments. With its tank mapping function it is easy to block out objects like internal pipes, welding seams, stirrers or heating elements.
If it gets really tough, the guided radar level transmitter type 2291 is the right choice. It provides consistent measurement even in turbulent process vessels. The radar signal is sent down the probe assembly eliminating the interferences caused by low dielectric liquids, heavy fuming, slightly conductive foams or internal tank obstructions.
Both transmitters are optimally suited for applications in harsh environments. Transmitter type 2290 is available with PP or PTFE antennas whilst type 2291 can be delivered with either stainless steel or FEP coated rope or stainless steel or PFA or PP coated rod. The transmitters are equipped with an big LCD display for clear visualization and easy configuration. The communication can be either via HART or analog.
Lochinvar is the Industry’s Most Comprehensive, High Efficiency Boiler and Water Heater Line. Now the largest full-line distributor of Lochinvar in the Northeast, the F.W. Webb Company is offering high-performing boilers, water heaters, and other products from the preeminent U.S. manufacturer. Lochinvar makes the most extensive line of boilers, water heaters, pool heaters, storage tanks, controls Read more
Lochinvar is the Industry’s Most Comprehensive, High Efficiency Boiler and Water Heater Line.
Now the largest full-line distributor of Lochinvar in the Northeast, the F.W. Webb Company is offering high-performing boilers, water heaters, and other products from the preeminent U.S. manufacturer. Lochinvar makes the most extensive line of boilers, water heaters, pool heaters, storage tanks, controls, packaged systems, and accessories in the industry.
Known for exceptional quality and energy efficiency, the award-winning Lochinvar boiler and water heater line provides solutions for virtually any conceivable project need. The Lochinvar line includes fire-tube boilers from 55,000–6 million BTUs, as well as water heaters and pool heaters from 45,000–6 million BTUs. No other manufacturer offers such a wide range of stainless steel and copper tube products designed for reliability, efficiency and application effectiveness.
“Lochinvar products are well-engineered and meet the rigorous standards we require on behalf of our customers,” said Gregg Leighton, Director of Trade Sales at F.W. Webb. “Residential and commercial contractors not only will be confident with the quality of Lochinvar products, they’ll also find local support before, during and after installation in every area served by F.W. Webb.”
“Lochinvar is proud to partner with the professionals at F.W. Webb and welcome the company as a stocking distributor in the Northeast,” said John Danek, Lochinvar Regional Sales Manager for the Northeast. “We are excited about teaming up with F.W. Webb to provide their customers Lochinvar products and expertise for all facets of residential, commercial and industrial applications.”
Among their many features and benefits, Lochinvar products are easy to install. The line is consistent from product to product, including common parts, venting and Lochinvar Smart System™ controls – no matter the application. Commercial boilers have onboard controls designed to “communicate” to one another without the addition of complicated third-party controls. The Lochinvar Smart System creates a singular control platform, designed to make set-up and operation easy – and in plain English.
“Contractors find it easy to work with Lochinvar products,” said Michael DelConte, Heating Products Sales Manager at F.W. Webb. “Since the controls interface is user-friendly and consistent across models, once you learn to install one Lochinvar boiler, you’ve learned how to install almost every model. Plus, they’re extremely reliable and straightforward to service.”
With its reputation for excellence, Lochinvar is a sought-after brand, spec’d commercially up to 80% of the time. Lochinvar continually employs the most innovative technology to rigorously design all its products for maximum efficiency. AFUE ratings of 95-98% are the norm for most Lochinvar products. Residential boilers (400K BTUs and under) offer a five-year components warranty directly through Lochinvar with no cumbersome paperwork. The company continuously strives for total customer satisfaction.
The gas-fired Lochinvar line includes these family of products:
- Knight Boilers for Residential Customers
- Knight XL Boilers for Commercial Projects
- FTXL Boilers for Light Commercial Applications
- Crest Condensing Boilers for Commercial Use
- CON-X-US Remote Control Platform
- Armor Wall Mount Water Heaters
- ArmorX2 Commercial Water Heaters
- Shield Commercial Water Heaters
- AQUAS Commercial Pool Heater Package
- Copper Fin and Copper Fin II boilers, water heaters and pool heaters
About Lochinvar
Lochinvar, LLC is a leading manufacturer of high-efficiency water heaters, boilers, pool heaters and storage tanks. Based in Lebanon, Tenn., with facilities in Chicago, Detroit, Orlando, Phoenix, Pompano Beach and Dallas, Lochinvar stocks all products in all locations. For more information about Lochinvar, contact: Lochinvar, LLC, 300 Maddox Simpson Parkway, Lebanon, Tenn., 37090; Phone: 615-889-8900; Fax: 615-547-1000; www.Lochinvar.com.
About F.W. Webb
Marking its 150th anniversary in 2016, the F.W. Webb Company has a proud heritage of serving residential, commercial, industrial and institutional customers with their construction, renovation, maintenance, process, and repair needs. Founded in 1866 as the second plumbing supply house in Boston, F.W. Webb has grown from a single location to more than 90 across nine states. The largest distributor of its kind in the Northeast, F.W. Webb has extensive inventory and expertise in 15 distinct areas. Plumbing, Heating, HVAC, Commercial Refrigeration, and PVF are the company’s core businesses. F.W. Webb also operates 40 Frank Webb’s Bath Center showrooms. F.W. Webb employs more than 2,000 people and continues to grow organically and through acquisition to better serve its loyal customers throughout New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
For more information about F.W. Webb, visit fwwebb.com.
The Colt Series backflow prevention assemblies from Ames Fire & Waterworks are a complete line of 2 ½”- through 10″-diameter double check, double check detector, reduced pressure zone, and reduced pressure zone detector assemblies. The Colt Series valve body and closure sleeve are manufactured from corrosion-resistant 300 Series stainless steel, providing reliability and long service Read more
The Colt Series backflow prevention assemblies from Ames Fire & Waterworks are a complete line of 2 ½”- through 10″-diameter double check, double check detector, reduced pressure zone, and reduced pressure zone detector assemblies. The Colt Series valve body and closure sleeve are manufactured from corrosion-resistant 300 Series stainless steel, providing reliability and long service life.
Both compact and lightweight, these backflow assemblies provide reliable flow control and are easily installed, maintained, and serviced. Third-party agency listings and approvals are available for horizontal, vertical, and “N” or “Z” pattern installations.
In addition, these BAA-compliant devices are provided with flanged or grooved-end NRS, OSY, or PIV gate valves or UL Listed/FM-approved slow-close butterfly valves.
Applications include fire protection and potable water distribution systems.
For more information, visit AmesFireWater.com.
Product videos featuring the Isolator E-X-P and Pro-Connect ProPush series are now available on YouTube. These short videos highlight the many advantages to these popular product lines. Learn how you can Work Smarter, and save labor, space and leak paths today. YouTube.com/user/WebstoneValves Founded in 1954, Webstone now operates as a brand of NIBCO and is Read more
Product videos featuring the Isolator E-X-P and Pro-Connect ProPush series are now available on YouTube. These short videos highlight the many advantages to these popular product lines. Learn how you can Work Smarter, and save labor, space and leak paths today. YouTube.com/user/WebstoneValves Founded in 1954, Webstone now operates as a brand of NIBCO and is recognized as an industry leader for innovative design of residential and commercial valves used in plumbing, hydronic, radiant, solar and geothermal applications. These designs focus on time and space saving concepts that simplify future maintenance and upkeep of all piping systems. Some of Webstone’s trademarked and patented items include; Hydro-Core™, The Isolator®, Isolator EXP™, Pro-Connect™, and Pro-Pal® Step Saving Valves.