tools

Tool options for a variety of cutting, crimping, and pressing tasks DEWALT announces its further expansion into trade-focused products with five tools dedicated to the Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Trades; categories DEWALT plans to continue to develop as the brand  expands its line in the future. Featuring cutting, crimping, and pressing tools, the new line Read more

Tool options for a variety of cutting, crimping, and pressing tasks

DEWALT announces its further expansion into trade-focused products with five tools dedicated to the Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Trades; categories DEWALT plans to continue to develop as the brand  expands its line in the future. Featuring cutting, crimping, and pressing tools, the new line includes products with premium ergonomics, the capability to complete wide range of applications, and compatibility with the existing 20V MAX* system from DEWALT.

Electrical Tools

New DEWALT electrical tools include a U-Type Died Crimper (DCE300) and a Dieless Crimper (DCE350). Both feature the Crimp Connect™ System, an intelligent onboard reporting system integrated into the tool that reports and prints the date, time, force, and successful crimp cycles completed by the tool as well as the tool’s calibration and service history. An LED panel on the tool is used as an interface that powers on or off the tool, indicates battery state of charge, cycle completion, and if recalibration or service of the tool is needed. Another bright LED work light helps to illuminate the crimping area when working in dark spaces. Finally, the tools each include a shoulder strap for convenience when transporting around the jobsite.

The Died Crimper (DCE300) delivers a 12-ton crimping force for UL classified crimps using connectors from most manufacturers. It accepts U Type dies from most brands and has a capacity from #8 – 750 MCM Cu /1000 MCM Al. A 270° pivoting head allows the crimper to maneuver in tight spaces while forward and reverse trigger switches provide one-handed control of the crimping operation.

The Dieless Crimper (DCE350) features a universal 4 pusher design and crimps #8 – 750 MCM Cu/ 1000 MCM Al. An innovative head design helps reduce user error when crimping smaller cable, thereby providing durability. A 360° pivoting head allows the crimper to maneuver in tight spaces while forward and reverse triggers, as with the Died Crimper, provide one-handed control of the crimping operation.

Another tool available for the electrical industry is the Cable Cutter (DCE150) which is capable of cutting up to 750 MCM Cu/1000 MCM Al, cutting a full range of copper and aluminum cable. A hardened steel cutting blade provides long life, can be self-serviced, and is replaceable; a convenience for working in the field. A bright LED work light helps to illuminate cutting area while and inline forward/reverse switch offers quick and convenient operation.

Plumbing and Mechanical Tool

The new DEWALT Press Tool (DCE200) is capable of pressing pipe fittings from 1/2″ to 4″ in copper and stainless steel pipe.  The Press Tool is capable of completing the full range of presses listed above and is compatible with a wide range of crimping heads and attachments for different materials and applications. The head of the tool pivots 320° to maneuver in tight spaces and the crimping jaws are protected from corrosion with a black galvanized coating. This tool also features the Crimp Connect™ System, a bright LED work light that helps to illuminate the workspace and an LED panel which powers on or off the tool, indicates battery state of charge, cycle completion, and if recalibration or service of the tool is needed. Finally, this tool also includes a shoulder strap for convenience when transporting around the jobsite.

Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Tool

The new Threaded Rod Cutter (DCS350) is capable of quickly and cleanly cutting a range of threaded rod sizes including 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″ mild steel rods and ¼”and 3/8” stainless steel rods.  The four sided rotatable cutting die allows the user to cut each of the three different sizes of threaded rod with the same tool just by rotating the cutting dies to the size needed. The unit does not create chips or sparks while cutting, providing a burr-free cut that can easily be threaded onto fasteners. The Threaded Rod Cutter is part of the DEWALT Perform & Protect™ line of power tools which is designed to provide a high level of one or more of the following: control, dust containment, or low vibration, without sacrificing performance. The Threaded Rod Cutter eliminates fast moving cutting blades or wheels which can bind up when cutting or trimming threaded rod. The unit includes a bright LED work light, a forward/reverse/lock off switch, and a hang hook. A full line of replacement cutting dies will be available as well.

Available in June 2016 where DEWALT products are sold, users who had previously needed to switch tools from their DEWALT drills to their industry-specific tools will benefit from the convenience and performance of the 20V MAX* system, now available for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, MRO, and HVAC professionals.

*Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. Nominal voltage is 18.

New digital recording monitors from RIDGID® will result in faster and more efficient drain line inspections and reporting. The SeeSnake® CS6x and CS6xPak monitors feature Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing plumbing contractors to quickly see drain line conditions and instantly share findings with customers. The CS6x and CS6xPak stream and record inspections to a designated Read more

New digital recording monitors from RIDGID® will result in faster and more efficient drain line inspections and reporting. The SeeSnake® CS6x and CS6xPak monitors feature Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing plumbing contractors to quickly see drain line conditions and instantly share findings with customers.

The CS6x and CS6xPak stream and record inspections to a designated iOS or Android phone or tablet using the free HQx Live companion app. In addition, each monitor has a water-resistant keyboard for direct control of camera and monitor functions that allows contractors to work uninterrupted in the toughest conditions.

Both monitors have the same features, operation and jobsite certainty with two distinctions:

  • –  The CS6x mounts to the SeeSnake Max rM200 docking handle for easy transport and storage
  • –  The CS6xPak docks onto the SeeSnake Compact2 and quickly detaches for convenient placement at

    the jobsite

    “Being able to provide on-the-spot inspection reporting will set plumbers apart from their competitors,” said James McGregor, RIDGID Global Marketing Director. “Our new monitors will help plumbers to not only quickly view their drain line inspections, but also inform their customers and implement the appropriate solution faster.”

    The new monitors join the recently upgraded CS65x Digital Reporting Monitor, which provides a one-touch image recording feature for fast, efficient documentation of inspections, along with a new, faster processer and solid state hard drive.

    For additional information about the new CS6x, CS6xPax and CS65x and other reporting solutions, please visit RIDGID.com, call toll-free: 1-800-769-7743, or contact RIDGID, 400 Clark St., Elyria, Ohio 44035 U.S.A.

Connected GLI18V-1900 C offers smart light with long runtime and integrated Bluetooth® capability The search for more light on the jobsite without the hassle of carrying around a giant light source begins and ends with the Bosch GLI18V-1900 and GLI18V-1900 C Floodlights. Excellent illumination is provided by a cordless, high-power LED that offers 1900 lumen Read more

Connected GLI18V-1900 C offers smart light with long runtime and integrated Bluetooth® capability

The search for more light on the jobsite without the hassle of carrying around a giant light source begins and ends with the Bosch GLI18V-1900 and GLI18V-1900 C Floodlights. Excellent illumination is provided by a cordless, high-power LED that offers 1900 lumen brightness.

This is reliable, all-day light that runs up to eight hours at 50 percent mode (5 Ah battery) or four hours at 100 percent mode (5 Ah battery). The two brightness settings offer lighting levels at 1000 lumens or 1900 lumens. Floodlight includes on/off switch. The GLI18V-1900 C offers Bluetooth® connectivity accessed through a corresponding app. In addition to controlling the light, the connectivity function allows the user to manage several lights simultaneously with one click. The two-way Bluetooth transfer chip ensures low power consumption between the light and a smart phone. The application is easy to use. The durable floodlight frame is compact and weighs less than two pounds. The GLI18V-1900 C offers the added advantage of tough water and dust resistant construction (IP protection 64). The user has the flexibility to select a variety of positions to effectively illuminate any large space. The light’s 120-degree angle adjustment offers five positions for perfect illumination. Set up is quick and easy thanks to adjustability and standard 5/8” tripod thread. To learn more about the Bosch GLI18V-1900 and GLI18V-1900 C Floodlights 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. Bosch GLI18V-1900 and GLI18V-1900 C Floodlights Fact Box

The Bosch PS42 12V Max EC Brushless tool was put in the hands of some ProStaffers recently, and the verdict is in. Jason Ridgeway, HVAC contractor and owner of Ridgeway Home Services; Jake Mengelkoch, cabinetmaker; and the Hub’s own Eric Aune “played” with the tool for a couple of months and took it for a Read more

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PS42_heroThe Bosch PS42 12V Max EC Brushless tool was put in the hands of some ProStaffers recently, and the verdict is in. Jason Ridgeway, HVAC contractor and owner of Ridgeway Home Services; Jake Mengelkoch, cabinetmaker; and the Hub’s own Eric Aune “played” with the tool for a couple of months and took it for a spin.

The Bosch PS42 12V Max EC Brushless 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver has an optimized impact system to deliver outstanding impact force, fits all standard hex drive bits and accommodates 85% of impact driver applications.

After receiving the PS42 brushless impact driver to test, Ridgeway came away very impressed.

“I switched it out with my previous drill in my daily service pouch and put it through the normal daily paces,” Ridgeway said. “The battery life on this unit is great, going several days without needing charge while used for both opening and closing-up units, as well as installing sheet metal duct work.”

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This impact driver works great for installation work, as well. The small size makes it easy to maneuver into tight spaces, and the brushless motor keeps you from swapping batteries all day.

Regarding the brushless advantage, Mengelkoch says, “The Bosch PS42 features a brushless motor that gives you a leg up on the previous iteration, which featured a brushed motor and required more frequent charging.”

This 1/4″ hex-shank impact driver has variable speed control that contains two settings. The lower of which can be painfully slow, says Mengelkock, but it allows for extra accuracy when driving screws that may be likely to spin out with more power. On the higher of the two settings you obviously get a bit more punch, but it is very easy to keep under control for precision fastening.

IMG_6409 copyAccording to Bosch Tools, the drill provides two speed settings: one for high speed and high torque, and one for low speed and low torque. Users are able to match the correct setting to the specific application and material to prevent overtightening. In addition to the impressive torque rating, these tools offer no-load rpm ratings of 0-1,200 and 0-2,600 rpm; no-load bpm ratings are 0-2,700 and 0-3,100.

The PS42 driver has a 5.5 in. head-length and weighs just 1.6 lbs. The Bosch PS42 delivers a maximum torque rating of 975 In.-Lbs. and weighs just less than two pounds (w/2.0 Ah battery).

“The drill is probably the strongest 12V out there,” says Ridgeway. “It’s powered through rusted screws, it’s drilled through laminated wood and has no problem with bit tips through three layers of metal.”

Yet there are some differing opinions from the ProStaffers on the drill’s overall power.

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“While the impact has one of the smoothest brushless motors and drive transmissions I’ve ever experienced, I feel it’s a bit under powered,” says Aune. As 12-volt platforms expand throughout the market, more professionals are finding the power within these tool lines to be very usable on the job.

“The ergonomics, quality materials and smooth operation of the Bosch PS42 impact position it at the top of the list for 12V impacts in those categories, but an improvement on speed and torque are needed to truly take over the tool category, in my opinion,” continues Aune.

The Intangibles

The drill includes an LED light ring to illuminate the work area and dark locations, as well as a battery gauge indicator for easier charge monitoring. Seemingly arbitrary, that’s one feature that Mengelkoch loves the most.

“You can turn the LED on or off. At the shop I am constantly putting slides on drawers and as I’m driving the screws into the slides, the LED on most drills/drivers nearly blinds me every time, to the point where I’ve put tape over other LEDs to avoid it. The simple on/off button on top of the PS42 reduces the strain on my eyes for working with reflective pieces.”

IMG_6462-1 copyRidgeway seconds that feature, “It has a new feature where you can adjust the light to turn on or off, which is a nice, but one I left mostly up to the trigger pull to activate. It did take a minute to figure out as at first I thought there was something wrong with the light not working. Understanding this little detail is important.”

The drill comes in a really nice soft case that holds the drill charger and batteries, with plenty of room to put my bits and bit holder. “It makes it very convenient to keep it all together in one spot,” says Ridgeway, but if a suggestion could be made, “If there was anything to add to the drill I would say maybe the newer quick attachment for bits like found on some of the other drills.”

Oh, and, “I wish they would have a shoulder strap for the case to make it easier to haul around and up and down ladders to rooftops,” says Ridgeway.

Speaking of rooftops, Ridgeway accidentally dropped it from an 8′ ladder and it’s built strong enough to not even blemish the drill. “This drill can take a beating.” These tools are tough thanks, in part, to Bosch’s exclusive Durashield housing, a tough, flexible exterior that withstands the toughest jobsite conditions.

Each tool’s manageability is enhanced by its lightweight and ergonomic, easy-grip handle—an ideal solution for overhead applications. Other ProStaffer Kudos include:

• The materials and grip on the gun feel very natural and comfortable to hold.

• When you hold it in your hands, it’s very balanced weight-wise.

• The lightweight design won’t fatigue the user’s arm or wrist—which is important then the job requires working in tight spaces

The Skinny

PS42_App_HVACMengelkoch: This little guy packs a punch. After spending a few weeks with this in the cabinet shop, I’ve grown to appreciate it quite a bit. All in all, it’s a well-constructed, comfortable impact driver that helps you keep moving forward.

Ridgeway: Overall, the drill itself is a small but powerful, lightweight and well-built drill that I’m very happy to use. Honestly, if Bosch came out with more innovative tools like this and had more of an offering like Milwaukee and DeWalt, I’d start to think really hard on making a switch.

Aune: If you’re looking for a truly compact, very well-built impact for HVAC, plumbing or electrical service tasks, this impact will fit the bill. If you are drilling, driving fasteners larger than 5/16” or need an impact that does all of this all day and then some on one or only two batteries, then you’ll want to purchase the larger capacity [BAT420] 12V MAX 4.0 Ah Lithium-Ion battery.

 

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Milwaukee Tool delivers a game-changing new solution for unclogging toilets, urinals, and floor traps for service plumbers and facility maintenance professionals with the new TRAPSNAKE™ Porcelain Auger System. By offering multiple auger attachments that can be unified on a single power source, TRAPSNAKE™ delivers versatility and capabilities never seen before in a closet auger. The Read more

Milwaukee Tool delivers a game-changing new solution for unclogging toilets, urinals, and floor traps for service plumbers and facility maintenance professionals with the new TRAPSNAKE™ Porcelain Auger System. By offering multiple auger attachments that can be unified on a single power source, TRAPSNAKE™ delivers versatility and capabilities never seen before in a closet auger.

The heart of the system is the M12™ TRAPSNAKE™ Driver. The first powered unit optimized for the challenges of porcelain fixtures, the M12™ TRAPSNAKE™ Driver delivers power and speed to work through tough clogs in tight traps, while protecting the delicate fixture from damage. With optimized electronics that deliver low RPM and low torque, the user is able to feel when engaged with a blockage to retrieve it with control.

“Plumbers and maintenance technicians have always received plenty of service calls for clogged toilets and urinals, but these jobs are becoming more frequent and often a bigger problem with the industry trending towards low-flow fixtures,” said Corey Dickert, Vice President of Product Management for Milwaukee Tool. “With this trend, it is clear there’s a need for a product that is better at navigating tight turns and breaking down clogs that are tougher than ever before.”

Extending from the M12™ TRAPSNAKE™ Driver, users can choose between a 6’ Toilet Auger and 4’ Urinal Auger extension for the work at hand. All TRAPSNAKE™ Auger attachments feature a number of industry firsts including a telescoping cable lock which holds the cable in place for easy telescoping extension, a fixed rubber boot for maximum porcelain protection, and replaceable cables to maximize the longevity of the tool.

“Aside from the fundamental challenges of the job, there’s a number of upgrades needed to improve protection, ease of use, and the durability of these tools,” Said Dickert. “We’re excited to solve these user frustrations with industry-firsts that truly make this system a game-changing solution.”

With the industry’s first cable locking mechanism, all TRAPSNAKE™ Augers hold the cable in place for easy telescoping extension and retraction, allowing users to utilize additional cable when they need to reach beyond the fixture. When the cable becomes unusable, users can simply replace them versus throwing away the entire auger, as they are accustomed to today. This provides users more cost savings over time, more productivity, and increases the overall longevity of their tool.

For professionals that prefer the traditional hand tool method, the system is also available with the TRAPSNAKE™ Auger Handle, which can be interchanged with the M12 TRAPSNAKE™ Driver for maximum versatility.

Milwaukee® is committed to improving productivity for plumbers and maintenance contractors by offering them the ability to perform an entire job on one battery system. The M12™ TRAPSNAKE™ 6’ Toilet Auger and M12™ TRAPSNAKE™ 4’ Urinal Auger are compatible with the entire M12™ System, now offering over 70 cordless Lithium-Ion products – including the recently launched M12™ Drain Snake. The M12™ platform is the largest sub-compact system in the industry, offering innovative portable solutions.

 

Specifications

M12™ TRAPSNAKE™ 6’ Toilet Auger (2576-21)

  • Cable Size (length x diameter): 6’ x ½”
  • Cable End: Retriever Bulb
  • Cable Locking Mechanism: Yes
  • Replaceable Cables: Available
  • Protective Boot: Yes
  • Recommended Drain Size: 2” – 4”
  • Warranty (tool/cable/battery): 5-year / 2-year / 2-year

Includes M12™ TRAPSNAKE™ 6’ Toilet Auger, M12™ Battery and M12™ Charger
*Also available as a Bare Tool (2576-20)

TRAPSNAKE™ 6’ Toilet Auger (49-16-2576)

  • Cable Size (length x diameter): 6’ x ½”
  • Cable End: Retriever Bulb
  • Cable Locking Mechanism: Yes
  • Replaceable Cables: Available
  • Protective Boot: Yes
  • Recommended Drain Size: 2” – 4”
  • Warranty (tool/cable): 5-year / 2-year

M12™ TRAPSNAKE™ 4’ Urinal Auger (2574-21)

  • Cable Size (length x diameter): 4’ x 3/8”
  • Cable End: Bulb
  • Cable Locking Mechanism: Yes
  • Replaceable Cables: Available
  • Protective Boot: Yes
  • Recommended Drain Size: 1-1/4” – 2”
  • Warranty (tool/cable/battery): 5-year / 2-year / 2-year

Includes M12™ TRAPSNAKE™ 4’ Urinal Auger, M12™ Battery and M12™ Charger
*Also available as a Bare Tool (2574-20)

TRAPSNAKE™ 4’ Urinal Auger (49-16-2574)

  • Cable Size (length x diameter): 4’ x 3/8”
  • Cable End: Bulb
  • Cable Locking Mechanism: Yes
  • Replaceable Cables: Available
  • Protective Boot: Yes
  • Recommended Drain Size: 1-1/4” – 2”
  • Warranty (tool/cable): 5-year / 2-year

Replacement Cables:

  • 48-53-2576 TRAPSNAKE™ 6′ TOILET AUGER REPLACEMENT CABLE
  • 48-53-2577 TRAPSNAKE™ 4′ URINAL AUGER REPLACEMENT CABLE