Toolbox

Refrigerant lines are push fit into Quick Connect fittings within seconds without brazing, flaring or expensive crimping connection tools RectorSeal®, Houston, a leading manufacturer of quality HVAC/R equipment, has added the Quick Connect push-fit, flame-free, refrigerant line brass fitting system to its PRO-Fit™ tools and accessories product line for the North America and Australia markets Read more

Refrigerant lines are push fit into Quick Connect fittings within seconds without brazing, flaring or expensive crimping connection tools

RectorSeal®, Houston, a leading manufacturer of quality HVAC/R equipment, has added the Quick Connect push-fit, flame-free, refrigerant line brass fitting system to its PRO-Fit tools and accessories product line for the North America and Australia markets. Quick Connect is the new generation of refrigeration pipefitting designed for ductless mini-split and ducted unitary single-family residential air conditioning systems. It’s the HVAC/R industry’s only refrigerant fitting system not requiring flaring, brazing or expensive crimping connection tools.

After cutting, deburring and marking for proper depth, the refrigerant line installation requires less than five seconds to push into the fitting until the depth marking appears in the sight glass. Each Quick Connect fitting port consists of a patented factory-assembled tight-fitting double O-ring, protector, grip ring and an endcap–none which the installer needs to address.

No special tools are required except for a reusable, inexpensive support kit that’s sold-separately and consists of a universal five-diameter pipe depth marking tool and five sizes of horseshoe-shaped release clips that disengage a connection within seconds.

Quick Connect comes in five fitting types–union, 90° elbow, reducer, 90°elbow reducer and socket–and the four most common lineset diameters of 1/4-inch (6-mm), 3/8-inch (9-mm), 1/2-inch (12-mm), and 5/8-inch (16-mm). Quick Connect also includes 3/4-inch (19-mm) and 7/8-inch (22-mm) sizes, but only for union and 90° elbow styles.

Quick Connect is UL certified and third-party tested under UL 157, UL 203, UL 250 and UL 1963. Passed test conditions include long-term helium leak, vibration, burst pressure, tensile strength, reusability, salt spray, fatigue, chemical compatibility and six other reliability tests. Quick Connect fittings accommodate system pressures up to 870-psi and are designed for both HCFC and HFC refrigerants–R-22, R-410A, R-744, R-134a, R-407A, and R-507.

Other Quick Connect features are:

  • Double O-rings’ leak-resistant elastomeric materials are specifically designed and third-party certified under UL 157 test standard for minimal shrinkage (less than one percent) and swelling in R-410A/POE oil refrigeration systems;
  • Service valves (1/4, 3/8, 1/2 and 5/8-inch) are available on an OEM basis;
  • Reducers and 90° elbow reducers step down from 5/8 to 1/2-inch, 1/2 to 3/8-inch, 3/8 to 1/4-inch line sizes;
  • Ideal for copper as well as coated aluminum refrigerant lines;
  • Separate depth marking and release clip tools are available for each the 3/4 and 7/8-inch diameter fittings.
  • A four-color 14 (w) x 8 (d) x 8 (h)-inch (35.5 x 20 x 20-cm) wholesale counter display where contractors can push-fit a pipe into a fitting and use the release tool to disengage it;
  • The 26-sku system is packaged in individual cardboard hangtag see-through bags;
  • Five-year warranty;

For more information on Quick Connect or other PRO-Fit and RectorSeal products, please visit www.rectorseal.com email: marketing@rectorseal.com; or call 800-231-3345.

New Easy Operating Extension Ladder – Full Performance, Half the Effort Itasca, IL, August 17, 2021 – Werner, the world leader in ladders and the manufacturer of climbing products and fall protection equipment, announces a new easy-operating extension ladder with a breakthrough innovation: a patent-pending lift assist technology that helps the end user comfortably raise Read more

New Easy Operating Extension Ladder – Full Performance, Half the Effort

Itasca, IL, August 17, 2021 – Werner, the world leader in ladders and the manufacturer of climbing products and fall protection equipment, announces a new easy-operating extension ladder with a breakthrough innovation: a patent-pending lift assist technology that helps the end user comfortably raise and lower the ladder’s fly section. The Werner GLIDESAFE™ Extension Ladder is the only ladder on the market with Werner’s patent-pending technology which provides up to 50% assistance to raise* the ladder in addition to speed-controlled lowering.

“This first-to-world innovation helps prevent fatigue on the jobsite,” said Carla Ramalho, Werner’s senior product manager over climbing products. “During field visits, our team recognized that extending fiberglass ladders all day, and being able to control the tall and heavy ladders took a toll on ladder users. We quickly went to the drawing board to find ways to solve these pain points. Today, our team is excited to announce we’ve created an extension ladder that not only addresses these concerns but improves the comfort of our end users!”

Designed for all professionals who use fiberglass extension ladders, from commercial construction to facilities maintenance, GLIDESAFE takes ease-of-use to the next level.

Breakthrough Innovation

Werner’s patent-pending Lift-Assist Technology makes the GLIDESAFE the only extension ladder of its kind. The internal spring mechanism operates similar to a garage door system providing assistance to raise it when you need it most.

As the user pulls the internal lift cable, the spring releases tension and helps lift the extension ladder’s fly section with less effort required. When the fly section is lowered, it reloads tension on the spring, providing resistance that keeps the ladder’s fly section from slamming to the ground.

The lift assist mechanism is connected through an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene rope, the same material used for lines on sport parachutes and in the marine industry. The new components match Werner’s industry-leading standards for strength and durability.

The result of the Lift-Assist Technology is a pro-grade fiberglass extension ladder that slides up and down smoothly and with less effort, removing common pain points caused by free-moving fly sections.

Focus on Safety

Werner takes a strict adherence to leading safety standards, and the GLIDESAFE extension ladder is no exception. Multiple features help keep the ladder locked in place when it is not in use.

A built-in auto-lock automatically engages when the extension ladder is fully collapsed. A yellow tab must be pressed to unlock the ladder and allow it to extend. Additional heavy-duty locks keep the GLIDESAFE secure and stable when it is extended during use.

The new GLIDESAFE extension ladder also comes with built-in transportation latches which can be buckled around the rungs of both ladder sections. The latches help ensure safe transportation of the ladder, keeping it from extending while on the go.

Legendary Quality

Werner’s commitment to manufacturing equipment of the highest quality is reflected in the new GLIDESAFE extension ladder. Available in six sizes ranging from 20 to 40 feet, each GLIDESAFE extension ladder is rated for a 300-pound load capacity.

The new ladder features many of the details that help set Werner products apart for their useability, including dual-action feet that can be used on both hard and penetrable surfaces as well as exclusive ALFLO® rung joints, providing Twist-Proof performance. Dual-colored rails help users stay oriented and allow them to focus on the task at hand. The Werner GLIDESAFE extension ladder is also compatible with the same accessories as the well-established D6200 series.

Werner’s new line of GLIDESAFE extension ladders are now available online and in stores nationwide. For more information, visit www.wernerladder.com.

* Percentage of assist can vary by ladder size, friction between siderails and variation on lift assist technology, compared to Werner D6200 300lbs fiberglass extension ladder.

ABOUT WERNER®

Werner, a WernerCo brand, is the world leader in ladders and has a complete line of climbing products designed for working at heights. The portfolio includes ladders, attic ladders, scaffolding, pump jacks, stages, planks, stepstools, accessories and fall protection equipment including harnesses, lanyards, anchors and compliance kits. From ladders to fall protection, Werner provides a full line of climbing equipment that is engineered to give you maximum safety, durability and productivity at every height. All Werner products meet or exceed applicable international safety standards. For more information, visit www.wernerladder.com.

 

When building outdoors, exposure to the elements causes wood to expand and contract allowing rain, snow, and moisture to come into direct contact with the fasteners that hold the project together. That is why it is important to choose a screw that can withstand this exposure and last for the life of the project. Here Read more

When building outdoors, exposure to the elements causes wood to expand and contract allowing rain, snow, and moisture to come into direct contact with the fasteners that hold the project together. That is why it is important to choose a screw that can withstand this exposure and last for the life of the project. Here are some things to consider when selecting screws for your next outdoor build.

The type of wood can dictate what fasteners you use. The chemicals added to pressure-treated lumber to increase its longevity are the same ones that can hasten the corrosion of the screws. Power Pro combats erosion with multiple layers of zinc and epoxy coatings that protect the entirety of the Premium Exterior Wood Screw.

  • Recommended for exterior wood projects and treated lumber
  • Conforms to ASTM B117 and ASTM G85 (ESL-1284)
  • Exceeds 1,000-hour salt spray test under ASTM B117

Redwoods and Cedar are aesthetically pleasing and have high levels of tannins that provide a natural resistance to decay. The big drawback is that once the surface has been penetrated, the tannins become active and can result in what is called extractive bleeding, or a discoloration surrounding the fasteners.

To prevent this unsightly occurrence and to achieve the best results, Power Pro recommends using stainless steel screws because they greatly reduce the risk of staining and offer a higher level of corrosion resistance than coated screws. Power Pro only uses a grade 305 stainless steel coating that offers longer lasting protection.

All Power Pro Exterior Screws feature:

  • No-strip Star Drive – Resists stripping and cam-outs
  • Countersinking Blades – Clears out wood fibers to create a solid seal
  • No-split Twist Shank – Enlarges the screw hole to reduce fiction and prevent splitting
  • No pre-drill Bore-fast™ Thread – Drives faster with no pre-drilling
  • Bronze Epoxy Coating – High corrosion resistance

For more information on Power Pro Screws visit here.

When you Need an Alternative to Brazing HVAC/R Joints While there will always be a need to braze, more and more HVAC/R contractors are also taking advantage of the time and cost savings – and proven reliability – of RLS press fittings. They connect in seconds, without the need for a torch, gas, nitrogen and Read more

When you Need an Alternative to Brazing HVAC/R Joints

While there will always be a need to braze, more and more HVAC/R contractors are also taking advantage of the time and cost savings – and proven reliability – of RLS press fittings. They connect in seconds, without the need for a torch, gas, nitrogen and everything else required for brazing (including hot work permits and fire spotters).

Whether you prefer to press every joint possible, or only to use the press tool in certain situations, there is a role for pressing in most HVAC/R service and installation businesses. In fact, there are many times when pressing is the ideal solution:

  • Hospitals and other buildings that don’t allow open flames
  • Areas where burn permits and fire spotters are required and costly
  • When brazing too close to insulation, walls and other flammable materials would be dangerous

Proven by more than 10 million fittings installed.

While some were skeptical when RLS fittings were first introduced in 2015 (originally under the ZoomLock brand), the technology is now well proven and accepted, with more than 10 million fittings installed successfully around the world. Designed specifically for high-pressure HVAC/R systems, RLS fittings feature a patented double circular press that results in two 360˚ metal-to-metal connections, creating a permanent mechanical joint every time, with no leak paths.

A wide range of valuable benefits.

From faster installation, to increased safety, to avoiding dragging tanks and other brazing equipment to the jobsite, RLS fittings offer many advantages:

  • Connections in 10 seconds
  • UL Listed to 700 psi
  • No gas or brazing materials
  • No flame, no fire hazards
  • No burn permits
  • No fire spotters
  • No nitrogen purging
  • Works in tight spaces
  • Millions of fittings installed
  • Made in America

Learn more at rapidlockingsystem.com and become an RLS Certified installer at training.rapidlockingsystem.com.

The Kapro 510 tape measure provides visibility, durability and functionality Kapro Tools offers its 510 Optivision™ tape measure series in 10′ (3m), 16′ (5m) and 26′ (8m) with a dual scale of imperial and metric measurements. The 510 Optivision sets a new standard in tape measure visibility with its double-printed blade for horizontal and vertical quick-reading and marking Read more

The Kapro 510 tape measure provides visibility, durability and functionality


Kapro Tools offers its 510 Optivision™ tape measure series in 10′ (3m), 16′ (5m) and 26′ (8m) with a dual scale of imperial and metric measurements.

The 510 Optivision sets a new standard in tape measure visibility with its double-printed blade for horizontal and vertical quick-reading and marking. With triple-colored oversized gradation, it provides a clear reading at all conditions.

With built-to-last features, the 510 has a 10-foot drop-tested polycarbonate casing, an impact-resistant mechanism and a Nylon-coated steel-blade abrasion-resistant blade.

The 510 includes extra-strong rare earth magnets on a double-sided end-hook for measurement stability. An auto-lock mechanism allows users to conveniently lock and unlock the extra-wide blade and the 26′ version features a 12′ standout.

“Our goal was to create the most visible tape measure out there, while not compromising on functionality and durability,” said Gal Wollach, vice president of business development at Kapro Tools. “The 510 exceeded all of our expectations, and the feedback we are receiving from people who work with it is incredible.”

To learn more about Kapro’s innovative line of products, visit Kapro.com.