Toolbox

Fieldpiece Instruments, the industry leader in tools and test instruments for HVACR professionals, today announced a new generation of vacuum pumps that are small, lightweight, portable, and allow fast, timesaving vacuum evacuation to make the HVACR professional’s job easier and more efficient. The new Fieldpiece pumps include three different CFM models that can be used in a variety of applications. The Fieldpiece top-of-the-line VPX7 pump is the lightest of the three new pumps due to a patent-pending manufacturing process resulting in a pump that is lightweight and manageable for the pro to carry.

HVACR pros can choose the vacuum pump that is best suited for them depending on the system and pump feature preference. Model VPX7 is a fast and efficient 10 CFM DC Motor and is perfect for large commercial and refrigeration applications. The patent-pending interior EPO coating, which is a high-energy surface treatment to high strength aluminum alloy, makes the VPX7 pump portable enough to climb up a ladder or move to other areas where needed.  In addition, the coating is extremely tough as well as chemical and wear-resistant, so the life of the VPX7 pump is extended. Model VP87 is an 8CFM DC for light commercial and residential systems replacing the legacy VP85. For residential service and installation, HVACR pros will choose the VP67, 6CFM AC model, replacing the current VP55 (5CFM). The three new vacuum pumps from Fieldpiece Instruments offer HVACR professionals a more efficient way to pull vacuum in A/C and refrigeration units either prior to adding refrigerant on a new installation or when performing a system repair.

Fieldpiece Instruments introduces a new generation of vacuum pumps that are small, lightweight, portable, and allow fast, timesaving vacuum evacuation.

“We know that for the HVACR pro time is money. What truly sets the VPX7 pump apart from the competition is the 10 CFM rate which will cut the evacuation time considerably,” said Charlotte Loomis, Product Manager. “In addition, the VPX7 has a powerful DC motor yet it is lightweight at only 24 lbs.”

Fieldpiece refined the proprietary RunQuick™ Oil Management System by enlarging the oil-viewing window to clearly view the pump oil through the huge oil reservoir window to see the condition of the oil, and the system. This new, larger window has additional LED lights that provide details on the status of the pump such as: gas ballast status, voltage levels/warnings and cold weather start status for the VP87 and VPX7 pumps. When it is time to change the oil, the process is quick, clean, and easy to do, as the window is now removable and the pumps have a wide mouth fill port. The oil can be replaced in under 20 seconds, even while the pump is running without losing vacuum. Fieldpiece also included extra bottle storage.

The new classification of A2L refrigerants has been addressed in this next generation vacuum pumps. Looking to the future when A2L refrigerants will be required, the three models are A2L Refrigerant Compliant.

The trade price for the VPX7 is $882, the VP87 is $723, and the VP67 is $470. They are available at distributors now. For more information about the vacuum pumps please visit the product page https://www.fieldpiece.com/product-category/recovery-and-vacuum/vacuum-pumps/.

Engineered for optimum performance in multiple materials, Power Pro One® screws are the One screw you’ll ever need. Developed to outperform and replace standard wood, sheet metal, and concrete/masonry screws, the One Screw multi-material fastener simplifies your toolbox by using a single, innovative, engineered screw design to complete projects that fasten into wood, metal, concrete, drywall, and plastic. The bronze epoxy coating is recommended for exterior projects and treated lumber.

The flat head design and star drive provide easy and clean countersinking into wood. Manufactured with spiral flutes, serrated hi-lo threads, and a 3-sided pyramid point, no pre-drilling is required in wood, drywall, plastic, or metal up to 20 gauge thick. Concrete and masonry applications require a pre-drilled hole, see product packaging for pre-drilling instructions. Each package includes a free durable Pro-Stik® Star Driver Bit. All One Screw products offer a limited lifetime warranty.

Industrial-grade corrosion inhibitor, lubricant, and cleaner prevents and removes rust, helping contractors to be significantly more productive,
while improving equipment reliability and extending its lifespan

For HVAC contractors to be optimally productive on the job, stopping the accelerated corrosion of metal components and facilitating maintenance is essential.  Left unprotected from rain, snow, runoff, humidity, condensation, and coastal salt air, a host of metal HVAC parts can seize up with corrosion, slowing routine maintenance and repair jobs considerably until the “frozen” part is worked loose.

So, it can be advantageous for HVAC contractors to streamline future maintenance by preparing surfaces and connections with lubricants and protectants on a variety of components – from air fans and cooling coils, to mechanical dampers, pulleys, and adjustable motors, to shafts, fittings, and even fasteners.  This can significantly speed service and repair, optimize heating/cooling performance, and even extend the life of equipment.

“As an HVAC contractor, the more jobs you can perform each day, the more money for the company. So, you do not want to waste time trying to break a seized, corroded component loose – or in the worst case cut it off [which can happen with seized fan blades] – so you can complete the service or repair,” says Louis Bakane, an HVAC technician in Alabama who has worked with residential, commercial, and industrial clients since 1979 before his recent retirement.

While standard “wet” lubricant, anti-corrosion, and cleaner sprays exist, traditionally these tend to build up into messy, relatively ineffective “gunked up” layers that attract dirt and dust over time.

For contractors seeking to become significantly more productive and profitable in the business of delivering reliable HVAC service, now all-purpose sprays been developed toward this end.  These function as corrosion inhibiter, lubricant and cleaner to protect metal components such as heat exchange fins and cooling coils to keep them in good working order, so servicing can be accomplished in a fraction of the time.

“Labor is the biggest HVAC contractor expense, so if they can cut their service time by a third or even in half – like I did – with an anti-corrosion spray, lubricant, and cleaner such as Force5 HVAC, that is a great return on investment,” says Bakane,

The Force5 HVAC corrosion inhibitor penetrates into metal parts to prevent rust and corrosion while forming a bond that repels water and other contaminants.  The protectant goes on wet and dries in place.  A shield-like film coating protects equipment against the effects of moisture and corrosion, including coastal salt air.  This helps to ensure HVAC equipment reliability and prolongs its usable life.

As a lubricant, the fast-acting, penetrating compound cuts through corrosion, rust and dirt, quickly getting into metal parts that have become frozen or encrusted to get them working again.  It contains synthetic-based additives that act like microscopic ball-bearings to reduce friction, facilitate maintenance and improve operation.

According to Bakane, he has used the anti-corrosion spray and lubricant on anything metal with mechanical, moving components.

“I have sprayed it on nuts, bolts, shafts, fittings, and anything that I put in new, so I didn’t have to work so hard to open the HVAC unit, get inside, and fix it if it breaks down.  It has helped to prevent freeze up on rooftop equipment, exhaust hoods, air balancers, mechanical dampers, pulleys, fans, and adjustable motors.  Any HVAC equipment exposed to the elements can benefit from its use,” he says.

The end result is expedited maintenance, which allows the HVAC professional to complete more jobs in the work day, with less physical strain and exertion.

He adds, “If a contractor is replacing belts on a six-month basis, he or she can spray the connections, shafts, etc. so servicing it is simplified.  I’ve had jobs where it cut my service time in half because I was able to change out a belt, motor, fan, or condensing unit so much faster.”

According to Bakane, use of the corrosion inhibitor, lubricant, and cleaner extends the life of HVAC equipment and improves its reliability as well.

Without sufficient protection, HVAC condenser and evaporator fins, made of aluminum or copper, will corrode in humid or moist settings, particularly in high salt environments near the coast.  These components, as well as cooling coils, can fail due to corrosion and electrolysis in these environments.

The protectant and cleaner also helps waterproof and dry out wet electrical gear and other water-sensitive parts, and improves electrical performance by cleaning and protecting contacts and internal circuitry.  Because of this capability and its dielectric properties (ability to transmit electric force without conduction) to 40,000 volts, it helps keep motors, electronics, circuit boards, lighting, wiring, connectors, switches, etc. working properly.

“I use it on HVAC control boards where there might be a lot of humidity,” says Bakane.  “When I install new equipment, I spray some on the control board, which helps to prevent it from shorting out if ‘sweat’ [condensation in a heated environment] drips onto the control board connections.”

Due to such capabilities, adding use of the spray to an annual HVAC checkup will help to prolong the life of the unit, which is a key benefit for the contractor’s clients.  For best results, apply the spray once a year, or twice annually if the heat exchangers are fully exposed to sunlight to compensate for some UV breakdown of the product.

For contractors who know that using the right tool simplifies the job, the availability of effective, all-purpose anti-corrosion, lubricant, and cleaner sprays can help to expedite HVAC work.

For more info, call 678-883-3578; visit www.force5products.com; or write to Force5 Products at 3434 Howell St. NW, Suite B, Duluth, GA  30096.

ToughBuilt proves yet again how their gear meets the needs of every construction pro! Introducing the heavy duty and non-marring GelFit™ Thigh Support Stabilization Knee Pads (model TB-KP-G3R). ToughBuilt’s latest innovation provides the ultimate in stability, comfort, and functionality. What makes these knee pads outstanding is ToughBuilt’s premium manufacturing: abrasion-resistant 1680D fabric, rugged double-injected shell with non-slip rubber and shatter-resistant plastic made to the highest quality standards ensuring durability to withstand harsh work environments, saving you from constantly buying replacements. They also have heavily textured contact surfaces, so you feel safe and confident while on the job.

The G3R knee pads have an ergonomic fit: Thigh support keeps the knee centered within the kneepad, so your range of motion isn’t compromised. Our design provides ultimate stability, while also allowing complete side-to-side range of motion. The unique gel cushion and foam design embraces the natural shape of the knee and upper shin, maximizing pressure distribution for all day comfort. You can just put them on and leave them on. The elastic, EVA, buckle thigh and calf straps comfortably lock in place without cutting off circulation. Time wasted on constantly adjusting your equipment, is a thing of the past, because the G3R never rotates off your knee.

Visit ToughBuilt for more information on their many innovative products.