Milwaukee continues to expand their PACKOUT line of tool and materials storage system in 2020 with the addition of the 2-Wheel Cart [catalog #48-22-8415]. You may be familiar with Milwaukee’s new PIPELINE video series, it was launched in response to Covid restrictions forcing the cancellation of their annual new product symposium (#nps), the 2-wheel cart was first announced during episode 2 in October.

If we rewind the clock a bit back to August, that’s when I first got my hands on the new hand cart and put it to use. Since August I have hauled over two dozen tank water heaters and countless variations of PACKOUT boxes in and out of my job sites. SPOILER ALERT: its not perfect but it’s a very useful tool. Keep reading if you’d like my honest feedback on the PACKOUT 2-wheel cart #48-22-8415

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CE-TT_ApHra/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Weight: 25lbs (11.3kg)

Width: 20″ (51cm)

Height: 48″ (122cm)

Depth (folded): 12″ (30.5cm)

Total capacity: 400lbs (181kg)

While its been months now that I’ve been using the PACKOUT 2-Wheel Cart I’m still trying to get used to the folding base locking mechanisms. In fact the locks on both sides, down by the wheels make collapsing the cart difficult at best. As stated in a recent video post on our Instagram page, its almost like you need a third hand. I opt for my knee as you’ll see in the video. The head scratcher here is why wasn’t a one-handed push-button style of locking system part of the cart in the first place? Another question raised by many of our followers is “does the base even need to lock in the first place?” I hadn’t thought of that myself but since its been asked I too wonder if a lock is even necessary.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CH_WucvnFkd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Lastly I’d like to point out that the wheel placement on the inside of the chassis uprights was intended to keep the cart narrow, making it easier to navigate thru narrower pathways. While that is technically true I have experienced first hand that the narrowly spread wheels make for a less stable hand truck when crossing either uneven surfaces, turning abruptly or when loaded heavily in either of the aforementioned situations.

It’s my opinion that the wheels should have been on the outside for stability; I’m much more concerned that I’ll damage a client’s property like a wall or flooring from a load that’s fallen than I am fitting into the narrowest of spaces.

In summary I’d say the cart has been a good addition to the van. I’ll repeat myself in saying I use it nearly every day for both the transport of my many PACKOUT boxes and bins but also other items like water heaters, boilers and more.

Its not perfect, like other tools that have preceded it I would imagine a second generation will include some changes that will hopefully make it an even better tool. The PACKOUT tool and storage system has definitely been well received across all trades and crafts. This cart is just one of many PACKOUT items offered by Milwaukee Tool to build on an already robust product line.

Jon Block, LH Block Electric Company, LLC, Bartlett, Ill., got the chance to get out of the shop and use the Milwaukee M18 FORCE LOGIC Knockout set (model #2677-23) out in the field with one of his foreman, Bruce, and an apprentice.

“Bruce was super excited to try it out and couldn’t wait to use it. One of the first things we both loved about it was the punch and dies themselves. The cross lines on the MILWAUKEE EXACT die helped us get each punch exactly right and on the mark.  We then began punching a series of 3/4”, 1”, and 2” holes and we both marveled at the ease and quickness of changing the punches back and forth,” says Block.

When using the old hydraulic knockout sets, someone always had to hold up the press and one guy would take off the die or punch. The press was always heavy and cumbersome and a hassle, and would leak hydraulic oil if not tightened properly. Granted, Block had one of its old trusty hydraulic knockout sets for 45 plus years and it did a great job for a very long time.

“My Father used this set when he was an apprentice so it’s had it fair share of use. My hope is that this new Milwaukee punch set will hold up just as well. It seems very well constructed and has that old school Milwaukee marketing slogan  ‘Nothing but Heavy Duty’ feel to it,” says Block.

Punching knockouts is a one-person job now for LH Block. “We can do it from any position, which helps make it easier to use while up in the air or on a ladder. There are no hoses in the way to fumble around with.”

Overall, says Block, the tools performance itself was, for the most part, smooth as silk. “It took us a few seconds to get the trigger control down, but it was easy to adjust to. The dies are super sharp. I’m hoping that over time they’ll remain that way. I’m interested in how many holes we’d get in one battery, but we finished off 13 holes and it still had a full charge.

“My foreman is in love with this machine. Our apprentice, after very little instruction, was able to use it just as well. My guys always thought the best inventions in our trade was the Milwaukee M12 Bandsaw and the impacts. But I think they found a new favorite,” says Block.

Information from Milwaukee Tool

Our M18™ FORCE LOGIC™ 6 Ton Knockout Tool 1/2″-4″ Kit reduces the tedious steps of hole making, improving your speed and limiting your fatigue. This knockout punch tool is specifically designed to be the ideal mild steel punching tool. It is powerful enough to punch up to 4” holes in 14 gauge mild steel. It is also 40% lighter weight than other 6T knockouts available. The electrical knockout tool has a compact, right angle design that delivers you the best clearance in tight spaces. Our Quick Connect Alignment System provides you with easy set-up without the weight of the tool and speeds up repetitive punching. The tool is compatible with all our MILWAUKEE® EXACT™ punches and dies. The knockout dies are rated for both mild and stainless steel punching. Vivid red cross hairs provide you with accurate alignment and slug removal ports provide optimal slug removal. The gripping surface on the EXACT™ punches allows you to thread faster. The cordless 6-ton knockout tool delivers the Easiest Way to Punch.

INCLUDES:

So, as the story goes, a sales rep out west who had spent decades selling a competitor’s plumbing products is hired by General Pipe Cleaners. After initial training, he returned to his territory with a smattering of cables, cutters and drain cleaning machines to get him started.

The first time he demonstrated the Flexicore Cable, he called the company to complain that the pipe snake, “just didn’t feel right!” It felt “limp”, not “springy.”

As Dave Dunbar, National Sales Manager with General Pipe Cleaners explained, “the Flexicore engineering process has the effect of making the cable feel less springy than hollow cables.”

It took a few phone calls to get things straightened out with the rep, but then six months later, he was complaining that the cables lasted so much longer than his former brand’s that he was only selling a fraction of his previous replacement snakes. A small fraction.

It was this story that interested a few of our contractor friends. Why would it be springy? Is it really that stiff and is that a good thing? Would it really last longer?

Knowing General Pipe Cleaners would be at the WWETT Show this past spring, I introduced the General’s team to a few drain cleaning contractors that we are big fans of and have worked with in the past. It was my hope that we could create some valuable and interesting content based on the original story and the contractors having never used Flexicore.

It was soon after the show that we asked for them to send a few of their Flexicore cables to a few of our ProStaff team members to get their thoughts on the cable. They obliged and three drain cleaning pros were sent the cables to use on their existing cable machines, which for transparency, were all competitor drum machines.

As you may know, the Flexicore cable is the result of a process, where instead of coiling a hollow cable, they tightly wrap spring steel around a 49 strand aircraft quality wire rope. This provides the cable additional strength when it is under torque.

Each member of our team received a variety of Flexicore cables based on their typical daily drain cleaning challenges with the request to use them over a couple of months and provide feedback. The team of contractors included Felix Delgadillo, DrainGuys (Chicago), Terence Chan, Impetus Plumbing (Vancouver) and Jeff Keller, Bulldog Contractors (Texas), all are longtime drain cleaning professionals in their area of the country.

As expected, those daily challenges included providing both residential and commercial services, addressing clogged kitchen drains, clogged bathroom drains, clogged outdoor drains, and clogged sewer lines using today’s best technology to unclog lines to keep the water flowing.

While Keller, Chan and Delgadillo confirmed that this was the first time using the cable, Chan stated what all three mentioned, “I’ve never used the product but very excited to see what it can do.”

Chan went on to say, “Initially seeing the product, I was a bit leery how it may hold on to the heads, but it did, really well. In fact, I’ve had trouble with heads from a competitor and the Flexicore held.”

“The screws to hold on the head versus a snap lock is a nice addition,” said Keller.

One of the unique byproducts of the Flexicore process is that the cable stiffens and gets stronger under torque, which Delgadillo agreed, “the cable feels less springy and it does get quite stiff when the operator needs it the most.”

Keller continued, “it caught me off guard and took some getting used to. Most if not all drain cleaners/plumbers are used to listening to their machines and the feel of the strain on the cable to evaluate the blockage, so this was a bit different, but did a solid job.”

As discussed in the WWETT video, when a drain cleaning machine rotates a pipe snake down the drain and it hits a clog or stoppage, tension or torque builds up in the cable. Because of the direction the drum is turning, the reaction of the outer coil of spring steel is that it wants to contract due to the tension. However, because the wire rope is in the way, the only thing that it can do is tighten, which makes it stiffer and stronger and the cable much less likely to kink or break when in use.

Chan concluded, “I would recommend this to peers in the field as it got the job done. I’m curious to see the long-term difference versus some of the cables we typically use and recommend everyone make sure they have the cable sizes they need for their machines.”

We second that Terence! Be sure to size your cables correctly so it all works perfectly.

While the contractors are still using the cables in the field, it was a unanimous decision that more time in the field was needed to truly understand the value of Flexicore cables and how it holds up long term versus other options.

We will continue to check in with the team to provide updates later in the year.

Contractor Bios:

Felix Delgadillo – He has been in the plumbing trades for over 15 years. Most of his experience has been in remodels & new construction for both commercial and residential. He is passionate about new construction and wanted to expand professionally to the service side. In 2019 he started his second company, Drain Guys, LLC. Drain Guys specializes in commercial and residential sewer cleaning, camera inspections & locating.

IG: www.instagram.com/drainguyschicago

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Drainguyschicago

 

Terence Chan – He is a plumbing, heating and gas contractor out of Vancouver, BC, Canada. His company is Impetus Plumbing and Heating. Impetus stands for a force that makes something happen, which stands for everything their name defines them to be.  We make everything happen and will never say no to any job. This company wants to be seen as the next up and coming generation that will make a difference and disturb the status quo in the current trade.

IG: www.instagram.com/impetuspandh

Facebook: www.facebook.com/impetuspandh

 

Jeff Keller – Bulldog Contractors allows him to work alongside his father Carl and other Bulldog team members. For over 35 years, Bulldog Contractors have brought areas of Northeast Texas first class plumbing and septic service, experience, and quality work with exceptional results. They are committed to exceed the expectations of our customers with quality service and expertise on every project we do. With a lot of repeat business, they have built long-term & trusting relationships over the years.

IG: www.instagram.com/jkeller1.0

Facebook: www.facebook.com/builditlikebulldog

The Navien NFC (Navien Firetube Combi) boiler is one heck of a performer for a combi-boiler. I have made a list of details I would recommend changing, I’ll list them below. This is the only combi that I have exeperience with that will handle any typical three bathroom home. The DHW production is very impressive.

This model combi has a modular piping arrangement that is removable for service if needed which is a huge improvement over the previous model NCB boiler (they’re going that route with the new NPE and NCB in 2020).

Navien designed and manufacturers the all stainless steel heat exchanger in house, this isn’t common of most boiler manufacturers. Having complete control over all aspects of the boiler is what tends to set companies apart from others. In this case its too early to tell if they’ve got an advantage here since the new boiler and Combi have only been on the market for less than two years.

The control for the NFC [and NFB] boiler is the first we have seen from Navien with a plain English line-by-line display. A huge step forward when compared to previous code display models.

Packaging

Navien decided to go a new route with the NFC, something we haven’t seen from them in the past. Included with the NFC is a laundry list of additional components. First and foremost would be the stainless steel low-loss header designed specifically for the NFC [and NFB], its manufactured in house by Navien.

Additional components in the box include a “Naviclean” magnetic filter made by Adey and a universal temperature sensor that can be used on the supply or return system piping; parameters within the control allow for the choice of placement and control function if installed. Add to this you’ll find the usual parts like a pressure relief valve, outdoor sensor and even a 1″ iso valve kit with unions for the heating supply & return. An impressive accessory package to say the least.

Of course all these accessories add to the cost of the Combi. When added up individually the additional components would likely cost more than $1300, you can expect the contractor cost of a NFC 175 to price out about $1K more than the previous Combi (NCB), of course every market is different and discounts vary so your best bet would be to contact your supplier for current pricing.

Models

The Navien Firetube Combi (NFC) is available in two sizes, NFC 175 & NFC 200, the differentiating factor is the space heating capacity.

Specs:

NFC 175 – 18,000-175,000 Btu heating, 18,000-199,900 Btu DHW

NFC 200- 18,000-199,900 Btu heating, 18,000-199,900 Btu DHW

Both Combi units offer control and power of en external DHW circulator and up to 3 zones of heating control [pumps or zone valves] built in to the internal control and control board. This is a smart move by Navien in my opinion that will save contractors working in single or [up to] three zone systems to save on additional component costs. Outdoor reset is standard.

Now the wish list:

1: Include a tankless service valve kit. This is a premium combi at a premium price, the cost for the add by navien would be about $25-35 and when passed thru the channels probably an add on of $50-60 for us. Having to order or stock a separate item for install is higher cost and can delay projects. Just include it in the box, I don’t want to deal with this, I have too many other parts and pieces I need to worry about.

2: Package the accessory box separate or attach the outer box to the skid because the straps don’t hold the outter box secure and you definitely DO NOT want to unpackage anything until it’s in the room you’re installing it.

3: Add a 1/2” tapping on the front of the LLH that is included with the boiler. A low point drain is needed and that header is already long, add adapters to size down from 1-1/2” connections. I would use this 1/2” tapping for a drain, could be used for a tridicator gauge. Either way it would save me about $20 and time. This add on would not effect the LLH packaging.

4: Get rid of the dip switches. Integrate those settings into the control. They’re annoying and I’m nearly certain most installers don’t touch them.

5: Put a wire diagram, large print, on the inside of the boiler cover. The labeling at each terminal is extremely small, numbers would be better, but a large print schematic would be best.

Summary

I want to go on record by saying my wishlist is not a dig on Navien or their engineers. The quality and functionality of the NFC places it in the premium boiler category in my opinion but like any other equipment I have installed throughout the years I will find ways I think it could be improved. I wouldn’t focus on the list, my intention is Navien may consider it as feedback, none of the items on that list will keep me from buying another unit and installing it in my costomer’s home because I certainly will install more in the future. To me, that’s a true testament to the product’s design. Hope this helps.

AHR Expo “Best In Show” See Eric’s picks from the show!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8koTdbJsKa/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8ZkuJvJ48b/