All the major tool manufacturers have a cordless press tool available but only one has the most compact, most technologically advanced tool with the longest useful use interval between calibration service. Milwaukee’s M18™ FORCE LOGIC™ Press Tool Kit with ½” – 2” Jaws is the first brushless motor cordless tool on the market. The significance Read more
ShopTalk
All the major tool manufacturers have a cordless press tool available but only one has the most compact, most technologically advanced tool with the longest useful use interval between calibration service. Milwaukee’s M18™ FORCE LOGIC™ Press Tool Kit with ½” – 2” Jaws is the first brushless motor cordless tool on the market.
The significance of brushless design for a press tool is high. As we’ve experienced with multiple tools already built with brushless technology smaller physical designs and faster, more powerful performance ratings are now the norm. The case here is very much the same. The new M18 press tool is not only smaller and lighter but the performance ratings published by Milwaukee are faster and longer [presses per battery charge cycle]. This thing is a beast; easily the fastest cordless press tool I’ve ever used. 100+ presses per charge on a 5ah battery is not out of the ordinary so far in my experience. Load it with the 9ah pack and you’ll likely see double or more presses per charge.
The new brushless M18 tool is capable of handling up to and including 4” on Viega’s stainless system (ProPress XL-S), and up to and including 1” on Grinnell’s stainless system (Stainless Steel G-Press). Up to and including 2” on MegaPress. The 2773-22 kit will require additional jaw sets for stainless and MegaPress. As mentioned, the kit includes copper jaws up to 2″.
Competitor press jaws are compatible with the M18 tool so buying all new expansion jaw sets may not be required depending on your existing jaw sets.
Top Tools of 2016: #5
Top Tools of 2016: #6
- PC: Instagrammer @knarlycarl
Top Tools of 2016: #7
Top Tools of 2106: #8
Top Tools of 2016: #9
Tops Tools of 2016: #10
My #5 pick comes from ProStaffer Andy Mickelson. The E Instruments BTU1500 “All-In-One” flue gas combustion analyzer for hvac residential & commercial boiler and furnace installation & maintenance. This is a 5-in-1 tool giving you draft & differential pressure measurement, Flue and ambient temp sensing, combustion efficiency, ambient CO monitor and has a built in Read more
My #5 pick comes from ProStaffer Andy Mickelson. The E Instruments BTU1500 “All-In-One” flue gas combustion analyzer for hvac residential & commercial boiler and furnace installation & maintenance.
This is a 5-in-1 tool giving you draft & differential pressure measurement, Flue and ambient temp sensing, combustion efficiency, ambient CO monitor and has a built in manometer.
The built-in printer, magnetic holster and full color display (with zoom and backlight) make this thing easy to operate. Power comes from a rechargeable lithium ion battery or an AC adaptor. Internal memory will store up to 2K test results.
PC software is included with both the BTU1500-1 (gas) & BTU1500-Oil models along with Bluetooth connectivity for android devices. The mobile app allows for easy transfer of info in the field as well as saving info for a later date without requiring access to the analyzer.
Both models are built with pre-calibrated, field replaceable sensors. Sensors are typical electrochemical for O2, CO and H2. Carbon Dioxide readings are calculated. Warranty coverage is 2 years for both the analyzer and sensors.
Info courtesy of e-inst.com
My number 6 pick for 2016 is the SEEK CompactPro thermal imager for iPhone & Android. I’ve been using this tiny little powerhouse of an imager for months and each time I’m impressed at not only the advancement of thermal imaging technology and accompanying software but the many levels in which interested buyers can get Read more
My number 6 pick for 2016 is the SEEK CompactPro thermal imager for iPhone & Android. I’ve been using this tiny little powerhouse of an imager for months and each time I’m impressed at not only the advancement of thermal imaging technology and accompanying software but the many levels in which interested buyers can get their hands on these useful tools.
I use the iPhone model but both models and software are identical in their operation and capabilities. The CompactPro imager has a 320×240 pixel thermal sensor and a 32 degree field of view. There are plenty of other imagers out there with robust, impressive hardware stats but let me remind everyone that this is a pocket-sized device that quickly attaches to your phone or mobile device.
What’s most impressive about the SEEK CompactPro to me is the software within the free download app. I have been using other thermal imagers that offer different features, some I may even consider better but the app for the SEEK unit is definitely my favorite. The video mode and various measurement configurations and settings are piled high in the powerful app software and in comparison to others on the market this one is the best in my opinion.
The retail pricing I’ve found online for the CompactPro is $499. Similar imagers are priced lower but the software included in the package offer up some explanation for the cost difference now that I’ve ad my hands on it for a while. I’m not sure if this cost will be sustainable given the market already has a big name competitor offering a similar device for less. More on that unit later.
Top Tools of 2016: #7
Top Tools of 2016: #8
Top Tools of 2016: #9
Top Tools of 2016: #10
I like simple tools that solve a problem without over complicating the process. That’s exactly what you get with the Ridgid STRAPLOCK Pipe Handle. The STRAPLOCK pipe handle gives the user a solid grip on plastic pipe (it works for any type of pipe, really) while assembling solvent weld joints. I often work alone and Read more
PC: Instagrammer @knarlycarl
I like simple tools that solve a problem without over complicating the process. That’s exactly what you get with the Ridgid STRAPLOCK Pipe Handle. The STRAPLOCK pipe handle gives the user a solid grip on plastic pipe (it works for any type of pipe, really) while assembling solvent weld joints. I often work alone and the straplock gives me the leverage and grip to easily push or pull long lengths of PVC together without a wedge bar or having to run to the opposite end of a 20′ piece to hopefully drive it home.
The design is simple. The plastic resin handle is actually two pieces connected by the flexible, rubberized strap. One half of the handle mates to the other and thru what I’d call a cam-lock cinch the strap around pipe 3″-8″ in diameter and provide an extremely strong grip on wet or dry pipe. See the video below for a demo of how it works.
I’ve used the STRAPLOCK in trenches, overhead and everywhere in between. Although its intended use is as a handle it could be used as a wrench I suppose but the adjustment and re-positioning of an actual strap wrench would be more convenient. The STRAPLOCK pipe handle carries the famous RIDGID Full Lifetime Warranty and retails for around $25.
Top Tools of 2016: #8
Top Tools of 2016: #9
Top Tools of 2016: #10
My #8 pick for Best Tools of 2016 is “The Original CleanBoot”. Its a neoprene boot cover made to last multiple uses. Other shoe covers can be flimsy, almost dangerously slippery or only made for one use per pair. The Original CleanBoot covers address all of that. These covers go on easily, I wear a Read more
My #8 pick for Best Tools of 2016 is “The Original CleanBoot”. Its a neoprene boot cover made to last multiple uses. Other shoe covers can be flimsy, almost dangerously slippery or only made for one use per pair. The Original CleanBoot covers address all of that. These covers go on easily, I wear a size 11.5 work boot, the cover that fits for me is size large.
They have a loop at the heel to assist slipping them over your boot. The heel seam is reinforced for additional protection against wear and tear. They have a “Extra Grippy” sole for better traction on finished flooring such as carpet, hardwood & tile.
Strengthened stitching & glued seams allow for a super durable construction throughout the overshoe. These things are well made and have performed well for me, I’ve been using the same pair for a month. I’ve easily worn them over two dozen times already with no sign of failure on any part.
Top Tools of 2016: #9
Top Tools of 2016: #10