Toolbox

Webstone®, a brand of NIBCO, announces the new Pro-Pal® E-Tank Service Assembly. This patent-pending solution simplifies the installation and service of any hydronic expansion tank. Its forged brass design features isolation valves for the system, a dedicated drain valve, and a convenient union connection at the expansion tank to provide a greater degree of control during installation. An automatic air vent, pressure gauge, and steel mounting plate are also included.

Learn more: www.webstonevalves.com/propal

Griggs Moody of Milwaukee Tool demos the MX Fuel Pipe Threading Machine at PHCC CONNECT.

A smaller 6″ and larger 10″ model round out the product assortment

After much anticipation, KNIPEX Tools has released two additional TwinGrip pliers to the North American market. The original 8″ TwinGrip Pliers was released in 2021 and quickly became one of the most popular tools used across a wide range of industries. With its popularity came requests for additional sizes to tackle an even larger array of tasks.

3 Pc. Set (00 20 06 US4).

Both new models offer the same functionality as the original with varying capacities. The smaller 6″ TwinGrip (82 01 150) easily grips stripped screws and bolts with front & side gripping capacities of 1/8″ to 5/8″ while the larger 10″ TwinGrip (82 01 250) grips from 3/16″ to 1 1/16″. All models feature pushbutton adjustment – three adjustments for the 6″ and seven for the 10″ – allowing users to adjust the tool once and it stays. Other great features include a slim head for working in confined spaces, reliable front gripping of flat workpieces due to the three-point gripping system, and a pinch guard.

Peter Grable, KNIPEX Tools North America’s Senior Product Manager, played a large role in developing the original 8″ TwinGrip. “After spending time with tradesmen to better understand what gaps they had in their tool bag and how their standard pair of slip joint pliers could be better, we knew the TwinGrip would be a popular tool.” He continued, “The response was even better than expected so we quickly got to work with our colleagues in Germany to select the next sizes in the assortment”.

6″ TwinGrip (82 01 150)

The new TwinGrip’s are available for purchase individually or in a 3 Pc. Set (00 20 06 US4).

Two additional items are included in this month’s roll out from the pliers experts. First, a 12 Pc. 1000V insulated EV Kit (9K 00 80 168 US) was developed in partnership with EV auto mechanics and includes twelve of the most commonly used tools for EV work. Next, the 8 1/2″ PreciForce® Crimping Pliers (97 52 42) for solar cable connectors MC4/MC4 EVO 2. All new items are now available at select distributors across North America.

More information about the latest innovations can be found on the KNIPEX Tools North America website and YouTube channel.

For 25 years RIDGID has been the North American leader in press tool innovation

RIDGID®, part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio and the industry leader in pressing, introduces the latest innovative tool in the RIDGID compact press tool family that delivers powerhouse performance with total access. The RP 251 Press Tool delivers more in every press, working harder to help professionals work smarter and perform better on residential and commercial jobs with less fatigue and more efficiency.

Featuring endless 360-degree head swivel, the RP 251 reaches tight spaces from practically every angle and has an ergonomic design with forward-positioned trigger and in-line SlimGrip™ handle for easy, overhead one-handed use. It also comes equipped with a brushless motor capable of over 60,000 press cycles requiring no scheduled maintenance for maximized jobsite performance. An improved 360-degree LED light ring provides bright visibility in dark conditions for enhanced execution.

“The RIDGID RP 251 has a sleek new design and is made for effortless operation and less maintenance. It’s enhanced swivel and LED lighting let the tool get in even tighter spaces, while brushless motor eliminates scheduled maintenance and one battery charge will complete more presses than are typically needed in a day,” said Michael Provenzano, marketing director, press connections, RIDGID for Emerson. “We’ve offered the highest-performing, most durable press tools on the market for 25 years and for trade professionals who can’t afford to slow down on the job, RIDGID has a press tool to meet the most demanding conditions. We can’t wait for them to experience this latest generation compact press tool.”

The RP 251 is compatible with all RIDGID compact series jaws, rings, and actuators and can press up to 1 1/4″ (32 mm) on copper and stainless steel; up to 1 1/2″ (40 mm) on PEX tubing; and up to 1″ (25 mm) carbon steel; and up to 1 3/8” (35 mm) on copper tubing in refrigeration. It can complete up to 140 presses per charge with the 12V Li-Ion Battery.

The RP 251 also features advanced technology with Bluetooth® connectivity that pairs with the free RIDGID Link app for access to tool information, including amount of press cycles, service intervals, tool locking, battery status and more. It is backed by the RIDGID Full Lifetime Warranty.

To purchase or learn more about the RP 251 and entire line of press tools, visit RIDGID.com, or call toll-free: 1-800-4RIDGID.

RIDGID is celebrating 25 years as the industry leader in pressing this year. The brand first introduced press technology to North America in 1999 and has continued to help professional tradespeople utilize the platform to drive jobsite efficiencies. This commitment has led RIDGID to become the most recognizable name in pressing, with a product portfolio of innovative solutions that help professionals achieve fast, secure, and flame-free connections.

Emerson’s professional tools business, which includes RIDGID as well as the Greenlee® and Klauke® brands, provides the industry’s broadest portfolio of advanced, reliable tools and technologies for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades globally. Visit emerson.com/professionaltools for more information.