Toolbox

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.

The TwinGrip is the industry’s first five-adjustment push-button slip joint pliers and features both front and side gripping areas KNIPEX Tools introduced its TwinGrip Pliers (82 01 200), the industry’s only slip joint pliers with a five-adjustment push-button. The TwinGrip features both front and side gripping areas. The unique front gripping area is ideal for Read more

The TwinGrip is the industry’s first five-adjustment push-button slip joint pliers and features both front and side gripping areas

KNIPEX Tools introduced its TwinGrip Pliers (82 01 200), the industry’s only slip joint pliers with a five-adjustment push-button.

The TwinGrip features both front and side gripping areas. The unique front gripping area is ideal for gripping stripped screws and bolts. The jaws of the side gripping area feature opposing teeth that allow the TwinGrip to grip round, square and hex materials with maximum force. With five adjustment positions, the TwinGrip offers a gripping capacity for diameters and widths across the flats from 5/32″ to 7/8″ with just the push of a button. The TwinGrip easily grabs flat objects with its three-point contact system.

The TwinGrip’s slim head design allows the pliers to work in confined, hard-to-reach spaces. Other features include a durable box joint design for great stability and a pinch guard to prevent an operator’s fingers from being pinched. The TwinGrip’s gripping surfaces have special hardened teeth (approx. 61 HRC) and the tool is made of superior high-grade chrome vanadium steel. In addition to non-slip plastic coating, the TwinGrip is available with multi-component grips (82 02 200).

“Over the past few years, we have worked with end users to see how we could make the standard slip joint pliers better. From these interactions we have designed a brand new, uniquely different slip joint pliers that we are excited to finally introduce to the market,” said Peter A. Grable, senior product manager for KNIPEX Tools. “The TwinGrip features a push-button adjustment and two-way gripping design, which allows users to grab onto damaged and stripped bolts and fasteners with ease, speed and confidence. Its flexibility, versatility and superior grip strength makes it perfect for any toolbox and one of KNIPEX’s most exciting releases to date.”

DEWALT announces the TOOL CONNECT™ Chip (DCE042), a Bluetooth® beacon add-on, that allows tools to easily and wirelessly work with the Tool Connect™ System. The TOOL CONNECT™ System is designed to seamlessly track, assign and manage jobsite inventory to optimize productivity, saving time and budget. Integrating the Chip adds tracking capabilities that are compatible with Read more

DEWALT, cordless tools, power tools, Tool Connect Chip, tool inventory, tool tracking, Dewalt Tool Connect Chip

DEWALT announces the TOOL CONNECT™ Chip (DCE042), a Bluetooth® beacon add-on, that allows tools to easily and wirelessly work with the Tool Connect™ System. The TOOL CONNECT™ System is designed to seamlessly track, assign and manage jobsite inventory to optimize productivity, saving time and budget. Integrating the Chip adds tracking capabilities that are compatible with TOOL CONNECT™ Site Manager software, available for web and mobile, which adds, manages, and tracks inventory for jobsite visibility. The TOOL CONNECT™ Chip can be installed in the designated pocket of Chip-Ready products to protect it from damage and is equipped with a blue identification light which helps locate and differentiate among identical tools.

DEWALT, cordless tools, power tools, Tool Connect Chip, tool inventory, tool tracking, Dewalt Tool Connect ChipThe TOOL CONNECT™ Chip is currently compatible with the following products that are available now, with plans to expand to 15 additional DEWALT power tools within the next year.

  • ATOMIC Compact Series20V MAX* Brushless Cordless 1-3/4-In. Bandsaw (DCS377)
  • 20V MAX* Brushless Hammer Drill with FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE™ Technology (DCD999)
  • 20V MAX* Brushless 4-1/2-In.-5-In. Cordless Grinder with FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE™ Technology (DCG416)
  • 20V MAX* Brushless Reciprocating Saw with FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE™ Technology (DCS386)
  • 20V MAX* Brushless 7-1/4-In. Circular Saw with FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE™ Technology (DCS573)
  • Select units within the ToughSystem® 2.0 Storage System

DEWALT also offers the TOOL CONNECT Tag (DCE041) which seamlessly integrates with 31 Tag-ready tools that are currently available, with several more in development.  The TOOL CONNECT™ Tag (DCE041) also attaches to jobsite assets regardless of brand, make, or model, using screws, zip-ties, industrial tape, glue and new corded tool tags held in place by security screws.

The TOOL CONNECT™ Chip will be available where DEWALT products are sold mid-year 2021 for $15 MSRP.  The TOOL CONNECT™ Tag is available now for $39 MSRP.

 

Cut 10-inch schedule 40 pipe in just over a minute with this purpose-built pipe saw from RIDGID, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio. RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, introduces a new tool for cutting pipe quickly and efficiently: the Pipe Saw. Whether in the fab shop or in the field, the Read more

Cut 10-inch schedule 40 pipe in just over a minute with this purpose-built pipe saw from RIDGID, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio.

RIDGID Pipe Saw, RIDGID Power Tools, plumbing, HVAC, plumbing tools, RIDIGID tools, tools of the trade, tool tipsRIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, introduces a new tool for cutting pipe quickly and efficiently: the Pipe Saw. Whether in the fab shop or in the field, the fully transportable Pipe Saw cuts 1-inch to 12-inch pipe up to a 1⁄2-inch wall thickness.

Designed for versatility, the Pipe Saw is configured to cut steel and stainless steel and with a quick switch to one of the optional blades it can cut plastic and cast steel. Eliminating the need to struggle with gas tanks, open flames, or handle loose tools, the Pipe Saw secures to the pipe with a rugged 3-point roller system that sets up and cuts up to 12-inch pipe in minutes.

Conveniently placed handlebars and feed rate speed monitoring with LED interface enable easily controlled rotation from a comfortable, ergonomic position. Built-in handles and dedicated cord wrap provide easy portability.

“Since introducing the RIDGID B-500 Transportable Pipe Beveller a few years ago, RIDGID saw a need for a portable cutting solution. Our new Pipe Saw is the answer and ideal complement,” said Larry Feskanich, senior global marketing manager, pipe fabrication, RIDGID for Emerson. “The speed and efficiency in making quality cuts, paired with its ergonomic and easily transportable design, make the RIDGID Pipe Saw an ideal cutting solution.”

The Pipe Saw comes backed by the RIDGID full lifetime warranty.

To purchase or learn more about the Pipe Saw, contact your local distributor, visit RIDGID.com,