Way back in 1909, TJM DESIGN CORPORATION, formerly known as Tajima Tool Corporation, got their start as a manufacturer of steel tape rules, and has since become Japan's leading manufacturer of hand tools. As the proud owner of the Tajima brand of professional-grade tools, they strive to make tools that live up to the quality you would expect from that name. With a rich history spanning over a century, Tajima continues to uphold its tradition of excellence in tool manufacturing, offering exceptional products that set new standards of quality and functionality in the industry.
Tajima's journey began with a vision to create reliable and durable steel tape rules, but over the years, they have expanded that reach into several other types of professional tools. Tajima boasts an extensive catalog of hand tools that cater to the diverse needs of professionals across various industries. From the early days of steel tape rules to the present, Tajima has consistently pursued excellence in design, material selection, and production processes, which has contributed to the brand's reputation for exceptional tools.
With that reputation you can bet that Tajima offers a cornucopia of tools, and that selection is unique enough to help them stand apart from other brands.
One of the things you’ll find that’s somewhat unique to Tajima is their line of marking chalk – Chalk-Rite. Tajima's Chalk-Rite marking tools have revolutionized the way professionals mark lines. With precision and efficiency, these tools ensure accurate and clear markings on various surfaces, making them indispensable for layout and construction work. The Chalk-Rite system stores easily and comes out when you need to snap the line and mark with chalk.
In the course of using the Chalk-Rite, you will of course need to refill it. Thankfully, Tajima makes their own chalk dye refills. With this proprietary chalk you get a variety of options, including snap line dye, micro chalk, and fluorescent chalk. With this you can enhance the performance of Chalk-Rite tools, providing clear and visible lines for improved measurement in every task.
Branching away from marking, you’ll find Tajima has a huge variety of caulk guns under their Convoy brand. The Convoy series is designed to deliver consistent and smooth bead application ensuring you don’t dispense too much caulk. Each of the Convoy caulk guns is highly durable, ensuring hassle-free operation and reduced hand fatigue during long projects.
To further help you with layout and proper measurements you’ll be please to find that Tajima’s measuring tapes are renowned for their accuracy and durability. Crafted from top-grade materials, these tapes provide precise measurements, making them an essential companion for professionals in various industries. In addition to tape measures, you’ll also find a wide range of layout tools, including square layout tools, angle finders, and marking knives. These tools help professionals achieve precise and accurate layouts, streamlining their work and ensuring a high level of craftsmanship.
In addition to those great tools, Tajima offers a range of high-quality drywall tools, including taping knives and drywall saws, designed to simplify installation and achieve flawless finishes. Their utility knives are durable and safe, equipped with various blades for versatile cutting solutions. Additionally, Tajima's scrapers are ergonomic and effective for removing paint and debris. Their pull stroke saws are known for exceptional cutting capabilities, providing effortless and precise cuts. Lastly, Tajima's LED lights enhance visibility in low-light conditions, featuring adjustable brightness and long battery life for efficient workspace illumination.
For more than a century, Tajima Tools has maintained its status as a leading manufacturer of hand tools, driven by a commitment to excellence and innovation. From its humble beginnings with steel tape rules to its current expansive product lineup, Tajima's dedication to quality has remained unwavering. Professionals around the world trust Tajima tools to deliver exceptional performance, making them an indispensable part of their toolkit. With a global reach and a legacy of excellence, Tajima continues to shape the industry with its cutting-edge hand tools, setting new standards for quality and functionality in the market.
]]>Starting with their founder, an integral part of Vessel's philosophy encompasses the mindset of designing their tools around a "singleness of purpose" — to remain relevant in an increasingly superficial and gimmicky world and marketplace. By ensuring high quality, innovation and fair pricing go into every tool, Vessel’s core goal of customer satisfaction and a job well done are easily met.
In driving innovation, Vessel seamlessly incorporates advanced features into their tools without compromising quality.
Since screwdrivers remain their claim to fame, Vessel has dedicated extensive effort to drive innovation in this otherwise common tool. Their standard screwdrivers lead the way, boasting ergonomically shaped handles that provide optimal firmness and softness, minimizing strain during use. Beyond the conventional options, Vessel offers heavy-duty drivers with striking caps and spring shock absorption, stubby versions, insulated variations, precision screwdrivers, and ergonomic ball-handled screwdrivers all of which provide an array of choices to suit your needs. Furthermore, their redesigned "Megadora" screwdriver line showcases non-slip mesh, enhanced cushioning, and a visually appealing hexagonal handle for added comfort and aesthetics. In particular, the Megadora Impacta rotates 12-degrees when struck allowing you to get extra torque for those extra-stuck screws.
In addition, Vessel’s unwavering commitment to quality extends to other types of hand tools as well. Expect to find high level craftsmanship in their hex wrenches, available individually or in sets, some of which also feature a ball end for tackling tricky angles or stripped fasteners. Additionally, Vessel offers ratchets and socket sets, available in ¼" drive, 3/8" drive, or a combined set. Lastly, Vessel's reach goes even further, encompassing wire strippers, hammers and mallets, and an extensive assortment of bits.
In short, many of the common tools you need in your toolbox.
With their steadfast dedication to quality, innovation, and sustainability, Vessel exemplifies a company that genuinely values their customers and the excellence of their tools. Carrying Vessel in your toolbox is an assurance of uncompromising craftsmanship and a brand that stands true to its commitment to delivering exceptional tools.
]]>In what’s becoming a common story for some of our favorite brands, Estwing Tools was founded here in America by a hardworking immigrant, Swedish-born Ernest Estwing, in his basement of all places. His goal – to pursue the goal of making the finest hand tools possible and following that passion, Estwing helped his company grow. Now, a century later Estwing Tools has become synonymous with durability, precision, and superior craftsmanship. Whether you are a professional tradesman, construction guy, a lay-handyman, an expert geologist or even an amateur rock hound, Estwing offers a wide range of tools that will help you on the job or in the field. Take a look and see why Estwing Tools is a top choice for craftsmen all over the world!
Estwing Tools is a brand renowned for making tools of unmatched quality, each and every tool is meticulously crafted using high-grade materials, ensuring their longevity and reliability so when you’re using an Estwing hammer, axe, pry bar or one of their many specialty tools, like rock picks, you’ll know you can trust the quality of the tool at hand. This and the high percentage of “made in America” tools help set them apart from other toolmakers in terms of reliability. By making their products in America from American forged steel they’re able to have painstaking control over the final product ensuring peak performance and safety.
In addition to making their tools to last, Estwing also strives to make their tools functional, comfortable and easy to use through superior ergonomic design. Each Estwing tool is designed with balanced weight, shock absorption and comfortable grips making work far more tolerable. Any tradesman knows that comfort on the job means being able to do that job better and for a longer time so it makes sense that with Estwing’s ergonomic design you’ll get more work done…just don’t tell your boss.
With these foundations of high-quality materials, excellent workmanship and ergonomic design in place, you can be confident that Estwing has taken the time to design tools dedicated to performing specific jobs. You’ll find hammers for linesmen, bricklayers, framers, and metal workers as well as hatchets and geologist tools. If you need a specialty tool to hit, pick or chop something, there’s a good chance that Estwing makes it. Professionals all over the world have come to trust Estwing’s longstanding tradition of excellence and they’ve truly set the benchmark for quality and durability over the course of their long history. Whoever you are and whatever you need it for there’s an Estwing tool that will make your life easier!
]]>When you’re working, the most important job is safety, lest you “shake hands with danger.” That's why we're excited to announce that we’re now carrying one of the world’s best brands of safety products in the world – Pyramex! If you’ve never heard of them, Pyramex has been a trusted name in personal protective equipment (PPE) since 1991 so if you're looking for reliable and effective PPE for your job, Pyramex has got you covered!
Let's start with protecting your eyes, which is a crucial aspect of PPE and one of the most downplayed and overlooked. Pyramex offers quite a variety of options, from standard style safety glasses to goggles, and even more fashionable varieties with colored lenses for improved visibility. Depending on the model, many styles of glasses can potentially protect against UV radiation and other hazards. Some models even feature anti-fog technology to keep your vision clear. No matter what your needs are, Pyramex has a pair of glasses that will protect your eyes.
In addition to protecting your eyes, it's also essential to protect your head. Pyramex has a wide selection of hard hats available in different colors, styles, and with various features such as cooling pads or with extra shade. Regardless of what you’re looking for, it's essential to ensure that the given hard hat is compliant with industry safety standards for your job so be sure to read the specs carefully.
Hearing protection is another key aspect of PPE, and Pyramex has plenty of options for that too. You can find hearing protection in different colors and levels of protection, including traditional over-the-head models and behind-the-head models. Pyramex also offers an electronic option that can connect to audio devices via Bluetooth or reduce unsafe noises while enhancing normal sounds like talking. If reusable protection isn’t your thing, Pyramex also makes multiple styles of disposable in-ear models. There are plenty of options that will keep your ears comfortable and safe.
Last but not least, Pyramex offers high-visibility workwear to ensure safety in dark or poorly lit environments. You'll find jackets, coats, vests, pants, gloves, hats, and more in bright yellow, orange, or darker colors with reflective trim. The various styles also have multiple options for comfort and protection against the elements depending upon the weather you’re dealing with.
With such a wide variety of PPE products, there’s no excuse for putting off safety because there is a piece of PPE that will work for you and your job. Whether you need eyewear, hearing protection, hard hats, or high-visibility clothes, Pyramex has got you covered.
]]>At first glance, hammers seem to be the main focus of production for OSCA and for good reason – OSCA has nine different categories for hammers each with their own variations within those categories. Overall, there’s your standard hammer collection, then there’s the carpenter, mason, club, sledge, Nibbio, EVO (and EVO w/ anti-rebound), and copper/aluminum styles. Each of those features plenty of options to explore within each group. In addition to this variety of hammers you can also find axes, hatchets, pickaxes, chisels and case openers (crowbars, etc.) as well as spare handles should one need replacing.
Because of this selection, OSCA hammers are the perfect choice for construction work, carpenters, blacksmiths, electricians, automotive techs and really just about anyone who loves quality workmanship.
That quality workmanship is one of the key factors that sets OSCA apart from other brands. OSCA’s dedication to quality and their belief in staying accessible and focused on a high return in an increasingly globalizing world. Producing everything in Italy ensures that every tool that leaves their factory will be of the highest quality and complies with international quality standards. Furthermore, with their more localized focus they can even customize tools with laser engraving. In short, they’re big enough to produce tools for the high demand, but small enough to still care about the quality and the customer.
The last ingredient in the recipe for quality is of course making tools from high quality materials. All of OSCA’s steel tools are made from induction hardened C45 steel, copper tools come from double work hardened copper with a Brinell hardness of 80/100 and aluminum alloys also feature 80/100 on the Brinnell hardness scale. Lastly, wood handles are made from ash or hickory wood. Using materials of this caliber ensure that every tool made by OSCA will be one you can rely on to complete any jobs while also standing the test of time.
With the groundwork of strong dedication to quality laid out, you won’t go wrong investing in some OSCA tools for your collection!
]]>Like many of our favorite tool brands, PB Swiss started as a small village smithy that grew from making specialized contraptions for farming applications into becoming a toolmaker as their customer needs grew more specialized. The PB Swiss brand got its official start in 1878 when founder Paul Baumann took over ownership of the forge in Wasen, Switzerland and it’s remained in the family ever since. Once they started making tools, they tailored their focus to not only quality, but innovation, corporate responsibility and environmental sustainability as well.
Many of the tools made by PB Swiss are things you’d find in any tool box, but they are on a completely different level in terms of quality and precision. Screwdrivers and hex keys fit more snugly, ratcheting functions work more firmly, interchangeable blades fit more snugly, prybars and hammers are designed with extra toughness. Each tool feels incredibly solid in your hand, but not overly heavy. You’ll notice the quality just by holding one in your hands.
Part of what makes their tools stand out is the materials that go into making them. It goes without saying that they use high quality tool steel to ensure their tools are solid in all the work they do. The steel used by PB Swiss is a proprietary alloy based on the metal used for springs known for its extreme hardness. Their handles, however, are a little different from what you would expect – they’re made from cellulose acetate butyrate, a material derived from wood.
But PB Swiss isn’t just about making great tools – they’re also committed to sustainability and social responsibility. They prioritize the use of environmentally friendly materials and processes in their manufacturing, and are a certified CO2-neutral company. They also prioritize fair labor practices and are dedicated to supporting the local Swiss economy by sourcing materials and labor locally whenever possible.
PB Swiss’s commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability has earned them a loyal following among professionals and hobbyists alike. While their tools may be more expensive than some other brands, they’re worth the investment for anyone who values precision, durability, and quality.
Overall, PB Swiss is a testament to Swiss craftsmanship and attention to detail. If you’re looking for tools that will last a lifetime and perform flawlessly, look no further than PB Swiss!
]]>Wright Tools got its start out of the trunk of Wright’s car nearly 100 years ago in Ohio and they’ve kept their manufacturing here in America and Ohio specifically so they can keep a close eye on quality, and that has obviously paid off. Not only have they been a constant presence in American tool making, they’ve helped drive innovation as well – believe it or not, Wright was one of the first to come up with cushion grip handles! Their innovation has also led them to not only come up with other great ideas for tools, but has also led to their developing their own special steel alloy and hot forging process which makes tougher tools.
Because of their tough reputation, you’ll often find tools made by Wright in oil and gas jobs, mining, heavy-duty construction, and even in the most hostile environment possible – space. Because of this, it’s often said that the user of a Wright tool will break before the tool does. While that’s not necessarily the best visual picture to have, it certainly sells home the point of the durability. With that perspective and an affirmation from the CEO in 2021 to stay focused on quality, you can count on Wright and their limited lifetime guarantee which covers defects in workmanship or materials.
With that focus on quality in mind, you can have full confidence that any tool in Wright’s catalog is one you can trust. Whether you’re using Wright sockets, hammers, hex keys, pliers, screwdrivers, nut drivers, snips, torque wrenches, chisels/punches among many others, you can be confident that it will get the job done and withstand even the most challenging work environment. By adding some of Wright’s tools to your bag, you’ll be equipped with some of the best tools in the business!
]]>There used to be a time in our country’s past when you could buy many different products made in America, and seeing “Made in the USA” was often a sign of a quality product. Unfortunately, those days are long gone for the most part thanks to big box stores having a race to the bottom for the lowest price. As you might guess, that competition for the lowest price often means a sacrifice in quality and the loss of American jobs to move that production overseas to save money. While it is rare to find American made products anymore, thankfully there are still holdouts making things here in America.
One such holdout is Occidental Leather.
Occidental Leather got their start in 1980 in Sonoma County and ever since, they’ve carved out a name for themselves by making high quality tool belts, vests and suspenders. Not only are they made here in America, they employ professional artisans to make their gear, many of whom have been working at Occidental for 20 years! That’s years of experience going into each Occidental product made by workers who take pride in their work and that’s a sure sign of quality. Occidental so strongly believes in the quality of their artisans that they offer a two-year warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. As if that wasn’t enough, they also offer lifetime repair for any stitches or rivets that work their way out of sorts.
Not only does Occidental have a high bar for quality standards they also make their gear with the end user in mind, all Occidental tool belts, tool bags, totes and tool storage attire is designed specifically for a given trade as well as which hand is most likely to reach for a given tool or fastener. A framing toolbelt has different placement than a carpenter’s belt or electrician’s belt, for example. For those of you who’ve travelled down the left-hand path and consider yourself lefties, Occidental designs belts in the same manner for you too and those are denoted with an “LH” in the part number.
This means that every tool belt, SuspendaVest and work vest will help you store your tools, fasteners and more where it feels most natural to reach for them.
Speaking of work vests and SuspendaVests – those are two things that Occidental Leather makes besides tool belts and those have become something of a specialty. The key advantage to wearing a tool vest over a tool belt is that the weight of your tools moves from your waist to a possibly more appropriate loadbearing part of your body – your shoulders – and that weight is more evenly distributed than it would be on your waist. This helps to give your body a break from the traditional belt while keeping your tools close at hand. Occidental touts that the vest system is superior to that of a tool apron and given how popular the vests are and that there does not seem to be an Occidental tool apron, many tool users seem to agree. While the Occidental tool vest is more or less self-explanatory, the SuspendaVest serves as an alternative to suspenders and from there also works similar to the tool vest in concept.
So if you’re tired of tool belts and pining for a different way to carry your tools, checkout Occidental’s vest selection.
Occidental Leather has stayed true to their commitment to quality by keeping production here in America. They also offer so many styles of tool storage and they go to incredible lengths to design their tool belts and vests tailoring them specifically to the job you’re doing and the hand you’ll be using to do your work with that you’ll want to try one out for whatever job you’re working on. Occidental is an American tradition built on American quality and a great investment for anyone needing work gear they can rely on.
]]>Simply45 is comprised of industry pioneers who’ve been at it for more than 20 years. Some of their achievements include driving the development of HDBaseT® cables for enhanced performance in addition to completely redesigning the standard RJ45 into the Pass-Through RJ45 for superior performance. The Pass-Through connector, of course is a big deal because it uses three pins instead of the standard two to pierce insulation and grip the cable strands in the RJ45 ensuring a more solid connection and better communication. Simply45’s approach also improved existing technology by using high quality 24ct gold for more conductivity and improved performance whereas other brands tend to cheap out with lesser materials. Simply45 has done many more great things from there and continue to serve as a resource for ensuring network professionals get the best results from their products. They also provide resources such as how-to videos, datasheets, technical bulletins, instructions, events, RJ45 selection guide, and more.
The niche Simply45 has carved out for themselves ensures that their specialized selection of products will give you the options you need to ensure reliable networking. Under their Simply45 banner, you can find:
Plugs (color coded)
Tools
Under their SimplyTest category, you’ll find the most commonly needed test equipment. Cable verifiers, fault finders, tone and probe kits, coax testers and much more. Most of the available test devices feature everything you need to troubleshoot and test and also include a storage case to protect and organize your testers. If the testing equipment looks a littler familiar, it should, it’s “powered by” TREND Networks.
Lastly, there’s a group of products sold under the banner of “The Dongler.” You might be asking yourself, “just what exactly is the Dongler?” The Dongler is a unique answer to keeping your rat’s nest of cords (aka, Spaghetti Junction) from tangling and prevents loss of your all-important connectors making this a great tool to have near equipment for presentations so it’s ready to go every time. The Dongler is basically a wire ring that connects to a specially made combination lock and stores your Dongle adaptors. You can get them “Loaded” or “Unloaded” options. The Dongler also features adaptors, harnesses and an option for complete customization.
With Simply45 in your IT tool bag you’re going to be packing some of the best and most reliable networking products you can find and this means when you’re installing, maintaining and troubleshooting your network you’re making a network with incredible performance. Come check out what these industry experts have to offer!
]]>Protective eyewear is probably THE most important piece of safety equipment simply because they can and should be worn for literally every sort of job. From basic woodworking or sanding to painting, metal working and beyond. Protecting your eyes from potential flying debris is cheap, necessary and easy. Hazards to your eyes are present in every type of job and there’s no reason NOT to protect your eyes. Of course, since this protective eyewear should be worn all the time, you want something that is comfortable and can be worn for a long time without discomfort, or ideally, without even noticing them. With 3M protective eyewear, you have a huge variety of eyewear and they not only make many types of comfortable eyewear, they make eyewear that protects from a variety of hazards. Rest assured, 3M makes eyewear suitable for protection from virtually any job and in some cases even adds functionality with magnification, enhanced visibility and/or shade.
As you would expect, there are an overwhelming number of options if you want to get some 3M protective eyewear, but they can be divided up pretty easily within several different sub-brands. The most prolific brands would be: SecureFit, Metaliks, Solus, Virtua, BX, Light Vision, and Nuvo. There are more brands than these, but these are the most common brands.
First up is 3M’s SecureFit series of safety glasses. The SecureFit provides protection while also maintaining a high level of comfort. SecureFit protective eyewear features 3M Pressure Diffusion Temple Technology which appears to ensure a secure pressure for a snug fit on the face while simultaneously distributing that pressure over a wider surface area. SecureFit also comes with a rugged anti-scratch coating, UV protection and compliance with the ANSI Z87.1-2015 standard for impact protection. There are also many optional features available such as reader lenses, Scotchgard anti-fog coating, removable foam-lined gaskets (limits exposure to dirt and debris) and depending on the exact model, a plethora of lens colors. The SecureFit 600 has the most features, while the SecureFit 400 has a few less and finally, the SecuredFit 200 has the least. The 3M Metaliks and the 3M Solus glasses are comparable models. The Solus features adjustable ratchets at the temples, removable gaskets and more, while the Metaliks feature a metal frame and de-centered lenses for maximum eye coverage. You can read about both models here.
Another popular model of 3M safety glasses is the 3M Virtua Series. Depending on the specific type of Virtua glasses, this brand can offer protection from particulates coming from above if it features the brim on top. Most 3M Virtua glasses also feature protection against UV radiation, small impacts and provide resistance to scratches and antifogging. Virtua glasses are also available in a variety of styles and lens colors. The 3M Virtua series is typically used in construction, engineering, manufacturing, and light maintenance & repair work. In short, the Virtua brand is a good option for basic safety glasses when used properly.
The last few varieties of 3M protective eyewear each have their own unique features. 3M’s Light Vision glasses come with LED lights on the side so that you can easily illuminate things you are directly looking at while also protecting your eyes. 3M’s BX series and the 3M Nuvo series are safety eyewear in 3 different magnification powers (+1.50, +2.00, +2.50) for reading and precision work while in hazardous environments. Lastly, 3M also makes several varieties of safety goggles that of course protect from environmental splashes and chemicals when used as directed.
Whatever environment you find yourself in and whatever type of hazards you need to protect your eyes from, 3M makes eyewear that will protect you. We carry or can get virtually every style of 3M protective eyewear, so if you don’t see what you need, let us know!
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Wera’s self-setting spanner has made a name for itself as it can quite easily replace one or several adjustable wrenches in your toolbox. Whereas the traditional adjustable wrench is moved with a screw or dial every time you need to turn your fastener, the Wera self-setting spanner pulls back with a gentle press of your thumb and glides back into place when released. This feature will keep your thumb from getting sore continuously moving the dial back and forth. Simply pull the button back, position the wrench and lock it into place, release then go through the motions of using the wrench. You really only need your thumb on the first step and to get it loose at the end. Have a look of the XXL in action here which illustrates how much easier this tool is to use. With a 30-degree return angle, this tool can move really quick. In removing every annoyance about the traditional adjustable wrench, Wera has hit a home run with this tool!
The self-setting spanner is available in five different sizes which gives you a lot of options when you need to tackle some jobs. You can grab one in: extra small (7-10mm or 1/4“-3/8“), small (10-13mm or 7/16“-1/2”), medium (13-16mm or ½”-5/8"), large (16-19mm 5/8“-3/4“) and XXL (24-32mm or 15/16” – 1 ¼”). For the ultimate way to save, fill your toolbox and get convenient storage that’s compatible with Wera’s 2go storage system you can also get a four-piece set which includes extra small, small, medium and large. In one set you can get the four most commonly used wrench sizes and you actually save about $30 off of buying them individually so if you have a need for the various sizes, this would be the best way to get them.
Revolutionary design by the world’s Tool Rebels has given us a wrench/spanner that throws out everything wrong with the traditional adjustable wrench and makes everything right. With Wera’s self-setting spanner your thumb will rest easy and you’ll save a ton of time and effort on the job. Grab some now and feel the difference this redesign makes!
]]>Most everyone using Meguiar’s car care products are probably “Car Guys” on some level and Meguiar’s makes it easy for even the average guy to be a Car Guy. Anyone can use their products to get the a professional, showroom look out of your car. There are situations, however, that require the use of a power tool (usually a buffer) to work faster and get the most out of a Meguiar’s product and it’s a good bet that many Car Guys may not have a buffer due to the cost involved. Good news, you can now apply Meguiar’s products like you would with a buffer using Meguiar's DA Power System and a drill. DA stands for Drill Activated and it allows you to use your conventional drill with their G3500 Power System attachment to get the power and speed of a buffer while applying your chosen Meguiar’s products. With the DA Power System, you’ll be able to remove swirls, oxidation and stains while also being able to use it for applying polishes and waxes. A professional shine with everyday tools!
To get the most out of the Meguiar’s DA Power System it’s recommended that you use a 3/8” corded drill that operates between 1,200 – 2,500 RPM’s. The DA Power System also makes use of Dual-Action motion that, when used with the correct pad and compound, removes defects and oxidation while also delivering an epic shine and protective wax coating.
For best results with the DA Power System, you should, of course, give your car a good wash. Of course, you don’t have to be that thorough unless your car is really out of sorts, but at least a basic wash is recommended.
After the wash, it’s recommended to use the Ultimate Compound with the burgundy foam cutting pads (also sold in the Compound Power Pack) which will help you remove stains, oxidation, heavy swirls and scratches. The Ultimate Compound is a solution designed to cut quickly and easily remove surface defects. The pads will easily mount onto the DA Power System, after that, you can apply the compound to the pad and follow the directions for best results. Once the defects have been removed, wipe away any extra product that remains using the Meguiar’s Microfiber Towel for best results and then you’re ready for the polishing stage if you so choose.
If your car’s paint job is in relatively good shape with few defects (like lite swirls) you can skip the compound and use the Meguiar’s yellow foam polishing pad with the Ultimate Polish available separately or in the Polishing Power Pack. Polishing is the final step to do before moving on to waxing and gives your paint job a deep and rich shine. After applying the polish with the DA Power System, be sure to wipe off any excess before moving on to waxing. The polish is less aggressive than the compound and can be used instead of Ultimate Compound or just after to remove any lingering haze that can occur.
The last step as you might expect is waxing which will create a protective seal for your paint job. Meguiar’s recommends the black foam wax pads and Meguiar’s Ultimate Liquid Wax, also available in a DA Waxing Power Pack. Applying the wax is more or less the same process you followed for the Ultimate Compound and Polish including the cleanup of excess when you’re done. A normal sized car can be waxed with the DA Power System in as little as 30 minutes. Although you can use any Meguiar’s Wax, the Liquid Wax that comes in the Power Pack will create a lustrous shine, bright reflections and most importantly protection all while leaving a show car finish.
Once you’re done with the polishing and waxing, the pads are all reusable and believe it or not, they can be thrown into your normal washer and dryer so they’re clean and ready to go for the next adventure!
With Meguiar’s DA Power System detailing your car has become something you can do easily, in a small amount of time at home with no special tools. You can remove defects from your paint job, polish and wax your car with a standard drill and it looks virtually as though you’ve had a professional detailing with a buffer. If you like to detail your car a lot or just wanted to learn how to get that professional looking shine at home then Meguiar’s DA Power System is perfect for you!
]]>Fire safety is important during construction projects and one of the most useful tools you can use to help make a given building or area safer from fire is 3M Fire Barrier Pillows (medium and large). 3M Fire Barrier Pillows can be used in conjunction with 3M’s Fire Barrier Moldable Putty Stix MP+ and MPP+ (pads and one more type here) as well as Fire Barrier Rated Foam FIP 1 to seal up open areas in between walls and utility conduit and thus create a seal that prevents smoke, fire and gasses from spreading. In its inert state, the fire pillows already create a relatively tight seal, but when activated by the intense heat of a fire, the Fire Pillow’s intumescent properties activate and it expands to create an even tighter seal buying much needed time to escape from the fire.
But how does it work?
The Fire Barrier Pillows work in a number of ways, both while being installed and then when in action during a fire. First, when being installed, the Fire Barrier Pillows are incredibly easy to use, they can be stacked on top of each other and compressed to fit into a small space. Interlocking strips secure the pillows to each other so they stay in place and if needed, the Fire Pillows can also be cut lengthwise then sealed up with two-inch-wide packing tape. Once stacked and cut to the proper size to seal up fire stop openings you can also add some 3M Fire Barrier Moldable Putty Stix MP+ and MPP+ for added barrier protection.
Once installed 3M Fire Pillows will muffle noise and most importantly provide protection from fire and smoke in an emergency. You can see a different brand of fire pillow in action here and firestop here to get a general idea of how it works. The basic level of safety comes in the standard blocking that comes with installation, however, once the 3M Fire Barrier Pillows heat up to 392°F/200°C with a fire, their intumescent properties kick in and they start to expand. This of course starts sealing any leftover openings and makes existing seals even more secure. Substantial expansion from heat begins at 536°F/280°C and at that point the pillow forms a char that creates an incredibly tight seal preventing further spread of flames, smoke and gases. This specific product is firestop tested for up to 3 hours of protection in compliance with ASTM E 814 (UL 1479). Once activated, expanded and once a char has formed, the room being protected by the fire pillows will enjoy a certain amount of protection from the hazards of a fire and smoke which, again, will help you have extra time to get to safety.
The 3M Moldable Putty + and MPP+ pads provide a cold smoke seal and are Firestop tested up to 4 hours (it helps create a firestop penetration seal for 4 hours in a fire) to comply with ASTM E 814 (UL 1479) & CAN/ULC S115 standards and the MPP+ are Firestop tested for 4 hours to comply with ASTM E 814 (UL 1479). At maximum capacity, the putty is capable of expanding a minimum of 3 times at 1000°F! The putty sticks are flexible, can fit into nearly any opening and don’t get dry or crumble and, under normal conditions, they are not corrosive to metal or cable jackets. The Moldable Putty Stix appear to be relatively safe in that they have a low VOC, are free of halogen and are made of a solvent-free formula which produces minimal odor. The MPP+ is more or less the same as the sticks, just in the form of a pad giving you another option for installation. The pads are good for something like covering a voltage box or to cover other uniquely shaped surfaces that the pillows and putty would otherwise be unable to.
An alternative to the putty, or something to use in conjunction with it, is 3M’s Fire Barrier Rated Foam FIP 1. This foam expands after installation and creates a seal much like the Putty Stix. During a fire, the FIP 1 foam is Firestop rated for 2 hours according to ASTM E 814 (UL 1479) and CAN/ULC S115 and like the Fire Barrier Pillows the FIP 1 foam expands when exposed to fire. These three options can help you create a virtually perfect seal and fill in the gaps that remain after installing the Fire Barrier Pillows.
When used properly, the 3M Fire Barrier Pillows, the Moldable Putty Stix, pads and FIP 1 foam will help provide added safety during a fire emergency. They expand to create an incredibly secure seal which prevents smoke, gases and flame from spreading which will keep the air more clear and allow everyone ample time to escape to safety. 3M Fire Barrier products are an incredible safety tool that can potentially save lives and reduce damage in a fire.
]]>There’s no doubt that when you’re working in an autobody shop or other types of workshop environments, you need an area that’s clean and organized. This is important not only for safety, but organization also saves money by reducing time to look for needed tools/materials and it also helps keep materials in a nice condition so that they can be used which of course saves money replacing them. It also helps if your storage solution is mobile so that it can be brought to, or mounted at, the needed work area which will of course save time in taking trips to gather materials. For paint shops and autobody shops, 3M Dispensers for Large Area Masking provides organization, mobility and easy access while working and there are several options that will help in multiple situations.
The first and perhaps most versatile option for large area masking is 3M’s 06781 Scotch Cart Masker which, as you might guess, is a mobile cart that can store important masking materials and move them to wherever they are needed in the shop. It should be noted that paper and tape are not included with the cart, however, the Cart Masker has a number of great features including:
The cart makes it incredibly easy to handle rolls of masking paper, simply unroll the needed length and use the knife bracket to rip it off. You have the option of dispensing the paper alone or with masking tape attached. The cart also keeps materials off the floor – and therefore clean – which means they will stick to the car or other surface that needs masking. Lastly, the cart is narrowly designed so that it can be easily maneuvered through the tight confines of your average workshop or keep it in the supply room when not in use. In short, the Scotch Cart Masker is a super convenient mobile storage and dispensary for all your workshop’s masking needs.
Another tool for masking needs in your shop is the 06780 3M Overspray Protective Sheet Masker. Weighing in at 20 pounds, the Overspray Masker can be easily moved and used vertically or horizontally. The dispenser also features double steel brakes which keeps the unit stable while dispensing. 3M’s Overspray Protective Sheet Masker also includes the following features:
Overall, 3M’s Overspray Protective Sheet Masker will save money by keeping your shop clean and organized as having plastic sheeting, overspray protection and masking films easily accessible with a convenient dispenser will again save time on the job.
The last few tools that help with 3M masking are three different apron tapers which includes 06864 Scotch Slimline Apron Taper, 06865 Scotch Apron Taper 18” and 06866 Scotch Apron Taper 36”. Each of the three is similar and has the same basic features which includes:
The apron tapers do not require mounting, though you can mount them to the wall or a table with four 5/16” holes in the tubular frame. The knife bracket also pivots for proper cutting while mounted on the wall. The apron tapers also allow masking tape to be dispensed with masking paper simultaneously meaning it’s ready for action off the roll. Each of the holders will hold most ¾” Scotch masking tapes and models are available for 18” and 36” masking paper rolls.
Loading the paper and tape is also easy, technicians install the roll on the apron taper, attach the tape then thread it through the knife bracket. Once loaded it can be pulled to the proper length and torn off evenly.
With 3M’s dispensers for masking you will keep your work areas organized, have the ability to move and mount tape dispensers where you need them most and in doing this you will keep materials clean and save time all of which translates to saving money. For those doing the work it will make their jobs much easier meaning a happier day on the job!]]>First and foremost, the locating and marking system works in all soil types (including wet and dry), under asphalt/cement and depending on the marker, can be detected anywhere from 2ft underground all the way down to 8-9ft underground depending on the setting. Each level of depth of course requires a different, stronger marker as outlined below and in the graphic.
The markers help make identification quick, easy and accurate as the markers, tapes and ropes are color coded for each type of utility making it easy to find. The markers also show: facility data, application type, size and shape of the material and the date the marker was placed. This means once you scan the marker, you’ll know exactly what’s below you and where it is. The variety and versatility of 3M’s markers gives you reliable results and data nearly instantaneously.
You can also write to and program to the markers with the Dynatel EZ-Stations but you can also get the writer and the stand separately. You can write to up to 10 RFID markers separately and program them to properly identify all types of utility resources located underground.
Once you’ve placed the markers or need to investigate a place that has markers, they can be found with one of several 3M Dynatel locators. There are several different styles available, each with their own features. There is of course some overlap in features, but they become optional depending on the model. You can refer to the graphic to easily compare the main attributes. They all of course feature accurate readings and simple, clear and easy to read displays making your job much easier.
First up is the 3M Dynatel Pipe/Cable/EMS locator 7500 series and it comes fully loaded. Using six active frequencies (four induction frequencies with maximum power) it can locate/read/write electronic markers, measure cable/pipe/sonde depth, identify cable pairs, tone shorts and grounds in aerial cable, detect energized power cable, measure signal current in cable or pipe, and as you would expect, the specialized markers. Other helpful features it includes are GPS compatibility, passive power, EMS tape and rope location and it can also come with an optional rechargeable 2200RB battery. This is really the one that does it all.
The Dynatel 2500 series locators and even the 2200M series also share many of the same features, although most of them come as optional. Features include the ability to locate/read/write to the electronic markers. The 2500’s do not locate the EMS marking tape and rope, so if that feature is not needed this could be a good option. The 2250M/2273M models (there are multiple models in each part category) use directional peak combines the response from four peak antennae to indicate left/center/right direction to the cable/pipe and features a multi directional null that shows null signal and automatic gain. These models also use multiple antennae to show cable/pipe location and direction and they also feature ultra-sensitive special peak for extreme depths.
In addition, both the 2500 series and 2200M series come with the following built-in features:
If you only need to locate tapes, ropes and markers, 3M’s Dynatel Marker EMS Tape locator 7420 is the perfect tool for the job. The Dynatel 7420 detects all frequencies of 3M EMS path marking tape/rope as well as industry standard electronic markers and frequencies to a depth of 9 feet. With the push of a button, it can also give an estimate of depth for passive iD markers and EMS tape. It can also read and write iD markers. Lastly, the 7420 series can communicate via GPS and perform GIS mapping of pipe cable paths and electronic markers. All of this can be easily seen via the large backlit, high-res display. The Dynatel 1420 also features these same abilities but does not locate tape/rope.
With 3M’s Dyantel location devices, markers, ropes and tapes, you’ll be able to find almost any utility line and also mark and label them to make sure they can be found and identified properly later on. Useful for construction crews and jobs, utility workers and other professionals these markers and locators making digging easy and safe.
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The most common or widely recognized application for epoxy, and probably one of our bestselling types of epoxy, is epoxy adhesive or bonding agents. 3M makes a multitude of different epoxy adhesives that work for many different applications. The 3M Scotch-Weld epoxies come in cartridges and this style is probably the most recognizable, even with its many varieties. Scotch-Weld also comes in a 2-part tube variety or in 2-part cans that need to be mixed prior to application. In addition to 3M we also carry epoxy adhesives made by MG Chemicals which includes standard epoxy types as well as silver epoxy which is conductive for use with electronics. Each type has its own requirements for storage and use, different cure times and key differences in what they bond, so be sure to have that in mind as you search for the right epoxy adhesive.
In addition to being used as an adhesive, epoxy can also be used as a protective coating, although if it is, it often needs another layer of protection after curing to protect against UV radiation which causes epoxies to degrade over time. Like adhesives, epoxy coatings come in several varieties like silver coated copper epoxy conductive coating for electronics applications or epoxy coatings under 3M’s Scotchkote brand. There’s also epoxy potting compound which helps protect electronics and integrated circuits against a number of hazards. Some of the uses for epoxy coatings include industrial pipes, marine vessels, automotive, crack repair, floor coating and more.
Although there are still many other types of epoxies that are made, there is one more type to mention based on types that we carry and that is epoxy tape. Epoxy tape is exactly what it sounds like, liquid epoxy converted into the form of a tape that you can stick to whatever you’re working on and then once in place take it through the proper curing process, usually heat treating. Epoxy tape is used in many different applications including the automotive and aerospace industries. With the flexibility that application via tape provides it removes all of the mess of mixing as well as the downsides that come with using an applicator. Epoxy tape is also available in different thicknesses, thicker adhesive layers in the tape create a more elastic bond while thinned adhesive layers create a firm, non-pliable bond. The main advantage to using the tape is the ability to cut it into the precise shape and apply it to the precise location where the epoxy is needed.
With this variety of epoxies to choose from you can easily find one – or several – that will work for whatever job you need it for. Whether you need epoxy for circuit boards, bonding, sealing, coating or other work, we carry something that will get the job done. All of the epoxy we carry is made by manufacturers with a great reputation, 3M and MG Chemicals for the most part, so you can trust it to do the job you need!
]]>While everyone may have their own methods for giving their cars a showroom shine, Meguiar’s has their own recommendations as to how to get the best results from their car care products. They have a 5-step method that is pretty much guaranteed to bring out the best in your car. Their UK office has a few different recommendations in terms of other products to use and their video is tailored to black cars specifically so both videos will help provide great tips. It’s also important to make sure you’re using the correct product for the finish of your car, so make sure to watch the linked videos as Meguiar’s puts some helpful hints in there and it’s important to read and understand the directions on the product for best results.
The first step to cleaning up your car is of course to wash it. As surprising as that might be to some, this first step gets rid of the majority of contaminants. Meguiar’s also stresses that it’s important to use a properly formulated car wash and not dish soap, chiefly because dish soap will actually strip your wax finish. Instead of dish soap, Meguiar’s recommends using the Gold Class car wash, although in the UK video they start out with Meguiar’s Ultimate All Wheel Cleaner, wash that off after 2-4 minutes and then apply Ultimate Snow Foam. Once the Snow Foam has been applied, they let it marinate for a few minutes then power wash that off. While both detergents are effective, the Snow Foam probably is a little more fulfilling to use and wash off. If you want your car to look nice, it’s recommended that you wash your car once a week when possible.
After the wash, it’s time for the cleaning and prepping step. Most people don’t do this after a car wash, but then again, Car Guys are not most people. There are quite a few things that can and should be done at this stage. Meguiar’s recommends using the Smooth Surface Clay Kit which comes with a bottle of Quik Detailer and several bars of detailing clay. If appropriate for your car, you might also try the Hybrid Ceramic Quik Clay Kit. You can also buy the detailing clay separately and it comes in one of several varieties from mild to aggressive. Detailing clay isn’t actually clay, but rather clay-like resin which pulls dust and other stuff out of the pores in your car’s paint job which of course prolongs the life of your car’s paint. The Meguiar’s UK video gives a great demonstration of how to use this, basically get a good amount of Quik Detailer on the surface, then apply the clay and move it with lite, “fingertip pressure.” Once you’re done, you’ll likely see a lot of gross stuff.
The cleaning and prepping stage can also include some attention to removing swirls and scratches. This can be done with either Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound or Meguiar’s Swirl Remover. The Ultimate Compound can be applied by hand with polishing pads or the pads can be used with a polisher like this one and then wiped away with a Supreme Shine Microfiber towel. The results at this stage are rather incredible.
After cleaning the car of any defects, or if it didn’t have any to start with (because you obviously care for your car meticulously) you can move on to the polishing step. The originally linked video recommends the Deepcrystal Polish, however that is an old video, so you can instead use Meguiar’s Ultimate Polish. The polish stage helps remove a lot of subtle imperfections and really helps get you to a point where, once you apply wax, your car will look amazing. Our friends in the UK come through again with a great demonstration of how to use this as well as the helpful hint that you need to wax your car after polishing to add a layer of protection because polishing involves abrasives that strip out the surface coat and it needs to be rebuilt with wax.
When you’re ready to wax your car you have a lot of options. Meguiar’s initial video recommends Gold Carnauba Wax or the NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0, but you can make it even easier by using Meguiar’s Ultimate Quik Wax. For maximum protection, it’s recommended to wax your car three to four times per year. The wax stage really helps add that shine back to your paint job, but most importantly helps protect your car’s paint from the elements and environmental contaminants.
Once your car is washed, cleaned and protected and you want to keep your car looking nice throughout the year you should use some Ultimate Quik Detailer to do some spot cleaning on dust, fingerprints, bird poop and other light imperfections. You can get one of the two versions. This step should be done periodically, maybe between washes and should only take a few minutes.
After all of that work, and once you’ve cleaned your wheels in Step 1, you don’t want your tires to feel left out. Once they’re clean and dried, it’s time spruce up your tires with Meguiar’s Endurance Tire Gel. It’s pretty simple to use, small amounts on the applicator can do a lot of work. Apply it to the tire, wipe off any excess and allow it to dry for about a half an hour before driving and your tires will be as shiny as the rest of your car.
By following these general guidelines you can give your car the car show treatment and have it looking like a million bucks at an incredibly low price with Meguiar’s car care products. Whether you have a normal car that you just want to look nice or you’re a dedicated Car Guy bringing your hot rod to shows, you’ll get great results with Meguiar’s!
]]>Today, 3M’s abrasive technology doesn’t stop at sandpaper, it encompasses several other types of abrasive technology including general abrasives, sanding discs (and backing pads), sander belts, abrasive wheels, brushes, hand pads and finishing sanders all of which are able to be used across a variety of industries including the aerospace industry, automotive, woodworking, metalworking and more. Whatever you need 3M abrasives for, we carry the right one.
Looking at the broad category of abrasives, there really is an overwhelming amount of stuff to choose from and even narrowing it down by the industry and types of abrasive within each industry is daunting. More than likely, if you work in a given industry you’ll know which abrasives you need and if you’re unfamiliar with abrasives you can explore more in depth on 3M’s website for information about abrasives used in each industry. Some of the highlights of abrasives we carry include, but certainly are not limited to, many various types of abrasive A/O Spiral Bands, 3M Roloc Radial Bristles (including disc pad assemblies, bristle discs, Fibre discs and more), a host of various Cloth Band grinders like this one, 3M cartridge rolls like this, Scotchbrite cut polish brushes and much more. Whatever 3M abrasive product you need, we have it.
Beyond 3M’s copious offering of general abrasive products, they also, unsurprisingly, continue to make sandpaper. While there are many types of sandpaper, it is somewhat easier to explore than the general category of abrasives. The most common uses for sandpaper are usually woodworking, automotive and various metal work. Home improvement expert Bob Vila gives some excellent guidelines for selecting the right sandpaper here and he gets into the nitty gritty details on the various grit sizes of sandpaper as well as the various minerals they make sand paper out of. One basic thing to remember is that the larger the number is on your grit size, the finer the grit and smoother the sand you’ll get. We carry standard sandpaper in various grit and weights, just a few example of this would be 3M 80 D-weight sandpaper, 3M 180 grit sandpaper, and unique sanding products like the 3M Microfine sanding sponge. We also carry many types of sandpaper on large rolls. Also available is the full line of 3M’s specialty Wetordry sandpaper which can be used, you guessed it, with or without water. Just a few of the options for Wetordry include this C-weight sandpaper, smaller packs like the 400 grit Wetordry or the 800 grit, 2000 grit Wetordry, and Wetordry sanding sheets. Many of these sanding sheets can also be used with 3M’s rubber sanding block to make sanding even easier.
Beyond sandpaper, there’s also sanding discs for use with the proper machinery to go with it. Many of these would be used with a disc pad holder kind of like this one, a Stikit (used with this abrasive disc roll or this pad) or this Hookit Disc Pad (used with this clean sanding disc pad) depending on the equipment and disc you’re using. 3M also makes Fibre discs, more Cubitron discs and more Roloc options as well. Each of these niche abrasive/sanding tools is meant for specific tasks and they are all great tools allowing you to get sanding and other work done with power and speed. Take a look through the full catalog of sanding discs to find the right one.
Similar to the sanding discs, 3M sander belts are also available. These replacement belts are intended for one of several machines like a benchtop motor, centerless grinder, file belt sander and inline sander. 3M’s website gives an excellent breakdown of the best belt for each material making it easy to choose the right replacement for working with aluminum, carbon steel, cast iron, nickel alloy, stainless steel and titanium. Since 3M made that one easy to buy for, you should probably be able to identify what you need on their site and then search for the one you need directly on our site.
3M has been in the abrasives game for well over a hundred years and while they had some early failures, they were able to learn from their mistakes to make products that have earned them a great reputation. If you need the best abrasives, sandpaper, sanding discs/belts and more for all manner of industrial applications come on by and check out our full catalog of 3M abrasive and sanding products!
]]>One element that sets Greenlee apart from other tool brands, apart from their high voltage and industrial type tools, is their range of tools for electrical installation. Greenlee makes many tools for working with electrical conduit like benders, pipe carts, bent conduit carts, many types of conduit pistons (to help get cable through the conduit), pulling lubricant, fish and glo rods, pipe cutters, fish tape, crimpers, cutting pliers, and many more tools that will help you perform electrical installations quickly, easily and most importantly, safely. Few if any other toolmaker offers this kind of variety for electrical work.
In addition to specialty tools for electrical installation and high voltage, Greenlee also makes standard, high quality tools that you can rely on in your daily work as an electrician, plumber, general contractor, carpenter or all-around handyman. Great finds for your tool bag would include screw drivers and screwdriver sets, L-keys and hex keys, T-handle drivers, standard pliers, needle nose and locking pliers, Pre-assembled toolsets, wrench sets, nut drivers and more. Having quality tools on hand means that not only will your tools withstand the rigors of the job you’re doing, they’ll also ensure that the things you’re working on stay in good condition too. Using a low-quality screwdriver for instance may damage the screw rendering it unusable while damaging the tool as well. When you use tools that are properly made, they will ensure damage won’t occur when you’re fixing something. Greenlee’s standard hand tools will make sure that doesn’t happen when used correctly.
Greenlee is also well-known as a leader in equipment for low voltage, high voltage and specialty testers. The low voltage testers include multimeters and clamp meters of which there are dozens to choose from. Everything from basic pocket meters up to various electrical kits for more extensive and specific tests are available. Greenlee’s other specialty testers encompass megohmmeters/insulation testers, HALO high voltage ammeters, capacitor testers, cable length meters, digital voltage indicators and many more. There are multiple individual models for each type of tester, so if you don’t see the one you want, let us know!
These tools are just a few of the areas where Greenlee Tools excels. With the entire catalog up, there are way more tools than we can go over here, but these are the first few categories you should check out if you’ve never heard of Greenlee and if you do those jobs these are the first batch of tools you might need. You can take a look again at the entire collection if there’s something special you’re looking for. If you’re a fan of Greenlee, please consider leaving us some product reviews, we’d love to hear from you!
]]>There are a large variety of 3M (or other brand) Wire Marker solutions, and it’s a little overwhelming at first, but under the category of “Cable Management” on our 3M page you can see everything we have there. 3M Wire Marker products can be broken down into three main categories. They are categorized by dispensers, tape refills, and Wire Marker books. By making use of the 3M Wire Marker products you’ll be able to turn “Spaghetti Junction” into an organized and serviceable work environment.
Probably the first question on everyone’s mind would be, “why use this instead of tape and a marker?” There are actually several advantages that 3M Wire Markers bring over tape and other labelling options. Probably the most important features to consider are that using the Wire Markers saves time and adds protection and durability ensuring that labels won’t fall off. Each of the 3M Wire Marker dispensers holds 10 rolls of pre-marked or colored tape rolls and the dispensers offer some protection to the rolls from contaminants on the job. By doing this, the rolls of tape are sure to remain sticky when you need them to be. The dispensers also save time because with pre-marked rolls that tear off easily, you’ll be able to grab one and move to the next instead of having to stop, tear, wrap, write and repeat. The dispensers also hang conveniently from a tool belt making it super easy to have 10 rolls of tape handy. We offer empty dispensers singly or by the case and also pre-filled with various styles of tape like: 0-9, 0-9X, and also in NEMA colored rolls STD-C (colored rolls), STD-CX (colored rolls). The chief difference between the part number with the X and without is that X denotes a case of 10 whereas the absence of the X indicates a case of 25. The absence of X could also potentially note the sale of individual rolls depending on description and price. One or more dispensers might be of use to you, though it depends upon what kind of project you’re working on.
Of course if you’ve purchased a dispenser only, or you’ve run out of Wire Marker tape, you need to either fill or refill your dispenser and there are many options to do that. Refills are available in packs of 10 numbered or lettered rolls, like this SDR 10-19, also available in NEMA colored packs instead of numbers. You can also get single refills like just the number 6 or just the color red and you could get multiple rolls of whichever single you chose. You would have to search for the specific one you need. There are far too many options to go through individually but you can check the table for available sizes and let us know if we don’t have the one you want listed.
The advantage of the Wire Marker tapes over standard tape is that it’s far more durable and resistant to environmental contaminants and wear. The tape is an eight-foot roll made of non-smear polyester making for easy cleaning as needed and backed with high tack acrylic adhesive for strong adhesion. The tape is designed to resist solvents, oils and water and will stick to insulated surfaces. The tape is also designed to withstand moderately extreme conditions like temperatures between -40°F (-40°C) to 250°F (121°C). Compared to regular tape, this will last a lot longer so it’s a good investment to make and that’s why you should use it over conventional tape.
If you still prefer to write your own labels there are several different write-on Wire Marker dispensers like this one. Each of the kits we have listed should come with a durable plastic dispenser, a spool of special blank tape and a marker. There are also refills available. This tape, while not exactly the same, is for the most part comparable to the pre-printed tape with some minor differences. You can see the Write-On label in action here. It’s a fast and easy way to get your custom labels with something more durable than regular tape and marker.
The last piece of the wire marker puzzle is the wire marker book. These are intended for smaller projects and include pre-printed vinyl coated cloth wire and terminal markers with 15 different pre-printed books to choose from, broken down in the table. The books contain far fewer labels than the average spool and come in the same pre-made labels as mentioned before. It does not appear that the NEMA colors are available in the book. You can also get Write-on Wire Marker book which comes in the part numbers SWB-01, SWB-02, SWB-03, and SWB-04. The blank, write-on stickers come in multiple sizes and they can be affixed like any of the other labels making organization easy and affordable both now and in future projects.
Cable management has never been easier than with 3M’s Wire Marker products. Labels are available in multiple letter combinations, approved NEMA colors and blank/write-on options. It’s as easy as hanging the labels from you belt and cutting off what you need as you need it. The benefits of having clearly labelled cables saves an incredible amount of time when you need to service them because they’re already identified and you won’t make a mistake grabbing the wrong one.
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Invented in the late 50’s and early 60’s by Paul M Cook of Raychem, the original patent for heat shrink tubing describes extruding and stretching plastic/polymer tubes (up to 400 – 800% times larger) then treating or curing the tubing in such a way that when heated (usually by a heat gun) to a certain temperature, the tubing shrinks back to the original size. This shrinking is basically caused by the heat disrupting or melting the crystalline structure that upholds the expanded size. So basically, it’s not really shrinking, it’s returning an enlarged tube back to its normal size.
But it’s so much easier to say heat shrink tubing.
Cold shrink tubing is cold in the sense that it doesn’t activate by use of heat and instead shrinks by way of removing the central support tube. There isn’t as much information online about the origin of cold shrink as there is with heat shrink tubing, but it appears that with cold shrink you have an expanded tube made of various rubbers, and rubber compounds, but it’s kept enlarged by the support column. When the support is removed, the tube again returns to the normal size. It’s regarded as slightly more cost and time efficient solution in that it works without heat and generally goes a little quicker. Just make sure to select the correct size to ensure a proper seal, the previously linked video seems to show that it doesn’t seal well when compared to heat shrink and it could be that they used too large of a piece in that video. Cold shrink tubing is also different from heat shrink in that is typically made of rubber elastomers whereas heat shrink tubing is made of thermoplastics like PVC, Viton, polyolefin, neoprene and more. Each type of shrink tubing works best in certain situations and knowing which one to use is preference or specified by the job you’re doing and the tools you have available.
Presently, in addition to the other brands of shrink tubing we carry, we’re carrying the full catalog of 3M heat shrink and cold shrink tubing and to help you find the right one, you can check out these 3M brochures that get incredibly technical for hot and cold shrink tubing. The brochures get into the available sizes and potential uses for each type of shrink tubing and the heat shrink tubing brochure categorizes the tubing as described below. If you don’t see a part number listed on our site be sure to let us know and we can help you get it.
The heat shrink tubing products made by 3M come in a variety of styles, each intended for different uses. The single-wall polyole heat shrink tubing which is a thin and flexible tube that is somewhat flame resistant. This style is used for insulation, wire marking and strain relief, among other things. The adhesive-lined polyolefin heat shrink tubing features an inner wall that melts some adhesive to promote a secure bond. Heavy-duty heat shrink tubing (including bus and bar tubing) has thicker and tougher walls to protect against abrasions and they may or may not have adhesive as labelled. Specialty polymer tubing is made for especially sensitive wiring or extreme environments such as high heat, locations near petroleum or other volatile chemicals.
In addition to these varieties, 3m also makes heat shrink tubing kits which feature an assortment of colored varieties or just plain black. We currently carry the Scotchlok heatshrink terminal kit and the assorted black kit. The kits are a convenient and affordable way to get a lot of common-sized heat shrink tubing.
For a technology that’s been around for just 60 years, heat shrink and cold shrink tubing has become an invaluable and essential tool to keep around. Useful for protecting, organizing, stabilizing, lifehacks, and more, 3M heat shrink tubing will help you with any of the jobs you’ll need it for.
]]>Probably the most basic tester will help you test if a given electrical outlet is grounded or not. Ideal’s 61-501 Receptacle Tester w/GFCI has all of the possible test results on the actual tester, making it pretty much idiot proof. We hope. Another “idiot proof” tester is the Ideal 61-035 Check Circuit Tester which checks for correct wiring, open ground, reverse polarity, open hot, open neutral, hot on neutral, and lastly hot and ground reversed with open hot in 3 wire. Again, test results are on the tester meaning that the test results will never get lost or require a trip back to the truck for a manual that may no longer exist to interpret the test results. Lastly, the Ideal 61-534 will help you, by means of a combination of lights, to identify all the different switches in your circuit breaker and comes with the ability to check GFCI for proper function. Pretty good choices for basic testing.
Moving to a completely different tester, the Ideal 61-795 allows you, in conjunction with the TL-795 test leads, to test the insulation in a given wire. The 61-795 is designed for use at 250, 400 and 1000 volts and tests to ensure that the insulation in the wiring hasn’t broken down. For other wiring problems, you can use Ideal 61-164 to “look” into the walls and troubleshoot wiring issues that can be potentially hazardous and can/should be used in conjunction with the 61-183 test leads. The 61-164 tests: GFCI & EPDs for proper operation, voltage drop under load (with 12, 15 and 20 amp load tests), line & peak voltage, verification of isolated grounds, ground impedance and more. Loaded with all of these features it’s definitely worth investing in.
The last group of testers are what’s known as “clamp meters” because they feature a clamp that opens and closes around an electrical wire/cable. When used, the clamp apparatus measures the current running through the wire it surrounds and eliminates the need to cut a line and splice into it ensuring a safe method of testing and preventing damage and repairs just for a simple test. Clamp meters also add efficiency as you don’t need to shut the circuit off to test it.
The most basic clamp tester is the Ideal 61-744 which measures up to 600A. This tester measures AC amperage, continuity and more. If you need a little more from your clamp tester though, Ideal’s TightSight series offers a few options. The Ideal 61-763, 61-765, 61-773, and 61-775 are True RMS testers which measure AC/DC voltage, AC current, resistance, capacitance along with many other helpful features like high frequency rejection, large jaw diameter, broad current range for multiple applications, and a carrying case with leads depending on the model. They also each feature a number of different settings and modes controlled by a knob to make multiple tests easy to run on the same device.
Lastly, Ideal makes a couple higher end testers, the first being the Ideal IC-958 (aka 61-958) Inductive Clamp is used in place of transmitters to identify downstream loads from circuit breakers, trace wirers, cable and more. It’s quite handy, helping you find the location wires underground and in other hidden places. This tester is used in conjunction with a replaceable battery pack. The Ideal 61-959 uses a transmitter and receiver and works in a similar way, but has other options like efficiently identifying open and closed circuits which is a different and far more accurate way to identify a circuit breaker. The readout also gives a far more accurate read out as opposed to the lesser models and lastly, the 61-959 offers probably the greatest amount of sensitivity in a circuit tester.
These Ideal testers run from simple to complex and can be used in many different situations and are a great investment for any handyman or electrical testing needs you might have. Depending on the complexity of the job, there’s an Ideal tester that’s perfect for your needs.
]]>We’ve recently expanded our offering of Silverstone to now carry their entire catalog and have updated our listings to contain all current models to help you build your own PC in 2020 and 2021. While there are many, many one-off pieces one can get for a build (including HDMI cables), there are some core pieces that are essential to successfully building a PC.
One of the key components to consider in the build would be to ensure you have adequate cooling. Case fans are one critical piece of cooling technology as are CPU fans and heatsinks. Case fans of course pipe in cool air to offset the heat generated by your computing power and as the processor works harder, especially in gaming and art, it’ll generate tons of heat requiring a good CPU fan and heatsink. For higher end applications you can grab liquid cooling components for your CPU like the TD02-LITE. By providing proper cooling to your case and especially the processor you’ll be ensuring your PC isn’t plagued by slowdowns or more serious issues like heat related damage.
Probably the next most important piece would be having adequate power to tackle the job your PC will be doing. Silverstone power supplies have a good reputation for reliability and there are a few models, like the ST-1200, that are strong enough to be the workhorse in a coin mining rig. Choosing the right power supply can be a little tricky, but by knowing the wattage your system will need you’ll be able to decide on the right power supply for your needs.
Of course one component of a competent PC build is having the right enclosure for your hard drive and the right case for the PC. The drive enclosures are suitable for 2.5”, 3.5”, SAS/SATA drives and more. Silverstone’s computer cases are the durable solution to protect your machine from dust, impact and any other environmental hazard. The right case, in conjunction with the right cooling set up will also help ensure good airflow to enhance cooling. Because each PC build is unique and there’s such a large variety of possibilities for cases, it really is worth checking out all of the options.
With this expanded selection of Silverstone components for building PCs you’ll be able to build the custom PC that you need for coin mining, gaming, graphic design, animating and much, much more. Premium power supplies, cooling solutions, cases, cables and more will help ensure that your PC build will be the best possible machine for the job. Take a look through our Silverstone collection to find the right pieces for you.
]]>For the past century, the Futuro brand has grown with technology and to provide support to most parts of your entire body and today a team of medical experts continues to invent and finetune Futuro products. When working properly and in the right circumstances your body and its parts support themselves. Where the Futuro products come in is to provide support to your body after an injury or just with the effects of age. Futuro’s main product offerings fall into one of two main categories. Compression legwear and braces & supports. You can use their product selector to help you choose the right one before ordering from us, and remember using the right brace in addition to some tips and tricks will help you heal more quickly.
In normal situations, your leg muscles provide a certain amount of pressure on your veins helping your heart in normal blood flow. Unfortunately, when sitting for long periods your leg muscles are asleep at the wheel and not helping your veins get blood back to the heart. When this happens, the blood stays down in your feet and ankles and causes swelling and in some cases blood clots. This is where the compression legwear comes into play. Futuro’s compression legwear applies the most compression at the ankle and decreases the pressure going up the leg making up for the pressure normally provided by one’s leg muscles. By providing this pressure, your veins receive the pressure they need to keep blood flowing from your feet and legs. Futuro makes a variety of compression socks for men and women and we carry several types which you may find with a brief search.
The braces and support work in a similar manner. At their most basic level, the Futuro compression braces apply pressure to the joint and soft tissue surrounding an injury which adds support to muscles weakened by injury. Futuro supports treat issues knees have with: the meniscus, ligaments, cartilage damage and patellofemoral pain. Wrist issues such as bone fractures, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel and tenosynovitis. Braces for ankles can be used for treating ligament injuries and helping correct problem anatomy. Elbow issues like tennis and golfer’s elbow can be treated with targeted support of the elbow joints with the right brace. All of these joints can cause pain when afflicted by various issues and much of that pain can be managed easily with the right brace. If you have questions about which brace or compression treatment might be right for you, be sure to check with your doctor or healthcare provider.
Futuro does also make braces for two parts of the human body that not only affect a large amount of people, but when there is a problem with these parts it is utterly incapacitating. Problems with the back and neck can sometimes be treated with Futuro braces too. It’s said that up to 75% of all people deal with back pain in some form or another and when it flares up you can’t do much else. Futuro braces can help treat back and neck pain caused by anatomy, pain syndromes and herniated discs. When these braces are used in conjunction with proper treatment by a competent chiropractor, doctor or massage/physical therapist they can help your body correct itself with the right amount of pressure to the right spots.
Because good hygiene is important, Futuro has a recommended method for cleaning most of their products. Essentially, remove all of the metal clips, fasteners and other metal pieces, close non-removable straps, handwash the brace/support with soap in lukewarm water, rinse and air dry. It’s pretty much that simple. It should be noted that washing self-adhering bandages will reduce their ability to stick. Compression legwear can be machine washed on gentle and then air dried. With proper care and cleaning your Futuro product will last much longer.
Whatever pain you’re dealing with, or if you’re using the compression wear, Futuro is a great way to treat the issue with your body’s tissue and prevent it from getting worse. Futuro’s products provide support and pressure in the right spots to take the load off of your injury and promote healing. You can view all of the Futuro braces in our health section and choose the best one for your needs. If you don’t see the one you’re looking for, let us know and we’ll help you out.
]]>In terms of testers geared specifically to electricians you have testers for just about every situation. For basic troubleshooting of most residential electrical wiring issues there’s the Klein Tools ET45. The ET45 is a bare bones tester that tests AC voltages 24V – 240V and DC voltages from 32V to 330V. This tester is built to withstand almost a 10 ft drop should you happen to have a mishap. The ET45 debuted in 2019 as probably the easiest way to troubleshoot the four most common voltages in home wiring.
The next couple of electrical testers, the ET60 and the ET250, up the game a bit by offering a wider range of voltages to test for as well as adding some extra features. The ET60 does not require any batteries and tests voltages from 12 - 600V at nine different levels. The ET60 uses standard test leads for added convenience. This tester reduces false/ghost readings and stray voltages on depowered circuits giving you a more accurate result. The ET250 AC/DC voltage and continuity tester automatically selects voltage or continuity and powers on when measurements are attempted. It also tests GFCI circuits for proper grounding and includes a built-in flashlight. It’s also made to survive a 9+ foot drop and also uses standard leads for testing.
Another tester which is good for troubleshooting GFCI and also finding the correct circuit breakers is the ET310 which looks a bit like the Wild Karrde ship from Star Wars. This digital circuit breaker finder comes with a separate transmitter and receiver and the GFCI outlet tester that can be docked into the main unit for storage. Plug the tester into the wall then head down to the breaker and identify what goes where. Labelling circuit breakers has never been easier and the GFCI tester gives a clear alert when the correct breaker is located. The ET310 is a really cool tester that allows you test GFCI outlets for proper grounding and takes the headache out of labelling circuit breakers.
A little more specialized tester would also be good for IT workers who need to troubleshoot USB ports on computers. The Klein Tools ET920 needs no batteries and measures the power output of USB ports. This tester would probably be best for prolonged monitoring – up to 1,000 hours – to ensure the USB port works continuously and consistently.
Two more specialty testers that we found popular are the ET120 Combustible Gas Leak Detector and the ET140 Pinless Moisture Detector. The ET120 uses high or low sensitivity settings to detect a range of combustible gasses like methane and propane and alerts you with a loud tone and with an array of LED lights. The pickup sensor can be maneuvered and bent to get into places like behind appliances keeping you from having to move them. The ET140 Pinless Moisture Meter detects moisture content up to ¾ inch deep through various materials like drywall, masonry and various types of wood. The sensor uses electromagnetic fields to sense moisture in various materials and displays the level of moisture via LED alerts.
Klein Tools is the leading manufacturer of electrician’s test equipment in the world and these electrical testers are favored by electricians and handymen alike but they’re affordable enough for the armchair handyman as well. They are well designed to survive accidents, covered by a fair warranty, and use the same test leads across devices when applicable to make life easier. We carry all of the electrical testers made by Klein Tools so be sure to check our site for more if you want one that wasn’t mentioned here.
]]>The easiest sort of flashlight to buy is a small light for a coat pocket, glove box or a nightstand. Some great options to consider would be any of the lights from the Cryket, Redline, and Lil Larry (to a lesser extent) lines, but if you want something really compact, flat and rechargeable the Nebo Slim series are great looking lights. The Cryket series is a short light with a 90-degree swivel head, several brightness settings and a magnetic base making it quite easy to carry and shine in the right spots. The Cryket series comes in black or camouflage and runs on AAA batteries. The Redline series features some compact lights and some not. The quality ranges from the compact, basic $15 version all the way up to higher end Nebo 6822 which is not compact but is rechargeable. Be sure to look carefully at the specifications to find the right light(s) for your needs. The Redline is a classic, basic flashlight with a few basic extras thrown in such as being waterproof, having a magnetic dock or a convenient clip depending on the model. We also carry the Lil Larry series (like the black Lil Larry) which are a little long for some pockets, but still quite light and small enough to fit into a backpack or a purse. The Lil Larry is bright, has an emergency flash mode and a magnet on the end for mounting making it a handy addition in the least expected places. They come in several other colors besides black, so choose your favorite. The last pocket-sized light is the Slim series which is a flat rectangle and runs on a rechargeable battery pak. The Slim comes in several colors, one of which is red and they run bright for 2 hours or on lower levels for 10 hours. Each series of lights have several variants so feel free to search for the series you like and find the best one for your needs. As an aside, there are a couple keychain lights for extra convenience like the Silver Lumo and the Mycro.
In terms of unique lights for work purposes, Nebo has a few interesting ideas like the glow handle cup holder for when you have to move around in the dark while finishing your coffee. Other options include lights that are able to be positioned to work in awkward spaces which will help to provide light while you work. The full-sized Larry and the Big Larry series comes in many different styles and colors. Each Larry and Big Larry also comes with the ability to attach to metal via magnet allowing you to place it to shine while you work. The Larry series of all sizes is uniquely designed with a sideways beam and is reminiscent of shop lights but more portable. Other unique workshop lighting Includes the Workbrite rechargeable work light in three different versions, the Tango (which comes packed with features like a power bank), and the Omni which allows for multi-directional lighting. These lights are all designed for providing bright light exactly where you need it while you work making your jobs easier. Of course there is always a headlamp if you need light and have to work in really unusual or tight quarters.
Probably not so good for carrying in the pocket, but perfect for a nightstand, car or emergency kit is the Slyde series which comes in several styles and runs on AAA batteries or has one of several rechargeable versions. The Slyde also has a cool feature, most of the time it looks like a standard flashlight, but you can slide it apart (hence the name, no doubt) to have a beam come out of the side of the flashlight and that can be either a normal beam of light or a flashing red emergency light. This is an excellent feature especially if you have a roadside emergency or need to mount the light as a work light with the magnet on the bottom. The Slyde also has one of two different holsters that can go with it.
The last couple of lights are some unique offerings made by Nebo and these are perfect for camping or backyard nighttime get togethers. Or just for plain atmosphere and aesthetics. Nebo has several styles of lantern that look pretty cool. The first being an old style LED lantern or even a legit oil lantern. If you want something modern, that’s on the table too. Lanterns tend to light up the whole room as opposed to the directed beam of light from a flashlight, they are good to have around especially if a family needs light in the dark, like during a power outage, for example.
We’re proud to have Nebo return to our catalog because their lights provide clean, bright light with a well-made and durable handle. Nebo also packs in some interesting features that add value and functionality making it easier to employ them on the job. Be sure to check our site for all of the models mentioned to find the best variant for your needs. We’ve mentioned a few different lines of flashlight, but there are several variants within each product line and it doesn’t do to mention them all here. One thing to keep in mind is that most Nebo lights have a magnetic base or clip to allow you to place it on something metal and most or all have multiple modes with an emergency red flasher. If you need a light, Nebo brand is a good bet that gives more features for your money.
]]>What makes Nexcare bandages unique and makes them better than other brands is that their ultra-thin skin helps them follow the body’s contours which prevents them from shifting and wearing off the adhesive. Nexcare bandages are also most importantly waterproof, but yet allow oxygen in to the wound to promote healing. They do this by way of microscopic holes that block water molecules but allow air free movement into the bandage. With the water-resistant adhesive this will ensure your bandage doesn’t fall off in the pool or the shower. The diamond-shaped bandage also creates a tight seal which not only helps keep water out, but also dirt and germs out. This technology is available in the Nexcare clear bandages and Tegaderm clear bandages. The Tegaderm bandages are completely clear allowing you to see the healing process and last for about seven days. Other waterproof technology includes the cushioned adhesive pad and waterproof tape that will stick to wet or sweaty skin.
Nexcare has also stepped up to improve the care of acne and blisters with Hydrocolloid Technology which absorbs the gross fluids that blisters and acne are known to produce. This is extremely helpful under the foot because as the pad absorbs more liquid, it becomes a softer cushion. The blister care bandages also turn white as the bandage absorbs oils and pus making it clear that the bandage is working.
Knowing these basic types of Nexcare bandages will help you stock up on the right kinds for your first aid kit. To help you get some ideas for basic first aid, 3M has a few suggested themes for first aid kits for home chefs, road trips, frequent flyers, sports injuries, sushi chefs and a first aid kit for adventure junkies. There are some other 3M products in these kits which we happen to carry, so be sure to check for those if you want to build one of these kits.
While we carry all of the Nexcare products that 3M manufactures, we do have a number of them that are really popular. For mostly standard bandages, the ultra-stretch bandages 7100195691 which is a standard colored bandage and 7010372516 which is a 100 count of assorted clear bandages at a reasonable price. We’re also starting to carry some of the Nexcare bandages with designs for kids. These are super popular for our customers and they’re being shipped out regularly.
A couple of the more interesting innovations Nexcare has come up with are liquid and spray bandages both of which are like something out of a science fiction story. The Skin Crack Care is pretty self-explanatory, but would probably be quite handy in cold wintery places like Minnesota where hands crack due to the lack of humidity in winter. The Liquid Bandage Spray creates a clear spray-on bandage that withstands multiple washings and protects your injury to promote healing. These are really cool ways to heal quickly without the need for bandages or for irregular shaped wounds.
In terms of general first aid adhesive and treatment options, we carry Nexcare’s Gentle Paper First Aid tape which comes in 2 roll pack or 3 pack quantity. We also ship out a lot of Nexcare Eyepatches which are designed to treat strabismus, “lazy eye” (officially called amblyopia) at your doctor’s discretion. We also ship out a lot of Nexcare Tegaderm bandages particularly the clear waterproof and the completely transparent waterproof dressing which is quite a cool bit of wound care.
With these advanced options for wound care, they make a great addition to any first aid kit and while we hope you’ll never need any of them, we do recommend you grab a few to have on hand for emergencies. After all it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. 3M Nexcare first aid and bandages are a great way to have advanced first aid treatment to promote the best healing for you and your family.
]]>Beginning in the 1800’s medical care drastically improved and led to the prevention of infections and by the early 1900s bandages were close to becoming the product we’re all familiar with. In 1918 specifically, the ACE Bandage was invented by Oscar O. R. Schwidetzky. Schwidetzky came up with the bandage in conjunction with a competition to name a new bandage adding the ACE Bandage to his long list of medical patents. The bandage fastener came a bit later in 1932 and made the ACE Bandage even more easy to use. By all appearances, the same bandage fastener is still used today.
While ACE sounds like a word that would be, and was, used a lot back then especially for high quality products, it’s actually an acronym for All Cotton Elastic as mentioned by this author. This author also made mention that the ACE Bandage has undergone changes over the years, namely that older versions have a looser weave and don’t adhere as well. Since ACE was created, the brand has continuously grown with technology to bring the newest innovations to bandage use. The 70’s through the 80’s brought the most changes and expansion as market needs and technology drove demand. By ACE’s 100th anniversary in 2018, the brand had been acquired by 3M and updated aesthetically to bring it into the 21st century.
As ACE bandages grew from beyond just simple bandages into treatments for specific ailments, the majority of which involve ankle, back, elbow, knew and wrist injuries. Ankle braces are meant to treat tendonitis, ligament sprains and swelling. Back products are meant for muscle spasms, soreness, stiffness and loss of motion. Elbow products are great for tendonitis and swelling caused by “sports” elbow (Little League Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow, Tennis Elbow), inflammation of tendons in the forearm and inflammation of the bursa sack in the elbow. Knee treatments include quite a wide range of options including: arthritis, Chrondomalacia Patella, contusions, ligament sprains, patella tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee), quadriceps tendonitis and general swelling. Finally, ACE treats wrist conditions such as ligament sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome and general swelling. Of course, to make the best use of these products, you’ll probably want to wash your ACE Bandage from time to time.
While there are a multitude of treatments made by 3M’s ACE Brand and we carry the full catalog. A few of our recent bestsellers will help you get started in finding the right ACE Bandage for your needs. For elbows, our bestselling product has been the ACE Elbow Pads 908002. They’re one size fits most and come in a quantity of one per order. For knees, we’ve had a lot of orders for the Ace Knee Sleeve 901519 Large/X Large. This knee sleeve provides compression, but also protects against abrasions and impacts. For back pain, the Cold/Hot Compress Back Wrap 203960 will provide comfort and support until you can get in for a deep pressure massage or the chiropractor. General cold compresses are also available and always useful.
Having established a presence just over 100 years ago, ACE Bandage not only describes what it’s made of, but is an accurate assessment of the quality of their bandages. ACE Bandages can be used at your own discretion or in conjunction with your doctor’s therapy plan. Whichever ACE Bandage you use, it’s a good investment that will lead to a speedy recovery.
]]>Continuing with the example of bike chains, a wet lubricant is used in wet conditions simply because it won’t wash off when you’re riding in wet conditions through puddles or in the rain. They’re also said to protect against salt corrosion for those foolhardy enough to ride in winter areas that have snow. A wet lubricant will also protect for a longer period of time, lasting for rides up to 100 miles. The drawback to using a wet lubricant is that it can attract dirt, so regular cleaning and re-lubricating is a must. If you don’t, that dirt will cause as many problems or more than not lubricating in the first place.
Dry lubricants on the other hand are generally a lighter lubricant, wax-based in many instances, is much less prone to attracting dirt making them better suited to dry conditions or where dirt and dust are more prevalent. Like a bike ride on a dusty trail. The downside is that dry lubricant will wash off with the slightest drizzle of rain.
Of course, the 3M silicone lubricant isn’t specifically for bike chains, but there are several uses that 3M recommends for each type of lubricant. 3M recommends using the dry lubricant for lubricating plastic dash parts, weather strips on doors, lubricating window channels and for door locks. 3M’s wet lubricant is designed for lubricating doors, parts of cars like the sun roof, “T” tops, hatchbacks, and the weather stripping of a trunk, protecting rubber parts and sealing moisture. There are many customer reviews on various websites, one of the most popular uses seems to be for fixing sticky windows.
Depending on where you’re using it, the environmental factors related to that and what you’re lubricating, 3M silicone lubricant will solve a lot of your minor problems of sticky or hard to move pieces as well as protect and preserve plastic or vinyl. These are some of our best-selling lubricants so they’re usually in stock and ready to ship!
]]>As mentioned before, we’ve already taken a good look at the TTG-752 Salt Crusher which is a toy that uses salt water and a magnesium fuel cell to produce a chemical reaction to power the monster truck. The fuel cells probably do need replacing at some point, so while that will still cost money to replace, it has a much better environmental impact than batteries, not to mention it teaches kids about alternative power.
Another great kit being carried over into the Teach Tech catalog is the TTG-615 which we’ve highlighted and actually reviewed. The robot can be configured into one of 14 different forms, most of which are pretty different from each other. There are a lot of small pieces, so this is a great STEM project for older kids and teenagers and it’s a good introduction to solar energy. This kit can make a good class project for middle school summer STEM camps provided the teacher is willing to get their hands dirty too. There isn’t anything in it that would be beyond the ability of any kid or teenage who puts model kits together.
For really advanced STEM projects the TTR-535 Robotic Arm has been pretty popular. While it does require a fair amount of assembly as well as attention to detail, you get an impressive amount of customizability in terms of programming and high-level STEM projects. Some of the more advanced projects involve mounting the arm on a rover, using your hand as a motion control and using Arduino and Raspberry Pi as an interface – all projects that will help with programming and hardware applications. Great skills to build as we move into a more and more automated future.
Of course with Teach Tech there are quite a lot more options. If the aforementioned robot arm looks cool but overwhelming, maybe the HydroBot Arm Kit TTR-632 gives you a robotic arm kit powered by hydraulics and controlled by six separate levers. There are also quite a few solar powered robots to choose from. There’s very basic and cute ones like the TTG-683 Bugbot Solar Crawler aimed at younger kids. The TTG684 Solar Rover is good for slightly older kids and for tweens, teens and beyond. The Rivet-Rex 12 TTG-618 is more build-focused and allows you to construct 12 different models and uses hydromechanical movement and solar power for movement. The Rivet-Rex also allows for customization beyond 12 forms for those with the creative wherewithal to try it. These few would be best geared to older elementary and maybe early middle school depending on their skill level.
The real show stealing robots though would be Mech-5 TTC895 which is a robot that teaches coding and is touted as a good first robot to learn this valuable skill. Once coded, it will perform a variety of simple actions. The other robot, Tobbie II TTC894MB, is slightly more complex and exposes kids to Javascript and Python making it a more challenging and valuable way to teach and learn coding. Both of these robots are great early options for fun, low pressure ways to learn the basics of coding and programming.
There are of course many other options available in the Teach Tech Catalog and you can review all of the selections here to find the right STEM activity for your kids. Other projects mainly deal with more possibilities with solar and alternative energy and involve fun and exciting ways to use alternative energy to power vehicles and robots. These STEM activities will be great fun over the summer if summer daycare programs remain closed or are open at diminished capacity.
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