New Ideas

Tape measure automatically locks

IDEAL INDUSTRIES INC. has released AUTO-LOCK,™ a tape measure that automatically locks its blade into place when the blade is pulled out. The 25-foot tape measure has a comfortable rubber grip that doubles as a shock absorber for the blade, high-visibility yellow casing and easy-to-read bold numbers.

New drill has reversing feature

Metabo Corp. has made available BE710, a drill that can be used with a variety of materials and provide full torque in reverse. The electronic speed control allows the drill speed to vary from low to high, and a winding protection grid guards the motor from flying debris. The 6.5-pound drill has a 5.8-ampere motor and 142-inch-pound maximum tightening torque.

Metal chair offers flexibility

W.P. Hickman Co.'s Permasnap® coping metal chair has been redesigned. It now accommodates a 6- to 32-inch range of wall widths. Reportedly easy to install, the metal chair, which acts as a gutter chair, has a 16-gauge galvanized steel anchor cleat and raised ribs that can channel water to a roof without the use of butyl tapes or caulking.

Shingle starter aligns and protects

Tarco has released the LeakBarrier™ Self-Adhering Quick Roll Shingle Starter for proper shingle alignment and protection. The asphalt-coated roll is fiberglass-reinforced with ceramic granules on the top side for protection from ultraviolet rays and physical and weathering damage and a self-adhering SBS-modified compound that is covered by a release film on the bottom side.

Curb installs over existing curbs

ThyCurb has released Retro-Mate,® a curb that helps adapt existing curbs to new heating, ventilating and air-conditioning equipment after an old unit is removed. Made from heavy-gauge galvanized or Galvalume® steel, Retro-Mate has structural supports, transitions, baffles and insulation to connect a new unit to curbs and ducts.

Software is efficient

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has made available its redesigned AIA Contract Documents software that offers more efficiency and flexibility. The Microsoft Word®-based software platform includes features such as clear icons, user-friendly navigation guides, capabilities to e-mail Word documents or PDF files, and revised construction-management agreements.

Hammer drill is versatile

Bosch Power Tools' 1199VSR 1/2-inch Dual Torque Hammer Drill has been made available, providing durability and versatility. Able to be used with a variety of materials, the drill has an 8.5-ampere motor and rotating brush plate that can operate in forward and reverse directions in equal measure. Other features include an integrated clutch, anti-rotation mechanism and cord turret that exhibits 38 degrees of movement.

Membrane offers durability

American Hydrotech Inc. has made available Monolithic Membrane 6125,® a flexible, durable, self-sealing asphalt roof membrane that is applied with hot fluid. Two times to three times thicker than other roof membranes, the product is said to be a seamless membrane that can function when submerged in water and conform to deck irregularities. Installation can occur at temperatures as low as 0 F.

Aerial platform can maneuver

JLG Industries Inc. has released its Model 1250AJP Ultra Boom, an aerial work platform that is an articulating and telescoping model. The model's JibPLUS® jib boom rotates 130 degrees vertically and 125 degrees horizontally. Other features include a 7,500-watt generator with the SkyPower™ package, Quikstik® boom that can lower the platform while the tower boom is raised, four-wheel drive and steer, and oscillating axle for traction.

Sheet-metal manual is released

The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association Inc. has made available the Architectural Sheet Metal Manual, Sixth Edition, its 496-page publication detailing practices that are recommended for architectural sheet-metal design and installation.

Offering commentary, illustrations, and new design and installation methods, the manual also has a CD-ROM version that allows designers to closely study every detail of construction by rotating and magnifying 3-D drawings.