New Ideas

Screw system offers extension

PAM Fastening Technology has made available its P13KUE autofeed screw system with removable universal extension. With the ability to handle 1- to 3-inch screws, the 7-pound screw system is 38 3/4 inches long with the extension and features a side handle and nonslip nose piece. The system also includes a 140-mm bit; countersink system; solid steel components; and 2,500-rotations-per-minute screw gun.

In addition, a line of collated fasteners, said to be ideal for Spanish tile roof systems, has been made available by PAM Fastening Technology. The fasteners are said to increase proficiency and reduce tile waste with extra-sharp points for piercing roofing glaze and reducing broken tiles.

Boards offer efficient ventilation

Crane Products Ltd. has introduced its rigid PVC fascia with a vented rigid vinyl foam core, as well as a rigid PVC solid trim board with a lightweight rigid vinyl foam core. Marketed under the PermaChoice™ brand, the boards have a wood-grain exterior surface and smooth back side. They are available in 12- to 16-foot lengths and are 7 1/4 inches wide and 7/8 of an inch thick.

Clip prevents roof penetration

M.W.I. Components has introduced its UNIVERSAL RIDGE CLIP, a 22-gauge galvanized clip used to create a ridge ventilation system. The clip creates a 2- by 3-inch fastening area for the ridge cap, allowing it to be fastened without screws or rivets penetrating the roof panel. The ridge clip is installed at each standing seam, and the ridge cap then is attached.

Clip screw doesn't protrude

TruFast Corp. has released the TruFast® LCS Low Profile Clip Screw that features a low-profile head and reduced head-to-shank radius under the head. Designed for installing architectural roof panels that use concealed clips or nailing strips, the clip screw is said to drive easily and lie flat to prevent head protrusions that cause panel dimples.

The clip screw also features a square drive head and is available in 1- to 1 1/2-inch lengths.

Earplugs are corded

Howard Leight's Matrix™ earplugs, manufactured from a proprietary thermoplastic elastomer, now are available with cords. The earplugs have small diameters, dense centers and soft outer skins for comfort. They are said to have the ability to filter out harmful noises and still allow voices to pass through.

Snow guard offers protection

Berger Brothers Co. has released "The Mini" Clear Polycarbonate Snow Guard with a 4 1/2-square-inch holding area, gusseted blade snow pocket and 2-1 base-to-blade ratio. Suited for mechanical attachments, adhesive or tape, the snow guard also features a slot to accept a metal color chip or custom emblem.

Stapler has autofire trigger

DUO-FAST® has made available the DUO-FAST SureShot™ 5020 DLAF Stapler with an autofire trigger that is adjustable from a single shot up to 1,400 cycles per minute. The 20-gauge double-length magazine stapler is compact and weighs less than 3 pounds. With a load capacity of 200 staples, the stapler drives 1/2-inch crown chisel- and divergent-point staples and has a staple size range of 1/4- to 9/16-of-an-inch leg length.

In addition, DUO-FAST has made available its compact and lightweight SureShot 1832 Narrow Crown Stapler, SureShot W1832 Medium Crown Stapler and SureShot 6532 Wide Crown Stapler. The SureShot 1832 uses galvanized chisel- and wedge-point staples and has a load capacity of 110 staples. The SureShot W1832 uses chisel-point 3/8-of-an-inch crown staples and has a load capacity of 110 staples. With a load capacity of 100 staples, the SureShot 6532 uses 1/2-of-an-inch crown chisel-point staples with a flat wire. All three staplers will drive a staple up to 1 inch in length.

Repellent reduces bird nesting

Bird-X Inc. has introduced BirdShield,™ a biodegradable bird repellent that prevents birds from nesting and roosting on roof systems. When BirdShield dries, it leaves an odor said to irritate birds and keep them away. The product is said to be harmless and environmentally friendly and can be painted or sprayed on porous, nonporous or sealed surfaces.

Saw has precision control

Bosch Power Tools and Accessories has released the 1591EVSK Barrel Grip Jig Saw with a precision-control blade system, tool-less foot bevel and One-Touch® blade-change system. The 6-pound, 6.4-ampere saw features constant response circuitry, as well as a variable speed dial. It comes standard with a zero-clearance insert, nonmarring footplate and three blades.

Mobile PC is lightweight

The G-Force 850, a new "ruggedized" personal computer notebook, has been made available by JLT Mobile Computers Inc. The 3 1/2-pound computer can operate for five hours when in full operation and eight hours when using the power-saving feature. It has various disk storage options, as well as a 32-bit Cardbus slot to support wireless or radio modem communications and the ability to change batteries while running applications.

With dimensions of 9 9/10 inches by 7 inches by 1 1/2 inches, the product is said to be strong and durable. It can withstand extreme temperatures, as well as a 4-foot drop onto concrete.

Shingle offers protection

RGM Products Inc. has released Chancellor, its heavyweight SBS-modified bitumen shingle said to offer protection in extreme weather and divert water away from the roof deck. With a hand-carved look that resembles shake or slate, the shingle offers one-piece construction and four colors—weathered wood, black walnut, sterling gray and rustic wood. Chancellor also can be available with Scotchgard™ Algae Resistant Roofing System.

Camera extends temperature range

Infrared Solutions Inc. has made available its IR FlexCam® Pro with a temperature measurement range up to 600 C. Part of the company's IR FlexCam line, the IR Flexcam Pro also has a programmable image capture mode; an image enhancement package for image clarity; and improved thermal sensitivity for better temperature detection.

Snips feature improved cutting

Midwest Tool and Cutlery Co. has introduced its Upright Snips,™ a new compound leverage aviation snip with a 90-degree handle. For easier cutting in tight spaces, overhead and at waist level, the snips feature improved ergonomics; the ability to rotate while cutting circles; and a push or pull cutting motion.

With the ability to cut 24-gauge sheet metal and 26-gauge stainless steel, other snip features include co-polymer grips; threaded center pivot bolt to keep blades in adjustment; steel blades; double-overwind spring; and ergonomic handles with a 5 1/2-inch spread.

Software offers expansion

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and Building Systems Design (BSD) Inc. have announced an updated version of BSD SpecLink,® software used to develop nonresidential construction project specifications. It now allows users to create performance-based, short-form and prescriptive construction specifications for any project delivery method.

The new version includes PerSpective,® a database of performance-based specifications for use before building design begins. It also has a Short Form tab of abbreviated material specifications, as well as a SpecLink tab to produce detailed construction documents. A MasterFormat® translation switch can change the arrangement of any project's specifications with regard to 2004 edition or 1995 edition of MasterFormat.

Fastener is multipurpose

Triangle Fastener Corp. has introduced the MP14™ Multi-purpose Fastener, which is said to be the first fastener designed to be used with metal, concrete and wood. The fastener features a TRI-SEAL™ coating and is offered in 1 1/4-inch, 2-inch, 2 1/2-inch and 3-inch lengths. Fasteners also include a carbide drill bit, nut setter and installation guide.

In addition, Triangle Fastener Corp. also has introduced its SD300™ 300 Series Self-drilling Screw with 304 stainless-steel head and thread, as well as various head styles, point types and lengths. With a carbon steel drill tip welded to the body, the fastener can drill and tap up to 1/2-inch-thick steel or aluminum.

Railing system offers safety

American Innovations Corp. has released its Ladder Walk-Through Railing System said to offer more balance and safety when entering or exiting a roof from an extension ladder. The system attaches over the top of each side beam of almost any extension ladder with right and left flairs that allow a worker to walk through the ladder instead of around it.

Gloves offer thermal protection

Perfect Fit Glove has made available Carbtex® gloves, which incorporate fiber that consists of a proprietary thermoplastic core inside an oxidized outer shell and is said to create a thermal shield and disperse heat and energy.

Also said to offer effective abrasion and cut protection, the gloves are flame-resistant.