New Ideas

Saw offers blade stop

Metabo Corp. has introduced its 9 1/3-pound PSE1200 reciprocating saw with an adjustable blade stop and selectable orbital action. With a blade that can rotate 180 degrees for comfortable upward cutting, the saw has a 1,200-watt variable-speed motor that delivers zero to 2,600 strokes per minute with a stroke length of 1 1/8 inches. The 17-inch-long reciprocating saw also features a rotating, nonslip, rubber-coated handle.

Metabo also has made available four new lines of jig saw blades, including Classic, which is said to be reliable and economical; Professional for accurate cutting; Pioneer for all thicknesses; and Expert for special applications. The blades cut a wide variety of materials and range from 2 inches to 6 inches in length. Cutting capacity is 5 1/4 inches in wood and 1 3/8 inches in nonferrous metal.

In addition, Metabo has made available four new lines of reciprocating blades, including Classic, Expert, Professional and Flexible. The blades can be used for a variety of materials; range from 4 inches to 12 inches in length; and feature a 1/2-inch universal fitting.

PVC membranes offer durability

Carlisle SynTec Inc. has introduced its Sure-Flex™ PVC single-ply roof membranes that are said to withstand extreme weather conditions and rooftop contaminants. The heat-welded membranes are 81 inches wide; available in 50-, 60- and 80-mil thicknesses; and are for mechanically fastened and fully adhered applications. Offered in standard white, the membranes are available in other colors upon request.

Attic vent is adjustable

Air Vent Inc. has released the SolarCool™ Solar Powered Attic Vent, a solar-powered attic ventilator with an adjustable tempered glass solar panel that directly mounts onto a vent dome. The panel can be tilted or rotated for maximum sun exposure and optimal energy collection.

The vent collects energy from the sun, converting it into electricity and powering the vent's 24-volt DC motor. It can move up to 800 cubic feet of air per minute in attics measuring up to 1,200 square feet; multiple units can be installed for larger spaces.

Truck boxes offer security

WEATHER GUARD® diamond Tread Aluminum Truck Boxes now are available from Knaack Manufacturing Co. The boxes feature a lock that retracts and an internal torque ring to keep the boxes secure. The boxes open to a 90-degree angle for easy tool loading and unloading and are weather-sealed on all sides.

Other features include a "one-touch" latch; a level holder; a steel tray for additional storage space; and a 12-volt electrical access grommet. The WEATHER GUARD boxes are offered in the following styles: saddle boxes, cross boxes, side boxes, pork chop boxes and all-purpose chests.

Forklift offers less noise

Sellick equipment has introduced its S series rough terrain forklift, which features a rubber-mounted operator platform for noise and vibration reduction. Visibility through the SEE-THRU roller mast has been improved for safety purposes, and all models have Perkins 1100 Tier II emission diesel engines. The forklift's capacity range is 6,000 pounds to 12,000 pounds, and optional equipment available includes four-wheel drive, fork positioning and a wide selection of lift heights.

Chisel preserves roof tiles

Bosch Power Tools and Accessories has released a new Tile Chisel that is said to be up to 40 percent more effective than current industry standards. The chisel is designed with a flat cutter and special angle so users can remove tiles without breaking them. Measuring 1 1/2 inches by 10 inches, the product slides under tiles and pops them up without damaging them.

Bosch Power Tools and Accessories also has released the 11320VS chipping hammer that is said to have the highest removal rate of any hammer its size. The 7 9/10-pound hammer has a 6 1/2-ampere motor that produces up to 3,500 blows per minute. It features a specially engineered impact mechanism, as well as a system that allows a user to turn the bit to one of 12 positions.

The chipping hammer also offers a variable-speed trigger; recessed lock-on button; soft grip; and service modules. Accessories that accompany the hammer include an HS1465 Special Tile Chisel, HS1470 Viper Flat Chisel and 360-degree auxiliary handle.

Fastener is stainless-steel

SFS intec Inc. has made available its EVERGRIP™ fastener with a hardened carbon steel tip and a head and shank composed of austenitic stainless-steel, which is rust-resistant. The fastener can resist corrosion and does not require predrilling.

Roof system is flame-retardant

Liquid Plastics Inc. has introduced Decothane, a fire-retardant fluid-applied roof membrane system. Decothane is a cold-applied material that does not require flame or heat during application, eliminating the risk of fire.

The product contains fire-retardant crystal additives that release a vapor blanket under heat. If the Decothane contacts heat, it will produce a carbonated crystalline nonflammable coating that serves as an insulator between the fire and membrane.

Slate products are improved

Ludowici Roof Tile has released its new Celadon™ Ceramic Slate™ and Imperial Slate in various styles, sizes textures, finishes and colors.

The Celadon Ceramic Slate is 10 5/18 inches by 16 inches and is formed to look like quarry-mined slate. With a nominal thickness of 3/4 of an inch and 111 pieces to a square, the tile is said to be lighter than slate but still strong.

The Imperial Slate is an extra-thick ceramic tile said to replicate mined slate. The 890-pounds-per-square tile is 10 3/16 inches by 16 inches and 117 pieces to a square.

Cord reel now available

BurkTek Inc. has introduced Cordpro,® a reel that divides, stores and dispenses extension cords. Said to be flexible, the Cordpro will hold a 100-foot length of cord and store cord ends when not in use. The reel travels with a user as he walks, rotating and dispensing sufficient amounts of cord. A divider diverts the cord into its appropriate compartment.

Nailer is lightweight

DEWALT had released its coil roofing nailer, D51321, which has a lightweight, 4 9/10-pound magnesium frame and cap and a fastener range of 3/4 of an inch to 1 3/4 inches. Its anti-skid pads reduce chances of slipping, and steel wear guards offer protection.

It also features a four-bolt nose design and contact trip foot with carbide inserts for durability.

Additional features include a pneumatic-bias feed piston; compression spring feed pawl support; double O-ring feed piston; nail platform adjustment lever; thumb-wheel depth adjustment; and hinged feed-piston cover.

Manual features guidelines

The Construction Specification Institute (CSI) and McGraw-Hill Construction have made available The Project Resource Manual—CSI Manual of Practice, an expanded edition of the commercial construction industry's guide for developing building specifications and using construction documents. The manual includes specifications, drawings, cost data and project scheduling, among other information.

The manual explains the roles and responsibilities of people involved, as well as construction delivery methods. Other components of the manual include MasterFormat™ 2004 Edition; UniFormat™; SectionFormat™; PageFormat™; glossary; and sample CSI forms.

Drivers feature increased torque

Makita U.S.A. Inc. has made available its cordless impact drivers, models 6935FDWDE and 6980FDWDE, which are said to offer increased performance and ergonomic features. The 14 2/5-volt 6935FDWDE generates torque at 1,240 inch-pounds and weighs 3 7/10 pounds. The 12-volt 6980FDWDE generates torque at 1,110 inch-pounds and weighs 3 1/2 pounds.

Both tools offer 0-3,200 impacts per minute and measure at 6 3/8 inches. They also feature an impact-resistant magnesium alloy gear case; and ergonomic rubberized pistol grip for comfort.

Web tool offers resources

FM Approvals has released RoofNav, its Web-based roofing tool that offers access to information from the Building Materials section of the Approval Guide, as well as from the FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets. RoofNav features information about identifying and installing roof assemblies in compliance with FM Approvals' standards.

Meant to save time and increase productivity, RoofNav also features a ratings calculator; roof assembly search; product index; and contractor package.

Metal shingles resist corrosion

Follansbee® has made available its Stamped Diamond-Pattern Metal Shingle that is said to be durable and corrosion-resistant. The shingle is manufactured from Follansbee's TCS II,® Terne II® and KlassicKolors® and can be installed over existing asphalt shingles.

A side lock system is said to allow shingles to be installed quickly and easily without soldering; allow for thermal expansion and contraction; and is watertight.

TPO offers improvements

GAF Materials Corp. has introduced its improved Freedom™ TPO Self-Adhering Roofing Systems now available in 10-foot widths and with GAF Materials' patent-pending RapidSeam™ technology.

The increased width offers use on larger roof areas, and installation using RapidSeam technology involves aligning the membrane, removing the release liner and rolling it in, with no field-seam preparation. Contamination of seams is prevented with factory-applied seam tapes.

Roof board offers protection

USG Corp. has introduced SECUROCK™ Roof Board, a low-slope cover board option that is said to offer advanced fiber-reinforced technology and superior performance benefits. Installed over insulation and under the membrane, the board is said to supply protection for the membrane.

The roof board protects from moisture and mold, as well as features uniform composition and efficient wind-uplift performance. It can be used in various roof systems and is said to be environmentally friendly. The roof board is available in panel sizes of 4 feet by 4 feet and 4 feet by 8 feet, as well as thicknesses of 1/4 of an inch, 3/8 of an inch and 1/2 of an inch.