New Ideas

Respirators offer a better fit

Willson has introduced its new line of SAF-T-FIT® PLUS disposable respirators said to provide a better fit because of a larger design. The respirators offer a redesigned optional exhalation valve said to quickly evacuate exhaled air. The latex- and silicone-free respirators can be used during many applications, including construction and welding. The product is available in three color-coded sizes.

Drill offers durability

RIDGID® has made available its heavy-duty 3/8-inch drill with a rubber handle overmold said to provide durability and comfort. The drill's 6.5-ampere motor offers hardened steel gears, and a lighted plug indicates when the tool is in operation mode. The drill also features a built-in bubble level for accuracy, as well as a 3/8-inch metal-backed chuck.

Footwear caters to workers

DEWALT has released a line of industrial footwear that features 13 models said to provide comfort and reduce foot fatigue. The line includes two lightweight, flexible, sneaker-like models; two models with air-cushioning chambers for air circulation and shock absorption; and a model with a heel-protection system for support and safety.

Other features include acid-, oil- and slip-resistant outsoles; full-grain leather uppers; corrosion-resistant eyelets; padded areas for comfort; moisture-absorbent linings; and removable cushioned insoles with gel heel pads. The line is offered in lace-up and pull-on boots, as well as soft- and steel-toed oxfords.

Coating resists temperatures

PERMAKOTE® SILVER SEAL, an aluminum, silver metallic, latex-protective coating for metal, has been made available by Nationwide Chemical Coating Manufacturers Inc. The elastomeric acrylic coating forms a rubber-like ceramic shield that can expand and contract in hot and cold temperatures. With mildew resistance and strong adhesion, the product is said to offer insulating, reflecting and waterproofing qualities.

Marking tape promotes safety

G-Tape Inc. has released its G-Tape Standard and G-Tape Metric roofing tape for marking shingles. Both tapes are 1 1/2 inches wide and 180 feet long. Neon green for safety purposes, G-Tape Standard is used with standard exposed shingles and has a 5-inch marking line for shingle exposure. G-Tape Metric is bright yellow, has a 5 5/8-inch marking line and is used with metric exposure shingles.

Scaffolding system is adjustable

Qual-Craft® Industries Inc. has introduced the Giraffe-Scaf T, a freestanding, fully adjustable scaffolding system. The system can be up to 24 feet long and 6 feet high and used with Qual-Craft Industries' standard or joinable aluminum staging. Featuring a workbench platform, the product is said to accommodate almost any type of terrain.

Manual teaches estimating skills

The American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) has introduced the ASPE Sixth Edition of Standard Estimating Practice manual. The manual discusses how to estimate construction projects, including basic information that can be applied to all aspects of estimating. The manual also includes more specific information about many specialty estimates.

Tile is fire-resistant

US Tile® has made available its ProShake Plus,™ a lightweight clay tile suitable for use in areas with extreme weather conditions. Designed for reroofing homes originally built with cedar shake roofing, ProShake Plus is fire-resistant and offers a lifetime limited warranty that covers fading color. The 5.95-pound-per-square-foot tile is said to be installed on most existing structures without expensive roof reinforcements.

Gutter cover keeps roof clean

The Gutter Shingle gutter cover from Berger Brothers Co. is said to handle any amount of rainfall while preventing debris from falling into gutters. The 3-foot sections of gutter cover can be installed on any roof slope and fit 4-, 5- and 6-inch gutters. Able to be used with aluminum, steel or copper gutters, the Gutter Shingle slides under shingles and hooks to a gutter's front edge.

Company offers hitch updates

Valley Industries has announced the Dodge Complete Hitch Update, providing Dodge-applicable hitches for towing. The products offered include an underbed system gooseneck hitch and installation kit for all 2002-04 Dodge trucks; underbed system fifth-wheel hitch and installation kit for all 2003-04 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups; clamp-on style custom bracket kit for fifth-wheel applications for 2004 Dodge trucks; and Dodge 1500/2500/3500 Class III and Class IV receiver-style hitch for all 2003-04 Dodge trucks.

Sealant resists weather damage

Bostik Findley Inc. has released Bostik® GPS1, a moisture-cure sealant said to perform when exposed to weather extremes or ultraviolet rays. Created with low solvent content and low odor, the elastomeric urethane sealant has a high solids content and can be used for interior and exterior applications.

GPS1 is said to have permanent elasticity within a -40 F and 150 F temperature range, a tensile strength of 135 pounds per square inch and elongation rating of 550 percent.

Primer is multipurpose

Tremco Inc. has introduced TremPrime LV, a multipurpose primer that can be used on various surfaces, including metal, concrete and asphalt. The primer improves bond strength with maximum absorbance and is asbestos-free.

Drill has enlarged motor

The BSP 18 Plus, a cordless drill/driver said to have a larger motor and torque up to 575 inch-pounds, has been made available by Metabo Corp. With an enhanced battery and charger system, the BSP 18 Plus can be used for drilling into aluminum, wood and steel.

The product offers 20 torque settings; a two-speed gearbox; Metabo Impuls system, which offers drilling precision; Metabo's Variospeed technology for adjustable speed changes; and a two-position fixed side handle. Weighing 6.2 pounds, the BSP 18 Plus has a 1/2-inch keyless chuck and can drill 2-inch holes into wood and 1/2-inch holes into steel.

Roof panels can curve

Curveline Inc. has released curved 3-inch trapezoidal standing-seam roof panels for residential and commercial applications. Said to be leakproof, the panels can curve into 30- to 350-foot radii. Maximum panel length is about 34 feet, and panel widths of 12 inches, 18 inches and 24 inches can be curved.

TPO membrane is self-adhering

Mule-Hide Products Co. Inc. has released Mule-Hide Self-Adhering TPO, a factory-applied adhesive for use on an ENERGY STAR®-qualified roof system. Installed without a robot welder, the membrane is said to offer faster installation because there is no waiting for adhesives to dry. The sheets are 5 feet wide and provide reflectivity and emissivity, contributing to energy savings. The Self-Adhering TPO is said to be ideal for residential low-slope roofs, as well as smaller commercial installations and re-cover applications.

Estimating software is released

Corecon Technologies Inc. has introduced Corecon 4.0, a Web-based estimating and project-management software for subcontractors. The software is designed to meet subcontractors' needs and features four levels of estimating details.

Corecon 4.0 also is said to offer flexibility; estimate cost data, including pricing and manufacturer information; transfer estimating data to job-cost budgets, contracts and purchase orders; and e-mail notification with regard to whose response is required on request for information forms and submittals.

Grinders are revamped

Bosch Power Tools and Accessories has released new models of its 1700 series small angle grinders with the addition of a vibration-dampening side-assist handle and tool-free guard. The new side-assist handle is said to decrease vibration and provide comfort, and the adjustable tool-free guard is said to offer a more accessible clamping mechanism.

The new angle-grinder models include 4 1/2-inch 1700 and 1710 units, 5-inch 1701, 1711 and 1703EVS units, and a 6-inch 1706E unit. Bosch also has introduced the 4 1/2-inch 1710D and 5-inch 1711D paddle switch grinders for those who desire a "no lock-on" option.