New Ideas

System offers fall protection

BlueWater Manufacturing Inc. has introduced ParaRail, a self-supporting fall-protection system. The nonpenetrating system gives roofing workers full access to a leading edge on a low-slope roof or parapet. It is said to set up within minutes with no bolts, nuts or pins to assemble.

Tape features dual adhesives

Eternabond has made available its Eternabond DoubleStick tape that features adhesive on both sides, allowing for roof system repair between two surfaces even if the surfaces are different materials. Eternabond DoubleStick can be used on various roof systems, including EPDM, TPO and copper, and with various roof accessories, such as flashings, skylights and ductwork.

The tape reportedly will not crack, peel or shrink and will remain flexible from a temperature of -70 F to 250 F. The product is available in 50-foot-long, 2-inch-wide rolls and can be ordered in sizes up to 48 inches wide.

In addition, the company has released Eternabond A-Seal repair tape that serves as an air and vapor barrier. With a thin layer of MicroSealant™ technology and 4-mil-thick aluminum backing, the tape is said to offer a moisture-tight barrier and ultraviolet stability. Said to perform in extremely low temperatures, the tape can be used for a wide variety of surfaces.

Rotary hammer offers versatility

Metabo Corp. has released the BHE-D24, a D-handle rotary hammer that can be used on various materials, including stone, concrete and steel. The hammer offers a reverse feature, die-cast aluminum gearbox and variable speed control. It also features a rubber-coated, 360-degree adjustable side handle and safety clutch. With a 5.6-ampere motor, its drilling capacity is up to 1 inch in concrete, 1 9/16 inches in wood and 1/2 of an inch in steel.

Tool straightens boards

Vaughan & Bushnell has released the BowJak,™ a lightweight tool that straightens bent or crooked boards and can close up to 2 1/4-inch gaps between boards. The 26-ounce BowJak is placed next to a curved board and tapped into place on an adjacent joist; the handle of the BowJak then is pulled to straighten the board.

Drains contain recycled material

Colbond Inc. has launched its Enkadrain® 3000R series of drainage composites, which can be used on green roof systems. The product has a polypropylene core made from 99.5 percent recycled post-industrial waste. The polypropylene offers a stiff yet flexible product, and the drains are said to exceed 40 percent post-industrial recycled content. The products feature a filter fabric on one side and soon will feature fabric on two sides.

Power source can multitask

American Eagle and Dynamic Power Source have introduced the American Eagle Genesis HPB-37, a hydraulically driven power system that simultaneously can run multiple tools, such as drills, power washers and saws. The 1,050-pound unit is completely powered by a truck's engine and mounts in the truck's bed. The self-contained unit's control panel can be used to hook up welding, air tools and electrical tools and is weather-resistant.

Saws offer drive system

The new reciprocating saws from Bosch Power Tools and Accessories offer an internal drive system that creates the plunging motion of the saws. The three models—RS5, RS10 and RS20—also feature the Bosch LockJaw™ blade-change system, rafter hook and ergonomic handles.

The 9-ampere RS5 weighs 7 1/5 pounds and offers a 360-degree patented scroll collar, as well as a variable-speed trigger. The 8-pound, 12-ampere RS10 offers a variable-speed trigger and 3/4-inch stroke length. The 8-pound, 13-ampere RS20 features dual-speed control, Direct Connect™ cord management system and 1 1/4-inch stroke length.

Framing nailer receives upgrade

Paslode has upgraded its PowerMaster Plus™ framing nailer to include features such as an overmold grip for user comfort and rafter hook. The nailer also features a ruler on the magazine for quick measurements, as well as a bolt on the end plug for secure attachment. The 8 2/5-pound framing nailer can drive 2- to 3 1/2-inch-long nails through engineered lumber.

Light comes with battery pack

The McGill Handi-Light and Battery Combo Pack has been made available by McGill Electrical Product Group. Said to offer portable, bright lighting for up to five continuous hours, the Handi-Light is meant to create a safe work environment. The light features a replaceable 13-watt, 12-volt, twin-tube fluorescent light, as well as protective ballast that can handle voltage surges up to 18 volts. The product has an impact-resistant, polycarbonate outer tube and offers either a 20-foot yellow cord or 1- to 2-foot coil cord.

The battery pack weighs 5.75 pounds and has a detachable charger, battery case and belt, and 60-inch shoulder strap. A safety vent can be opened if the battery overheats.

Column covers offer versatility

Petersen Aluminum Corp. has added PAC-1000 and PAC-2000 series column covers to its PAC-CLAD® line. Available in aluminum, stainless steel, copper and composite panels, the product can be made in a variety of shapes and achieve unlimited radius and height. The column covers are available in continuous lengths up to 12 feet and said to offer rigidity and flatness.

Earplugs offer improvements

Howard Leight Industries offers an improved version of its MAX® Earplugs, retaining the noise reduction rating of 33 decibels but modifying the design and material. The improved product is longer and has a curve that closely follows the contour of the ear canal entrance. It also features a softer material formulation, which is said to increase wearer comfort and offer easier insertion and removal.

Roof anchors are multipurpose

Miller® Fall Protection offers its permanent roof anchors—Miller Claw Permanent Roof Anchor, Miller Single D Permanent Roof Anchor and Miller Double D Permanent Roof Anchor—to be used in applications such as general roof system maintenance and new roof system installation. All have a maximum use of 310 pounds by a single user.

The Miller Claw anchor is a stainless-steel claw anchor that provides one permanent anchorage point and can accommodate any 2-inch-wide wood rafter. It also features a protective vinyl cap and ultraviolet-resistant Santoprene flashing.

The Miller Single D anchor offers one D-ring anchorage point for installing on a wood roof subsurface, and the Miller Double D anchor offers two D-ring anchorage points for installing materials over a wood ridge peak.

Metal resembles wood shake

Gerard Roofing Technologies has made available its Canyon Shake,® a stone-coated steel roof system that is said to resemble wood shake but have the fire protection and durability of metal. The roof system's lightweight panels are made of 26-gauge Galvalume™ steel, featuring a large profile design and deep wood grain detail. Canyon Shake is said to withstand up to 120-mph winds and resist hail up to 2 1/2 inches in diameter. The product is available in five colors—Barclay, English suede, ironwood, timberwood and Windsor.

Screwdriver offers torque settings

Metabo Corp. has introduced its DWSE 6.3 roofing/cladding corded power screwdriver, which offers 10 torque settings from 27 inch-pounds to 159 inch-pounds. The 4 1/2-pound screwdriver can handle self-drilling screws up to 1/4 of an inch; self-tapping screws up to 5/16 of an inch; and chipboard and wood screws from 1/8 of an inch to 5/16 of an inch. It also features a Metabo 4.8-ampere, 550-watt Marathon motor; reversing feature; and die-cast aluminum housing.

Membrane is self-adhesive

Polyglass® has released Polyall® SA, a self-adhered modified bitumen roof membrane with an ENERGY STAR® rating. The foil-faced elastomeric membrane has polypropylene on its top surface and self-adhesive on its bottom surface and is said to lower roof surface temperature by up to 100 F. The top surface of the membrane is 80 microns thick, protected by stove-enameled aluminum foil, and has embossed squares that allow metal expansion.

Heat exchanger offers warmth

QXtec has introduced its heat exchanger, a lightweight thermal-conversion unit sewn into a facemask or balaclava. For use when working outside in cold weather, the unit captures heat and offers warm air when a person inhales, reportedly keeping his body warm. The heat exchanger also is said to trap exhaled moisture to keep the facemask dry.