Chicago Pneumatic Portable Construction Air Compressors
Recently the CP pull behind trailer air compressors have received an upgrade. A well known, well respected brand in the industry for years there are now 4 models which complete the line. The new models are the CPS 90, CPS 185, CPS 375 & CPS 750. As you might have already assumed the numbers indicate air delivered in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) and even the smallest unit at 90 CFM can power multiple tools at once. The CPS portable compressor series are all built for reliability, easy maintenance and flexibility in mind. Each unit features easy to operate curbside controls and noise reducing enclosures.
Each of the CPS pull behind compressors allow you to configure different options such as hose reels, after coolers, block heaters, tool boxes and much more. On OhioPowerTool.com the available options with pricing will be displayed with each unit.
Chicago Pneumatic is also one of the world leaders in manufacturing a wide range of heavy duty construction equipment designed to run off these compressors including demolition breakers, concrete saws, chipping hammers & rock drills. If you have any questions about the portable trailer compressors, construction tools, hoses, connectors or anything else please give Ohio Power Tool a call at 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com.
You have probably heard about the new Bosch Edge reciprocating saw blades by now. Perhaps you registered to win the Bosch Ax and Stub Hub gift card. If you haven’t, it’s free, do it. Hopefully you read about the launch on Coptool.com or another blog like ToolSnob.com who did a pretty good test against the Lenox Gold Blades, Lenox got smoked.
Ohio Power Tool and Bosch Tools would like to do more than tell you about them, we would like to get these in your hands so you can try them for yourself. Ohio Power Tool will give you a 5 pack of 6” Edge Blades of your choice for free, with any Bosch order over $129. If your order is over $199 you have a choice of any 6” or 9” blades. Simply email your name, order number and requested Edge Blade part number to sales@ohiopowertool.com and these will be shipped with your order for free. The only request is that you use them and if possible, email us a line or two about what your thoughts are on them.
Back for 2009 the Ridgid Video Contest is open and taking submissions until July 31st. That gives you a few months to write the screen play for the greatest plumber adventure ever, hire A-list celebrity actors, build elaborate futuristic sets, tie it all together with amazing CGI effects and submit the video… or get a case of beer, a few buddies, a video camera and give it your best shot on a Sunday afternoon. Either way it should be fun to make.
Grand prize is $2500 in new Ridgid gear which is perfect because it times up almost exactly with the release of the New microDRAIN & DVDPak both in that price range. Top 5 semi-finalists get an all expense paid trip to Cleveland, Ohio for the Ridgid Round-Up and maybe more importantly you get bragging rights on the Ridgid Forum. If you have no interest in entering the contest no worries but you can still enjoy the videos from 2008, which you can watch on the contest site and check back in a few months for the 2009 new ones.
I was snooping around Milwaukee’s German site and found this little gem. I personally like this design for a jigsaw better than a traditional one. I’ve heard nothing about this coming to the US but hopefully we will see this sometime soon as it would be a very welcome addition to the lineup.
If you are interested in picking up some other Milwaukee V28 cordless tools in the mean time Ohio Power Tool is still running the free battery promotion on any tool kit or combo kit. That is a $150 value instantly. The promo will be good until the end of the month unless supplies run out before then.
2135Ti – Special Edition 75th Anniversary Impact Tool
To celebrate Ingersoll Rand’s 75th anniversary in 2009 they will launch several special edition tools in limited quantities. The first of these tools is the 2135TiMax which receives new graphics and a custom handle. The tool also comes with a FREE 75th anniversary metal clip-on pocket knife, display and 5 piece socket set (1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8"). Even if you are not going to display the tool for all to see, it’s still the best ½” with extra free goodies.
You will currently find some other great Ingersoll Rand deals at Ohio Power Tool including a FREE SK6H8L (currently $92.98) socket set with the 2141 ¾” air impact. Also the IQv cordless W360-LSP, ½” impact, has been replaced by the W360-KL1P (same tool & includes a hard case) but for a limited time also includes a FREE second battery! Also the IR Cash Stimulus Deal is still in effect until the end of April and is good for up to 15% cash back on the most popular air tools from Ingersoll Rand.
The chart above shows website traffic to each company’s main website. It doesn’t take into consideration tool sales, units sold, product specific websites (ie boschedge.com, boschdaredevil.com, etc) or any other outside factors. The graph simply measures web traffic reported from a 3rd party source. In my mind this is a good measure of what is popular and the overall trend of how a company is doing. Overall I think it is pleasantly surprising that the lines weren’t all strait down. Watch the news or read the paper and all you hear is about how the sky is falling, the economy is in the tank and we are all going back to the dark ages but the year over year numbers are up for 3 out of 4 of the largest power tool companies. Again these are just web traffic numbers and not sales or profit numbers, but that’s still pretty positive I think.
The obvious thing that jumps out is what’s going on with Dewalt? Historically it’s been arguably the most popular tool brand, with tons of very loyal customers however recently the talk in forums has been a little more on the sour side. Black & Decker now owns Dewalt as well as Porter Cable and the overall perception I have read from loyal users is that the quality has definitely come down. The die hard Porter Cable guys are possibly the most unhappy (unfortunately they don’t have their own website; it’s a shared site with Delta and other products so we can’t look at it in the chart). Years ago Porter Cable was considered one of the highest quality professional tool brands on the market, now they are comparable to Ryobi, better for a DIY occasional user.
The second thing that jumped out to me is that Bosch Tools is up 95% in web traffic from last year. That is awesome! There have been some exciting new products including a completely new 18V cordless line, new 12V Max tool and a wide array of new accessories but overall I don’t think this is what is driving the gains. The brand remains very strong, continues to make a high quality product, great innovations in their new products, good marketing and very few layoffs while other companies in general have seen cuts across the board.
Milwaukee Tools also had some serious gains of 26% in web traffic from the previous 12 months. They had probably the biggest product launches with the new M18 lithium ion line and M12 lithium tool line. Both lines I would consider very successful launches.
Makita Tools also had modest gains but without a new complete line of tools to launches I think they did a good job in keeping traffic up with the new products they did have as well as strong promotions and relationships with MLS, Suzuki, Rockstar and sponsored events.
Overall I think these numbers are pretty positive and sure lots of people are just window shopping but I think it’s a good look at the overall popularity of the brands and the trends. There are plenty of other tool brands to compare or you might want to see your site’s traffic compared to your competitors, I would strongly encourage anyone to do some comparisons of your own at www.compete.com.
The sweepstake does not require any purchase just fill out the very short form and you are in. If you are worried about get emails from them simply check the box “NO” about emails and they won’t send you anything. The grand prize is 2 motorcycles (RM-Z 450 & RM-Z 250) and 2 Quads (QuadSport Z400 & KingQuad 750AXi) total package is worth $27,000. Not sure why they didn’t spread the love around and do 4 separate prizes but the winner and 3 of his buddies are going to be very happy. Contest ends June 30th and rules say 1 entry per person, per email. Take the next 40 seconds of your life and fill it out, when you win and want to thank me just send one of your new toys, quad or bike I'm not picky.
Bosch Multi-Construction Hammer Drill Bits Go through Everything!
These new light blue drill bits work in your standard ½” chuck hammer drill. I have been a fan of the Bosch Blue Granite bits which has a similar carbide tip and are great for going through not only concrete but also masonry, stone, tile and other similar materials. The new Bosch Multi-Construction Bits go even further, in addition to concrete, masonry, stone & tile the new bits also go through metal, plastic, wood and even glass! Basically all the materials you might want to drill it can handle it. Ideal for say attaching a wood stud to concrete, pre-drill a hole into both at once without switching the tool or bits, big time saver.
The Multi-Construction bit also steals some technology from the Bosch Tile & Glass Bits and will make perfect holes in ceramic tile or glass. The bits work in both rotary or hammer mode depending on the material you are going into. It might get ugly if you are in hammer mode when you try going into glass for the first time so make sure you check your tool.
Checkout Ohio Power Tool if you are interested ordering some of these new drill bits, they are in-stock and available to ship now! Read the full Bosch Press Release below.
One Bit Does it All – Bosch Multi-Construction Bit Tackles tile, masonry, concrete, wood, plastic and metal
Mount Prospect, Ill., February 3, 2009 – Specialty bits are great for repetitive drilling in the same type of material, but when it’s necessary to drill through multiple materials, there is one bit that doesn’t compromise quality, the Bosch Multi-Construction Bit.
Suitable for wood, masonry, ceramic tiles, plastic and metal, the Bosch Multi-Construction Bit is designed to deliver high drilling performance regardless of the material. Bosch is able to do because of its diamond ground tungsten carbide tip with a distinctive geometry.
The bit features a steep spiral flute that quickly removes debris and provides the traction needed when encountering different materials. This also allows the bit to work faster than conventional multi-purpose drill bits.
Unique to Bosch, this bit features a softened shank for better gripping power and acts as a slip clutch if the drill binds.
Suitable for use in both rotary and impact modes, the Bosch Multi-Construction bit doesn’t dull as quickly as other multi-construction bits, which delivers better performance and longer bit life.
The new rebar cutters from Bosch have 1 purpose, extending the life of your other concrete drill bits. Nothing wears out a concrete drill bit faster than rebar and how do you avoid it? With the Bosch Rebar Cutter it’s simple. Once you hit rebar simply switch out the bit in your SDS-Plus hammer drill, cut the rebar and switch back to your regular bit. Another option would be to use two tools and have one already ready with the Bosch Rebar Cutter. If you have an extra SDS drill this could save a few seconds on each cut but not really necessary.
The Rebar Cutters range in size from 3/8”-1.5” but for anything ½” or less you may want to also consider the new Bosch X5L Full Head Carbide. These carbide drill bits go strait through concrete and rebar no problem saving any time and extending drill bit life by have an all in one solution. Ohio Power Tool carries a wide range of SDS Concrete Bits and accessories. Read the full Bosch Press Release Below.
Rebar Doesn’t Stand a Chance against Bosch Rebar Cutter New SDS-plus® Bit Out Slugs the Competition
Mount Prospect, Ill., February 3, 2009 – Where there is concrete, there is rebar. Bosch Accessories, the world leader in concrete and masonry tool accessories, introduces its Rebar Cutter for making larger holes, faster, cleaner and with longer bit life.
Designed to work with rotary hammers in rotation mode, Bosch’s Rebar Cutter has a unique flute geometry that employs a steep spiral design that quickly removes debris. A relief hole is incorporated into the cutting surface to dissipate heat and facilitate slug removal.
The body design and shank are tapered to reduce weight for smoother drilling and to reduce the amount of vibration that often leads to fatigue.
Bosch manufactures its own carbide to exacting specifications and the result is higher quality carbide that delivers a longer drilling life of the bit.
Users simply drill with a SDS-plus carbide bit until making contact with rebar. Without changing tools, users then insert the Rebar Cutter and cut through the rebar until contacting concrete. Once rebar is cut, just switch back to carbide bit to complete the hole.
All bits are 12-inches and range in diameter from 3/8” to 1-1/2”.
Bosch X5L SDS-Plus Full Head Carbide for Concrete & Rebar
The new Bosch SDS Plus X5L drill bits are the ideal choice for drilling into concrete with rebar. Ranging in size from 3/16”-1/2” the tip is a full head of carbide with a diffusion bond, significantly stronger than brazing process used by the competition. For larger diameter holes it is suggested to use a standard SDS-Plus bit then use the Bosch Rebar Cutter (3/8”-1.5”) when you come in contact with any rebar, then continue with standard SDS-Plus bit once the rebar is removed. The X5L bits last much longer (up to 5x longer) than standard SDS-Plus bits especially when hitting rebar, these bits also save time drilling and no need for a separate rebar cutter bit. As you would expect the X5L bits are going to cost more up front than the standard SDS-Plus bits but when dealing with concrete & rebar will save time & money in the long run.
Ohio Power Tool has the new X5L bits in-stock now as well as many other SDS-Plus, SDS-Max & Spline Hammer Drill Bits and accessories. If you have additional questions about you application, what tools will work best or anything else about concrete drilling contact the pros at Ohio Power Tool at 800-242-4424 or by email sales@ohiopowertool.com. Read the full Bosch X5L press release below.
Bosch X5L is Unstoppable in Concrete and Rebar New SDS-plus® Full Head Carbide is Longest Lasting Bit
Mount Prospect, Ill., February 3, 2009 –Unstoppable…that’s what users need from your concrete and masonry drill bits. Break through concrete and rip into rebar…what else would professionals expect from Bosch, the industry leader in concrete and masonry construction bits. Introducing the X5L Hammer Carbide, the longest lasting bit on the market in concrete and rebar. It all starts at the top and that’s where the Bosch bit separates itself from the competition. The Bosch Full Head Carbide Tip provides a larger cutting edge, resulting in faster drilling speed and less carbide wear than competitive bits. And the sharp cutting edge rips into both concrete and rebar.
The carbide head also features a centric conical tip. This guides the bit through concrete and the new tip shape provides rounder holes for precision anchoring applications.
Precision anchoring is never a problem with the X5L because of the wear mark on the head of the bit. This allows the user to determine if the anchor will fit before the hole is drilled.
Unlike other bits, Bosch uses a diffusion bonding process where the carbide and steel are bonded together at the molecular level for a stronger bond the lasts longer. Competitive bits will braze the two materials together with a third material, which leads to bit failure, especially when encountering rebar.
The flute is designed to improve dust and debris removal so the blade runs cooler and lasts longer. The cross-section is optimized to reduce stress on the bit and improve performance with side hits and direct impact with rebar.
The results of these innovative features speak for themselves. In independent testing, the 1/4” X5L bits lasted 4 times longer in rebar than leading competitor of full head carbide bits.
The bits were designed with HVAC, electricians, plumbers and general installation and commercial construction professionals in mind. Bits range in diameter size from 3/16” to 1/2” and are offered in 4” to 18” lengths.
It can be difficult to predict the future and determine what is going to be best for your needs in the long run. There are a few basic things to look at which will help guide you in making the right financial decision for what is right for you personally or your business.
Frequency – How often will you need this item, what is the likelihood the usage could change in the future? Urgency – When you need this item is it for something urgent or can usage be planned and therefore group projects together. Versatility – Can this equipment do multiple jobs; are there different options that you might want down the road? Availability – Is this item even available in your area to rent? It might answer your question real quick if you can’t even rent it. Maintenance – Do you have someone to maintain/repair the equipment, what are the typical repair costs; could there be problems if the item sat dormant for the winter? New Business – Is there additional business you could do if you had this new equipment? Are you missing opportunity on current jobs where you refer business to others? Technology – How quickly does the technology change? In 2-4 years will something better be available and you will need to upgrade?
Using Rentals to Grow Your Business
Renting is a great way to expand your business without the costs of additional equipment. For instance if a plumber who owns his own business wants to do pipe and drain inspections he might look at adding a Ridgid SeeSnake for a cost of $4000-$10,000. Then the risk is the equipment might go unused for weeks at a time until he builds that part of his business. On the other hand he could offer these services and simply rent a SeeSnake (from $125) as needed until the frequency goes up and buying becomes more attractive. Additionally rental equipment is a great way to supplement your current inventory. You may already own a mag drill but an upcoming job requires a few hundred holes drilled. It might make sense to rent a second or third drill for the job and speed up that step of the process. Often times this will more than pay for itself when consider man hours and project bottle necks.
Financing & Economic Slow Downs
During slower economic times it can become harder to secure financing and/or justify purchasing new equipment but the absolute worst thing you could do is turn away business. Shop your local rental house and know what inventory is available and what the rates are so you can speak confidently about your capabilities and build those rates right into any quotes. Also most places will offer discounts if you are planning to rent the tools several times per month.
March Rental Madness Deal – Ohio Power Tool
If you are near the Columbus, Ohio area and looking to rent any tools or equipment in the near future you might want to check out rental tools & equipment from Ohio Power Tool before the end of the month. Any rental items checked out before the last day of the month will be eligible for 25% back in free good which can be used on any new tools or accessories. At minimum it should cover the costs of any accessories you might need, such as saw blades or drill bits but the savings can add up quickly into free tools.
Outside Central Ohio you can still rent from Ohio Power Tool on a weekly and monthly basis if you would like to take advantage of the 25% in free goods offer. Shipping rates will apply so some items may not be cost effective but on weekly or monthly rental there are defiantly items which can be pretty reasonable to have shipped direct to your jobsite. If you have any questions call 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com.
At the recent Pumper Show in Louisville, Ridgid showed off a wide range of new products in the SeeSnake inspection line. Some of the products are available now and other we will have to wait until summer (probably July or August). Here is a quick rundown of the new products:
LCDPak – SeeSnake 10.4” LCD Monitor - $2635 -Compact & Lightweight size -Can operate whole SeeSnake system on 1 or 2 18V Ridgid Batteries -New Integrated Line Trace Feature allows you to trace the push cable with your RIDGID® locator (requires transmitter) -Available Now! -Models: 31763 Monitor Only & 32898 w/ 2 Batteries
MINIPak – SeeSnake 5.7” LCD Monitor - $1795 -Compact & Lightweight size -Can operate whole system on 18V Ridgid Battery -New Integrated Line Trace Feature allows you to trace the push cable with your RIDGID® locator (requires transmitter) -Available Now! -Models: 32668 Monitor Only & 32748 w/ Battery
New SeeSnake Color Compact 100’ - $5074 -Uses new MINIPak 5.7” monitor -Can operate whole system on 18V Ridgid Battery -New Integrated Line Trace Feature allows you to trace the push cable with your RIDGID® locator (requires transmitter) -Available Now! -Models: 32913 w/o Battery & 32903 w/ Battery
DVDBase – DVD Recording Accessory - $1364 -Connects to any Ridgid Monitor with Video Output -Can operate recorder on 18V Ridgid Battery -Fully Weatherized Design protects your equipment whatever the job conditions -Available Now! -Models: 32678 w/o Battery & 33098 w/ Battery
DVDPak – OLED Monitor & DVD Recording - $2596 -Use with any Ridgid SeeSnake Reel -Can operate whole system on 18V Ridgid Battery -Fully Weatherized Design protects your equipment whatever the job conditions -Available this Summer – PRE-ORDER now! -Models: 32923 w/o Battery & 33203 w/ Battery
microDRAIN – 30’ Inspection System - $1685 -Use with microEXPLORER or other SeeSnake monitors -22mm flexible head fits through toilet traps and tight turns -Compact & Lightweight size make it easy to take on any job -Available this Summer – PRE-ORDER now! -Models: 33103 microDRAIN only & 32928 w/ microEXPLORER
If you have any questions about any of the Ridgid Plumbing Products please do not hesitate to call the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com, new products, repairs, rentals, parts, etc.
Ingersoll Rand is arguably the strongest name in automotive air tools. Obviously there are cheaper tools in the market place that discount suppliers will push on you but how long does it last with regular use and can you even get simple maintenance parts for it? That being said everyone wants to save some cash on anything they are buying!
Currently you can get Ingersoll Rand Air Tools at some of the lowest prices online from Ohio Power Tool. After you get a great price you will get up to an additional 15% of the purchase price of the tools, back to you in cash money. This is part of the IR Stimulus Plan, not that we haven’t seen enough “Stimulus Package Sales Promotions” but anytime you can get a great deal and then get a check on top of that I’m happy.
Our hopes for the original Ridgid Seesnake Micro were crushed when we found out it couldn’t get past the traps. When we heard the 9.5mm head was coming there was again discussion it would be more flexible and it would do the job but again hopes and dream down the drain. Then news of the microExplorer… surely this would be the answer to our prayers but with all the great new features it still could not pass the trap test... until now.
Finally Ridgid has solved the problem once and for all. Coming this summer you can get your hands on a simple portable machine that will take you to the promise land on the other side of that trap. It is called the Ridgid microDrain and you can see the video of it in action below (Ohio Power Tool will have pre-ordering available several months before its release). It will work with the Ridgid microExplorer which means you can capture pictures and video onto your SD card. It also means you have another reason to pickup the Explorer now if you haven’t already got one. The new microDrain is basically a 30ft push cable on a light weight reel (8.6 lbs together) with a 22mm head, small enough for toilet traps and 1-1/4” lines. The Explorer attaches perfectly for a very compact nice package which will be very easy to carry around.
This makes me even more excited about the future investment Ridgid is putting into the Micro Explorer product. We still haven’t seen any updates about what is to come for the expansion slots but the hope is we could see thermal, infrared or other imaging technologies available which could greatly expand the functionality of these cameras. Obviously that means the Explorer is going to be around for several years to come in its current form so no excuses not to get one.
Ohio Power Tool has become the home of the Free Battery Deals. Some people do free shipping but that’s only good for a couple bucks, these free battery deals can save you up to $150. Nothing is more annoying or a bigger waist of time than running out of battery power. Make sure it never happens to you again! Here is the full list of all the free battery deals currently available at Ohio Power Tool:
If you are looking for 18V tools from Bosch or Milwaukee there are also special deals right now for them just not free batteries. Bosch 18V Tools have a trade-in deal which could save you up to $100. Milwaukee M18 Tools include a free Impact Drive tool, a $179 value, with some of the tools and combo kits.
Bosch 18V Lithium Ion Trade-In Deal – Up to $100 Off
Have you beaten up your old cordless tools to the point they are about to give out… or have they already quit working on you? No problem because until April 30th, 2009 at Ohio Power Tool you can get up to $100 for that old tool simply by purchasing a new Bosch 18V Litheon Tool.
If you have you eye on the Bosch 18V 4 Tool combo kit CLPK40-180 with Hammer Drill/Driver, Reciprocating Saw, Circular Saw and Flashlight you can save $100 simply by sending in your oldest most beat up 18V tool.
The Bosch 18V Litheon tools are some of the most powerful, well built cordless tools on the market today. The Hammer Drill is rated at 650 ft/lbs torque, more powerful than most other 24, 28 or 36 volt cordless hammer drills. They are backed by the industry-leading ProVantage warranty, good for 3 years of tool protection & 2 years battery replacement.
The Trade-In tool must be received before the new tool can be shipped. The trade-in tool must also be an 18V professional tool. The Trade-In tool is not required to operate correctly and does not need to include a working battery although we encourage you to send them in so we can recycle them through proper channels.
If you have any questions about how to ship the tools, how to use the coupon codes, questions about the tools themselves or any other question you can imagine please simply give us a call at 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com we are more than happy to help.
In this post we are just going to look at selecting portable wet/dry cutting Diamond Saw Blades which would typically go on a handheld gas saw such as the SpeediCut Core Cut 12”, 14” or 16” saws. One would think this would be very simple right, possibly 3 or 4 options but you would be very wrong. In a 14” x .125 size alone we are looking at over 50 options so with the different sizes there are hundreds of possibilities. Why so many options… it comes down to money, after all we are talking about real diamonds.
Diamond Quality - Just like gemstone diamonds there are quality grades to cutting diamonds. High quality solid diamonds are more expensive than “flawed” diamonds with lots of carbon imbedded; they also cut better, longer. Diamond Quality is the main factor in pricing any diamond blade, without the diamonds these are basically just big pieces of sheet metal.
Segment Height – The metal in the segments are used for one basic thing to control the cut rate of the diamonds. The segment metals are far less expensive than the diamonds baked into them and really play little significance in the price; often the taller segments are used with lower grade blades. This seems counter intuitive because there are more diamonds in a larger segment, but often these are lower quality diamonds. Since the lower quality diamonds have more flaws they will not last as long and the metal needs to wear quicker exposing fresh diamonds to make more cuts.
Material Being Cut – It is very important to match the right blade with the right material if you have any intention of preserving the blade and getting the most value for your dollar. The basic rule of thumb is you want a harder blade for softer material and softer blade for harder material. This of course has everything to do with controlling the rate the diamonds are exposed. Asphalt is very soft, a hard segment will hold the diamonds in place and allow them to cut much longer. Cured reinforced concrete would be much harder and in ture use a soft metal for the blade, if an hard blade was used it would hold the diamonds in place too long and you would end up trying to cut with very dull diamonds. Good news is if you went back to asphalt or other soft material the blade would eventually recover provided you hadn’t pushed it and burnt the blade up. A hard concrete blade on the other hand will work like butter in asphalt because the soft segment in the soft material wears away quickly exposing new diamonds constantly. The bad news is the blade will be used up very quickly.
Blade Size & RPM – Each size saw spins at different speeds, 12” have the highest RPM while the 16” spin the slowest. The 14” saws spin at 5400 RPM for instance so all the 14” blades are made for that speed. The 12” blades are will work on the 14” saw because they are being used at a slower speed which may not be ideal but work just fine. Never however use a blade above its max RPM rating. The blades have a concaved shape and spinning them faster will cause them to heat up and potentially be very unsafe.
Wet vs. Dry – All the dry high speed blades can be run wet or dry for most applications. With large surface area and intermittent cutting the saw blades are constantly exposed to plenty of air cooling the blade. If the same saw blade however were used in a walk behind saw, half buried in concrete for continuous use water would need to be applied or the blade would over heat.
Hopefully this will help when you make your next diamond blade selection. Typically if you are working with a knowledgeable company, like Ohio Power Tool and have a general idea what you will be cutting they will be able to help you select the right blade at the right price. Everyone’s situation is different if these blades are going to be used by new employees with little training the inexpensive Star Blue blade with high segment and low quality diamonds will ensure limit risk due to improper use. For the professional with many years of experience cutting the same material a Heavy Duty Orange or Premium Black blade will be a better value in the long run, lasting longer and cutting faster.
Over the weekend in Las Vegas the winner of the Irwin “Tell Us Your VISE-GRIP Story” was announced. The winner was Dr. Bryan Fax a US Navy Surgeon. Read the full story below or visit the IRWIN Contest Site:
He Did WHAT With a VISE-GRIP? IRWIN Industrial Tools® Announces Emergency Battlefield Spine Surgery Tale as Winner of ‘Tell Us Your VISE-GRIP Story’ Promotion
-- U.S. Navy Surgeon Awarded Custom-Built IRWIN® VISE-GRIP® Chopper for Unique Story About One of America’s Favorite Tools --
LAS VEGAS – (March 1, 2009) IRWIN Industrial Tools, a Newell Rubbermaid® company and maker of the most reliable and versatile locking tools, the IRWIN VISE-GRIP, announced today that Dr. Bryan Fox of Chesapeake, Va., was selected as the winner of the “Tell Us Your IRWIN VISE-GRIP Story” promotion. Dr. Fox, an orthopedic surgeon for the United States Navy, was honored for using an IRWIN VISE-GRIP to perform spinal surgery during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
A member of the U.S. Navy for more than 25 years, Dr. Fox found a unique use for his VISE-GRIP as a spine surgeon on the battlefield in the Middle East. In the heat of battle, Dr. Fox needed to perform emergency spinal surgery on a soldier who had a combination of screws and rods that had been implanted into his infected spine. Complicating the medical challenges at hand, Dr. Fox did not have access to the specialized tools necessary to deal with the soldier’s different spine implants. Dr. Fox did, however, have access to a pair of VISE-GRIP locking pliers. He sterilized his VISE-GRIP tools and used them to remove the rods and screws from the soldier’s infected spine, effectively saving his life.
As the winner of the “Tell Us Your Vise-Grip Story” promotion, Dr. Fox was awarded an IRWIN VISE-GRIP custom-branded chopper valued at $25,000 built by East Coast Custom Cycles. “As a lifelong fan of IRWIN VISE-GRIP tools, I’m thrilled to be selected as the winner of the ‘Tell Us Your VISE-GRIP Story’ contest,” said Dr. Fox. “IRWIN VISE-GRIP tools allowed me to save lives on the battlefield, and I firmly believe that VISE-GRIP tools are the most reliable and durable tools available. If you can’t fix it with VISE-GRIP tools, duct tape and a bigger hammer – it can’t be fixed.”
“IRWIN’s ‘Tell Us Your VISE-GRIP Story’ showed us the creative ways our loyalists use their VISE-GRIP tools outside of traditional workshop functions. Bryan’s emergency battlefield spine surgery story serves as a great example of how our fans use the product in inventive ways to solve a variety of challenges every day,” said Curt Weber, director of product marketing for IRWIN Industrial Tools. “We are excited to reward Bryan for his commitment to serving others and his loyalty to IRWIN.”
For years, IRWIN has received hundreds of unsolicited stories from professional tradesmen, contractors and do-it-yourselfers about the unique ways they’ve used a VISE-GRIP product outside of its traditional use to solve various problems either in a pinch or as a permanent solution. From July-October 2008, consumers were asked to share the different and exceptional ways they have used VISE-GRIP locking pliers or wrenches to solve various problems in the workplace or at home.
IRWIN received more than 850 stories describing how consumers used VISE-GRIP tools in different situations ranging from spine surgery to car repair during the “Tell Us Your VISE-GRIP Story” promotion. Fifty submissions were selected as finalists and consumers voted to select the best three entries. The winner was selected from the top three finalists by a panel of judges made up of industry experts in education, training, retail, motorsports and manufacturing.
The other finalists for the “Tell Us Your Vise-Grip Story” promotion were Paul Schraps of San Rafael, Calif., and Paul Smith of Valley Center, Calif., who won second and third place, respectively. Schraps shared how he held his truck’s exhaust system together while driving his mother to receive cancer treatments in Mexico. Those same VISE-GRIP locking pliers are still holding Schraps’ exhaust system together 28 years later. Smith lost a brake line during the grueling Baja 500, and he used his VISE-GRIP locking pliers to maintain power on his remaining brakes to finish the difficult race.
Schraps was awarded a $1,000 Cabela’s gift card for his second place entry and Smith received a $500 Cabela’s gift card for his third place entry. All three finalists received an all expenses paid trip to Las Vegas where the grand prize was awarded.
The VISE-GRIP Locking Tool was invented in 1924 by William Petersen, a Danish immigrant and blacksmith in DeWitt, Neb. Today, as a result of innovation and product development at IRWIN, the VISE-GRIP brand leads the market with a variety of innovative pliers, wrenches and tools for specialty jobs, making it the most widely owned brand of hand tools by working professionals in the United States.
