Toolbox

When selecting your next Y-strainer, consider upgrading to the new Pro-Pal® Ball Drain Strainer™ from Webstone, a brand of NIBCO®.  Designed to protect the system against debris in the pipes, this patent-pending valve combines a Y-strainer, ball valve, and hi-flow hose drain. Its forged brass construction takes the place of eight individual components; eliminating assemblies needed to isolate, drain, and separate loose particles from the flow. Its flexible design can be installed in a vertical or horizontal orientation, depending on your system’s needs.

The Ball Drain Strainer allows you to isolate the strainer from upstream flow, simplifying the servicing of the strainer port without the need for additional assemblies. During normal operation, the main valve is open to create a straight flow path which allows debris to fall into the plugged blow down port. To remove accumulation, simply close the valve to restrict the flow from the port, unscrew the strainer cap, and clean the debris from the screen. The exclusive multi-function flow path is also ideal for diverting fluid into the drain from either side of the ball. With a turn of the handle, you can choose between a variety of applications including draining before or after the ball, flushing the valve with fresh water, or flushing with reverse flow from the system.

The Ball Drain Strainer is available in sizes ½” to 1¼” in press or FIP connections. It features lead-free dezincification resistant forged brass construction, replaceable 20 mesh screens, and O-ring sealed and plugged strainer port for easy removal of the filter and installation of the drain valve.

Custom LeatherCraft (CLC Work Gear) is excited to announce the launch of a brand-new line of Molded Base tool bags and carriers specifically made for trade professionals. The line-up consists of six innovative products, offering options in a Molded Base Tool Backpack, Technician’s Tool Bag, Open-Top Toolbox, Contractor’s Closed-Top Tool Bag, BigMouth Tote Bag and an Electrical/HVAC Tool Carrier.

These new CLC Molded Base Bags are reinforced for more wear and tear. Constructed with durable 1680D ballistic polyester and extra webbing around the pockets and handles, these bags and carriers offer more strength to hold heavy tools. The molded bottom base is attached with double-stitched tape binding, designed to keep tools safe and dry, while light enough to carry fully loaded to the jobsite. All bags include a padded shoulder strap, ergonomic carrying handles, large metal zipper pulls, heavy-duty hardware, and multiple pocket arrangements for tool organization within reach.

“The addition of the new Molded Base Bags completes our full-range of CLC tool storage solutions,” said Harry Karapetian, Vice President of Sales for CLC Work Gear. “Since 1983, we’ve offered the largest breadth of line in tool bags, backpacks, combos, belts, aprons, and pouches. And now our tradition continues by offering the best in class, quality-built, heavy-duty molded bags to our product family. We are definitely more rugged than ever.”

Each new tool carrier consists of different configurations of sizes, zippered compartments and pockets depending on trade specific needs. The new Molded Base Backpack can be used across all-trades due to its multi-functional zippered compartments and holders. Its design not only offers enough space to carry tools, but it contains a padded compartment to store necessary electronics such as a laptop or tablet and keeps valuable tools safe. The molded base on the backpack differs slightly from the other models. Its square bottom allows it to lay flat when placed on the ground and consists of softer material for extra back comfort. Plus, this backpack provides more carrying support with three large foam back pads and a 2-way adjustable sternum strap.

The Electrician’s/HVAC Open Top Tool Carrier is designed with a divided main compartment for ample room to store power tools and accessories. A variety of pockets have been constructed to hold testers, meters, pilers, tin snips, screwdrivers and so much more. If more space is needed, upgrade to the Heavy-Duty Open-Top Toolbox, ideally for plumbers and commercial installers. This 15” carrier features a wide-open main compartment with a sturdy handle that rotates from side to side for full access to frequently visited tools. Both Open-Top Carriers include an electrical tape strap, measuring tape clip and closed pockets to prevent smaller parts or valuables from falling out.

The last three CLC Molded Base options are premium quality closed top tool bags. The Technician’s Closed Top is built with 54 vertical pockets to organize a variety of pliers, wrenches, knives, and other hand tools stationed in two zippered compartments that fold all the way down for quick retrieval. Its wide-open center provides enough room to haul power tools, batteries, levels, and other valuables. The 16” CLC BigMouthTM Tote consists of an internal metal frame that allows the main section to stay open for easy access. This tote offers functional space to arrange necessary tools and has many similar features to the largest option in this category, the Contractors Closed Top Tool Bag. This 19” ultimate Contractor’s Tool Bag is designed with a spacious main compartment that pops-up for more vertical room for your power tools, circular saws, accessories, and hard hat. It includes dual heavy-duty metal zipper pulls, a large front closed pocket, and multiple deep reinforced pockets throughout the bag.

No matter the Trade, CLC has a durable tool bag with the right configuration to organize and carry tools to the jobsite. To find out more information on CLC Work Gear’s new Molded Base Tool Bags visit goclc.com. CLC, Work Gear that is built to last.

Caleffi North America, a global leader and manufacturer of innovative products for plumbing, heating and cooling, is pleased to offer its 1” male x 1” female union thread isolation ball valve. The 290030 valve is designed to fit conveniently between any Caleffi 1” union valve body and tailpiece. It is low-lead compliant and is certified to NSF/ANSI 372 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 61. An optional stem extension is available for projects requiring pipe insulation.

The isolation valve is compatible with our most popular Caleffi valves including FlowCal™ and QuickSetter+™ balancing valves, AngleMix™ and MixCal™ thermostatic mixing valves, Z-one™ zone valves and PresCal™ pressure reducing valves.

Please visit our website at www.caleffi.us or call us at (414) 238-2360 for further product information.

In recent years, PP-R pipe has become an increasingly popular choice in plumbing and hydronic heating systems. Introduced over 30 years ago, this copolymer made from Polypropylene-Random has been a top choice among plastic piping options. Suitable for both hot and cold pipe, it’s known as a naturally insulating option that allows the installer to make fast connections that are both permanent and leak-free. Using heat fusion technology, the installer can do more than just join two PP-R ends together – they can create a joint that has the same strength as that of the pipe wall. In contrast to other pipe-joining methods, common long-term concerns like corrosion and fatigue damage are eliminated with heat fusion. In fact, fusion connections are touted to be so robust that they will outlast their own piping system.

In the mid 2000’s, a new generation of PP-R pipe was introduced to the market – Polypropylene-Random Crystallinity Temperature – or PP-RCT. Its crystallinity allows the copolymer to resist greater levels of pressure at higher temperatures. The advancement of copolymers in recent years has begun to shift opinions on plastic pipe, leaving behind outdated misconceptions about its dependability.

But the ways of the past are not all gone. Installers may be embracing plastic pipes and fittings, but they have been slower to accept plastic bodied valves. The proven field reliability of brass-bodied construction remains favorable in a time when strong, reliable plastics are still a relatively new concept. As such, manufacturers who work with PP-R and PP-RCT have been trying to figure out how to bridge the gap between the time tested technology and recent innovations.

In order to incorporate brass valves into a PP-R/PP-RCT piping system, installers have historically had few choices. Options for brass valves with fully integrated connections have been somewhat limited. Some piping manufacturers have elected to offer valves that are compatible only with their specific line of piping, so finding a valve that is compatible with all PP-R and PP-RCT piping systems proved increasingly difficult. In absence of a universal solution, installers made use of transitional fittings to connect their brass ends to PP-R/PP-RCT pipe, at the expense of additional leak paths and labor.

That’s where Webstone comes in. Known for their quality brass valves, Webstone has introduced fully integrated PP-R or PP-RCT ends to their most popular engineered products. The Pro-Connect PP-R Pro line now includes the Isolator with Rotating Flange (a uni-flange ball valve with 360 degrees of motion and optional multi-function hose drain), the Pro-Pal Ball Drain, and ball valves (including PP-R/PP-RCT x FIP ends to transition to or from metal piping).

These products all feature socket style connections, which makes the heat fusion process as quick and simple as possible. Valves come in a variety of sizes and are certified lead free for both residential and commercial use. Additionally, all Webstone products carry a lifetime guarantee against manufacturer’s defects – ensuring peace of mind that no other valve manufacturer in the industry can match. To learn more, visit WebstoneValves.com/PP-R-Pro