tools

Hilti’s newest laser entry into the cordless layout and measurement category comes with proven tech in a robust package.

There is no shortage of line lasers on the market today. The PM 30-MG cordless multi-line laser from Hilti is 360 degree green beam laser powered by their Li-Ion B 12/2.6 battery.

I have been working with the PM 30 Hilti laser for a couple months, primarily using it for simple layout and leveling in different tasks like panel radiator installs or boiler piping layouts. I’ve used both the included wall mount bracket and magnetic base. The PM 30-MG has a very useful fine adjustment dial at the base that makes for quick alignment when rotated either direction.

Bracket alignment for hydronic panel radiators.

The Hilti PM 30-MG is intended for indoor use

Hilti has other laser models intended for outdoor use but as stated in the manual the PM 30-MG can be used outside if conditions are dry (manual pg 5, sec 3.2). Its intended use is to allow a single person to transfer right angles, level horizontally, carry out alignment work and plumb accurately.

The product has three green 360° laser lines, a reference point directed downward on the right-hand front of the measuring device, as well as four beam intersection points (front, back, left, right and above) with a range of approx. 65ft/20 m. Range depends on the brightness of ambient light.

How long will the battery last?

Runtime will vary based on laser projection. The ability to select plumb, level or cross-line (both plumb & level) beams depending on the job at hand will determine the battery life. Max operating time is published at 12 hours, I have used the PM 30-MG enough for one battery recharge but the bulk of my use has been in the cross-line mode. The selection of beam projection is easily done with a single button on the side of the laser housing.

Self-leveling or Locked

The Hilti PM 30-MG can be set to auto-level or locked for use of setting slope. This is done with the sliding power button on the side of the unit. In the locked position the leveling pendulum is fixed allowing for grade or slope projection on a horizontal plane. Moreover, the unlocked (most used mode) will allow the pendulum to self-level. If the laser is not able to self level the projected beam(s) will blink rapidly until corrected.

The tool complies with Laser Class 2 in accordance with IEC / EN 60825-1: 2014 and in accordance with CFR 21 Sec. 1040 (FDA). These devices can be used without further protective measures. Nevertheless, as with the sun, do not look directly into the light source. If you do inadvertently look into the laser beam, immediately close your eyes and move your head clear of the laser beam. Do not aim the laser beam at persons.

Finally, the Hilti PM 30-MG is backed by Hilti’s 20 year materials and workmanship, 2 year wear & tear coverage and 1 day turnaround in the repair center warranty. The Hilti PM 30-MG laser was shared with mechanical-hub.com ProStaff member Eric Aune via Hilti’s tool lease program free of charge and will be returned after use required for full tool review. You can find more info for this and other Hilti products and tools on their website: hilti.com

Job site pics of the Hilti PM 30-MG

With a intended max working range of 65ft the line stays crisp at 40 in shaded daylight.

Same conditions and site as the 40′ measurement, at 80 feet the line is getting much thicker and less crisp.

The cost of consumables can seem minor when calculating a job.

Compared to the costs of labor, tools, material and transportation, the expenditure for consumables can seem unavoidable and of relatively minor importance.

But when using traditional methods of joining pipe, such as welding, soldering and threading, consumables are a constant cost and one that can easily cut into profit margins.

This sample bill of materials explains it well:

Say a job requires a contractor to make 1,500 x ½” pipe connections and, based on material and application, he chooses to use threading to join the pipe.

Consumables for the job are a cutting die, cutting oil, Teflon tape and pipe thread compound. Let’s look at the quantities involved:

• The ½” cutting die has a 1,500-cut life span.
• For those 1,500 cuts, two gallons of cutting oil are used.
• Three wraps of Teflon pipe are used on each pipe joint.
• One pint of pipe thread compound lasts five times as long as the Teflon rolls.

At face value, here are the price points associated with each of these consumables:

• Die: $123.48
• Cutting oil: $33.27
• Teflon tape: $15.78
• Pipe thread compound: $10.32

When you spread these numbers across 1,500 connections, you end up with a total cost of $0.318 per joint.

If you think about this from a long-term perspective, it’s easy to see where the dent in your budget forms. Perform the same job above 50 times over and the consumable bill reaches nearly $24,000.

Now, consider a scenario where you need a 2″ pipe joint to perform the above job. In this case, you have a total cost of $0.749 per joint. Perform this same job 50 times and your consumable bill stretches to more than $56,000.

(While on the topic of costs, it’s also worth mentioning that a threading machine alone will run you about $7,000.)

While the above example uses threading, other traditional pipe-joining techniques like soldering and welding introduce the same concerns over consumable costs. Whether you need spools of solder, flux and fuel or welding sticks, grinding discs and a galvanizing spray, you’ll have payments that never cease and are bound to add up.

The best way to eliminate consumable costs is to use press tool technology. While the greatest efficiencies with press technology comes with reduced labor costs, the savings on consumables will add up, job after job, year after year.

In addition, there’s no need for open flame and you’ll have the ability to install in any weather conditions, so you’ll avoid the cost of fire watches and hot work permits, as well as potential costly delays in project schedules due to environmental conditions.

Will Dutcher, Associate Product Manager – Industrial, has been with Viega LLC for three years, beginning as a product engineer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from The State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) and has engineering experience in a variety of industries, including pharmaceutical, high-end jewelry and consumer plastics.

In continuing its commitment to innovative jobsite solutions to expert tradespeople around the world, RIDGID® is pleased to announce the addition of Mitch Barton to the RIDGID Global Press Connection team, where he will serve as Marketing Director. In this new position, Barton will manage product development, partner relations and new business opportunities for the growing line of RIDGID press tools.

Barton brings several decades of marketing and product development experience to his new role. Previously, he served as Director, Global Project Management for Performance Health in Akron. In this role, he transformed the product management group from a support organization to a high performing team leading projects and decision making across the organization. At RIDGID, he brings this innovative outlook to the Global Press Connection team, helping them strengthen their focus, responsiveness and global connectivity solutions in the pressing category.

“Looking at the needs of our end-user – the professional tradesperson – is critical to our overall product development strategy. Mitch understands this ‘consumer-first’ mindset and will help us continue to take a more holistic view towards new tool technologies,” said John Ruese, VP & General Manager of Global Press Connection at RIDGID.

In addition to more than 30 years of marketing experience across a variety of industries, Barton also holds a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science degree from Bowling Green State University.

Emerson’s professional tools business, which includes RIDGID as well as the Greenlee and Klauke brands, provides the industry’s broadest portfolio of advanced, reliable tools and technologies for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades globally. Visit emerson.com/professionaltools for more information.

New multifunctional tool aids in damage-free installation and easy adjustment

IRWIN® announces that the new VISE-GRIP® Pliers Wrench is now available. With more than 97 years of product innovation in the pliers’ market, the new VISE-GRIP® Pliers Wrench features smooth jaws that provide damage-free installation and IRWIN®’s new patented GrooveLock™ ratcheting up mechanism for easy adjustment in confined spaces.

Ideal for plumbing applications, the smooth, anti-marring jaws minimize harm to chrome and plated fixtures during installation. While traditional adjustable wrenches are difficult to access/adjust in confined spaces, the GrooveLock™ ratcheting up mechanism allows for fast and easy adjustment in tight working areas. The IRWIN VISE-GRIP Pliers Wrench also replaces metric and imperial spanners up to 1-1/2” (38mm) with one convenient tool, eliminating excess equipment on the jobsite, in addition to offering anti-pinching, bi-material ergonomic handles that help provide comfort and control.

Primary users for the IRWIN® VISE-GRIP® Pliers Wrench include plumbers and HVAC professionals. The tool is available now in 10 in. (IRHT82636) and 8 in. (IRHT82635) models.

“IRWIN listened to customer feedback about limitations of traditional adjustable wrenches and implemented several innovations to improve the user experience,” commented Matthew Grella, Product Manager. “We believe the modifications in the VISE-GRIP Pliers Wrench will allow plumbers and other tradesmen to work more efficiently and comfortably, while mitigating damage to work pieces being serviced.”