tools

Plugfones are a combination of comfortable, safety-rated earplugs and high-quality speakers that allow you to listen and communicate more effectively on the job. Plugfones feature an ANSI- and NIOSH-certified NRR of up to 26 dB, and when paired with technologies like Bluetooth and noise isolating microphones, they make for the ultimate hearing protection + listening experience. OSHA-compliant volume limiting models are available.

Visit Plugfones to learn more about the ultimate in jobsite hearing and listening at their website: https://www.plugfones.com/

To read a review of Plugfones from The Hub’s Eric Aune from last year click here: Review: Bluetooth Earplugs

The Milwaukee 3pc Close Quarters Tubing Cutter set #48-22-4263 has been available for about a year now, I recently added it to my tool bag. The cutters can be bought separately but I definitely have a need for all three sizes (1/2″, 3/4″ & 1″) so the kit made the most sense for me.

I purchased the kit at the Milwaukee factory service center here in the Twin Cities for about $50, a price point I would expect for all three sizes and a case. So far I have only used the cutters for a few weeks and I’m still on the fence. Having used similar style cutters for twenty years, I have to wonder if I didn’t get a bad set or if they simply need some “breaking in” time to exercise the tension springs. Let me explain.

The cutting wheel articulates under spring tension, this is how the cut happens. When you place the cutter on the copper tubing the wheel is spring loaded and pushing against the outside wall of the tube, as the cutter turns the wheel and spring does the cutting. My problem so far is that when the cutter is placed on the tube and not yet cutting, it tends to jump off the pipe. This is annoying. Check out the video below for a visual.

I’ve talked with dozens of other plumbers using the cutters or similar styles, some having the same issue, many who are not. I intend to continue using the set for a full month before I decide to keep them or try another cutter.

The NEW Model 7899 Gas Sniffer  from E Instruments is a portable, rugged & VERY easy-to-use leak detection tool ideal for any industrial or HVAC Professional.

The 7899 is equipped with a highly sensitive tip to Pin-Point small leaks of any Combustible gases & Hydrocarbons from piping and/or appliances.

(Natural Gas, Methane, Propane, Butane, LPG, etc.)

The 7899 Gas Sniffer Includes:

• Economical, Hand-Held & VERY Easy to Use!
• 11” Fully Flexible Probe for Hard-to-Reach Places
• Auto Zero-Drift Adjustment
• LARGE Visual LCD and Bar Graph Display
• Audio Alarm
• HOLD Function
• Readings in PPM, %vol, %LEL
• Range: 0 to 10,000 ppm
• Quick Response Time

https://youtu.be/-J5kLQiusWQ

Mechanical Hub’s Eric Aune has exclusive interview with Greenlee Textron’s President and CEO, Jason Butchko at the 2018 AHR Expo. They discuss tools in marketplace and focus of Greenlee to create products for the mechanical tradesperson.