The All-Spec Current

 

  Thanks to all of the great customers out there, we’ve been growing even in the recent economic decline. In response to that we’ve had to make some purchasing and inventory logistics changes. That means more in-stock items and potentially lower pricing for items we’re now buying in larger quantities. Be on the lookout for pricing drops, more items in-stock, and more product SKUs on our web site.

  The growth we’ve been experiencing has also coincided with some lead time problems due to manufacturer backlog and overall fulfillment problems. Please be patient with us while we try to obtain the items from the manufacturers.  We are trying to get the out-of-stock products you order as fast as we can and will continue to try to expedite your requests.

[On The Web Now]

3M EM Eye Meters - The new ESD/EMI/RF meters are now available from 3M. Test a combination of field types with one meter and an assortment of sensors.

http://www.all-spec.com/specials/new.html?brand=3M&promo=new

Apex Sockets – 1/4″, 1/2″, and 3/8″ industrial sockets are now available in many sizes. Inventory is already available for the most popular sizes.

http://www.all-spec.com/specials/new.html?brand=Apex&promo=new

Crescent Ratcheting Wrenches – Metric and Standard reversible ratcheting wrenches are available in standard sizes.

http://www.all-spec.com/specials/new.html?brand=Crescent&promo=new

Better Bag Sealer, Great Low Price - We’re now offering AIE (American International Electric) bag sealers and repair kits in 8″, 12″, 16″ and 20″ versions. An assortment of 2mm and 5mm sealing widths are offered, as well as models with built-in excess material cutters. These sealers are UL listed and production quality, with a lower price tag than our previous 6000 series sealers. More models will be added soon.

http://www.all-spec.com/specials/new.html?brand=AIE&promo=new

-Glen Batchelor [CIO/CTO]

The Danaher Tool Group, known for their Allen and Armstrong tool lines, has been working to restructure several of their brands. After some rearranging, there is now a clearly defined purpose/goal for each of their tool lines.

Their value line is now the Allen line of tools. Allen is typically known for their hex keys but they also offer some really nice quality hand tool sets.

Tools found under the Allen name include multiple tool sets, sockets/ratchets, wrenches, screwdrivers/nut drivers and pliers/snips.

Allen tools are designed for tradesmen such as mechanical contractors, framers, electricians and road construction workers. Basically any one who needs a high quality tool at a low price can benefit from owning Allen tools.

GearWrench (which we don’t carry) is Danaher’s middle-of -the-line tools designed for their productivity.

 

Lastly, Armstrong remains Danaher’s top-of-the-line tool brand. These tools are designed for strength and for use in heavy industrial applications including refineries, steel construction, MRO and more. Armstrong offers tools in a variety of categories including:

• Multiple tool sets
• Tool storage
• Sockets/ratchets
• Impact sockets
• Wrenches
• Ratcheting wrenches
• Screwdrivers/nut drivers
• Pliers/snips
• Striking tools
• Torque tools
• Pullers
• Work holding tools
• Cutting tools
• Auto specialty tools
• C-clamps

In addition to top-of-the-line quality, Armstrong tools are also offered in larger sizes i.e. 2.5” drive impact sockets, wrenches up to 2.75”, structural wrenches up to 2” and 1” drive torque wrenches.

Some Allen part numbers are now part of the Armstrong line, for help finding a product call (800-537-0351) or e-mail our customer service.

A little over a month ago we explained the basic parts of a Weller Zero-Smog fume extractor. But, I’m guessing many of you would like to see the visual evidence of the dangerous gases and particles that could be in your lungs if they weren’t eliminated by a fume extractor.

The nice people over at Weller wrote an awesome post about the results of 90 minutes of soldering. It’s a great read if you are debating the expense of purchasing a fume extractor. The article proves it is important to use some sort of fume extraction even if you solder as a hobby after work or on the weekends.

To influence you even more, here’s a preview.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

{photo credit: Weller Zero-Smog Blog}

Soldering irons may not have an open flame but they’re still capable of starting a fire.  Here’s a recent example of an unattended soldering iron causing extensive damage to a home.

Remember to turn off and unplug your iron when it’s not in use and avoid soldering in a crowded or cluttered work area.

It seems as if borescopes, especially the wireless and recordable variety, are becoming increasingly more popular these days. More and more of our vendors are coming out with their own version of a wireless inspection camera.

The basic elements of a borescope include a flexible shaft with a light at the end plus an LCD monitor to see what the lighted end of the shaft “sees.” Other options for boroscopes include wireless, date/time stamp, waterproof, recordable, capturing still images and more.

The great thing about these tools is that are really versatile and can save you money in the long run. You can use a borescope to peer into walls and other tight places to look for something before you tear it down, move a heavy appliance, etc… the applications for a borescope are almost endless. Plus, the cost of these wireless inspections cameras are coming down in price; for under $300 you can get a wireless video borescope with color LCD monitor.

Here are 10 applications for borescopes:

1. HVAC Inspections
2. Cable Routing
3. Plumbing Inspection
4. Pest Control
5. Electrical Inspection
6. Home Theater Installation
7. Manufacturing of Cast or Machined Parts
8. Water Restoration
9. Automotive Inspection
10. Medical (granted they’re called endoscopes but they’re considered special purpose borescopes)