by Andy on December 31, 2008
If you are a regular reader of the All-Spec Current then you have probably noticed some big visual changes with the All-Spec Current. Our previous theme was very old and not performing as it should i.e. pictures weren’t lining up and links were displaying odd looking pages.
Our new theme is a completely different layout. Our most recent post is always displayed at the very top left and all our recent posts are on the right sidebar.
You’ll probably continue to see a few changes until I get everything in the ideal position.
by Andy on November 10, 2008
This holiday season we are trying something new. All-Spec is offering a Bucket Boss Mug Boss Gift Set. The set is an All-Spec exclusive item and is a great gift for employees, Secret Santas and more.
The gift set starts off with a white ceramic mug and Bucket Boss Mug Boss, both with the All-Spec Industries logo.
Also included with the set is the full sized Leatherman Kick multi tool and the pocket sized stainless steel Leatherman Micra multi tool . A Coast TT7465CP LED flashlight with clip and the Weller ML100 butane micro torch (butane not included) will also come with the set.
This gift set will only be available until December 31, 2008, so now is the time to order.
by Andy on November 3, 2008
For all our Meterman fans out there…
If you’ve noticed that our Meterman products have slowly been dwindling without being replaced… you are right. Meterman products have been merged with Amprobe products. As of October 2008, we have a couple Meterman products left but we’ve shifted our focus toward Amprobe.
But don’t worry, for 50 years Amprobe has been making quality test and measurement instruments designed for professionals. The company’s name is often associated with clamp-on meters but just like Meterman, Amprobe carries a wide range of tools including DMMs, environmental testers and electrical testers.
We’ve carried Amprobe products for several years but have recently added more of their products. Below are some our more popular Amprobe products.
Amprobe 2727836 Compact Digital Multimeter
Amprobe 2727824 True RMS Digital Multimeter
Amprobe DM78C Pocket Size Digital Multi-Tester
by Andy on October 14, 2008
Here at All-Spec, we’ve had several inquiries about the differences between the Leatherman Micra and the Leatherman Squirt S4. Both are pocket sized multi-tools, but other than that here’s how they differ.
First off, let’s look at the tools:
Micra – nine tools plus a key ring attachment
- Scissors (The largest tool when opened)
- Clip-Point Knife
- Nail cleaner/File
- Attached stainless steel tweezers
- Extra small screwdriver
- Medium screwdriver
- Flat Phillips screwdriver
- 5″ ruler engraved into handles
- Bottle opener
- Key ring attachement
Squirt S4 – nine tools plus a key ring attachment
- Scissors (The largest tool when opened)
- Straight knife
- Removable tweezers
- Extra small screwdriver
- Medium screwdriver
- Small flat Phillips
- Nail File/Cleaner
- Bottle opener
- 1.5″ ruler engraved into nail file/cleaner
- Key ring attachment
While they may look very similar when you read the list of tools, there are a few key differences.
Size: The Micra is the larger of the two tools by a 1/4″. The Micra measures 2-1/2″ and the Squirt S4 measures 2-1/4″
Looks: Other than the 1/2″ size difference, the next noticeable difference between the two is the finish. The Micra is available in green, blue, red and silver. The silver is just the plain stainless tool but the colored tools are the stainless steel tool with a colored plastic covering. The Squirt S4 is available in gray, blue and red but the color is actually on the metal.
Feel: Both tools are fairly small and have the same number of tools, but the Squirt S4 is slightly heavier than the Micra.
Conclusion: Both the Micra and the Squirt are great pocket multi-tools to keep around, and the tools on both of them are easy to open with the convenient nail nicks. With the Squirt S4 all the tools with the exception of the scissors are available when the tool is in the closed position. On the other hand, the blades must be rotated open to access any of the Micra’s tools.
Also, both the Micra and the Squirt S4 are stainless steel but must be maintained. From time to time both tools should be cleaned and dried plus the pivoting areas should be re-oiled.
by Andy on October 6, 2008
Not too long ago we added American Beauty soldering products, but American Beauty products aren’t just used for typical soldering but rather resistance soldering. We figured there might be some confusion about what resistance soldering is and the benefits of resistance soldering so we’ve spelled it out for you.
Resistance soldering is a type of soldering that uses special equipment to allow the user to solder faster while creating reliable joints and reducing the chances of thermal damage. The heat used in resistance soldering is both instant and localized.
Here’s how it all works…
A standard 110-120 (or 220-240) AC line voltage passes through a step-down transformer which is then converted into a low-voltage, high-amperage, AC output current. The intense heat is generated when the current passes through a resistive material. The amount of heat produced can be controlled by varying the output current as well as the type of resistive material.
Three things must be present for resistance soldering:
1. A resistive material to generate heat
2. Step-down transformer that can generate an appropriate current
3. Capability of completing an electrical circuit
So you’re probably asking what resistance soldering offers that conventional soldering can not…
- Resistance soldering equipment heats up fast and cools down fast which prevents injury to the user and minimizes thermal damage to the application
- Consumes less energy…the current is only used during actual soldering and there is no idle time
- Consistently solid solder joints…improved soldering also means reliable joints and less time and money spent on rework and repairs.
For more about the details of resistance soldering visit the American Beauty website or their informational resistance soldering website.
