November 2010

Save on Shipping for the Holidays!

by Andy on November 22, 2010

To ease the holiday hustle and bustle, save on shipping from All-Spec Industries!

From now until December 31, 2010 All-Spec and FedEx have joined forces to offer the following:

  • Save 40% on 1- or 2-Day shipping, OR
  • FREE upgrade from Standard Ground shipping to Express 3-Day shipping

During check-out, simply select the shipping method you would prefer. You will not automatically be upgraded from Ground to 3-Day Shipping; you must select “3-Day.” The discounted rates will show in the shipping selector of both your shopping cart and the check-out process.

All-Spec would like to wish all of our customers a very happy holiday season!

Note: The FedEx shipping discount applies only for prepaid shipping of non-hazardous items.

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The Science Behind Ergonomics

by Andy on November 18, 2010

Ergonomic Chair“Ergonomics” is a term that we hear quite often in the workplace, but what does it actually mean?

Ergonomics comes from two Greek words: “ergon,” meaning work, and “nomoi,” meaning natural laws. It is the science of designing equipment and workplaces to fit different user needs by matching the job to the worker, rather than vice versa. Ergonomics individualizes workers’ capabilities and limitations within the workplace, and tailors equipment and workspaces accordingly.

The most serious ergonomic risk factors are found in jobs that require repetitive, aggressive, or lengthy exertions of the hands; continual heavy lifting; or extended sitting in static positions. Jobs with multiple risk factors are more likely to cause musculoskeletal problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

So what are the benefits? The primary advantage of ergonomics and work environments is the long and short-term safety of employees. This ultimately reduces costs by lessening the amount of money that may otherwise pay for worker’s compensation. Ergonomic tools such as screwdrivers and wire cutters also help improve efficiency in the workplace by simplifying everyday tasks, which in turn increases productivity.

Interested in making your workspace or home office more ergonomically-friendly? Ergonomically designed chairs are a good place to start!

Photo courtesy of www.seating-ergonomics.com.

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And the Netbook Goes To…

by Andy on November 15, 2010

All-Spec Industries would like to thank all of our customers who participated in our latest contest by filling out a purchase review through Reseller Ratings.

As part of the contest, all customers who filled out a review were entered to win an Asus Netbook. After a random drawing at noon today, All-Spec would like to congratulate Greg C. from Maryland as our Netbook winner. Thanks for being a great customer, Greg!

Would you like to share your All-Spec experience with other customers? Leave a Customer Testimonial on our website or fill out a review on Reseller Ratings.

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Holiday Gift Ideas From All-Spec!

by Andy on November 9, 2010

With the holidays right around the corner, start shopping now for the handy men and computer gurus on your list!

Megapro Screwdriver Megapro Driver Sets

New to All-Spec, Megapro is known for their unique multi-bit screwdrivers with a patented pull-out bit cartridge. We are now stocking several Megapro screwdriver sets, along with a variety of replacement bits. Pictured to the right, the Megapro “Original” 15-in-1 screwdriver holds 7 double-ended bits and the shaft opening also serves as a 1/4” hex driver.

Megapro 151NAS-10 Screwdriver

Also check out our Megapro Screwdriver Demonstration Video.

Bucket Boss Tool OrganizersBucket Boss Tool Organizers

All-Spec stocks a variety of tool bags, tool rolls and tool organizers from Bucket Boss. Popular for their GateMouth® and Extreme™ tool bags, Bucket Boss is known for manufacturing tough and durable products. The GateMouth® Long Boy Tool Bag to the left features 14 pockets for ultimate tool organization, with an adjustable internal divider to keep tools secure and organized. External level straps and a new, improved shoulder strap complete this tool bag.

Bucket Boss 060649 Long Boy Tool Bag

 

Steinel 5 Temperature Heat Gun KitSteinel 5-Temperature Heat Gun Kit

This adjustable temperature heat gun and accessory kit by Steinel includes the HB1750 heat gun, color coded 5-temperature key set, a spare heating element and an applications guide book all within a heavy duty metal case. The temperature keys range from 200 to 1200°F, plus a cool air setting. The heat gun also comes with an ergonomic soft-grip handle for added support.

Steinel 34759 Heat Gun Kit

 

Leatherman 830030 Blast Tool

Leatherman Tools

Leatherman Multi-Purpose Tools make a great gift for almost anyone on your holiday shopping list. The Leatherman Blast™ featured to the left comes with longer blades for easier slicing, sawing and filing, all while keeping a comfortable, reliable grip. Amongst many features of the Blast™, some include contoured handle grips, needlenose and regular pliers, wire cutters, 3 screwdrivers, and an 8 inch ruler. To top it off, keep your Leatherman secure in it accompanying leather sheath.

Leatherman 830030 Blast™ Tool

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Increase the Life of Your Soldering Iron Tips

by Andy on November 4, 2010

Most soldering iron tips are made with a Copper (Cu) core with a protective Iron (Fe) plating on the outside. The copper core is used to conduct heat energy from the soldering element, while the iron plating prevents corrosion during the soldering process. Because the copper and iron features of the soldering tip are directly affected during the soldering process, take the following into consideration to extend the life of your soldering tips:

Soldering Iron Tip 1. Tip Maintenance: Maintenance is the most important aspect in maximizing your tip life. This includes routine cleaning, inspection and re-tinning the working surface of the tip. To clean your soldering iron tip, dampen a sponge with distilled water or use a non-abrasive tip cleaner. While cleaning the tip, take notice of any defects such as shape change or pin holes. These may be signs that the tip needs to be replaced. Applying solder to the working surface, or “tinning the tip,” is the last and most important step in tip maintenance.

2. Tip Temperature: Temperature directly affects tip life by speeding up the rate of oxidation at the tip and the solder/flux reaction with the tip’s iron plating. By using a lower temperature, the rate of oxidation is decreased, which will lower the thermal stress on the tip.

3. Solder: The composition of the solder being used is important, as solders with high levels of Tin (Sn) and components that react with the plating will shorten tip life. This is apparent in the soldering industry today, as more people are transitioning to lead-free solder.

Kester Flux 4. Flux: The type of flux being used in the soldering process also plays a small part in extending tip life. More active, aggressive fluxes wear away the tip’s plating at a faster rate. To reduce this, use mildly active fluxes or try using less flux during the soldering process.

5. Operator Technique: By choosing the correct tip shape and size, the right amount of heat will be transferred to make a strong solder joint. This also helps to avoid increasing the temperature during soldering. Also, flux should only be applied to the connection to be soldered rather than directly to the tip.

6: Soldering/Rework Application: Though some applications may call for more solder joints than others, some applications may also increase the amount of thermal cycling that a tip undergoes because of heavy ground planes. This is important to take into consideration when estimating the length of your tip’s life.

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