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MAX TwinTier: A New Era in Rebar Tying
Read MoreRebar, or reinforcing bar, is the backbone of concrete work. While concrete is strong in some ways (compression strength), it’s weak in others (tensile strength). In simpler terms, it means concrete can stand to be pushed more than it can to be pulled.
That’s where steel rebar comes in. Steel has a high tensile strength and is added to concrete structures to give the needed strength to support buildings, roads, retaining walls and the like. Before concrete is poured and set, steelworkers lay the rebar according to specified building and construction codes.
Rebar comes in a range of coatings and gauges, depending upon application. The rods must be connected by corresponding ties, a tedious yet important process, to keep the rebar from moving while the concrete is poured.
From Manual to Power Tiers
To save costs, materials and manpower, it was only a matter of time before a powered rebar tying tool was created. Tying rebar is tough on the body, mainly the wrist, shoulder and back. For a rodman, or rodbuster, repeatedly twisting metal wire can be permanently damaging over the long-term. A NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) study in 2005 revealed the potential health hazards and suggestions for making a safer work environment. If a worker is tying rebar for more than an hour per day, NIOSH recommends providing a cordless tying tool and a tying tool extension arm.
Purchasing a cordless rebar tier is truly an investment. Looking for a strong lithium ion battery that holds a decent charge is key, as is a balanced tool that prevents fatigue and potential injury. Before you buy, make sure the tier is not only fast, but makes a strong, secure tie.
The MAX Effect
Without a doubt, one of the most familiar names in rebar tying tools is MAX USA Corp. They’ve been perfecting power tools for more than 20 years. MAX created the first battery-powered rebar tying tool, the RB262 (which used a nickel cadmium battery) in 1993. In 1998, power tiers became available to the American market, and the rest was history.
Currently, the cordless MAX RB398 is among the most popular tiers at Nail Gun Depot. Weighing a mere 5 lbs. and delivering more than 2,500 ties per battery charge—that’s 5x faster than manual tying—the RB398 can hold its own. Plus, it eliminates the need to disperse and cut rebar wire, saving on materials waste.
But just when you thought they were done, MAX once again improves on their already bullet proof design.
Dual Wire, Dual Savings
New to the market for 2018, the MAX RB441T TwinTier offers an incredible output of 4,000 ties per battery charge. That’s a 200% increase from the previous models. The TwinTier also creates a highly secure connection thanks to a dual-wire feeding system, which dispenses two 19-gauge wires at once to form a tie. The tie is 50% tighter to boot.
Like most rebar tiers, the RB441T comes in three tie wire options: regular or annealed steel, the most commonly used; galvanized with a zinc coating, which adds 40 times more corrosion resistance and is used for moist or marine environments; and polyester-coated wire, which is abrasion-resistant and at least 70 times more corrosion-resistant than annealed steel. The tie wire rolls are changed out in about half a second, an improvement compared to previous models.
Due to the TwinTier’s patent-pending wire bending mechanism, the tie it creates has a 50% shorter height than the projecting “rabbit ears” produced by older cordless models. What does this mean to the concrete construction job overall? It means less concrete is needed to cover the tie, which further saves on materials. Check out this video from MAX, taking a closer look at the new RB441T. Hear what professionals in the field have to say.
Not only does the rebar tying tool save on materials and time, but labor. Fewer tiers are required per job, and an ironworker doesn't need the advanced tying skills and speed of years past. The tedious, wrist-twisting work is done for you - no strings attached.
Need more? Ask one of our skilled customer service specialists about MAX USA rebar tiers and tie wire.
~ The Nail Gun Depot Team
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Occidental Leather: Uncompromisingly USA Made
Read MoreSince 1980, Occidental Leather products have set the quality standard in the tool belt industry. With a selection of beautifully made tool belts, tool bags and tool belt suspenders, all made here in the USA, it's no wonder Occidental products are synonymous with quality. This Sonoma County, California-based company has been perfecting their handcrafted premium tool holders for nearly 40 years.
You will not find Occidental Leather at any store, as the company only allows select vendors to carry their premium products. Needless to say, we’re especially proud to stand among the best, now offering Occidental Leather products on Nail Gun Depot.
Made to Last
At Occidental Leather, combining 19th century craftsmanship with 21st century manufacturing techniques has resulted in exceptionally high quality tool holders and bags noted for their durability and efficient design. The company uses top-grain cowhide and abrasion-resistant, industrial-grade nylon, all reinforced with copper rivets. Leather tool bags are made from 7-8 oz leather, while tool belts are made from 12-15 oz leather. The belts themselves are made of American bridle leather (used for reins and harnesses), stitched with heavy-gauge thread and fitted with a solid brass buckle and nickel-plated steel roller.
Using materials designed to take abuse and withstand the elements, Occidental Leather stands behind their products. They not only offer a two-year warranty against material defects and faults in craftsmanship, but will repair leather tool bags (stitching and rivets) for life. Check out this video to get a behind-the-scenes look at Occidental.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Electricians, carpenters, concrete workers and other tradesmen find their Oxy tool belts last for decades. But it’s not just their longevity that makes them special. These items are made by professionals FOR professionals, so there’s a lot of thought behind their design. And these aren’t one-size-fits-all belts. Their popular HD Ranger Work Belt comes in Small through XXX-L.
Taking the notion of flexibility even further, there’s the leather and nylon combo Adjust-to-Fit Belt, which expands to accommodate changes in waist size. To see it in action, click on the “Videos” tab beside the Adjust-to-Fit's product description.
Intuitive, Hand-Specific Design
Oxy belts are intuitively designed to be hand-specific, so the tool bag on the belt, for instance, is conveniently situated on the right side, while the fastener bag is on the left, where you’re most likely to grab the contents. And for lefties, there are hand-specific versions made just for you.
The Stronghold Lights tool belt suspenders are genius. Simply slide your 3” tool belt through the detachable loops, redistributing weight from hips and back, for a more comfortable (and less cumbersome) workday. The Stronghold Beltless Suspension System doesn’t even require a belt for use, should you prefer that carrying style.
Having a hard time deciding on a tool belt? Let this handy video be your guide.
If You Had a Hammer
How about a hammer to go with the belt? Whether you're fond of wood handle hammers, or prefer the balance titanium provides, we now have a Martinez hammer to suit. Some insist one offers better driving power, energy efficiency or safety over the other. Either way, these hammers feature all-steel heads that are easily removable in the field.
The 4100 Series M1 Titanium Hammer has a higher kinetic energy than the famous Stiletto TiBone, both created by Mark Martinez. Martinez M1 Titanium and Curved Wood Handle hammers can be found with Occidental Leather products on Nail Gun Depot.
For the cost efficient carpenter, each wood handle hammer has a long T-bolt that secures the head, as opposed to wedges typical of wood hammers. The head is also forward-weighted, giving it the same driving force as a titanium-handled hammer.
Ready to support these Made In America businesses? Look for a growing selection of Occidental Leather products on Nail Gun Depot.
~ The Nail Gun Depot Team
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Paslode HardieNails: No Studs Required
Read MoreWill a new siding fastener transform fiber cement siding installation?
In partnership with Paslode, James Hardie Building Products created HardieNails, a patented 1-1/8” long fastener that attaches siding without the need to hit a stud. The manufacturers have designed a nail that’s shorter but stronger, so it doesn’t need to be driven as deeply.
So, how does it work?
Revolving, Evolving Nails
With standard nails, you run the risk of puncturing electrical wire or plumbing behind sheathing (known as a “shiner”). Not so with HardieNails. These fasteners use the same technology behind TetraGRIP Subfloor Fasteners, which work like a screw by rotating into the material. The distinctive threading is based on the barbed helix design of the TetraGRIP Subfloor Fastener, as can be found in our Paslode TetraGRIP Article.
Unlike ring-shank nails, which are commonly used for siding, HardieNails will not split wood or shred wood-based sheathing. Essentially they create a “lock” into the material, so there’s less “play” or movement, even as weather and time affect materials. The nails are used exclusively with the lightweight Paslode 515400 Coil Siding Nailer, featuring Paslode TetraGRIP technology. The 0° fasteners come 120 per coil and can be driven (at a pressure between 100 PSI and 120 PSI) with the same speed as nails.
HardieNails are made of type 304 stainless steel for superb weather resistance. Without chance of staining or streaking, popping and corrosion, they’ll outlive and outperform galvanized ring shank nails, extending the life of the overall siding project.
Studs Need Not Apply
HardieNails boast a 0.300 full round head, .117 diameter and the same withdrawal strength as a 2-1/4” nail. The fastener’s engagement in the wood creates a mechanical bond, which imparts a high-load capacity, so there’s actually no need to attach them to a stud. Instead, the fastener uses 7/16 wood structural panels (WSP) as the base to attach to frame. Workers can shave even more time off installation, as there’s no need to locate and mark studs.
The manufacturers of HardieNails report that just 35-85% of the nails hit the studs. Instead, these nails fasten directly to OSB (Oriented Strand Board Sheathing). You also don’t have to measure and cut planks to fit on the studs. Simply apply the off-cuts in the next course, without cutting further. This means less product waste as well.
Imagine the savings in time, money and manpower when a siding crew can skip the stud-finding and marking steps. To give you a better idea, Paslode estimates a 20% reduction in installation time. That’s according to a study comparing standard nails and HardieNails, when installing HardiePlank Lap Siding.
HardieNail Compatibility
A combination of sand, cellulose fibers and cement, fiber cement has been used as a siding material for more than a century. Most commonly known as HardieBoard in North America, it was developed by James Hardie Industries in the 1980s, when the prevailing reinforcement material (asbestos) was determined to be unsafe.
HardieNails are compatible with all HardieBoard siding options, including HardiePlank, HardiePanel and HardieShingle. Lap and panel siding are 5/16” thick, while the shingle panel siding is 1/4” thick. With each of these options, fasteners are placed as follows for moderate basic wind speeds:
HardiePlank
• Place fastener 1” from top edge and 3/8”-1-1/2” from the ends of lap siding
• Place fastener every 16” o.c.
• Space butt joints at least 6” apartHardiePanel
• Place fasteners 3/8” to 1” from edge of panel vertical siding
• Place fastener every 12” x 12”HardieShingle
• Place fasteners 3/8” to 1” from edge of siding from the edge of shingle siding
• Place fastener every 16”
For a technical data sheet on the HardieNail, click here. The fasteners can also be used with plywood and Huber Engineered ZIP. You can expect the same withdrawal strength with those materials as well, says Paslode.
The HardieNail offers many advantages over standard siding nails, preventing damage to utility wires, greatly reducing installation time and effort, and producing less material waste. Similar to TetraGRIP subfloor fasteners, the Paslode HardieNail is not available for sale online or in most stores. While an exact release date has not been confirmed, we anticipate HardieNails will be available before the end of 2018. For more information on how to become a HardieNail customer, contact Nail Gun Depot.
~ The Nail Gun Depot Team
Videos
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Video: Introducing The Grabber SuperDrive N7 Screw System
Read MoreA game-changer in auto-feed fastening, the Grabber SuperDrive N7 series screw gun kit (SDN740DT) comes complete with the SDN7 screw gun attachment, Rocker 4000 RPM screw gun motor, drywall clip and Phillips bits. The SDN740DT features a smaller head design ideal for tighter spaces, SureLock fine depth control adjustment, durable aircraft aluminum body, and a rounded tip on the attachment that will not damage drywall or wood. The N7 series tool uses a widely accepted tape collation system, holding up to 50 screws per strip. The SuperDrive N7 SDN740DT corded screw system is recommended for drywall, sub floor, sheathing to wood or metal, light or heavy gauge metal, wood to wood, and metal to metal applications.
SuperDrive SDN7 screw gun attachments are designed with a snap-on coupler, making it easy to attach with select Dewalt, Makita and Rocker corded and cordless drivers. No separate couplers or conversion adapters required - simply snap-on the Grabber SDN7 attachment. Featuring a smaller head design, this SuperDrive attachment uses a widely accepted tape collation, and can hold 50 screws per strip. The SDN7 indexing head is excellent for drywall and sheathing to wood or metal, metal to metal, light or heavy gauge metal, subfloor, and wood to wood applications. Learn how to use the SuperDrive SDN7 screw gun attachment below.
~ The Team At Nail Gun Depot
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Video Spotlight: See Senco Composite Fasteners In Action
Read MoreThe plastic polymer base for Senco composite fasteners allows these nails and staples to do some pretty neat things - things your average metal fastener can't do. These composite fasteners can be sanded, shaped, and cut without damage to router bits, cutting blades or sanding belts. Senco also claims they offer "superior holding power, excellent processing characteristics, and long-term resistance to chemicals, sunlight, and moisture." A major advantage we see at first look, no rust, corrosion or staining with these plastic nails and staples. According to Senco, their composite finish nails hold up to two-times stronger than similar sized steel nails, BUT Senco also notes adhesives will do the heavy lifting after curing. Our take, these fasteners - particularly the composite finish and brad nails - are ideal for holding materials in place while adhesives cure. Even better, the non-metal material can be sanded or cut once the adhesive has completely set; meaning you can either leave them in place without fear of corrosion, or sand them down without damaging your tool. Watch to learn more, or get the full write up here: Senco Introduces Composite Tool & Fastener Line.
~ The Team At Nail Gun Depot
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Product Video: Senco Fusion Cordless Pneumatic Nailers
Read MoreSenco Fusion finish nailers have become one of the most recognized cordless pneumatic finish and trim nailers in their class. The Senco Fusion packs innovation, technology and power - all in one handy cordless tool. Find out why you should try Senco Fusion - here on the Nail Gun Network.
If you read up on tools and fasteners, you've seen the Senco Fusion line featured in magazines such as Popular Mechanics, Journal of Light Construction, Tools of the Trade, This Old House and many more. A cordless finish nailer recognized for its features, performance and quality, the Senco Fusion stands out.
Want to know what sets the Senco Fusion apart from its competition? Senco Fusion tools feature an 18 volt lithium ion battery, which guarantees longer charge life with less down time. With a quick-charge system in place, you can renew 80 percent of your battery charge in only 15 minutes. Drive up to three nails per second with no waiting, with a battery range up to 500 nails per charge!
Features include a safety time out, precise depth of drive adjustment, bump fire operation, reversible belt hook, and LED work light. Senco cordless design allows access in hard to reach areas without cords or hoses. Snap the battery into place, and you are ready to nail finish and trim woodwork, baseboards, cabinets, paneling and more. The Senco Fusion is available in four different model types, a 15 Gauge Finish Nailer (5N0001N), 16 Gauge Straight Finish Nailer (6U0001N), 16 Gauge Angled Finish Nailer (5P0001N), and 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (6E0001N).
~The Team At Nail Gun Depot
