Bosch GSA18V-083B 18 V Compact Reciprocating Saw
Just got this, so I have not had a chance to use it, other than a premliminary test of the trigger, which is excellent.
If you need a compact, reciprocating saw, know that this saw is compact compared to a regular recip saw but no where near Bosch’s 12V model. To give you an idea of the size of this saw, look at the photo below of the saw placed diagonally on a piece of 2×12.
Review in progress
To buy: Amazon.com
For more info: Boschtools.com
Klein® Tools ‘State of the Industry’ Survey Finds Electricians are Worried Fewer Jobs will be Available by 2021
Klein® Tools ‘State of the Industry’ Survey Finds Electricians are Worried Fewer Jobs will be Available by 2021
Electricians also believe more on-the-job training would solve the growing skills gap
November 15, 2016 (Lincolnshire, IL) – Klein Tools, for professionals since 1857, today announced new results from its third-annual ‘State of the Industry’ survey. More than 400 union and non-union electricians were surveyed and shared their concerns about the future of the industry. Major concerns include the growing skills gap and the availability of jobs in the next five to 10 years. As a company that focuses on providing the necessary tools and programs needed for electricians to do their jobs, Klein Tools was interested in learning electricians’ concerns so it could better address these issues.
Industry Concerns
The Klein Tools’ State of the Industry survey found the biggest industry concerns from electricians are that too many experienced electricians are leaving the industry and/or retiring and that there will be less available jobs in the next five to 10 years.
- This year, one out of every five electricians indicated their biggest concern was that over the next five to 10 years, too many experienced electricians are leaving the industry and/or retiring.
- The survey also found that this is a general concern for nearly one-half of electricians, 47 percent, compared to 38 percent in 2015.
- While nearly one-fourth of electricians indicated their biggest industry concern over the next five to 10 years is less available jobs. This was the highest concern among any other area.
“We’re finding that many electricians have concerns about the future of the industry in the next five to 10 years,” said Mark Klein, president of Klein Tools. “Many electricians see the number of experienced electricians leaving the industry and are concerned that not enough young electricians and apprentices are joining the field to replace them. A large number of electricians are also concerned with the amount of jobs that will be available in the next five to 10 years. With more high-tech installations, including smart homes and the dependency on high-tech electronics, the industry is experiencing dynamic change. Klein Tools is committed to ensuring electricians are ready to adapt to this changing environment.”
Shortage of Experienced Electricians
Consistent with the general industry concerns, the Klein Tools’ State of the Industry survey found electricians believe there is a current shortage of experienced electricians in the field. However, many electricians indicated that more on-the-job training would create more experienced electricians and resolve this shortage.
- Seven in 10 electricians see a shortage of experienced electricians in the industry, and 78 percent believe more on-the-job training would create a more experienced workforce.
- This idea is consistent with union and non-union electricians where both groups had a 10 percent increase from 2015 in believing on-the-job training is the best solution to this industry concern.
“The shortage of experienced electricians is a concern for the majority of electricians surveyed, and many have the same ideas for how to resolve this issue,” said Mark Klein, president of Klein Tools. “Many believe on-the-job training is the best solution to gaining more experienced electricians in the workforce. This is compared to continuing education, more classroom-based training and more or better online training. Klein Tools is working with its partners to ensure that young electricians and apprentices are receiving more on-the-job training to guarantee the shortage of experienced electricians is resolved.”
This year, Klein Tools announced a continuation of its long-term partnerships with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and The Electrical Training Alliance, by increasing its investment to $2 million over the next five years to training and educational programs. The programs aim to train the best electrical workers in the industry by offering the necessary tools and hands-on training, including scholarships and tool endowments for apprentices. Through this investment, Klein Tools is ensuring that young electricians and apprentices receive the highest possible educational experience for a successful career in the industry. Klein Tools is also a platinum partner with the Independent Electrical Contractors to help develop and foster skilled electrical workers.
The Klein Tools ‘State of the Industry’ survey was conducted by Russell Research, an independent survey research firm, which conducted 201 online interviews from January 20 – 26, 2015, and 200 online interviews from January 27 – February 5, 2016, to secure a nationally significant representation. Forty percent of respondents were union members and 60 percent were not.
An infographic visualizing these statistics is also available at www.kleintools.com/2016survey3.
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Klein is a registered trademark of Klein Tools, Inc.
Since 1857 Klein Tools, a family-owned and operated company, has been designing, developing and manufacturing premium-quality, professional-grade hand tools. The majority of Klein tools are manufactured in plants throughout the United States and are the number one choice among professional electricians and other tradespeople. For more information, visit www.kleintools.com.
Bosch $25 off $100
Amazon is having a $25 off $100 on select Bosch tools. The sale is good through Novemeber 17, 2006, 11:59 PM, PST. Discount is automatically taken off at checkout. Here’s the link: Bosch $25 off $100 When ordering, make sure to order in $100 increments, or as close to it as possible, as only one discount will be given at checkout.
Also, included in this sale are few of their newer tools, and tools not included in their past sale. See below:
Bosch GSA18V-083B 18 V Compact Reciprocating Saw Bare Tool
Bosch IWMH182B Bare-Tool 18V Brushless Impact Wrench with 1/2″ Square Drive
Bosch Bare-Tool PS70BN 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Metal Shear with Exact-Fit L-BOXX Tool Insert Tray
Mix it up with OX Tools’ mix m8™
Filed under: concrete, Decorating, Finish, Painting, Plaster/Drywall Repair
CRANFORD, NJ (October 26, 2016) – The truly revolutionary new mixing paddle, mix m8, is so dissimilar to any existing mixing paddle it is an entirely new breed. Because of its unique ‘rabbit ear’ design, it produces smoother mixes, faster and clean-up is easier, even with the stickiest solutions. mix m8 is ideal for mixing small batches of thin sets, mortars, cement, plaster and similar materials.
Unlike traditional steel paddles, mix m8 is a highly flexible and durable non-porous plastic mixing paddle that creates a whirling motion and its ribbed edges cut through materials while minimizing foam, bubbles, and air entrapment. The helix pulls the dry material into the mix creating a smooth and consistent mix.
The patented mixing system can mix up plaster or other mortar compound including aggregates even with a cordless drill (18v). Working well with both cordless (3/8” hex shaft) and corded drills (9/16” hex shaft), it is a must have for job sites where no electricity is available and a cordless drill is the only option.
Where the traditional metal vein mixer is known for damaging buckets and leaving unmixed material, the mix m8 makes edge to edge mixing easier and the smooth ends won’t tear up the bucket. This design eliminates the need to stop and stir unmixed materials, which results in significantly reduced mixing times.
Clean-up is fast and easy, simply finish with a quick spin in clean water bucket or knock off dried materials afterwards.
Product details:
3/8” hex shaft
- Length – 22-1/2”
- Blade Diameter – 7-7/8”
- Weight – 1.2 lbs.
- MSRP – $42
9/16” threaded hex shaft
- Length – 24”
- Blade Diameter – 7-7/8”
- Weight – 2 lbs.
- MSRP – $62
To find a local OX dealer, please visit: http://us.oxtools.com/stores/pages/view/
About OX Tools
Since 1974 Ox Tools has been delivering high-quality professional tools to the general construction, masonry and tiling trades. The company has grown steadily based on the quality of its products and its determined pursuit of service excellence. Ox Tools’ commitment to research and development is combined with a willingness to listen to the people who everyday depend on their tools. By relentlessly researching and introducing new materials and new features, the company is proud to say it has positively impacted the lives of the professional contractor.
Klein Tools announces 2016 Electrician of the Year; winner will donate prize to apprentices
Klein® Tools Announces 2016 Electrician of the Year Winner
Eric Simmons of Las Vegas, Nev. receives free Klein Tools products for 10 years
October 11, 2016 (Lincolnshire, IL) – Klein Tools (http://www.kleintools.com), for professionals since 1857, announced Eric Simmons as the winner of its annual Electrician of the Year award. Simmons will receive $2,500 a year in free Klein Tools products for 10 years, totaling $25,000 worth of premium-quality, professional-grade hand tools. Simmons has been an electrician for more than 20 years and is currently licensed as a master electrician, electrical contractor or electrical administrator in 15 states. Currently, he resides in Las Vegas, Nevada where he works for one of the largest electrical contractors in the nation as a senior project manager.
“It’s awesome to be selected as Klein Tools’ Electrician of the Year because of all they do highlighting professionals in the industry,” said Eric Simmons, Klein Tools’ 2016 Electrician of the Year. “When I found out I won the region I started thinking about ways to set up a tool scholarship to help apprentices in my area get a jump start on the initial investment needed to enter the field. I’m happy to be able to do that with this donation so they have the right tools to do the right job.”
Simmons was selected from more than 350 applicants and is recognized for his professional achievement, his dedication to safety and contributions to his local community. He dedicates a significant amount of time to learn and apply proper safety practices as well as teaches others about safety. He is certified by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) as both a Safety Trained Supervisor-Construction (STS-C) and as a Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST). He is also an authorized OSHA outreach trainer for construction, MSHA Surface Miner Safety Trainer and an American Heart Association First Aid/CPR/AED instructor.
In his free time, Simmons volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and the Associated Builders and Contractors apprenticeship program, where he is an instructor and guest speaker. And, he has led several collection drives for Street Teens, a nonprofit organization that helps homeless and at risk teens in the Las Vegas area.
“Klein Tools congratulates Eric for his commitment to learning his craft, focusing on safety and improving his community,” said Mark Klein, president of Klein Tools. “Each year we are amazed at the caliber of the applicants for this program and Eric is certainly no exception. He embodies everything we look for in the Electrician of the Year and we applaud his great work on and off the job site.”
The runner-up, Bill Budz of Schaumburg, Illinois, receives a one-time prizes of $1,250 in Klein Tools products, John Ellington of Chatfield, Texas wins $1,000 for third place and John Levesque of Adams, Massachusetts, Randall Summers of Arthurdale, West Virginia and Shelby Kytola of Arthurdale, West Virginia each receive $750. All regional winners will also receive the Klein Tools’ Ultimate Garage Package worth an estimated value of $1,500.
More information on the Electrician of the Year award and all winners is available at http://www.kleintools.com/eoy.
# # #
Klein is a registered trademark and Journeyman is a trademark of Klein Tools, Inc.
About Klein Tools
Since 1857 Klein Tools, a family-owned and operated company, has been designing, developing and manufacturing premium-quality, professional-grade hand tools. The majority of Klein tools are manufactured in plants throughout the United States and are the number one choice among professional electricians and other tradespeople. For more information, visit www.kleintools.com.
Klein® Tools Partners with IBEW-NECA and The Electrical Training Alliance for Training and Educational Programs
Over the next five years, Klein Tools will invest $2 million to train the next generation of electrical workers
September 19, 2016 (Lincolnshire, IL) – Klein Tools (http://www.kleintools.com) announced today a continuation of its long-term partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) investing $2 million over the next five years in training and educational programs. These organizations formed The Electrical Training Alliance, a joint program aimed at training the best electrical workers in the industry. The pledge will develop programs leveraging the unique capabilities and resources of IBEW-NECA and The Electrical Training Alliance, including scholarships and tool endowments for apprentices.
The $2 million Double-Down pledge follows Klein Tool’s original and highly successful 5-year “Million Dollar Pledge”, which provided resources and support to IBEW-NECA and The Electrical Training Alliance training centers.
“We have doubled down on our commitment to support IBEW-NECA, The Electrical Training Alliance and apprentices across the country,” said Mark Klein, co-president of Klein Tools. “Our original pledge was highly successful and we are motivated to do even more to help men and women who are working hard to enter this challenging industry. Our support of IBEW-NECA, The Electrical Training Alliance and apprentices ensures that students receive the necessary tools and hands-on training to have a successful career.”
IBEW-NECA and The Electrical Training Alliance’s training programs use classroom learning, interactive simulations and virtual exercises to efficiently prepare students for the industry. Students will now train with Klein Tool’s high-quality professional-grade tools and materials to receive the highest possible educational experience.
For more information, visit our website at www.kleintools.com.
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About Klein Tools
Klein is a registered trademark of Klein Tools, Inc. Since 1857 Klein Tools, a family-owned and operated company, has been designing, developing and manufacturing premium-quality, professional-grade hand tools. The majority of Klein tools are manufactured in plants throughout the United States and are the number one choice among professional electricians and other tradespeople. For more information, visit www.kleintools.com.
About International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
A union of 750,000 members, the IBEW is the largest organization of electrical workers in North America. Our members work in nearly every part of the economy: construction, utilities, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroad and government. Formed in 1981, IBEW has earned the reputation as the oldest, largest and most professional electrical union in the world. For more information, visit http://www.ibew.org/.
About National Electrical Contractors Association
The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the nationally recognized voice of the electrical construction industry, comprising more than 80,000 electrical contracting firms, employing over 750,000 electrical workers and producing an annual volume of over $130 billion in electrical construction. NECA contractors nationwide are involved in specialized construction work related to the design, installation and maintenance of electrical systems. For more information, visit http://www.necanet.org/.
Klein Tools creates fan vote to help decide Electrician of the Year
For the first time Klein Tools has created a fan vote to help decide the Electrician of the Year! Starting Friday, September 16, fans can vote at kleintools.com/eoyvotenow<http://www.kleintools.com/eoyvotenow> until Tuesday, September 27. The grand prize winner will be chosen from six regional finalists from across the country. Fans can learn more about the regional winners, who were selected for their processional achievement, commitment to safety and community service, on the Klein Tools website.
On October 8th, the Klein Tool’s Electrician of the Year will receive $2,500 a year in free Klein Tools products for 10 years, totaling $25,000 worth of premium-quality, professional-grade hand tools. Please help us spread the word and encourage the vote!
OX Tools Brings Bamboo to its new Masons Level
Filed under: Carpentry, concrete, Decorating, Manufacturing, New
CRANFORD, NJ (September 12, 2016) – Accuracy and durability are the most important hallmarks of a mason level. OX Tools has addressed both of these with the introduction of their new Bamboo Masons Level.
Bamboo has a tensile strength comparable to steel and when combined with lamination, the level provides exceptional durability and makes clean up easier. In addition, they added extruded aluminum bindings for protection and strength.
Bamboo is not affected by heat or cold like aluminum or plastic levels which tend to expand or contract with the cold, which affects the accuracy of the level.
This 48” level features two plumb vials and a level vial. The vials are constructed from solid block acrylic vials for increased accuracy over traditional curved vials
“Solid block acrylic vials are close to unbreakable – it is literally a block of acrylic with the vial tube machined or cast into the block. The blocks are permanently calibrated and set in the factory eliminating the need for future calibration,” says John Diplock, managing director for OX Tools.
For added protection OX has included shock-absorbing rubber end caps that can be easily replaced. For easy transport the level showcases two smooth and ergonomic hand holds.
To find a local OX dealer, please visit: http://us.oxtools.com/stores/pages/view/
About OX Tools
Since 1974 Ox Tools has been delivering high-quality professional tools to the general construction, masonry and tiling trades. The company has grown steadily based on the quality of its products and its determined pursuit of service excellence. Ox Tools’ commitment to research and development is combined with a willingness to listen to the people who everyday depend on their tools. By relentlessly researching and introducing new materials and new features, the company is proud to say it has positively impacted the lives of the professional contractor.
Bosch GTS1041A-09 REAXX Flesh-Detecting Jobsite Table Saw with Gravity-Rise Wheeled Stand
Filed under: Carpentry, Finish, Manufacturing, Table Saw
Went by the Lowe’s store in Burbank, Ca and saw a Bosch GTS1041A-09 REAXX table saw on display (not on Lowes.com yet). If you’re not near the Burbank store (other stores may have them), you can order it here.
For more info: Bosch Tools
To buy: Amazon.com
Klein® Tools Announces 2016 Electrician of the Year Regional Winners
Six regional winners recognized for their dedication to improving the trade and their communities Grand prize winner receives free Klein Tools products for 10 years
August 24, 2016 (Lincolnshire, IL) – Klein Tools (http://www.kleintools.com), for professionals since 1857, has selected six regional winners for its annual Electrician of the Year award. The finalists demonstrated professional achievement, safety excellence and community dedication.
On October 8th, the grand prize winner will receive $2,500 a year in free Klein Tools products for 10 years, totaling $25,000 worth of premium-quality, professional-grade hand tools. Each of the remaining regional winners will be awarded Klein Tools’ Ultimate Garage Package and other Klein Tools products. The six winners were selected by a council of Klein Tools employees who voted on a winner from each of the Northwest, Southwest, Central North, Central South, Southeast and Northeast regions.
“Each year we are amazed at the quality of applications we receive for the Electrician of the Year contest,” said Greg Palese, vice president of marketing at Klein Tools. “We are pleased to recognize these six men as people who give back to the trade in profound ways, prioritize safety and training and make a meaningful impact on their communities. It’s never easy to pick a winner because each of these men, and all of our applicants, do such a great job representing Klein Tools on jobsites every day.”
The 2016 Electrician of the Year Regional Winners are:
Region 1 “Northwest”
Shelby Kytola is an electrician from Albany, Oregon who loves challenging himself with new tasks and prioritizes careful planning. He determines the steps, equipment and the risk involved with both the environment and tools needed to keep himself and others safe on the jobsite now, and in the future, by ensuring the work is properly and safely completed.
When he is not at work, Shelby and his family improve and help the lives of children in Oregon through foster care and adoption. He also spends time working with Habitat for Humanity and volunteering at church.
Region 2 “Southwest”
Eric Simmons has been an electrician for more than 20 years and is currently licensed as a master electrician, electrical contractor or electrical administrator in 15 states. Currently, he resides in Las Vegas, Nevada where he works for one of the largest electrical contractors in the nation as a senior project manager. Eric is regularly called on to run the most complicated and technically challenging projects and has had several of his projects win regional and national awards.
Eric dedicates a significant amount of time to learn and apply proper safety practices as well as teach others about safety. He is certified by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) as both a Safety Trained Supervisor-Construction (STS-C) and as a Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST). Eric is also an authorized OSHA outreach trainer for construction, MSHA Surface Miner Safety Trainer and an American Heart Association First Aid/CPR/AED instructor. Eric regularly teaches safety classes for his employer as well as for other organizations throughout the community.
He also volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and the Associated Builders and Contractors apprenticeship program, where he is an instructor and guest speaker. Eric enjoys judging various competitions where apprentices and students display their job skills. He has also led several collection drives for Street Teens, a nonprofit organization that helps homeless and at risk teens in the Las Vegas area.
Region 3 “Central North”
Bill Budz of Schaumburg, Illinois is an electrical instructor at HVAC Technical Institute in Chicago, Illinois. After 15 years as a journeyman electrician, he joined the school at the inception of the electrical program and helped develop its curriculum and program. Bill has also earned his master electrician license and certificates for commercial maintenance, electrical maintenance, refrigeration and air conditioning service. He is also OSHA 500 trained.
Throughout his career, Bill learned to view safety as a creed. When he was on job sites, he was often named the steward and was responsible for all safety related-issues. As an electrical instructor, he ensures students understand the hazards and dangers of electricity and the necessity for safe work practices.
Outside of the electrical industry, Bill volunteers at the local branch of Feed My Starving Children. He is also a substitute teacher in his local school district and enjoys speaking to all students about a job in the trades.
Region 4 “Central South”
John Ellington is an electrician in Chatfield, Texas (near Corsicana, Texas) where he successfully completes a wide range of jobs from wiring difficult boat docks to wiring entire commercial buildings. On top of being a journeyman electrician, he works on sprinkler systems, installs Excede Satellite internet and video surveillance systems. With his many different projects, John places a priority on safety for himself and his team and provides multiple safety devices to ensure everyone is safe while on the job.
John is also a volunteer fire chief and a member of the Corsicana Emergency Corps. He is a former fireman and police officer.
Region 5 “Southeast”
Randall Summers from Arthurdale, West Virginia has been in the electrical field for over 29 years and holds his master electrician’s license. After completing electrical trade school, he started his own electrical company. After three years of running all aspects of his business, Randall wanted to expand his knowledge of the electrical system and finally found his true calling as a lineman. He is most proud that even though the job of a lineman is extremely dangerous, he has never had a lost time accident. He enjoys working safely alongside his coworkers in order to complete each and every job without injuries or accidents. Randall has received the Excellence of Safety award every year from his employer for the last 10 years.
He has also done a great deal of volunteer work in his community such as helping in the restoration of Arthurdale’s historic buildings, improving the local school gym and updating the elementary school playground to make it a safer place for kids. One of his favorite volunteer activities has been demonstrating the art of blacksmithing to local school children and tourists.
Region 6 “Northeast”
John Levesque has been a licensed journeyman and master electrician for 37 years and owns an electrical contracting business in Adams, Massachusetts. He works on all projects including residential, commercial and industrial including medium and high voltage. He values education so that jobs are done right and makes sure his employees and himself are trained and certified in the many different safety aspects of the electrical industry. This ensures his employees return home safe to their families at the end of each work day.
When not running his business, John volunteers his time with Habitat for Humanity providing his electrical expertise building new homes and remodeling old for local families. He also volunteers with his church to help raise money for the homeless and disadvantaged, both locally and internationally, who cannot afford sufficient meals for themselves and their families.
More information on the Electrician of the Year award and all the regional winners is available at http://www.kleintools.com/eoy.
# # #
Klein is a registered trademark and Journeyman is a trademark of Klein Tools, Inc.
About Klein Tools
Since 1857 Klein Tools, a family-owned and operated company, has been designing, developing and manufacturing premium-quality, professional-grade hand tools. The majority of Klein tools are manufactured in plants throughout the United States and are the number one choice among professional electricians and other tradespeople. For more information, visit www.kleintools.com.