Working lean

Working lean

Manufacturers constantly strive to improve tools and supplies to help users do their jobs faster and safer. Check out these latest product introductions.

The Contractor Tools and Supplies editorial staff has been highlighting Lean construction methods for several years now. Whether it’s taking waste out of internal business processes or tackling work on the jobsite in a more efficient way, Lean construction is all about doing any job more efficiently and safely, which equals lower costs and hopefully, larger profits.

We asked tool and supply manufacturers to share with us any recent product introductions that meet the Lean construction standards of doing a job more efficiently and safely. Here’s a sampling of them; use the item number to request more information.

Reusable batter boards
Rousseau offers the Model 4008 reusable batter board system that offers a fast, easy, accurate and cost-effective way to lay out projects. Simply drive 3/4" stakes through the frame, set the batter board elevation, tie the string line to the slider and adjust for accuracy. The system comes with eight batter board frames, eight adjustable sliders and 275' of string line. Item 130

Cement/polystyrene blocks
Apex Construction Systems has developed the Apex Block, which is made from cement and polystyrene. The homogeneously constructed blocks weigh only 52 lbs. and offer a R-52 insulating value. The geometry of the interlocking surfaces and networked cavities are filled with reinforced concrete to create load-bearing, shear, stem and retaining walls. Installs up to 20 percent faster than other blocks and doesn’t require seam gluing. Item 131

Arbor for mistakes
Starrett offers its Oops arbor, designed specifically for those times when the drilled hole is too small for the job. The Oops arbor is a pilot drill adapter/arbor that fits in place of the drill in regular hole saw arbors. If you want to make a 1" hole into a 2" hole, simply slip the adapter and 1" hole saw into the arbor of the 2" hole saw and drill out the hole. A fast, simple and neat way to increase hole sizes. Item 132

Multi-purpose telehandler
JLG offers the G6-23A telehandler that can tackle a variety of tasks on a jobsite. It could help reduce the number and variety of material handling equipment needed on a site, reducing cost and congestion. With a rated capacity of 6,600 lbs., it has a 22' 7" maximum lift, all-wheel drive and steering with up to 45 percent gradeability. The mechanical quick switch enables fast attachment changes, including standard and sideshift carriages, four bucket types, a truss boom, fork-mounted lift hook and three sizes of pallet forks. Item 133

Parallel concrete saw
Husqvarna Construction Products offers the K650 Cut-n-Break concrete saw that powers two parallel blades for making the cut in concrete. Once the cut is made, the operator uses its breaking tool to break out the concrete between the parallel cuts. Ideal for cutting small openings or creating and finishing square corners. It can cut up to 16" deep in concrete, brick or block walls. Costs less to operate than a concrete-cutting chainsaw, report Hasqvarna sources. Item 134

Standardized MIG tips
Bernard Welding Equipment offers conversion adapters that allows its Centerfire MIG tips to be used in all major brands of MIG guns/welders. By standardizing on one brand of consumables, contractors can reduce on-hand inventory and simplify ordering and shipping. Standardization means stocking only one tip for each size. Can be used with Binzel, Lincoln, Miller, OXO, Tregaskiss and Tweco brands. Tips change without using tools and have built-in splatter shields. Sources say the tips last up to three times longer than other brands. Item 135

Hoseless pneumatic nailer
Forget about hauling hoses that get snagged on ladders and roof edges with Prebena’s PKT-7-RK90 nailer. Uses a handy air cylinder for power or can be used with an air hose. Drives 2" to 3 1/2" round-head nails, including screw or ring-shank styles. It’s well-balanced and offers fast shot sequence and shoots paper- or plastic-collated nails. Integrated pressure gauge indicates remaining pressure; tanks can be refilled with Prebena’s compressor system. Item 136

Aligning reamers
Eagle/Taptek Cutting Tools offers its hex shank aligning (bridge) reamers in special sizes designed to meet contractors’ needs. Available in 9/32" to 2" diameters, the hex shank reamers fit into pneumatic impact drills and speed hole alignment for steel assembly. Item 137

High-yield adhesive
Handi-Stick polystyrene construction adhesive from Fomo Products is a high-yield product that comes in pressurized cans. One can equals up to 30 standard tubes of caulk adhesive and can reduce or eliminate the need for fasteners, which further reduces labor and costs. With a three-minute working time, it provides a fast and powerful bond to almost any surface. Item 138

One tool cleans fittings and tubing
Weiler Corporation reports its Turbo Brush brushing tool can be used to clean fittings and tubing without changing tools, saving installation time. The stainless steel bristles prevent rust and the ABS impact-resistant housing protects the bristles so they retain their shape, increasing brush life. Item 139

Faster drywall mudding,
painting
The Hyde Corner Ease roller has a V-shaped hub that directs just the right amount of mud into corners without leaving lines, grooves or excess compound. Can roll up to 15' in one pass. Can also be used for priming and can cover up to 60 lin. ft. at a time. Item 140

Published in the July/August 2007 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.