Tools - Articles - Page 21 | Plumbing & Mechanical

PM's 2014 Top Products of the Year

These are based on the number of page views they generated.

BNP Media Staff

March 31, 2015

Here are the top products from 20 different manufacturers that were featured in editorial coverage in PM in 2014.

Basement cleanout, PVC spacers, pipe storage

Tool Tips—August 2014

October 25, 2014

When opening an overhead cleanout in the basement, tie a heavy-duty plastic trashbag around the cleanout, leaving room to get your hand in to remove the cleanout plug that you previously loosened. Cut a small corner of the trashbag bottom and put a 5-gal. bucket under the hole.

Compression gasket install, cutting oil with dawn, try a compact

Tool Tips—July 2014

October 17, 2014

When installing a no-caulk shower drain, I found the best way to install the compression gasket is to use a 2-in. PVC coupling and a rubber mallet.

DeWalt cordless hand-held lighting

DeWalt’s DCL050, 20V Max LED hand-held area light has a rubber over-mold for grip during use or can be placed on flat surfaces.

August 15, 2014

The area light includes two LED’s for maximum light output and provides up to 17 hours of runtime with a 4.0Ah 20V Max battery. It also includes a 360° rotating hook so the unit can be hung.

Reed full-line tool catalog

Reed’s full-line 84-page Catalog N offers three pages of new products. Bullet

August 15, 2014

Two and half pages worth of products in Catalog N are designated “best ever,” which means they offer significant improvements over all prior Reed versions of that tool.

Makita compact reciprocating saw

Makita’s 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Compact Recipro Saw has a compact size, weighs 3.9 lb. and features a dual-position on/off switch that allows for either paddle or trigger switch operation.

August 15, 2014

Additional features include a “tool-less” blade change system, a built-in LED light, electric brake and a lock-off switch lock for added convenience.