5 Ways to Extend The Life of a Circular Saw Blade

Morse CSM14B

Tools are an investment, and you want to make sure you get the best return on your investment possible. Even after you purchase the tools, replacement parts can be costly. Over the course of a year, the expense of pieces like saw blades or grinding wheels adds up. As with all tools, maintenance and selection are key to minimizing the amount you spend on replacements.

In the case of saw blades, it is important to know that the blades made to cut through metal are more expensive than the circular blades that only cut wood. That is to say that not all saw blades are alike. For example, the Morse Metal Devil® metal cutting saw blade is able to cut through a solid steel plate that measures 6” x ¼” in less than 12 seconds. By following these simple tips, you can extend the life of your saw blades and lower the overall cost-per-cut.

Dry cut technology

When you have to use a lubricant or coolant on a blade, you run the risk of using too much and causing a build-up on the blade as well as the saw. This compromises the performance of both. However, it is important to make sure the integrity of the steel is not reduced through friction related heating. Some saw blades, Metal Devil® included, are engineered to use dry cut technology. That means they can perform the task without creating too much heat and without the use of any kind of coolant. The blades you choose make a difference.

Correct application

It may be possible to pound a nail with a pipe wrench, but a hammer would do the job better and with more efficiency. Not all blades perform the same functions. Choose the proper blade design for the best performance. Know whether you will be cutting steel, thin steel or aluminum before deciding which blade you need. Using an aluminum blade to cut steel will not provide the results you want and will wear the blade down prematurely.

Secure the material

Before you cut anything with a circular saw, clamp it down well to keep it from vibrating or spinning. Such motions create unnecessary, additional work for the blade. If you are cutting a tube, Morse has V-block clamps available.

Use the entire blade

Allow the blade to reach as far out of the saw as possible and use a straight edge of some sort to make the cut. This expands the surface area of the blade being used and spreads the work more evenly across the entire blade instead of just the edge.

Take your time

Allow the rotation of the blade to reach full speed before beginning a cut, and do not push (or add pressure to) the saw as it goes through the material. Take your time and let the teeth make the cut and pull the saw forward.

Whether you’re using your circular saw to cut steel for a building or to customize a solar panel mounting, get the most out of each cut by doing your part to prolong the life of the blade.

 

Posted by on Friday, November 16, 2012
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The Importance of Code Compliant Anchors

When you’re shopping for anchors, you may notice that many of them will say that they are “code compliant.” If you’re new to the world of purchasing anchors, you may not fully understand what this means, and the value of them.  To help you become much more knowledgeable about purchasing the best anchors on the market, we’re going to tell you the meaning behind “code compliant anchors.”

 

About Code Compliant Anchors

When someone builds a building, the builder is expected to make the structure as safe as possible. This includes every type of structure imaginable such as condos, malls, hospitals, schools, and more. During the construction, everyone involved in the planning and building phases must be sure they are considering the structural safety of the building. The point of this is to ensure that once the structure is complete, it is stable and strong to withstand damage and most elements.

To hold owners, engineers, contractors, inspectors and code officials responsible for the safe construction of structures, International Building or Residential Codes have been implemented. Currently, 49 states have these codes in effect.

In these codes, all individuals working on the planning, design and construction of structures must use code compliant items to remain within the parameters of the code. Those not using code compliant items can and will receive ramifications.

It’s important to know that in these codes, there are some structures in which you do not need to use code compliant anchors. This includes non-structural anchoring. An example of non-structural anchoring is drywall fastening. Since the drywall doesn’t directly affect the strength of the structure, the code does not require code compliant anchors.

What the code does make a point to advise people involved in structure construction is that anytime steel anchors and adhesive anchors must be used, they must be code compliant. While most of these anchors are compliant, you may sometimes find some that do not mention code compliance. When a product doesn’t say that it is code compliant, it does not meet the compliance standards. It’s best to always check with the manufacturer of the product or call the distributor with questions about compliance.  (Tanner Fasteners is always happy to answer code compliance questions for you).

It’s for the Best

The International Building or Residential Codes aren’t put into place to make your life more difficult or cause you to have to spend more money. They are enforced to ensure the safety of everyone living, working, or visiting newly built structures. When you think of the devastation of a building falling apart while people are inside, it can make you feel much more compelled to seek out the items under the code’s compliance guidelines.

At Tanner Fasteners and Industrial Supplies, we provide the best supply of code compliant anchors. We also have a wide selection tamper proof screws and grinding wheel. No matter the construction project you’re facing, we will do everything in our power to provide you with the supplies you need to get the job done quickly, easily, and safely. Call us today with any questions at toll free 800-456-2658.

Posted by on Tuesday, November 13, 2012
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Fastener Facts and FAQs

Keeping up with technology is a challenge. Each new gadget has a different feature than its predecessor, but who really knows the difference between the two? If you want to know the difference between the iPhone4 and the iPhone5, you ask someone who works for the company. If you want to know the pros and cons of HDTV versus 3D, you ask somebody in the television industry. If you want to know about construction fasteners, ask us. Below are some questions we are asked more often than others.

What type of screw gun should be used to install self drilling screws?

For optimal performance, the screw gun should meet the following characteristics:

  • 1800 to 2500 RPM variable speed
  • 6 to 8 amp motor
  • adjustable torque sensitive clutch mechanism
  • depth adjusting nosepiece

What is the difference between a self drilling screw and a self tapping screw?

Just because the names sound similar doesn’t mean they are one in the same. A self drilling screw is designed with a drill bit point. That special point helps to drill into metal without requiring holes to be pre-drilled. Primarily used for metal only, self drilling screws are also known as “tek” screws.

A self tapping screw, on the other hand, has a sharp point with threads and is usually designated as either type “A” or “AB”. (The difference between the two types is the thread size and pitch.) A self tapping screw carves its own thread as it’s being installed, similar to a tap. The difference lies in the fact that a self tapping screw, unlike a tap, requires a pre-drilled hole.

What is the difference between 304 and 316 Stainless Steel?

Not only does the shape of the screw, the style of the tip or the pitch of the threads matter, so does the material that makes up the screw. 304 Stainless Steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Molybdenum (“Moly”) is added in the 316 Stainless Steel so the percentages differ slightly, with 316 containing 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum. The purpose of adding the moly is to help the fasteners last longer by resisting corrosion to chlorides like salt water or de-icing materials.

What is a flat undercut screw head?

There are circumstances in which you need more thread and less head in a small amount of space. Flat undercut screw heads are supplied to allow more room on the body of the screw for usable thread. The head height of undercut screws is approximately two-thirds the height of standard flat head screws. Drive depths are reduced proportionately.

Is there a security nut available that cannot be removed?

Security fasteners protect property from theft and misuse. Security screws are constructed with specialty heads that prevent any unauthorized person (anyone without the proper, hard-to-obtain tool) from removing them. And, yes, there are security nuts, too. After tightening to the proper torque, the hex section of a break-away nut shears off leaving a conical nut that cannot be removed.

Posted by on Friday, November 9, 2012
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You’re Invited, Please Join Us at the LIC Partnership Trade Show

LIC Partnership Annual B-2-B Trade Show and Luncheon
Wed., Nov. 14, 2012, 9 AM – 2 PM

Over 130 Exhibitors and 3,500 Attendees Expected
There is no charge to walk through the Trade Show.
Come by and visit our exhibit table!

Businesspeople are invited to meet new clients and vendors at the Long Island City Partnership’s Annual Luncheon and Trade Show on Wed., November 14, 2012, at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, from 9 AM – 2 PM. With 130 exhibitors and 3,500 attendees expected, the show is one of Queens’ premier business networking events.

 

Posted by on Thursday, November 8, 2012
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Abrasives FAQs

In the same way that not all fasteners are the same (self-drilling, nuts and bolts, security fasteners, etc.), not all grinding wheels are the same. All the differences raise any number of questions about our grinding wheels.

What factors should be considered when choosing a grinding wheel?

Before selecting a grinding wheel, you should know exactly what task you want to accomplish with it. Wheels vary in the following ways:

  • diameter
  • type of abrasive
  • optimal speeds
  • grit
  • wheel thickness
  • shape
  • grinding area
  • material

What are the different grinding wheel configurations?

Grinding wheels are categorized according to shape and purpose. These categories are called types and labeled with a number. Occasionally types are subcategorized, and the number is followed by a letter (Type 27A, for example). There are numerous wheel configurations, but the four most common are Type 1, Type 27, Type 28 and Type 29.

What are the applications for some of the different wheel shapes?

Type 1 is called a straight wheel because from the edges through the center, the wheel is a straight line. This is the type of wheel most people envision when they think of grinding wheels. Straight wheels differ from other types in that their grinding surface is the outside edge of the wheel. Because of the shape of the grinding surface, straight wheels may be used on cylindrical surfaces with a concave shape. Typically attached to a bench, they are also used to sharpen other tools. 

Type 27 is a depressed center wheel. As the name implies, the center of the wheel is lower than the rest of the surface of the wheel. This creates a larger grinding surface because the flat area of the wheel can be used without interference from the center connection. Type 27 is great for grinding flat surfaces or cleaning edges. 

Type 28 is a saucer shaped wheel. It looks similar to the depressed center wheel except the surface of the wheel is angled rather than flat. The angles make for easier visibility because the entire surface of the wheel is not being used at one time. Saucer wheels are helpful for corner and side grinding as well as de-burring work. 

Type 29 is a flexible wheel. As the name indicates, it is more flexible than the other wheels discussed so far. The flexible nature of this type of wheel reduces vibrations the user experiences, which, in turn, reduces user fatigue over long stretches of time. Flexibility also provides a closer fit for smoothing and grinding contoured surfaces.

Where is the best place to store a grinding wheel?

While most tools are typically stored in a garage, workshop or truck bed toolbox, it is best to store grinding wheels somewhere with a bit more climate control. Like paint, the bond that holds the abrasive to the wheels can become comprised at extreme temperatures or humidity levels. If the abrasive does not adhere to the wheel, the grinding function will be poor. Store your grinding wheels in a dry location with a fairly constant temperature.

Posted by on Wednesday, October 24, 2012
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Tanner Celebrates 34 Years

We’re celebrating 34 years! Tanner Bolt & Nut Corp. was founded in 1979 with a vision for providing fastening solutions for commercial, industrial and institutional facilities.

Now, led by Jeffrey Tannenbaum, it has been transformed from a small bolt & nut distributor operating from a single car garage, to a full service industrial supply house with an emphasis on fasteners, anchoring systems, security products, cutting tools, power tools, and personal protective equipment.

Today, Tanner has two locations to serve its customers, in Brooklyn and Long Island City, and two e-commerce websites:

http://www.tannerbolt.com
http://www.hermanscentral.com

Tanner was built by establishing relationships with customers and supplying quality products with fast, reliable service.

As of January 2012, to reflect its broader range of product offerings, the company is now known as Tanner Fasteners & Industrial Supplies.

Posted by on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
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Do I Really Need Special Fasteners for My Solar Panels?

Source: http://www.sxc.hu/profile- /hovard

 

Do you really need a lock on your door? Statistically speaking, depending on where you live, your lock may never be tested by a burglar. It may never serve its created purpose.  The greatest accomplishment it may boast is that it kept practical jokesters, like your fraternity brothers, at arm’s length. But should a thief or criminal try to open your door, whether or not you are at home, you will be glad the lock is there. The peace of mind is worth far more than the cost of the lock.  Some people go so far as to install an alarm system in their home, just on the chance somebody might break in. They are not paranoid; they are protecting their investment. The same could be said of solar panel fasteners.

Solar panels provide a great return on the investment, but the initial cost can be sizeable. What if somebody decided to climb up on top of your roof and help themselves to your solar panels? In a day and age when thieves are brazen enough to steal copper tubing from church properties, it is not farfetched to think solar panels could be the next hot underground market item. If all it takes to protect your investment (and your peace of mind) is a specialty fastener, it makes no sense to use anything else. There are no guarantees in life, but you might as well make it more difficult for someone to take what rightfully belongs to you.

EJOT 3130851905 Solar Fastening System

Secure solar panel installation involves more than simply securing the panels to your roof. Truly secure installation includes methods that keep your property safe from thieves, too. Basic solar panel rack systems use regular, commercial hardware to fasten the panels to the racks. This means that anyone with a wrench the proper size could remove them. Security fasteners, on the other hand, require a special tool, making it more difficult for the average person to remove them without using something drastic like a grinding wheel to detach the panels. And any resident is sure to hear a grinding wheel being used on the roof.

When the philosopher, Socrates, was asked a question by one of his students, he typically responded with another question. The method came to be known as the Socratic method and is still used in educational circles today. So, to answer the question, “Do I really need special fasteners for my solar panels?” consider the following questions:

  • Does an automobile need a car alarm in order to function?
  • Does a house need dead bolts in order to be structurally sound?
  • Does your Wi-Fi need a password in order to connect to the Internet?

The answer, of course, is no. Your solar panels will collect solar energy whether or not they are installed with security fasteners. However, when you consider how the fasteners protect your investment, you quickly realize what a wise decision it would be to insist on them.

Posted by on Friday, October 19, 2012
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Taper Shank Drills

702 Taper Shank Drills for drilling a wide variety of materials where the driving machinery has a taper shank and/or arbor. Watch it in action here!

Posted by on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
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EJOT Solar Fastening Systems

EJOT: “Your best partner for fastening solutions in the building industry.” This hardware is specially developed for securing uprights in solar installations. Made from high quality stainless steel, EJOT guarantees water tightness and a high load carrying capacity. It also allows exact adjustment of your new solar system. Watch this video to learn more about EJOT and how to install solar fastening systems on your home today.

Posted by on Monday, October 15, 2012
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BCS550 Makita Saw

The BCS550 Makita Saw is a top of the line metal cutting saw. Some specs include a 2 inch cutting capacity, 3600 RPM high torque blade for a clean cut edge, and an 18 volt lithium ion battery with an INDUSTRY LEADING 30 minute charge time at 100%! Stop by Tanner Bolt today and see it for yourself.

Posted by on Saturday, October 13, 2012
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Tanner Bolt’s New Location!

Tanner Bolt would like to welcome you to their new Long Island City location at 48-18 Van Dam St, a block and a half from the Long Island Expressway and just minutes from the Midtown Tunnel and Queensboro Bridge. Come visit, meet the staff, and check out our new product offerings at our new location!

Posted by on Thursday, October 11, 2012
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