Are Your Workers at Risk? SolarPro on Fall Safety

Karl Riedlinger has written an excellent article in SolarPro Magazine. It’s a great read if you want to become familiar with the requirements of fall protection standards for photovoltaic (PV) installations.  Kindly, SolarPro has granted Tanner permission to reprint the article here for the benefit of our readers.

Fall Safety at Solar Job Site from SolarPro

“According to preliminary data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 635 workplace fatalities from falls occurred in 2010, down from a high of 847 in 2007. Of all the industries tracked, construction had the highest number of total fatalities in 2010— and 260 of the 751 construction fatalities recorded last year were the result of falls.

While these statistics are sobering, they tell only part of the story. The majority of workplace accidents are not fatal, but instead cause injuries resulting in lost worker income, lost company revenue, increased insurance rates and potentially lifelong health problems for injured workers. Understanding the hazards present on the job-site and addressing them through proper training, planning and safe work practices is in the best interests of both employers and employees.”

Read the full article on Fall Saftey Systems (PDF Download)

Posted by on Friday, October 5, 2012
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Benefits of Solar Panels

Solar panel. Source: sxc.hu

If you have been considering making the switch to solar energy but need just a bit more of a nudge, keep reading. There are numerous reasons to add solar panels to your home or business. Here are just a few of them.

Environmentally friendly

Using solar energy reduces the carbon footprint you leave on the planet. It means you no longer have to rely on electricity or natural gas to power your home. The sun will shine whether inhabitants of the earth use its energy or not, and it doesn’t cost a cent to collect its energy. Additionally, solar panels on your structure can also contribute energy to the surrounding community when you sell the excess solar energy to the local power company.

Save money/make money

Because you no longer need the services of the local energy companies, you save the funds you otherwise would have spent paying bills to those organizations. The other monetary benefit is that you will likely gather more energy than you can use, and you can sell the excess energy to the local company, reducing their dependence on other energy resources as well. In essence, you can save the planet and some cash at the same time.

Source: sxc.hu

Quiet energy

Generators, certain windmills and digging for natural gas all have something in common: they produce power… and noise. Another benefit of solar energy is that it provides energy without producing noise as a side effect. The sun makes no noise as it heats or lights, neither does it make noise when it provides energy for your home or business.

Increase property value

All the benefits of solar energy do require the installation of solar panels. Calculations reveal that it takes approximately 10 years for the panels to pay for themselves. Some argue that the investment is not worth it unless you plan to remain at the same residence for at least that period of time. However, what those individuals fail to mention is that the solar panels actually add to the property value of your home. So even if you don’t remain in the same location for 10 years, you still have the opportunity to recoup your expenses. All the while, the benefit to the environment is priceless.

Unlimited resource

The sun is in no danger of burning out. As long as it shines, it will continue to be a resource for power. Natural gas and fossil fuels can be depleted. There are very few resources that promise an endless supply. The sun is one.

Stable cost

Because the supply of other energy resources fluctuates, so does the price of those resources. This can most easily be seen at the gas pump. Since you don’t pay for the use of the sun, the price does not change. Its energy will be just as free today as it will be in 50 years.

Whether it’s solar panel mounting systems for your solar energy purposes or premium United Abrasives cutting wheels, Tanner Bolt has the supplies to help you get the job done.

Posted by on Thursday, September 27, 2012
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It’s Not Rocket Science… But It Is Science

Those of us who work in construction may be respected for our ability to withstand weather and do manual labor hours on end, but rarely do you hear somebody reference our intellect. However, there is a science to what we do. It may not be rocket science, but it is science nonetheless, and the amount of science being implemented in the industry is steadily increasing. Consider what we’ve learned from past experiences with asbestos, lead paint and black mold. Degrees given in construction science are legitimate science degrees and should not be confused with engineering or architecture. Here are some other sciences you may encounter at the work site on any given day.

Geology

There is an old story that talks about a wise man building on rock, while a foolish man builds on sand. Geology matters because foundations matter. If the ground shifts, the structure of the building on top of it is compromised. Understanding different soil materials helps to plan a better foundation.

Construction Site. Source: http://www.stockfreeimages.com/

Physics

A construction site is a virtual laboratory for physics “experiments”. Hard hats are worn because gravity exists. Pulleys make for easier lifting. Just because the crane stops doesn’t mean the item it’s carrying does. Making allotments for buildings and pavement to expand and contract with temperature changes is also physics. Even construction fasteners have scientific merit. Because nails are smooth, there is less friction to hold them in place. Screws, on the other hand, create friction with well-made threads. If the threads crumble, so does the added friction.

Environmental

As we learn more and more about our impact on the environment, there are more and more requests for energy efficient building, solar installations and recycled building materials. This comes in addition to ensuring the construction site does not clog nearby drainage systems or inadvertently rupture a gas line.

Biology

Biology is the study of living things. Like it or not, living things include pests like termites. Knowing which locations are most susceptible and using building supplies and treatments to prevent future problems as much as possible will endear you to the building’s occupants.

Meteorology

Solar panel. Source: http://www.stockfreeimages.com/

You don’t have to know how to predict the weather to understand the damage it can do. Down burst winds, heavy snows, excessive rain, hurricanes and tornados may not be in the seven day forecast while you’re building, but there is a strong possibility any one of those events could occur in the future. To be a quality builder or contractor, you want your work to stand strong against whatever nature throws at you. When you choose solar panel mounting hardware, you want to select hardware that will secure the panels at the proper angles rather than settling for “good enough” and seeing your client’s solar panels fly across the road in a strong windstorm.

You may or may not have excelled at science when you were in school, but on the job, you understand the importance of scientific factors (even if you don’t call them scientific). Choosing the best fasteners is just part of your job.

Posted by on Thursday, September 20, 2012
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The Difference is in the Details

Source: sxc.hu/gallery/nulus

To be the best at what you do, the difference is in the details. Some of those details are personal, like customer service and accurate estimates; some are skills, like certification, experience and knowledge; and some are the components you use to complete a job, like silicon carbide grinding wheels and specialty fasteners. It’s not uncommon to hear someone from an older generation to say, “They don’t make things like they used to.” While that is an accurate statement, it is equally accurate (with some items) to say, “No. They’re made better now.”

Technological advancements have occurred in industries outside of the Internet, computers and smart phones. There have also been advances in tools and hardware for those whose work requires them to be away from a desk.

 

MAK TW1000 1" Heavy Duty Impact Wrench

Power tools

From a hammer to a nail gun and from a screwdriver to a drill, power toolsrevolutionized the construction industry. When those tools could be used without being attached to an extension cord, it was that much better. Imagine the frustration of having a custom made piece of steel that was just a hair too long. Before, it would have to be taken back to the shop for grinding, but now construction sites have grinding wheels on hand to shave pieces to perfection and to smooth rough, welded edges after steel pieces are joined. Those small details save time and improve job quality.

 

 

Specialized screws

When nails were not enough in some instances, somebody came up with the idea to add ridges and make screws. Now fasteners come in all shapes and sizes, each having a different purpose. Security screws keep untrained individuals from tampering with panels or equipment they shouldn’t be, keeping them safe and ensuring that only a qualified worker has access with tools not found at the local hardware store. Wood screws are different than concrete screws, which are different than regular bolts. All fasten, but all do so in different ways. Those details provide a safer product and/or a more lasting hold.

 

AllFlex 302 Stainless Steel Fasteners

Fastening systems

Fastening systems could easily be considered a revolution of their own. There was a time when nobody had to think about how to hang a television on the wall securely or what it would take to keep solar panels on the roof in all kinds of weather conditions. As technology advances, so does the need for specialty hardware. In the case of solar fastening systems, there is a delicate balance between ensuring that a panel stays affixed to a roof during a major wind event and enabling the panel to easily be removed for cleaning or repair without compromising the hold. Additionally, the panels need to be placed at a specific angle on the roof for maximum efficiency. Fastening systems are precise pieces of hardware, and that precision is a detail that makes a difference.

 

Customers may never know the differences available among various pieces of hardware, and they may not concern themselves with the science behind screws, but they know when a job lasts, and they appreciate quality work.

Posted by on Thursday, September 13, 2012
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Finding the Right Grinding Wheel

A24R Pipeline Industry

Grinding wheels are much like sand paper. Depending on the task, there are many different types of grinding wheels, and each is suited for a particular task or tool. Grinding and cut off wheels from manufacturers like United Abrasives grinding wheels are designed for use in construction and metal trades. Surface grinding wheels are made from different materials, and are more likely to be found on a stationary bench grinder or blade-sharpening tool than on a portable cut off tool. Below is a non-comprehensive list that describes the major categories of abrasive and surface grinding wheels.

Woven, Silicon Carbide Disposable Production Grinding Wheels.

Seen most often on 4 or 5 inch hand held grinding tools, these tough and durable abrasive wheels are the workhorse of the steel workers and metal fabricators industry. Their woven silicon carbide materials is harder than ferrous steel, and will quickly and efficiently cut through steel, or grind off welding slag to leave a clean joint. Metal working contractors use these 4 ½, 5 and 6 inch hand held grinding tools in the same way carpenters use their power saws and painters their paintbrushes.

The silicon carbide wheels are inexpensive, and are designed as a disposable abrasive. As the wheel cuts or grinds steel, it loses some of its surface, and abrasive characteristics. When the wheel is too small to be used effectively, the contractor replaces it with a new disk.

Fast Grinding Disks

Fast grinding abrasive disks, including aluminum oxide grinding wheels and zirconium grinding wheels, have a higher abrasive rating than other disks. These tools are designed for quick removal of surface imperfections on steel fabrications. Because of their highly abrasive rating, they are unsuited for applications where a smooth cut edge is desired.

Hard Edge Disks

Hard edge grinding wheels by United Abrasives are impregnated with ceramic to create an even harder cutting edge. The hard edge disks are less abrasive than the fast grinding disks, but they last much longer. Hard edge disks are suited for high carbon steels, and stainless steel.

Soft Bond Disks

United Abrasive Soft Bond abrasive disks are designed to clear material from a work surface without becoming loaded with metal dust or ferrous debris. Soft bond disks will deteriorate faster than the disks listed above, but they are perfect for softer materials such as copper, brass, bronze or other soft metals.

 

A24N

Surface Grinding Wheels

Surface grinding wheels are manufactured from composite stone abrasives rather than the fast cutting silicon carbide used in cutting and grinding wheels listed above. These wheels feature a different grain structure than the silicon carbide disk. These disks are manufactured for final preparation of a surface, or sharpening the edge of digging and cutting tools rather than removing metal from welded fabricated steel. Surface grinding wheels are more likely to be found on a stationary bench grinder than on a portable cut off tool.

Surface grinding wheels are also available in different abrasive strengths. Like sandpaper, disks that are more abrasive will remove material quickly, while the finer disks are more suited for finish work, such as putting a finely honed edge on a knife.

 

To learn more about grinding wheels, check out these other posts:

The DNA of a Grinding Wheel

How to Read a Grinding Wheel Label

Posted by on Monday, September 3, 2012
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Grinding Wheels for the Right Application

Saitech™ Pipeline Industry

United Abrasives is one of the industry-leading  manufacturers of grinding wheels and cut-off disks in North America. With a plant on the eastern seaboard, and warehouses in Ontario, Canada and Utah, USA, United Abrasives grinding wheels set the standard for reliability and durability for the steel and metal working industry. In the same way that a carpenter relies on their circular saw as an essential part of their tool box, metal workers rely in grinding tools and metal cutting saws which cut, grind and shape metals used in construction and commercial building fabrication.

United Abrasives main manufacturing plant is located in North Windham, Conn. This state of the art manufacturing facility is over 400,000 square ft, and has the capacity to supply products to the entire North American market.

Silicon carbide grinding wheels are used throughout the metal working and commercial construction industry. Metal fabrication is both a science and art, and the iron and steel workers together with the plumbers and pipe fitters rely on metal grinding wheels to complete their tasks. While steel used in building construction is manufactured to specific guidelines, the individual pieces of steel often have to be custom ground on the job site, before they fit together perfectly. Additionally, even when the steel members are perfectly shaped, after they are welded together, the metal welds are cleaned up by grinding off any access, so that the joint is ready for the next steps in the construction process.

C24N Concrete

Silicon carbide grinding wheels are also manufactured to different degrees of hardness. Each wheel has a specific purpose, and depending on the application, one grinding wheel works better than another.

  • Soft bond grinding wheels are designed for softer metals. The wheel is designed so that it doesn’t load up with metal as it’s used. Soft materials, like low carbon ferrous metals, will clog a standard grinding wheel and reduce its effectiveness. The Soft Bond wheel prevents the metal from building up on the grinding wheel’s cutting surface.
  • General purpose cutting wheels are the work horse of the industry. Perfect for harder, high-carbon  steels and pipes, general-purpose  wheels balance their cutting ability with material hardness. These wheels are often used for the pipeline industry.
  • Hard edge wheels wear more slowly, and are designed for even harder alloys and ferrous steel. Hard edge wheels are often used for cutting notches in existing metals, or final fitting structural steel on-site for custom welding applications. Metal workers replace hard edge grinding wheels much less frequently because of their improved durability.

Additionally, other specialty wheels are designed for concrete, and stainless steel work.  Concrete is soft, and cuts quickly, so depending on the tool, concrete cutting blades are often made of stainless steel with diamond cutting edges. Concrete grinding wheels are designed to quickly clear the material without loading up with debris.

Stainless steel cutting wheels are some of the most expensive grinding wheels. Stainless steel’s extreme hardness demands that the grinding wheels be even harder. These grinding wheels are often used as a final surface preparation, or to remove burrs from cut lengths so the stainless steel can be fabricated smoothly.

 

More about grinding wheels:

How to Read a Grinding Wheel Label

The DNA of a Grinding Wheel

Posted by on Wednesday, August 29, 2012
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Specialty Fasteners Simplify Difficult Installations

Flat Head Trim Fit UltraCon with White Stalgard Finish

When the industrial revolution transformed industry, manufacturers quickly designed universal fasteners which were suited for virtually every applications. A simple wood screw was used through the furniture industry, while fine threaded bolts and screws were used in metal product fabrication. Not until the end of the 20th century did manufacturers re-examine their approach to fastener design. Maybe it was advanced manufacturing methods or maybe someone in the field looked at a problem and designed a new, better mousetrap to solve an old problem. In any case, one of the most significant improvements in concrete fasteners in the last century is the concrete screw, or Tapcon screw.

Tapcon screws allow installers to drill smaller pilot holes than traditional shielded anchors. A Tapcon screw is manufactured from hardened steel, and features an abrasive, aggressive thread. Once a pilot hole is drilled, the concrete screw is screwed into the concrete with a power drill in much the same way a wood screw is fastened into wood. Quick and efficient, contractors use the tapcons to install low-load fixtures to concrete and cement block walls.

Installers must be careful with Tapcons, or they will create problems for themselves. First the tapcon hole must be drilled to the proper depth. If the end of the screw hits the bottom of the hole before it is screwed all the way in, the screw will likely ream the hole out, and not be able to grip the concrete.  Secondly, installers must use the correct diameter drill bit. If the hole is too large, the tapcon won’t grip the walls. If the hole is too small, the screw will bind as it enters the hole. In this case, a powerful drill will strip the head completely off the screw in just seconds, thus complicating the installation.

Solar panel mounting hardware - JA3 thread for wood substructure

Another application using specialty hardware is solar panel installation. With our nation’s push toward more green energy solutions, solar panels are being designed into new building energy systems, and are typically mounted in multi-panel arrays on the building wall or roof planes. The individual panels are held into the arrays via custom solar panel mounting hardware. When mounting a solar panel array, the fastener needs to create a ridged structure, but also allow for the panel to be installed and removed for inspection, maintenance and repair. For new buildings, or retrofit installations, the solar panel mounting hardware is designed as a single fastener that screws or threads into the building’s structural shell and then allows the solar panel to be mounted to the end of the fastener which is still exposed to the exterior.

When solar panels are mounted to a building’s roof, these specialty fasteners firmly attach the panels to the roofing system and allow for quick and seamless installation of the panels at a later date. For new buildings, specialty fasteners are recommended which fasten the metal roofing systems to the building’s framework and at the same time provide the studs to which the solar panels mount.

When designing a solar panel installation, make sure to research the installation options ahead of time.  A proper installation requires the right fastener and proper preparation and planning.

Posted by on Monday, August 27, 2012
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Specialty Fasteners Improve Job Productivity

My old bike

When I was young, I bought my first bicycle from a friend at the end of the block. It had been sitting in their backyard for a few months, and I don’t think I could describe all the things that were wrong with it.  To add to my dilemma, I didn’t have a tool box or wrench set to my name, and my Dad was in the habit of keeping his tool boxes locked, or hidden in the garage. Before the summer was over, I learned to repair almost anything on that ten dollar bicycle with a hammer, a pair of vice-grip pliers, and a large screw driver that I borrowed from Dad’s tool box when he wasn’t looking. I wasn’t very efficient, but at least I could change a flat tire, or adjust the seat and handlebars.

Unfortunately, the professional repair technician is often faced with the same dilemma when he is in the field. How often does a technician or contractor roll up on a job, and have the wrong tools and inadequate fasteners to complete a project efficiently, and with equipment that will stand the test of time?

As manufacturing moves away from one-size-fits-all approaches to the products they manufacturer, and becomes more segmented, specialty fasteners are becoming more common place. In the same way a contractor wants to have the right tool for the job, projects are becoming increasingly tied to having the right fastener as well as the right tools.

Rivets

Marson blind rivets are a perfect example of an older fastening device that has been redesigned for today’s construction industry. Standard rivets used in metal fabrication are short pieces of steel which are put through holes in two pieces of metal, and then both sides of the steel bar are pounded over into mushroom-shaped heads. The joint is reliable, and the metals pull themselves together.  However, when only one side of the material is available, a blind rivet is the perfect adaptation of this device.

A blind rivet features a hollow, soft metal sleeve with a stiffer shaft inserted into the center. The rivet is pushed into the holes in the fasteners and then anchored in place with a specialized tool. Once the blind rivet seats itself, the center shaft snaps off, leaving a strong metal-to-metal joint that is unaffected by vibration.  Some of these fasteners feature threaded rivets. Once the rivet is fastened in place, a machine screw or stove bolt can be inserted. This fastener is the perfect solution when a threaded hole is needed in a piece of sheet metal.

Torx plus security screw

The Torx head fastener is one of the most innovative products in the last 20 years, and now Torx head fasteners are used in manufacturing and assembly plants around the world. This fastener is perfectly suited as a security fastener, and with a small change, Torx pin head security screws allow technicians to install equipment in public places with assurance that neither their fasteners, nor their equipment will not be tampered with.

Posted by on Friday, August 24, 2012
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Custom Installations Are Simpler with Specialized Mounting Hardware

Specialized mounting hardware, such as security screws and fasteners are designed to resist tampering by the public, or an un-trained person. Specialized mounting hardware is designed with a what’s called a tamper-proof head. These fasteners require a specially designed tool that isn’t commonly available on the shelf of the local hardware store. You may see this type fastener on the walls in a public restroom.

The tamper resistant design prevents vandals from loosening the hardware that holds the fixtures or stalls together. Some of the fasteners have an uniquely shaped head, that a traditional Phillips or straight screwdriver won’t fit. The fastener is installed and removed by a tool that only an installation contractor, or factory authorized service professional would carry.

Other security screws have a traditional shaped head, like a Torx or Square drive screw. These security fasteners are modified, and have a small pin in the middle of the slot. Because of the pin, a standard tool won’t fit into the fastener. Installing or removing the fasteners requires a modified tool that features a hole in the tip which allows the tip to fit over the pin.

Security screws are also used in manufacturing. When the internal parts of a machine or electronic device cannot be serviced by the homeowner, or if opening an appliance, such as a microwave oven, could damage the item or the person, a specialized fastener is used. These fasteners prevent damage to the equipment, and potential harm to the owner.

Specialty tamper resistant fasteners are available in a full spectrum of steel grades, and fastener styles. They are available in stainless steel, alloy steel, and case hardened steel. Corrosion resistant coatings are available for exterior uses. These fasteners save property owners thousands of dollars by thwarting equipment vandalism, tampering and physical damage.

As manufacturing systems continue to advance, many manufacturers are designing their own fastening systems. Specialty products such as solar panels and composition deck boards are installed with hardware that is specifically designed for the project. When mounting a solar panel, not only does it have to be mounted securely to the building or roof, but the panel should also be easily removable in case of damage or needed maintenance. Solar panel mounting hardware is designed to provide both easy installation, and access for service. The right kind of installation hardware can save the installation contractor time, which results in a more profitable job.

Many new building are being designed with solar roof panels. As the demand grows for increasingly green energy solutions, architects and building owners are choosing to install the solar panels at the time the building is constructed. Specialty solar panel mounting hardware is recommended for this application. The uniquely designed hardware fasten the buildings metal roofing systems to the under-girding trusses or framework, and at the same time provides the studs to which the solar panels mount after the roof panels are installed.

When designing a custom hardware installation, make sure to research the installation options ahead of time.  A proper installation with the right fastener will save time, money and can prevent installation headaches.

Posted by on Monday, July 23, 2012
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Bienvenidos a la Nueva Ubicación de Tanner en Long Island City

Bienvenidos a nuestra nueva ubicación de Tanner Industrial Supply a 48-18 Van Dam Street Long Island City, New York. Esta nueva ubicación es muy conveniente para todos los clientes que trabajan en todo el área metro. Estamos cerca del Túnel Midtown y el Puente Queensboro.

En Tanner, tenemos todo tipo de material para todos los constructores de construcción, incluyendo herramientas, maquinas para cortar cemento o cualquier tipo de metal, equipo de seguridad, y todo tipo de tornillos, por ejemplo, estructurales, acero inoxidable y tornillos de anclaje. También tenemos un selección de maquinas manual.

Estamos abierto de lunes a viernes desde 6:30 AM hasta 4:00 PM. Usted puede visitarnos por la Internet a www.tannerbolt.com o mándanos un mensaje por correo electrónico a liccounter@tannerbolt.com. También, si tiene alguna pregunta, puede llamarnos: (718) 786-2050 o (718) 434-4500. Nuestro número de fax: (718) 228-7297.

Posted by on Thursday, July 19, 2012
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The DNA of a Grinding Wheel

A grinding wheel is a resin bonded abrasive composed of abrasive grains which are held tightly together by a bonding agent and reinforced with a woven material. The main function of a grinding wheel is to remove material from a workpiece in an abrasive action with each grain acting as a cutting tool.

Abrasive grains are particles of man-made abrasive compounds. Most manufacturers use recycled grains, United Abrasives uses high quality virgin grains that are made to exacting specifications. The chemical structure of the grains determines the shape, sharpness, hardness and friability of the abrasive. Typical grains are:

Aluminum Oxide

  • A tough grain used for cutting metals and without excessive fracturing

Silicon Carbide

  • A hard and sharp abrasive used on concrete

Zirconium

  • A fine, dense crystalline grain that is used for rugged stock removal

Ceramic Aluminum Oxide

  • Two times tougher than standard aluminum oxide

The resinoid bonding agent that holds the grains together determines the
resistance of the wheel.

United Abrasives uses multiple layers of long stranded fiberglass as the woven material to form a strong reinforcement layer that allows the wheel to be used at maximum RPM and withstand lateral pressure applied during use.

These three components are measured and combined and then pressed using an automated process during manufacture to form a grinding wheel.

United Abrasives’ labels are incorporated into the process and remain intact throughout the life of the wheel. For a quick overview on labeling, check out our post on How to Read a Grinding Wheel Label.

Posted by on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
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