Some of the most important tools for HVAC technicians are those that save time, money or effort – and ideally all three simultaneously.
Power-assisted tools are often powerful not only in their designs, but in the fact that they help techs save time and headaches when it comes to repetitive tasks. A few examples of essential power-assisted tools for an HVAC technician’s tool bag include:
Power-assisted crimpers for sheet metal ducting complete crimping jobs in a fraction of the time.
Power-assisted tools for removing fasteners from mastic or sealant save headaches from digging the screws out first. It’s so much better if you can do both tasks at the same time with a power-assisted tool.
Hole cutters that pair with an impact or other driver provide for faster, more accurate hole-cutting than doing it manually.
It never hurts to return to the basics by investing in a good pair of Snips that not only stay sharp for a long time but also offer easy-to-replace blades when the time comes. As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for, and HVAC techs shouldn’t have to pay for cheap tools with their money and time.
Rebecca Talbot is director of marketing for Malco Tools, Inc.
Duct Sealing: Quality Matters
The quality of HVAC duct sealing relies on how well the duct tape that's used produces an airtight bond on joints and seams.
Aluminum foil HVAC tape for joining and sealing joints, connections and seams on rigid fiberglass ductboard and flexible air duct, and as a UL 181A-P listed product, can also be used in place of mechanical fasteners on rigid ductboard. UL 181A-P/B-FX Listed and printed, AF 099 delivers full system closure by forming airtight bonds on joints and seams in temperatures ranging from -20 F to 260 F and in humid conditions.
Before you buy HVAC tape, you should consider two factors that can impact a tape’s lifespan. First, only use tape that is UL-listed, as it confirms the tape will meet safety standards and inspections. Using tape that isn’t UL-listed can result in a poor seal or failed inspections, jeopardizing your work and reputation.
Second, make sure that the tape you are using is right for the climate. Colder environments will require tape that can withstand colder temperatures, while warmer ones will require tape that can withstand normal environments. -
Shurtape.com
Working with Ductless?
Fortress products protect ductless HVAC linesets, wiring, and condensate drain hoses, ensuring code compliance, and providing a differentiated aesthetic look to an install.
Today, RectorSeal announced the addition of four new fittings to its extensive line of Fortress products. Available in four satin-finish colors (white, ivory, brown, and gray) to complement installation exteriors, the new fittings are UV and weather-resistant and offer a snap-together design to connect with other Fortress brand covers. Fortress products a fully paintable for additional customization.
The new adjustable fittings provide increased flexibility to an HVAC technician and can reduce the number of fittings stocked in inventory or on a service truck. The new Fortress brand fittings are available in flat and vertical configurations. The adjustable flat fittings allow an installer to change directions on a wall surface. The vertical fittings should be used to change direction over an edge or around a corner. Both types of fittings allow the installer to create a 45-degree to 90-degree angle using only one of the new adjustable fittings. The fittings are available in 3.5-inch and 4.5-inch sizes.
Lineset Insulation
With the growth of new building code regulations requiring the protection of foam insulation on HVAC linesets, RectorSeal now offers durable UV-resistant PVC foam insulation jackets providing a simple, easy, and compliant solution for HVAC contractors. The innovative hook and loop fastening system is bonded and sewn for extra adherence. That allows the lineset insulation jackets to be both removable and reusable for easy installation and maintenance. Available in three wall sizes, the system lineset jackets are designed to fit residential and commercial ducted and ductless HVAC systems.
rectorseal.com
Easier System Measurements
The YELLOW JACKET® TITANMAX™ Digital Manifold provides an easy path to system measurements. This 4-valve manifold provides fast and accurate measurements for refrigeration and A/C systems. The high resolution backlit touchscreen display erases the need for multi-function buttons and provides clear graphical and digital measurements. It also features internal data logging. Connect via Bluetooth® to the YJACK VIEW® App or measureQuick® App for further analysis.
TITANMAX™ P/N 40881 includes TITAN® Temperature Clamps (2), Vacuum Sensor and USB-C Charging/Data Cable. Backpack kits also available.
Mini-split Tool Kit
The YELLOW JACKET® mini-split toolkit includes high-pressure gauges, heat pump manifold, hoses, flaring tool, vacuum/charge valve R-410A coupler, torque wrench, tube cutter and bag.
Working with R-290 or R-600a?
The YELLOW JACKET® Hydrocarbon Charging Kit provides all the necessary tools to charge R-290 (propane) and R-600a (isobutane) hydrocarbon systems safely and effectively.
yellowjacket.com
For Improved Refrigerant Servicing
Just prior to the 2024 AHR Expo, Fieldpiece introduced three valve core removal tools (VCRTs) designed to improve system charging, recovery and evacuation tasks. VCRTs remove the valve core from service valves in air conditioning, heat pump, and refrigeration systems to replace defective cores and provide an unobstructed flow of refrigerant for faster servicing. The Fieldpiece VCRTs represent a significant leap forward in valve core removal technology, overcoming the limitations of existing tools.
One of the game-changing features within the Fieldpiece VCRT lineup includes an integrated sight glass that allows technicians to verify at a glance that the valve core is captured prior to removing it and confirm when refrigerant is flowing. Fieldpiece eliminated the frustration that techs face when it takes multiple tries, and lost refrigerant, before the valve core is captured with current competitive products. The Fieldpiece VCRT capture tip also includes an interior gasket that the valve core pin presses into to secure it for removal. No more fishing around for lost valve cores—a solid grip guarantees that the job is done right the first time, every time.
Another Fieldpiece exclusive feature is a comfort spinner, a free-spinning, rubberized cap that makes removing and inserting the valve core, while under pressure, easier and more comfortable. Like the sight glass, this comfort spinner is available on the VC1G and VC2G models. All three VCRT models, including the ultra-compact VC1, include a magnet in the cap to keep the removed valve core on hand during service.
All VCRT models are equipped with a 1/4-in. service port fitting that can be swapped in the field with an optional 5/16-in. service port fitting for mini-split systems, conveniently reducing the number of tools to carry. Replacement capture rod assemblies also streamline the maintenance process. Techs can say goodbye to deep-buried O-rings, as these simple replacement kits reduce downtime and expedite the repair process.
fieldpiece.com
About the Author
Rebecca Talbot
Director of Marketing
Rebecca Talbot is director of marketing for Malco Tools LLC.