Easy Braid Company Makes Soldering Easier and Better without Increased Prices

This company is making life easier for everyone in terms of soldering needs. Not only do they have a large selection of high quality soldering stations, but they also offer a myriad of tips to suit any soldering job.

Easy Braid Company’s soldering tips are special because they can be cross referenced to other brands’ tips such as Metcal, Hakko, and Weller, and they even have an improved quality compared to their competitors.

The EBM Series of tips from Easy Braid has specified Power Plus tips, meaning they show increased performance without increasing temperature, which then leads to faster soldering overall. This is partially due to the tips’ gold plated ends which improves connectivity to the soldering station and optimizes power transition. The tips also have thicker, denser plating so they last longer than comparable ones.

One would think that all these benefits and improvements in the product line would lead to higher prices, but surprisingly they do not. Easy Braid Company is still beating the prices of their competitors by a considerable margin despite providing a higher quality product. See below for a side by side comparison.

Chisel Tip 30° 2.5mm (0.10"), 700°F Type Cartridge

Easy Braid part number: EBM7CP200

Price: $17.49

Metcal part number: STTC-136P

Price: $23.60

Extra Large Chisel Tip 5.0mm (0.20"), 700°F Type Cartridge

Easy Braid part number: EBM7CH250

Price: $17.49

Metcal part number: STTC-117

Price: $23.60

Chisel Tip 30° 2.5mm (0.10"), 800°F Type Cartridge

Easy Braid part number: EBM8CH175

Price: $17.49

Metcal part number: STTC-836

Price: $23.60

Recycled Rubber for a Greener Environment

The manufacturing of industrial products can produce a lot of strain on the Earth’s health and natural resources, such as oil. In order to reduce this strain, a lot of environmentally friendly manufacturers are looking for greener ways to produce their products through recycling methods, like Rubberform Recycled Products. This company produces rubber safety equipment for various industries with a greener environment in mind.

Rubberform offers rubber products that are specified to be used in industrial, construction, marine, hospitality, shipping, and road safety settings. The wide variety of products include speed bumps, sign base weights, wheel stops, safety flooring mats, and even playground mulch, just to name a few.

The processes used to create the recycled rubber these products are made from reduce waste and pollution by ensuring all the recycled resources are used and creates less emissions overall when being manufactured. Recycled products also conserve energy when they’re made. For example, it takes 95% less energy to manufacture an aluminum can from recycled aluminum than from “virgin” materials.

Recycled products, like those made by Rubberform, are not only better for the environment but also of great quality. Don’t be fooled into thinking recycled materials aren’t as good as “virgin” ones, they can often times be better!

For more information on recycled rubber and Rubberform products, check out their website at rubberform.com.

For assistance in purchasing their products, contact IIS!

Understanding Tronex Tools Model Numbers

YES there are a LOT of them.
over 130!
But how to make sense of it all?
We're here to help. Below is a guide to decoding our model numbers.
This should help you quickly reference and compare models.

Check out all their products at TronexTools.com and get purchasing information from IIS!

For Cutter Models:

First Number = Handle Length

The first number of the model number for all tools refers to the handle length

• "5" = standard handles
• "7" = long, ergonomic handles

*the only exception to this is the 5612 & 5613 which are mid sized handles
Tip: Ergonomic handles are 1 inch longer than standard handles.

   

Second Number = Head Shape/Size

You probably won't memorize all of the variations here, but it's good to be aware of what this number means. Some examples are listed below:

• 3=mini oval
• 1=medium oval
• 5=large oval
• 4=mini taper
• 2=medium taper
• 7=large taper
• 0=specialty cutters 

Third Number = The Profile of the Cutter

This applies for oval and taper head cutters. Relief cutters have a "lower profile" and can get into tight spots better than standard cutters. Standard cutters have more material in the head so are stronger and can cut heavier material. 

• 1= standard profile
• 2= relief profile  

See below image showing the difference between the two:

 

Fourth/Last number = Edge Finish

1= Semi-flush

2= Flush

3 = Razor Flush®

 

 For Pliers:

First Number = Handle Length 

The first number of the model number for all tools refers to the handle length

• "5" = standard handles
• "7" = long, ergonomic handles

Second and Third Numbers = Model Number

Each model has a unique two digit code.

Now Accepting Vendor Managed Inventory Accounts

IIS is now offering yet another way to save your company time and resources! With a Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) program, we can assume the responsibility for managing a company’s inventory of consumable products. This means we will crunch the numbers and observe the data for how much of each product the company is using over a period of time, usually weekly, and order the appropriate quantities of each so there are never too many or too few items.

The company still maintains ownership of their inventory and it remains at their own location for easy access to supplies, but we would be coming in and monitoring the stock, thus eliminating the need for that company to do it themselves. This method not only reduces administrative costs, but also decreases the amount of stock on hand while still reducing possible stock outs since we would be maintaining an accurate level of product. So, the company would only have the items they actually need in the exact quantities necessary at any given time.

Additionally, with the company’s employees being in more frequent contact with us, the supplier, they will subsequently gain more knowledge on the inventory items and their specific purpose, thus being able to pass that information on to the end consumer. More knowledgeable staff members always make customers happy because they can then give input and help customers make informed decisions when they need to purchase their own products.

Vendor Managed Inventory can be a complicated and involved process, but IIS wants to work with you to help determine your needs and set up a viable strategy for your business. Contact us for more information! 215-396-0822

Sources:

http://www.vendormanagedinventory.com/definition.php

http://www.quickmba.com/ops/vendor-managed-inventory/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vendor-managed_inventory

http://www.datalliance.com/whatisvmi.html 

Training Employees 101

A major step in hiring new people to work at a business is making sure they are trained on proper company procedures and policies. Whether the company is an office setting or an industrial site with more safety precautions, training is important to help create a comfortable employee dynamic and avoid costly accidents. This knowledge can be easily achieved with Marcom’s line of workplace training materials. They offer an extensive line of training topics, from “Preventing Sexual Harassment” and “Computer Workstation Safety” to “First Aid in Construction Environments” and “Scissor Lifts in Industrial and Construction Environments,” just to name a few. Most of the topics are geared toward regular employees, but a lot of them are also available for training new managers in their role with more responsibility in the situation.

A training kit for each topic includes a DVD training program with a leader’s guide and employee quizzes, employee booklets, and relevant posters to help ensure the full education of each employee.

IIS offers the full line of Marcom’s training kits and materials. Learn more about these products by checking out marcomltd.com or contacting IIS today!

Become an Industrial Instruments VIP

Want to be the first to hear about all the best deals and new products IIS has to offer? It's easy to join this prestigious club, simply click the link below to send us your email address and immediately get added to our email list. You'll receive exclusive offers and promotions right to your inbox on useful products that can make your everyday life a little easier.

Sign up now: 
https://www.facebook.com/industrialinstrumentsandsupplies/app_141428856257

Decrease Toner Costs without Sacrificing Quality Prints

Printed documents can be an essential part of a business, and also an unnecessary stressor. The right printing equipment can help prevent annoying issues such as jams, smears, or overall poor quality pages. It may seem like the best way to prevent these nuisances is to buy the most expensive, brand name toner for your printer, however this may not necessarily be the case.

A common myth about exclusively using the original manufacturer’s toner in a printer is that if you do not use these OEM cartridges, it will void the printer’s warranty. However, this is actually untrue and, in fact, against the law for manufacturers to do so. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer cannot require the use of any brand of toner unless they are willing to provide it free of charge in the warranty. If you are still uneasy about using a generic brand of toner for quality’s sake, popular brand, Xerox, also offers a range of different toners that are compatible with most printers, and are cheaper than the printer’s original brand type. Making the switch to a less expensive, but still brand name, cartridge may help ease your mind to switch to a generic toner and show you that you can save money without sacrificing quality prints.

Another factor which can cause printing errors is using ink printers and cartridges rather than laser toner printers. Printer ink is a liquid substance that is shot directly onto the paper while printing and usually takes a longer time to print and for the ink to dry afterwards than toner, causing prints to smear when a high quantity of pages is printed. Toner is a powder with wax particles in it that melt, making the toner become fused to the paper while printing, leading to a faster print process with minimal errors.

The combination of laser printers with toner and generic brand cartridges can help increase the quality of prints at the office while also decreasing the costs in the long run. Industrial Instruments and Supplies can work with you to determine your toner needs and aide in the transition to a more inexpensive product to make the work day even just a little less hectic.

Sources: 

http://www.suppliesguys.com/info/ink-vs-toner.htm

http://www.technize.info/10-unusual-facts-about-laser-printers/

CO2 Monitors Can Increase Productivity

Carbon Dioxide is a gas produced naturally by humans when they exhale. Despite making up much of the Earth’s atmosphere, too much of this gas can have adverse effects on the body. For example, in humans, increased levels of CO2 can cause discomfort, stiffness, and drowsiness. While these effects may be minimal, they can decrease one’s work ethic and productivity, particularly in a workplace environment with poor ventilation.

CO2 is measured in parts per million, or ppm, and is considered a normal level indoors at 450-600 ppm. Once levels reach 600-1000 ppm, there may be complaints of air stuffiness and general muscle discomfort. After 1000 ppm, drowsiness is likely to occur, with effects strengthening as the level increases. Carbon Dioxide levels don’t become too dangerous until 50,000 ppm, with nausea, headaches and impairment. Death can occur at 100,000 ppm, which is very unlikely in a normal environment.

In order to properly analyze CO2 levels, an indoor air quality monitor can be used to ensure a healthy working environment for optimal productivity.

Sources: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/co2/

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/co2-comfort-level-d_1024.html

Driving Safety Tips for Wintery Conditions

Cold weather is upon us, and daily driving routines can become very dangerous if the proper precautions and safety measures are not followed. Be prepared by keeping your car maintenance up to date, especially in the colder months, to keep it running as best as it can. During winter, it is best to keep the gas tank at least half full at all times to avoid gas line freeze up. Make sure you also have a fully stocked emergency kit in the vehicle, equipped with items such as first aid supplies, thermal blankets, flashlight, and jumper cables, which can be crucial in the event of a car breakdown. IIS offers a variety of these types of kits already stocked with necessary equipment.

When the time comes for driving in the snow, be sure to accelerate and decelerate slowly, while keeping overall speed low. If you can, don’t come to a complete stop, such as at traffic lights. It’s easier for a car in snow to keep moving from a slow roll than to start moving again from a dead stop. In terms of driving on hills, try to keep a steady speed all the way going up, and don’t stop in the middle or risk sliding back down or getting stuck. When going down a hill, ride the brakes to move as slowly as possible.

Above all else, if you don’t need to leave the house and drive during a snowstorm, don’t. Staying off snowy roads is always safer than trying to maneuver them.

Source: http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/roadway-safety/winter-driving-tips/

The Health Risks of Prolonged Sitting

Just when you thought life couldn’t get any more dangerous, studies are released showing a variety of health issues caused by a simple action most people performing throughout most of the day: sitting. Yes, excessive sitting has been found to cause serious diseases such as obesity, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It may seem like these problems just stem from a lack of physical activity and exercise, however that is not the case.

Even if one were to go for a strenuous work out at the gym, it doesn’t do enough to counteract a long day of sitting at work. The best bet is to break up long sitting periods whenever possible with standing or walking, such as going to talk to a colleague across the office in person rather than just sending an email.

Other studies show that sitting for too long is correlated with reduced ability of the bloodstream to regulate glucose levels, a condition that dramatically increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

It’s not always easy to keep your body moving when your job requires you to be at a computer for most of the day, but a way to ensure you get a good balance of standing and sitting during your work day is to invest in a standing desk, such as the ones manufactured by Luxor featured on the Industrial Instruments and Supplies’ website. However, standing all day is not great either for your knees and back, so be sure to maintain a healthy mix of both sitting and standing whenever possible.

Source: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/five-health-benefits-standing-desks-180950259/?no-ist

Psychrometers Made by Yours Truly

Industrial Instruments & Supplies has been supplying our own psychrometers, manufactured at our Pennsylvania location, for the past 25 years. The IIS psychrometer includes both wet and dry bulb thermometers, which can determine an atmosphere’s relative humidity when the difference between the temperatures measured on each is calculated. There is also a battery operated fan to provide more accurate readings. In order to get the most accurate reading, it is imperative to place the psychrometer in an area that is not too hot or too cold, and not directly in contact with any persons.

For added convenience, each psychrometer also displays a psychrometric chart, enabling easier calculation of humidity. Simply find the intersection on the chart of the wet and dry bulb temperature readings and that is what the relative humidity is. All parts of the psychrometer are easily replaced, if necessary, as they are all available separately on our website. The battery operated psychrometer, manufactured by your friends at Industrial Instruments and Supplies, is the perfect solution for all your humidity measuring needs.

Rent Specialty Instruments from IIS

Purchasing instrumentation products and tools can be pricey, especially if you only need an item for one job or for a short period of time. Luckily, Industrial Instruments and Supplies is now offering products through a rental service. We have added product listings on our site of items available for rental, priced out with weekly and monthly fees. We’ll send the product to you for as long as you need it and then you send it right back to us when you’re finished. You still get the best products with incredible savings.

We have a lot of different rental products to offer such as pressure calibrators, hydraulic wrenches, insulation testers, thermal imagers, and many more. Plus, new products are being added to our rental section every day so keep checking back for more, or simply contact us if you are interested in a rental that we do not have listed. 

Stay Safe and Educated Throughout the Ebola Outbreak

The current outbreak of Ebola virus disease has caused much worry and panic throughout the world. It is primarily being spread around African nations, many of them being poverty-stricken, which limits their ability to treat and control the disease. To date, there have been over 8,000 cases of Ebola reported in the world, which is the largest outbreak in the history of the disease, since it was first identified in 1976. Only one case has been documented in the United States.

Ebola can be transmitted through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an affected person. It cannot be passed solely through the air or other objects such as door knobs, toilet seats, etc. So, if you are nowhere in the vicinity of someone that is infected, your chances of becoming infected are very low.

However, in order to be doubly sure you are protected, Industrial Instruments and Supplies carries all the protective equipment you could possibly need. Whether it’s hazmat suits, respiratory masks, or hand sanitizer that will give you peace of mind, you can be sure you can get it from us.

Sources:

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebola_virus_disease

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebola_virus_epidemic_in_West_Africa

Tool Sales for Breast Cancer Research

October means breast cancer awareness month which means pink everything! To do our part, IIS offers a variety of pink products from Apollo, including tool sets and work equipment. For every item purchased, 10% of the sale will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, whose mission is “to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by providing critical funding for innovative clinical and translational research at leading medical centers worldwide, and increasing public awareness about good breast health.” You can check out all our special pink products on our eBay store, or contact us to order, and wear pink all month long to show your support!

How to Properly Lift a Heavy Object

1. Prepare: The best heavy box lifters are ones that are in shape and maintain good health practices. If this description does not fit you as a person, consider finding a helper for heavy lifting. If not, proceed to step two.
2. Analyze: Before attempting to lift something potentially heavy, first observe the object. Are there good places to grip? Will the weight shift when moved around? Try moving the object with your foot to gauge how heavy it actually is and how much strength will be required to lift it.
3. Stand: Please feet shoulder width apart and squat down at the knees like a frog, don’t bend over with your back.
4. Grip: Place hands flat against object on appropriate handling location and hug the load to our body as if embracing an old friend.
5. LIFT: Finally, the time has come to lift the object, assuming all other steps were executed successfully, of course. Lift straight up with your knees while maintaining a straight back into a fully erect position and move slowly in the desired direction. To put the object down, apply the same steps but in reverse.

Fire Safety Tips for the Everyday Citizen

• Have a functional smoke alarm- Smoke alarms are often the easiest way to stay safe in case of a fire. All you need to do is set it and forget it and it will do its job as long as you have one handy at all times and juiced up with fresh batteries. Best case scenario, you’ll only use it when you overcook the cookies you forgot about in the oven.
• Don’t overload electrical sockets- Don’t abuse the right to use multi-plug adapters by plugging in too many devices at a time. It could cause the outlet to short out or worse, start an electrical fire which, by the way, can NOT be extinguished with water. Instead, stop being lazy and move your phone charger to another outlet, even if that means it’s out of arms’ reach.
• Have an escape plan- They’re not just for Indiana Jones! In the event of a fire emergency, it is pertinent to have a practiced exit strategy in place to ensure everyone can get out of the building safely. Identify the quickest and safest path to leave the building and learn it well before you need to use it, just in case.
• Use appliances wisely-Read all instruction manuals carefully and only use electronics for their intended use. For example, don’t stick a metal fork in a toaster in the hopes of fishing out a piece of bread that slipped down too far.
• Keep an eye on children- For some reason, a lot of children are fascinated by fire and tend to err on the side of pyromania by setting things aflame just to see what happens. With this in mind, it is important to keep matches, lighters, and other flaming objects out of reach or accompanied by serious adult supervision.
• When necessary, use fire responsibly-When having a bonfire or other controlled source of flame, make sure you keep an eye on it and don’t get too crazy with the lighter fluid in order to show off to your friends. Also make sure it is extinguished completely and properly when you are done. 

Top 6 Tips to Keep You Safe at Work

1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings- Be present at work and pay attention to not only the work in front of you, but also others working around you for potentially dangerous situations. For example, if a large machine is moving around in your vicinity, maybe don’t stand in front of it.

2. Keep Correct Posture to Protect Your Back- Don’t try to look like a big shot in front of all your work friends by lifting things heavier than you can handle in an improper way. Once you’re sure you can safely lift an item, bend at the knees and lift with your legs. Don’t bend at the waist and use your back to lift, which may get the job done for now but has painful repercussions in the long run.

3. Take Regular Breaks- Use that government mandated time to the fullest! Keep up your best work effort and avoid exhaustion by resting when you need to.

4. Use Tools and Machines Properly- Make sure to read all instruction manuals for tools and only operate machinery that you are qualified to do so for only the task for which they are meant. Failure to comply with this tip could lead to serious injury or death.

5. Wear the Correct Safety Equipment- Some think protective eyewear may look uncool while on the job, but an eye patch looks even more uncool in every situation. Luckily, Industrial Instruments and Supplies offers plenty of safety goggles and many other items to perform the specific use of keeping you and all your body parts intact.

6. Use Mechanical Aids Whenever Possible- Why do all the work yourself when there’s equipment available to help? Save your energy by employing the use of forklifts, cranes, conveyor belts, and/or wheelbarrows when necessary and you won’t need to worry about hurting your back, either.

Sources:

http://arbill1.web11.hubspot.com/arbill-safety-blog/bid/182469/Top-10-Workplace-Safety-Tips-Every-Employee-Should-Know

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/ten_tips_for_work_safety

Testing pH in Urine and Saliva

At Industrial Instruments and Supplies, one of our big sellers in pH testing is our Microessentials Urine and Saliva Test Paper. However, one may not know exactly why it is useful to test the pH level in urine or saliva. To further explain the benefit of this, we have found an interesting article on findingmyphbalance.com:

When we test pH levels we are interpreting the language of our body communicating with us.  Urine tells us our history (metabolic) and saliva our most recent choices (reactive) – both are important.  The foods we have just eaten will soon become our history. 

Testing pH levels tells us how body systems have been dealing with acids long term and how well our digestive system is able to handle what we have eaten the night before.  These numbers will not be consistent or match as long as we are eating acidic foods and are living an acidic lifestyle; too much acid-forming foods, stress, smoking, drinking acidic beverages, little or no exercise.  With pH testing you can start creating a healthy history today. (Continue reading)

Special Offer on Hygrothermographs

Hygrothermographs are necessary in some industries for measuring and recording both humidity and temperature. They are commonly used in laboratories and even museums in order to control and maintain the internal weather environment. Labs need to have a controlled climate to ensure that their calculations on other tests are accurate and not manipulated by the humidity or temperature of the room. Museums may also need these instruments to help preserve the older art pieces they display that may degrade when exposed to fluctuating weather conditions.

Most of the time, these units can be pricey, but Industrial Instruments & Supplies is now offering a great deal on Oakton Hygrothermographs while supplies last. Compared to the $829 both Cole-Parmer and Amazon sell them for, our price of $499.99 is a steal that can’t be found anywhere else. Check out our store on eBay or call today at 215-396-0822 to place an order.

Company Newsletter August 2014