Trades
30 articles
How to Calibrate and Maintain Power Tools for Peak Performance
A simple daily cleaning routine can prevent 80% of premature power tool failures, according to Crucosupply .
SMAW welding: Is it still a tradesman's best bet?
The electric arc in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) can reach temperatures exceeding 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit, an intense heat that instantly melts metal for a weld.
Leica Disto D2 Laser Tape Measure Offers 330-Foot Range
A new Bosch laser tape measure now includes a camera to pinpoint the exact laser spot and record measurements, extending its range to 120 meters, according to Digital Camera World .
How to Maintain and Calibrate Precision Hand Tools for Trades
A precision electric screwdriver might boast three distinct torque settings, but without proper calibration, its actual output could deviate significantly, leading to stripped screws or loose connecti
Essential Safety Gear for Tradespeople
97% of safety equipment manufacturers report higher costs for materials and components, directly impacting the availability of essential gear for tradespeople.
Top 9 Power Tool Safety Practices for Safer Workplaces
Burns, severe shocks, and even heart failure are among the chief hazards of electric-powered tools, yet most power tool accidents are entirely preventable through basic safety measures.
How to Maintain Power Tools: Best Practices
A $500 power tool can become scrap metal overnight due to poor maintenance practices.
Vocational training is key to closing the skills gap. Are schools listening?
Over 3,300 high school students recently flocked to the YES!
German heavy-duty tape measure market trends see digital surge
Last year, sales of digital-readout tape measures in Germany surged by 15%.
Vocational training initiatives face skilled labor shortage
77% of manufacturers report difficulties attracting and retaining workers, highlighting a pervasive struggle across the industry.
Top 5 Innovative Smart Home Devices for Trades Professionals
A carpenter on a remote job site can instantly verify workshop security, protecting thousands in tools with a weather-resistant camera and fingerprint smart lock, all managed from a phone.
Trades and service pros are key to local development resilience.
In one mid-sized American city, the average age of a licensed plumber is 58, and only 3% of high school graduates enter vocational training programs, creating a looming crisis for essential urban infr
What Are the Best Practices for Hand and Power Tool Maintenance and Storage?
The classic wooden tool tote, an icon of independence, is in fact an awful way to store tools, according to The New York Times .
Vocational Training Investment Key to Skilled Labor Shortage
The U.S. faces a staggering annual deficit of 1.7 million skilled-trade workers, a gap threatening to stall critical infrastructure and economic growth across multiple sectors. Annually, 2.9 million s
DIY Plumbing Checks: Improve System Health, Prevent Issues
A toilet that wobbles more than half an inch is not just a minor inconvenience; it signals a potential water leak that could lead to extensive subfloor damage.
Top Smart Home Devices for Trades Professionals
A single smart thermostat installation can yield a 40% profit margin for an electrician.
What is hand tool calibration and why does it matter for trades?
Tools that undergo routine hand tool maintenance and calibration can last two to three times longer than tools with no maintenance, directly boosting a tradesperson's profitability.
Top 4 Essential Safety Gear for Tradespeople
In 2022, over 2.8 million non-fatal workplace injuries were reported. A significant portion impacted tradespeople across sectors, many preventable with basic safety gear ( OSHA ). These are not just s
Essential Welding Safety Precautions and Risks
In 2003, a 44-year-old farmer died from electrocution while welding with a very old, disrepaired SMAW-type Hobart welder, according to stacks .
How to Handle Hazardous Materials Safely: A DIY & Trades Guide
Welders routinely inhale metal fumes containing elements like manganese and chromium, which can cause respiratory issues, neurological damage, and cancer, according to Phase Associate .
Red Wing launches IronFlex boots for immediate comfort
Red Wing, a brand recognized for its rugged work boots, has launched its new IronFlex line, designed using insights from over three million worker foot scans.
Blue-collar wages surge, making degrees a riskier path for young people
Between 2019 and 2024, real hourly wages for the lowest-paid 10% of US workers jumped by 15.
How to Properly Maintain Hand Tools for Longevity and Safety
Chipped blades or metal components could separate from the handle during use, resulting in a dangerous projectile.
Milwaukee 7-in-1 Driver: Streamlined, Effective Performance
Imagine tackling seven different nut sizes and unlimited threaded rod depths with a single, compact tool that fits in your pocket.
How to Maintain Power Tools for Longevity
Every day, after using an air compressor, you should drain its tank to remove moisture and prevent internal rust, according to Axminstertools .
Plumbing System Costs in 2026
In 2026, a standard plumbing service call can cost anywhere from $75 to $300 before any work even begins, with emergency rates soaring to $400 per hour, according to Serviceagent .
DEWALT Expands ATOMIC 20V MAX Line With New Compact Tools
DEWALT has expanded its ATOMIC 20V MAX system with new compact cut-off tools and a die grinder, offering professionals powerful, versatile options for confined spaces. These tools provide enhanced maneuverability for various cutting and grinding applications.
How Electrical Grounding and Bonding Works: A Complete Guide
Electrical grounding and bonding are critical safety systems that protect against shock, equipment damage, and fire. This guide clarifies their distinct roles and provides a comprehensive overview of their implementation according to the National Electrical Code.
Top 5 Essential Safety Practices for Power Tools in Confined Spaces
Working with power tools in confined spaces presents unique hazards. This guide outlines the five most critical safety practices, from personal protective equipment to atmospheric monitoring, to protect trades professionals.
A Comprehensive Guide to Welding Techniques and Applications
Welding is the powerful, precise art of fusing metal, essential for modern construction, manufacturing, and repair. This guide breaks down Stick, MIG, and TIG techniques, their applications, and critical safety.