Bondhus Introduces 8-In-1 Screwdriver

Bondhus, through its German marketing partner FELO, have produced a line of FELO brand multi-bit screwdrivers. The handle magnetically holds eight different bits easily accessible with a simple push/twist of the cap. Three models in the Bit Boy 370 series cover a wide assortment including fixed blade with magnetic holder, ratcheting blade and removable blade versions. All models feature the exclusive push/twist cap that pops up to allow easy access to the bits without disconnecting the cap from the handle. No more lost caps! Bondhus Corporation, 763-295-2162, www.bondhus.com

Stanley’s Lighter, Faster Dc Electric Fastening Tool

Stanley Assembly Technologies introduced the EA series tools to its QPM lineup of DC electric threaded fastening tools. Lightweight, flexible and powerful, EA tools are built for tightening torque ranges from 2 to 120 Nm. "EA tools have a power-to-weight ratio that is unrivaled in the DC electric tools market," stated Doug Versele, global product manager of Stanley Assembly Technologies. Versele stressed that the unit was fast and easy to setup. Features of the EA tools include brushless DC servo motors, angle-style EA tools with spiral bevel gear geometry to build in durability and high performance, and a lightweight, ergonomic handle with multiple light sets for 360-degree operator viewing. Stanley Assembly Technologies, 440-461-5500, www.StanleyAssembly.com

Eye Candy: Stress Indicators’ Smartbolt

Critical bolted joints require tightening procedures to establish the optimum clamp load. Tests have shown that torque wrenching a given torque can produce tensions or clamp forces varying by as much as 5 to 1 depending on bolt plating, lubrication, thread condition, nut and washer material and 71 other variables according to a U.S. Air Force study. A Direct Tension Indicator (DTI) can remove this uncertainty, since it responds only to bolt tension and not to torque. DTI SmartBolts were invented by Stress Indicators to set up the proper bolt tension with no need for torque wrenches, strain gages, wires, electronic or ultrasonic equipment. In fact, there is no need to touch or contact the fastener at all in order to verify its clamp load condition. DTI SmartBolts provide a visual indication of the tension in the fastener at installation or at any later time, and the degree of bolt tension may be estimated by the indicator color. The new HR (High Resolution) SmartBolt was developed with a sensitive optical microindicator element that allows quick-look inspection — green is good, bright red when loose, and gradually darkens to a deep black as the bolt is tightened. The indicator, located in the center of the bolt head, remains yellow as the fastener elongates while being initially tightened. When about 85 percent of the design tension has been achieved, the indicator rapidly turns to a bright green at 100 percent. When tightened beyond design specifications, the indicator darkens until it is nearly black. More importantly, should the bolt loosen more than 10-15 percent, the indicator returns to bright yellow, warning observers of a problem. Operation is completely reversible. SmartBolts can be tightened and loosened thousands of times without any degradation or loss of accuracy. A loose fastener is obvious even at a distance or, in some cases, in moving machinery. The standard tension accuracy is specified to be ±10 percent. Stress Indicators Incorporated, 240-631-7246, www.smartbolt.com

Xuron’s Hand Tools for Wiring Jobs

A suite of aircraft maintenance hand tools suited for a wide range of avionics, harness making, and repair applications is being introduced by Xuron Corporation. Xuron’s suite of aviation tools are designed for precise jobs and include the Model 2175 flush cutter for cotter keys and safety wire; Model 9200 micro-shear with a tapered head for tight spaces; the Model 450 needle nose pliers; Model 450BN bent nose pliers with an improved head angle for better vision when positioning small components; and the Model 505ST adjustable stripper for stranded wire down to 26 gauge without nicked wire strands. Featuring always open construction because of their specially designed return springs, Xuron’s suite of aviation tools have soft rubber grips, are rigid and easy to handle. The cutters produce a square and even cut and the needle nose pliers double as a heat sink while soldering which helps prevent wire insulation heat damage. Xuron’s suite of aviation tools is priced at $89.95. Xuron Corporation, 207-283-1401, www.xuron.com

Tweco’s Taut Flexi-Mig Durable Conductor Tube

In tests performed at the Tweco engineering lab in Denton, Texas, the Flexi-MIG conductor tube flexed more than 7,000 cycles without failure. Tubes were flexed a minimum of 90 degrees and as far as allowable. Each time the tube was bent and returned to original form was considered one cycle. A competitor’s tube began malfunctioning after 348 cycles. A complete failure, including destruction of internal wires, spiked resistance and arcing sprays of fire and sparks, occurred at 700 cycles. Meanwhile, under the same conditions, the Tweco Flexi-MIG tube reached 7,000 cycles with no noticeable malfunction or failure, according to the company. The Tweco design is a patent-pending mechanical ball and socket joint that enables the user to achieve virtually infinite adjustment and firm positioning of the conductor tube. The unique design is a series of mechanical joints instead of off-the-shelf braided copper. Each conductor tube is a series of mechanical connections that allow gradual bending of the tube to any angle from straight out of a MIG gun to a maximum of 80 degrees. Models are offered in three or four connector designs. Each three connector design allows a maximum of 60 degree of bend, four connector tubes are suitable for a maximum of 80 degree bend. Extended reach tubes are also available. Thermadyne, 636-728-3000, www.Thermadyne.com