Ridgid 18V Cordless Heat Gun Takes Butane Out Of The Equation

A heat gun is one of those tools that when you need it, there many reasonable substitutes. The R860435B Ridgid 18V Cordless Heat Gun hits the market with some upgrades over the previous butane-fueled model (R860434). Should you upgrade? Let’s take a closer look.

Editor’s Note: Check out our Best Cordless Heat Gun article to see our top picks.

Ridgid 18V Cordless Heat Gun Performance

For many people, a corded heat gun works well, but the hassle of pulling out the cord and locating an outlet makes cordless convenience awfully attractive.

For the R860435B version, the Ridgid 18V cordless heat gun moves away from butane and instead relies solely on its 18V battery system to produce heat. While there are runtime consequences, it’s a drastic improvement for the simple fact that you don’t have to keep extra butane on hand.

Once you pull the trigger, the heat gun reaches working temperature in about ten seconds. The max heat output you can get is 900° F and 1100 BTU’s. This is 200° less than its predecessor and about 100° less than some of its competitors. If that heat level is still enough for your application, the convenience is completely worth it. Unlike the previous model, the R860435 does not have a temperature control dial.

Heat generation takes a lot of power, which is why Ridgid’s original design used a battery to run the fan and butane to produce heat. Using a 4.0Ah Max Output battery, we were able to run continuously for 14 minutes and 50 seconds. Considering the 15 minutes of butane capacity the previous model holds, that’s effectively a wash. Better yet, it’s higher than what most other cordless gas-free heat guns are getting.

Ridgid 18V Cordless Heat Gun Design

Ergnomics

As far as heat guns go, the Ridgid R860435 is reasonably compact. From end to end it measures 6.25 inches and it stands just over 7 inches tall without a battery. As far as weight goes, it only weighs 3 pounds with a Ridgid 4.0Ah Max Output battery.

This heat gun features a pistol grip design similar to Ridgid’s drills and impact drivers. The grip has a textured rubber overmold that easily channels sweat and provides a secure hold. As we expect, it’s bottom-heavy and that’s a good thing for hands-free use.

Controls

The trigger features a safety switch to help prevent accidental activation during transport. There’s also a lock-on switch to use for hands-free heating. The tool is stable standing on its battery or pointing nose-up, opening up plenty of options.

Ridgid 18V Cordless Heat Gun Price

You can pick up the Ridgid R860435B for $119 online or at your local Home Depot. It comes with a concentrator nozzle as well as a deflector nozzle. Ridgid backs it with a Lifetime Service Agreement if you register within 90 days of purchase.

The Bottom Line

While the Ridgid 18V cordless heat gun dropped down from the max temperature of the previous butane-fueled model, we’re impressed that the runtime is effectively the same. Unless you really need temps over 1000° F, we see no reason for Ridgid users to look to other platforms for their cordless heat guns.

Click here to see what’s new from Ridgid.

Ridgid 18V Cordless Heat Gun Specifications

• Model: Ridgid R860435B
• Power Source: Ridgid 18V battery
• BTU Rating: 1100 Btu
• Max Temperature: 900° F
• Air Flow: 6 CFM
• Motor Type: Brushed
• Weight: 1.44 lbs (bare), 3 lbs (with 4.0Ah Max Output battery)
• Dimensions (L x W x H), 6.25 x 3 x 7.75 in.
• Warranty: Lifetime Service Agreement with registration within 90-days of purchase
• Price: $119 (bare tool)

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DeWalt has several models of laser distance measures. With a variety of features that support a range of leveling and layout applications, DeWalt Laser Distance Measures deliver a variety of accuracies and convenience to the jobsite. Ranging from 30-foot to over 330-foot working ranges, these LDMs all retail for less than $100 and some feature DeWalt Tool Connect.

DeWalt DW040HD 40 ft. Pocket Laser Distance Measurer

This DeWalt DW040HD Pocket Laser Distance Measure measures up to 40 ft. away. The backlit, high contrast LCD display (white on black background) makes it easy to read—even in harsh sunlight. For basic distance measurements and area calculations, this tool deserves a place in your bag or glove box.

It is accurate within 1/4″ at 40 ft., and it uses a Li-ion rechargeable battery. Connect the included USB micro cord to recharge it. The DeWalt DW040HD 40 ft. Laser Distance Measure retails for $29.97 and includes a wrist strap.

DeWalt 40-Foot Laser Distance Measurer Specs

• Model: DeWalt DW040HD
• Accuracy: 1/4″ @ 40 ft.
• Battery: Li-ion rechargeable
• Measuring range: 40 ft
• MSRP: $29.97

DeWalt DW055E 55 ft. Laser Distance Measurer

This pocket-sized DeWalt Laser Distance Measure also features a backlit, high contrast LCD display for visibility in various lighting conditions. This compact and lightweight model can also quickly measure distance for a variety of applications, including painting and flooring estimates.

It is accurate within 1/8″ at 30 ft., and it includes two AAA batteries.  The MSRP on the 55 ft. DeWalt DW055E Laser Distance Measure is about $41.

DeWalt 330-Foot Laser Distance Measurer Specs

• Model: DeWalt DW055E
• Accuracy: 1/8″ @ 30 ft.
• Battery: 2 x AAA
• Measuring range: 55 ft
• MSRP: $41

DeWalt DW099S Bluetooth 100 ft. Laser Distance Measurer

The DeWalt DW099S Bluetooth 100 ft. Laser Distance Measurer comes with Bluetooth-enabled. It works with the DeWalt Tool Connect App to allow for measurement and photo storage.  You can also mark up those photos and retrieve them later within the app. The DeWalt Tool Connect App is available on both Android and Apple platforms.

This model of the DeWalt Laser Distance Measure features a 1.5″ black, backlit LCD screen.  The high contrast screen provides visibility in various lighting conditions. It displays continuous measurement tracking that quickly finds the distance from a target.  Distances are displayed in feet, inches, and meters. It can calculate area and volume, and it can perform simple addition and subtraction functions.

Designed for drop resistance, this model features an over-molded grip. It also comes packaged with a wrist strap for added carrying convenience. Accurate up to 3/32″ at 100′, this DeWalt Laser Distance Measure retails for around $100.

DeWalt 100-Foot Laser Distance Measurer Specs

• Model: DeWalt DW099S
• Bluetooth Enabled
• Accuracy: 3/32″
• Battery: 2 AAA
• Measuring Range: 30 M or 100 Ft
• Calculates Area and Volume
• MSRP: $99.99

DeWalt DW0330S Tool Connect 330 ft. Laser Distance Measurer

The DeWalt DW0330S Tool Connect 330 ft. Laser Distance Measurer lets you take and store measurements. You can also mark up photos using the Tool Connect app as well as create and export projects.

Powered by a single AAA battery, the DeWalt DW0330S Laser Distance Measure features a large backlit color LCD screen. While maintaining a high contrast design, the LCD features helpful color icons to let you know the current mode and measurement settings.

Distances can be displayed in feet, inches, and meters. It also lets you calculate area, volume, and more. Combined with the app, you get a lot of functionality for estimating, remodeling, and trade work.

DeWalt also built this laser measurer with a nice over-molded grip to prevent damage if you drop it. Accurate up to 1/16″ at 30 ft, this DeWalt Laser Distance Measure retails for around $268.

DeWalt 330-Foot Laser Distance Measurer Specs

• Model: DeWalt DW0330S
• Bluetooth Enabled
• Accuracy: 1/16″ @ 30 ft.
• Battery: 1 x AAA
• Measuring range: 330 Ft
• Weight: 0.3 lbs
• Calculates Area and Volume
• MSRP: $268

Final Thoughts

Laser Distance Measurers are great tools for any professional who is estimating distances or working out how much material they might need. They’re quick and relatively easy to use, the range of distance exceeds the capability of the tape measure, and you don’t need a second person to help grab a measurement.  When you can get the accuracy to within the +/- 1/16″ range, the LDM is a great tool for most measurements.

The problem with laser distance measurers—even ones from DeWalt—is that they can be thrown off by the color or material of the surface. They also need an actual surface to bounce a laser off of.  It also can’t grab hold of the end of a board, so “pull” measurements won’t work. Professionals use these tools for their primary strength: estimating. If you need to measure actual material, you likely still need a standard tape measure when accuracy is critical.

All that said, the DeWalt Laser Distance Measure seems helpful for many applications, especially the 100-foot model.  Bluetooth connectivity and online measurement storage seem like a great way to stay organized, and the Tool Connect App has some other neat features, such as battery readings and tool location.

These LDMs are priced pretty well for what they do. In the case of the 100-foot model, you might get better range for the $100 price point, but you don’t see a whole lot of other LDMs with Bluetooth connectivity at that price. For the 40-foot model, the short range and +/- 1/4″ accuracy probably limit it to DIY applications, though for under $30, the professional might find it useful in some capacity.

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There are many questions that have come up about the way contractors must deal with lead-based paint. For some time now, handouts and brochures have sat on the paint counters of all the local home improvement centers and paint stores. These highlight the many potential issues with lead-based paint. We sent our own Tom Gaige to take the EPA lead-safe certification class. He set a goal to not only get the actual certification but also learn everything he could about the RRP rule and lead paint removal process.

Avoid Fines by Taking the Lead-Safe Certification Class

The EPA required lead-safe certification since April 22, 2010. It behooves residential and commercial industries to become fully compliant. Both individuals and companies must become educated and certified in dealing with lead paint issues according to the EPA and HUD guidelines and rules. Taking a lead-safe certification class makes for one way to ensure you know how to remain compliant.

The program I took would give me a Certified Renovators certificate. I took a class offered by the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) in cooperation with a local contractor trade association. The first thing that is repeatedly drilled into you at the class is that this is a big deal. The federal government is serious about how lead paint gets handled.

EPA-Approved Lead Test Kits

Currently, there are only three testing methods approved and recognized by the EPA. These lead test kits are for use in complying with the RRP Rule.

3M LeadCheck

The 3M LeadCheck lead test kits are designed to be used by a certified renovator. It reliably determines the presence of lead-based paint on wood, ferrous metal alloys, or drywall/plaster. Renovators wanting to use the 3M LeadCheck test kit for RRP compliance can get them directly from 3M or online.

ESCA Tech D-Lead

Based on the results of the Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) report of vendor-submitted lead test kits, the ESCA Tech D-Lead paint test kit can reliably determine that regulated lead-based paint is not present on wood, ferrous metal, or drywall and plaster surfaces. We can’t find this one at Amazon, but it exists elsewhere, including the ESCA Tech website.

State of Massachusetts

Interestingly, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has a lead test kit. It reliably determines whether regulated lead-based paint is not present on drywall and plaster. The EPA doesn’t recognize this particular kit for use on wood and ferrous metal surfaces.

What the RRP Rule Means

With the Lead-Based Paint, Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule, pretty much anyone who disturbs painted surfaces that might contain lead must follow certain prescribed procedures and safety measures. They need to contain the work area, minimize dust, and completely clean up when finished. This rule applies to nearly all contractors or anyone that does this type of work for some kind of compensation. If you work in any type of construction, whether it is electrical, mechanical, plumbing, renovations, painting, or maintenance; you probably will come into a situation where you will need to be certified.

When You Have to Get Certified

If you primarily replace windows and interior or exterior doors, then you have to be certified. If you read this and wonder if this applies to you, it probably does. The rule says several things. If you disturb more than six square feet of lead-based paint on the interior or twenty square feet on the exterior of a building that was built before 1978 and the building is a home, school, daycare center, or anywhere children under the age of six spend time or if there are pregnant women present, then you need to take notice and comply with the rule. No exceptions are allowed.

Lead-safe Certification Class for Fine Prevention

Just to make sure they have your attention, the EPA poses some pretty hefty fines. They amount to a maximum of $37,500 per violation, per day. This doesn’t include any local or state fines tacked on depending on how your local area implements the program. So, if the fear of fines doesn’t get you, the possibility of lawsuits comes next. These rules require not only tests but that you follow proper procedures when working with lead-based paint.

Taking the Lead-safe Certification Class

These details certainly got my attention while sparking my curiosity. I took this class to make sure I understood what industry professionals have to do to stay compliant with EPA and HUD rules. To make the certification process as easy as possible, they offered the particular class I took in two parts. The first portion occurred online at my own pace. The second portion involved a half-day hands-on class with a written exam. I needed to pass this exam before I could become a Certified Renovator.

The Online Class Portion

The online portion of the class took approximately 4 to 5 hours to complete. They divided up the classes into easily-digestible chapters. These covered all the major aspects of the law, the EPA rules, HUD rules, and other background and procedural things you would need to know. You quickly become an expert on all the acronyms and lingo that accompanies the business. At the end of each section, quick quizzes (that you must pass) let you move on.

The barrage of information seemed a tad confusing at times. Most of my confusion came from seeming disagreements between the EPA and the HUD rules. Depending on the situation, you must follow the more stringent guidelines or even a combination of both.  At the successful completion of the online portion, they issued a certificate. It simply stated that I had successfully completed Part One. That made me eligible for Part Two.

Lead-Safe Certification Class Day Two

Part Two was the more fun day. I got up at 3 AM and drove 4 hours to my nearest learning center. The hands-on class went from 8 am to 12 PM. Upon arriving at the learning center, we sat down for some helpful presentations and question and answer time with the instructors. The hands-on class tangibly reinforced all the critical aspects of the online class. This make sure it was drilled into our heads.

We discussed the health problems associated with disturbing LBP (Lead-Based Paint). It seems to affect young children with sometimes life-long problems. Primarily, this dictated why the rules deal with homes, schools, and daycare facilities. I found it perplexing that 30+ years after abolishing the use of lead-based paint, it now presents such a huge issue. Whatever happened to the hundreds of millions of people who grew up prior to 1978 when lead-based paint was used extensively?

Hands-on with Lead-Safe Certification

They dedicated a portion of the class to hands-on testing methods. At the time, this made for the only method in existence. A Certified Renovator had to use approved methods to detect the presence of lead in the paint. While we now have three test methods available—only one existed when I took the class.

Oddly, Lead-Check was also manufactured by only one company. You can certainly purchase other lead testing kits at your local home improvement or paint stores, but cannot use these to test for lead. The EPA has not approved them. 

When it first came out, the best way to get Lead-Check was via mail order! During my class, orders were running about 6 weeks behind. Now you can buy this kit on Amazon or just about anywhere.

Setting up and Containing the Work Site

We talked about how to properly set up a worksite. That included how to contain the work area and how to minimize dust. For those of us in the renovation business, some of these topics fell under “best practices”. We use similar methods to minimize the spread and inhalation of demolition and drywall dust.

Two big takeaways included minimizing dust and using a HEPA dust collection system whenever possible when using power tools. Some specific clean-up procedures minimize contamination to other parts of the building and innocent bystanders. Some precautions primarily protect the inhabitants of the building. Others protect and train workers so they understand the implications and proper safety procedures on the jobsite.

Protecting Furniture and Openings

I had fun taking part in the lead-safe certification class. In particular, the hands-on portion broke us up into teams to set up a proper workspace. We had to use proper containment methods that included protecting furniture, existing surfaces, and HVAC openings. An instructor supervised each step of the way to ensure that we did things according to the rules. To help make it a little easier, they handed out some handy checklists and books.

Some parts of the procedures were a little overwhelming or tedious and it made it nice to be able to glance at the checklist to make sure we were doing all the right things in the right order. When we all completed the practical part of the class, they handed out the test. Fortunately—it featured multiple-choice questions. In order to pass the program, you had to score 80% or better on the test.

Certified Firms and Renovators

Even though you become a Certified Renovator, the company that you either own or work for still cannot legally do lead paint-related work until they become a Certified Firm. To become a Certified Firm, a company must first employ at least one Certified Renovator and then they must submit an application to the EPA along with a fee.

Since each state can decide if they want to fall under the jurisdiction of the EPA or under their own guidelines, then you might have to file some other paperwork and fees to your state as well. Just in case you missed it, every time you turn around, you will need to fill out a form and pay a fee. Oh yeah, and if you think can do all these forms and fees quickly to get certified, think again. Currently, the EPA is quite a few months behind on processing applications.

Lead-Safe Certification Enforcement

As we went through our lead-safe certification class, the question of enforcement came up. How would the EPA monitor jobs? How might they track if a company handles a job properly? The EPA simply lacks the staffing at this time to even begin to effectively monitor and check work sites. Additionally, the particular state I took my class from does not have the budget needed to fully implement or enforce the EPA rules.

At this time, the only way you might be caught improperly doing work is if someone turns you in or if there is a future lawsuit that arises from the work that you did. For each job that you do once you are certified, you have to keep records of all aspects of the project including, who worked on the job, their experience level, what you did on the job, what paint was disturbed, and what testing you did among other things. These records must be kept on the job site until the completion of the project and then you must keep the records for 5 years after the job. Strangely enough, we never did find out exactly what you have to do to get a $37,500 dollar fine.

Making a Mountain Out of a Mole Hill?

Though the course of this class I did find it a little ironic that we are making a big deal about a problem that was put to bed over 30 years ago. With the ridiculous amounts of money that have been invested into this program so far, it is ludicrous that it can not be fully or easily implemented because the logistics of testing, the lack of testing supplies, and enforcement have not been figured out yet. Given the down economy combined with a dismal housing market, what we have here is yet another setback that will not help turn things around. In fact, it would be a modest estimate to say that it will easily cost double to renovate a structure that has lead-based paint issues per the new EPA and HUD rules.

To add insult to injury, many of the homes and structures that have lead-based paint fall into the realm of low-income housing which means that ultimately the government will end up paying directly for the additional cost through their grants and programs which in the long run actually cost you and me.  For more information about the EPA lead-based paint renovation rules check out this link.

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Anyone who has found themself not buying the right paint brush and, instead, bought the cheapest possible one shares something in common. We all (now) know that quality matters. The right tool can make or break a job. Think about using a consumer grade Wagner power painter sprayer vs a Titan Impact 640 Electric Airless Sprayer. I can think of few worse feelings than being in a paint job and noticing streaks and/or bristle deposits all over my nice new project.

Start By Asking a Few Questions

When it comes time to buying the right paint brush for the job, ask yourself a few basic questions. Make sure you select the right tool (that’s right, we said “tool”):

What Kind of Paint Will You Be Using?

You need to know whether you plan to use water-based (acrylic) or oil-based paint. Believe it or not, certain brushes use bristled optimized for one or the other. Universal brushes exist that can do both, but, largely, those don’t perform as well as particular brushes designed for either oil or acrylic paint.

In the charts below, we address some of the reasons why this matters. The bristles affect how well the paint goes on and whether or not you leave “trails” when you paint.

Buying the Right Paint Brush to Deal with Corners and/or Edges

Certain brushes feature angles for cutting in. Others come in various bristle lengths for dealing with corners and inside edges. You can even find brushes made specifically for doing an inside corner in one shot. Pros debate about these, but technique matters almost as much as the particular tool you choose.

How Wide is the Surface You’re Painting?

While rollers take care of the largest areas, some trim, molding, columns, and other areas require you to buy the right width of paint brush. Grab a brush that’s too thin and you waste time having to double- or triple-cover an area.

Buying the Right Paint Brush – Details and Features

Look for several particular details and features to let you know the quality of the brush you are selecting. These details will make or break a brush and you may find that some of them are absolutely critical, while others can be sacrificed for a lower price:

Ferrule

The ferrule is the metal band that holds the shape of the bristles intact and secures them to the brush handle. This metal should be non-corrosive and better brushes will have this band attach via screws or rivets. Bristles should be spaced (typically in horizontal rows) to keep them separated and in place and to create larger reservoirs for the paint. In general, bristles should be packed together in a nice dense arrangement.

Tapered Bristles

The best brushes have bristles that are tapered or chiseled to the ends. This creates a smoother finish to the stroke and reduces the amount of streaking.

Flagged or Split Bristles

Synthetic bristles that are “flagged” or “split” will hold more paint and deliver a nicer, more consistent edge.

Overall Shape

Square trim brushes are just that – flat on the end. Chisel trim brushes are made with varying bristle lengths that taper. Cup trim brushes are the most expensive and basically handcrafted versions of the Chisel trim brush. We typically prefer Chisel or Cup trim brushes to Square trim or Cup trim since Square trim brushes are very cheaply made for the most part.

Bristle and Brush Type

You can get both natural and synthetic bristles on a brush. Natural bristles are made from some kind of animal hair – typically ox, camel, sable, hog, and even pony or goat. Typically, they are softer than their synthetic counterparts. Natural bristles excel for oil-based paints and stains but they absorb water. As a result, don’t pair them with water-based paints.

Brushes with synthetic bristles work for almost any type of paint or stain—including water- or oil-based paints. The following chart outlines some of the characteristics and recommended uses of the more common paint brushes on the market:

Buying the Right Paint Brush for the Job – Size and Shape

When buying the right paint brushes one size does NOT fit all. You’ll want to have a nice selection of paintbrushes handy in order to ensure you are using the best possible brush for each aspect of the paint job you are taking on. When we speak of brush “shape” we are typically referring to the angle or shape of the brush edge. Straight edges are best when you are attempting to cover a surface area, while angled edges are best for cutting in corners, edges, and getting into hard-to-reach places or areas of finer detail.

When selecting the size of your brush, match the brush to the job. If you are attempting to finish an area that is 1″ wide, then don’t tackle it with a 2-inch brush. On the other hand, if you need to cover a wide-open area, don’t rely on a tiny brush to get you through—it won’t hold enough paint.

In general, smaller (1″) straight edge brushes are best for corners or window sashes, edging, trim and finer detail work. 2″ angled brushes are our personal favorite for cutting in edges, corners, and ceilings, and 3″ or larger brushes are excellent for large flat surfaces like cabinets, doors, beams, fences and the like. We only recommend 4″ brushes for ceilings, walls, siding, and other very large work areas.

Bristle and Handle Length

Note that paint brushes with longer bristles hold more paint than shorter brushes. This means you spend less time reloading the brush and more time getting the coverage you need.  Higher-quality brushes typically come with a nice handle made of finished wood instead. We greatly prefer these over cheap plastic handles. We’ve found the wooden handles to be more comfortable over the long haul.

Speaking of handles, those of you with smaller hands may like shorter brush handles. In truth, the shorter handles aid in getting cleaner, straighter lines when edging. I find myself choosing them simply for ease of use. Longer handles deliver a longer stroke and help with jobs that don’t involve careful trim or edging. After a while, you’ll likely develop your own preferences when choosing the right paint brush.

Hopefully, this simple guide makes it a little easier to understand why buying the right paint brush matters. It should also help you choose the right one for your job. Just remember to match the brush to the work and don’t buy a cheap brush that makes you spend more time painting!

See our article on cleaning paint brushes for more information on taking care of your paintbrushes once you finish the work.

The post Buying the Right Paint Brush for the Job appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Put The Extension Cords Away, Graco’s 390 PC Cordless Is Here To Stay

Graco is rocking the paint industry by pushing the limits of what a cordless paint sprayer can do. You may recognize the overall look as the Graco 390 PC Cordless paint sprayer gets its inspiration from the corded 390 PC. While there are other cordless paint sprayers on the market, Graco is the first to come out with one on this level.

Graco 390 PC Cordless Paint Sprayer Performance

A single DeWalt FlexVolt 6.0Ah battery powers this airless paint sprayer, however, the kit does include a second 6.0Ah battery and fast charger. Because it operates at 60 volts max (54V nominal), it doesn’t work with DeWalt’s 20V max batteries.

The sprayer’s brushless motor can handle up to 3 gallons on one charge at rates up to 0.47 GPM using tips up to 0.021 inches. You can control the pressure between 0 and 3300 PSI with the simple turn of the pressure control knob. That’s a big deal because it’s producing the same performance as the corded 390 PC.

Plus, with the right settings, you can cover close to 1200 sq/ft with a single battery. Thanks to the fast charger getting each battery back in the game in about 60 minutes, you have a real shot at working continuously all day based on the way professional painters typically use the corded 390 PC.

Of course, since you’re cordless, this means you can set up quickly without dragging extension cords through the jobsite. One of the other great benefits of working with DeWalt for the power source is that replacement batteries are easily accessible across the country.

Graco Cordless 390 PC Design Notes

In general, this is a pretty solid machine, and that should be no surprise. If you’re familiar with the corded 390 PC, you’re basically just swapping the cord for a battery.

Footprint

The footprint of this machine is fairly modest, measuring just 18.5 inches tall and 14×16 inches at the base. It also comes in the Hi-Boy frame if you’d rather have it on wheels.

Durable Build

Graco’s Endurance piston pump promises twice the life compared to the next leading brand’s. Backing up that claim are V-Max Blue packings, a Chromex rod, and a hardened stainless cylinder. The pump design also includes a QuikAccess intake valve that makes cleanup quicker.

Shifting to the drive, Graco uses hardened steel for the gearing in their Advantage Drive. In addition to providing quieter operation, they’re backed by a lifetime warranty.

As we expect, the frame is steel with a thick chrome coating.

Maintainence and Cleaning

The ProConnect pump replacement system lets you quickly swap out pumps in a matter of minutes. You’ll need a couple of tools but it’s great that you don’t have to leave your machine at the repair shop.

The Graco 390 PC Cordless also has an “Easy Out” filter to reduce the potential for clogs at the spray tip. This design is similar to a canister oil filter on a car. To clean, just unscrew the steel cap and pull out the filter, and clean in accordance with what you’re spraying.

As with any sprayer, you need to run water through the system at the end of the day. Keep in mind that you want to have a battery on the charger so there’s enough juice at the end of the day for cleaning.

Stay Grounded

The Graco 390 PC Cordless can spray a variety of materials which makes it incredibly useful for professional painters. One important safety feature of this sprayer is the ground wire, which is a change from corded sprayers that use a 3-pronged plug for grounding.

Be sure to ground out the machine while spraying flammable liquids like Xylene or other thinners to reduce the chance of injury. As the first in its class, it’s worth reading the manual thoroughly before putting this machine to use.

Just One Thing…

The only thing we really wish for this sprayer is a hybrid power system so we could plug it into an outlet as another option. That would be particularly helpful at the end of the day when we’re outside running water through the system or when someone forgets to charge a battery. Of course, DeWalt could solve that for this product and the entire FlexVolt line with a 60V AC adapter, but don’t hold your breath waiting for it.

Graco Cordless 390 PC Cordless Price

Like most tools, there’s a premium for cordless convenience. Expect retail prices to run $2500 for the kit that includes everything you need to get started except for paint:

• Sprayer
• 1/4-Inch x 50-Foot BlueMax II Airless Hose
• 4-Finger Contractor Ftx Spray Gun
• RAC X LP 515 Spray Tip
• 2 x 6.0Ah FlexVolt Batteries
• Fast Charger

Graco offers a lifetime warranty on both the electric motor and drive train and a 30-Day “no-questions-asked” return policy. A 3-year warranty covers material and workmanship and DeWalt also offers a 3-year warranty against defects.

Graco’s “Downtime Eliminator Program” intends to help alleviate stress by offering FREE next business day air freight delivery when your parts distributor is out of stock. Just make sure they place the order by 2 p.m. CT. so they can get you back to work.

The Bottom Line

We walked into this wondering if the battery-powered Graco PC390 Cordless could be more than just a punchlist tool the way many early cordless conversions are. It’s clear to us that this is a full replacement, offering the same performance as its corded counterpart without the hassle of extension cords. While the price may be a sticking point for some, the convenience factor is a big selling point for painters looking to make the most efficient use of their time. Plus, it’s Made in the USA using global components.

Graco 390 PC CordlessSpecifications

• Model: Graco 25T804
• Max PSI: 3300
• Max Tip Size: 0.021-inch
• Max Flow Rate: 0.47 GPM
• Weight: 31 lbs
• List Price: $2500

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You can’t always use an airless paint sprayer for all of your paint jobs, so if you don’t want to have to buy a paintbrush every time you paint, then it’s important to learn about caring for and cleaning paint brushes you purchase. Doing so will ensure long life and repeated use for years to come. One thing most people don’t realize is that the package your brush came in can be used to help the brush retain its shape. Consider this before throwing away that resealable plastic or paper wrapper (ever wonder why it was resealable?). Choosing the right paintbrush is just the first step. Let’s make sure that great brush stays great and gives you years of use.

Cleaning Paint Brushes with Water or Acrylic Paints

For water-based or acrylic paints, clean the brush in warm, soapy water and rinse with a tap or outdoor spigot. Do this until the water runs clear. Avoid leaving your brush soaking or sitting as this will likely result in a permanent bend in the bristles. Spin the brush in your hands (preferably outdoors) to remove excess water, and then comb the bristles with a brush comb or wire brush to remove any remaining built-up paint on the bristles or ferrule. Hang the brush up, or lay it flat to dry, and then return the brush to its package.

If for some reason your paint brush isn’t coming completely clean, realize that some paint additives provide special adhesion to different surfaces. As a result, you may actually need to use some solvents (like those recommended for oil-based paints) in order to free up any remaining paint on the brush.

Cleaning Oil-Based Paints off Paint Brushes

For oil-based paints, you’ll want to use a similar method, but you’ll need to work the brush in a small bucket of solvent like mineral spirits or paint thinner. You may need to do this a few times (each time with clean solvent) until the brush is completely clean or paint.

When done, shake out the excess thinner and then wrap the brush in either wax paper or aluminum foil. Again, be sure to either hang it or lay it flat to allow it to retain its proper shape. Avoid rinsing out any oil tools in water since this can make the bristles dry out over time and become brittle. If you want to keep your oil-based bristles soft, try applying some petroleum jelly before storing. To remove the Vaseline, just rinse the brush in paint thinner (and shake it dry) prior to its next use.

What If It’s Too Late?

Did you mess up and forget to properly clean and store your favorite brushes? You can probably get it back with a little elbow grease. Just soak it in the appropriate solvent (for water or oil) and then loosen any stubborn paint with a wire brush. If it doesn’t work immediately, you can switch to alcohol or lacquer thinner to loosen up leftover shellac or lacquer from a prior job. If all else fails a nice dose of TSP (trisodium phosphate) typically does the trick.

Conclusion

When you’re done be sure to wrap the brush and hang it or lay it flat until its next use. Of course, you can avoid all that by cleaning paint brushes quickly after each job.

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Graco Low Pressure Spray Tips Handle Fine Finishes to High Production Applications

According to Graco, painters have seen a lot of success with 2017’s Fine Finish Low Pressure FF LP Tip. But why stop there? Graco has built on that model with the Rac X Low Pressure Spray Tips which they’ve designed to deliver what they call “the industry’s best finish at low airless spray pressure.” The result, they claim, is less overspray and better pattern overlap for consistent blended finish quality with complete atomization.

Graco Low Pressure Spray Tips: The Big Deal

The Rac X FF LP and Rac X LP come in 46 Low Pressure Tip sizes to support the widest range of applications, from detailed trim work to large surface and high production applications. The secret is in the SmartTip technology, an internal tip geometry that works best at low airless spray pressure. This tip design reduces the energy required to atomize paints, stains, and other materials to deliver a consistent finish.

The Graco Low Pressure Spray Tips work with any airless sprayer, spraying at up to 50% lower pressure. This results in less overspray and easy pattern overlap. The soft spray fan pattern makes it easy to apply any material to any surface.

Graco also claims that these tips reduce your prep work and clean-up and that they last up to twice as long.

For even better results, Graco recommends using the Rac X FF LP and Rac X LP Low Pressure Spray Tips with their SmartControl Pressure Management System. This setup ensures a superior spray fan pattern without fluctuations in pressure at any setting.

For more information about Graco RacX Low Pressure Spray Tips and airless low pressure sprayers, check out Graco by clicking here.

Graco Low Pressure Spray Tip Prices

You can pick up the Rac X FF LP and Rac X LP tips at your local Graco dealership, or online. Though sizes and prices vary we found a large assortment of them on Amazon for around $35 a piece.

Graco Low Pressure Spray Tips Size Charts

• Rac X Fine Finish Low Pressure Switchtips (FFLPXXX)

• Rac X Low Pressure SwitchTips (LPXXX)

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Monkey Rung Ladder Tools and Roller Ready Cleaners are Made By Contractors, For Contractors

If you spend any time at the top of a ladder, you’d do yourself a favor by looking into a safe and helpful solution for working with paint and tools at height. Monkey Rung Ladder Accessories are designed by tradesmen who make a living working from the top of a ladder. It’s that experience that went into the design schemes of the Money Klamp, Monkey Grip, and Monkey Rung accessories. Whether painting or working with power tools, the Monkey Rung product line aims at making your work experience safer put things closer within reach.

And, when working with paint on ladders, the Roller Ready Paint Roller Cleaner looks handy. It promises to take your rollers from sloppy messes to clean and ready to reuse in mere seconds.

Monkey Rung Ladder Products

The Monkey Rung product line includes the Monkey Grip and the Monkey Klamp. Both share the same ultimate purpose. They give you a convenient and sturdy place to hang your tools, bags, paint cans, and so on. The company makes two designs. The Monkey Grip works within the rungs of your extension ladder. The Monkey Klamp affixes to the outside of your A-frame ladder.

Both of the Monkey Rung hangers work with the brand’s line of accessories. These include hangers that hold tools, support paint cans, and even hold onto bags. Each can support up to 15 lbs.

This design only requires one-time installation, with the both A-frame and extension ladders functioning while the Monkey Rung products are in place. Both designs reduce accidents by increasing 3-point contact, making jobs safer and more convenient to work.

Pricing

You can purchase the Monkey Rung lineup on various online retail sites, including Amazon. Whether you need the Monkey Grip for your extension ladder or the Monkey Klamp for your A-frame, you can expect to drop about $50.

For more information about Monkey Rung Products, click here.

Roller Ready Paint Roller Cleaner

If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to clean out your paint rollers when the job is done, look no further than the Roller Ready Paint Roller Cleaner. This helpful accessory chucks up into your favorite drill to clean your paint rollers effectively with the power of centrifugal force.

You’ll need a couple of buckets, and one of those filled with water. After chucking up the Roller Ready Cleaner and sliding on your dirty paint roller, you hold the Roller Ready inside the first bucket and fire up the drill. It only takes a few seconds to spin off all of the excess paint inside the bucket.

Then, you put the Roller Ready Cleaner into your water bucket, firing up the drill for anywhere between 15 and 60 seconds. The water rinses out all the residual paint. From there, you move back to the dry bucket and give the Roller Ready another spin to dry off the remaining wetness. Boom, you’ve got dry, clean rollers!

Pricing

You have a couple of options when it comes to the Roller Ready Paint Roller Cleaner. They make both a large aluminum model and a large plastic model. They retail for $24 and $18, respectively. Or, if you need something smaller, Roller Ready does offer some options for your smaller rollers too.

For more information about the Roller Ready Paint Roller Cleaner, click here.

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If you’re not happy with the look of your current garage floor, you might want to consider adding a coat of paint. Paint can dress up even the dullest and oldest-looking floors. However, painting and sealing garage floors isn’t the same as painting other surfaces. For one, a garage is subject to a lot more abuse and traffic than a typical floor. It also must be able to withstand dirt and even grease, something an interior is unlikely to see. Follow these steps for painting and sealing garage floors and surfaces.

1. Clean the Garage Floor

When painting and sealing garage floors you want to be working with a completely clean surface – something that could be a major challenge in a garage. It’s exponentially harder if you tend to have lots of grease or oil on the floor surface. You can purchase cleaners designed specifically for these surfaces or you can create your own using three parts water to one part bleach. Just make sure you protect your hands and have proper ventilation in the garage while cleaning.

2. Repair the Garage Floor Before Sealing

After the floor dries, you’re going to need to do some crack repair. You can purchase patches and fillers for concrete or mortar at your local home improvement store. Just make sure you understand the material used to make your garage floor. Follow the directions to apply the material to the floor. Make sure you let it set before you move onto the next step.

3. Etch the Floor

When you are painting concrete, you have to open the pores in the material, or else the paint will not set properly. Etching will allow that to happen, but it’s not always necessary. If you put a little water on the floor, watch how quickly it absorbs into the floor. Fast absorption typically means you don’t require any etching. Otherwise, you’ll need to purchase a commercial etching product and apply it to the floor.

4. Add the Primer or Sealer

After etching the floor, let it dry fully per the instructions on the etching product. After this, you can add a coat of primer to the floor. Using a long-handled roller brush makes the application easy. Make sure you apply the coat evenly since this forms the base for the epoxy paint. Let it dry for at least eight hours.

5. Paint the Garage Floor

Remember that you’re going to need special garage floor paint for this surface. Painting and sealing garage floors can’t be done with simple interior or exterior paint. You need to use epoxy paints which can hold up to tires and the amount of abrasion and abuse a garage floor deals with. Materials you want to consider should have labels that explain their composition and durability.

You’ll also want to use only nylon brushes. Begin painting just as you would any other surface now that it’s been properly prepared and you are using the appropriate products. You do not want to apply more than two coats.

You can use many different materials to coat a garage floor. On top of this, you can find various additives and specialty products to enhance any paints. We’ll summarize a few of the more common types.

Epoxy Paint for Garage Floors

Epoxy is one of the more widely used floor coverings. It dries hard and provides a very durable surface. Epoxy garage floor paint bonds well to properly-prepared concrete. Many epoxies work better for indoor use as some tend to yellow with sunlight. If your garage gets direct sunlight keep this in mind as it may lead to uneven color fading.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane is an excellent coating material as they resist UV from sunlight and are excellent at resisting chemicals, dirt, and grease. This is a very durable high-gloss product that leaves a professional look and feel. The downside to this surface material is that the concrete must first be prepped with an epoxy primer to sufficiently bond to the concrete.

Latex Paint

Acrylic latex paint is a solid solution that is easy to apply and can yield fast results. With some products, you can walk on the floor in 4 hours and park on it 72 hours after application.

Concrete Stains for Garage Floors

Concrete that is acid-stained can create a very unique finish and is available in multiple colors. What’s cool about acid stain is you can make the garage floor look like stone, leather or even wood. Concrete stains bond with the concrete and take on the unique texture and color of the concrete. The downside is that stains typically require a protective acrylic seal coat which typically requires a protective waxing one or more times per year.

6. Let the Floor Dry

Once you’ve finished painting the floors, you need to make sure it dries completely. Normally, you’ll need to wait about a full day before you can safely walk on the recently painted surface. However, you have to wait at least one week before you drive your car on the painted surface. Each material is different and following the manufacturer’s instructions is key to making sure your finish is perfect.

Expect Touch-ups

Periodically, you’re going to have to touch up the paint in the garage. That’s because the floor is definitely a heavily trafficked area. You’ll need to make these touch-ups yearly or else you’ll have to repeat the entire process in just a couple of years.

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PaintLine Launches Expandable Mobile Rack

The PaintLine ProDryingRack EX line (PDREX) offers 15 racks of drying storage for doors, cabinets, trim pieces, and more. PaintLine expanded its EX rack series to provide up to 15 horizontal feet of mobile, horizontal rack space for drying longer-form materials and products. With 1,800 lbs of total weight capacity, the ProDryingRack EX-Plus racks come in two different models. It offers a customizable approach to organizing your shop for nearly any drying application.

Drying Without the Clutter

The PaintLine ProDryingRack EX-Plus Series uses the two-towered, expandable PDREX as the base rack configuration. This current offering gives you 15 shelves and expands from 20″ to 60″ with a weight capacity of 900 lbs.

Looking at the base PDREX system, you can see why PaintLine thought expanding it to tackle wider applications made good sense.

The PaintLine ProDryingRack EX-Plus accomplishes expansion by adding more towers. Using either three or four towers gives you between 60″ and 180″ of horizontal rack space. It also doubles the weight capacity of the PDREX to 1,800 lbs., still providing you with 15 removable vertical shelves.

Each tower in the ProDryingRack EX-Plus setup features 5″ locking casters and anti-torque stabilizers for rolling the whole rack to your desired area in the shop.

Though you can find the PaintLine product line in a growing number of online and brick and mortar storefronts, the entire PaintLine catalogue of painting solutions is available directly from the company website. You can find it by clicking here.

ProDryingRack EX Models and Specs

• Original PDREX: $575 plus shipping
• PDREX-3: $1,100 plus shipping
• PDREX-4: $1,500 plus shipping
• Dimensions (HxD): 66.5 x 34.5 in.
• Shelf depth: 30 in.
• Shelf spacing: 3 in.
• Wheels: 5 in. locking casters (550 lbs. load each)
• Load capacity:
  • Single PDREX: 900 lbs.
  • PDREX-3: 1350 lbs.
  • PDREX-4: 1800 lbs.
• Shelf width:
  • Single PDREX: 20–60 in.
  • PDREX-3: 60–100 in.
  • PDREX-4: 100–180 in.

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