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Buying Guides

Buying Guides

Understanding the 5 Most Common Types of Shower Valves

Looking to replace your shower head or put in a new bathtub? You'll want to know what type of shower valve is installed in your bathroom first. Learn about the 5 most common types, what makes each one unique, and whether you'll want to replace yours during repairs or renovations.

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Cable Tie Buying Guide

Do you know that there are different types of cable ties? Learn the many materials they can be made of and which one is right for your application in this informative buying guide.

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Father's Day Gift Guide

June is here. It’s time to celebrate fathers as well as the start of summer. Whether you’re a father, grandfather, father figure, or someone who wants to pick up the latest supplies and tools for their next big project, we have what is needed to get it done.

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Compound Miter Saws: A Guide to Different Types and Uses

Looking for the right compound miter saw to get the job done? Learn about the different types of miter saws as well as their benefits and common uses in this detailed guide.

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What Is the Difference between Hydronic and Regular Baseboard Heaters?

There are similarities between hydronic heaters and standard electric baseboard heaters: Both look basically the same and are designed to provide either a primary or supplemental heat source for a residence or business.

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Push-On Fittings Size and Assembly Guide

Push-on hose fittings—also known as push-lock, insta-grip, push-lok, or field-attachable fittings—allow for quick connections to fluid transfer lines. They are common in automotive assembly, packaging and manufacturing facilities, and pneumatic systems.

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Intake and Exhaust Louvers in HVAC Systems

Intake and exhaust louvers contribute fresh, outdoor air to a building’s circulation while protecting the exhaust opening from water flow and other outdoor elements.

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Types of Locking Clamps and How to Use Them

There are several different types of locking clamps and they come in a variety of sizes, but the overall purpose they serve is the same. Similar to locking pliers, locking clamps provide a secure grip to make sure whatever you’re working on stays in place.

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Understanding and Using Backwater Valves

Sewer backups can cause costly damage to floors, walls, electric systems, and furniture. And while backflow preventers are required in some areas, protection for your home or business isn’t guaranteed. Backwater valves can provide added protection.

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Copper Tubing Guide

Copper tubing is often used for main water lines and refrigerant lines in HVAC systems because of its anti-corrosive properties. The most common types of copper tubing used in residential and commercial construction include Type K, Type L, and Type M.

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Guide to Drill Presses

Like the common handheld drill, drill presses are used to bore holes of various diameters into metal, wood, or other materials. But that’s where the comparisons end.

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Damper Control Guide

Air dampers are metal valves or plates that control the amount of heat or cool air that is distributed within your home or building ductwork.

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LED Troffer Information and Installation Guide

LED troffers are versatile light fixtures that allow for a flat, fully lit surface due to a recessed installation process. Modular, dropped-ceiling lighting has traditionally been powered by fluorescent bulbs, but their replacement with LED bulbs has become increasingly popular.

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Guide to Twist-Lock Receptacles

In those environments where equipment needs to be powered on at all times for safety or productivity reasons, a twist-lock receptacle can be a lifesaver.

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Guide to Grinder Pumps

If you have a garbage disposal in your home, think of a grinder pump as a much larger version that is tasked with churning up all of the wastewater produced by your shower, toilet, washing machine, and other appliances attached to your plumbing system.

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Guide to Compression Tube Fittings

Known for their versatility, compression tube fittings can be found in a variety of applications that require connections between metal and hard plastic tubing.