MAVROMATIC » Favorite Tools

DYMO RHINO 3000 Label Printer – My Favorite Tools – July 2009

Danny Mavromatis — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:38:02 +0000

One of my pet peeves is having unlabeled wires and cables. It drives me bonkers! That’s why the Dymo Rhino 3000 is My Favorite Tool for July 2009. This little tools lets you label all your wires and cables very simply. If you are asking yourself what makes the Rhino better than say a Brother P-Touch? Well, it’s all in the adhesive and printing layout.

First, the adhesive on these labels is meant to be wrapped around cables and wires so you can be sure they won’t pop off. The label actually feels like it “shrinks” onto the cable (they do have true heat-shrink versions too).

Second, this rugged labeler was designed to print labels for A/V and Networking cables and wires so the way it prints the text is meant for easy reading when wrapped around the cable. Here are even more reasons.

If you have an A/V rack or network closet you owe it to yourself and anyone that works on your stuff properly labeled and organized wires. The Dymo Rhino 3000 is the tool that can make it happen… it will be the best $80 you’ve ever spent!

- DYMO RHINO 3000 Label Printer 15605

Bosch PS40-2, The Best Power Driver – My Favorite Tools – June 2009

Danny Mavromatis — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:05:22 +0000

Here’s a fun fact about me, I’ve been around construction tools and machinery all my life. My dad is a Master Carpenter and General Contractor so I’ve pretty much seen power tools evolve over the last 20+ years. I even remember his first cordless drill, which barely had enough power to drive a screw without pre-drilling. So this months favorite tool is the Bosch PS40-2. The Bosch PS40-2 is a 12-volt Lithium-Ion Impact Driver that is very well balanced, light weight and very powerful. If you have never used an impact driver, you’re in for a treat. The sound of it “impacting” when driving a screw or bolt is normal (some think the sound is a defect). Don’t judge it by it’s compact look this drill is a monster… it’s small enough to carry with your and use in tight places but powerful enough to drive a screw without drilling. The battery life is also great… I typically charge it and can use it for the full day before needing to recharge. Just keep in mind that this is a driver, not a typical “drill” so if you want to drill something this isn’t the best tool for the job. Bosch offers a PS30-2A (drill/driver) for that kind of job.

Here are some specs on the PS40-2:
- Hammer and anvil system produces 800 in-lbs of torque
- Delivers 1,800 RPM/3,000 BPM with 60 per cent more torque than 18V drill-driver; 800 in.-lbs of max torque.
- 3 LEDs illuminate work area for use in dark areas.
- Spring-Loaded Impact Mechanism.
- Aluminum gear housing with protective rubber front and a 1/4″ hex drive with quick release.
- Ergonomic Soft Grip Handle; bumpers on side of tool.
- Variable speed trigger.

The Bosch PS40-2A also will make a GREAT father’s day gift!

AMAZON.COM - Bosch PS40-2A 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Impact Driver
BOSCH TOOLS - 10.8V Litheon™ Impactor Fastening Driver

Weller Pyropen WPA2 – My Favorite Tools – April 2009

Danny Mavromatis — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:06:27 +0000

I’ve decided to kick off a new feature on Mavromatic called “My Favorite Tools”. If you are like me and love to visit hardware stores and industrial supply houses checking out new tools, then you’ll enjoy this feature.

This months favorite tool is the Weller Pyropen WPA2. The Weller comes in handy when you need to solder something and can’t plug in a proper soldering station. I last used this applying DC connectors to a cable that would connect to a CCTV Camera. I was about 15′ up on a ladder and this tool worked like a charm. The Weller Pyropen WPA2 uses butane fuel — kind used to refill a lighter — and has a run time of about 3 hours of operation between refills. It ignites with the push of a button and provides heat up to 932° F — which is more than enough heat for typical projects.

Here are some other features that make the Weller Pyropen WPA one of my favorite tools:

Ignites with the push of a button, ideal for field service jobs
Lightweight and completely portable, ready to use in 30 seconds
Sturdy metal tank holds enough butane gas for 3 hours of operation
Does not require cords, batteries or cartridges
Temperature adjusts from 482°F to 932°F (approx. 25 – 60 watts)
14 soldering tip combinations available
Refills with butane fuel
UL listed

Treat yourself to a Weller Pyropen WPA2, it will be on your list of favorite tools too!

- AMAZON.COM: Weller WPA2 Pyropen Professional Self-Igniting Cordless Butane Soldering Iron