Get The Specs: The Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI) has an installation manual that has been updated recently to include input from experienced installers. My experience with this siding is it isn’t rocket science to install it but some of the methods relating to treatments around soffits, columns and architectural elements might leave some scratching their heads. The VSI has trained more than 3,000 installers since 2005. Now, the organization says you can get a copy of the manual as a PDF document.

Leave the Frustration of Swarf Collection Behind: If you do any work at all with metal you know how tough it is to get the swarf (fine metallic shavings, filings and turnings) from tools, work tables and degreasing tanks. Well, struggle no more, and save your fingers, by using a new swarf collector from Master Magnetics, Inc. Called the EZ-Grip Magnetic Swarf Collector this wand-shaped pick up tool is made from Neodymium magnets. The company says they are the strongest magnets in the world. For just $40 you can get the one with the easy-grip handle.

Biometric Deadbolt Gets Approval Of Good Housekeeping: Here’s one to add as an option to your model homes and other structures requiring locks – a deadbolt lock that is activated by the touch of a finger. But not just any finger, it has to be the finger with the right profile. Good Housekeeping put this one through its paces and declared it the best of the class. The company that makes this lock, BioAxxis, has been pioneering the boimetric market for locks and access controls. Besides testing to be sure only the right people could activate the lock, Good Housekeeping did rain and temperature tests as well just to be sure it works in all kinds of weather.

Today’s Hot Tip: Here’s a little gem that’s been around almost 10 years and could easily be your answer to keeping your training on the front burner. Called RedVector this site offers 1000 courses for the AEC industry. From NEC training, to contractor training, to license prep, to management training, to cost management and project management and beyond, – there is a lot here. It’s all online and the prices look great. Oh, and the OSHA 10 hour course is here also. I tried some of the sample course, "Design of Hydraulic Steel Structures." Now, even though I didn’t stay at a Holiday Inn last night, I feel completely comfortable in designing HSS by load and resistance factor and fracture control.

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