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Thin hi-viz orange work gloves, a large all-metal 21mm combination wrench stamped GLOBOWRENCH USA, and a cyan tool case on a richly textured blue workshop surface

SUPER GLOVEOrange Hyperlite anti-slip anti-cut glove has entered final stages of R&D

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Trade news, service intel for techs in-field, and new tools you probably shouldn't look at

Field report

Tools, trades
& the pipeline.

A quick read on the projects and jobsite shifts worth watching. Switch between U.S. and worldwide coverage; Event supplement updated as of September 27, 2026, 1:00 PM EST.

Oklahoma will get $250 million of a $1.9 billion Department of Energy grid package for the Three Corners Connector, a roughly 300-mile high-voltage line running from near Guymon in the Oklahoma Panhandle to Pueblo, Colorado, designed to connect the eastern and western U.S. electric grids.

Read the update →

Reported September 26, 2026 · Source: News 9

The City of Aiken is building a $65 million, 8 MGD conventional water treatment plant with Harper General Contractors, featuring multi-stage flocculation, plate settlers, dual-media filtration, on-site sodium hypochlorite generation, and two 1-million-gallon clearwells, targeting completion in winter 2027.

Read the update →

Reported September 25, 2026 · Source: SCBiz

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin visited Enbridge's Stockbridge terminal on Saturday and argued that years of federal review by the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers found the proposed Great Lakes tunnel for Line 5 beneath the Straits of Mackinac to be safe, as Michigan regulators reconsider the project's state permit.

Read the update →

Reported September 27, 2026 · Source: Lansing State Journal

The 1940s New York Central Class L3 Mohawk, the only one of its kind left in existence, left Elkhart's National New York Central Railroad Museum for the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, where volunteers will spend more than two years and an estimated $4 million restoring it to running condition.

Read the update →

Reported September 4, 2026 · Source: WPTA

Service material

Pick your workbench.

Charts, diagrams, and more for in-field referencing to help you finish the job.Tap to select task relevant source material

HVAC service bench

See the call.
Find the fault.

Superheat 8 to 12°FMost TXVs hold evaporator superheat near 8 to 12 degrees. Many compressor makers call for 10 to 15 degrees total superheat at the compressor. Fixed-orifice systems charge off a superheat chart, not a single number.

Subcooling 10 to 15°FMany manufacturers call for 10 to 15 degrees of subcooling on TXV systems. Charge to the equipment nameplate or install manual, never to pressure alone.

Saturation pressure (psig) at saturation temperature
Temp	R-22	R-410A
40°F	69	118
60°F	102	170
80°F	144	235
100°F	196	316
120°F	260	417

24V thermostat terminals, by function
Terminal	Function
R / Rh	24VAC power from the heating transformer
Rc	24VAC power from the cooling transformer (separate-transformer systems)
W	Heat stage 1 call
Y	Compressor stage 1 (cooling) call
G	Indoor blower fan call
C	Common, the 24V return path
O/B	Heat pump reversing valve

Identify by terminal, never by color

There is no standard wire color for thermostat functions. Confirm each wire at the terminal marking on the control board before landing it.
Single-transformer systems land the power wire on R with the R-Rc jumper in place. Two-transformer systems split Rh and Rc and remove the jumper.

Verify all field work against your locally adopted code, the authority having jurisdiction, and the manufacturer instructions for the equipment you are servicing.

Coburn Supply · pressure temperature chart (R-22 / R-410A)Contracting Business / NCI · superheat and subcooling fundamentals Honeywell Home · thermostat wiring and terminal functions

Electrician’s bench

Read the color.
Trace the path.

NEC 2023 Table 310.16, copper ampacity in amperes
Copper AWG	60°C	75°C	90°C
14	15	20	25
12	20	25	30
10	30	35	40
8	40	50	55
6	55	65	75

Breaker pairing

Table ampacity is not the breaker size. NEC 240.4(D) caps copper 14, 12, and 10 AWG at 15A, 20A, and 30A overcurrent protection, even though the 90°C column reads higher.
With 60°C terminations, the usual maximum breakers are 14/15A, 12/20A, 10/30A, 8/40A, 6/60A. Final sizing also depends on terminal ratings, ambient and bundling adjustments, and the load.

Conductor identification

Required: grounded (neutral) conductors are white or gray (NEC 200.6). Equipment grounding conductors are green, green with yellow stripes, or bare (NEC 250.119).
Convention, not code: 120/240V single phase commonly uses black and red hots; 120/208V 3-phase commonly uses black, red, and blue; 277/480V 3-phase commonly uses brown, orange, and yellow. The NEC does not assign hot colors except the orange high leg.

GFCI in dwellings, NEC 2023 210.8(A)

125V through 250V receptacles on single-phase branch circuits rated 150V or less to ground need GFCI protection in: bathrooms, garages and accessory buildings, outdoors, crawl spaces and below-grade areas, basements, kitchens, food or beverage preparation areas with sinks, within 6 ft of sinks, boathouses, within 6 ft of tubs or showers, laundry areas, and indoor damp and wet locations.
GFCI protection can come from a GFCI breaker or a GFCI receptacle, and the device must sit in a readily accessible location.

Verify all field work against your locally adopted code, the authority having jurisdiction, and the manufacturer instructions for the equipment you are servicing.

CodePass · NEC 2023 Table 310.16 ampacity and 240.4(D) small-conductor limits Mike Holt · GFCI and AFCI under the 2023 NEC Mars Electric · 2023 NEC 210.8(A) GFCI dwelling-unit locations

Welding bench

Choose the rod.
Set the heat.

Common stick electrodes, typical amp ranges
Electrode	Polarity	Positions	1/8 in	5/32 in	Best for
E6010	DC+ (DCEP)	All	75-135 A	100-175 A	Pipe roots, dirty or rusty steel, deep penetration
E6011	AC or DC	All	75-120 A	90-160 A	AC buzz boxes, galvanized and coated steel
E6013	AC or DC	All	80-120 A	110-160 A	Sheet metal, easy restrike, smooth bead
E7018	DC+ preferred	All except vertical down	90-160 A	130-210 A	Structural work, low hydrogen

MIG starting point, 1/8 in mild steelER70S-6 with 75% argon / 25% CO2. Start here, then tune by arc sound.

.030 in wire

Voltage18 to 19 volts

Wire speedAbout 250 inches per minute

Fine tune

ListenBacon-frying sizzle means the arc is close

VerifyCheck the chart on your machine door, then run a test bead

Verify all field work against your locally adopted code, the authority having jurisdiction, and the manufacturer instructions for the equipment you are servicing.

Lincoln Electric · Fleetweld 5P+ E6010 Lincoln Electric · Fleetweld 35 E6011 Lincoln Electric · Excalibur 7018 MR TestTalkHQ · MIG wire feed speed chart (ER70S-6, 75/25)

Framing bench

Lay it out.
Cut it once.

Wall nailing, 2021 IRC Table R602.3(1)
Connection	Nails	How
Stud to sole plate, toe nail	4-8d (2-1/2 in)	Toe nail each stud
Stud to top plate, end nail	2-16d common (3-1/2 in)	End nail
Double top plate to studs, face nail	16d common (3-1/2 in)	16 in. o.c. face nail
Sole plate to joist or rim, face nail	16d common (3-1/2 in)	16 in. o.c. face nail
Built-up header plies	16d common (3-1/2 in)	16 in. o.c. each edge, face nail
Header to king stud, toe nail	4-8d common (2-1/2 in)	Toe nail
Top plate laps at corners	2-16d common (3-1/2 in)	Face nail
7/16 in. OSB wall sheathing to studs	6d common (2 in)	6 in. edges, 12 in. field

Floor joist max spans, IRC Table R502.3.1(2), 40 psf live, 10 psf dead
Species and grade	Size	12 in. o.c.	16 in. o.c.	24 in. o.c.
SPF #2	2x8	13-6	12-3	10-3
SPF #2	2x10	17-3	15-5	12-7
SPF #2	2x12	20-7	17-10	14-7
Southern Pine #2	2x8	13-6	11-10	9-8
Southern Pine #2	2x10	16-2	14-0	11-5
Southern Pine #2	2x12	19-1	16-6	13-6

Rafter max spans, IRC Table R802.4.1(3), 30 psf snow, no ceiling attached, 10 psf dead
Species and grade	Size	12 in. o.c.	24 in. o.c.
SPF #2	2x8	17-5	15-1	12-4
SPF #2	2x10	21-4	18-5	15-1
SPF #2	2x12	24-8	21-5	17-6
Southern Pine #2	2x8	16-4	14-2	11-7
Southern Pine #2	2x10	19-5	16-10	13-9
Southern Pine #2	2x12	22-10	19-10	16-2

Stair geometry

Max riser height 7-3/4 in, min tread depth 10 in.
Min headroom 6 ft 8 in from the tread nosings.
Nosing 3/4 in to 1-1/4 in on solid risers.
Keep risers and treads within 3/8 in of each other in a flight.
Min stair width 36 in clear.

Wall framing basics

2x4 bearing studs: 10 ft max height, 16 in. o.c. with a floor above, 24 in. o.c. roof and ceiling only.
2x6 bearing studs: 10 ft max height, 24 in. o.c. under one floor, 16 in. o.c. under two.
Cap every stud wall with a double top plate, lap joints 24 in min.
Size headers and girders from IRC Table R602.7(1), never by rule of thumb.

Nail sizes

8d is 2-1/2 in, 10d is 3 in, 16d is 3-1/2 in, 20d is 4 in.
Box nails run thinner than common of the same penny size.
Toe nail about one third of the nail length up from the end, near 45 degrees.
End nailing into stud ends holds less than face nailing, use the table counts.

Verify all field work against your locally adopted code, the authority having jurisdiction, and the manufacturer instructions for the equipment you are servicing.

IRC Table R602.3(1) fastener schedule City of Omaha IRC span tables Knox County IRC stairs reference

Plumbing bench

Size the line.
Protect the seal.

Drain slope, IPC Table 704.1

2-1/2 in pipe or smaller: 1/4 in per foot minimum.
3 in to 6 in pipe: 1/8 in per foot minimum.
8 in pipe or larger: 1/16 in per foot minimum.

Trap seal, IPC 1002.4

Every fixture trap needs a liquid seal of at least 2 in and not more than 4 in.
Traps set level. Protect seals from siphonage with proper venting, and protect infrequently used traps from evaporation.

Water pressure and PRV

Where static pressure inside the building exceeds 80 psi, IPC 604.8 requires an approved pressure-reducing valve that brings the building supply to 80 psi static or less.
Municipal PRV guidance commonly cites a 45-75 psi setting range for the house side.

Water heater set point

For most residential applications, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends 120°F at the tank. Hotter settings raise scalding risk and standby loss.

IPC Table 604.5, minimum fixture supply pipe size
Terminal	Function
Water closet, flush tank	3/8 in
Lavatory	3/8 in
Bathtub	1/2 in
Kitchen sink	1/2 in
Shower, single head	1/2 in
Dishwasher, domestic	1/2 in
Hose bibb	1/2 in

Verify all field work against your locally adopted code, the authority having jurisdiction, and the manufacturer instructions for the equipment you are servicing.

ICC · IPC Chapter 7, Table 704.1 drain slope ICC · IPC Chapter 10, 1002.4 trap seals ICC · IPC Chapter 6, 604.5 fixture supply sizes and 604.8 PRV U.S. DOE · 120°F residential water heater guidance

Under the hood

Engine oil level and color on the dipstick, top off or change as needed.
Coolant level in the reservoir (check cold), look for leaks at hoses and the radiator.
Brake fluid level and color, dark fluid is due for a flush.
Power steering and transmission fluid where serviceable, check level and smell for burnt fluid.
Washer fluid topped off.
Serpentine belt: cracks, glazing, fraying, and proper tension.
Radiator and heater hoses: soft spots, bulges, and brittle ends.
Battery terminals clean and tight, case not swollen.
Engine air filter, hold it to light, replace if you cannot see through it.

Tires and brakes

Tire pressure to the door jamb sticker, checked cold, including the spare.
Tread depth at least 2/32 in, use the penny test, and look for uneven wear that points at alignment or suspension.
Rotate tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
Brake pad thickness, rotor scoring and runout, brake lines and hoses for cracks or leaks.
Parking brake holds on an incline.

Underneath

Shocks and struts for leaks, bounce test each corner.
CV axle boots torn or slinging grease.
Exhaust hangers intact, listen for leaks.
Steering linkage and ball joints for play.
Grease chassis fittings on older trucks and SUVs.
Fuel lines, tank straps, and skid plates secure.

Lights, electrical, cabin

Every exterior light: headlights high and low, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, plate light.
Battery age and load test, most last 3 to 5 years.
Wiper blades streak-free, replace every 6 to 12 months.
Horn works.
Cabin air filter every 15,000 to 20,000 miles.
No warning lights on the dash, scan for stored codes even if the light is off.

Compression, spark, fuel

The three things an engine needs to run. When it won't run right, chase the missing one.

Service intervalsTypical starting points. Your owner's manual wins every argument.

Every fuel stop

WalkaroundOil, coolant, tire pressure, lights, wipers

5k to 7.5k miles

Oil serviceOil and filter, rotate tires

15k to 30k miles

Filters and fluidEngine and cabin air filters, inspect brake fluid

30k to 60k miles

Major fluidsTransmission service, coolant, brake fluid flush, spark plugs per type

Field-work check: Verify all field work against your locally adopted code, the authority having jurisdiction, and the manufacturer instructions for the equipment you are servicing.

CDL Class A road bench

Control the combination.
Protect the space.

Licensing and field basics for tractor-trailers and other heavy combinations, including coupling, trailer control, axle loading, and route planning.

26,001 lb or moreClass A covers a combination with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more.

More than 10,000 lbThe towed vehicle or vehicles must have a GVWR above 10,000 pounds. With required endorsements, Class A also authorizes Class B and C vehicles.

License path

Pass the state knowledge tests needed for a Class A commercial learner’s permit, including combination vehicles and air brakes when applicable.
Self-certify your operating category. Non-excepted interstate drivers generally need a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate from a certified medical examiner.
First-time Class A applicants and Class B drivers upgrading to Class A are subject to ELDT from a provider listed in FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry.
Hold the CLP at least 14 days, then pass vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and road tests in a representative Class A combination.

Common endorsements

T double or triple trailers; this is the endorsement specific to Class A combination work.
N tank vehicle; H placarded hazardous materials; X combined tank and hazardous materials.
P passenger vehicle and S school bus apply when the vehicle and work require them.
Test in the equipment you expect to operate. Automatic transmission, air-brake, and non-fifth-wheel test vehicles can create operating restrictions.

Combination field check

Inspect fifth-wheel mounting, locking jaws, kingpin, apron, release arm, air lines, electrical line, and landing gear.
Tug-test the coupling, then visually confirm the jaws are locked around the kingpin.
Know the tractor-protection system and trailer supply and service controls. Never use the trailer hand valve as a parking brake.
Confirm legal gross and axle weights, understand tandem movement, and watch trailer off-tracking through every turn.

Before the wheels turnPlan the full combination, not only the tractor.

Route

ClearanceKnow height, weight, length, and restrictions

Load

SecurementCheck cargo, doors, seals, and axle distribution

Clock

HoursPlan breaks, rest, fuel, and legal parking

Backing

GOALGet Out And Look; use a spotter when available

Field-work check: Verify all field work against your locally adopted code, the authority having jurisdiction, and the manufacturer instructions for the equipment you are servicing.

49 CFR Part 383 · groups and endorsements FMCSA · how to get a CDL FMCSA · medical certification

CDL Class B road bench

Heavy single vehicle.
Disciplined routine.

Licensing and field basics for straight trucks, dump and refuse trucks, mixers, and properly endorsed buses.

26,001 lb or moreClass B covers a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.

10,000 lb or lessThat Class B vehicle may tow a vehicle rated at 10,000 pounds GVWR or less. If the combination is 26,001 pounds or more and the trailer exceeds 10,000 pounds GVWR, Class A applies.

License path

Choose the class and endorsements for the vehicle and work, then study your state CDL manual and pass the required knowledge tests for a commercial learner’s permit.
Self-certify your operating category with the state. Non-excepted interstate drivers generally need a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate from a certified medical examiner.
First-time Class B applicants subject to ELDT must train with a provider listed in FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry before the skills test.
Hold the CLP at least 14 days, then pass the vehicle inspection, basic control skills, and road tests in a representative Class B vehicle.

Common endorsements

P passenger vehicle; S school bus. School bus operation requires both the P and S qualifications.
N tank vehicle; H placarded hazardous materials; X combined tank and hazardous materials.
Passenger and school-bus endorsement require knowledge and skills tests. Hazmat also requires the federal security threat assessment.
Air brakes are not an endorsement. Testing without full air brakes can place a restriction on the license.

Field routine

Use the same inspection sequence every time: prior report, leaks, engine bay, lights, glass, tires, wheels, rear, cab, and emergency equipment.
Know the actual vehicle height and loaded weight before the route, and account for rear-wheel off-tracking in turns.
GOAL: Get Out And Look before uncertain backing.
Set speed and gear before a grade, do not ride the brakes, and do not drive a vehicle with an unresolved safety defect.

Property-carrying hours of serviceFederal baseline; passenger-carrying and intrastate-only operations use different rule sets.

Drive

Driving limit11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off

Window

On-duty windowNo driving after the 14th hour

Break

30 minutesAfter 8 cumulative driving hours

Cycle

60 / 70On-duty hours in 7 / 8 days

Field-work check: Verify all field work against your locally adopted code, the authority having jurisdiction, and the manufacturer instructions for the equipment you are servicing.

49 CFR Part 383 · groups and endorsements FMCSA · how to get a CDL FMCSA · medical certification U.S. DOT · hours of service

Consumer shop

Gear that earns
its drawer.

Buy now for 2X giveaway entries

First release Thin hi-viz orange anti-slip work gloves in realistic workshop light

2X GIVEAWAY ENTRIES ENDING SOON!

SUPER GLOVE

Thin, stretchy, anti-slip orange work gloves in final stages of R&D

Globowrench original

Orange foam ear plugs with a blue cord on concrete

2X GIVEAWAY ENTRIES ENDING SOON!

SUPER PLUG

Ear plugs so soft and decadent you’ll want to eat them, please don’t

Globowrench original

Tool of the month

Suzume 22-piece metric and SAE ratcheting wrench set with storage case

10X giveaway entries ending soon!

Suzume Ratchet Wrench Set

A 22-piece metric and SAE set with a compact case, picked as this month's featured tool.

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SUZUME six-piece extra-long flex-head ratcheting wrench set

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SUZUME 6-piece Extra-Long Flex-Head Ratcheting Wrench Set, 8-19mm

A six-piece extra-long flex-head ratcheting wrench set covering 8-19mm.

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SUZUME ten-piece extra-long flex-head ratchet wrench set

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SUZUME 10-piece Extra-Long Flex-Head Ratchet Wrench Set

A ten-piece extra-long flex-head ratchet wrench set.

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Orange amber OLIGHT ArkPro Ultra flashlight

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OLIGHT ArkPro Ultra Flashlight, Orange Amber

The Orange Amber finish of the OLIGHT ArkPro Ultra flashlight.

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Black OLIGHT ArkPro Ultra flashlight on a rock

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OLIGHT ArkPro Ultra Flashlight, Black

The black finish of the OLIGHT ArkPro Ultra flashlight.

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OLIGHT Oclip 2 Ultra clip light standing on a rock

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OLIGHT Oclip 2 Ultra Clip Light, Orange Amber

The Orange Amber version of the OLIGHT Oclip 2 Ultra clip light.

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NOTOM NP40 fixed blade paring knife with sheath on a rock

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NOTOM NP40 Fixed Blade Paring Knife

The new NP40 fixed blade paring knife.

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NOTOM NJ100 folding knife in its box on a rock

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NOTOM NJ100 Folding Knife

Folding knife made with Swedish steel and a G10 scale. Also offered in a black walnut wood finish.

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NOTOM Sling Bag, Clay

The NOTOM sling bag in clay.

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