ILLUMINATED SPECIALTY TOOLS

(New York) – Working inside those dark, confined spaces on the job just got a lot easier. LEDvisionTM, an all-new line of precision specialty tools—each incorporating bright white LED lighting for on-the-spot illumination—has been added to the UltraTECHTM specialty tool line from General Tools & Instruments, the leading supplier of specialty hand tools and electronic test equipment for the Hardware, Woodworking, Machining, Plumbing, Electrical and HVAC/R industries.

Latest in the LEDvisionTM line is the UltraTECHTM Lighted Inspection Mirror. This useful tool incorporates a 2-in. by 3-in. fully polished glass mirror topped with 2 extra-bright LED bulbs. Its ergonomically designed, 8-in. handles extends out to 33-in for a really long reach. The Mirror features a 360º swivel joint for those very hard-to-see areas. The unit is powered by 2 CR-2032 batteries.

The Lighted Inspection Mirror joins the other useful tools in the UltraTECHTM family. These include:

• Lighted Tweezers – A set of three handy, all-purpose tweezers designed for better gripping and user control. Currently sold individually, they include pointed, bent and blunt tips useful for a variety of tasks. Each features a bright LED powered by 3 LR41 batteries.
• Lighted Mechanical Pick-ups –These long-reach lighted mechanical pick-ups are available in 12-, 24-, and 36-inch lengths for getting into those hard-to-reach spots. When the handle is depressed, a four-pronged grabber extends from the tip and an LED centered in the tip illuminates the task at hand.
• LumiLENSTM Lighted Magnifier – For those small, dark, hard-to-see jobs, this is the perfect solution. The lighted magnifier has a large, shatter-resistant, 3½ in., 3x lens with a smaller 6x inset lens. The handle converts to a stand for hands-free use, and a bright LED bulb powered by two AA batteries provides plenty of light.
• The 6-in-1 Lighted Screwdriver Set – This highly useful tool includes six tips—2 each of flat blade, Philips and Torx. It offers a comfortable, non-slip, cushioned grip with a powerful LED bulb powered by 3 LR44 batteries. Includes a hard rubber bit organizer. 

“We are excited about the expansion of the General Tools product line and the new products that we are introducing in 2010,” said Joe Ennis, President and CEO. “General Tools & Instruments is committed to providing new and unique products on a continual basis.” 

There’s no reason to be afraid of the dark any longer! General Tools & Instruments’ expanding LEDvisionTM line of precision, lighted, specialty tools is sure to have what you need to work in those dark, confined and hard-to-reach areas. All of the tools in the line will be available for order at the 2010 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, May 4-6, 2010, and are available for purchase at select industrial supply houses, home centers and hardware stores. For more information, see the Illuminated Tools section of the General Tools & Instruments website at www.generaltools.com/illuminatedtools.

About General Tools & Instruments Company

Headquartered in New York City for more than 85 years, General Tools is the industry leader in specialty tools and instruments. Its recent acquisition of Mannix Instruments, a manufacturer of high-quality handheld electronic test and measurement equipment, has expanded General’s product line to include over 2,000 precision tools and instruments. This vast array of products is widely used by consumers, contractors, woodworkers, hobbyists, electricians, plumbers and professionals in industrial maintenance, HVAC/R installation and inspection, occupational health & safety and home inspection.

General Tools & Instruments Introduces New SeekerTM Line of Video Inspection Systems for HVAC/R Applications at 2010 AHR Expo

(New York) – Designed for a wide variety of applications in the HVAC/R industry—such as detecting leaks, inspecting corrosion and deposit buildup, and reading hidden part and serial numbers—General Tools & Instruments’ new line of Video Inspection Systems offers the technician and contractor a cost-effective way to visually inspect inaccessible or hazardous areas and thus diagnose difficult system problems without the necessity of complete system disassembly. Advanced units allow the user to record and transfer still images and video.

Starting at $189.00, SeekerTM Video Inspection Systems provide technicians with powerful inspection tools designed to see into hard-to-reach areas. All three models come equipped with a high-strength, “obedient”, 1m (39.4 in) camera-tipped probe with built-in, adjustable LED lighting; a mirror, magnet and pick-up hook that can mount on the end of the probe; batteries; a detailed instruction manual and an impact-resistant carrying case. Probes start from 9.5mm in diameter, and are water, oil and dust-proof.

The SeekerTM 200 Video Inspection System ($189.00) offers the least expensive way to add video inspection capability to your tool kit. The unit features a 2.4 in. (70mm) color LCD monitor for real-time viewing, with a slim, 12mm (0.47 in.) flexible camera-tipped probe that retains its configured shape for inspecting hard-to-reach areas such as heat exchanger tubing. The camera features a 60° field of view and a depth of field ranging from 1.0 to 11.8 inches (25 to 300mm). Optional 1m, 2m or 3m probe extensions can be added to extend the probe length up to 5m (16.4 ft).

The SeekerTM 300 Video Inspection System($219.00) has all the features of the Seeker 200 System in addition to a larger, 3.5 in. (89mm) color LCD monitor.

The SeekerTM 400 Wireless, Data Logging Video Inspection Systems ($299.00 and $399.00) includes two models: the DCS400 and the DCS495. Both models feature the same specifications. The difference is in the type of probe included. Each system is a fully-featured video scope that includes a detachable, 3.5 in. (89mm) color LCD monitor designed for remote viewing as far as 32.8 ft. (10m) away. The monitor includes a magnetic base for easy mounting on a metallic surface.  The Seeker 400 series allows the user to record either still images (jpeg) or up to 3 hours of video (avi) in either NTSC or PAL format. Images and video are stored on the included 1GB micro SD card and can be outputted to a remote monitor or computer via the included video and USB cables. A choice of 10 menu languages is provided. The DCS400 features a 17mm (0.67 in.) flexible, camera-tipped probe with built-in, adjustable, high intensity, LED lighting. Probe extensions 2.9 ft. (.9m) long are optionally available to extend the unit’s reach up to 18 ft. (5.5m). For applications that require a slimmer probe, an optional 9.5mm diameter 3.2ft. long probe with camera and LED lighting imbedded in the tip is available for $199.00. The DCS495 system comes complete with the 9.5mm diameter instead of the 17mm probe and lists for only $399.00.

For more information about General Tools & Instruments Video Inspection Systems, visit http://www.generaltools.com/camerascopes.

About General Tools & Instruments Company

Headquartered in New York City for more than 85 years, General Tools is the industry leader in specialty tools and instruments. Its recent acquisition of Mannix Instruments, a manufacturer of high-quality handheld electronic test and measurement equipment, has expanded General’s product line to include over 2,000 precision tools and instruments. This vast array of products is widely used by consumers, contractors, woodworkers, hobbyists, electricians, plumbers and professionals in industrial maintenance, HVAC/R installation and inspection, occupational health & safety and home inspection.

NEW FAMILY OF VIDEO INSPECTION SYSTEMS

One of the most remarkable new electronic products to come along for all types of inspection work     is the Video Borescope. Part camera, part spyware, part tradesman’s tool, this incredibly handy instrument enables users to view inside walls and other cavities—including otherwise inaccessible spaces such as ductwork, pipes, engine cylinders, roof soffits, drain lines and more.

General Tools & Instruments now offers five (5) portable Video Inspection System options, including three new models in its affordable “Seeker” instrument line that cost under $300—a price point that puts them within range of just about everyone, from professionals to DIYers.

The Seeker 200 Video Inspection System (Model DCS200) represents a bottom-line breakthrough for these instruments. A remarkable value at just $189 (list price), it has a 2.4-inch LCD color monitor for real-time viewing, with a 12mm flexible camera probe that retains its configured shape for inspecting hard-to-reach areas. A standard 1-meter probe length is provided with the unit and optional probes up to 10 meters (32.8 feet) are available. The Seeker 200 is powered by a single 9V battery and comes with a blow-molded protective case.

The Seeker 300 Video Inspection System (Model DCS300) offers a larger 3.5-inch LCD color monitor at a list price of $219. It also has a 12mm flexible, configurable camera probe with adjustable LED lighting, and includes a mirror, magnet and pick-up hook that can be attached to the end of the probe. The Seeker 300 is powered by a single 9V battery and also comes with a blow-molded protective case.

The Seeker 400 Wireless Data Logging Video Inspection System (Model DCS400) offers a 3.5-inch TFT-LCD color monitor that can be detached from the base unit for remote viewing over 30 feet away. This unit allows you to view live action, take still photos in JPEG format or record AVI-format video continuously for up to 3 hours. It has a 17mm diameter camera lens with adjustable LED lighting fitted to a 1-meter (standard) or 5.5 meter (optional) flexible probe. It’s powered by 4 AA batteries or the included AC adapter and lists for $299.

Farther up the scale in both price and sophistication is General’s High Performance Data Logging Video Borescope System (Model DCS1600). Its 3.5-inch extra-wide TFT-LCD monitor allows for real-time full-color visual observation, and an internal SD memory lets users save a complete video record for later output through a USB interface. A built-in rechargeable battery can record for up to 4 hours. This unit features a water, oil and dust resistant probe with 5.5mm camera tip that easily fits through small openings, such as an engine’s spark plug hole or under an aircraft instrument panel. Four super-bright LED’s built into the probe thoroughly illuminate the viewing area. The DCS1600 is ruggedly built for workplace environments, and a protective carrying case is included. It lists for $1,499.

For the ultimate in capability, the Wireless Data Logging Video Borescope (Model DCS1800) has a display screen on the base unit, but its probe doesn’t require a cable connection and can project what the camera sees onto a remote screen of any size up to 160 feet away. It records still photos or video in multiple formats, including MPEG 4 streaming video, with no special software required. Its high-quality metal lens sleeve can withstand hard knocks and temperatures ranging from -4° to 140° Fahrenheit. A built-in rechargeable battery can record for up to 4 hours. This unit offers hands-free convenience for safe inspection work in the most difficult or dangerous viewing environments. The DCS1800 lists for $1,899.

Whichever unit fits your style and budget, all of these Video Inspection Systems have limitless applications including HVAC/R troubleshooting and maintenance, furnace and plumbing inspection, in-wall mold inspection, pest identification, home inspections, automotive repair, aircraft inspections, surveillance, military applications and all types of general inspection.

About General Tools & Instruments Company

Headquartered in New York City for more than 85 years, General Tools is the industry leader in specialty tools and instruments. Its recent acquisition of Mannix Instruments, a manufacturer of high-quality handheld electronic test and measurement equipment, has expanded General’s product line to include over 2,000 precision tools and instruments. This vast array of products is widely used by consumers, contractors, woodworkers, hobbyists, electricians, plumbers and professionals in industrial maintenance, HVAC/R installation and inspection, occupational health & safety and home inspection.

Tough New Soft-Side Gear Bags Introduced by General Tools & Instruments

On-the-go tool users, do-it-yourselfers and tradesmen who take their equipment to the job will welcome the new lineup of soft-side gear bags and carriers from General Tools & Instruments, the industry’s leading specialty tools and precision instruments manufacturer.

These lightweight yet sturdily constructed bags range from large, zip-closure duffel-type carriers for oversize items, to compact open-top totes that allow quick access to the tools and testers you want to keep close at hand. Each bag has multiple interior and exterior pockets that help organize and protect individual items, along with open center spaces big enough for unwieldy accessories like battery chargers and portable power tools. Detachable padded shoulder straps as well as padded handles are provided with each bag to help lighten the load.

In all, six uniquely configured bags, carriers and totes are available. They include:

• 16” Tool and Meter Bag made of tough, long-wearing 1080 Denier fabric.
• 20” and 24” Zip Top Tool Bags with double-layered 1680 Denier fabric, and reinforced bottoms and sides for extra protection.
• 18” Open Top Tool Carrier with rigid frame, reinforced bottom and padded bar handle suitable for heavier items.
• 17” Hard Base Zip Top Tool Bag with moisture-resistant molded plastic bottom.
• 16” Open Top Tool Organizer with convenient wide-mouth design, double-layered construction, reinforced bottom and bar handle.

The bags list for $49.95 to $69.95. They are available at select hardware stores and home centers that carry the General Tools & Instruments line. They may also be purchased direct from the General website, www.generaltools.com/toolbags.

About General Tools & Instruments Company

Headquartered in New York City for more than 85 years, General Tools is the industry leader in specialty tools and instruments. Its recent acquisition of Mannix Instruments, a manufacturer of high-quality handheld electronic test and measurement equipment, has expanded General’s product line to include over 2,000 precision tools and instruments. This vast array of products is widely used by consumers, contractors, woodworkers, hobbyists, electricians, plumbers and professionals in industrial maintenance, HVAC/R installation and inspection, occupational health & safety and home inspection.

Measure, Mark and Write with New Pocket-Size Tape Measure/Pen Combo from General Tools & Instruments

(New York, NY) – Here’s a familiar problem: You find yourself needing to take a quick measurement, mark a length and write down the information—but you not only don’t have a tape measure handy, you’re also without a pencil or pen.

Here’s the solution: Next time you’re at the check-out counter in your local hardware store or home center, pick up an all-in-one MEASURE ‘N MARK Tape Measure & Pen from General Tools & Instruments, the industry’s leading specialty tools and precision instruments manufacturer.

The MEASURE ‘N MARK has a compact “lollypop” design that includes a 36”automatic-rewind tape measure (denoted by inches and centimeters) atop a black-ink ballpoint pen. The tape measure detaches from the pen for added convenience. Overall dimensions are a modest 1.5”w x 5”h, and each MEASURE ‘N MARK includes a handy pocket clip.

This ultra-practical tool combo lists for just $3.96, so you can buy more than one and keep them near at hand for fast and easy measurements and notes wherever you need them—at home, in the office or on the job.

About General Tools & Instruments Company

Headquartered in New York City for more than 85 years, General Tools is the industry leader in specialty tools and instruments. Its recent acquisition of Mannix Instruments, a manufacturer of high-quality handheld electronic test and measurement equipment, has expanded General’s product line to include over 2,000 precision tools and instruments. This vast array of products is widely used by consumers, contractors, woodworkers, hobbyists, electricians, plumbers and professionals in industrial maintenance, HVAC/R installation and inspection, occupational health & safety and home inspection.