All posts by deelatWP

Computer Screen Protectors and Privacy Screens: Types and Uses

March 30, 2015 Leave a comment

Have you ever felt someone reading your computer screen over your shoulder? It’s a disarming experience, and for professionals who work with sensitive information or for those who are filling out private forms, computer-screen peepers are a cause for concern.

Luckily, there’s an easy-to-install, low-cost solution. They’re called computer privacy filters, or security screens, and they enable anyone to quickly disguise the screen of their desktop, laptop or notepad devices.

Here’s how it works: Computer security screens are polarized sheets of plastic that come in a variety of sizes. They are designed to sit over the front of your screen and be easily attached with adhesive. The privacy screen then makes it only possible for people with a straightforward view of the screen to see the images. Those viewing from the side or over-the-shoulder will only see a black screen.

Common Uses for Computer Privacy Screens

The privacy aspect is why people usually purchase computer security screens. But that’s just one example. In fact, privacy is just one of the many uses of a privacy screen. Many of today’s privacy filters also act as:

Anti-Glare Filters: The same technology that obscures the computer screen also reduces glare from natural and artificial light. This helps reduce eye fatigue, which is especially important for people who spend a lot of hours looking at a screen. Plus, an added benefit is that anti-glare filters may also help improve the graphics on your monitor by boosting the contrast of images.
Screen Protectors: Laptops and tablet computers take a beating when they’re toted between the office and home. A privacy filter acts as a protective layer. This is especially important for tablets and other touchscreen devices, which are more prone to scratches and cracking. Plus, a privacy screen can help prevent scratches that commonly occur during screen cleanings.

So How Do You Select The Right One for Your Computer?

Today’s privacy filters are designed to fit on a variety of screens. In fact, the majority of LCD and CRT screens can be covered. The biggest thing to consider, though, is matching the size of your filter to the screen of your device. Privacy filters aren’t designed to be cut-to-fit, and this can actually diminish their protecting qualities.

To find the actual size of your monitor or display, you can consult the owner’s manual. This will tell you exact size, as well as aspect ratio. If this information isn’t readily available, you can also measure the screen diagonally, which will provide the monitor’s size.
The good news is: Many filters are nearly universal, and they can be affixed to a variety of devices.
Looking for an affordable computer privacy screen? Deelat.com is your source. We carry tons of selections that are designed to fit all types of computers. Plus, our prices are unbeatable! Browse our selection today.

Cable Cutters vs. Bolt Cutters: Which Is Right For You?

March 27, 2015 Leave a comment

Cable cutters, bolt cutters and diagonal cutting pliers are commonly used tools that are designed to cut thick, heavy-duty wiring, metals and cables. Yet, cutting tools come in a variety of types, and each is designed for a different purpose.

It’s important to choose the right type of cutting tool for the task at hand. For instance, a bolt cutter isn’t the proper tool for cutting through electronics wiring. Instead, a set of sturdy diagonal cutting pliers would be a more convenient option. So what type of cutting tool is right for you?

First, it depends most importantly on the type of material that you will be cutting. Most diagonal cutting pliers are sturdy enough to cut through wiring, up to a certain degree of thickness. And cable cutters are designed to cut through thicker wiring like the type used in telecommunications and networking. Finally bolt cutters are designed primarily for cutting through thick metals. That’s why bolt cutters are often used by bike thieves to cut through locks.

Common Types of Cutting Tools

There is a range of cutting tools out there, and they come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Generally, you’ll need to match the cutting tool to the thickness and hardness of the material you’ll be cutting. Larger cables, for instance, require cable cutters that can open wider. Plus, all cutting tools are listed by length. Generally, the longer the handle, the more force that can be applied. Thus, for heavy metals, a cutting tool with a longer handle would be necessary.

Common types of cutting tools include:

Diagonal Cutting Pliers

These resemble standard pliers, and they’re commonly used by electricians. Generally, they’re used for cutting wire – in fact, they may be referred to as wire cutters – and they have a vice grip. Like pliers, wire cutters have two jaws, but each jaw has a wedged-blade.

The majority of diagonal pliers can cut aluminum, steel, brass, iron or copper wiring, as well as through crooked nail heads. But less sturdy pliers made from softer metals can be damaged if they’re used on hard materials like piano wire. Additionally, some diagonal pliers are designed specifically for working with electronics. These have thinner blades that are designed to provide a flush cut on wires, rather than a diagonal cut, so that the wire can later be soldered.

Cable Cutters

Diagonal cutting pliers aren’t capable of cutting through thick wiring. In these cases, you need heavy-duty cable cutters, which are designed for thicker materials. Cable cutters look similar to bolt cutters, yet their cutting blades are crescent-shaped rather than flat. This is so that they can grip rounded cabling and wiring more easily. When in use, you place the cable in between the cutting blades and apply pressure to the handles. It’s important to sharpen the cable cutter’s blades regularly to prevent them from dulling.

Another type of cable cutter is the ratcheting cable cutter. This cutting tool has two crescent-shaped blades, but both blades lock into a circle around the cable. Then using a special ratcheting mechanism, the blades slowly come together. Thus, an operator doesn’t have to apply brute force to cut through a cable. Both types of cable cutters have handles from 1-4 feet long, with jaw capacities of varying degrees.

Bolt Cutters

Bolt cutters, which are sometimes referred to as lock cutters, resemble cable cutters. But the big difference is in the jaws. Bolt cutters’ blades are flat. These are made to cut through heavy metal, like locks, cables and heavy wiring. Plus, they can also be used for cutting wood, like branches or dowels. Bolt cutters have handles up to 4 feet in length, and generally, the longer the handle, the more force that can be applied.

So Which Type of Cutting Tool Is Right for Your Job?

Again, it depends on the type of material you’re working with, including its hardness and shape. Yet, all three of tools come in handy, and having a bolt cutter and diagonal pliers, in particular, around the house makes sense.

Deelat.com is your source for the best prices and selection on industrial cutting tools. We carry a variety of bolt cutters, diagonal cutting pliers and cable cutters. Browse by size, price and style.

Toggle Clamps: What Type Is Right For Your Needs?

March 20, 2015 Leave a comment

Toggle clamps are a commonly used carpentry and woodworking device, and there are a variety of different types designed to fasten and secure objects in place. Generally, a toggle clamp is made up of a handle, a securing bar and a lever system that applies pressure to hold an object in place. Once the handle is set, the securing arm locks in place so that the object or pair of joined objects won’t move or separate.

Choosing the right toggle clamp depends on the type of work that you will be doing. For instance, there are specially made toggle clamps to aid in welding and metalworking, which are heavier duty, and there also different types depending on your height requirements. For example, horizontal toggle clamps can fit into low height locations better than vertical toggle clamps. So what type of toggle clamp is right for you?

Common Toggle Clamp Devices

There are many different types of toggle clamps. Each one of the clamps is available in a variety of heights, which allow the clamp to hold onto different objects. Plus, they are all capable of different holding capacities and some toggle clamps are portable, while others need to be fastened to a work bench. These are all factors that should be considered when determining the type of toggle clamp you need.

The various types of toggle clamps include:

Vertical Hold-Down Toggle Clamps: The handle of a vertical toggle stands straight up when locked, and they are designed with various holding capacities. Generally, they’re capable of applying a considerable amount of pressure. By pulling the handle away from the object, the securing bar is lifted and an object can be placed under the bar. Then, pressure is applied as the handle moves into vertical alignment. These are secured to a worktable and are often used to secure wood or objects around machinery. For instance, these work well when securing an object that will be cut with a jigsaw.

Horizontal Hold-Down Toggle Clamps: Horizontal toggle clamps are similar to vertical clamps, but they are aligned differently. With these clamps, the handle and securing arm start semi-vertical, and as the handle moves toward the table, the securing arm locks into place. These are commonly used when there are height limitations due to machinery. Plus, they must be mounted to a table.

Push-Pull Toggle Clamps: The handle of a push-pull or straight-line toggle clamp moves the securing bar in a straight line, hence the name. When the handle is engaged, the securing arm pushes into the object and locks, effectively holding it in place. Generally, push-pull toggle clamps can be locked in two positions, and they are best suited for holding objects together, like molds or two pieces of wood.

Pull-Action Latching Toggle Clamps: These toggle clamps work similar to the latch on a fishing tackle box. With these types of toggle clamps, the handle is aligned with the opposing latch, and it is pulled back down into the locking position. These types of toggle clamps are commonly used for closing objects like mold closures or for latching doors.

Squeeze-Action Toggle Clamps: Squeeze-action clamps look similar to a set of plyers. They have two jaws that clamp onto objects when squeezed together. These are portable clamps that can be used in a variety of situations to hold two objects together or an object in place. For instance, if you needed to clamp two boards together, but you were away from your shop, you could accomplish that with squeeze-action toggle clamps.

Deelat.com is your source for a variety of toggle clamps. We provide the best prices and selection for vertical and horizontal toggle clamps, push-pull clamps and welding toggle clamps. Browse our selection today.

How Aluminum Stair Nosing Can Protect Your Staircase

March 19, 2015 Leave a comment

Stair nosing is the part of the step that overhangs from the riser, or the front of the step. It’s very common for interior stairs to have nosing, and you see it on all types of staircases, from hardwood steps to carpeted staircases.

The overhang serves a few purposes. First, it provides better footing and signals that a step is about to end. For this reason, these types of steps are usually safer and they better prevent falls. Plus, it helps to protect the riser and the nosing provides a finished look. The nose is often the part of the stair that receives the most wear and tear.

Luckily, since the nosing takes a lot of wear and tear, there are applications you can take to protect your steps. For instance, adding a stair nosing covering, like aluminum stair nosing strips can protect against wear and provide treaded footing.

When to Use Aluminum Stair Nosing and Stair Tread?

L-shaped stair nosing is made from all types of materials, including rubber, vinyl, wood and steel. But one of the most common is aluminum stair nosing with built-in tread.

Aluminum nosing is commonly used because it’s extremely durable, easy to work with, and it can be applied to nearly every type of staircase, from concrete, to tile and hardwood. Plus, aluminum nosing can also be used inside and out, and it’s an extremely affordable building material.

Generally, aluminum nosing strips are attached to the tread, or top of the step, as well as the riser, the front of the step. They can be used in a variety of locations, and for a variety of reasons, from protection to providing better footing. Luckily, there are many different types of nosing strips and they can be applied to just about any type of staircase. They are commonly used in public facilities, for added protection against falls, and they can be added to the home to protect the staircase.

Stair Nosing Maintenance and Installation Tips

Installing and maintaining aluminum stair nosing is very easy, but proper application and maintenance are important for best results. For instance, improper installation of stair nosing and tread can cause the strip to become loose, which creates a potentially dangerous tripping hazard.

Here are a few things to consider when installing nosing thread:

Consider Building Codes: A stair’s nosing can have a maximum overhang of 1.25 inches, according to International Building Code. This figure may be different in your location, but in most cases, the length includes the aluminum nosing. That means you must compensate the added length of the stair nosing mold, so you don’t overextend the nose.
Avoid Aluminum Burring: Generally, aluminum nosing comes in long strips that need to be cut down to fit each step. This can be done with a hacksaw, but this process can create a sharp edge. Be sure to smooth these edges with a file before installing.
Clean Before Application: Any irregularities in the step, caused by dirt and grim, or chips and cracks can cause the nosing strip to fit improperly. Before installation, you should clean the step thoroughly, as well as repair holes, chips and cracks.
Use the Right Shape: Your nosing should match the shape of the step. Generally, L-shaped aluminum nosing fits most standard steps that create a 90-degree angle. For steps with curved nosing, a specially shaped nosing strip might be necessary.
Ensure a Tight Fit: The integrity of the stair nosing requires a proper fit. That means the treading and nosing strip should sit flush on both the tread and the riser of the stair. Plus, gaps or space should not exist in between the nosing strip and the stair.

At Deelat.com, you’ll find low-cost, premium aluminum stair nosing and stair treading for interior and exterior staircases. We carry a variety of nosing strip styles, at the best prices, in of any length – guaranteed.

Pipe Wrapping Tape: Why Is It Better Than Duct Tape?

March 13, 2015 Leave a comment

Pipe wrapping tape has many practical uses in plumbing, the oil and gas industry, and at production facilities. It is most commonly used to create a water-tight seal on pipes. In plumbing, for instance, pipe wrapping tape is designed to create waterproof seals and add another layer of protection against leaks and drips.

But sealing is just one function of pipe wrapping tape. It can also be used to wrap any type of pipe, from those at oil and gas fields to underground sprinkler systems in your lawn. By adding a PVC-coated pipe wrap to a pipe, you can better prevent pipe corrosion, insulate pipes to prevent freezing and cover sharp edges.

Why Is Pipe Wrapping Tape Different?

Pipe wrapping tape is specially designed for uses in pipe systems, and there are several key benefits that set pipe wrapping tape apart from other kinds of tape. These benefits include:

Heat Resistance, Freeze Resistance
Moisture Resistance
Corrosion Prevention
Applying Pipe Wrapping Tape

Other types of tape, like duct tape or electrical tape, are not designed for the unique uses of pipe wrapping tape. For instance, common duct tape isn’t designed for temperature extremes, and often, it’s not fully waterproof. So in cases when a pipe can get extremely hot, duct tape and electrical tape would melt. For pipe sealing applications, duct tape and electrical tape are not designed to withstand constant moisture and create a waterproof seal.

That’s why UPC-approved pipe wrapping tape stands apart. Tapes that receive approval from the Uniform Plumbing Code are designed to withstand the elements, both above and underground, including temperature extremes. For instance, some tapes are designed to withstand temperatures below -100 degrees.

Additionally, pipe wrapping tape protects against corrosion. In the oil and gas industry, for instance, it is often used in underground piping systems to prevent corrosion caused by the high soil methane content. Duct tape and electrical tape, on the other hand, aren’t designed to bond with a pipe to prevent corrosion.

Buy the Right Pipe Wrapping Tape

When purchasing pipe wrap tape, there are a few factors that you need to consider. For more general applications, a UPC-approved PVC-coated tape with a rubber-based adhesive provides a strong bond in plumbing situations. PVC pipe wrap tape is the most commonly used, it’s the most economical and it’s widely available. Other factors to consider include:

Tape Backing: There are many different types of backing material, including PVC, SPVC, self-fusing silicone and foam. For instance, PVC tapes are used for general applications, while a self-fusing backing may be required to create a stronger bond.
Adhesive Type: Adhesives are designed for average temperature at the site and other factors. Options include rubber-based adhesives, which create strong bonds and are widely used, silicon and acrylic. Silicone adhesives are commonly used for extreme temperatures, below -100 degrees and above 500 degrees, while acrylic provides an effective seal, but takes longer to cure.
Thickness and Length: Each roll of pipe wrap tape is a certain length. Be sure to measure beforehand so you have the right amount of tape. And thickness depends on the type of material the tape is made from. Thicker tapes are used more commonly for insulation.

Deelat.com sells a variety of industrial and plumbing tapes, including pipe wrapping tape. We carry an UPC-approved PVC pipe wrapping tape that is ideal for general applications in plumbing, irrigation and other piping systems.