Electronic Tool Technology
Electronic Tools
Electronics have invaded our lives! They are everywhere. You can find them in your car, your coffee maker, your alarm clock, your watch, your lawn mower, and now, tools. There is no doubt that within a few years, we will probably be 100 percent dependent upon electronics in order to function. Those of us in the business world are already there, as all forms of communication seem to involve electronics.
There are both advantages and disadvantages to using electronics in things. Accuracy is often unparalleled when using items that have electronics. Because the microchips that are the heart of electronic devices are getting smaller and smaller, the size of objects is shrinking. This can be a significant advantage.
However, electronic devices require power in order to operate. Often the chips or devices can be affected by extremes of heat or cold. Moisture or condensation can short circuit a small chip or printed circuit board. Vibrations or impacts can damage components. In other words, they aren't perfect.
Time Savers
Within the past few years, electronics and microchips mated with old-fashioned hand tools and produced some very fine offspring. These electronic devices or tools offer extreme accuracy and can often deliver it very quickly.
For example, when I graduated from college in 1974, I was still using trigonometry tables to calculate roof problems and other angle problems. Not too long ago, a company developed an incredible calculator for builders. This calculator automatically does the necessary trigonometry to arrive at a problem solution.
Simple levels are another item which have electronic relatives. You can purchase electronic levels that are highly accurate. They will tell you how out-of-level something is by either using a simulated bubble, or displaying percent grade, pitch, slope or degrees. Another nice feature of these levels is that some have the capability to remember. Let's say you are in a dark crawlspace and you can't see the readout. You simply push a button and the level remembers the display until you can get the level to a spot where you can read it!
Star Wars
If you have seen any of the futuristic movies involving space themes, I'm sure you remember the extensive use of laser weapons. Well, guess what? Lasers are now commonplace in construction as well. Technological advancements have made these items highly accurate and affordable.
Laser levels come in a wide assortment of types. You can purchase some small models that are very similar to common torpedo levels. These levels emit a laser beam parallel to the surface upon which they are resting. This capability can come in handy when trying to project an angle or a line onto another surface. Gone forever are the days of sagging string lines!
Seeing the Unknown
I can't tell you the number of times on past jobs where I wondered what exactly was inside a wall. Often I would have to punch a hole to do my investigative work. Other times I wondered just where the plumbing drainage pipes were beneath concrete slabs.
Homeowners and contractors now have access to a wonderful radar tool which enables you to see through objects. The resulting findings are displayed on a miniature TV screen. Zircon's MetalliScanner can find metal six inches deep through solid concrete or pipes and junction boxes behind tile. It automatically differentiates between magnetic and non-magnetic metal, and reports both location and depth. You can find the location of hidden electrical conduits or buried plumbing lines. This tool can save you hundreds and thousands of dollars. No longer will you need to base your decisions on hope! In other words, I hope I don't cut through a pipe, or I hope that sewer line is right here.
Electronic tools are here to stay and I'm convinced that they will save all of us time and money. Sure there are some disadvantages, however the advantages are far greater. Good luck on your next project!
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