dewalt tools : Toolmaker's gain short of the mark

Squeezed by a slowing housing market and the rising cost for raw materials, Towson-based Black & Decker Corp. posted second-quarter results yesterday that missed forecasts and said earnings for the rest of the year will be lower than expected.

Shares of Black & Decker fell to a 52-week low, shedding $5.22, or 6.8 percent, to $71.15. Earlier, shares were down nearly 10 percent.
The nation's largest power tools maker reported slightly higher profit for the three months that ended June 30, thanks to manufacturing efficiencies, on flat sales.

Net earnings from continuing operations were $152.2 million, or $1.98 per diluted share, compared with $150.9 million, or $1.84 per diluted share, in the corresponding period last year. Wall Street had expected earnings of $1.99 a share. Sales, at $1.7 billion, were lower than the $1.75 billion forecast by analysts polled by Thomson Financial.

For the year, Black & Decker said it now expects earnings of $7.20 to $7.30 per share, down from the $7.30 to $7.45 forecast in April.

Chief Financial Officer Michael D. Mangan blamed a weak housing market and fewer orders from key distributors.

"While less than 20 percent of our sales are tied to U.S. housing starts, these trends do affect our outlook," Mangan told analysts during a conference call yesterday morning. He also pointed out that it was a tough year-over-year comparison, given that the company posted record sales growth of 31 percent during the second quarter of 2005.

Revenue in the hardware and home improvement segment fell 6 percent, led by a double-digit decline in sales of Price Pfister faucets.

The power tools and accessories segment grew an anemic 1 percent over the comparable period a year ago.


Sales weighed down
Sales were weighed down by lower sales of pressure washers, which were off by as much as 40 percent, or about $30 million, in what is typically its strongest quarter, Mangan said. The segment did benefit from sales of the new 36-volt line of DeWalt cordless power tools, which hit store shelves in June and contributed $20 million in sales for the quarter, he said.

For the second half of the year, Mangan expects "modest" growth with new products coming on the market, including DeWalt's next-generation 18-volt XRP line of cordless drills and related hardware. New products tend to have better margins, he said. He also expects the March acquisition of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Vector Products Inc., which makes vehicle battery chargers and rechargeable flashlights, to contribute to earnings in the second half.

However, the rising cost of commodities such as copper, zinc and steel will continue to eat away at the margins.

Mangan said some suppliers are passing the costs on to the company, and Black & Decker will spend an additional $95 million on raw materials this year, much more than the $65 million forecast in April.


'Increased pressure'
"We have some increased pressure from our supplier base, particularly in areas like HHI [hardware and home improvement], which are much more zinc- and copper-dependent," he said.

To offset those costs, Mangan said the company is raising prices on some products, but he declined to say which ones.

Analysts acknowledged yesterday that last year was tough to beat but also said they expect the second half of this year to be challenging. Merrill Lynch analyst Kenneth Zener said that Wall Street overreacted and that the stock is trading at a "discount" given the company's strong cash flow - $138 million year-to-date - and portfolio of new products.

Bob Goldsborough, vice president of research at Chicago-based Ariel Capital Management Inc., Black & Decker's third-largest shareholder as of March 31, said the company is well-managed and doing what it can to stay efficient. "They're in a position to weather whatever may come," he said.

Deutsche Bank analyst Gregg Schoenleber lowered his earnings guidance for 2006 to $7.16 per share from $7.40 but maintained his "buy" rating.

allison.connolly@baltsun.com

dewalt tools : The Yin Yang Of Marketing And Performance

The Yin Yang Relationship Between Marketing And Performance

There has been a lot happening in the NASCAR world lately. Teams losing drivers and sponsors seem to be the norm rather than the exception this silly season. I am writing this blog out of sequence but it touches on a subject STP43 and I discussed awhile back and its been weighing on my mind ever since. That is the relationship between marketing and performance which is not understood and yet to be capitalized completely upon by most NASCAR teams.

NASCAR teams usually are divided into a “go fast” operation which is the racing side. And a business side which is the marketing side. Traditionally the marketing side always kind of takes a back seat to the racing side. This is a critical mistake and perilous condition.

The reality is that marketing and “go fast” operations are two equal halves of a whole and must be maintained in balance. Marketing needs performance to sell the teams product. Performance needs marketing to sustain sponsorship. In other words performance is why we get paid and marketing is how we get paid.

If one side of the symbol is neglected for the other. Both Suffer

I used to be a dispatcher for a major air carrier and as such have seen Billions of dollars wasted in one failed marketing program after another because marketing was not in contact with performance. The horror stories can become a bit lengthy. The number of which could be a series of books. I will spare you the details. However over ten years, the figure probably exceeds 3 or 4 BILLION DOLLARS AT THE LEAST .

In the old days before deregulation, airlines really did not have marketing departments per see. Routes and fares were assigned by the government. What airlines maintained were traffic departments. Traffic kept the stats. Then deregulation hit..Now anybody with an MBA suddenly became an airline executive. Few had prior business experience and none had any operational experience.

In conversation one evening with an international pricing administrator. I found out we lost as much money in our North Atlantic operations as we did out of our Denver hub. So ten flights lost as many as 169. However, Marketing was able to claim we had “The Best Wine Service “ across the North Atlantic according to Conde’ Naste Traveler magazine. Marketing also claimed that maintaining North Atlantic operations was crucial to the companies credibility/branding. So in five years between the two, there was over a billion dollars right there.

Because marketing was not in contact with performance the results were devastating. Two bankruptcies and a stock delisting. Thousands of jobs lost. Hundreds of millions of vendors and creditors/investors/stockholders dollars lost. All because marketing focus was greater than focus on performance. The natural balance had been disturbed and both suffered.

But can it work the other way round? What happens when performance outstrips marketing?

After taking the early retirement package I returned home to Utah. Somehow my life long dream of working in a hardware store was fulfilled. I started selling tools for a living. Pretty good at it as well. Two tool companies stand out as examples of the effects of marketing and performance and what happens when marketing has a diminished focus.

Makita happens to make some excellent tools and they make a number of specialty tools that can make your life a whole lot easier. The list has shrunk a little over the years but they still make so many tools it’s mind boggling. However nobody knows about them. Makita did not believe in a lot of advertising. So even if they made a tool that could save a contractor hundreds of hours per year or a home owner a couple of days for a DIY job. Neither knew. The fact that their tools were more reliable was lost on the public. Makita’s philosophy was that their tools would sell themselves. That was not the case and as a result Makita lost several tools and market share.

Contrast that to Black and Decker with their DeWalt line of tools. Black and Decker opted to use the DeWalt brand name and trademark to market a whole new line of power tools. DeWalt had never made hand power tools. They made radial arm saws and the best radial arm saw. The DeWalt name was one of quality. Black and Decker opted to use that name to draw a premium price for their tools. Black and Decker then engaged in a multi year program to brand its tools as quality into the American Psyche.

It didn’t matter that most were cheaper quality tools from the old Black and Decker line or new cheaper quality tools.. Some with abnormally high failure rates. It made no difference to the public.. It was a “DeWalt.” Further proving that P.T Barnum was right. You can fool most of the people most of the time.....


The result was Black and Decker gained significant market share at other tool companies expense. They also lost money and later market share back as people discovered that [I] “all that is yellow is not gold”. This lead into a buying spree of other tool companies that produced quality tools to save the line. It also led to the redesign of their own tools.

While Black And Decker’s marketing campaign was successful. The performance side had been overlooked. The result was that the company had to spend millions of dollars on tool redesign. Those costs were on top of what they spent (at a loss) in an aggressive marketing campaign. Then besides normal growth, Black and Decker was forced to purchase companies that built quality tools to save the branded name.

© 2006 SportingNews.com

dewalt tools : DEWALT Pays Tribute

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 24, 2006--DEWALT:
WHO: DEWALT honors Champions of The Trade Winners

Damian Alvarez, safety director, MA&O Construction, Inc. -
Alvarez works at MA&O Construction as a drywaller and held
other posts that taught him the trade. He oversees all
security training for staff members for The Hispanic
Contractor's Association of Georgia. He also spearheads
procurement of security items for 5,000 employees.

Sergio Cruz, manager, Cruzers Construction Group, LLC - Cruz
was born in Mexico City and came to the U.S. in 1998. After
establishing a shipping business in the U.S., he ventured into
construction and three years later he and business partners
started their own independent contractor business with a
workforce of 30 employees.

Abraham Diaz, subcontractor, A&E Drywall Services - Diaz moved
to Atlanta from Mexico City in 1996 and became a day laborer.
He then worked at MA&O for five years, started his own
business, then returned to MA&O as a subcontractor. He manages
a team of 80-130 workers.

Lino Gudino, manager, MA&O Construction Inc. - In 1993 Gudino
arrived in Atlanta where he began working in residential and
commercial framing. Today he oversees a team of approximately
80 workers.

WHAT: DEWALT Champions of The Trade ceremony, which is co-sponsored
with The Hispanic Contractor's Association of Georgia,
highlights and celebrates four outstanding Hispanics in
construction and a scholarship recipient. At the event, each
honoree will be awarded with a commemorative plaque and DEWALT
tools ($500 in value); and the scholarship recipient will
receive $500 cash and $500 DEWALT tools for school. The
scholarship will be awarded in conjunction with the Hispanic
College Fund to a high school/college student or non-college
student interested in attending trade school and mastering the
craft of carpentry. The event will include award ceremony,
refreshments, product demonstrations, giveaways and prizes.

WHERE: MA&O, 3080 President Dr. #105, Atlanta (www.maolabor.com)

WHEN: Thursday, August 3 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

NOTE: Celebration will continue with COPA Champions of the Trade
soccer tournament hosted by Superstar Soccer Goalie Adolfo
Rios on Sunday, August 6 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Rios will
be on hand to sign autographs from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The
community is invited to enjoy games and meet Rios at the
soccer tournament location: Earl O'Neil Sports Complex at 2730
Old Covington Road, Conyers, GA 30013.

Based in Baltimore, MD, DEWALT manufactures and markets high
performance industrial power tools and accessories for
residential and industrial construction, professional
remodeling and woodworking applications. For more information
on the full line of DEWALT high performance tools and
accessories, visit www.dewalt.com/cott.

Los Angeles, CA based EMG (Ethnic Marketing Group, Inc.) is a
full-service Hispanic owned and operated advertising and
promotions agency specializing in building strong and
profitable brands. For more information on EMG visit
www.emgad.com.

US Eastern Timezone

dewalt tools : Cordless Impact Wrench - Not the Same Tool as Your Cordless Drill

The cordless impact wrench is quickly gaining in popularity among professional mechanics and the hobby mechanic as well. You may be thinking "I already have a cordless drill that I use for impact applications, why do I need a cordless impact wrench as well?". I thought the same thing. The first difference is on the inside. A cordless drill creates continuous in-line torque. A cordless impact wrench employs an internal spring-loaded pulsating cam to create rotational torque. This creates the "impact" force that loosens a nut. It is the equivalent to banging a wrench with a hammer to loosen a rusty nut only a lot faster. Unlike a cordless drill - which creates continuous in-line torque, a cordless impact driver uses an internal spring-loaded pulsating cam and gear mechanism to create rotational torque or the "impact" force.

Another big difference, is the lack of reactionary torque. Reactionary torque is what you experience with your cordless drill. You have to use brute force to keep your drill from spinning the opposite direction in your hand. With a cordless impact wrench, that torque is directed to the nut not your arm. You can easily hold this tool in one hand and let the cordless impact do all the work. No more pushing down on the tool to drive that screw. These DeWALT tools are also smaller and lighter than a cordless drill. For example a DeWalt cordless impact wrench is about 35% the size of its comparable cordless drill. This feature makes them perfect for those overhead projects and reaching into hard to get to spaces.

The next time your start that big deck project in the backyard, leave the cordless drill in the box and grab your cordless impact wrench. Your arm will thank you at the end of the day.

Jason is the webmaster for Red Hill Supply - Online Air Tools

Air Tools,Air Impact Wrench, Air Ratchet, and More - Red Hill Supply

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Miller

dewalt tools : Cordless Tools: Tips To Increase Battery Life

If you've ever went to use your favorite cordless tool and found the battery dead or took the battery off the charger and have it go dead prematurely, then you know the frustration that comes along with owner cordless tools.

Tip #1. Heat is not a battery's friend. Heat will kill a rechargeable battery just about quicker than anything I can think of. It also reduces the battery's life span. If it seems you're constantly buying battery's or if it seems you're not getting good usage times between rechargings, take a look at how you're charging your batteries.

Keep the recharger in a cool place. Recharging your batteries in a 100 degree garage is a good road to a short battery life.

During recharging, try and keep a fan on the charging unit. Batteries can build up a lot of heat during recharging and they need help disapating the heat.

Tip #2. Battery packs are not indestructable. I'm constantly amazed at how careless many people are with their battery's.

Crack a housing and you might as well open the wallet back up. Store the tool and battery in the case it came in if at all possible. If no case is available, then a soft sided tool bag with some cushion will protect the tool and battery until it's time to use it again.

Tip #3. Water is a Killer of batteries You'd think this would be common sense, but I see cordless tools laying in back of pickups and on the jobsite during wet weather and just have to wonder how many battery packs the owner must have had to buy.

Keep the battery pack dry and clean. Wipe any moisture off as soon as it gets on the tool. If it starts to rain, it's time to take a break.

Tip #4. To Drain Completely or Leave Some Charge There is some controversy about how to charge a battery. I've experimented with different way of recharging my batteries and have come to one conclusion.

For modern batteries, it doesn't matter whether you run the battery completely down or not. By completely down I mean until the tool does not perform adequately. As soon as the cordless drill won't screw a deck screw in all the way, the battery goes on the charger and a fresh one is popped in.

I've known some people who would clamp the trigger down and fully discharge the battery but I have never seen it make a difference.

One thing I never do is leave the battery on the recharger for an extended amount of time. Even with the tools that don't get used that much, once the battery is charged it is taken off the charger.

Tip #5. Always have a backup You just never know when the battery will go. Always have a back up ready to go. This usually means a third or fourth battery. It's cheap insurance against having to work with hand tools!

Tip #6. Make Sure You're Using the Correct Charger Another one of the things you'd think would be common sense, however I see people trying to recharge their Makita batteries on their Dewalt chargers all the time and wonder why it doesn't work.

Recharging your battery on the wrong charger is certain death for your cordless battery. The battery and the charger should tell you if they are a match or not. You can also find this information in the owners manual for most tools.

Don Lawson is the Tool Guru at Tool-Deals.Com. You can find more information on a wide variety of cordless tools and battery packs at his website. Tool-Deals.Com is a website that brings readers discounted tools, coupons and closeouts on a wide variety of tools.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donald_Lawson

dewalt tools : Power Tools

Ever heard the saying ‘women want babies, men want power tools!’ – it’s true. Most men would trade their remote controls just to have the coolest and most technologically advanced power tools there are in the market. in fact, I know of one man who would instantly trade his car in just to have the Bosch 1” SDS-plus BullDog Xtreme Rotary Hammer. BullDog Xtreme seems to have stolen the limelight from many other equally cool power tools from other power tool manufacturers. Even brands under the same power tool manufacturer dimmed in light of the launching of BullDog Xtreme.

Not to mention, some men happen to think that the Dewalt DW723 Miter Saw and the power tool stand are the best creation of man ever since beer was invented! A power tool like the Dewalt DW723 needs a sturdy stand that is versatile, stable and complete.

If you’re looking for a power tool like a drill that will fit into little nooks and crannies, let us tell you that the Panasonic 15.6 Volt drill/driver has been receiving rave reviews from the consumers. The batteries for this power tool can last a remarkably long time. The motor for this power tool is so versatile that it packs up to 390 inch-pounds of torque. It’s hard to find another power tool to match that, frankly speaking.

Speaking of drilling, for power tools addicts, you’ve just got to get the Paslode 900420X IM350-CT Impulse Cordless Framing Nailer. The Contractor’s Performance Pack comes with extra batteries, tools for charging the nailer in your car, 2 fuel cells, lube oil, degreaser cleaner and safety goggles too. This power tool pack is truly going to make your experience a very convenient one. Setting the power tool up is a no brainer and on top of that, this powerful power tool is extremely light – weighing in at only 6.9 lbs. This power tool has an indicator light so that you’ll know when the battery is running low. The cycle rate rate is about 2 to 3 nails per second. Top performance power tool! With the Constructor’s Performance Pack, you don’t have to worry about running out of power because you can charge the power tool’s battery up and when one battery runs out, you can just stick the extra battery into the power tool and just keep on going.

For power tool lovers, you’ll also love the Makita 6347DQDE 18-Volt Cordless Driver-Drill kit. This power tool kit comes is a 2-speed driller that is as versatile as it comes. This power tool comes with 2-batteries (no extra charge), Phillips/slotted bit, charger and an Pack-and-Carry case. This power tool comes with 2 18-Volt Ni-MH batteries, therefore, you can expect a longer run time with this power tool. This power tool also comes with Industrial ½” keyless chuck with easy replacement of brushes.

Have fun with your power tools!

Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.really-cool-tools.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dakota_Caudilla

dewalt tools : The Bump and Grind

The LENOX Industrial Tools 300 (1:30 p.m. EDT on TNT) is the 19th of 36 races on the series' schedule. The first 26 races of the season will determine the drivers involved in the third annual Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup contested over the final 10 races. Drivers who are in the top 10 or within 400 points of the standings' leader after those 26 races will vie for the 2006 series title in the "Chase."



No. 1 – Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet). Team: Hendrick Motorsports. Points: 2,651. Johnson finished sixth at Chicagoland, padding his lead in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup standings from eight to 51 points over No. 2 Matt Kenseth. He is the only driver with 14 top-10 finishes this season. Johnson has been among the top 10 for 87 consecutive races, since March 2004. He has three victories in 2006, second to No. 5 Kasey Kahne (four). Johnson has two victories (both races in 2003) and four top-10 finishes in eight races at New Hampshire for an 8.625 average finish, second to Ryan Newman. He finished 13th in this race a year ago and eighth last September. Johnson has led in three of his races at New Hampshire, and has been running at the finish in all eight starts. Season-to-date Loop Data highlight: Johnson ranks second in Average Running Position (10.769).


No. 2 – Matt Kenseth (No. 17 DEWALT Power Tools Ford). Team: Roush Racing. Points: 2,600. Kenseth finished 22nd at Chicagoland, his worst finish in his last eight races. He has ranked in the top five since the season's second race, a victory at California. Kenseth has eight top-10 finishes in 12 races at New Hampshire, where he has been running at the finish of every event. He has seven top-10 finishes in his last seven New Hampshire races, and a 10.66 average overall finish. Kenseth finished 10th in this race a year ago and third last September. Season-to-date Loop Data highlight: Kenseth is top ranked in Driver Rating (105.5).


No. 3 – Dale Earnhardt Jr. (No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet). Team: Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Points: 2,394. Earnhardt finished fifth at Chicagoland to retain his spot in the standings. He ranked 13th at this point last season. Earnhardt has six top-10 finishes in 13 starts at New Hampshire, where he has a 17.0 average finish. He has led in five of his 12 starts, and has been running at the finish in all but two races there. Earnhardt finished ninth in this race a year ago and fifth last September. Season-to-date Loop Data highlight: Earnhardt is ranked fifth in Driver Rating (106.3).

No. 4 – Jeff Burton (No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet). Team: Richard Childress Racing. Points: 2,327. Burton finished second at Chicagoland to climb three spots in the standings. He has 11 top-10 finishes this season. Burton has a series-best four victories (the most recent in 2000) and nine top-10 finishes at New Hampshire for a 13.722 average finish. He placed 14th in this race a year ago and ninth last September. Despite his stellar New Hampshire record, Burton has not led in his last five starts. Season-to-date Loop Data highlight: Burton is ranked fourth in Average Running Position (11.884).


No. 5 – Kasey Kahne (No. 9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge). Team: Evernham Motorsports. Points: 2,303. Kahne finished 23rd at Chicagoland, dropping one spot in the standings. He has a series-leading four victories this season (Atlanta, Texas, Lowe's Motor Speedway and Michigan), as well as 10 top-10 finishes. Kahne ranked 21st in the standings at this point in 2005. He has competed in four races at New Hampshire, finishing sixth in this race a year ago and 38th last September, his first DNF at the New England track. Kahne has a 14.0 average New Hampshire finish. Season-to-date Loop Data highlight: Kahne is ranked eighth in Driver Rating (93.0).


Richmond.com

dewalt tools : Food, Fun, Product Demonstrations

Tool King to host Summer Sales Event in Lakewood Colorado featuring great deals, Matt Kenseth's NASCAR, Senorita Makita, food, prizes and more.

Lakewood, CO (PRWEB) July 13, 2006 -- Tool King (www.toolking.com) is to host a Summer Sales Event featuring special pricing on tools, interactive product demonstrations from DeWalt, Makita, Bosch and others. The event will include food, drinks, Matt Kenseth’s #17 NASCAR and more.

For three days, Tool King will sell its most popular items at significant markdown, including some items priced very near cost. Managing Partner, Don Cohen commented, “We expect a huge attendance at this event, this is a great opportunity for our patrons and new customers alike to get the tools they need, have a good time and see what we offer in terms of selection and service.”

Tool enthusiasts of all trades will have the opportunity to see the newest offerings from top-tier manufacturers. Representatives from Makita, Chicago Pneumatic, Porter-Cable, Delta Woodworking, Bosch, Stabila, Hobart and more will answer questions and provide hands-on demonstrations. Attendees will have the opportunity to see for themselves how the new tools save time, money and do more then previously thought possible. They will also be able to purchase products before they are released to the general public.

In addition to product demonstrations and discount pricing, NASCAR enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see Matt Kenseth’s #17 DeWalt Car. Refreshments will be available and event patrons will have the opportunity to win a home theater system and other prizes. Special guest Señorita Makita (Leslie Gomez) will also appear at the event on Saturday, July 22nd.

About Tool King
Since 1978, Tool King has made a name for itself by offering lower prices on tools and machinery, while providing a better level of service than the competition. Launched in 2001, ToolKing.com continues to offers these advantages, and provides innovative features that help customers choose the best product for their needs, and get more use out of their tools. Internet Retailer has recognized Tool King as a Top 50 website and a Top 5 Home Improvement Website. For More Information about Tool King contact Don Cohen at 303-963-4515 or visit http://www.toolking.com.

© Copyright 1997-2005, PRWeb™. All Rights Reserved

dewalt tools : This Week In Ford Racing

Matt Kenseth, driver of the No. 17 DeWalt Power Tools Fusion, and Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 National Guard/Subway Fusion, are second and 11th, respectively, in the points standings heading into this weekend’s Lenox Industrial Tools 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Both spoke about the challenges of racing at the one-mile track.

MATT KENSETH – No. 17 DeWalt Power Tools Fusion – NEW HAMPSHIRE IS A ONE-MILE FLAT TRACK. WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF RACING THERE? “Usually, passing is tough. But the race track has been a lot better the last couple of years since they kind of re-shaped it – you know, you can run the middle and the top, and you can pass pretty good. It’s a challenging track. It’s got tight corners, you’ve got to use a lot of brake and you’ve got to try to get your car to turn good in the middle.”

THAT TRACK IS COMPARED, SOMETIMES, TO A LARGE MARTINSVILLE. HOW MUCH DO YOU USE UP THE BRAKES THERE? “It all depends. Not as much as with Martinsville, but I try not to compare anything to Martinsville.”

GREG BIFFLE – No. 16 National Guard/Subway Fusion – BECAUSE NEW HAMPSHIRE IS SUCH A FLAT TRACK, DOES THAT MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT TO MAKE THE CAR GO THROUGH THE CORNER, OR ARE THOSE TWO THINGS NOT NECESSARILY RELATED? “It is more difficult to get the car go through the corner. It’s hard to get it to turn right in the middle because it just wants to slide because it’s so flat, and that tends to be the most difficult. That’s the hardest part of a flat race track.”

BECAUSE IT’S DIFFICULT TO PASS DURING THE RACE, DOES THAT PUT MORE OF AN EMPHASIS ON QUALIFYING WELL SO YOU START NEAR THE FRONT? “Yeah, it can. Certainly, good track position there is always key on a shorter track – especially Loudon.”

ON RUNNING WELL HEADING INTO A FLAT TRACK… “We’ve been running really well. We ran fourth there last year in the Chase race and we’re pretty happy about that. And we’re kind of going back with that same set-up, and we think we’ve gotten a little bit better since then as well. I’m pretty confident we’re going to have a good top-five run there.”

by Backstretch Motorsports

dewalt tools : Riverdale company awarded contract

Gryphon Technologies LLC, a systems integration, engineering and information technology company in Riverdale, has been awarded a Phase 1 Small Business Innovative Research contract from the Navy to demonstrate the feasibility of designing and integrating digital voice technology for air traffic control systems.

‘‘This is an exciting win for Gryphon, as we will expand our footprint in providing new technology to the Navy,” P.J. Braden, Gryphon president, said in a statement.

Tedco to hosttech transfer briefing

The Maryland Technology Development Corp. will share details about technology transfer funding programs at a briefing in Largo.

The programs include the Aberdeen Technology Transfer Initiative, Fort Detrick Technology Transfer Initiative, Maryland Technology Transfer Fund, NAVAIR Technology Commercialization Initiative, University Technology Development Fund and Working Capital Loan Fund.

Applicants must submit a proposal, a commercialization plan for the technology to be developed, a scope of work and a budget.

The free briefing will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. July 28 at the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corp., 1100 Mercantile Lane, Largo.

Registration: info@marylandtedco.org, with ‘‘Funding Briefing Registration” in the subject line.

Grainger expandsLanham facility

Grainger, which distributes facilities maintenance supplies, has expanded its Lanham facility at 4748 Forbes Blvd.

The location provides access to more than 28,000 products such as tools, motors, pumps and electrical and safety supplies in stock and available same day, according to company information.

An open house this week featured product demonstrations from several of Grainger’s top suppliers, including 3M, Brady, DeWalt, Fluke and Westward.

Names & Notes reports news of startups, new developments, key personnel changes and trends affecting county business. Items may be mailed to Marcus Moore, The Gazette, 8201 Corporate Drive, Suite 1200, Landover, MD 20785; faxed to 301-731-2141; or e-mailed to mmoore@gazette.net.


Copyright © 2006 The Gazette - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

dewalt tools ; I Couldn’t Survive Without Them

Regardless of what I need to do around the house or in the workshop there are always DeWalt tools available to help me. Wherever possible I select cordless DeWalt tools as these cause much less fuss as I use them around the house, but even those DeWalt tools that cannot be produced in a cordless version have a place in my workshop.

Probably the most frequently used DeWalt tools in my house aren’t the headline grabbing saws or drills but the screwdriver. How I survived before the advent of the powered screwdriver in the range of DeWalt tools I’m unsure, I have their all purpose kit and it sees me through many jobs around the house. Having said that I couldn’t do without my DeWalt hammer drill or the multitude of DeWalt tools I use while woodworking – from sanders to saws to routers to planers, everything I need is covered by DeWalt tools. Some times I look through my woodworking equipment and wonder whether I should just open up my workshop as a showroom for DeWalt tools! On second thoughts that’s probably not wise as it means I’d have to keep it tidy.

Leaving screwdrivers to one side the main DeWalt tools I’ve used over the past few months have been more specialist pieces while I’ve been working on a new kitchen and bathroom. Well maybe not specialist, maybe I mean specific as these DeWalt tools have specific purposes. They are the self leveling line laser and the wet tile saw. The laser I received as a present from my parents and when I received it, if I’m honest, I didn’t see a real need for it. After all what’s wrong with a pencil and rule? Now having completed fitting the kitchen and bathroom I don’t know how I would have worked without it, it makes fitting so much easier and quicker, it’s probably one of the best presents my parents have ever bought me. The wet tile saw was a different matter, I knew I needed one and the specification for the DeWalt model matched the job I was doing. Cutting stone and porcelain at the best of times is difficult but without a wet tile saw giving the accuracy afforded to DeWalt tools it’s just impossible.

So we now have a new kitchen and bathroom and I can manage all the other projects around the house, thanks in no small part to DeWalt tools. I keep trying to convince my wife that it’s all down to my skill but I think she really knows where the power lies in the workshop!

http://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/cbuck/entry/dewalt_tools_/

dewalt tools : On tracks

After being used and proven on building sites throughout the world, DEWALT Power Tools and accessories have now been adopted by the WilliamsF1 racing team. WilliamsF1's Team Principal, Frank Williams, confirmed, "DEWALT's commitment to delivering advanced technologies in manufacturing makes them a perfect match for Formula One".

At WilliamsF1 we build 90% of the car in-house so we rely heavily on precision machinery to accurately manufacture parts and components within tight time constraints. Our partnership will therefore be mutually beneficial and, I hope, a rewarding one.

To celebrate this partnership The 2006 DEWALT European road show will now incorporate the WilliamsF1 simulator challenge so that DEWALT Power Tool users can test their skills behind the wheel of an F1 car. At many local events, users will also have the chance to test their skills on the DEWALT & WilliamsF1 wheel change challenge.


http://www.dewalt.co.uk/pitstopchallenge.asp?mktid=2&lid=1&sid=41&challenge=pressrelease

dewalt tools : NASCAR Nextel Cup Race to the Chase Rundown

The following is a rundown of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Top 10 heading into Sunday’s USG Sheetrock 400 at Chicagoland Speedway, the second event in the “Race to the Chase,” the 10 events prefacing the “Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup.”

The USG Sheetrock 400 is the 18th of 36 races on the series’ schedule (3 p.m. ET on TNT). The first 26 races of the season will determine the drivers involved in the third annual Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, which is contested over the final 10 races. Drivers in the top 10 or within 400 points of the standings’ leader after those 26 races will vie for the 2006 series title in the “Chase.”

No. 1 – Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet). Team: Hendrick Motorsports. Points: 2,501. Johnson finished a season-worst 32nd at Daytona, retaining his spot atop the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup standings, but allowed Matt Kenseth to close to eight points. He is the only driver with 13 top-10 finishes this season. Johnson has been among the top 10 for 86 consecutive races, since March 2004. He has three victories in 2006, second to Kasey Kahne with four. Johnson has four top-five finishes in four races at Chicagoland for a 3.0 average finish, tops among drivers with more than one start there. Johnson finished third in this race last year. He has led in all four of his Chicagoland races. Season-to-date Loop Data highlight: Johnson ranks third in Driver Rating (102.1).


No. 2 – Matt Kenseth (No. 17 DEWALT Power Tools Ford). Team: Roush Racing. Points: 2,493. Kenseth finished fifth at Daytona, his 11th top-10 effort this season. The finish also was his 10th top-five effort in 2006, best among drivers. Kenseth has ranked in the top five since the season’s second race, a victory at California. He has two top-10 finishes in five races at Chicagoland. Kenseth finished second in this race last year, his best showing there. He has a 9.4 average Chicagoland finish. Season-to-date Loop Data highlight: Kenseth is ranked third in Average Running Position (11.269).

No. 3 – Dale Earnhardt Jr. (No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet). Team: Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Points: 2,234. Earnhardt finished 13th at Daytona to climb two positions in the standings. He has one victory (2005) and two top-10 finishes at Chicagoland, and a 16.4 average finish. Earnhardt has led in two of his five Chicagoland races but has never led the most laps there. He has finished on the lead lap in four races at the 1.5-mile speedway, failing to do so only in 2003. Season-to-date Loop Data highlight: Earnhardt is ranked ninth in Driver Rating (92.8).

No. 4 – Kasey Kahne (No. 9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge). Team: Evernham Motorsports. Points: 2,209. Kahne finished 25th at Daytona, dropping one spot in the standings. He has a series-leading four victories this season (Atlanta, Texas, Lowe’s Motor Speedway and Michigan), as well as 10 top-10 finishes. Kahne ranked 21st in the standings at this point last season. He finished 36th and 41st in his two Chicagoland starts, both DNFs. Kahne has a 38.5 average finish there. Season-to-date Loop Data highlight: Kahne is ranked seventh in Driver Rating (94.2).

No. 5 – Tony Stewart (No. 20 Home Depot Chevrolet). Team: Joe Gibbs Racing. Points: 2,202. Stewart won at Daytona, climbing two spots in the rankings. He has led at least one lap in 12 races in 2006, tied for second in that category with Matt Kenseth. Stewart has nine top-10 finishes this season. He has one victory (2004) and four top-10 finishes in five races at Chicagoland for an 8.8 average finish. Stewart finished fifth in this race last year. He has led in three of his five Chicagoland races, including the most laps twice; his 275 laps led are the most among drivers. Season-to-date Loop Data highlight: Stewart ranks fourth in Driver Rating (99.6).

No. 6 – Mark Martin (No. 6 AAA Ford). Team: Roush Racing. Points: 2,177. Martin finished 33rd at Daytona, dropping two positions in the standings. He has had only one DNF (at Talladega in October 2005, due to an accident) in the 42 events since the June 2005 event at Pocono. Martin has three top-10 finishes in five Chicagoland races, including a 10th-place effort in 2005. He has a 12.6 average Chicagoland finish. Martin has led in three races at Chicagoland, but has failed to finish on the lead lap in two of his five starts. Season-to-date Loop Data highlight: Martin ranks sixth in Driver Rating (94.4).

No. 7 – Jeff Burton (No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet). Team: Richard Childress Racing. Points: 2,152. Burton finished 15th at Daytona, dropping one spot in the rankings. He has 10 top-10 finishes this season. Burton has one top-10 finish in five starts at Chicagoland, a sixth-place showing in 2003. He finished 30th in this race last year. Burton has a 25.2 average Chicagoland finish. Season-to-date Loop Data highlight: Burton ranks second in Quality Passes (1,026).

No. 8 – Kyle Busch (No. 5 Kelloggs Chevrolet). Team: Rick Hendrick Motorsports. Points: 2,095. Busch finished second at Daytona, his best showing this season, to climb from 12th to eighth in the standings. He has eight top-10 finishes in 2006. Busch has just one DNF this year, at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. He finished 14th in this race last year, his lone Chicagoland start. Busch has yet to lead a lap at Chicagoland. Season-to-date Loop Data highlight: Busch ranks ninth in Average Running Position (13.578).

No. 9 – Kevin Harvick (No. 29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet). Team: Richard Childress Racing. Points: 2,088. Harvick finished ninth at Daytona to climb one spot in the standings. He has eight top-10 finishes this season. Harvick has two victories (2001 and 2002) and three top-10 finishes in five races at Chicagoland, tops among drivers. He is the only driver with multiple Chicagoland victories. Harvick finished 19th in this race a year ago, his worst effort there. He has a 9.6 average Chicagoland finish. Harvick led in first three Chicagoland races, but has not led in the last two. Season-to-date Loop Data highlight: Harvick is the ninth-place Mile Leader (234.71).

No. 10 – Denny Hamlin (No. 11 FedEx Chevrolet). Team: Joe Gibbs Racing. Points: 2,048. Hamlin finished 17th at Daytona to climb back into the top 10 in the standings. He leads 11th-ranked Greg Biffle by six points. He has been the top-finishing Raybestos Rookie of the Year candidate in nine of 17 races this season; no other rookie has done so more than three times. This will be Hamlin’s first Chicagoland start. Season-to-date Loop Data highlight: Hamlin is the sixth-place Mile Leader (348.05).

by: BGerhart

dewalt tools : Doodads for dad

Still don’t have a present for dad?
Time is running out. Father’s Day is Sunday.
Not sure where to even start?
We have a few suggestions.

TOOLS
Ah, you can never go wrong with tools. Maybe dear old dad wants a new cordless drill. Or maybe a new set of wrenches.
A word of caution: Men want their tools to match. If all his other tools are DeWalt, then be sure to buy him DeWalt tools. He doesn’t want to mix and match. Here’s a hint: All tool brands are color-coded. DeWalt tools are yellow; Firestorm tools are orange; Milwaukee tools are red; Delta tools are blue and Hitachi tools are green.
Where to find it: Home improvement or hardware stores, such as Lowe’s, Home Depot and Ace Hardware.

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
Want to make Dad look like a fashion plate? Then perhaps buying him clothing for Father’s Day is the way to go. Most men agree they can never have too many polo shirts, ties or dress shirts.
Looking for something seasonal? Chris Crabill, Dillard’s store manager, said sandals are all the rage for Father’s Day this year. Give Dad some Rainbow or Reef sandals, if he’s a flip-flop kind of guy. Then, he’ll be comfortable and in style.
Crabill also said you can’t go wrong with cologne. It’s something most men don’t buy for themselves.
Where to find it: Department and discount stores, such as Belk, Dillard’s, T.J. Maxx, Marshall’s and Kohl’s.

BY LAUREN WILLIAMSON

dewalt tools : Items reported stolen to HPD

The following are among items reported stolen to HPD:

- Black 1998 Pontiac Bonnieville from the 400 block of 8th Avenue

- White 2003 Nissan Sentra was apparently taken between 2 a.m. and 10 a.m. June 30 in the 2700 block of Latulle Avenue. When the owner called to report it missing, 911 advised him that the vehicle had been found on fire by a Cabell County Sheriff’s Deputy on Estate Drive

- 900’ of L-type copper piping valued at $2,000 from Lutes Supply, 801 Adams Avenue

- HP digital projector from Chickadee’s, 1125 Fourth Avenue

- A pair of diamond earrings, pair of pearl earrings and a diamond sapphire ring (total value apx. $3,200), as well as an Apple i-Pod and Jordan basketball shoes from a residence in the 1900 block of Wiltshire Blvd.

- Dewalt circular saw, screw gun, hammer drill, and other tools from a residence in the 1200 block of W. 5th Avenue. Their value exceeded approximately $1,000.


by Tony Rutherford

dewalt tools : Man steal plumbing truck with tools

If you were planning on talking someone else’s vehicle, would you want identification written all over both doors and the hood?

A Huntington man stole an F-150 June 27 in the 800 block 8th Street and Sixth Avenue with “Drain Doctor Plumbing” painted on it. The truck had $3,000 of copper pipe and Dewalt tools valued at approximately $2,500 inside.

About 12:50 a.m. June 30, 2006 an officer saw the white Ford truck in the 1000 block of Washington Avenue with four occupants. After making a traffic stop, the officer was advised that the car had been given to the driver by a man staying at Coach’s Inn. The driver had gone to The Copa, 2006 10th Avenue, to pick up friends.

When questioned, Willie Ramey, 43, claimed it was his ‘work truck.’ Ramey was charged with felonious transfer and receipt of stolen property, five counts of writing worthless checks and two counts of domestic battery.

A SMASHING SOMEONE DID GO….

A series of incidents in the 600 block of Hawthorne Way left multiple vehicles with broken windows.

During the early morning hours of June 29, 2006, police received at least five reports of automobiles damaged at Hawthorne Way. The suspect broke out the left rear door of a Chevrolet, the front window of a Toyota, the driver’s side window of a Cadillac, the rear window of a Suburban and the rear window of a Buick.

The subject took a brief case from the Cadillac, but it was recovered by police and the victim at the bottom of the driveway. $550 of items were missing from the Suburban and a portable GPS unit from the Toyota.

Four of the incidents occurred between 5:30 a.m.-6:40 a.m. and the sixth one between approximately 11:30 p.m. June 28 and 6 a.m. June 29.

No suspects have been found.

by Tony Rutherford