The Best Crossbow Accessories and Why You Need Them

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Crossbow hunting has become a very popular sport over time, and it has also opened up a lot of opportunities for those who are passionate about hunting. This hunting season, if you’re a beginner who is gearing up to start hunting, there are a few basic things you must know.

 

Most good quality crossbow hunting kits come with all the gear required, except for the broadheads, which you need to test out and pick according to your needs. Apart from that, there are also other accessories for a crossbow that can greatly make the sport a safer one, and also increase your odds of having a successful hunting trip.

 

Let’s take a look at these and understand what they help with:

 

For Better Performance:

  • Lighted Nocks – it’s a known fact that crossbow arrows travel at a great speed when they are shot. It’s almost impossible to track a moving arrow with the naked eye, and it also penetrates the target with a lot of force, so retrieving the arrow can be quite a task. Lighted nocks are a more recent invention, but even the conservatives are seeing its advantages and have started using them.

 

These nocks help with identifying your arrow once it has been shot, so it also helps with marking the trajectory. Also, these nocks are extremely lightweight and do not affect the speed or direction of the arrow in any way.

 

  • Reducing Noise – crossbow range has been designed to be very quiet and swift, but even further reduction of vibration and noise can make a significant difference to your hunting experience. There are special notice cancellation kits available that can assist with increasing the stealth and performance of your crossbow. Another great tip for reducing notice would be to use heavier broadheads or target points.

 

Improving Accuracy:

  • Scopes For Precision – a precision scope can make a lot of difference to the accuracy of your shots, and actually make the hunting process a much more feasible and convenient one. Unless you’re a thorough professional with an exceptional free-hand shot, using a scope is essential.

 

  • Support For Shooting – Shooting sticks are finally becoming popular, unlike earlier times when shooting from rest wasn’t exactly a preference amongst hunters. Shooting sticks can easily be used in the tree stand, does not obstruct the handling of the bow and also folds up very easily, making it convenient to use. For a hunting game that involves precision shots with minimal movement, they would be a very helpful assistant.

 

  • Using A Rangefinder – Judging distance and range with the naked eye can be a very tough ordeal even for an experienced shooter, so for a beginner, it can prove to be a waste of time. This is where a rangefinder comes in handy; to give accurate readings and judgement.

 

Protecting Your Equipment:

  • Case For Your Crossbow – Your crossbow’s strings, cams and wound cables require protection, especially if you’re hunting on the go and traveling a lot with it. There are a bunch of good quality cases available, and it’s definitely mandatory to have one if you want to protect the hardware of your crossbow from damages.

 

  • The CUB – it stands for Crossbow Unloading Bolt and is a great way to finish off a hunt. Target of hunting arrows can be quite expensive, so you could alternatively use a CUB which is a biodegradable, two-piece arrow that costs much lesser and is just as effective. Shooting your bow towards the end of each day can help you check the precision and functionality of your bow, so using a CUB will reduce any unnecessary costs too.

 

Some More Crossbow Accessories:

  • Sling – it can help with carrying your bow around more conveniently. Especially while going through dense forests, your bow might get caught in branches of the string might get cut, so a sling can make it more secure.

 

  • Targets – these are important for any practice session, and really do help with getting your angling and momentum right on point.

 

  • Arrow Puller – this will help with ensuring that you have a safe and proper grip while removing your crossbow arrows.

 

With all these accessories added onto your kit, there’s absolutely no way your hunting sessions won’t be memorable and interesting!

 

If you have any interest in more choice of crossbow accessories, I recommend that you can visit Man Kung Enterprise Co., Ltd. – the company specializes in kinds of archery bow and crossbow accessories. Get more details about archery products, please do not hesitate to contact with Man Kung!

 

 

Article Source: https://www.thetrustcompass.com/crossbow-accessories/

Types of Screen Changer for Plastic Machines

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Screen Pack Assembly

Screen pack with breaker plate used to remove any contamination. For more details on screen pack, breaker Plate and sources of contamination you can visit article: “Screen Pack and Breaker Plate for Plastic Extruder Machine”

 

Today’s topic is how the screens are changed and what are the methods to change the screen?

 

When It’s A Need To Change The Screen?

Every plastic (extruder) machines have a load meter. Pressure increases with the blockage of screen. As screen blocks slowly with time after continuous use pressure began to rise and this rise in pressure can be noted by a pressure transducer/Gauge or by load meter. A pressure meter is used in auto screen changer and an upper limit of pressure is set. When melt pressure reach or cross that point auto screen changer get active and change the screen automatically. While in case of manual a liver connected to screen pack is used to change the blocked screen.

 

Types of Screen Changer
Manual Screen Changer FilterManual Screen Changer
In early days a pack of screen is bolted at the end of (Screw and Barrel) extruder and start of die some time an adapter is used between plastic machine (Extruder) and Die. Removal and then placing a new screen pack when need to be changed is much time consuming, difficult and an experienced person is required to perform this. To overcome these situations mainly to save time different types of screen changer are being used. Screen changer can be categorizing by following:

 

  • Manual Screen Changer With A Liver

Two screens are attached at the end of liver in such a way that if someone push the liver upward then upper screen comes at the front of extruder and when downs the liver then second screen comes in the front. At this time blocked screen is changed with new one. In these types of manual screen changers machines need to be stopped. It is the cheap equipment need less capital cost.

 

  • Auto Screen Changers:

Auto screen changers are further divided into categories

 

  1. Screen Changers with Hydraulic Arm

In these hydraulic type screens changer a hydraulic oil cylinder piston assembly is used to change the screen. It is also further divided into types like single and double piston. Single screen and two screens are on a cylinder piston assembly.

 

  1. Rotary Screen Changers

Rotary screen changer consists of a wheel with number of screens on it. It rotates in such a way that a single screen comes in front of extruder. It has advantages that process not need to be stopped to change the screen but its capital cost is high.

 

  • Continuous Screen Passing In Front of Machine Head

In this type a screen in belt like shape pass and continuous moves one side to other removing the contaminants. This type of screen changer is not very common.

 

Recommend Screen Changer Manufacturer

If you are looking for high quality auto or manual screen changers, I recommend that you can visit Hsin-Long Thread Rolling Machine Co., Ltd.… You also can find die head, bubble cage, blown film machine, blown film extruder, and much more products there. Learn more details, welcome to check out Hsin Long’s website and feel free to contact them.

 

By the way, grand event Taipei PLAS 2018 is coming soon from 15 to 19, Aug. Hsin Long will also as exhibitor attend this event. Their booth No. is L0226. If you have any interest in blown film extrusion and manual screen changer, please do not miss Taipei PLAS 2018. Look forward to seeing you at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1.

 

 

Article Source: http://hassanplas.com/types-of-screen-changer-for-plastic-machines/

Introduction of Globe Valves

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Cast Steel Globe Valve

A globe valves is a linear motion valve and are primarily designed to stop, start and regulate flow. The disk of a Globe valve can be totally removed from the flowpath or it can completely close the flowpath.

 

Conventional Globe valves may be used for isolation and throttling services. Although these valves exhibit slightly higher pressure drops than straight=through valves (e.g., gate, plug, ball, etc.), they may be used where the pressure drop through the valve is not a controlling factor.

 

Because the entire system pressure exerted on the disc is transferred to the valve stem, the practical size limit for these valves is NPS 12 (DN 300). Globe valves larger than NPS 12 (DN 300) are an exception rather than the rule. Larger valves would require that enormous forces be exerted on the stem to open or close the valve under pressure. Globe valves in sizes up to NPS 48 (DN 1200) have been manufactured and used.

 

Globe valves are extensively employed to control flow. The range of flow control, pressure drop, and duty must be considered in the design of the valve to avert premature failure and to assure satisfactory service. Valves subjected to high-differential pressure-throttling service require specially designed valve trim.

 

Generally the maximum differential pressure across the valve disc should not exceed 20 percent of the maximum upstream pressure or 200 psi (1380 kPa), whichever is less. Valves with special trim may be designed for applications exceeding these differential pressure limits.

 

Advantages

  • Can be fast-acting
  • Precise control
  • Can be used in high-pressure systems

 

Disadvantages

  • High head loss
  • Large opening for disk assembly
  • Heavier than other valves
  • Cantilevered mounting of the disk to the stem
  • Low coefficient of flow
  • Not good for clean or sterile applications

 

The most common application of the globe valve is a standard water faucet. When the handle is turned, a disc is lowered or raised. When the disc is fully lowered, the water supply is shut off.

 

Typical Applications Of Globe Valves Include:

  • Cooling water systems where flow needs to be regulated
  • Fuel oil systems where flow is regulated and watertightness is of importance
  • High-point vents and low-point drains when watertightness and safety are major considerations
  • Feedwater, chemical feed, condenser air extraction and extraction drain systems
  • Boiler vents and drains, main steam vents and drains, and heater drains
  • Turbine seals and drains
  • Turbine lube oil system

 

If you need more choice of globe valves, I recommend that you can visit Nico Valves Corp. – the company specializes in kinds of high quality valves including cast steel globe valve, gate valve, check valve, threaded valve, and much more. Now, welcome to check out Nico’s website and feel free to contact them.

 

Article Source: https://2bnews.wordpress.com/2018/07/10/introduction-of-globe-valves-2/

Buying a Lathe: Spindles and Tailstocks

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A key consideration when buying a new turning machine involves its spindle. Here’s an overview of what you need to know.

 

After considering what sorts of workpieces your turning machine will need to handle, and taking a good look at tooling options, it’s a good time to cover what kinds of spindles lathes might have, and what factors are good to keep in mind when choosing a new machine.

 

Belt-Driven or Direct-Drive Spindles

The spindle on a turning center is either belt-driven or direct-drive. Generally, belt-driven spindles represent older technology. They speed up and slow down at a lower rate than direct-drive spindles, which means cycle times can be longer. If you’re turning small-diameter parts, the time it takes to ramp the spindle from 0 to 6,000 rpm is significant. In fact, it might take twice as long to reach this speed than with a direct-drive spindle.

 

A small degree of positional inaccuracy may occur with belt-driven spindles, because the belt between the drive and the positional encoders creates a lag. With integral direct-drive spindles, this is not the case. Ramping up and down with a direct drive-spindle happens at a high rate, and the positional accuracy also is high, a significant benefit when using C-axis travel on live-tooling machines.

 

A2 Spindle Noses

Lathes are designed to have an American Standard spindle nose on the front of the spindle motor. Tapered spindle noses come in various sizes to hold the chuck or threaded spindle mount. A2 and B2 are both short-taper spindles; the only difference between them is the method in which the chuck is mounted. Type L refers to long-taper spindles and Type D features a camlock mounting used on many engine-lathe spindles.

 

The good news is, your machine tool manufacturer has the spindle nose selection worked out based on the size of the chuck, diameter of barstock you intend to machine and the horsepower needed. The spindle nose will be properly sized for the machine.

 

Spindle Speeds, Horsepower and Torque

Today’s CNC lathes are designed for specific ranges of stock diameters. Basically, you buy a machine to cut a specific, maximum workpiece diameter. If you’re cutting 2-inch-diameter barstock, the machine will be designed for running small diameters using higher-speed, 6,000-rpm spindles, and with the right amount of horsepower and torque.

 

Generally, big lathes have high torque (twisting power) due to the weight of the mass spinning in the chuck. As a rule, the bigger the workpiece and the slower the spindle speed, the more torque required.

 

If the parts you are running require a machine with a 10-inch, big-bore chuck, the spindle will be designed to deliver slower speeds at more horsepower. This creates the torque to take bigger cuts for more stock removal. As the cutter gets closer to the center of the stock, the machine will automatically speed up to, say, 700 rpm to maintain the proper surface footage. Obviously, it doesn’t make sense to use a big-bore lathe to do small-diameter work.

 

The operation that typically requires peak horsepower is heavy-duty, inner-diameter work, such as using big drills to make holes in the barstock before finish-boring. In this case, Z-axis horsepower might be the limiting factor. For example, a 2-inch drill may require a 20-hp spindle motor to get the force needed to perform this operation.

 

Programmable Tailstocks

A built-in, numerically controlled tailstock can be a valuable feature for automated processes. A fully programmable tailstock provides more rigidity and thermal stability. However, the tailstock casting adds weight to the machine.

 

There are two basic types of programmable tailstocks—servo-driven and hydraulic. Servo-driven tailstocks are convenient, but the weight they can hold may be limited. Typically, a hydraulic tailstock has a retractable quill with a 6-inch stroke. The quill also can be extended to support a heavy workpiece, and do so with more force than a servo-driven tailstock can apply. This is an advantage if you’re machining a piece that weighs, let’s say, 2,000 pounds. Using the programmable tailstock to push the part helps support its weight in the chuck.

 

If you have any interest in tailstocks, I recommend that you can visit Spintop Machinery Co., Ltd... You can find kinds of high quality tailstocks such as faceplate tailstock, automatic tailstock, center tailstock, and manual tailstock there. Get more details, please do not hesitate to check out Topsdisk’s website and feel free to contact them.

 

 

Article Source: https://www.mmsonline.com/blog/post/buying-a-lathe-spindles-and-tailstocks

How to Choose a Suitable Kayak?

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When you’re in the market for a new boat, there are many details to consider. First you need to decide what your goals are. Then you can start to narrow down your options. This precursory breakdown of the basic types of kayaks is a great place to start.

 

Recreational Kayaks

Recreational kayaks offer quick and convenient access to smaller lakes, rivers, and ponds. The combination of lightweight, durable materials and a manageable size makes these kayaks easy to handle both on and off the water. The large cockpit allows easy entry and exit, and the wide hull is designed specifically to offer exceptional stability. Adjustable outfitting and seats are designed with comfort in mind, and storage space provides room when you’re packing lunch or photography gear for the day.

 

Touring Kayaks

Touring kayaks have a hull design and extra length that allow for fast paddling and straight tracking across long stretches of open water and that provide the required stability needed when conditions become choppy. Storage compartments and hatches provide easy access and enough room for the necessary gear required for overnight or multi-day trips. A spray skirt may be worn to help prevent water from entering the kayak during inclement weather. Some models include either a rudder or a drop-down skeg system to improve maneuverability. Deck rigging provides secure attachment and quick access to items such as a map, an extra layer, or emergency gear.

 

Sit-on-Top Kayaks

Sit-on-top kayaks are designed for the paddler to sit on top of the kayak rather than inside as in a traditional kayak. This means the kayak is both stable and easy to get into and out of. Depending on the model, sit-on-tops can handle oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams, and their self-bailing design prevents the kayaks from filling with water if you encounter waves. Because sit-on-tops can be easier to get in and out of once you’re out on the water, you can bring an anchor and snorkeling gear along for swimming and checking out ocean life. Deck hardware provides a place for you to attach a seatback if the kayak doesn’t come with seat support.

 

Whitewater Kayaks

Whitewater kayaks are designed to provide the maneuverability necessary to navigate a river. Beginner paddlers can take advantage of kayaks designed with an emphasis on stability and forgiveness, while advanced paddlers can opt for a design that provides more performance to tackle bigger rivers or to pull the newest tricks. Of all the types of kayaks, whitewater kayaks deal with fastest-moving water, so it’s a good idea to take a class or go out with someone who’s experienced if you’re just starting out.

 

Fishing Kayaks

Fishing kayaks offer access to large lakes and coastal waters so you can quietly get to where the fish are. An emphasis is placed on stability so the user can focus on the task at hand: catching fish. Fishing kayaks can include accessible storage for a cooler, rod holders, paddle stows, dry storage, and beverage holders. Some fishing kayaks even have enough stability and space so you can stand to cast and raise and lower the seat position for better casting. Outfitting and seats are made to be comfortable so you can get out on the water early and stay until it’s late.

 

Inflatable Kayaks

Inflatable kayaks are a great way for both novice and experienced kayakers to enjoy anything from mellow flat water to exciting whitewater rapids. The self-bailing characteristics, high floatation, and overall design combine to provide a forgiving yet maneuverable kayak capable of making it across lakes or through the waves undaunted. In some models, there’s enough room onboard to accommodate gear for multi-day trips. And since they’re inflatable, you can transport these kayaks without needing a roof rack and store them easily in the corner of a room or garage.

 

Tandem Kayaks

Tandem kayaks come in models suitable for recreational, touring, and fishing, in sit-on-top, sit-in, and inflatable designs. Tandems are a great choice for friends, couples, and families and they’re a fun way to get the kids out on the water. Some have a removable front seat for solo paddling or bringing a water-loving dog along. Storage space on board provides room for gear, and adjustable seats and outfitting are designed to comfortably accommodate different sized paddlers. Whatever type of adventure you’re on, a tandem kayak will provide you and a buddy access to fun places on the water.

 

When you had a great kayak, you will need some high quality kayak deck hardware for it. At this moment, I will recommend that you can visit BroadPlast Industrial Co. – the company specializes in kinds of kayak fishing accessories. If you have any interest, please do not hesitate to contact with BroadPlast.

 

 

Article Source: https://www.backcountry.com/explore/how-to-choose-a-kayak

Locking Caster Wheels: Wheel Only or Swivel & Wheel?

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There are two types of locking caster wheels available. The normal “Wheel Brake” will only stop the wheel from rolling when you depress the brake pedal. Our “Total Locking” Brake will lock both the wheel from rolling and the swivel from turning at the same time. Which brake you choose depends on what you are going to do?

 

You Need to Determine The Use of Your Caster Object.

 

If this is a decorative table (like a coffee table or a side table) and no one will be sitting at it, chances are you don’t need to have a brake on the casters. If this is a table for eating, working or the like, you should install at least two caster wheels with brakes.

 

So to further analyze the use:

 

If it is mandatory that the work surface not move when bumped, even with a repetitive motion like carving meat or sawing wood, a total locking brake is required.

 

A swivel caster will have the tendency to pick up a repetitive motion and the swivel will allow the object to start to “rock” along with that motion. If you lock the swivel along with the wheel using total locking casters, you stop that motion.

 

Much More Locking Casters

 

If you need more choice of locking caster wheels, come and visit Enjoying Go Co., Ltd. – they are the professional caster wheel manufacturer in Taiwan. You can find chair caster, design caster, braking caster, PU logo caster, industrial wheels, and much more products there. Now, check out Enjoying Go’s website and feel free to contact them.

 

 

Article Source: http://www.needcasters.com/locking-casters-ALP.htm

What You Need Pay Attention When Buy Edge Banding Machine?

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You need pay attention to some item when buying edge banding machine. Let’s move on and see these tips!

 

  1. The matching of edge banding machine mainly depends on the shape characteristics of the workpiece to be machined, the type of edge sealing material, and the productivity and quality.

 

  1. Linear edge banding commonly used in office furniture and cabinets and other simple products, mainly considering the yield and some of the features or configuration:
  • The PVC or ABS scraper device for sealing material
  • Solid wood edge, need to add finishing knife and sanding device
  • In order to ensure the quality of the edge is not affected by low winter temperatures the best choice, edge banding machine equipped with far infrared preheating device
  • Additional configuration options: automatic tracking fillet trimming function, cutter device, etc.

 

  1. Automatic edge banding machine has many functions, mainly include: pre milling, glue, edge, blunt, rough trimming, refinement, tracking, scraping, polishing, slotting, which is characterized by high efficiency, automation, high precision, and beauty.

 

These features are also based on various types of division, some is relatively simple, with glue block, scraping, polishing, finishing, and other functions, some more comprehensive, almost all functions are, these are based on the customer base, to buy sheet.

 

  1. Edge curve can be processed in several ways. The curve edge banding machine in order to achieve a stable high level of quality, the NC machining center or NC edge machine, the two machines for some special surfaces edge can show special advantages, such as the edge with the length of the counter can make the smallest circumference of the gap edge docking that is more suitable for the manufacture of high-end furniture products. The difference between the two is that all processes from saw cut to the last parts forming the machining center, complete sealing and trimming process of CNC sealing machine dedicated only, using the processing center edge is the edge takes a larger total processing time, reduces the production efficiency.

 

Most manufacturers use manual edge machining curved parts, especially sheet metal parts within the arc, the maximum edge machine will decide by the wheel diameter can be processed Curve depth. Manual edge banding machine sealing curved edge has the advantages of simple operation, less investment. But due to edge by hand, quality is relatively high, mainly in the lower bonding strength, poor repeatability, high rework rate. At the same time manual sealing machine for thick edge banding commonly used (1.0-3.0mm) edge is relatively difficult but, to use some thin edge sealing strip is not visible on the component (0.4-1.0mm) can be made straight and curve processing.

 

  1. Generally, the use of manual edge banding machine and automatic linear edge sealing machine can meet the requirements of the general product, and the product will improve the efficiency and reduce the production cost.

 

  1. Automatic edge banding machine with preheating, glue, trimming, scraping, polishing and other functions, the current use of this structure there are several large manufacturers, some small manufacturers are eliminating the need for preheating, scraping and other functions, and even the polishing function is not.

 

  1. Listen to the manufacturer’s product introduction, from the machine specifications, performance, use, operation methods, prices, services, and so on, so that the machine needs to have a general perceptual knowledge.

 

  1. Look at the outside of the body in good condition. Check the parts, accessories are complete, look at the demonstration of the operation of the factory demonstration, look at the bonding effect, and master the operation of the machine Essentials.

 

  1. Open the machine to run the test. Check the power supply, gas supply line is smooth, sensitive; the main spindle is running smoothly, no noise.

 

  1. As can be seen from the above analysis, the purchase and use of edge banding machine should pay attention to product output and the ability to adapt to market demand, so as to select different levels of automation equipment and combinations.

 

If you need more information about edge banding machines, please do not miss Boarke Machine Co., Ltd. – you can find kinds of woodworking machines on their website. Now, contact with Boarke for more details!

 

Article Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-you-need-pay-attention-when-buy-edge-banding-machine-wenlong-han

3 Types of Basin Wrenches Explained

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Basin wrenches are plumbing instruments designed to remove nuts under sink basins or hard-to-reach spots. Nuts that connect the faucet to the sink are hard to reach and are, therefore, hard to remove. While other types of wrenches do not work on these types of nuts, basin wrenches can do the job easily.

 

This type of wrench can have either an adjustable self-tightening jaw or a fixed jaw that cannot be adjusted. This jaw is attached to the end of a torque tube that has a long handle. The long handle is intended to allow the user to reach hard-to-reach nuts under the sink. Since sinks usually are fastened to the faucet in deep recesses, loosening a nut may prove to be a difficult task when working with other types of wrenches. However, a basin wrench can reach a nut in such areas easily. It can grasp the nut and allow the user to either tighten it or loosen it. Below are three types of basin wrenches.

 

Fixed Basin Wrenches

Fixed basin wrenches have a fixed jaw that can only be used for certain types of nuts. It has two open-ended sockets. These sockets typically have a size of 22 mm and 15 mm. Fixed basin wrenches can be useful when you are working with uniformly-sized nuts frequently. These wrenches can also be purchased as a set with different sizes that can fit different types of nuts.

 

Adjustable Basin Wrenches

Some basin wrenches are also designed to be adjustable. Adjustable basin wrenches can fit through any size of nut. These wrenches have heads that tighten automatically as they wrap around nuts of different sizes. The main advantage of this type of basin wrench is its flexibility to adjust to any type of nut or coupling, making it a more preferred choice for consumers. In addition, it also saves money since you only need to buy one as compared to a set.

 

Adjustable basin wrenches are designed to have a head on one end that can be tilted up to 90 degrees. This allows the head to work on a nut in a vertical position while the handle is held in a horizontal position. There are two metal jaws on the head of the wrench. It is connected to the shaft by a spring-loaded hinge that allows it to grip all types of nuts with different sizes. For increased leverage, some models allow a bar to be added to the other end of the shaft. This proves useful for nuts that are situated in deeper crevices

 

When working with nuts, you can use both types of wrenches in order to have a working set that can fit any nut type or size. The cost of each individual basin wrench depends on the model and the manufacturer.

 

The Plastic Nut Basin Wrench

This type of wrench is a variation of the tool and is still called a basin wrench. This tool is used to remove or replace huge plastic mounting nuts used to secure furniture in place. This tool is actually a cylinder that has notches on one end designed to grab and turn plastic mounting nuts.

 

If you have any interest in adjustable basin wrench or other basin wrenches, please do not miss Maxclaw Tools Co., Ltd. – the company specializes in a variety of tube bending and cutting tools. Learn more details, welcome to check out Maxclaw’s website and feel free to contact them.

 

 

Article Source: https://www.doityourself.com/stry/3-types-of-basin-wrenches-explained

How to Choose Hiking Socks?

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The average person takes 2,000 steps to travel one mile. Factor in the up and down of a hiking trail and the roots and rocks you’ll encounter along the way and that number only gets higher. With every step, the right socks play a critical role in keeping your feet comfortable and blister-free throughout your journey.

 

To choose the best socks for your hiking trip, it’s important to consider these four things:

 

  • Sock Height: The right height sock protects against abrasion with your footwear
  • Cushioning: The amount of cushioning affects comfort and warmth
  • Fabric: Most hiking socks feature merino wool as the primary ingredient, but some are made mostly from polyester or nylon
  • Fit: Be sure your socks fit well to fend off blisters

 

Hiking Sock Height

Hiking socks come in different heights, from so short that they don’t even show above your shoes to tall enough to nearly touch your knees. To choose the right height, take a look at your footwear. The higher the cuffs are on your boots or shoes, the taller you want your socks to be so they can protect your skin from rubbing directly against your footwear.

 

These are the four sock heights:

  • No-Show: These shorty socks provide very little protection against skin-to-boot abrasion, so they should only be worn with low-cut footwear, like trail-running shoes or light hiking shoes.
  • Ankle: Slightly higher than no-show socks, these will usually cover your ankle bone for a bit more protection. They are good for low- to mid-cut shoes and boots.
  • Crew: This is the classic height for a hiking sock. Crew socks typically land a few inches above your ankle bones to protect against abrasion with boots that have high cuffs. There’s no reason you can’t wear crew socks with low-cut boots or shoes, just know that the extra coverage could be warm on a hot day.
  • Knee-High: You’ll only find a few options in the knee-high category, and they’ll probably be for mountaineering. High socks protect against abrasion that big, burly boots can cause around your shins and calves. The coverage can also help keep your lower legs warm when you’re climbing through the night and crossing glaciers.

 

Hiking Sock Cushioning

The amount of cushioning a sock has given you an idea of how thick the sock is and how warm it will be.

 

The right amount of cushioning for you depends mostly on the types of trips you go on and the weather you expect. A bit of cushion can protect your feet during high-impact activities like running and backpacking, but keep in mind that thicker socks are warmer and can cause your feet to sweat. You may have to experiment to find the right balance of cushion-to-warmth that works for you. Having a variety of socks to choose from in your sock drawer is helpful.

 

The four types of cushioning:

 

  • No Cushioning: These ultralight socks are designed for use in hot weather. They are very breathable and have little padding. A handful of socks in this category are liner socks, which some hikers like to wear underneath a lightweight, midweight or heavyweight hiking sock. Liner socks were once very popular for their ability to wick moisture and to keep feet dry, but nowadays many hiking socks perform well enough to not require a liner sock. However, if you know liner socks work for you, you can certainly keep on using them.
  • Light Cushioning: Best for warm conditions, socks with light cushioning prioritize moisture wicking and comfort over warmth. They are relatively thin, but have some light cushioning in key places, like the heel and ball of the foot.
  • Medium Cushioning: These socks provide a good amount of cushioning in the heel and ball of the foot for hiking and backpacking and enough warmth for use in moderate to cold conditions.
  • Heavy Cushioning: These are generally the thickest, warmest and most cushioned socks available. They are made for long trips, tough terrain and cold temperatures. They’re often too thick and warm for backpacking journeys in warm weather, and are best used for mountaineering or on cold-weather backpacking trips.

 

Hiking Sock Fabric Type

 

Hiking socks are rarely made from a single fabric, but rather from a blend that creates the right balance of comfort, warmth, durability and fast drying. These are the most common materials you’ll find in hiking socks:

  • Wool: Wool is the most popular hiking sock material and the one that our footwear specialists recommend above all others. It regulates temperature well to keep your feet from getting sweaty and it provides cushioning. Another plus is that wool is naturally antimicrobial so it tends to retain smells less than synthetic fabrics. These days most socks are made of merino wool, which is essentially itch-free compared to older types of ragg wool socks. And most wool socks use blends of wool and synthetic materials for better durability and faster drying.
  • Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic material that insulates, wicks moisture and dries quickly. It is sometimes blended with wool and/or nylon to create a good combination of warmth, comfort, durability and fast drying.
  • Nylon: This is another synthetic option that is occasionally used as the primary material. It adds durability and can help improve drying times.
  • Silk: A natural insulator, silk is comfortable and lightweight, but not as durable as other options. It’s occasionally used in sock liners for reliable moisture wicking.
  • Spandex: Many hiking socks include a small percentage of spandex. This elastic material helps socks hold their shape and keep bunching and wrinkling to a minimum.

 

Hiking Sock Fit

Getting socks that fit right will help keep your feet comfortable on hiking trips. If your socks are too big they can have wrinkles that will rub and may cause a blister. Too small and they can create pressure points and sock slippage.

 

To find the right size, it’s helpful to know the size of your actual foot rather than your shoe size because sometimes people size-up in shoes, which can lead to buying socks that are too large.

 

If you need comfortable and suitable hiking socks, I recommend that you can visit Footland Inc. – the company specializes in kinds of waterproof socks and athletic socks. Get more details, please do not hesitate to check out Footland’s website immediately!

 

 

Tips:

How socks should fit: When you try socks on, look for a snug, but not overly tight fit. A sock fits properly when the heel cup lines up with the heel of your foot.

 

 

Article Source: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-socks.html