To maintain the high level of quality and reliability you expect, we are updating our Pre-Paid Freight Policy, effective February 1, 2026.

When customers come to your store and buy your products, they must understand what they purchased as they take it home. This is especially critical for hardware stores or businesses selling tools and equipment that can be dangerous when misused. Although it's up to the customer to make safe and smart choices with what they buy, store owners can promote safety in their store and community to help customers have a great experience and come back again for their next purchase. Let's look at some ways to promote safety in your store. Product Demos Product demonstrations play a crucial role in promoting safety within your store. Live equipment demonstrations allow your customers to witness these products' proper usage and handling. Customers can learn about the necessary safety measures and precautions through these demos. Encourage your staff to conduct informative demos regularly, demonstrating safe techniques, such as proper equipment setup, usage, and maintenance. These demonstrations will instill confidence in your customers, ensuring they can use these products safely and effectively. Cross Merchandising Cross-merchandising is an effective strategy for promoting safety in your store. By strategically displaying safety-related products alongside relevant items, you can highlight their importance and encourage customers to make safer choices. For example, place welding helmets near welding equipment or cable ties near electrical wiring products. By associating safety products with related items, customers are more likely to recognize their significance and make informed decisions about their purchase. Safe Displays in the Store Creating safe displays within your store is essential to prevent accidents and promote safety. Organize your store layout to minimize safety hazards. Ensure the aisles are wide enough for customers to navigate comfortably and safely. Place signage to direct customers to safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits. Additionally, secure products properly to prevent them from falling and causing injuries. Use display hooks, fasteners, or shelving units to hold the products securely. Clearly label products with safety warnings and usage instructions to enhance safety awareness. 

Modern welding has been around for decades, and new techniques, equipment, and skill sets come with each generation. Many industries have welders involved in some capacity. Because of this, one crucial aspect of welding is understanding the different welding techniques available. In this blog post, we will delve into five unique types of welding: Plasma arc welding (PAW), resistance welding, thermit welding, submerged arc welding (SAW), and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW). By exploring these specialized techniques, you can gain insights into their applications and make informed decisions for your welding projects. Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) Plasma arc welding is a precise and efficient technique that utilizes a highly concentrated plasma arc to weld materials. This process involves creating an ionized gas plasma that reaches temperatures up to 30,000°F. PAW is commonly used for applications that require exceptional weld quality, such as aerospace, automotive, and nuclear industries. Its advantages include high accuracy, minimal distortion, and excellent control over the heat-affected zone. PAW equipment typically includes a power supply, torch, gas control system, and filler material. Resistance Welding Resistance Welding is a joining process that relies on the resistance heating of the workpieces. The resistance to the flow of electric current through the welded materials generates heat. This technique is widely used for spot, projection, and seam welding applications. Resistance welding offers several advantages, including high production rates, minimal heat-affected zone, and suitability for automation. The equipment required for resistance welding includes a power supply, electrodes, and a control system.

Pressure washers can be a handy tool for various jobs around the house, from washing your car to cleaning your driveway. But with so many pressure washers and nozzle attachments available, choosing the right one for your needs can be overwhelming. This guide will review the basics of pressure washers, the available types, and some tips for using and maintaining them. Types of Pressure Washers There are two main types of pressure washers: electric and gas-powered. Electric pressure washers are generally more affordable and easier to maintain, making them popular for homeowners. They also produce less noise and emissions than gas-powered models. Electric pressure washers are best suited for light-duty jobs such as washing cars, outdoor furniture, and small patios.  On the other hand, gas-powered pressure washers are more powerful and better suited for heavy-duty jobs such as cleaning large driveways, decks, and sidewalks. They are also more portable than electric models since they don't need to be plugged in. However, they are typically more expensive and require more maintenance than electric models.

Spring and summer are great times to get outside and work on home improvement projects or DIY adventures. If you're planning a home renovation, woodworking project, or welding job, outdoor projects can be a great way to improve your home and get some much-needed fresh air. Whether you're someone who always has a project going, or someone who’s less mechanically inclined, there are important safety tips to keep in mind when working outside in the heat. As you're visiting your local hardware store to pick up supplies for the project, stocking up on safety gear is crucial. Let's look at some general tips to keep you safe while working on outdoor summer projects. Keep Safe in the Heat Summer can be a great time to work outdoors, but it can also be dangerous if you're not careful. When working outside, it is important to wear lightweight, breathable clothing that can help keep you cool. Additionally, you should try to work during the early morning or late evening hours when the temperature is cooler. If you must work during the middle of the day, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. Use Sun Protection Even on cloudy days, the sun's harmful rays can cause skin damage and increase your risk of skin cancer. To protect yourself, wear a wide-brim hat and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after sweating. Stay Hydrated Working outside in the heat can quickly lead to dehydration, which can cause fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you're working for an extended period of time, consider drinking a sports drink that can help replace lost electrolytes.