Bulb Basics
Choosing the right flashlight
Flashlights are available with several different kinds of bulbs. The biggest differences are their brightness, longevity, run time and cost.
Incandescent bulbs, such as halogen or xenon bulbs provide bright white, natural appearing light. They require periodic replacement and can break on impact. They are easily focused and are the top choices for long distance lighting.
LEDs are computer chip-like devices that emit light when power is applied. They are very durable and offer extremely long run times. They offer lighting that has a soft focus and wide dispersion and are good for close work.
are durable like regular LEDs and provide a much greater light output than standard LEDs. Their light can be focused with a reflector, making the useful in both close-up and distance situations
Be sure to check out our great selection of flashlights by clicking here.
Tips on using nylon straps
Submitted by Robert J Langley
Whenever a nylon strap is used to secure cargo, try putting a 1/2 twist on the left and right side. If it is laying on a flat top surface, and not on a "peaked" load, you should put a full twist in it on the top surface. The twist or 1/2 twist must be in a long enough span so a "rope" look isn't created, but a gradual twist. Yes, it looks bad to someone concerned with details. It will however prevent the strap from fluttering like an airplane wing surface. When the fluttering occurs it will chafe the strap at it's contact point, even if it is rounded. The high frequency vibrations on a long trip will cause a strap to weaken and fail. Not to mention the noise will make you wonder if a bearing isn't going bad.
Always pad the straps at each contact point and put a 1/2 or full twist to extend the strap life.
poor old robertRobert J Langley
RJ Langley, Inc.
Reserve, LA 70084-6802
How to choose and use the right safety chains
Choosing safety chains is simple
To buy new safety chains or to replace damaged ones, check your equipment manual to ensure you're buying the correct size. Most light duty trucks us 5/16" chains while most medium duty trucks use 1/2", and heavy duties handle 5/8" size. Most safety chains are available in Grade 70, Grade 80 or Grade 100. Be sure to choose the appropriate size and grade of chain for the load you are tying down. Make sure that the WLL (Working Load Limit) is the same or higher than your primary tie down system, since it will have to hold the load should your primary tie down system fail.
Safety Chains are Safety Chains - that's it!Safety chains shouldn't be confused with tie down chains or tow chains. Those types of chains are your primary retaining system while safety chains are your secondary or backup system in the event the primary system fails. You should always use both a primary and secondary system every time you tow - whether it's a long cross-country tow or just a short trip around the corner. Be sure to check out our great selection of chain by clicking here.
Troubleshooting Remote Strobe Systems
If your remote strobe system connectors are exposed to dust, dirt or water, they will short out. The first sign of a short circuit is erratic behavior followed by a complete system shutdown - including the power supply. Here's what to do:
- Check the power supply fuse. In many cases it's just a blown fuse that can be easily replaced at any auto parts store.
- Find the short circuit. Unplug all the power cables from the power supply. Then test each one, one at a time until the faulty one is found. Short circuits can be caused by water seeping into connection points, or by power cables chafing against the truck body.
- Leave the problem power cable or strobe head unplugged until you replace it. The rest of the system will continue to work normally without it.
- Prevent problems before they happen. Use DEUTSCH style connectors when available. Or when using AMP style connectors, be sure to use silicone sealant on all connections to seal out dirt and water.
Remember to shop AW Direct for strobe systems and parts.
Advantages of LED Lighting
LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are electrically charged semi-conductor chips that are encased in epoxy. They produce a very bright, direct light with pure, sharp colors that don't create a fuzzy halo effect. Lights with LEDs have several advantages over more traditional light sources like incandescent bulbs and strobe tubes. They are safer, more energy effecient and more durable. LED lights continue to gain popularity as more and more truck owners and drivers recognize the benefits of LEDs.
Safety:
LEDs provide intense light output that makes you visible from long distances. LEDs have faster light up times than regular incandescent lights. That means that drivers behind you will have additional stopping time and distance, avoiding possible collisions.
Energy Efficiency:
The lower amp draw of the LEDs reduces the load on your electrical system by 85%. This means you can use more lights and other electrical equipment on your truck without overworking your electrical system.
LEDs reduce the load on your alternators, flashers and switches, making them last longer.
Durability and Long Life:
LED lights produce light without relying on a heated filament. Since there are no filaments to break or glass bulbs to crack. LEDs have a very long life. The average LED light life is typically around 100,000 hours - that's over 10 years!
LED lights are moisture, vibration and shock resistant, making them ideal for use on diesel powered trucks or vehicles exposed to punishing weather conditions. Plus, they require zero maintenance. You'll never have to replace a bulb again.
Is There A Downside?:
Although the positives seem to outweigh the negatives, nearly every product has a downside. Given the fact that LEDs don't produce the amount of heat generated by a traditional bulb, in some instances, ice build up can occur.
AW Direct has lighting products for every application. Be sure to visit our Lighting category.
Understanding Retro-Reflectivity
Light from headlights is retro-reflected back to the driver, allowing them to see roadside workers faster and at greater distances. AW Direct is your source for ANSI compliant safety clothing and supplies
Working Load Limit and Breaking Strength: What's the difference?
Working Load Limit or WLL is a safety ratio that is applied to load bearing items such as chain, wire rope and synthetic slings. It is the maximum load in pounds that should be applied or loaded onto these items when they are used. Working Load Limits do vary depending on the product. So, when using any of these items you should always check for the WLL first and never exceed that Working Load Limit.
Breaking Strength is the actual rating at which the chain, wire rope or web sling will break or fail (under the most ideal conditions). You should never use the Breaking Strength as a guide for usage. ALWAYS use the WLL (Working Load Limit) as your guide. Safety first! Inspect and replace your web , chain and wire rope.
Not for Recovery - What Does That Mean for You?
We have added a "Not for Recovery" message to some of our hooks, chains, and chain assemblies. The reason for this is simple - SAFETY. To ensure your safety, it's important you know the difference between towing and recovery, and which chains and hooks to use for each.
When towing, the disabled vehicle is typically on the roadway and a hook-up is all that's required. You don't need to roll it onto its wheels or pull it back onto the roadway. In recovery, however, the disabled vehicle is typically not on its own wheels, or it is off the roadway. It must be brought back, or recovered, onto its own wheels or onto the roadway befor it can be towed.
You should not use the same types of chain and hooks for towing work as you would for recovery. For instance, Grade 40 or Grade 70 V-assemblies and chain assemblies are perfectly safe and very well suited to the less rigorous demands of towing. However, these chains lack the strength or WLL to meet the severe demands of recovery situations. Plus, the J-hooks and cluster hooks typically found on these assemblies can easily slip off during a recovery, causing damage and injury.
Recovery work requires stronger chains made from Grade 80 or Grade 100 chain with either grab hooks or slig hooks on each end. The hooks allow you to wrap the chain around the disabled vehicle and then attach the chain back onto itself, preventing the chain or hooks from slipping off. This secure stype of attachment, plus the higher WLL of the Grade 80 or Grade 100 components withstand the extra demands of recovery work and let you work safely.
So, the next time you purchase chains, hooks and chain assemblies, look for the "not for Recovery" note. It will help guide you in choosing the right equipment, remind you of its proper use, and add your own safety when performing your next towing or recovery call. Need new hooks? Check our inventory for recovery and Non-recovery products.
Planetary Gear vs. Worm Gear Winches
Gearing determins the speed and durability of winches. In general, you sacrifice duribility for speed 
Planetary Gear winches use a central drive or sun gear around which two or more gears (planets) rotate. This translates to a greater pulling speed and quieter operation. Worm Gear winches have a cylindrical worm gear which drives a round gear, that rotates the drum of the winch. Although slower than planetary gear winches, they have sure breaking power which prevents back drive and they are easier to repair if necessary. If it's winches you're looking for, we have want you need.
D.O.T. Style vs. Under-the-Lug Style
D.O.T. Simulators don't require removal of any factory hardware to install. The simluators fit right over your rim, hardware and all. You use the stud extenders and jam nuts that come with the simlulators to attach them. D.O.T. simulators usually take less time to install and don't voide the manufacturer's warantee on your wheels.
Under-the-Lug Simulators are the alternative when D.O.T. sets aren't available. You must remove the factory lug nuts from your wheels and use them to attach the simulators. Some people feel the under-the-lug style siimulators provide a more secure attachment. However, you must be very careful to reinstall the lug nuts correctly to avoide any warrantee issues.
Avoiding Web Damage
Synthetic webbing has hundreds of uses in the towing and recovery industry. From wheel restraints to recovery straps, its strength and versatility is indispensible. To ensure safety, however, synthetic webbing should be removed from service when damaged. Visually inspect webbing for acid or caustic burns, melting or charring, snags, punctures, tears or cuts, and broken or worn stitching.
Stock up on quality webbing and straps right here at AW Direct!
ANSI Class Ratings and What They Mean
ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 is a national standard developed to guide employers when choosing vests, jackets and other safety garments for their workers. There are various classes of garments, based on the combined amount of fluorescent background and retro-reflective material they are made from, and for the amount of daytime and nighttime visibility they offer. All ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 compliant garments are labeled according to class.
Class 3 garments offer the greatest conspicuity and are normally specified for conditions when work takes place in or near high speed traffic, the worker must be conspicuous through a full range of body motions at a minimum of 1,280 feet, and when the worker must focus all attention on his work, not traffic.
Class 2 garments are normally specified when work takes place in or near moving traffic or in inclement weather, and the worker's tasks occasionally divert his attention from traffic.
Class 1 garments are normally specified when workers are separated from approaching traffic, and the worker can give his undivided attention to oncoming traffic.
Class E garments, although they typically have fluorescent background materials and some retro-reflective material, do not meet any of the ANSI class requirements when worn alone. However, when they are worn with a vest, jacket or other Class 2 compliant garment, the entire ensemble can then be classified as a Class 3 ensemble.
This information is based on the recommendations contained in the ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 standard. AW Direct strongly recommends that anyone buying safety garments first read this standard and use it to determine their own high visibility safety garment needs. Click here for a large selection of quality ANSI compliant garments.
When to Replace Wire Rope:
Damaged wire rope is a potential safety risk. Every kind, flat spot and broken wire drastically reduces its strength. The most common types of wire rope damage are caused by overloading, improperly winding on the winch drum or pulling across rough or sharp-edged surfaces. When wire rope is damaged, be safe. Don't repair it. Replace it.
While you're here, check out or stock of quality imported and domestic wire rope
An Easy Way to Prevent Door Tool Scrapes
Simply slip a 2 or 3 foot length of our PDX10 Chain Sleeve over the end of your door tool. The Chain Sleeve acts as a barrier between the door tool and your customer's car, keeping it from scratching or chipping the paint.
Shop AW Direct for door tools of every kind.
Industrial, Commercial or Utility; What Grade of Winch is Best for Me?
Industrial Grade Winches are for use in the towing, recovery and transport industries. They are made of extremely rugged metals and heavy-duty electrical components to withstand hard use in harsh situations. They typically have load ratings from 8,000-50,000 lbs., are rear mounted on a tow truck and are available in either hydraulic or electric versions.
Commercial Grade Winches are NOT for towing and recovery. They are used to landscapers, movers, and off-road enthusiasts for less demanding tasks like self-recover, pulling pallets or loading trailers. Made of less rugged metals and lighter weight electrical components, they require careful monitoring and frequent cool down periods. They are typically front or trailer mounted and have load ratings from 6,000-12,000 lbs.
Utility Grade Winches are NOT for towing and recovery. They are used for recreation and light work like trailering boats, removing brush and general utility work. Made of less rugged metals and lighter weight electrical components, they require careful monitoring and frequent cool downs. They are typically front or trailer mounted and have load ratings from 1,500-5,000 lbs.
AW Direct is your source for Commercial and industrial winches and supplies.
What is a Cold Cranking Amp?
A Cold Cranking Amp is the amount of current a battery delivers to start a vehicle's engine for 30 seconds at zero (0) degrees F. So, the higher the Cold Cranking Amp rating. the more powerful the battery. Visit our Electrical Section for the best selection.
Silver Reflective vs. Prismatic
There are two different types of reflective material currently available that meet the present ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 High Visibility Standard: Silver Glass Beaded Reflective Material and Prismatic Reflective Material.
Silver glass beaded reflective material (SGBRM) is flexible and lightweight. However, the drawback of the SGBRM is it can lose up to 80% of its reflectivity when wet. Since there is no protective covering over the glass beads, its exposure to abrasion can also affect its performance.
Prismatic reflective material (PRM) utilizes thousands of microprisms encased behind an optically clear vinyl protective material. PRM performs exceptionally well under wet conditions and avoids abrasion because of the protective material placed over the prisms. In addition, PRM provides fluorescent contrast during daytime hours. The drawback to PRM is that it is slightly heavier and less flexible than SGBRM. AWD stocks a great selection of Reflective and Prismatic safety wear. Find everything you'll need in our Appearl Section for the best selection.
Submit Your Tips!
Hey, you've been in the business for a while, so you've got to have some tips and tricks to share with us. Please take a moment and Email them to editor@awdirect.com and they'll be posted right here on the AW Directions page. Unless Otherwise requested, we'll give you credit for your submission. Just remember to include your name and the name of your company if desired.
All submissions become the property of AW Direct. AW Direct reserves the right to refuse submissions for any reason.
