3 Least-Cost Solutions for Laying out PEX In-Floor Radiant Heating Systems 

Experience real savings on every in-floor radiant heating installation with less labor intensive tools from Malco Products.  Start with the Malco PEX TUBING UNCOILER!  The compact and lightweight Uncoiler easily accommodates 500 ft (152 m) tubing coils of 1 in (25.4 mm) PEX (polyethylene cross-linked tubing) or 1000 ft (305 m) coils of 1/2 in (12.7 mm) PEX.  The Uncoiler unit stores in a steel-reinforced plastic case measuring just 40” x 17” x 5” (102 x 43 x 13 cm) for easy transporting in a truck or van.  Carrying weight is only 50 lbs. (22.7 kg)!  Setup is fast and easy.  The open case, with a built-in, heavy-duty turntable, serves as the Uncoiler base.  No tools are required for assembly.  Durable steel component parts and simplicity of operation assure long service life.  An eyelet loop, at the end of the unit’s rotating arm, allows tubing to be pulled off the Uncoiler in any direction.  And factory-adjusted tensioning prevents backlash and spreading of tubing off the turntable regardless of coil size.  An optional Wheel and Handle Kit for the Uncoiler’s case is also available. 

For securing a PEX layout on a foamboard insulated base, Malco’s FOAMBOARD STAPLING SYSTEM is the easy answer.  The Malco Foamboard Stapler operates from a comfortable standing position.  An in-line D-grip correctly positions the user’s hand when applying downward stapling pressure or when lifting and carrying the tool.  This efficient ergonomic design offers the user maximum control and handling ease for staple placement.  A solid one-piece aluminum magazine smoothly feeds staples and stands up to the most rugged job-site environments.  And a precision stapling action automatically adjusts to set up and guide staples into the foamboard without risk of the staple deforming or failing.  Plastic Staple loading strips are joined together with an invisible plastic micro weld that allows staples to separate cleanly as they are engaged in the stapler mechanism.  The extra-sharp, dual barbed staple design increases “bite” and holding power in 1 in (25.4 mm) and 2 in (12.7 mm) foamboard.  Additional barbs on the popular 2-1/2 in (63.5 mm) staple size actually double holding power in 2 in (50.8 mm) foamboard. 

And now, attaching PEX to a wire grid is fast and easy with the Malco PEX TO WIRE TOOL AND CLIP SYSTEM.  This system offers the lowest cost per connection for securing PEX to wire.  The tool features a 25-count clip capacity magazine feed that speeds through the PEX installation.  Heavy-duty 12-gauge (2.5 mm) steel clips will not jam, break or abrade the tubing.  A generous opening and inside diameter makes these clips safe to use for all PEX to wire fastening applications and all brands of PEX tubing from 3/8” (10 mm) to 3/4” (19 mm) diameters.  The innovative tool design features Malco “RedLine” handles for comfortable one hand operation, including a durable, easy-open / easy-close ambidextrous latch.  The easy-to-grasp handle opening reduces operator fatigue by maximizing the powerful leverage of compound head-to-handle linkage while providing a natural fit and feel for any hand. 

See all of these labor-saving tools in action and then share your impressions.  Go to the Malco website http://www.malcoproducts.com/howto/rh-full-high.asp to view a short video presentation.