I like easy access!

EMD_Driver · 02-14-2012, 05:17 PM

Sunline put access panels in our basement, to make it easier to winterize, etc... The only problem, is that each of them were held on with four screws. I didn't like the design and did things my way.. I bought some hinges and some screen door latches and got to work. I used some strips of old wallboard from the 299, to raise the hinges and drilled and screwed everything in place.

Since I forgot to grab the camera, my phone had to do...

Here's the mounted hinges..

Here's the screen door latch..

Instead of having to remove the screws for access, I just flip the latch and open the door!

**JohnB** · 02-14-2012, 05:30 PM

Gary, came out good!

Yes these little upgrades go a long way in making things easier. I must admit I have not see a door latch like things in a rea.....lly long time. Use to have the 2 sided version on the storm windows in the old farm house. Simple and effective.

EMD_Driver · 02-14-2012, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnB

I must admit I have not see a door latch like things in a rea.....lly long time.

I was surprised to find them in Lowes! I figured they would be one of those good ideas, that nobody carried anymore...

Trailblazer · 02-14-2012, 07:23 PM

Great idea Gary! I really like it.

I see your PEX crimping tool in one of the photos. Out of curiosity, did you get that at Lowes. I've meaning to pick one up one day.

EMD_Driver · 02-14-2012, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trailblazer

Great idea Gary! I really like it.

I see your PEX crimping tool in one of the photos. Out of curiosity, did you get that at Lowes. I've meaning to pick one up one day.

Yep... That's a Lowes special. I bought it on sale, but forget what I paid for it.. It has paid for itself several times already!

Trailblazer · 02-14-2012, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EMD_Driver

Yep... That's a Lowes special. I bought it on sale, but forget what I paid for it.. It has paid for itself several times already!

I have read there are different types of crimping tools for use with either Stainless steel or copper rings and that you shouldn't intermix them. So do you use the copper or the stainless steel rings and which ones were used by Sunline. Also am I correct in assuming these are the 1/2 rings and not the 3/4 inch ones?

EMD_Driver · 02-14-2012, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trailblazer

I have read there are different types of crimping tools for use with either Stainless steel or copper rings and that you shouldn't intermix them. So do you use the copper or the stainless steel rings and which ones were used by Sunline. Also am I correct in assuming these are the 1/2 rings and not the 3/4 inch ones?

I use the copper rings, as did Sunline.. They may be a different brand, but they are all copper. Also, all the PEX in any Sunline I've seen is 1/2"

I believe the stainless rings you mentioned are the keystone type.. I have some of those, as well as a crimper for them. I did have a couple of leaks with the keystone type, but never a leak with the copper type....Yet..

Trailblazer · 02-14-2012, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EMD_Driver

I use the copper rings, as did Sunline.. They may be a different brand, but they are all copper. Also, all the PEX in any Sunline I've seen is 1/2"

I believe the stainless rings you mentioned are the keystone type.. I have some of those, as well as a crimper for them. I did have a couple of leaks with the keystone type, but never a leak with the copper type....Yet..

Ok, thanks. From what I have read I'm guessing the copper rings are a crimp where as the stainless steel ones are a cinch. Also from what I have read it sound like the the stainless steel ones use a ratcheting style tool and that if you don't get the the final squeeze with the ratcheting style the fitting will leak.

I will definitely look for the 1/2 inch crimping tool that uses the copper rings.

EMD_Driver · 02-14-2012, 08:39 PM

This is the one I have... It's only $59 at Lowes right now..