by Tom Stortz | Jul 19, 2017 | Product Reviews
Half round gutters are a great way to increase the value of a home while adding a unique ageless look and feel. There are many reasons why adding half round gutters is a good choice for a rainfall system on a home. Half-round gutters are low maintenance systems that...
by Tom Stortz | Jul 14, 2017 | Product Reviews
How often do you find yourself needing a soldering iron for gutters or flashing? It’s a part of being a sheet metal worker and having the right equipment is a must. A clear sign that sub par work is on its way is using an open flame torch for a soldering job....
by Tom Stortz | Jun 9, 2017 | Education
If you enjoy the process of dulling out your cheap snips, then trying to fix their alignment or sharpen them only to have to order a new pair before your job is finished, then stop reading this article now. THERE IS A BETTER WAY. Invest in yourself. Invest in your...
by Tom Stortz | May 24, 2017 | Education
Standing seam projects require an understanding of how panels lock together. Snap-Lock panels are a more simplified means of standing seam and this post will focus on mechanically locked panels. We will take a closer look at a few ways to achieve a double lock...
by Tom Stortz | May 2, 2017 | Education
Brand New Soldering Tips Available at Stortz Tools Masc Long Life Tips – The Masc Long life soldering tips provide an alternative for any iron that uses a “rodded” tip. It will fit in the Perkeo, Aero, Sievert ESK1-10, and Express 330 Soldering...
by Tom Stortz | Apr 26, 2017 | Education
We created a post that explained how companies marketing synthetic material were naming their product “slate” and how this was not accurate and untrue. This post generated some lively responses that will mostly go unnoticed unless dug up from the comment...
by Tom Stortz | Apr 13, 2017 | Education
Stop Stress Caused by Unsightly Scratches Homeowners can be tough to convince that marks and scratches come with the territory of hand closing panels and fabricating roof systems. No one imagines their newly purchased roof’s seams or eaves looking scratched and worn....
by Tom Stortz | Mar 28, 2017 | Education
Part 1 Note: You can click on the title of each product to go directly to that product page. This feature image is provided by Peter Steetz of Calgary, Canada. Peter does superb sheet metal work in Canada and you can see some of his work on his website. Masc...
by Tom Stortz | Mar 15, 2017 | Education
Please share, comment, and respond if you feel the same way as this post. The industry needs to come together as a whole and the more people who read and comment, the louder the voice. What is Slate? The Slate industry is being picked apart by bigger companies with...
by Tom Stortz | Mar 10, 2017 | Product Reviews
Biegetec Finish Hand Seamer A true finish hand seamer that will not scratch the paint coating on your standing seam panels. The Biegetec hand seamer has plastic, removable, insets that guarantee a clean, non-marring bend. The tool stands at 18″ which is an...
by Tom Stortz | Feb 15, 2017 | Education
Here is the IRE link if you would like to register. Also, the floor plan of exhibiting companies. John Stortz & Son will not be paying for a booth this year. The costs of exhibiting do not meet the payoff especially when considering the foot traffic is down, while...
by Tom Stortz | Jan 26, 2017 | Trip Report
This past week I had the opportunity to visit the facilities of PF Freund in Wuppertal, Germany. Freund specializes in the production and distribution of hand tools for roofers of the slate and sheet metal variety along with many others. The company was started well...
