Friday Morning Videos: Bowling Ball Cannon

For those of you who like to watch appliances get destroyed, here are some guys shooting bowling balls out of a cannon at a washing machine.



          For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

Thursday Trivia Challenge

Do you think you know all about appliances? Here is a short set of trivia questions to test your knowledge.

Questions
1. Whirlpool's white touch up paint is a popular accessory. Do you know the part number?
2. According to the National Fire Protection Association, what percentage of dryer fires are due to lint or dust?
3. This car maker made appliances until 1979, who were they?
4. In 2009, on International Womans Day, a spokesman for the Vatican aroused controversy by suggested that a home appliance was one the most important causes of women's liberation. What type of appliance was he they talking about? Give yourself a bonus point if you know why.
5. What was the model number of the first Kitchenaid home mixer?
6. According to GE, how large was the average laundry room in 2010?
7. W.L. May features a kit for repairing scratches on stainless steel. What is the product called?
8. What type of kitchen appliance was manufactured by L & H?


Answers
1. 72017

2. 29% (Source: http://www.nfpa.org/~/media/Files/Research/Fact%20sheets/DryerFactSheet.pdf)

3. GM
4. The Washing Machine, because of the time saving involved by using a machine over older laundry methods. (Source: http://www.thestar.com/news/insight/2009/04/05/the_link_between_appliances_and_feminism.html)

5. H-5 (Source: http://www.overstock.com/guides/kitchenaid-appliances-fact-sheet)

6. 47 SQ FT (Source: http://pressroom.geappliances.com/news/laundry_facts_07)

7. Scratch-B-Gone

8. Ranges (L & H also made countertop appliances and wood stoves)

Scoring
O-2 correct: You know a bit about appliances, but still have a lot to learn.
2-4 correct: You know a fair amount about appliances.
4-6 correct: You know a lot about appliances. Pass some of that knowledge on to someone.
6-8 correct You are an appliance star! Great job!

This is a monthly feature. To submit your appliance trivia questions (and answers) email: rob.m@wlmay.com with the subject line "trivia".

For more from education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

Wednesday Weekly Stock: Supco

Every week at W.L. May we have several items we feature as good parts to consider adding to your stock. These parts also have special pricing available. For pricing details, ask your account representative for more information. This week we look into the world of Supco.

When an appliance repair calls for parts, we encourage usage of genuine parts provided by the manufacturer. That said, many times a repair is being performed on an older model and genuine parts may not be available. In those circumstances, Supco manufactures a wide line of "universal" replacement parts that can be helpful in reviving older appliances that have no longer available parts.

Supco started out as maker of controls for HVAC products in 1945. A natural overlap into refrigeration parts followed soon after. Today, Supco offers a wide variety of both HVAC and appliance parts. Our focus today is on refrigeration related items from their catalog.

URCO410

One of Supco's earliest refrigeration parts was the "three-in-one" Relay/Capacitor/Overload, part numbers RCO410 & RCO810. It's relatively simple design made it suitable for helping to start most refrigerator compressors that did not have run capacitors. Design changes in refrigerators led to many models also having a run capacitor. To address that change, Supco introduced the URCO series that can be used on models that have a run capacitor on the compressor. URCO410 is for 1/4-1/3 HP compressors. For smaller compressor of 1/12-1/5 HP the URCO810 will serve your needs.

PRO41

It gets more complicated, though. Sometimes you don't need a capacitor, but you still need a relay overload. For this scenario, Supco has a few options. Perhaps the most popular is the PRO41. It is a push-on combination relay overload for 1/4-1/3 HP and it can be used on models with OR without a run capacitor.

IC102

The complication continues. Lets assume all you want is the relay. Whether there is a run capacitor or not it doesn't matter if you use the IC102. It is a 120volt PTC relay that can replace current and solid state relays from 1/20-1/3 HP. Over 10,000 models can use this relay. Now that's versatile!

UET120

Now that we have confused you with compressor relays of various flavors, lets look at the defrost system. You are probably aware that a refrigerator defrost system generally includes some sort of activation for the defrost cycle. New models often use an Adaptive Defrost Board that is tied into thermistors to initiate the cycle. Older models were generally activated by a mechanical defrost timer.

The UET120 is a great stock keeping piece for those older units. It looks and mounts like a mechanical timer, but inside the unit there is a board that can be programmed with characteristics to replicate many of those older timers. Again, very versatile.

ML45

The defrost timer kicks off the defrost cycle. To make sure the freezer doesn't defrost TOO much, a defrost thermostat is used. Also known as a defrost limiter, Supco makes universal ones that go in 5 degree increments from 45-60 degrees, from there they continue in 10 degree increments all the way to 90 degrees. This week we are featuring the popular 45 degree thermostat, ML45.

SLT50

Would you like your defrost thermostat to come with a mounting clip? Well that's no problem. The SLT series of defrost thermostats can take care of that. This week we feature the 50 degree thermostat, SLT50.

SH250

As the refrigerator defrosts, condensation can be a problem. Evaporative drip pans can usually solve the problem. However, sometimes the drain can frost up or even freeze over. If a frozen drain tube is a problem, the SH250 might help. This is basically an small element that fits into the drain tube and can prevent ice build up.

SM999

There is one more Supco product to highlight in the evaporator area. That would be the universal evaporator motor SM999. Over the year many different evaporator motor have come and gone from the makers of refrigerators. For those discontinued motors, this kit can often fill the need. A variety of install parts make it suitable for use in most older refrigerators.

SC1002

The last Supco item we are looking at today is their "universal" cold control.  Designed for freezer installation it has an adjustable temperature range of -7-40 degrees F. It can be either screw mounted for permanent installation, or temporary installation can be achieved with the included suction cup mount.

Before we sign off today, we would like your feedback. Supco stocks many parts for usage in HVAC systems. If you are a frequent user of Supco HVAC parts, please let your account manager know which items make the grade for your truck stock. We value your input.

          For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

Kelly's Korner - Pets and Appliances

Hey, All,

I don't know about you, but I love cruising Facebook and watching animal videos.  Yeah, yeah, I'm a cat lady but I keep it down to two only.  But then I have two ferrets and a part-time pug, and if one of them isn't getting into something, one of the others is.

Having pets is like having small children - constant vigilance!  I love my pets but they are sneaky - especially the ferrets - and like to get into places that they are not supposed to be - the dryer, dishwasher, etc.  Who wouldn't like to curl up in a pile of nice clean, warm laundry?  Be kind to your pets and check your appliances before shutting the door and turning it on.

Creative Commons license on image.

Pets are also curious when you have new people in the house - they want to "help" by checking out purses, toolboxes, or other cases, or monitoring what is going on by getting right in the middle of the action.  Please be courteous when you have professional people in the house, and keep your pets contained.  Yes, it is your pets' home, too, but when it comes to having a repair or salesperson in your home, your pets may not react to them in a friendly manner.  And the repair job may take longer if the tech has to keep removing pets from where he's working, or in the case of ferrets, having to retrieve items the ferrets have stolen out of their tool box.

I have also answered so many calls from techs in the customer's homes where the dogs are constantly barking and making it really hard to hear what the tech needs for the repair.  If you can put the dogs in another room until the tech or salesperson leaves, it makes an easier time for all.  Also, you sure wouldn't want anyone to be injured if your dog took a major dislike to the tech.

So, be kind to your four-legged kids and keep them out of your appliances and away from service/sales people and everyone will be happy campers!

Have a great week!

Memorial Day

   W.L. May Company salutes and remembers those who gave their life in the service of our country.

Holiday Weekend Schedule

W.L. May Company Holiday Weekend Hours
Regular Hours Saturday, May 23 9-1.
Closed Monday May 25 in observance of Memorial Day
Regular Hours resume Tuesday  May 26 7:30-5:30

Throwback Thursday: News Recap May 21st, 2015

If you have been reading the W.L. May Blog but haven't checked us out on Facebook, Twitter or Google+, you may not be getting the whole story. We use all of those social media outlets to share news stories that relate to our industry as well as appliance tips we have found from other sources. Here is a recap of some of the top stories we have seen lately. So without further ado:

We start with some consumer friendly articles we feel would be great for sharing:

• Here are some laundry tips from the folks at the Today Show. LINK
• The Washington post suggested that using your dishwasher can save time, water and energy. LINK
• The Star Beacon offered tips for dishwasher maintenance LINK
• The Today Show had tips for cleaning a front load washer LINK

Next, we look at the manufacturers and how they have been in the news recently:

• What is going on with the Electrolux/GE acquisition? Louisville Business First attempted to answer that question. LINK
• Kenmore issued a product recall for certain ranges LINK

We found some articles that might be of interest to those of you who love all thing appliances:

• A celebration of the humble refrigerator magnet. LINK
• Sometimes all those features on newer appliances just seem like overload. LINK
• A Tennessee man has invented a product that he predicts will eliminate the need for laundry detergent LINK

Sometimes, the links we post are related to technology, business or happenings on the internet:

• Oceanside, CA suggested using grey water from washers for lawn irrigation. LINK
• Sears is trying to bring big data to the appliance repair table. LINK
• Bakersfield official suggest using grey water from washing machines to water lawns, but the rules don't make things easy. LINK

We close with few just for fun stories:

• Laundry can be a chore...or it can be an act of love LINK
• This guy has lost too many socks in the laundry LINK
• Attempting to limit food waste created a new set of problems LINK

For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

Wednesday Weekly Stock: Dryer Kits, Venting, and Cords

Every week at W.L. may we have several items we feature as good parts to consider adding to your stock. These parts also have special pricing available. For pricing details, ask your account representative for more information. This week we return to the laundry room to look at a few things for dryers.

A clothes dryer is traditionally pretty simple technology. As a result, many dryers can keep working for years. After many years of use some of the softer and more involved with friction parts naturally will wear.

A dryer maintenance kit will offer several of those "high wea' items in one convenient package. The idea is, if you are in fixing one of the items in the kit, likely the other items included in the kit will also be showing signs of wear. It only makes sense to replace all of those parts while you are inside the machine making your repair.

Dryer maintenance kits offer a convenient grouping of related parts, which make the a great choice for the do-it-yourself crowd. It is usually true that the kits a re less expensive than buying the parts included individually. From a marketing perspective, maintenance kits can also help persuade consumers to allow full maintenance servicing (which, as we already mentioned, is probably a good idea anyway), when the initial call may have been for only one of the parts in the kit.

4392065

Whirlpool, for years, has offered a few dryer maintenance kits, depending on the size of the dryer being serviced. For 29" dryers built after 2007 the kit is part number 4392065. The kit includes a belt, idler pulley and a pair of support rollers with clips. You also get instructions which if you are professional repair person you probably will not need.

4392067

On smaller 27" Whirlpool dryers made after 2007 a different kit is used. Like the kit for the 29" units, this comes with a belt. Differences include 4 instead of 2 support rollers. Also the idler is pulley only. No idler arm included. The part number for this kit 4392067.

5304461262

Electrolux also provides maintenance kits for it's dryers. The Frigaidaire (and related brands) dryers produced from 1992-2001 use kit number 5304461262. Included in the kit is a rear drum bearing kit. The kit also provides new upper and lower felts for the front of the drum. To round out the kit a belt, idler pulley, high temp advesive, lubricant and instructions are included as well.

5304457724

Design changes on the 2002 Frigidaire dryers prompted changes to the kit. For models 2002-present, the kit to use is part number 5304457724. This has the newer style of front bearing as well as the lower front felt, rear drum bearing kit, idler pulley, belt, adhesive, lubricant, and instructions.

DVC202

The kits we have been looking at so far have to do with maintaining the mechanics of the dryer. For a dryer to work properly, however, not only do the mechanics have to be in order but you need good air flow. 

Air flow can be impeded by lint build up in the vent hose. Not only will this cause your dryer to perform poorly, but it can also present a very real fire hazard. In fact, lint build up is the number one cause of dryer fires and dryer fires themselves are one of the most common causes for home fires.

To reduce the risk of fire, it is recommended that you clean your dryer vent lines periodically. Many service companies offer this service. W.L. May Company stocks a kit that make those service calls easier and also is consumer friendly. 

Linteater is the name of the product and its part number is DVC202. Included in the kit are 2 line clearing brushes in 2 1/2" and 4" sizes. You get 4 36" flexible rods to connect to those brushes on one side and your cordless drill on the other. Also in the kit is a blockage removal tool, adapters for both a vacuum and the dryer and instructions on how to make it all work. This really is a great product.

E4E

Installing a dryer sometimes requires more than elbow grease. Sometimes it requires an actual elbow-for the vent line. When that happens the E4E comes into play. This is a 4" hard pipe elbow for dryer vent lines.

CS400

Working with the ducting also may require some duct hose clamps. We stock both worm screw and pinch types of clamps. The pinch clamps are part number CS400. These can be purchased individually, but for stock you might consider getting a bundle of 50, that's how they come from the manufacturer.

WX09X10002

The lastitems we are looking at, but far from least important, is power cords, or pigtails. For a 4 foot 3 wire 30amp the pigtail part number is WX09X10002.

WX09X10018

In some jurisdictions, building codes require using a 4 wire power cord. The 4 foot 4 wire 30 amp cord is in stock under part number WX09X10018.

         For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

Kelly's Korner - Multipurpose Appliances

Hey, All,

I've been seeing all kinds of appliances that will do more than one thing and I'm kinda curious about what you all think about them.  I'm talking about like the microhoods (over the range vent hood and microwave combo), refrigerators with coffeemakers or computers in them, machines that both wash and dry clothes, etc.

Now, I do understand the need for some of these things - if you have a very small kitchen, a microhood frees up counterspace where a microwave would sit.  I personally don't care for them because I'm short and these are over my head.

But what happens when part of the unit breaks and it can't be fixed (usually because parts are no longer available or way expensive)?  For example, the blower motor goes out on the vent hood and is no longer available, but the microwave still works fine.  Do you replace the whole thing?  Or just go without a vent?

Or the coffemaker quits working that is built into your refrigerator - do you call your regular appliance repairman or a small appliance repairman?  Not to mention if your refrigerator had a computer built into it - again, appliance or computer repair company?  See what kind of training these techs need in this day and age?

So my questions to the service companies out there:  Do you find your customer replacing these or just truckin' on till the whole unit gives up?  Do your techs have training for these built in accessories?  If yes, where do you get the training?  If not, would you like to see training classes available for these?  Are these combo units worth investing in?

Give me your opinion - I would love to hear them!

Have a great week!

Monday Motivation

Live daringly, boldly, fearlessly. Taste the relish to be found in competition – in having put forth the best within you. ~ Henry J. Kaiser

          For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

Friday Featured W.L. May Employee: Kim "Kay" Wridge

This is the part of the blog where we share a little about ourselves. Today we would like to introduce you to one of the people that help provide you with our famously fast and accurate customer service.

Name? Kim Wridge,  also known as  “Kay” only here at W.L. May.

Job Title? Customer Service Front Counter

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Portland, Oregon.

How long have you been with W.L. May? I started with W. L. May in June 2012 so 3 years now.

What did you do prior to joining W.L. May? Prior to coming to W. L. May I worked for Stan’s Refrigeration and Appliance for 3 years.  I fell into the industry quite by accident as I was working for Boise Cascade Wood Products as an Administrative Specialist (glorified secretary).  When the housing and lumber market took a dive so did the mill.

What do you enjoy doing when you're not at work? I enjoy playing softball which I have played for years.  Especially now that my daughter Sammi is older and we play on the same teams together.  She works here at W. L. May with me now as well.  I also enjoy reading and quiet time as well.

To what do you credit your success? I credit my success to my parents who taught me how to listen and learn along with work ethic and common sense.

What do you like about working at WL May? I enjoy working with all of the people at W. L. May and building rapport with the customers.  There is definitely a wide variety of personalities.

Can you share one piece of advice for others in our industry? Keep your eyes and ears open.  Be receptive to change and listen to your customers.  You can learn a lot by just listening.  Patience, which is not my strong suit by any means, really is a virtue and is something that I work on improving daily.

Can you share something most people do not know about you? Most people do know this about me unfortunately.  I have a lot of cats.  Crazy cat woman, that’s me.  No rodent problems at home however and I live in the sticks.

For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

Thursday Tweets: Dishwasher Style

While looking through our Twitter feed we found these tweets to share with you.

The first post we see today addresses one of the great problems of our time.

The greatest threat to marriage today is effective communication about whether the dishes in the dishwasher are clean or dirty.

— Prentice Elliott (@PrenticeElliott) May 12, 2015

Of course, there are other ways a dishwasher might interfere with marital bliss.

Put my great grandmother’s cast iron pan in the dishwasher if you want to. I will take your head clean off your shoulders with the same pan.

— Samantha Reine (@CuzImAReinegade) May 12, 2015

Sometimes, the best of intentions can wrong too.

Daddy, what's not dishwasher safe? Oh, that means one day daddy will think he's helping by loading the dishwasher but get yelled at for it.

— Simon Holland (@simoncholland) May 4, 2015

Of course, it could be that someone has unrealistic expectations.

Some people say you should rinse your plates before putting them in the dishwasher. I say HAVE HUMANS ACHIEVED NOTHING?!?!?!?!?!?!

— Joe Hildebrand (@Joe_Hildebrand) May 10, 2015

Some folks DO appreciate how good they have it, though.

They say diamonds are a girl's best friend, but today it is my dishwasher.

— American Housewife (@WhatIDoAllDay) May 12, 2015

Appreciation can take several forms.

Hubs just told me which dishwasher we are buying... Kinda turned me on. :) #marriage

— Debbie (@gizzydebbie) May 7, 2015

Sometime's your spouse deserves the thanks, other times it is all you.

Just opened my dishwasher to empty it and it was already emptied (by me, last night at 11 pm) -- it's called treating yourself, ladies!!!!

— Caity Weaver (@caityweaver) May 7, 2015

With less planning, you may still have a chore to do. With a little luck, this is as bad as it gets.

Pretty sure my major accomplishment for today is going to be unloading the dishwasher. #lifewithatoddler #toddlerlife #winning

— Amanda Serenity Now (@SerenityNowGirl) May 12, 2015

When you do get around to washing those dishes, take quick look in the machine before you start loading it.

Always check your dishwasher pic.twitter.com/BChBMgjmTA

— Barbara Purpura (@barbara_purpura) May 11, 2015

Have great day and keep on smiling!

          For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

Wednesday Weekly Stock: Washing Machine Related

Every week at W.L. may we have several items we feature as good parts to consider adding to your stock. These parts also have special pricing available. For pricing details, ask your account representative for more information. This week we return to the laundry room to look at a few things for washing machines.

48368

Perhaps the most essential ingredient in doing a load of laundry would be the water. Obviously, the washing machine needs to be connected to a water supply and fill hoses are how the water gets to the machine.

As it turns out, fill hoses can also be the cause of a lot of damage and expense. A burst hose can release a lot of water, which is a problem when there is someone in the home to deal with it. The thing is, hoses seem to like to burst when there is no one around do deal with the problem. This  can lead to standing water and extensive property damage.

A good recommendation to prevent problems from burst hoses is to use a hose that is wrapped with stainless steel mesh. These hoses do cost a little more, but only a little, and the protection they provide greatly outweighs the expense. One of the most popular lengths is 5 foot and we stock it under part 48368 from EZ-Flo.

20752

In the event that a hose does burst, or a leak occurs, a drip pan under the washing machine can help to minimize damage. This drip pan from Camco is 30"x32" and can capture a lot of water. It comes with a 20 inch drain attachment that can be connected if there is an available drain.

W10135699

High efficiency front load washers have been popular sellers for a while now. The efficiency in water and power usage is the big draw. Due to the front load design, a door boot is used in front of the drum to provide a tight seal since the door is below the water line. Unfortunately water has been known to collect in the folds of the boot causing the growth of bacteria and a funky unpleasant smell.

Affresh is the Whirlpool endorsed solution to the problem. A "hockey puck" tablet of cleaner is run through a cycle on the machine to clean out those nasty smells and their cause. The most popular version of Affresh is sold for consumer use with three tablets to a package. Its part number is W10135699.

W10549846

If you wanted to stock up, you can get a 5 puck box and a lower per unit price. Just ask for part W10549846.

W10189713

There is a triple strength Affresh that is also available. This is not intended for consumers, but rather for technicians who have been called out to service a, let's be delicate, fragrant washing machine. Being a stronger concentration it will do a very good job of getting rid of the source of the smell. When the consumer sees how well Affresh took care of the problem, it is a no-brainer to suggest they might like to purchase a 3 or 5 pack of Affresh for ongoing maintenance.

24002

Some people have concerns about powders residues from using a dry product. For those folks, Washer Magic provides a liquid solution to clean door boots and other parts of the washing machines interior. It is in stock at W.L. May right now under part number 24002.

00089

Finally this week, we look at a laundry product that is not for the machine, but is for the clothes themselves. White clothing can be hard to get clean and bright. Bleach works well, but can be damaging to colors.

White Brite is engineered to bring out the white in your clothing and really make your clothes "brite". A nice side feature is that the formula is friendly to colors and will  generally not cause fading, Also, if you are like me, and a little on the clutzy side, White Brite won't leave spots behind like bleach will if you accidentally get some on your colored garments.

Naturally, we keep White Brite in stock and you can order it under part number 00089.

      For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

Kelly's Korner - Technicians Wanted

Hey, All,

I am asked at least several times a month if I know of any appliance technicians looking for a job because the company I am talking to is looking for one.

Good techs are hard to find.  And it's getting harder.  Much like your disappearing shade tree mechanic, today's technology requires a good understanding of electronics, too.  With all the computer boards in both appliances and automobiles, today's technician had to be a computer whiz.

If you decide you want to be an appliance technician - how do you get training?  There are several ways.  If you can find a company that is a train-as-you-go (apprentice program), you can get in on the ground floor and usually work in-shop with an experienced tech in diagnosing and repairing appliances that are brought into the shop for repair.  Then doing ride-alongs with the field techs before going on your own.

Check your local colleges:  Community and technical are best for this.  They may have a course available for you to learn the business.

Fred's Academy:  Located in Madison, OH, Fred's (see video) work's with the appliance manufacturers and offers a 3 week hands on course in appliance repair.  They have rooms available to stay in during the course.  You will get hands on training from a working appliance repair business and, at the end of the course, take nationally recognized tests to be a certified technician.  They also deal with customer service and running your own business. Check them out on Facebook, too!

In my 14 years of working with WL May, I've been proud to help new businesses and established ones grow their business - kinda like watching your children grow, I've been so involved in a lot of them.  It is one of the best parts of my job.

So, if you are a bit technically inclined and looking for a career change or to start a new one, check into becoming an appliance tech - there are lots of jobs available out there!

Have a great week!

Motivation Monday

                         For success, attitude is equally as important as ability.-Harry F. Banks

               For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

Happy Mothers Day

To all the Mom's out there: Happy Mothers Day from all of us at W.L. May Company 

For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

Throwback Thursday: News Recap May 7th, 2015

If you have been reading the W.L. May Blog but haven't checked us out on Facebook, Twitter or Google+, you may not be getting the whole story. We use all of those social media outlets to share news stories that relate to our industry as well as appliance tips we have found from other sources. Here is a recap of some of the top stories we have seen lately. So without further ado:

We start with some consumer friendly articles we feel would be great for sharing:

• Summer is just around the corner, is your window air conditioner ready? LINK

Next, we look at the manufacturers and how they have been in the news recently:

• Kitchenaid unveiled a new 5 door refrigerator design. LINK
• A look at GE's recent past and it's future. Strangely absent are comments on the appliance division. LINK
• If you are in California and sell Whirlpool branded Energy Star appliances, you may be interested in this lawsuit. LINK
• Frigidaire released a new suite of kitchen appliances. LINK

We found an article that might be of interest to those of you who love all thing appliances:

• IKEA proposed we wouldn't need refrigerators in just 10 years. LINK
• It seems like a lot of effort is being put into low power washing machine designs. Here is another example. LINK

Sometimes, the links we post are related to technology, business or happenings on the internet:

• Wall Street Journal reported on some disturbing trends for the repair industry. LINK
• In the UK, Formula 1 technology makes commercial refrigerators more efficient. LINK

We close with few just for fun stories:

• Here is fun little story about married life, hunting and washing machines. LINK
• Then there was a puntastic look at a laundrymat as a singles bar. LINK

For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

Wednesday Weekly Stock: Temperature Testers, Cleaners and a Tool

Every week at W.L. may we have several items we feature as good parts to consider adding to your stock. These parts also have special pricing available. For pricing details, ask your account representative for more information.

DTK2

Accurate appliance diagnosis and repair sometimes requires specific measurements of temperature. A great tool for temperature testing is the UEI dual input digital thermometer. With a temperature span of  -328 to 1, 832 DEG F, this rugged meter features large easy to read figures on its display screen. The meter comes packaged with 2 test leads, a protective carrying case, a 9v battery and a manual.

MT012A

Believe it or not, there are still a few long time servicer techs out there who do not like or really trust digital meters. We are not so sure why, as this technology has been around for quite a while and seems to perform well. Regardless, a person is entitled to their preferences. For those folks, or for people looking for an inexpensive temperature tester, we offer the MT012A from UEI. With an analog gauge, this meter has a range of 0-1200 DEG F and comes with a carrying case, test leads, and instructions.

31462A

In a previous post we talked about some cleaners like L30443208 and 31464. This week we look at a similar product designed for cleaning stainless steel appliances. Whirlpool has stainless steel polishing creme with a "no shake needed" formula. In addition to cleaning stainless steel in appliances, it is great for cleaning sinks and grills.

W10355049

Another solution for the problem of cleaning stainless, provided by Whirlpool, are cleaning wipes. Even easier than polishing creme, the pre-moistened wipes can remove fingerprints and smudges on your stainless steel appliances, large or small.

TRTD-1

Finally this week we look at a popular hand tool. TRTD-1 is an industrial quality 8 in 1 screw driver. With interchangeable tips, this tool has two sizes of phillips head drivers, two sizes of flat blade drivers and 4 different sizes of security torx bit drivers. This is a pretty versatile tool for a minimal investment in price and storage space.

      For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

Kelly's Korner - Happy Cinco de Mayo

Hola, Amigos!

Wow!  I learn something every day!  In researching this post, I went to the History Channel website to get some background on the holiday of Cinco de Mayo.  I always thought it was to celebrate Mexico's Independence Day, which is September 16th, but it is not.  It is to celebrate the Mexican Army's victory over France in the Battle of Puebla.  France in Mexico?  Click the link above to read all about it.  Most Mexican's don't even celebrate this holiday!

But, in the true American way of celebrating our diverse cultures, it is a big holiday here to celebrate our Mexican heritage.  Like St Patrick's day where everyone is Irish for the day, whether we have any Mexican in us or not, we do celebrate this holiday with food, drink and decorations.  We Americans are always up for a party!

Now, whether you choose to really Americanize it and hit Taco Bell and tip some tequila in a fruitista, join in your local celebration and get authentic food and drink, or make it yourself, I hope you have a great and safe time.

Here is a great and easy recipe for pico de gallo (pronounced peeko dee guy-o) that can be used on top of tacos or just as a dip for tortilla chips.

Pico de Gallo

Dice up equal quantities of Roma tomatoes and yellow or red onions - the more people you need to feed the bigger the amounts.

Slice one or two jalapeno peppers in half and scrape out white membrane and seeds and dice very fine. (If you like it spicy, leave in some of the membrane)

Coarsely chop up fresh cilantro - at least one or more cups depending on the size of the batch you are making.

Dump togerther in a bowl and squeeze the juice of  1/2 to 1 whole lime and sprinkle with salt.  Adjust salt and jalapenos to taste.

Vaya con Dios, Amigos!

Monday Motivation

Have a very good reason for everything you do. ~ Laurence Olivier

               For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE

PSOC Convention

The PSOC is the Professional Servicers Of California. Started in 1955, they are a trade organization dedicated to increasing the skill set of appliance and electronic servicers. They work with Sacramento regulatory agencies to defend the rights and standards of the service trades.

In addition to lobbying, the organization is committed to providing technical training to it's members. A large amount of that training is available at their annual convention occurring later this month, May 14-17. To register and for more information visit the PSOC website.

This year the training will be in Buena Park, CA in the shadow of the roller coasters at Knotts Berry Farm. Training will be offered on Whirlpool, Electrolux and LG Laundry and Refrigerators, Samsung and U-Line Refrigerators, and Bosch Dishwashers. In addition, on the business side of things, they will be talking about doing business with AIG, California regulations and licensing, the state of the industry.

As always, we support continuing educations for appliance servicers. The PSOC is a great opportunity for California service techs to improve their skills. We will be attending and hope to see you there as well. If you make down make sure to stop by and say hello to Todd.

            For more education and entertainment from W.L. May Company click...HERE