malachi constant
Senior Member
- Location
- Minneapolis
Hi all,
Consulting engineer here. We recently had a couple different contractors request using these devices in a new construction situation on a a couple different projects. (Buildings that may well have the devices in place for 50+ years.) These type of devices are not allowed per our specs, but we are always open to considering alternate means. I intend to advise the Owner as follows, but would appreciate feedback from this group as to the accuracy / fairness of my comments:
* Many or most stab-lock and snap-type device installations may stand the test of time, but standard side-screw devices are the only sure thing.
* Lev-Lok and SNAPconnect are proprietary products that are not typically kept in stock, or at least are not typically in the contractor's service truck. Whoever does call backs on these will likely throw the quick-connect device away and install a standard device.
* In the interests of wanting to provide a facility that is likely to stand the test of time we recommend standard devices. However if an Owner is open to the savings presented by these devices we recommend 2% [or whatever] spares for all types of devices, and full ten year material-and-labor warranty, with parts NOT coming out of Owner's attic stock.
Maybe that last part is extreme, but we live and die by keeping our clients satisfied, and we keep most of our clients for decades, and we have a lot of clients. I have a vested interest in avoiding installations that are more likely than others to cause issues down the road. But I'm open to alternate means and would appreciate your feedback.
Thanks!
Consulting engineer here. We recently had a couple different contractors request using these devices in a new construction situation on a a couple different projects. (Buildings that may well have the devices in place for 50+ years.) These type of devices are not allowed per our specs, but we are always open to considering alternate means. I intend to advise the Owner as follows, but would appreciate feedback from this group as to the accuracy / fairness of my comments:
* Many or most stab-lock and snap-type device installations may stand the test of time, but standard side-screw devices are the only sure thing.
* Lev-Lok and SNAPconnect are proprietary products that are not typically kept in stock, or at least are not typically in the contractor's service truck. Whoever does call backs on these will likely throw the quick-connect device away and install a standard device.
* In the interests of wanting to provide a facility that is likely to stand the test of time we recommend standard devices. However if an Owner is open to the savings presented by these devices we recommend 2% [or whatever] spares for all types of devices, and full ten year material-and-labor warranty, with parts NOT coming out of Owner's attic stock.
Maybe that last part is extreme, but we live and die by keeping our clients satisfied, and we keep most of our clients for decades, and we have a lot of clients. I have a vested interest in avoiding installations that are more likely than others to cause issues down the road. But I'm open to alternate means and would appreciate your feedback.
Thanks!