We need to increase our ability to cordon off areas during dusty work. Currently we use a couple 3rd hand poles with the dust barrier attachment piece on top and they work ok.
I searched the archives for “zip wall” and “dust barrier” and (surprise) I didn’t find much. So my question is, should we stick with the third hand poles or move to the zip wall system. Looking at both web sites, I’m not even sure which one is better, regardless of the cost.
Any one with experience using both?
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Replies
I have both Jon, and for dust containment much prefer the Zip Wall. I think the spring loading makes it faster and easier to set up and adjust and the plate for locking the poly sheet in works great. HTH...
Paul B
I agree, the spring loaded mechanics of the zipwall system make it pretty easy to adjust the plastic. But I also like it because it's so much lighter than the (steel?) 3rd hands.
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
I've never used the Zip Wall system, but I've taken a close look at it several times. In fact, the day I finally decided to bite the bullet and invest in a starter set my hardware salesperson (who sells both) encouraged me to take a look at Third Hands first. I'm glad I did.
I'll admit the Third Hand is heavier, like Justin said, but holy smokes, man, they are so handy. The Zip Wall seems pretty use specific, to me. Tipi, Tipi, Tipi!
http://www.asmallwoodworkingcompany.com
The zipwall system is great for holding up plastic. I have used it in some situations where virtually nothing else would work, even had to make some PVC pipe extensions for them when working in a 14' high room. You probably need a minimum of 4, and 6 would be better. They are somewhat lightweight in terms of quality, so be careful with the springloaded heads. You can't throw them in the truck with your shovels and wheelbarrow and a bunch of 2x4s and expect them to survive.
Jon,
Also check out www.curtain-wall.com They're more like the zip-wall than the 3rd hand poles. I found the site when looking for stick-on zippers and found that they had a pretty good system too. I bought about 8 poles and a bunch of zippers. We demoed the entire first floor of our house (inside) but left the kitchen in tact. Set up time was about 5 minutes across the 14' kitchen opening and we didn't get any dust at all in the kitchen.
I don't know how their prices compare to other systems, but as far as function goes, I couldn't asked for more out of them. Probably worth a look if you're doing research anyway.
I'm not sure what the difference is between their "Speedy Wall" and their "Curtain Wall". I believe mine are of the Speedy Wall variety.
http://www.curtain-wall.com/speedysystem.htm
Edited 3/21/2006 12:10 pm ET by dieselpig
How do the zippers work? The zip wall zippers are ok, but not great. They have real small teeth, and they are pain to open/close after a few days.Speak the truth, or make your peace some other way.
Awesome Dustin. We had one that up that seperated the stair well from the second floor work to the existing first floor. It was up from Sept until January. Subs in and out, us in and out, the dog in and out.... you get the point.
I've still got a few of them. Shoot me an email with your address and I'll stuff one in an envelope for you if you want.View Image
You've got mail. Thanks.Speak the truth, or make your peace some other way.
Sure.View Image
Thanks to all for your replies. I guess I have more research to do.
I'm interested in the 3rd hands because they can do other tasks, but to be honest with myself we've had a pair for over a year and they have not seen much use. Of course, maybe we just don't look for places to use them...
I do like the laser mount for the 3rd hand, that would be nice for our PLS2 or PLS360.
Is it necessary to use the foam ceiling pieces? That is one thing the Zipwall has over the third hand (I don't know if curtainwall has that option). I'm wondering how often those would really be necessary.
Like I said, I have more research to keep me busy...
Jon Blakemore
RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
Jon,
A couple more things: The laser mount for the 3rd hand is about $60. For the same money you can get this one : http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=916543&R=916543
and have an extra pole around too. I've got that robotoolz one in the link and like it very much.
Also, the curtain wall doesn't have any foam ceiling pieces. The top and bottom just have a rubber 'foot' like you'd see on the end of a pair of crutches, I'm not sure if that's a pro or a con.
On price alone though, it seems as though the 3rd hand might be the most economical choice.View Image
"Foam ceiling pieces"? Don't know what they are. Are they to seal the visqueen?
If you have the Third Hands, I guess you know they have a plastic clip that snaps over the foot. You sandwich your visqueen in between the clip and the foot, errect one pole (squeezey handle on floor end so you can reach it without a stepladder) then pull the next one tight. Attach your zipper(s) and presto chango, dust barrier.
Diesel - I tried those zippers a couple years ago. Definately a winner. I even save that piece of visqueen from job to job. Only thing is, I end up giving to admiring customers. You got any sweatshirts for sale?Tipi, Tipi, Tipi!
http://www.asmallwoodworkingcompany.com
Jim,
These are the foam pieces I was referring to.View ImageBTW- that's not me in the pic...
Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA
Confession time!come laugh along with or at old Pif...I've had this job coming up to build a wall of bookcases all along the end of a great open room that was living, dining and kitchen all in one. Had to demo a chimnney flange first so several weeks ago, I thought about these things and when I got a look at prices I decided to stay with my old method of holding a padded plat up and jambing springpoles in under it cut just a smidge long to hold it up. Done it a hundred times for dust control.Well this time for whatever reason, the cieling popped up and cracked right above one pole where we jammed it in too tight - Now I get to patch the cieling and repaiont it for free. I'll probably spend as much or more doing that than what I would have spent on the system.Oh well - not much else went rioght today either.We had the wall all closed off with overlapping flaps for a door, the air cleaner blowing, a window open with wheelbarrow under it, helper holding vacumn near the breaker tip, and got the demo hammer going. I'm half done and out of the corner of my eye, the owner and a friend are holding that access wide open so they can gawk...musta misplaeced their brains today. I let them know what's what and they scurried off like rats off a burning ship.I'm going to be buying a wall full of these toys, guys, along with a sign that says keep out!
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I use the zip wall system, have about 12 poles. When I do the plastic thing I use stud track at the floor and ceiling and my poles in between. I am not impressed with their "zipper", so I typically use the overlaping flap. I also use an air cleaner w/hepa filter. At my "door" there is always a walkoff tacky mat. The mats are expensive but worth it.An inch too short. That's the story of my life !
bstcrpntr --- I hope to grow into this name.