Equipment Guides Articles - Get the Most Out Of Your Gear

KNOW EQUIPMENT

Get the most out of your facility's gear and equipment with our buying guides, checklists, articles and how-to videos.

Equipment

Industrial Lubricants: Types, Uses and How to Spot Problems

What KnowHow Are You Looking For?

Equipment

Caulking vs. Sealants: What Facility Managers Need to Know

Find out when to use caulk vs. sealants. Learn about materials, performance and get maintenance tips to help boost energy efficiency, prevent damage and keep your facility compliant and safe.

10/03/25

Equipment

Tankless Water Heaters vs. Storage Tank Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters could save money on energy costs compared to storage tank heaters, but there are things to consider before you decide to make the switch.

10/01/25

Equipment

HVAC Winter Prep and Maintenance

This article explains why it's important to do semi-annual HVAC system checkups and offers step-by-step advice on regular HVAC maintenance.

09/23/25

Equipment

Stick Together: Choose the Right Adhesive

Many adhesive products are designed to bind to specific materials. A glue that forms a strong bond to glass or metal may attach poorly to a more porous material like fabric or wood.

09/19/25

Equipment

Floor Marking Guide: Tape, Shapes and OSHA Best Practices

Find out how using floor marking systems can help facilities organize work areas, address OSHA requirements and create safer, more efficient operations.

09/17/25

Equipment

Why More Workers Are Wearing Cooling Vests in the Heat

Learn why cooling vests are becoming more popular in construction, landscaping, warehouses, fast food and other industries.

09/16/25

Abrasives

Sandpaper Grit Charts & Grades

03/06/24

Guide To Electrical Contact Cleaners

06/08/22

4 Tips for Preventing Corrosion

04/15/22

Ask the Experts: Choose the Right Type of Grinding Wheel for the Job

04/28/20

Ask the Experts: Surface Grinding Wheel Safety

05/08/19

Characteristics of Abrasives

08/08/18

Adhesives, Sealants and Tape

Caulking vs. Sealants: What Facility Managers Need to Know

10/03/25

Stick Together: Choose the Right Adhesive

09/19/25

Floor Marking Guide: Tape, Shapes and OSHA Best Practices

09/17/25

10 Must-Have Plumbing Tools and Supplies for Any Emergency

09/16/25

Top 10 Commercial Painting Supplies Needed for Every Job

10/01/16

Cleaning and Janitorial

10 Must-Have Plumbing Tools and Supplies for Any Emergency

09/16/25

10 Must-Have Window Cleaning Supplies and Tools

02/22/24

Selecting the Right Shop or Wet/ Dry Vacuum for Your Maintenance Needs

09/21/23

Do Floor Cleaning Pad Colors Matter?

03/08/23

How to Choose the Right Floor Cleaning Machine for Your Facility

02/10/23

Choosing the Right Trash Bag Size

07/15/22

Guide To Electrical Contact Cleaners

06/08/22

Hand Sanitizer Safety Guide: Storing and Dispensing

11/30/21

Biodegradable Garbage Bags vs. Compostable Bags

10/05/21

Are You Drying Your Hands the Right Way?

05/18/20

Bleach and Mold: Busting the Myth

07/01/19

8 Must-Have Cleaning Supplies to Buy in Bulk

01/01/19

How to Clean Floors by Type of Flooring

01/01/17

Electrical

EV Charging and More: 10 Uses for Portable Generators

04/01/24

NEMA Plug Configuration Chart

09/13/23

Electrical Safety: Choosing the Right Extension Cord

04/25/23

Product Guide to Electrical Conduit and Fittings

02/21/22

9 Tips for Wire and Cord Management at Work

12/07/20

What Are Surge Protectors and How to Choose One to Buy

07/15/19

What Is a Current Transformer?

05/01/17

Circuit Breaker Types & Replacement Guide

03/01/17

Electronics & Batteries

Choosing the Right Two-Way Radios for Business and Emergencies

11/17/23

Can You Ace This True or False Battery Maintenance Quiz?

01/23/23

Fasteners

Types of Washers And How They Are Used

09/15/25

10 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fastener

06/03/24

Wall Anchor Types & Selection Guide

03/27/24

Choosing the Right Type of Screw

07/26/19

Thread Galling Basics

09/01/17

Fleet & Vehicle Maintenance

Generators Guide: How to Choose and Maintain the Right Generator

08/31/22

6 Uses for Quick Connect Couplers

07/22/20

Furnishings, Appliances & Hospitality

Office Ergonomics Choosing an Adjustable Desk

12/13/21

Commercial Kitchen Supplies and Equipment Checklist

11/01/17

HVAC and Refrigeration

HVAC Winter Prep and Maintenance

09/23/25

5 HVAC Emergencies And How to Avoid Them

08/19/25

What Is MERV Rating? Air Filter Rating Chart

05/24/25

Guide to Choosing an Air Curtain

02/05/24

How to Choose the Right Dehumidifier

09/12/23

Selecting the Right Industrial Air Filters and Cleaners

06/14/23

How to Choose the Right Exhaust Fan

03/17/23

The Humidifier Guide: How to Choose and Use a Humidifier

01/31/23

Roof Vent Types: Choosing the Right Rooftop Ventilator

01/04/23

Types of Pressure Relief Valves

11/01/22

Replacement Thermostat Guide

02/10/22

Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner Guide

08/17/21

Portable Air Conditioner Guide

05/05/21

Evaporative Cooler & Swamp Cooler Guide

05/03/21

Portable Heater Guide: Choosing the Best Space Heater for Your Location

11/18/20

Portable Air Purifiers and Cleaners: What You Need to Know

09/15/20

HEPA Air Filters: A Productivity Lifesaver

07/01/19

Centrifugal Fan Types: A Selection Guide to Keep the Air Moving

12/10/18

Air Conditioner Maintenance Guide

03/15/18

Commercial Kitchen Supplies and Equipment Checklist

11/01/17

Hardware

5 Considerations for Selecting Drawer Slides

09/04/25

Types of Door Weatherstripping and Thresholds

04/04/22

Types of Door Locks and Their Security Level

01/18/22

Types of Springs and Their Uses

07/25/19

Hex Head Cap Screw Technical Information Guide

07/01/19

Hinge Selection Table

07/01/17

Hydraulics

Types of Hydraulic Presses and How They Work

01/12/21

Jaws of Life, Other Types of Hydraulic Rescue Tools & Their Uses

07/31/19

Lab Supplies

Types of Balances and Scales

05/31/23

How to Use and Read a Hydrometer

12/16/22

Guide To Electrical Contact Cleaners

06/08/22

Guide to Laboratory Bottles and Jars

01/11/21

Laboratory Beaker Guide: Types, Materials and Cleaning

11/16/20

4 Advantages of Wireless Precision Measuring Tools

09/23/20

What Is Ethidium Bromide?

05/20/20

Bunsen Burners, Meker Burners and Tirrill Burners: What's the Difference?

05/12/20

How Does Autoclave Sterilization Work?

04/28/20

How To Clean and Maintain Precision Balances and Analytical Balances

04/22/20

How to Clean Laboratory Glassware

04/03/20

Micropipette and Pipette Storage Tips

02/05/20

How Does a Fume Hood Work?

02/04/20

Choosing the Right Water Testing Equipment for Your Facility

02/04/20

pH Electrode Types and Uses

07/17/19

Microscope Types, Parts and Terms

07/16/19

Lighting

10 Must-Have Plumbing Tools and Supplies for Any Emergency

09/16/25

Increase Lighting Efficiency with LED Drivers and Fluorescent Ballasts

12/04/23

Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Lighting

10/08/23

Guide To Choosing the Right Flashlight

11/02/22

Choosing the Right LED Replacement Bulb

03/04/22

Types of Outdoor Lighting and Installation

01/27/22

Lighting Controls: Key Terms and Cutting-Edge Concepts

08/12/21

5 Reasons to Upgrade Lighting Controls (Beyond Energy Efficiency)

07/26/21

What to Consider When Choosing a Light Bulb

07/30/19

Broken Parts: How to Properly Dispose of Sharp Objects

07/01/19

Types of Lighting Control Systems

06/01/17

Figure Out What Type of Fluorescent Light Bulb You Need

12/31/16

Lubrication

6 Uses for Quick Connect Couplers

07/22/20

Machining

Precision Measurement: Guide to Calipers

12/01/21

Choosing a Micrometer for the Perfect Fit

10/03/21

4 Advantages of Wireless Precision Measuring Tools

09/23/20

Ask the Experts: Handling and Caring for End Mills and Taps

05/19/20

Choosing the Right Bi-Metal Hole Saw

08/19/19

Ask the Experts: How to Tram a Head on a Manual Mill

05/08/19

Ask The Experts: How to Check Screws on Insert Holders

09/05/18

Ask the Experts: How to Run a CNC Mill Warm Up

09/04/18

Material Handling

How To Choose the Best Configurable Ladder for the Job

04/18/24

Built to Last: Navigating Workbench Options

11/17/23

Choosing the Right Hoist: Chain Falls, Come-Alongs, Electric Hoists and More

10/06/23

Choosing the Right Winch: Pulling, Lifting and More

10/06/23

Storage Container Guide: Bins, Totes, Bulk Containers and Boxes

11/14/22

Advantages of Shrink Wrapping

10/18/22

Choosing The Right Ladder For The Job

09/23/22

Office Ergonomics Choosing an Adjustable Desk

12/13/21

Types of Casters & Wheel Guide

04/07/21

Utility Cart Guide: Metal, Plastic, Wire

02/24/21

Choose the Right Hand Truck, Cart Or Dolly for the Job

02/03/21

Hand Truck Selection Chart

11/11/20

How to Choose the Right Drum Pump

08/15/19

Workbench Height Ergonomics - Are You Working at the Right Height?

05/01/18

Commercial Kitchen Supplies and Equipment Checklist

11/01/17

Top 10 Commercial Painting Supplies Needed for Every Job

10/01/16

Motors

NEMA Motor Frame Chart

01/22/24

How To Choose a Replacement Motor

11/02/23

Troubleshooting Common Motor Problems

10/11/23

Office Supplies

How to Choose Label Printer Supplies for Your Workplace

08/27/25

Guide To Electrical Contact Cleaners

06/08/22

What's Included in a Packaging Station?

05/28/21

Outdoor Equipment

String Trimmer vs. Lawn Edger: Which One Do You Need?

09/04/25

EV Charging and More: 10 Uses for Portable Generators

04/01/24

8 Must-Have Pruning Tools for Outdoor Maintenance

09/12/23

Generators Guide: How to Choose and Maintain the Right Generator

08/31/22

Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklists

06/28/22

12 Cleaning Projects Made Easier By Pressure Washing

06/27/22

Pressure Washer Buying Guide: Choose the Right Pressure Washer for the Job

06/16/22

Generator Sizing Calculation Guide

01/04/22

Portable Generator Safety Guide

01/14/21

How to Shovel Snow Safely

01/03/20

Snow Blower Buying Guide

10/01/17

Packaging & Shipping

How to Choose Shipping Box Size, Shape and Strength

06/13/24

Guide to Protective Packaging Materials for Shipping

03/25/24

4 Tips for Preventing Corrosion

04/15/22

Choose the Right Packaging Tape and Tape Dispensers

08/03/21

Guide to Choosing the Right Stretch Wrap

07/25/21

Guide to Protective Packaging and Void Fill

06/04/21

What's Included in a Packaging Station?

05/28/21

Packaging Guidelines & Shipping Requirements

09/01/17

Paints, Equipment and Supplies

Spray Paint Guide: Types and Tips for Every Project

04/05/24

Guide To Electrical Contact Cleaners

06/08/22

4 Tips for Preventing Corrosion

04/15/22

A Primer on Industrial Paint and Stains

06/24/20

How to Choose the Right Paint Brush or Roller for the Job

04/29/20

Top 10 Commercial Painting Supplies Needed for Every Job

10/01/16

Pipe, Hose, Tube & Fittings

12 Cleaning Projects Made Easier By Pressure Washing

06/27/22

Plumbing

Tankless Water Heaters vs. Storage Tank Water Heaters

10/01/25

Pipes & Pipe Fittings Guide

01/31/24

Easy Answers to Hard Water Problems: How Water Softeners Work

01/02/23

Types of Pressure Relief Valves

11/01/22

Clean That Water: Filtration and Purification Guide

05/26/22

How Do Waterless Urinals Work?

09/29/21

How to Choose the Right Plumbing Pipe

04/02/21

How to Choose the Right Ceiling Tiles

05/27/20

Water Heater Maintenance

03/09/20

What Is a Tankless Water Heater and How to Install One

08/29/19

Stainless Steel vs Carbon Steel Pipes: Which is Right for Your Application

08/08/19

Types of Faucets & Installation Guide

03/01/17

Pneumatics

What Drives Your Impact Wrench? Pneumatic Vs. Cordless Power

10/23/23

Choose the Right Air Compressor for the Job

03/16/22

6 Uses for Quick Connect Couplers

07/22/20

Power Transmission

How To Do V-Belt Maintenance for Electric Motors

09/23/22

How to Select the Right Gearmotor

04/15/22

Types of Belt Drives and How They Improve Efficiency

08/19/19

Pumps

How to Choose the Correct Size Pond Water Pump

09/13/23

Types of Sump Pumps and How They Work

04/15/20

Choosing the Right Pump for the Job

02/04/20

How to Choose the Right Drum Pump

08/15/19

How to Install and Replace a Sump Pump

02/01/17

Safety

Why More Workers Are Wearing Cooling Vests in the Heat

09/16/25

Where and When to Use Antislip Treads, Nosings and Tape

07/18/25

Active vs. Passive Hearing Protection: What’s the Difference?

12/19/23

8 Must-Have Pruning Tools for Outdoor Maintenance

09/12/23

Choosing and Using an AED in the Workplace

02/27/23

How to Select Portable Fire Extinguishers

02/12/23

What Do LOTO Color Codes Mean?

02/03/23

Guide To Choosing Lockout/Tagout Devices

01/12/23

Controlling Traffic with Cones, Barricades and More

11/25/22

How to Choose the Right Anti-Fatigue Mats for Your Workplace

08/26/22

5 Safety Eyewash Station Myths Debunked

06/22/22

Construction Safety Helmets vs. Hard Hats: A New Approach

01/11/21

8 Must-Have Cleaning Supplies to Buy in Bulk

01/01/19

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher in the Workplace

09/01/17

What Is a Sorbent and How Do Sorbents Work?

01/01/17

Security

Types of Door Locks and Their Security Level

01/18/22

Test Instruments

8 Things to Consider When Investing in an Infrared Camera

10/18/22

Generators Guide: How to Choose and Maintain the Right Generator

08/31/22

4 Advantages of Wireless Precision Measuring Tools

09/23/20

6 Uses for Quick Connect Couplers

07/22/20

Tools

10 Must-Have Plumbing Tools and Supplies for Any Emergency

09/16/25

Types of Hammers and Their Uses

09/16/25

5 Tips and Ideas to Organizing Your Workbench

09/03/25

Brushless vs. Brushed Power Tool Motors: What’s the Difference?

08/19/25

5 Tips for Maximizing the Life of Power Tool Batteries

08/19/25

Creative Ways to Use Drills and Drivers

08/15/25

The Many Uses for Oscillating Tools

08/14/25

Sandpaper Grit Charts & Grades

03/06/24

Choosing the Right Cordless Tool Battery

01/23/24

What Drives Your Impact Wrench? Pneumatic Vs. Cordless Power

10/23/23

Choose the Right Drill Bit for Metals and Plastic

05/25/23

What Are the Types of Tool Sets?

04/12/23

Diagnosing Power Tool Problems: 5 Warning Signs and What They Mean

02/23/23

Can You Ace This True or False Battery Maintenance Quiz?

01/23/23

24 Must-Have Woodworking Tools for Your Workshop

10/26/22

Corded vs. Cordless Tools – Which is Better?

09/28/22

5 Trends Driving the Power Tool Industry

09/08/22

Choosing and Using the Right Plier for the Job

09/06/22

Generators Guide: How to Choose and Maintain the Right Generator

08/31/22

What Are All of Those Gadgets on a Multitool?

08/19/22

The Complete Tool Storage and Organization Guide

08/15/22

All About Sockets: Types of Sockets

05/23/22

4 Tips for Preventing Corrosion

04/15/22

Power Tool Face-Off: Air Tools vs. Electric

04/14/22

Drill Drivers vs. Impact Drivers

03/16/22

8 Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Power Tools

02/14/22

How to Choose the Right Plumbing Snake for the Job

01/04/22

Diagnosing Your Power Tools: 5 Warning Signs & What They Mean

07/14/21

The List of Power Tools Every Business Should Have

05/25/21

The List of Hand Tools Your Business Should Have

06/22/20

Types of Saws, Their Uses and Operating Safety Tips

09/02/19

7 Common Power Tool Replacement Parts

07/01/19

101 Applications for Laser Distance Meters

07/01/19

Types of Screwdrivers and Their Uses

06/21/19

Ask the Experts: The Benefits of Indexable Tools

09/05/18

Ask the Experts: Milling Machine Vise Alignment for Quick Changeover

09/04/18

Power Drill Buying Guide & Their Uses

08/31/17

Torque Wrench Types Guide

04/30/17

Power Tool Buying Guide: 5 Essential Power Tools

01/01/17

Welding

Types of Welding and the Tools You Need

02/26/24

How Do Plasma Cutters Work?

05/18/22

Tips for Choosing a Welding Helmet

08/09/21

Choosing Oxy-Fuel vs Plasma Cutting Systems

10/31/19

Ask the Experts: How to Choose the Proper Electrode

05/09/19

Welding Advice from a Mobile Metal Fabricator

10/15/18

Tips on How to Solder for the Best Results

08/10/18

Stick Welding (SMAW) for Equipment Repair

01/01/17

Grainger

Terms of Access

Terms of Sale

Privacy Policy

Help Desk

KnowHow

SAFETY

OPERATIONS

EQUIPMENT

PEOPLE

TRENDS

BREAK ROOM

CONNECT WITH US

SIGN UP FOR EMAIL
Get more great content in your inbox.

QUESTIONS

Call Us
1-800-GRAINGER
(1-800-472-4643)