Quick Answers to the Most Searched Questions
In my role coordinating urgent industrial supplies for equipment manufacturers and contractors, I get a wild mix of questions. Some are spot-on about our products—others are about completely different things that share the name "Gates." Below are the six queries I see most often, with straight answers based on what I’ve learned handling hundreds of rush orders.
1. What is Gates (the brand)?
Gates is a global industrial manufacturer specializing in hydraulic hoses, industrial rubber hoses, belts, seals, and engineered rubber & plastic components. When I place a rush order for a 48-hour turnaround on a critical hose assembly, Gates is my go-to because their product range is broad and their quality consistency is solid. According to their official site (gates.com), they've been in business since 1911 and serve industries from construction to mining. If you need a durable, reliable hose or belt, this is the Gates you're probably looking for.
2. What are Eva Gates books in order?
This one throws a lot of people off. Eva Gates is a pen name used by author Vicki Delany for her "Lighthouse Library Mystery" series. As of March 2025, the order is:
- 1. By Book or by Crook (2015)
- 2. Reading Up a Storm (2016)
- 3. The Spook in the Stacks (2017)
- 4. Death by Beach Read (2021)
- 5. Books, Cooks, and Crooks (2022)
- 6. Murder in the Margins (2024)
Totally unrelated to the industrial brand, but I get asked this at least once a month. (I’m not 100% sure on the latest release — check Goodreads to be safe.)
3. Did Bill Gates die?
No. Bill Gates, co‑founder of Microsoft, is alive as of March 2025. This rumor resurfaces regularly despite being false. Per FTC guidelines on advertising and truthfulness (ftc.gov), spreading unsubstantiated claims about a living person violates basic fairness. If you see a headline claiming he died, it’s almost certainly clickbait or a hoax. For current facts, check a reputable news source or his verified Twitter/X account.
4. What is cosplay EVA foam, and does it relate to industrial rubber?
EVA (ethylene‑vinyl acetate) foam is a lightweight, flexible material popular for cosplay props and armor. It's not the same as the rubber compounds Gates works with, but I often talk to customers who confuse the two. EVA foam has no structural strength for hydraulic pressure — it’s strictly for crafts. If you’re making a costume, grab EVA foam from a craft store (thicknesses 2mm–10mm). For industrial seals or gaskets you need EPDM or nitrile rubber. The key difference: EVA is soft and porous; industrial rubber is dense and oil‑resistant. I learned this the hard way when a client tried to use craft foam as a gasket — it failed in ten minutes.
5. How to measure PVC pipe correctly?
PVC pipe is measured by its nominal inside diameter (ID), not the outside. The most common mistake — and I've seen it cost people hundreds in rework — is measuring the outer diameter and assuming it's the size. For example, a 1" PVC pipe has an OD around 1.315", not 1.0". Per USPS Business Mail 101 (pe.usps.com), letter thickness is measured differently, but the principle is the same: always check the official standard. For PVC, the standard is ASTM D1785. Use a caliper, not a tape measure, for accuracy. When you're ordering fittings or connectors, specify the nominal size (e.g., 1" schedule 40). A $20 mistake in measurement can blow your whole budget.
6. EPDM vs Nitrile rubber: Which should you choose?
This is the classic material debate, and I now use total cost of ownership (TCO) thinking to decide.
- EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer): Excellent weather and ozone resistance. Great for outdoor applications, water hoses, and roofing. Not resistant to oils or fuels.
- Nitrile (NBR): Superior oil and fuel resistance. Ideal for hydraulic systems, automotive fuel hoses, and factory oil lines. Poor UV resistance.
From a TCO perspective: A nitrile hose may cost 15–20% more upfront, but if you use it in an oily environment, it will last 3× longer than EPDM. I've seen facilities replace EPDM gaskets every six months while the nitrile ones go three years. That's not just material cost — it's labor, downtime, and rush shipping fees. In my experience, always match the material to the fluid and environment, not the sticker price. (Pricing as of early 2025; verify current quotes.)