Sometimes it’s hard to get excited about a tool when it’s, say, a hammer. Don’t get me wrong, hammers are great – but you don’t exactly walk around showing it off. (Or maybe you do. There are a lot of, uh, interesting people out there.) But when a tool points lasers and has an LED screen and computes numbers, it’s a totally different story and level of excitement. And that’s why I’m happy to provide you with this review of the Johnson Measure Laser 40-6004, because it is so much cooler than a hammer. (Again, no offense to you hammer weirdos enthusiasts out there.) [click to continue…]
Tools
Recently, I refinished the hardwood floors for a friend of mine. The refinish included three bedrooms, dining room, living room, and hall. It was a big job. It would have been easier if the hardwood floors hadn’t been previously carpeted and the previous renters’ dogs had been house broken… Every room that had been carpeted had enormous ‘pet’ stains in them. It was bad. Then there were the 12,324 staples I had to remove (which in some cases were rusted). After the staples, I had to deal with the stains and warping. [click to continue…]
I’ve been known to use my full size reciprocating saw for all kinds of tasks, including some slightly unconventional. Armed with a toothy long blade, I’ve made short work of trimming shrubs, trees and large plants. Let’s face it though, a reciprocating saw is not exactly a pocket tool. I’ve wielded them from a ladder one-handed (not recommended), and I think my forearms needed to be about two to three times as big as they currently are. For some smaller tasks, like cutting small pipes, hard to access nails, etc. the reciprocating saw is not only overkill, but it’s often impractical too. What’s the alternative? Usually the hacksaw. I have a confession to make; I’ve never really liked hacksaws. For what they cut, they’re big, cumbersome, hard to keep on-track, and blade changes are a pain. If you’ve ever had a task where a hacksaw just doesn’t do enough and a recip saw does too much, you’ll want to check out the Bosch 12v Mini Reciprocating Saw. [click to continue…]
You thought Channellock just made pliers, didn’t you? As a loyal HomeFixated reader, you of course know that they also make screwdrivers. Now, Channellock has stepped into the level market too, with three recent pro-grade levels, the 615, 620 and 620L. Spoiler alert, the “L” in 620L stands for laser! Who doesn’t love a good laser tool? [click to continue…]
Quick everyone! Run out and get this thing before you even have to start thinking about another Christmas morning! Dads, brothers, uncles, men of all ages….GO!!! I’m serious about this great new cordless power cutter from Skil. Is everyone familiar with adult proof packaging? In its deepest sinister form, it arrives with the crimped edges of hard plastic that will not come apart, no matter… But I digress. I need to start this review in a more professional manner. [click to continue…]
