Got rafters to install? Or joists, or studs? A lot of builders use trusses for their roofs, even on otherwise stick-built homes; they’re strong, they go in quickly, and they eliminate waste. There are still a LOT of stick-built roofs, though, especially on custom homes, and on every job site, stick-built or not, I guarantee you pretty much every carpenter there will have a speed square. They’re cheap, sturdy, maintenance-free, have no batteries to charge, and are one of the most useful tools you can own. I’ll tell you what you can do with YOUR speed square after the review. (I didn’t mean that the way it sounds…) [Read more...]
The Johnny Square 7” Aluminum Rafter Square & Essential Speed Square Techniques
It Takes Skil to Bring Onboard Bit Storage to the Next Level
One of my first tools was an early Bosch cordless drill. It was back in the days before “Max” had to follow every marketed voltage stat, and before serious power made it into the cordless realm. One feature that it and some other tools at the time had was onboard bit storage. This tool had two double-ended bits that covered just about all the flat and phillips fasteners of the early cordless era. Despite all the amazing advances surrounding cordless drills and drivers, I have to say I miss having convenient bit access. Apparently someone at Skil missed that convenience too. Rather than just tack on a couple bit clips, they completely rethought cordless screwdrivers AND their bits. [Read more...]
Kobalt 32 Piece Double Drive Screwdriver Set Review
I don’t normally gush about new tools. In fact I don’t normally gush about anything. I’m not a gusher. At least not until I used the Kobalt 32 Piece Double Drive Screwdriver Set. Now I’m gushing all over the place. I absolutely love this great hand tool and I’ve already found a million and one uses for it around my workshop and home. It’s even earned a spot on my special tool bench where I keep my most used tools. Out of the last five projects I’ve completed since I’ve had it, I’ve used all five times. Oh and did I mention that I really love this screwdriver? [Read more...]
Milwaukee M4 2-Speed Screwdriver Kit Review
When I was first asked to review the Milwaukee M4 ¼” hex 2-speed screwdriver kit, I was a bit skeptical. I thought for sure that this little screwdriver was going to be just like all the other battery powered handheld screwdrivers I’ve used in the past – worthless. But ever since Milwaukee sent it our way for a review, I can’t stop finding loose screws around the house. [Read more...]
DeWalt Media Event Coverage 2013 – The Latest Tools and News
Get a sneak preview of the next big things coming from DeWalt right here, right now. This is tool journalist Michael Springer checking in with an exclusive industry report just for Home Fixated readers. I just returned from DeWalt’s annual media event where they take us behind the curtain to show off what the brand will be releasing in the next year — and beyond. I can’t reveal everything I saw, but I will share what I am not sworn to secrecy about. [Read more...]
Get Trigger Happy – How to Replace the Trigger Valve on your Bostitch Nail Gun
If you’re a framing carpenter, a hard-core DIYer who loves taking on big projects, or possibly a magician (more on that later), most likely you make use of a stick nailer for much of your framing work. Stick, or framing, nailers are a HUGE time (and arm) saver when you have a lot of 2x4s to bring together. I’ve had my Bostitch N79WW for about 12 years, and it’s launched many a nail, while not receiving much in the way of TLC beyond a few drops of oil in the air fitting before each day’s use. [Read more...]
Hit It! The Four Hammers Every DIYer and Home Remodeler Should Own
Many millennia ago, the first prehistoric DIY caveman got a flash of inspiration, picked up a rock, and brought it crashing down on something. In the process, he probably also crushed his thumb, which was likely responsible for the first prehistoric string of obscenities (“Son of a stinking pterodactyl-breath Neanderthal, that HURTS!!). Ever since then, striking tools, in the form of hammers, have played a major role in shaping our world. And not just by flattening our thumbs; although the hammer is generally thought of as “just a tool,” its inherent danger and destructive potential, as illustrated in the following video, shouldn’t be ignored… [Read more...]
Tool News Nirvana – Milwaukee M12 HAMMERVAC, JET’s New Lathe, Klein Klaw Pump Pliers, Festool TS55 REQ Saw & more!
What separates us from the rest of the apes? Besides the fact that we aren’t (too) afraid of fire; we use tools — power tools that is. And here at Homefixated.com, we have your fix for the coolest new power tools and accessories that any tool monkey is sure to love! Not that you’re a monkey. This episode of Tool News Nirvana features two new tools from Milwaukee — the M12 HAMMERVAC and the 18V compact impact wrench, JET’s new 1221VS woodworking lathe, the Klein Klaw pump pliers and Festool’s TS55 REQ Plunge Saw as well as a few other surprises that are sure to make any tool lover beat his chest like a silver back gorilla in heat! [Read more...]
World of Concrete 2013 – Power Tools and Accessory Highlights
The World of Concrete held every February in Las Vegas is one of the most fun trade shows that I attend. Besides providing a welcome respite from the Colorado cold at the peak of winter, it gives me a chance to run a lot of power tools and equipment in a hands-on setting. Most of the tool brands get booths outdoors in the front parking lot of the convention center to allow show participants to drill, chip, break, and cut concrete to their hearts’ content. A few of the major brands bring their full line of corded and cordless construction tools as well as their related accessories so folks can also try out the latest circular saws, impact drivers, and bits and blades. And it all takes place in a carnival-like atmosphere with the sun shining, the music blaring, and excited attendees shouting over the din of dozens of jackhammers. [Read more...]
Radarcarve – No Relation to that Golden Earring Song
Perhaps it is a little outdated but does anyone remember that Golden Earring song Radar Love? You know “I’ve been drivin’ all night, my hand’s wet on the wheel. There’s a voice in my head that drives my heel. It’s my baby callin’, says I need you here. And it’s a half past four and I’m shiftin’ gear…Don’t need no phone at all. We’ve got a thing called Radar Love.” It’s a great song, you gotta love the Dutch! Regardless of whether you remember that song (or like it), this article has nothing to do with it. Instead, we’re here to talk about Radarcarve. If you’re a woodworker you might want to keep reading, and we promise note to quote any more lyrics. [Read more...]
