Phil

About Phil

Phil’s path to the pinnacle of success as HomeFixated’s Senior Writer was long and twisted. At various stages of his life, he worked as a framing carpenter, attended motorcycle mechanics school, served as an Army MP, did a hot and itchy stint installing insulation in Phoenix, owned and operated a small contracting firm doing residential renovations, and worked as an employee of a major airline (Motto: We’re not happy ‘til YOU’RE not happy). He is currently semi-retired, but continues to take on little projects, such as the total renovation of an old farmhouse. Yes, he is a slow learner. Future projects include a teardown restoration of his 1965 BMW motorcycle, and designing and building a kick-ass playhouse for his grandsons. Phil loves spending time outdoors, hanging out with family and friends, cool tools, and a cold IPA when beer o'clock rolls around.

Milwaukee M12 Pin Nailer Review – Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

Phil August 3, 2021 Leave a Comment

In the category of “Best candidate for cordless tools,” nailers have to be at or near the top of the list. Regularly using a tool that can launch chunks of steel at high velocity, while wrestling with an air hose and listening to the obnoxious roar of a compressor, often while perched at the top of a ladder, is inspiration to ask the question “Do you feel lucky today?” Over the past few years, the folks at Milwaukee Tool have been perfecting the art of the cordless nailer, with a lineup that includes finish nailers, framing nailers and staplers. Once they had all the big guns taken care of, they had a tiny space left on the shelf, and they recently filled it with the Milwaukee M12 Pin Nailer. They sent one along to us here at HomeFixated, so we could explore the joys of launching tiny chunks of steel while going walkabout. Read More

Milwaukee Hatchet M12 FUEL Pruning Saw Review – The Quicker Hacker Upper

Phil April 20, 2021 Leave a Comment

In recent years, Milwaukee Tool has steadily increased its lineup of battery-powered, pro-grade OPE (Outdoor Power Equipment). The array includes hedge clippers, blowers, string trimmers, a chainsaw with a 16” bar, and more. All these tools are based on Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL platform, using 18V batteries to power their brushless motors. With the addition of the Milwaukee Hatchet M12 FUEL Pruning Saw, Milwaukee is “branching out” by adding a 12V tool to the OPE arsenal. They sent one along to HomeFixated HQ, and told us to cut stuff up – and have fun! Read More