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.

Bora PM-4500 Speedhorse Sawhorse Review – A Rapidly Unfolding Story

Phil March 19, 2019 Leave a Comment

Here at HomeFixated, we’re all about being supportive. Heck, everyone can use a bit of support now and again. The folks at Bora Tool feel the same way, and they just came out with a new product that offers instant support. They may not help much with your recent breakup, or the loan you’re after for that prime San Diego waterfront estate, but they can sure help support whatever tools and materials you need for your next project – up to 1,500 pounds of them. Bora sent us a pair of these to put through their paces. Come sit in a circle with us, join hands, and ponder the ups and downs of the Bora PM-4500 Speedhorse. Read More

Milwaukee USB Flood Light Review – This Little (Rechargeable) Light Of Mine

Phil March 14, 2019 Leave a Comment

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot. One of the many things I’ve learned the hard way over the years is that any project I’m working on is much less likely to end badly if I can actually see what I’m doing. Whether I’m slithering through a nasty crawl space or attic, destroying my back by jamming my torso into a sink base cabinet, or performing cut-rate surgery at the local free clinic, if I don’t have good light, you can bet I’ll be cursing the darkness. The combination of better Lithium-Ion batteries and cheaper, better LEDs has resulted in a lot of great battery-powered LED work lights hitting the market in the past couple of years. They range in size from small portable lights to big tripod-mounted beasts suitable for lighting your aircraft hangar. The Milwaukee USB Flood Light we just received is at the smaller end of the scale; join us for an illuminating look at its features. Read More