Phil Hardware, Restoration, Windows & Doors
For those of us “blessed” to own an old home, it’s common knowledge that one measure of “character” is the lack of a single plumb, level or square surface in the entire house. A second …
Written by: Phil
Hardware, Resources, Tools, Woodworking
There’s a six-lane road north of where I live, outside of Pittsburgh, aptly nicknamed McNightmare Road by the locals. Its real name is McKnight Road, and with its abundance of malls, restaurants, car dealers, and …
Written by: Phil
Yard maintenance was easier when we lived in Phoenix; desert landscaping (aka tan gravel) and the scarcity of deciduous trees make for minimal mess. Sure, you might have the occasional rattlesnake skin to dispose of, …
Written by: Phil
I was planning to start this off with a hilarious joke about something blue and 12” and 60 pounds, but I got a threatening email from someone regarding Smurfs and copyrights and restraining orders and …
Written by: Phil
After being informed recently that a gyro screwdriver was on its way from California, several questions sprang to mind, not least among them “Why would anyone want a drink that tastes like Greek meat and …
Written by: Phil
Recently, RotoZip’s latest version of its spiral saw corkscrewed its way into the HF executive suite. I’ve been using a RotoZip tool for many years, primarily for drywall cutouts and brain surgery, and I was …
Written by: Phil
When a lone black glove with a built-in light show arrived at the HomeFixated executive offices, naturally our first thought was that Michael Jackson had been reincarnated and had stepped up his game. And indeed, …
Written by: Phil
Brushes?? We don’t need no stinking brushes! Aside from being the motto of the Telly Savalas Admiration Society, that’s the trend in cordless tools—brushless tools are entering the marketplace in increasing numbers. One of the …
Written by: Phil
Over the years, my old Echo chainsaw and I have caused many a mighty oak to tremble and drop its nuts. Lately, though, it’s been somewhat sluggish and underpowered, sort of like a ’76 Yugo …
Written by: Phil
Usually when I buy a tool, it’s to replace an older one that’s gone to the great Tool Crib in the Sky (or, sometimes, in the other direction). Other times, it’s to fill a need …
Written by: Phil