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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.
ridgid octane planer

Ridgid, Tools

Ridgid Octane Planer Review – A High Speed Chip Maker

If you’ve ever used a hand-held power planer to shave down a sticky door, or put a smooth face on a piece of rough-sawn lumber, you know what a time saver it is. There have …

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Written by: Phil

July 16, 2019

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hammaka

Gear

Hammaka Hammock Hitch Stand Review – A Truck Hitch Stand That Lets You Sit And Hang Out

I don’t know about you, but at the end of a hard day’s work, I like to plop myself down and relax a bit. Being an accomplished multitasker, sometimes I even partake of a cold, …

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Written by: Phil

June 18, 2019

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Sponsored, Tools, Videos, Werner

Werner MT1AA17 Telescoping Multi-Ladder Review – Five Beefier Ways To Hit The Heights

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot. Every so often, everyone needs a boost. Whether it’s to see what’s on that next shelf up, or to clamber 18’ up to tend the gutter garden, …

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Written by: Phil

June 14, 2019

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makita xhu07

Landscaping, Makita, Tools

Makita XHU07 Brushless Cordless Hedge Trimmer Review – Faster Teal Steel

Getting ready for another season of doing battle with nature’s leafy creations? Tired of breathing two-stroke fumes and wearing sweaty hearing protection, or dragging a tangled extension cord? The engineers at Makita’s Outdoor Power Equipment …

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Written by: Phil

June 9, 2019

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diablo d1244x

Accessories, Diablo, Sponsored

Diablo D1244X Duo Deal – Two Big Red Blades For Just A Little Green

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot. Tired of having the smoke detectors go off every time you fire up your table or miter saw? Do your cut edges look like a scorched splinter …

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Written by: Phil

June 6, 2019

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install an ice maker line

How To, Kitchen, Plumbing

Don’t Get Saddle Sore – How to Install An Ice Maker Line The RIGHT Way

Got a sporty new fridge, with a water dispenser or ice maker? Need to hook up a water supply line to feed that sporty new fridge? You’re probably eager to test out your fridge’s capacity …

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Written by: Phil

May 19, 2019

6 Comments

makita xdt16

Makita, Tools

Makita XDT16 18V Brushless Impact Driver – A Smaller, Smarter Quick-Change Artist

In our recent full review of the Makita XDT14T impact driver kit, Steve noted that the world isn’t really desperate for another new impact driver. He’s right – there are almost as many impact drivers …

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Written by: Phil

May 7, 2019

4 Comments

milwaukee extra bold chalk reel

Milwaukee Tool, Sponsored, Tools

Milwaukee Extra Bold Chalk Reel Review – The Not So Thin Blue Line

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot. When it’s time to do some layout work, that usually means it’s time to grab the chalk line. A chalk line provides a fast, easy way to …

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Written by: Phil

April 30, 2019

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cold chisels with hand guards

Concrete, Safety, Tools

Don’t Get Hammered At Work – Soften The Blow With Cold Chisels With Hand Guards

Putting it charitably, my masonry skills are pretty rudimentary. I can build or repair a small cinder block wall, if you’re not too fussy about little details like having it straight and plumb. Usually, though, …

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Written by: Phil

April 28, 2019

1 Comment

bosch gll40-20g

Bosch, Sponsored, Tools

Bosch GLL40-20G Cross Line Laser Review – A Green Light To Cross The Line

This post is sponsored by The Home Depot. A couple of months back, we took a look at Bosch’s fancy-schmancy GLL3-300 laser level. With the ability to shoot one horizontal and two vertical lines simultaneously, …

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Written by: Phil

April 25, 2019

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