August 31, 2010
Porter-Cable QUIKJIG Pocket Hole Joinery System
We've been a little surprised at Kreg's domination of the pocket hole marketplace. There are a few other models out there, but none from any of the big names and none which have gained a whole lot of traction with a wide audience (like the Kreg). We always assumed that there was some kind of patent thing going on, a la Fein. But here comes Porter-Cable with a really interesting looking system that looks like it should give the reigning champ a few good rounds in the ring.
In a nutshell (help, help, I'm in a nutshell!), pocket hole jigs create low angled, pre-drilled holes which allow for accurate and consistent 'toe-screwing.' That's really it. They're great for shelves, cabinet boxes, face-frames, etc. We've got the Kreg Master Kit and it really makes for a nice, tight (glue-free!) assembly. So on to the Porter-Cable...
One thing for certain is that, compared to the Kreg, this one looks com-pli-cated. It sort of looks like a cross between a microscope and a Pixar robot. But as it turns out, this added intensity is intended to make things easier. Unlike the Kreg, the Porter-Cable automatically sets the drilling angle based on the thickness of the wood. It's a clever idea and takes away the fussiness of having to deal with the knurled set screw of the Kreg. From the looks of it, the Porter-Cable is going to be quite a bit heavier (it's all metal...a good thing), but they were smart and made the foot plate 1-1/2" thick, so you can use a 2x4 to support your workpiece.
The QUIKJIG is going to be available later this year (September) and will have a retail of around $230. The price is definitely more than the Kreg (K3 Master Kit $140 at Amazon.com), but the 'auto-angle' aspect of the Porter-Cable might be enough to justify the added cost.
Press release after the jump...
Continue reading: "Porter-Cable QUIKJIG Pocket Hole Joinery System"
August 31, 2010
Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level - Reader Review (Richard K.)
If you recall, a bit ago we ran a contest where we gave out ten new Bosch Dual Plane Line Lasers to chosen readers so that they could review them for the site (our original review is here). We encouraged them to be hard on the tools and to be nothing, if not honest in their assessment. The selected readers ranged from tradesmen to DIYers. We asked that they also rate the laser on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being best). Here is the first review...
__________________
I received the Bosch Laser Level the other day as promised by those kind hearted souls of Toolsnob.com. The case was extremely big and bulky for such a small device, but once I opened it, I was told my eyes lit up as though it was my favorite holiday. By the way my favorite holiday is any day I get to open free tools. I played around with the Laser Level for a few hours. It has a very rugged design and the built in alarm definitely lets you know when you're not holding it level. Around the house it worked perfectly. It easily demonstrated how badly my picture hanging ability really is, but out in the field is a whole different story.
Continue reading: "Bosch GLL2-80 Laser Level - Reader Review (Richard K.)"
August 30, 2010
Vote for the Ugliest Room
A couple weeks ago, we told you about the Sears Ugliest Room Contest. Well, the top ten finalists have been chosen and they're ready for your votes.
We looked them over and the photo you see is the one we voted for. A lot of the others just need a paint job and a little redecorating. No big deal on those. One guy even says that his room is ugly in part because the carpet is gone but the tack strips are still there. Um...hello...take a pry bar and pry them up. It takes about 3 minutes and your laziness immediately excludes you from the $3,500 makeover prize.
But the one we like is just straight-up ugly. And It's the kind of outdated ugly that you need a little money to fix. It's also the kitchen, which makes things ten times worse. An ugly bathroom can be ignored for at least a few years (we should know), but an ugly kitchen makes you feel like a loser. Imagine waking up on a Saturday morning, slightly hung over and you've got to go make coffee in this kitchen. Brutal. This species of ugly can only be ripped out and replaced, Mike Holmes style.
Vote for your favorite, or rather, least favorite here.
August 30, 2010
Miller Spectrum 875 Auto-Line Plasma Cutter
Watching a plasma cutter in action is an impressive thing. We first saw one on a job site where we had to cut away a section of 1/4" stainless steel plate. It was far too big of a job for a recip saw and we couldn't get a band saw in the cramped conditions (and who knows if that would have even worked), so we called on the metal guys and their plasma cutter. The process took about 1/2 of a day, 7/8 of which consisted of the electrician wiring a plug, and everyone else setting up protection so nothing would catch on fire.
The actual work was done in about 15 minutes of light, sparks, and dropping blobs of hot metal. The ease with which the cutter diced the stainless was pretty intense and left us in awe of these 'anti-welders.'
So it was cool to hear that Miller has just released a new plasma cutter that makes the whole portability factor a whole lot easier. it's got a feature called Auto-Line which means it can run on a variety of input voltages without compromising the cutting quality. It can also handle changes in power input (say if it's running off a generator). This translates into not needing an electrician and a much quicker set-up. Not to mention the wider variety of situations it can handle.
The Spectrum weighs about 55 lbs so it's nice and portable. It's capable of cutting metal up to 1-1/4" thick, so it should be able to handle most jobsite issues.
The Miller costs about $1950 and it's at Amazon.com
The press release with more information is after the jump.
Continue reading: "Miller Spectrum 875 Auto-Line Plasma Cutter"
August 29, 2010
Um...yeah...maybe you didn't hear us...*ahem*...Win a Free Siding Gun from Tool Snob
Maybe it's the end of summer and you're all running around getting pencils and Trapper Keepers for the kids, or maybe you're on that final week of vacation time, but either way, a lot of you seemed to have missed the whole thing about us giving away a Duo-Fast Siding Gun.
So far, one week in, we've gotten a staggering five (5) entries. Now, we've got our analytics program and know for sure that a little more than five people visit the site on a daily basis, so we'd like you to stop for a second and think about that Christmas feeling that you'd get if a box with a free siding gun showed up at your doorstep.
OK, now why don't you revisit our post which describes how to enter the contest. It's easy and it's here.
August 26, 2010
Megapro 13-in-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver - Review
A while back we got an email from a reader who was so enthusiastic (or possibly coked up) over a tool that we felt compelled to contact the manufacturer for more information. The tool is the MegaPro 13-in-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver and this is what reader David had to say:
Continue reading: "Megapro 13-in-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver - Review"
August 25, 2010
ROBO-UNIT Portable Storage
UNITS (Unique, No-Hassle, Individual, Transportable, Storage), a S.C.-based company similar to PODS, has just introduced the use of UNITS-moving robots. While these robots are no match for Husqvarna's Demolition Robot, they're still pretty cool.
The remote control UNITS movers are ideal for placing the storage boxes on little city streets, in tight driveways, or any other place where a full-sized truck is going to have some problems.
It's wild to watch this thing in action. It's like those little forklifts that come with lumber trucks, minus the fat, grumpy driver.
To get more information on UNITS, including locations, check out their website: unitsstorage.com. The press release on the arrival of our UNITS-moving robot masters is after the jump.
Continue reading: "ROBO-UNIT Portable Storage"
August 24, 2010
Ohio Power Tool Drag Racing...The Aftermath
This past weekend was the 2nd Annual Power Tool Drag Race put on by the Columbus Idea Foundry. It seems that it rained during the event, but that PBR got on board at the last minute as a sponsor, thus nullifying any discomfort created by the weather. Our experience is that PBR = siesta, regardless of the rain, snow, sleet, or slush. The event looks like it was a great time and you can check out photos, video, and a summary over at CopTool.
August 23, 2010
Win a Duo-Fast DF225C Coil Siding Nailer from Tool Snob!
The nice folks at Duo-Fast are supplying us with one of their new coil siding nailers to give away to a lucky reader. The new gun is lightweight (lighter, as far as we can tell, than any other pro-grade siding nailer on the market) and takes plastic-collated nails to reduce the nasty, rusty staining that can happen with metal-collated nails. It's got a street value of about $370.
We've had one for a while now and have been testing it out for an upcoming review (hopefully to be posted before the contest is over) and so far, it's been a champ.
So to enter, leave a comment at this post telling us two reasons why you should be the one to get the nailer. We'll choose the winner based on who we think is most deserving, or who makes us laugh, or who, at that moment, we think is the most sincere. It's a crapshoot, really, what exactly we're looking for, but we'll know when we find it, so just be yourself. We'll do the drawing on Tuesday, September 7th, the day after Labor Day.
More information on the tool is at Duo-Fast and the press release on the gun is after the jump. If you don't have the patience to wait for the contest to end, but you want one of these nailers oh so bad, you can pick one up at Amazon.com.
Continue reading: "Win a Duo-Fast DF225C Coil Siding Nailer from Tool Snob!"
August 20, 2010
Porter-Cable 12-Volt Max Clamp Saw
Just yesterday, Porter-Cable dropped the news of their new 12-volt line. Of the three new tools, the drill/driver and the impact driver look like pretty standard operators at a nice price ($140 for the combo set) but it's the third and final tool of this initial release that cause our ears to prick up a bit.
The 12-volt Clamp Saw carries with it the micro-recip vibe that is already establishing itself on the market, but this one appears to have a few characteristics that make it stand out from both the Milwaukee Hackzall and the Hitachi mini-recip.
First, the body has a hinge, giving the tool a close relationship to the Milwaukee Hatchet. This hinge should make for easier maneuvering in crawl spaces and other tight spots. We're generally in favor of handles that allow for 'between-the-joists' options.
And what will you be doing with the Clamp Saw in those cramped spots? Probably cutting out the broken 1/2" copper line that you let freeze, which leads us nicely into our next feature. The shoe of the tool is not only adjustable, but it can clamp small diameter items against the tool, holding them stable for the cut. Anyone who has had to cut an unsupported piece of pipe can see the benefit of this. If it works, it should remove all the clangity-clang and rattle-rattle-rattle associated with cutting small little objects.
The Clamp Saw will be available in October and will retail for about $130 for the tool, a bag, a charger, and two batteries.
The press release on all three tools is after the jump.
Continue reading: "Porter-Cable 12-Volt Max Clamp Saw"
August 18, 2010
Ergo Shoulder
In the mental tool rolodex, the Ergo Shoulder sits pretty close to the Extreme Balaclava that we talked about last week; looks silly, easy to make fun of, will probably need it some day, slightly jealous that we didn't come up with the idea first.
The Ergo Shoulder is a bullet-free bandolero-like strap with a pad on the shoulder portion. The premise is very simple: add a little comfort to your shoulder when carrying heavy items. Other benefits include not destroying your clothes and having a larger area to balance your load. We see all the good of this item and like we said, it makes sense. We just can't see someone saying, "oh wait guys, hold on a sec. Before we unload that truck lemme put my Ergo Shoulder on."
The Ergo Shoulder is just under $40 and is available at Nomic Designs
August 17, 2010
Crain 812H 13 Amp SuperSaw
Q: How do you make a router even more dangerous than it already is?
A: Put a 6-1/2" saw blade on it.
And that's sort of what the geniuses at Crain have done with their undercut saw. It's a tool that is meant to assist with all kinds of flooring (tile, carpet, wood, etc.), but from the looks of it, we think it's meant more for general ass-kicking.
So if you're putting a carpet down over a nice heart pine wood floor, you can use this tool to trim the bottoms of the doors as well as the jambs and baseboard for a nicer look. It's really a specialty tool, but it's nice to know that it's out there. It's the kind of thing that you'd never think of using, but if you're taking on a massive re-flooring project at your house, it may be cost effective to get one.
The tool has a 1-1/4" depth adjustment (from flush to 1-1/4") and it's able to fully undercut an inside corner which is a nice feature.
The SuperSaw sells for $340 and is at Amazon.com
August 13, 2010
Stanley FaxMax Xtreme Reversible Nail Set
Our deal with nail sets is that we'll go and buy the standard Stanley 3-piece combo kit (you know, the red one the yellow one, and the gray one), and then after about two months, we can only find the gray one. We have no idea what the hell happens to the other two, but it's happened enough times that there's something a little strange about it. True, nail sets are small items. True, they often get passed from carpenter to painter and back to carpenter. But we've never lost anything with the frequency of our nail set.
We've thought about this quite a bit (way too much actually) and decided that maybe fate says we can only handle one nail set at a time and that we lose the others due to some kind of freaky, we're-on-the-island-from-Lost black cloud that lives in our peripheral vision. So possibly our answer may sit with the new FatMax Reversible Nail Set. This nice looking 2-in-1 item houses a 1/32" and 2/32" nail set (the sizes we keep losing), and it looks like changing sizes is as easy as pulling the set out, flipping it over, and setting it back in.
The reversible FatMax costs about $10, which is $2.50 more than the standard 3-piece kit. If we don't lose it in the first couple weeks, it's worth the extra dough.
At Amazon.com
Hyde 10-in-1 Multi-Tool
We agree with our pal Mark Clement that the 5-in-1 (or 6-in-1) is one of the most useful tools that a guy can own. When we're on a site, ours spends a lot of time in our back pocket and does duty as a scraper, a pry bar, a chisel, a blade, a little hammer, and whatever else we need done. We also like that it looks like a Klingon weapon.
So we just stumbled across the Hyde 10-in-1, which has apparently been out for a couple years, and adds some functionality to the fantastic little tool. The big trick of the new 10-in-1 is that it comes with four screwdriver bits that can click into the rear of the handle. You're probably reading this thinking, 'who cares, I'll just use my regular screwdriver." But to a painter doing prep, this could be a real time saver, especially for removing switch plates and outlet covers.
It looks like there is some kind of on-board bit storage that flips out of the handle. Otherwise it's the same old 5-in-1.
The 10-in-1 costs $6, which is strange because Hyde's 6-in-1 goes for $8-$10. Huh?
At Amazon.com
August 12, 2010
Ergodyne Extreme Balaclava with Hot Rox Heat Exchanger
File this one under, "strange, but yeah, I guess it kinda makes sense." Ergodyne, a company serious about their work gear has recently released an extreme balaclava (bet you never thought you'd hear those words) with a little built-in heat exchanger called the Hot Rox. The gizmo works by trapping heat and humidity from your exhale (aka your nasty coffee breath) and adding it to your inhale, thus keeping your core temp nice and toasty. in a way it's like you're constantly kissing yourself.
It's pretty easy to make fun of this thing now, especially since we've been sweltering in about three weeks of 95 degree weather, but come February, we probably won't be laughing anymore (and if you think you hear us laughing, it's probably just our teeth chattering). There's going to be a time when we'll be needing warmth so badly, we're going to want one of these things, even if it does mean looking like a robotic ninja.
The press release is after the jump.
$26 at Amazon.com
Continue reading: "Ergodyne Extreme Balaclava with Hot Rox Heat Exchanger"
Rockwell JawStand
There is no question that the JawHorse has been a big success for Rockwell. We use ours in some fashion just about every day. It's been such a hit that earlier this year Ridgid even put a horse in the race with something called the SuperClamp. But if you've been paying close attention, you'd know that the original design came, not from Rockwell, but from an Australian company called Triton. Rockwell took a tool called the Triton SuperJaws, cleaned up the design and, with the release of a slew of innovative attachments (plywood jaws, log jaws, welding station, etc) transformed the clamping tool into a complete workstation system.
Well, if the concept worked for one tool, why not try it again? We just got word that Rockwell is going back to the Aussie well with the release of a new item called the Triton Multistand JawStand. Again, Rockwell has polished up the original design and added a number of nice looking features.
The general functionality of the JawStand sits somewhere between that of an out-feed stand, a sawhorse, and Juan, your apprentice who is always late for work and stands there and holds things for you.
There's a jaw on it, but as you can see from the image, it's more about stabilizing a door than crushing a watermelon (one of our favorite JawHorse pastimes). The top of the clamping area has some kind of glide material on it which allows for easy action as a table saw/miter saw out-feed. The stand can be adjusted in height from 25" to 41" and the top can pivot. To track these two movements, the stem of the tool has height measurements on it and the head has a built in level vial. The whole things folds up for easy transport and storage.
Just from looking at the image and reading the press release, this looks like a good tool to have around, especially if you're someone who spends a lot of time working alone. The only curiosity to us is that the clamp area has a maximum width of 1-1/4" which seems strange. You'd think that it would be able to at least hold a 2x4(UPDATE: The jaw actually opens to 1-3/4" and not 1-1/4" as the press release states. This makes much more sense).
The JawStand will be retailing for about $60. It's currently available at Sears and it will likely show up at Amazon.com and Rockwell Tools Direct.
The press release with more detailed info is after the jump.
Continue reading: "Rockwell JawStand"
August 11, 2010
Bosch BNS200-18 Brad Nailer - Review
Last year, Bosch got into the pneumatic game with a lot of fanfare, most of it centered around something they called Full-Force Technology. In a normal pneumatic gun, a portion of the air blast enters a reserve chamber and is used to reset the firing pin. Bosch removed these chambers and figured out a way to create an entirely separate second blast of air in order to do the dirty work of pin resetting. Without these chambers, a lot of bulk could be removed from their guns, and without a portion of the air used to reset the firing pin, the guns could be more powerful, 10% according to Bosch.
Well they recently sent us the BNS200 brad gun to check out and we put it to the test, first in regular use and then in the shop. In this second setting we directly compared it to two other solid guns that we have; our old reliable Porter-Cable and the gold standard of brad guns, the Cadex 18.50.
Continue reading: "Bosch BNS200-18 Brad Nailer - Review"
August 10, 2010
Popular Mechanics Cordless Finish Gun Test
My latest article for Popular Mechanics was posted up yesterday. In this one, I compared the various fuel types available for cordless finish guns. In other words I pitted the DeWalt against the Paslode against the Senco Fusion. As a control, I also threw in the Bosch pneumatic. A few of the test results are pretty surprising, so if you're into finish guns or if you're even just part of the tech crowd, it might be worth a look see.
Read the article here.
August 9, 2010
Scotch 'How Tough is your Tape?" Contest
We've always been of the opinion that 98% of our problems can be solved with Duct Tape and/or a length of bailing twine. Scotch, the makers of Tough Duct Tape seem to think that there are a lot of you out there with that same old Yankee mentality. And right now, the further down the duct tape rabbit hole you are, the greater the chance of you winning the grand prize in their "How Tough is your Tape?" contest.
Scotch is looking for pictures of all of the insane ways you use their duct tape, from holding together the tractor engine block to supporting the half-broken tree limb that hangs over your house.
The grand prize winner will get a trip for two to Vegas to hob-nob with some NASCAR folks. There are also some cash prizes for the silver and bronze medalists.
If you're looking for contest inspiration, go here.
More information here.
Scotch Tough Tape at Amazon.com
August 6, 2010
August 5, 2010
Sears Ugliest Room Contest
Do you have plaid furniture on a plaid rug (with plaid wallpaper)? Do you think that fuchsia and fever dream green are a great color combo? If so, and if you have no problem announcing to the world that the local Sunoco station has better decor than your house, Sears has just launched their Ugliest Room Contest.
All you have to do to enter is submit a photo and grovel for 100 words. Sears will then choose the top ten which they'll post up for open voting. If your domicile of disgusting is one of the three chosen grand prize winners you'll be the recipient of a room makeover (paint, supplies, labor, color consultation, a $500 gift card, and a $1000 community donation).
...if only they could have seen our freshman year dorm room..
More info at Sears
August 4, 2010
AccuSharp Knife Sharpener
...And speaking of blade sharpening, does anyone have any insight into why the AccuSharp Knife Sharpener has been at the number one spot on Amazon's Power and Hand Tool bestseller's list for months on end? We actually can't even remember a time when it wasn't at the top of the list. Is this thing heavy in the infomercial circuit or what?
it definitely looks like a nice item to have around, but the overwhelming popularity of it is a bit of a mystery to us.
Drop a line in the comments and let us know your theory on this mystery. We'll send a tool out to either the most likely response or the most paranoid and conspiratorial, we're not sure which. We'll take ideas until next Tuesday 8/10.
AccuSharp Knife Sharpener at Amazon.com
How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades
We're well into the mowing season now and it's likely that you've heard the wonderful, 'mower blade meets rock' noise a few times. You might have also heard, 'mower blade meets tree root,' or even our favorite, 'mower blade meets random piece of metal that we think our son brought out to the lawn.'
Regardless of the specifics, our guess is that your blades need sharpening. Your options are (in increasing order of ruggedness) to 1) buy a new blade 2) bring your beat up blade to the hardware store and have them sharpen it or 3) sharpen it yourself.
If you've never sharpened a mower blade before, it's not too difficult and when it's all said and done it gives you that nice glow of self-sufficiency.
If you're interested, here are a couple videos that seem like a good place to start...
This guy just uses a bench grinder:
And this one is slightly more involved:
If this is all very discouraging, there is a nice selection of mower blades over at Amazon.com.
August 3, 2010
Owens Corning "That's My Roof!" Contest
Owens Corning is running an interesting contest promoting their Duration Series Designer Colors Collection shingles. Not surprisingly, the shingles come in a variety of colors (listed here with more information).
To enter the contest you need to have pictures of your home before and after your Duration shingles went on (yes, you need to re-roof your house in order to enter). Once submitted, your photos are posted on the site where they are voted on and finally a panel of judges determines the winners (the votes play a role but are only one aspect of judging).
A monthly winner will be chosen who will be the recipient of a $500 check and when it's all done, a grand prize winner will be announced who will be reimbursed for the cost of their roof.
To enter, get more information, or just browse some of the entries go to thatsmyroof.com
Irwin GrooveLock Pliers
Irwin has just released two new jaw designs in their GrooveLock series. Prior to this, there was only the v-jaws version available (pictured, left). The new designs (straight jaws and smooth jaws) are alterations with the 'teeth' of the tool and nothing else.
So it all comes down to what it is you're going to be clamping. If it's regular old nuts, stick with the v-jaw. If it's something a little more delicate, something you can't mar, then look into the smooth jaws. If you're grabbing at an item with parallel edges, the straight jaws are the ticket.
There's actually more to these tools than the new variety to the business end. With the initial release of the v-jaws a couple years back, Irwin's GrooveLock system bypassed the normal adjustment aggravation associated with standard tongue and groove pliers and made a system where you just press a button and slide the jaw where you want it and lock it in place. According to Irwin, this process is twice as fast as the traditional method.
The new designs aren't at Amazon yet, but the v-jaws are here.
August 2, 2010
WTF is this?
Anyone know what this tool is? We sure don't. We're trying to help out a reader who was asking...
If you know the name of this thing or what it's for, drop it in the comments with some sort of documentation (like a link to a place selling it) and we'll send you a tool. This only goes for the first correct answer.
July 2010 Monthly Roundup for Tool Snob
Looking back over this past month, we can't find a single thing to complain about. We got to review an interesting book, a couple of levels, and a big, badass circ saw. We also got our hands on the Senco Fusion, which is a significant step forward in the arena of cordless nailing technology (which is why it's the tool of the month).
Even with all of this, the high point of the month was heading out to Milwaukee HQ for their annual product symposium. Not only was it a great time, but we got the scoop on lots of cool new items coming your way.
We've already accumulated a substantial pile of tools to review for August, so make sure to keep checking back.
Tool of the Month
All Reviews
Benches, Stands, and Storage
Bits and Blades
Books
Cordless
Distractions
Guides
Hand Tools
How-To
Levels
Lithium-Ion
Measuring & Marking
Monthly Roundup
Oscillating Tools
Plumbing
Power Tool Accessories
Power Tools
Promotions
Rotary Tools
Routers
Tool News
Newsletter
Subscribe - RSS
The Renovation Continues....