Monthly Roundup

July 1, 2008

June 2008 Monthly Roundup for Tool Snob

Roundup.jpgJune was pretty fun around here. If you were paying attention, we gave away three Dremel tools for Father's Day. Other than that, we got to test out a few very cool tools. Skil's Power Cutter is yet another great offering from a company that is totally on a roll, but the Tool of the Month goes to Duo-Fast's Cordless Framer. We wrote the review for this one the other week, and since then, we've continued using the tool and it keeps proving it's worth.

This next month we're looking to post up reviews of Festool's Trim Router, Paslode's new Roofing Gun, a few of Campbell Hausfeld's new pneumatic tools, and a few other cool items we've got in the shop.

Tool of the Month

All Reviews

Power Tools

Hand Tools

Air Tools

Benches, Stands, and Storage

Demolition Tools

Distractions

Glues and Adhesives

Lawn/Garden

Monthly Roundup

Painting

Promotions

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June 2, 2008

May 2008 Monthly Roundup for Tool Snob

Roundup.jpgMay is in the bag and it's likely that you've got some projects underway. Hopefully they're proceeding according to plan (but we all know it's likely that they're not).

The May tool of the month is the Artillery Pry Bar System. If you're looking for that chest-swelling, shingle ripping, clapboard trashing, deck devastating feeling, the Artillery in a class by itself.

In June, we're hoping to get reviews up for Skil's new Power Cutter, Duo-Fast's gas nailer, and Paslode's roofing gun. If we're lucky, we're going to also try to squeeze in Festool's MFK 700 Modular Router.

Tool of the Month

All Reviews

Air Tools

Demolition Tools

Distractions

Hand Tools

How-To

Lawn/Garden

Power Tool Accessories

Power Tools

Promotions

Routers

Sanding

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May 1, 2008

April 2008 Monthly Roundup for Tool Snob

Roundup.jpgApril is over and the summer projects are in the planning phase. Judging from the traffic to our review of the Wagner Paint Crew Plus, a lot of you are thinking about painting the house. Good luck with that one.

Our tool of the month goes to the C.H. Hanson Chalk Hog. The Paslode Framer is a great tool and the two TKTools that we looked at were also cool, but once again, C.H. Hanson shows that even the most mundane of tools can be redesigned and improved.

Tool of the Month

Reviews

Air Tools

Benches, Stands, and Storage

Distractions

Guides

Hand Tools

Lawn/Garden

Power Tool Accessories

Power Tools

Promotions

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March 31, 2008

March 2008 Monthly Roundup for Tool Snob

Roundup.jpgMarch was pretty good to us this time around. We started the month with the big news about Festool's '08 releases and we continued on through to the big JLC event this last weekend.

Our Tool of the Month is the Ridgid SeeSnake Micro. It's a great tool and if you think you'd use it, just go ahead and get it. It's totally worth it.

Keep checking back because we've got some cool stuff lined up for April. Once we go through all the photos, we're going to post about the JLC show, and we've also got reviews of Tool King's new TKTools, Paslode's new framing gun, and C.H. Hanson's Chalk Hog in the works.

Tool of the Month
Ridgid SeeSnake Micro

Reviews
Ridgid SeeSnake Micro - Review
Skil 7.2V Lithium Ion Power Driver

New and Interesting Power Tools
Festool MFK 700 Modular Router
Festool OF 2200 Router
Festool MFT/3 Workbench
Hitachi DB10DL 10.8 Volt Lithium Ion Micro Driver Drill
Prazi Beam Cutter
Paslode CF-325 Cordless Framing Nailer
Bosch 11250VSRD Rotary Hammer with Dust Extraction
Black & Decker DS321 Dragster Belt Sander
Rockwell ProGrade 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw

New and Interesting Hand Tools
Leatherman Hybrid Gardening Multitool
C.H. Hanson Chalk Hog 100
Victorinox Swisscard Lite
Rapid Shark Utility Knife

Tool News
Festool Releases Info on Three New Tools
C.H. Hanson Tools at Amazon
Northern Tool Spring/Summer 08 Master Catalog is Here

Distractions
Ten Tips for Spring Yard Care
...Looking Around the Internet...
Fun with Excavators
Man Builds Stonehenge in Backyard

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February 29, 2008

February 2008 Monthly Roundup for Tool Snob

Roundup.jpgAnother month in the bag.

With the International Builder's Show, things have really started picking up in the tool world. All the big guys are releasing new products and some of them are looking pretty cool (like Milwaukee's 15 Amp Sawzall). There's a lot more coming in March, so stay tuned.

We only reviewed one tool in February, so it's a no-brainer that the Bosch JS5 is the Tool of the Month. But even against the stiffest competition, this jigsaw would have been a contender. It's a nice, compact unit and it delivers the quality that comes with any Bosch jigsaw.

Tool of the Month
Bosch JS5 Jigsaw

Reviews
Bosch JS5 Jigsaw

New and Interesting Tools
Stanley #1 Odd-Job
10C Crew Charge and Pro Charge
Gorilla Gripper
Robert Larson Shavehook (Molding Scraper) Set with 3 Blades
Skil XBench Deluxe Kit
Paslode Powerframer 350 Framing Gun
Ridgid Job-Site Radio / Race Scanner
Milwaukee 15 Amp SuperSawzall

New and Interesting Accessories
Knaack Monster Box
UFO Ballistic NailScrews
Campbell Hausfeld 25-Piece Accessory Kit with Case
Triton Multi-Stand
Bosch Concrete Drilling and Anchor Kit

Trade Shows and Promotions
Ridgid's 2.5-Gallon Aluminum Compressor for $49
International Builder's Show
Dirt Cheap Black & Decker VPX Tools at Home Depot
International Builders Show Part II

Distractions
Crane Accident

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February 1, 2008

January 2008 Monthly Roundup for Tool Snob

Roundup.jpgWell, January's come and gone and the post-holiday buzz is over; the tree's packed up, the Christmas cookies have already been eaten, and the gift certificates have all been redeemed. But that doesn't mean you don't need more tools. Of course you do. You may not be able to afford a $1700 miter saw, but Husky's got an Andre-The-Giant-sized flashlight for $40, and there's also Stanley's new mini-screwdriver set for under $3.

Our tool of the month was an easy choice. The JacPac is innovative, easy-to-use, and incredibly handy to have around. Since writing the review, we've used it more and more and it has definitely changed the way we use our nail guns.

Tool of the Month
JacPac

Reviews
JacPac
Ryobi Procross AIRgrip Self Leveling Laser

New and Interesting Tools
Festool Kapex KS 120 Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Grex P635 23 Gauge 1-3/8" Length Headless Pinner
Lamello Classic C3 Plate Joiner
Husky 20 Million Rechargeable Spotlight
Sheffield 14-In-1 Multi-Tool
Denali 3.6V Lithium-Ion Cordless Screwdriver Kit
Stanley FatMax 4-in-1 Bi-Material Pocket Driver
Worx Rolabit 100 Piece Drilling and Driving Set
Ridgid OL25135 Aluminum 2.5 Gallon Compressor
24" Magnetic Tool Holder
Dremel 220-01 Workstation

How-To
How-To Build Sawhorses

Sales and Promotions
DeWalt is Giving Away a Pair of Boots
Craftsman 2007 Tool Closeout
January's Internet Tool Deals

Magazines and Catalogs
This Old House - Jan/Feb 2008
Grizzly Industrial '08
This Old House: What's in Your Toolbox

Distractions
Tool Snob Top Five Reviews of 2007
Wall Street Journal: Mrs. Fix-it?
PartsSelect.com's 10 Best DIY Websites
How to Raise a Building in Three Minutes and Forty Seconds
Bosch Unveils New Website

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January 2, 2008

December 2007 Monthy Roundup for Tool Snob

Roundup.jpgEven though we ended up taking the last week off, we still managed to pack a lot into the month of December.

Choosing our December tool of the month was tough. We thought the world of the Proxxon Detail Sander and think that it's a shame that the tool doesn't have a higher profile in the tool world, we also really liked the lightweight Maxus Aluminum Compressor. But, we have to give the prize to the Ryobi 4-Piece Li-Ion Kit. With the kit, Ryobi once again walks the line between contractor quality and DIYer price. Since reviewing the kit, we've kept using it and each time we use it, we like it more and more.

We would also like to thank all of you for reading the site this past year. We've been flattered by our traffic numbers and we're looking forward to keeping you up-to-date on all the latest tool news in the coming year.

Tool of the Month
Ryobi 4-Piece Lithium-Ion Power Tool Kit

Reviews
Proxxon Oscillating Detail Sander
Skil 14.4-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill/Driver
Ryobi 4-Piece Lithium-Ion Power Tool Kit
Wagner Paint Crew Plus
Maxus X-Lite Aluminum Compressor

New and Interesting Power Tools
JacPac
Bosch JS5 Orbital Jigsaw

New and Interesting Hand Tools
Leatherman Skeletool
Stanley MaxLife 369 Tripod LED Flashlight
Black & Decker 36" Accu Mark Level

Distractions
Cool Tools on DIY Network
Tool Christmas Tree Lights

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December 3, 2007

November 2007 Monthly Roundup for Tool Snob

Roundup.jpgNovember was busy around here. The holiday shopping season is cranking up, so there are a lot of good deals to be had. To make shopping a little easier for you, we made up a Holiday Gift Guide so you can make sure you're matching up the right tool with the right person.

December's looking to be a banner month around here; we've got reviews coming for a host of tools including Ryobi's 4-Piece Lithium-Ion Set, Proxxon's Delta Sander, Wagner's Paint Crew Plus, a few more items from Skil, and the Maxus X-Lite Compressor.

The November Tool of the Month was an easy choice for us. The Skil 7.2-Volt Power Wrench really impressed us with it's versatility, it's ease-of-use, and it's affordability. It's a great little tool for anyone and, for good reason, it's bound to be a huge seller this holiday season. Go and get one for Dad, he'll dig it.

Tool of the Month
Skil 7.2-Volt Lithium-Ion Power Wrench

Reviews
Skil 7.2-Volt Lithium-Ion Power Wrench
Skil 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill/Driver
C.H. Hanson Slide Square

Holiday Shopping (some deals still active)
2007 Tool Snob Holiday Gift Guide
Huge Black Friday Tool Deals
Tool Deals on the Internet
Big Bosch Promotions

New and Interesting Tools
Craftsman ASX Tool Storage System
Festool Trion PS (and PSB) 300 EQ Jigsaw
Husky 2 Nailer/Compressor Kit
Triton Superjaws
Redback Maxistrike 20 oz Rip Hammer
Ryobi AIRgrip Laser Levels and SonicTape
Gutter Sense
SawStop 10" Contractor Saw

Contests
Home Depot $25,000 Gift Card Contest
Comforts of Home Holiday Contest

Tool News
Popular Woodworking's Best Tools of 2007
Ryobi 12-Volt Lithium Ion Drill in Stores
Vermont American turns 60

Distractions
Barbara K Crystal Jeweled Tool Kit
World's Greatest Hammer

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November 1, 2007

October 2007 Monthly Roundup for Tool Snob

Roundup.jpgAnother good month over here in Tool Land. Probably the biggest news was the release of Black & Decker's VPX system, which we covered quite a bit of. We're sure that this set of tools will quickly grow into something that we've never seen before, encompassing items that go far beyond your normal woodworking tools.

Tool of the Month was a brutal choice this time. We reviewed three tools, all of which were out of the park home runs; Cadex's Porsche-like 23-gauge pinner, Husky's brighter than 1,000 suns work light, and Dremel's smaller than a mouse screwdriver and rotary tool. But we had to make a choice and when we sat down and thought about it, it became clear that the Cadex CPB23.50 exists in a class all to its own. It is a completely superior tool by all measurements. And our advice to all serious woodworkers and DIYers is to go out and get yourself one.

We've already got the books stacked for a solid November, so keep reading. Some things to expect in the upcoming days are reviews of Wagner's Paint Crew Plus, C.H. Hanson's Slide Square, and a whole host of new Skil Tools, starting with their Power Wrench.

Tool of the Month
Cadex CPB23.50 23 Gauge Pinner and Brad Nailer

Reviews
Cadex CPB23.50 23 Gauge Pinner and Brad Nailer
Husky 84-Watt Portable Tripod Fluorescent Work Light
Dremel Duo (Stylus & Driver)

Black & Decker VPX System
Black & Decker VPX Lithium-IonTools
Black & Decker VPX Starter Set
Black & Decker VPX Website is Live
Black & Decker VPX3101 VPX Inverter
Black & Decker VPX Website is Live (for real this time)

New and Interesting Tools
Handi-Shim's New 1/32" Shim
Milwaukee Hatchet Reciprocating Saw
iRobot Looj Gutter Cleaning Robot
Maxus X-Lite Air Compressors
Proxxon Oscillating Detail Sander
SquareONE
Skil 7.2-Volt Lithium-Ion Power Wrench
Ridgid R4121 12" Dual Bevel Miter Saw
Maxxeon Workstar 1200

Guides and How-To

Woodfinder.com
Snowblower Buying Guide
How-To Clean a Chimney

Promotions
Northern Tool's Preseason Heater Sale
DeWalt Nano Hammerdrill Sweepstakes
Home Depot Holiday Gift Cards
Northern Tool Milwaukee Giveaway

Other Tool News

Bosch Rapid Repair (and a chance to win a Bosch PS10)
JLC Turns 25!
Milwaukee V18 Vs. 18V?

Distractions

Mug Boss

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October 1, 2007

September 2007 Monthly Roundup for Tool Snob

Roundup.jpgIt was a funny month here at Tool Snob. We took the first part off and went on vacation, so things were pretty quiet for a couple weeks. Then we got back and really had to hit the ground running. It's shaping up to be a busy fall in the tool world and at the moment there's quite a lot going on. Probably the biggest news is Ryobi's Lithium-Ion line of tools. It looks like they've managed to wrap the benefits of the li-ion battery in a very affordable package. We've got a lot of info on those tools, here, here, here, and here.

Because of our vacation, we only reviewed two tools in September. Still, we don't think that should detract any of the glory from Husky's 2-In-1 Combo Knife, our Tool of the Month. It's a great little knife that belongs in everyone's pocket.

So keep checking in, because we've got a lot in store for you in October...starting tomorrow with a review of one of the finest tools we're ever used.

Tool of the Month
Husky 2-In-1 Ultra-Thin Combination Knife - Review

Reviews
C.H. Hanson SuperPencil - Review
Husky 2-In-1 Ultra-Thin Combination Knife - Review

New and Interesting Power Tools
Ryobi 12-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Drill
Ridgid R4330 13" Thickness Planer with 3 Blade Cutterhead
New DeWalt Nano Tools
Milwaukee Compact 18-Volt Drill
Ryobi One + Lithium Ion Tools
Milwaukee 12-volt Sub-Compact Driver

New and Interesting Hand Tools
Stanley FatMax Xtreme 55-120 FuBar III
C.H. Hanson Speedrocker SS
PlugGrip and SwitchGrip
Rockler Jig Parts
C.H. Hanson Unveils New Website

Safety
New Bosch/DeWalt Table Saw Guards

Guides
Top Ten Technologies of 2007

Distractions
World's Strongest Glue
Will It Blend

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September 4, 2007

August 2007 Monthly Roundup for Tool Snob

Roundup.jpgWe had another fun month looking around for new and interesting tools. We found some cool ones (Bostitch Framing System), some innovative ones (Rapid Edge & Level), some insanely expensive ones (Stiletto's Mini-14 TiBone), and some very strange ones (Helping Hands...). We reviewed a few too. Although we we really loved Dremel's 75th Anniversary Rotary Tool, our Tool of the Month goes to Grizzly's H5527 Brad Nailer, a bare bones, feature-free brad gun that works like a charm, proving that you don't need to shell out the big bucks in order to get quality tools.

Tool of the Month

Grizzly H5527 Brad Nailer

Reviews
Grizzly H5527 Brad Nailer
Ace Sensations
Husky 5-in-1 Drywall Tool
Dremel 75th Anniversary Rotary Tool Kit

Power Tools

Bosch PMF 180 E Multi
Coleman Power-Tite

Air Tools
Bostitch N88RH-2MCN Framing System

Hand Tools
Stiletto Mini-14 TiBone
Rapid Edge and Rapid Level
FastCap 3rd Hand Support System
AS&S Helping Hands... and Eyes
The Spout Popper
Stubby II: Electric Bugaloo

Glues and Adhesives

West System G/Flex

Benches, Stands & Storage
Skil XBench Portable Workstation (and how to win one!)

Clothing
DeWalt Sells Shoes?

Distractions
How Duct Tape is Made
Woodworking Joint Torture Test


Blogpire News

Win Prizes from MvixUSA and Our New Site NetworkingAudioVideo.com!

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August 6, 2007

July 2007 Monthly Roundup for Tool Snob

Roundup.jpgAside from the constant battle with over-heating, we had a good month here at Tool Snob. First and foremost, we were completely impressed with Wagner's Painteater, a total monster of a tool when it comes to the awful task of paint scraping. Secondly, we reviewed and gave away Ridgid's new 18 Volt Li-Ion Drill. And lastly, we rooted around trying to give you all the heads up on new and otherwise interesting tools and tool-related things.

Stay tuned for the month of August. Very soon we'll be posting a review of Ace Sensations Paint, Husky's new 5-in-1 Drywall Tool, Grizzly's $25 Brad Gun, and Dremel's 75th Anniversary Rotary Tool. August should be a lot of fun around here.

Tool of the Month
Wagner PaintEater

Reviews
Wagner PaintEater – Review
Ridgid Lithium-Ion 18-Volt Compact Drill - Review

New and Interesting Tools
The Bagster
Apollo Precision Tools 135-Piece Household Pink Tool Kit
Little Giant Ladder System 1A
The Drill Doctor
Fein MultiMaster
Cadex CPB23.50 Headless Pin and Brad Nailer
Grizzly H5527 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Kit
Dremel 75th Anniversary Rotary Tool Kit
New Tools in C.H. Hanson's Signature Series
Kreg KKS2000 Klamp Table
Irwin Chop Saw/Miter Saw Laser Guide

Guides
The Ways of Solid Wood

How-To
Cutting a Circle on a Table Saw
How-To Layout Tile

Events
AWFS 2007

Recalls
Recall: Milwaukee 14.4 and 18 Volt Batteries

Magazine Reviews
Fine Homebuilding No. 189 - Review
Woodsmith Vol 29 / No. 172 - Review

Distractions
Morons with Nail Guns – Part 2

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July 2, 2007

June 2007 Monthly Roundup for Tool Snob

Roundup.jpgAs you can see from below, we had another busy month around here. In addition to a lot of our usual features, we had a big five-part Father's Day gift guide (which is still good for birthdays and other occasions). Of all the tools we saw this month, the one that really impressed us was C.H. Hanson's Pivot Square, a tool that any serious builder should check out. Tool of the Month, without question.

We're gearing up for a busy July. Right now we're working on reviews of
Ridgid's new Compact Li-Ion Drill, Wagner's Painteater, and the new line of Ace Sensations paint.

Tool of the Month
C.H. Hanson Pivot Square

Reviews
C.H. Hanson Pivot Square
Home Depot Tape Measure Gift Cards

New and Interesting Tools
Wagner Power Tex
Makita AVT Tools
Pit Bull Power Planer

GMC ADS75 1.1 Amp Detail Sander
Milwaukee 6390-21 Tilt-Lok 7-1/2” Circular Saw

Guides
Father’s Day Gift Ideas from Tool Snob – Part 1 ($1-$20)
Father’s Day Gift Ideas from Tool Snob – Part 2 ($20-$50)
Father’s Day Gift Ideas from Tool Snob – Part 3 ($50-$100)
Father’s Day Gift Ideas from Tool Snob – Part 4 ($100-$150)
Father’s Day Gift Ideas from Tool Snob – Part 5 ($150+)
Power Tool Repair

How-To
How-To Cut Cooling Costs by Sealing Your Home
How-To Cut a Circle on a Table Saw

Promotions
Free 18-Volt XRP DeWalt Battery at Amazon.com and Tool King

Magazines
Popular Woodworking – August 2007
This Old House – July/August 2007 – Annual Kitchen and Bath Special

Distractions
Renovation Mishaps


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May 31, 2007

May 2007 Monthly Roundup for Tool Snob

Roundup.jpgWe had another big month here and checked out a bunch of new tools. By far, the most original was the Quick Angle, a little measuring device with about a hundred uses and huge potential. We also got to test out Porter-Cable's 371K Belt Sander and saw that all the hype is much deserved. But, because it is such an over the top complete package, our Tool of the Month goes to the Ryobi 229-Piece Rotary Tool Kit. It's pretty much guaranteed that you'll have hours and hours of fun with the thing.

Keep checking back, we've got a lot in store for June, especially with Father's Day to think about...

Tool of the Month
Ryobi HT230 229-Piece Rotary Tool Kit

Reviews
The Quick Angle
Porter-Cable 371K Compact Belt Sander
Husky Heavy-Duty X-Sawhorse
Ryobi HT230 229-Piece Rotary Tool Kit
Husky 45-Piece Stubby Set


New and Interesting Tools
Bosch PS10-2 10.8V I-Driver
Arbortech AS160 Brick and Mortar Saw
Stanley Hi-Vis Tape Measure
Porsche P’7911 Hammer Drill
Fiskars Garden Bucket Caddy
Black & Decker Alligator Lopper 4.5 Amp Electric Chainsaw
Wagner PaintEater
Skil iXO2 Cordless Palm Sized Screwdriver
Ace Sensations

New and Interesting Building Materials
Velux Sun Tunnel Skylights

Guides
What Are “Factory Reconditioned Tools?”

Magazines
This Old House - May 2007
Woodsmith Vol 29 / No. 171
Fine Homebuilding No. 188
This Old House - June 2007


Other Helpful Things We Found

Lawn Care Websites
The Ultimate Backyard Guide

Distractions
iPod Nano Vs. Framing Gun
Safety Last
Memorial Day

Sweepstakes
DeWalt Worklight Sweepstakes
Irwin Bolt-Grip Sweepstakes

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