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Jabsco Drill-Powered Pump

Posted: January 31st, 2008, 12:11pm MST by Stuart Deutsch

Now you can drain toilets or fill a fountain with your drill — and Jabsco’s drill-powered pump. You simply attach the built-in 1/4″ diameter shaft to your portable drill, and pull the trigger. The self-priming pump does the rest. Jabsco’s pump can move 3-1/2 gallons per minute, and it even comes with 3/4″ garden hose adapters.

The drill pump will probably appeal to people looking for a middle ground between a wet/dry vac and a pricey standalone pump. Unlike flimsy prime-it-yourself pumps that cost half as much, Jabsco’s pumps won’t leave you high and dry when you least expect it.

Several distributors mention that a 1/4″ x 40″ dipstick probe is included with the pump to make it easy to drain engine oil through the dipstick tube. Since Jabsco mostly caters to marine and industrial customers, it’s not safe to assume you can use this on your car. You can also forget about pumping gasoline and other flammable liquids with this pump.

Caveats aside, for less than $30 via Amazon you get an excellent, portable pump that can even be cordless, depending on your drill.

Jabsco [Corporate Site]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]

From the Flickr Pool: Homemade Wine Rack

Posted: January 31st, 2008, 11:44am MST by Sean O'Hara

Flickr pool member Yankees251 decided he didn’t want to cough up $300 for a wine rack kit, so he built his own instead. And he was thinking when he designed it. He cut the wood, including the runners that hold the bottles, from 10” boards — no funky, custom stock here.

We also dig that he made the entire thing from pine, so he probably had a few bucks left over to put some actual wine in the rack after building it. Now that’s really thinking.

Toolmonger Photo Pool [Flickr]

Prevent Pegboard Pull-Out With Pegmate

Posted: January 31st, 2008, 11:12am MST by Benjamen Johnson

I don’t mean to start another pegboard war here — I only want to show the pegboard proponents a relatively low-cost solution to the hook pull-out problem. You could just snap little plastic clips into the pegboard to hold the hooks in place, a popular solution that works reasonably well — but Pegmate hook holders present a cost-effective and more professional looking alternative.

The Pegmate all-steel, two-piece clips fit both 1/8″ and 1/4″ pegboard hooks. With these removable and reusable clips, you can reposition hooks without damaging the pegboard, the hook, or the Pegmate clip itself.

A 50 pack of Pegmate hook holders runs about $9. Note: This buys only the clips, not the pegboard hooks.

Pegmate Hook Holders [Hartville Tool]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/31/TM%e2%80%99s_2007_Favorites__Milwaukee%e2%80%99s_V18_1_2%e2%80%b3_Hammerdrill_Driver'

TM’s 2007 Favorites: Milwaukee’s V18 1/2″ Hammerdrill/Driver

Posted: January 31st, 2008, 11:11am MST by Chuck Cage

Not all of our favorite tools are inexpensive. In fact, Milwaukee’s V18 was one of the more expensive drivers to grace TM’s shop last year. And that’s saying something, because if there’s one tool we see a lot here at TM, it’s cordless drill/drivers. But the V18 won over even our cheap-ass hearts. Read on past the jump to see why it’s one of our top ten of 2007.

With at least four or five drivers in the shop at any one time, we find ourselves reaching first for the V18. Why?

Four words: kick-ass metal chuck.

Sure, the V18’s 20V lithium-ion power cells last a long time, both in use and in the toolbox. And it pushes enough torque to drill big holes in masonry. And its now-ubiquitous battery charge gauge makes it easy to keep the tool ready-for-use. But it’s the V18’s metal chuck that kept this driver out of the cabinet and in use constantly.

The chuck’s ratcheting mechanism is first class and makes tightening the chuck around a new bit painless and effective. It’s one of the few keyless chucks that really tightens down well — without leaving marks on your bare hand.

One downside: don’t drop the V18. Milwaukee’s battery mount system suspends the battery below the tool, and it’s relatively easy to break the battery mount if you drop it onto concrete. So don’t drop it.

As you can see from the photo, our V18 has seen massive use throughout 2007. It’s our go-to choice for drilling holes in steel — and especially for driving large wood screws because the combination of its accurate clutch and sensitive trigger speed control make it easy to wield high torque in a controlled manner.

At a street price of around $300, we view the V18 as a long-term investment — made easier by the fact that you can use the batteries that come with the V18 in your existing 18-volt Milwaukee tools, upgrading them to the current battery tech and lending them new life. Plus, Milwaukee offers a variety of other options in the V18 line in tool-only form, so if you’re not already a Milwaukee user you can stock up.

V18 1/2″ Hammerdrill/Driver [Milwaukee]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

Catspaw Telescoping Magnetic Flashlight

Posted: January 31st, 2008, 10:31am MST by Sean O'Hara

When a bolt falls into the depths of your engine block, fish it out with a flashlight — that’s the idea behind the CatsPaw telescoping magnetic flashlight. It sounds a bit strange, but combining a light with a magnetic grabber does free up one hand, which could actually be helpful.

You release the telescoping action by turning the grooved dials on the tube. The light extends from 7-1/2″ to 22-3/8″ for a long reach into hard-to-get-to places. The magnet, located in the head with the LED bulb, can pull up to five pounds — so it shouldn’t have any trouble with those runaway fasteners.

Though it looks pretty handy to have around, keep in mind that golden color will get dirty pretty fast around the grease and oil normally associated with auto work.

CatsPaw Telescoping Magnetic Flashlight [Mayhew]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

Lista Workspace Organization And Storage

Posted: January 31st, 2008, 9:58am MST by Stuart Deutsch

When it comes to workspace storage and organization, Lista is the cream of the crop. They’ve earned their reputation by designing products that are easy to use and customize. I doubt there’s any convenience you could wish for in a cabinet or drawer system that Lista hasn’t already implemented.

Some of the features that cause us to drool over Lista cabinets include: full extension drawers capable of 440 lb. loads each, an anti-tipping system, full-height drawer sidewalls, and fully customizable drawer layouts. And you can customize to your heart’s delight, from simply selecting the powder coat color and type of lock, to opting for static-dissipating drawers and accessories.

Of course, you knew there had to be a drawback to Lista’s organizational products: the astronomical price. Because of this, you’ll rarely find their storage units outside of an industrial or business setting. However, Lista makes quite a few affordable accessories you can use in any tool chest or rollaway.

Lista International [Corporate Site]
Cabinet Features [Lista]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

Swivel Tip Screwdiver

Posted: January 31st, 2008, 9:13am MST by Benjamen Johnson

When you can’t get a straight shot at a screw, sometimes there’s enough play between the bit and the screw head to drive it, but you’ll probably damage the head. If you’re lucky, maybe you can wrangle a stubby screwdriver into the space — or you can drive the screw with a swivel tip screwdriver.

This swivel tip screwdriver from Pratt-Read can drive screws at angles from 0 to 45 degrees. The driver accepts any common 1/4″ hex shank bits, and the handle stores the six included bits.

Other companies make similar products which may or may not be a better deal, but you can pick up one of Pratt-Read’s swivel tip screwdrivers online for about $13. You might not need it everyday, but it’ll be worth 10 times its weight in screws when you do.

Swivel Tip Screwdriver [Pratt-Read]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]

Dealmonger: Skywalker 2.0 Stilts For $250

Posted: January 31st, 2008, 8:47am MST by Stephen Cooke

Marshalltown 14900 SkyWalkerÂ® 2.0 Stilts 18-30

Stilts aren’t just for circus performers — they’re a staple in any plasterer’s arsenal. My plaster guy walks around on and recommends Marshalltown’s Skywalker 2.0 stilts. Their advanced ankle movement allows for a more natural walking motion and less fatigue.

They fit on any size leg, thanks to a three-way ratchet system. You can quickly adjust the height, up to 30″, with a “flip-and-switch” system. You can also strap ‘em on fast with quick “adjust-and-release” straps. The stilts support up to 225 lbs. with rubber feet pads for traction. If you get a chance to try a pair out, I recommend it — it’s not as easy as it looks.

Skywalker 2.0 Stilts [Marshalltown]
Skywalker 2.0 Stilts [Toolbarn]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]

TV Tonight: Product Placement

Posted: January 31st, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Thursday, January 31st, 2008) We get a new, probably funny, NBC tie-in American Chopper. And a new How Do They Do It shows us how they, um, do it.

All times are central.

Holmes on Homes: Lack of Truss, Part 1 (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build it Bigger: Mega-Tunnel (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 9, sulkies, bagpipes, yule logs, and fishing lures (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
Rides: Core (TLC, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 4, Hockey gloves, snack cakes, remolded tires, and wastewater treatment plants (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
Smash Lab: Train Crash (Discovery, 7:00 p.m.)
American Chopper: Go Daddy 2 (TLC, 7:00 p.m.)
Classic Tractors (RFD-TV, 7:00 p.m.)
Smash Lab: Crash Absorbing Concrete (Discovery, 8:00 p.m.)
American Chopper: Michigan Bike/My Name is Earl 1 (TLC, 8:00 p.m.) NEW
Cool Tools: Unplugged (DIY, 8:00 p.m.)
Cool Tools: Light It Up (DIY, 8:30 p.m.)
Smash Lab: Hurricane Proof House (Discovery, 9:00 p.m.)
How Do They Do It?: Episode 10, rockets, binocular lenses, and windshield wiper blades (Science, 9:00 p.m.) NEW
How Do They Do It?: Episode 8, mega freeways and minting coins (Science, 9:30 p.m.)
MythBusters: Salsa Escape (Discovery, 10:00 p.m.)

Enjoy.

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/30/TM%e2%80%99s_2007_Favorites__Bosch%e2%80%99s_5%e2%80%b3_Palm_Random_Orbit_Sander'

TM’s 2007 Favorites: Bosch’s 5″ Palm Random Orbit Sander

Posted: January 30th, 2008, 12:54pm MST by Sean O'Hara

Early last year I started looking around for a decent palm sander, because after building numerous bookcases and other wood projects, my arms ached like hell. I’d tried other models in the past, and found many of them difficult to control, which led to mixed results in use. After lots of pawing at display models, I decided to try the Bosch 5″ random orbit model — and discovered why so many pros love this model. Read on past the jump to find out why it’s one of our favorite tools of 2007.

Unlike the old square models, the Bosch fits perfectly into my hand, making it far easier to sand for long periods. Its speed control allows fine adjustment of exactly how much material you’re removing, and it’s easy to adjust the speed control with my index finger without shutting down the tool or letting go of it.

Best of all, the random orbit motion leaves no grooves at all. Yet you can still angle the edge into a corner or a large bump to remove material more quickly. Sanding discs attach via a simple hook-and-loop system, and pre-cut 5″ discs are available in damn near any grit right at the local big-box retailer.

I’ve wielded the Bosch against fiberglass, resin, Bondo, wood, and just about every other material you could imagine in the TM shop over the last year, and though it’s a bit dirtier than when I bought it, it still chugs away. I suspect that this tool is often overlooked by other publications because it’s so simple: it just works.

Unlike some of the other tools in our ‘07 top ten, this one’s a bit pricey. I spent $65 for it, and having burned through hundreds of discs, I’d pay more if they asked it. (Don’t tell Bosch!) If you’re looking for a quality, durable, reasonably-priced palm sander that’ll make your life in the shop easier, this is your baby.

5″ Palm-Grip Variable Speed Random Orbit Sander [Bosch]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

Take Some Of The Guesswork Out Of Drywall

Posted: January 30th, 2008, 12:02pm MST by Eric Dykstra

To cut a hole in drywall for an electrical box, you measure X, then measure Y, transfer those to the drywall, and cut out as needed with a saw or rotary cutter. It’s simple in theory — but in practice there’s a lot of room for error, especially if you’re a DIYer for whom this isn’t your regular job. The Blind Mark Electrical Cutout Tool system, with its two-part magnetic template, takes out the guesswork and helps you avoid costly mistakes.

The Blind Mark kit comes with three targets and one target locater template. Before the drywall goes up, you place the targets inside the electrical boxes. After the board is secured, slide the target finder across the drywall until the magnets lock together. Mark a line around the template, cut out a hole for the future switch or outlet, and remove the target. It simplifies the multi-step process and helps eliminate mistakes. The kit sells for $25 at the official site as well as at Lowe’s and Home Depot.

Blind Mark [Official Site]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

Sterling Silver Leatherman

Posted: January 30th, 2008, 11:48am MST by Stuart Deutsch

Silver Leatherman1.jpg

To celebrate their upcoming 25th anniversary Leatherman is releasing a special edition of the Charge multi-tool, one of their top products. Leatherman makes many versions of the Charge family of multi-tools, with slight tool variations and aluminum or titanium handles. This special edition, however, will be hand-crafted from sterling silver!

Along with a $500 pricetag, the special edition Charge comes with a wood and glass display box and what appears to be a standard tool assortment. We find the notion of a $500 sterling silver multi-tool ridiculous, but the Leatherman Charge is definitely still a great tool. If you don’t have $500 but still want a Charge, the ALX or TTI versions sell for about $100 and are sometimes on sale for much less.

Charge TTI [Leatherman]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Sterling Silver Charge Via Amazon (B000W79YVM) [What’s This?]
Charge TTI Via Amazon (B000LGBPZC) [What’s This?]

Wrap A Chain Around Your Pipe Problems

Posted: January 30th, 2008, 11:14am MST by Benjamen Johnson

When a pipe wrench just won’t cut it — whether it just can’t get a good grip or won’t fit in the given space — grab your trusty chain wrench. A chain wrench wraps around hard-to-reach or irregularly shaped objects to give you the grip you need.

Crescent manufactures 12″, 15″, and 24″ long chain wrenches which have 4″, 5″, and 6″ diameter jaw capacities respectively. They chrome-plate the I-beam handle for corrosion resistance. For improved gripping power, the chain features concave cut teeth.

If you shop around you can find Crescent’s 12″ chain wrench for about $20, the 15″ for about $35, and the 24″ for about $50 — prices competitive with their pipe wrench cousins.

Chain Wrench [Crescent]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
12″ Wrench Via Amazon(B00002N7QV) [What’s This?]
15″ Wrench Via Amazon(B000TDDP7I) [What’s This?]
24″ Wrench Via Amazon(B000TDGHGY) [What’s This?]

Keep Batteries Organized On The Go

Posted: January 30th, 2008, 10:33am MST by Eric Dykstra

If you’ve ever frantically searched your tool bag for a set of batteries when you really needed them, you might dig the Personal Battery Caddy. Designed for pilots, the molded plastic case securely holds several fresh batteries in a compact package. And it glows in the dark to boot.

You can choose from several versions of the Battery Caddy. The original version holds 12 AAs, four AAAs, two Cs, and one 9V — other versions carry different varieties of cells. The Caddy secures the batteries with plastic tabs, and you can slide out individual batteries one-handed. It comes in six colors in addition to glow-green. Prices vary across the line of products, but the original Battery Caddy runs about $12.

Personal Battery Caddy [Official Site]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

Quick-Wedge Slotted Screwdrivers

Posted: January 30th, 2008, 10:01am MST by Benjamen Johnson

Magnetic screwdrivers are great, but they can’t grip non-ferrous screws, and sometimes they just aren’t strong enough to hold the screw at every angle. Quick-Wedge screwdrivers take a different approach: with their split blade design, they apply force to the edge of the screw slot.

The split blade keeps the screw firmly on the end of the screwdriver so you can start and drive the screw with one hand. And because it uses mechanical force instead of magnetism to hold the screw, the Quick-Wedge screwdriver can drive brass, plastic, stainless steel, and many other screws made from non-ferrous materials.

To use the Quick-Wedge driver, seat the slotted screw on the tip of the screwdriver. Then move the tube forward to apply force against the edges of the screw slot. Drive the screw, then release it from the screwdriver by sliding the tube back towards the handle.

The original Quick-Wedge screwdrivers cost $6 to $10 apiece. The Pro series run $10 to $14 apiece, and if you really feel like dropping some serious coin, the 1000V series will set you back $25 to $35. Now if they only made something like this for Phillips, Robertson, torx …

Quick-Wedge [Corporate Site]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon(B000B5Y8M0) [What’s This?]

Want To Write For Toolmonger?

Posted: January 30th, 2008, 9:30am MST by Chuck Cage

Toolmonger is growing, and we’re on the prowl for bloggers who have a passion for tools and all things Toolmonger. If you’ve got what it takes to join the Toolmonger team, drop us a line at jobs (at) postlabmedia.com with the subject line “Toolmonger Writer Search.” In the body give us your name, your three favorite tools, and two original, unpublished posts of around 50 to 200 words in the Toolmonger style.

Our parent company, PostLab Media, is also seeking bloggers for FullOnCustom.com, so if you’d like to write about car customization instead of tools, just tailor sample writing to that style instead.

A few notes: We’ll delete all emails with attachments, so include all your text in the email body itself. Only official submissions, please: we ignore comments on this post. Not the world’s best writer? If you’re the world’s best tool finder, we might be able to help. Our biggest requirements are that you’re interested and that you’re committed.

Good luck!

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/30/TM%e2%80%99s_2007_Favorites__Hobart%e2%80%99s_Welding_Gloves'

TM’s 2007 Favorites: Hobart’s Welding Gloves

Posted: January 30th, 2008, 9:21am MST by Chuck Cage

You may notice that my Hobart welding gloves, pictured above, look like they’ve been through hell. That’s because that’s exactly where I put them (instead of my bare hands) damn near every time I use ‘em. I’ve burned ‘em, ground ‘em, scuffed ‘em, and otherwise treated ‘em like crap for a year now, and they’re still just as protective and comfy as the second week I wore ‘em. Read on past the jump to find out why they’re one of our favorite tools of 2007.

Don’t let the white leather fool you — these gloves are tough. When we first tested a set as welding gloves, we fell in love with their incredible fit. They offer far more dexterity than other welding gloves we’d tried, with increased heat protection to boot. We liked ‘em so much that we bought another set so Sean and I both had one.

But as we continued to wear ‘em, they just got better. They molded to fit our hands. And we began using them for more than just welding. I wear ‘em almost exclusively when fabricating, because they’re flexible enough for everything except writing, and I don’t have to worry about what’s hot and what’s not. They’re also great for grinding. Though I wouldn’t recommend you do this, I often make quick adjustments by holding a piece of square tubing with my gloved hand just inches from a spinning angle grinder with a flap disc. I’ve slipped numerous times, but the only results are a scuff on the glove. Plus you don’t have to worry about heat generated by grinding.

Obviously they’re great for welding, too. Anyone who’s been under the gun fabricating has asked a friend to hold something in place while you tack it. It’s easy to just cup your gloved hand inches around the tack to protect your assistant. Even with a large tack, the gloves just get slightly warm.

Words don’t do these gloves justice. You’ll just have to wear a set for a couple hundred hours like I have. You’ll be a fan, too.

Oh, and did we mention that they’re inexpensive, too. That’s a Toolmonger tool. Street pricing starts around $25. Our advice: buy two.

Premium Form-Fitting Welding Gloves [Hobart]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

Card-Size Tool Gives You Credit

Posted: January 30th, 2008, 9:17am MST by Dan Kitchen

The BCB Mini Work Tool looks like a miniature version of the ATAX tool that Toolmonger featured a few weeks ago. This credit card-sized piece of stainless steel integrates 11 tools in its simple frame, including a knife, saw, bottle opener, flat screwdriver, and a hole that can be used as a wrench.

It comes with a case, so you can easily add it to your arsenal of everyday carry items. Only a few vendors sell this particular brand, for about $10. If you want to go down-market, you can choose from a lot of knock-off versions with street pricing around $4.

BCB Miniwork Tool [BCB Survival USA]
BCB Miniwork Tool [Bestglide]
Other Versions [Google Products]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/30/Dealmonger__36%e2%80%b3_Bow_Saw__4'

Dealmonger: 36″ Bow Saw $4

Posted: January 30th, 2008, 8:46am MST by Stephen Cooke

If you’re a licensed arborist, please look away — but if you’re an occasional gardener who maybe has some branches to lop off, then check out this $4 saw at Northern Tools. The saw’s constructed from a painted steel frame and comes with the blade and a blade guard.

36″ Bow Saw [Northern Tools]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

TV Tonight: And Grant Will Make a Robot?

Posted: January 30th, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Wednesday, January 30th, 2008) A new episode of Mythbusters tonight involves radio control, sprockets, and pillow blocks, although most episodes do, now that we think of it. Once again we’re not sure what episodes of Street Tuner Challenge are airing tonight, but the one at 9:00 might be new.

All times are central.

Holmes on Homes: Due Date (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build it Bigger: Biggest Warship (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 9, bumpers, lighting gels & camera filters, steam-powered models, and candy canes (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 10, umbrellas, outboard motors, silver cutlery, and tape measures (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
MythBusters: Underwater Car (Discovery, 7:00 p.m.)
MythBusters: Airplane on a Conveyor Belt (Discovery, 8:00 p.m.) NEW
Smash Lab: Train Crash (Discovery, 9:00 p.m.)
Rock Solid: Stone Furniture (DIY, 9:00 p.m.)
Street Tuner Challenge: Showtime (Speed, 9:00 p.m.)
Hammered With John and Jimmy DiResta: The Retro Table Lamps (DIY, 9:30 p.m.)
Street Tuner Challenge: Get Competitive (Speed, 9:30 p.m.)
MythBusters: Breakstep Bridge (Discovery, 10:00 p.m.)

Enjoy.

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/29/It%e2%80%99s_Just_Cool__Portable_Plastic_Power_Strip'

It’s Just Cool: Portable Plastic Power Strip

Posted: January 29th, 2008, 12:18pm MST by Dan Kitchen

Imagine a world without wires. Konarka’s Power Plastic converts light energy into electricity for your portable devices, so you never have to plug them in to a wall socket. The light-weight plastic technology offers a cheaper alternative to the current silicon-based cells which currently dominate the solar energy market.

Konarka plans to incorporate their Power Plastic into the sides of military tents to create portable electric buildings, and they’re making small sheets of the plastic that could charge cell phones or other devices. Could a solar-powered cordless battery station be far off?

Power Plastic [Konarka]

Ratcheting Chuck Key

Posted: January 29th, 2008, 11:46am MST by Benjamen Johnson

These days everything ratchets: screwdrivers, box end wrenches, adjustable wrenches, hex key sets — so why not bring your old drill press or power drill into the 21st century with a ratcheting chuck key from Ratchkey? If you’ve ever pinched or skinned your fingers trying to use an original chuck key, or had problems loosening the chuck to remove a bit, you’ll appreciate Ratchkey’s design.

The ratcheting chuck key can apply up to 120 inch-pounds of torque with its highly visible, red, high-impact, polymer handle. Ratchkey designed the handle to be comfortable to hold, unlike the small steel rod on most chuck keys. The ratcheting action works in only one direction — you use one side to tighten the chuck, and the other side to release it.

Ratchkey makes their ratcheting chuck keys in four sizes:

The HC-10 for 0 - 3/8″ drills, Jacobs KG series chuck keys.
The HC-12 for 3/8″ - 1/2″ drills (10 mm), Jacobs KK series keys.
The HC-14 for 1/2″ (13 mm) - 1/4″ pilot - Jacobs K-32 series.
The HC-15 for 1/2″ (13 mm) - 6 mm pilot - Röhm style S32A chuck key.

If you don’t know what size key you need, a table on the McFEELY’s link below describes which Ratchkey key fits which chuck for each model on their web site .

Made in the USA with a lifetime warranty, each Ratchkey ratcheting chuck key runs about $5 — about the most cost-effective upgrade you can make to your keyed chuck drill.

Ratchkey [Corporate Site]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Ratchkey [McFEELY’S]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/29/Don%e2%80%99t_Sweat_It_With_Erase_A_Hole'

Don’t Sweat It With Erase-A-Hole

Posted: January 29th, 2008, 11:13am MST by Dan Kitchen

A former drywall professional invented Erase-A-Hole to take care of small patch jobs around the house. As an added bonus, the deodorant-like applicator and the suggestive name might make you crack a grin.

Just rub on a little compound with the applicator, and wipe or scrape the excess away. Erase-A-Hole works on drywall and wood surfaces. Also, since the compound doesn’t shrink as it dries, you can paint over it immediately. The compound should be good for three years before it dries out.

With a street price of $7, Erase-A-Hole might make a good addition to your kitchen tool drawer. To see it in action, check out the website for videos of Erase-A-Hole and its sister product, Erase-A-Crack. (You can just let that mental image develop for a while before checking it out.)

Erase-A-Hole [Corporate Site]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon (B000BUCWB4) [What’s This?]

Hex Adapter For Yankee Screwdrivers

Posted: January 29th, 2008, 10:45am MST by Benjamen Johnson

Your Yankee screwdriver sits in the drawer collecting dust. You’d use it more, but it’s missing most of the special bits. Buying a new one is expensive, and so is buying the bits — if you can actually find someplace that sells them separately. There’s another option: head on over to Lee Valley Tools and spend $6 to make your Yankee screwdriver more versatile than ever with a hex adapter.

The hex adapter accepts 1/4″ hex bits, which includes many drill bits. The collar slides back to insert a bit and forward to lock it into place. The built-in rare-earth magnet holds ferrous screws for easy one hand operation.

Lee Valley sells three different hex adapters made to fit common Yankee screwdrivers: a 7/32″ (5.5mm) shaft adapter, a 9/32″ (7mm) shaft adapter, and a 5/16″ (8mm) shaft adapter. Now you can take that old Yankee screwdriver out of the drawer and put it to good use again.

Hex Adapter [Lee Valley]

Lights On With The Firelight Safety Switch

Posted: January 29th, 2008, 10:07am MST by Eric Dykstra

Sometimes a great invention fails to hit it big simply because the financial circumstances aren’t just right — the Firelight Safety Switch is one of those potential innovations waiting in financial limbo. When a small fire filled his son’s house with smoke, Tony Abuiso came over to assess the damage, and the idea hit him: a switch that could “hear” a smoke detector’s alarm and then turn on a light or activate an exhaust fan.

The switch can replace any household light switch. The distinctive sound made by smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors activates internal electronics in the switch. In case of a fire, the Safety Switch automatically turns on the lights, helping to prevent panic and facilitating a safer exit from the house. Currently the Firelight switch isn’t in production — Mr. Abuiso is looking for funding or a suitable distributor.

The Firelight Safety Switch [Official Site]
Story Of Tony And His Invention [Pocono Record]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/29/TM%e2%80%99s_2007_Favorites__Stanley%e2%80%99s_Mobile_Project_Center'

TM’s 2007 Favorites: Stanley’s Mobile Project Center

Posted: January 29th, 2008, 9:36am MST by Chuck Cage

We’re students of the old school when it comes to workbench design, so when we first saw Stanley’s Mobile Project Center we didn’t want to like it. We figured that a metal and plastic bench that stands high instead of wide wouldn’t last a week in the shop. We were wrong. Read on past the jump to find out why it’s one of our 2007 favorite tools.

We’ve had a Black & Decker Workmate in the shop since before it was a shop. In fact, I inherited the Workmate we have from my father, who bought it used at a garage sale. But as sturdy as it is, I really and truly hate carrying it around. It’s heavy, and there’s no easy way to carry it without it bumping into your leg when you walk. And folding out the feet individually sucks.

Stanley’s MPC, on the other hand, is quite light. But best of all, it features wheels, which make it a breeze to roll around the shop or into the driveway — wherever you need a little bit of workspace. Its plastic top is much more durable than you’d expect. But on to your — and our — big question: is it durable?

The answer is a resounding yes. We’ve beat the living crap out of our MPC, carting it around to shows and demonstrations, using it as a stand for hammer competitions, painting on it, driving thousands of screws into wood and metal on it (and accidentally into it). Funny story: we used an MPC (and our Skilsaw) to cut all the studs and sheathing for the building we tore down at Maker Faire Austin. We accidentally cut the corner off the MPC’s top while hurriedly cutting some sheathing, but it was still just as sturdy. Afterwards we gave it away to someone who stopped by — a framer who was excited to get hold of it.

Our particular MPC also features the swing-out base that allows it to function as a two-wheel dolly. At first we scoffed at its 220 pound limitation, but again we were foolish in our quick judgment. We don’t keep a big two-wheel dolly in the shop because we have such limited space. But the MPC is always right there — perfect for moving large boxes around or hauling some heavy wood or metal.

The bottom line: the MPC is a true road dog, sturdy enough for heavy use while light enough to save your back. If you’re looking for something you can carry to the jobsite to serve as a small cut table or a sawhorse, you’ll love the MPC. And you can even carry your toolbox(es) on its dolly.

Hell, our MPC rarely finds its way back to the wall anymore as it’s almost constantly in use. That’s about as big a compliment as we can offer. Street pricing starts around $125, though you can score one for closer to $100 if you keep an eye out for sales.

Note: Lowe’s and the ‘Depot don’t like to carry the dolly-enabled version for some reason. Watch out for the version without the fold-down base; it isn’t nearly as versatile. If you can’t find the dolly version locally, check online.

The FatMax Mobile Project Center [Stanley]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

Hot Or Not? Adjustable Plastic Drill Stops

Posted: January 29th, 2008, 9:32am MST by Benjamen Johnson

When drilling to a set depth, collar-type drill stops — think donuts — provide a less-than-ideal solution. Since they’re metal, they may damage the drill bit or mar the work surface. What’s more, you need one for just about every drill bit size, and when it’s time to use or adjust them, you have to find the right size Allen wrench. Recently I stumbled across something that may replace the metal, collar-style stop in my toolbox: adjustable plastic drill stops.

Made from brightly colored, high-impact plastic, you can spot these drill stops easily in your toolbox or drawer. They come in sets of two: the smaller one fits bits sized 1/16″ to 1/4″, and the larger fits bits sized 1/4″ to 1/2″. You simply twist the threaded sleeve around the internal double-ended collet to lock it at the desired depth.

At $5 to $6 a pair, are these stops the slickest invention since sliced bread, or worthless pieces of plastic? Tell us what you think in comments.

Street Pricing [Google Products]
Plastic Drill Stops [Lee Valley]
Plastic Drill Stops [Woodcraft]

Dealmonger: Eight Insulated Screwdrivers For $8

Posted: January 29th, 2008, 8:43am MST by Dan Kitchen

Lee Valley’s offering an eight piece insulated screwdriver set with carrying case for $8. They describe them as “made for the German market,” with no other information on the make. Lee Valley put the drivers on sale because the European certification for the insulation has expired. This deal ends when they sell out of the remaining stock.

Screwdriver Clearance [Lee Valley]

TV Tonight: Chore Buoy

Posted: January 29th, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Tuesday, January 29th, 2008) New episodes of Dirty Jobs and Some Assembly look pretty interesting. We’re still waiting for some new episodes of Tank Overhaul, though.

All times are central.

Holmes on Homes: Falling Waters (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build it Bigger: Big Easy Rebuild (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
Machinery of the Past (RFD-TV, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 49, handcuffs, caulking and joint compound, propane tanks, and forensic facial reconstruction (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
Tank Overhaul: The Panther (Military, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 45, pistons, paint rollers, parachutes, and chimneys (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
Dirty Jobs: Cave Biologist (Discovery, 7:00 p.m.)
Dirty Jobs: Buoy Cleaner (Discovery, 8:00 p.m.) NEW
Some Assembly Required: Episode 5, steel knife, the country’s oldest chocolate factory, assembling a John Deere lawn mower (Discovery, 9:00 p.m.) NEW
MythBusters: Is Yawning Contagious? (Discovery, 10:00 p.m.)

Enjoy.

Bird Jacuzzi Livens Up Your Winter Yard

Posted: January 28th, 2008, 12:16pm MST by Audra Heaslip

Bird Bath - 20 in. Heated.jpg

What happens to our feathered friends in the icy winter months? They freeze their tails off like everyone else! But now you can give them a haven right in your backyard — and liven up the drab winter landscape at the same time. API (Allied Precision) makes a 20″ heated bird bath (read: hot tub) that’ll keep water from freezing in outdoor temperatures down to -20 F.

With the included hardware, you can attach the plastic basin to a separate stone or plastic pedestal, or to a wooden railing up to a foot wide. Since a fresh water supply in the winter is vital to the chilly critters’ survival, you can keep the birds coming back all year by providing the H20. Next DIY: Installing bubble jets.

Bird Bath [Allied Precision]
Bird Bath Via Amazon [What’s This?]
Mounting Bracket Via Amazon [What’s This?]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

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TM’s 2007 Favorites: Skil’s Base-Model Skilsaw

Posted: January 28th, 2008, 11:39am MST by Sean O'Hara

First up in our no-particular-order top ten favorite tools, 2007 edition, is Skil’s ever-popular circular saw — the 7-1/4″ Skilsaw. And we’re not talking about their high-buck worm-drive model. Our 2007 favorite is the model 5400-01, which we snagged for a whopping $25 off a Lowe’s sale table sans operator’s manual. Read on past the jump for details.

Despite this saw’s humble appearance — and price — it’s tough as hell. We’ve made thousands of cuts with it this year, building at least four bookcases, a huge hutch, a bedroom suite, numerous tool test rigs, and even the building we tore down. It’s been pitched off a roof, slung around by its cord, stepped on, and abused in almost every fashion you can imagine — and some you probably can’t.

Still, it cuts straight the first time in most any condition through anything from 1/4″ ply to 2″ hard wood.

Features? Sure: its foot has a mark you can use to follow a line to make straight cuts. And there’s a safety lock on the trigger. You could spend more for a laser (or two) and some additional foot detents. But why? For the price of many modern circular saws you could have two or three of these — and we can attest that it’ll do anything you need to do with a circ saw.

Even if you can’t find one on sale, they only retail for $45 brand new, and they’re readily available at most big-box retailers — or online if that’s how you shop.

Skilsaw Model #5400-01 [Skil]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

Lift A Ton And A Half With A Bicycle Pump

Posted: January 28th, 2008, 11:32am MST by Eric Dykstra

Archimedes said something like, “Give me a lever big enough, and I’ll move the world.” I’m fairly certain the same general idea applies to Matjack’s low-pressure, high-lift bags — at only 8 PSI they can lift one and a half tons or jack up three ton vehicles. Applications include everything from off-road 4X4 lifting to search and rescue.

Matjack makes their Quick Lift Bag kit with a durable Hypalon-coated nylon weave. Fully inflated, it measures 18″X18″X24″ and weighs just 13 lbs. with the included pump. Its light weight and small size makes it easy to store as well as transport. You can slip the flattened-out bag in spaces where more traditional lifting equipment won’t fit.

I wish I could tell you how much one of these setups cost, but I can’t find any prices listed online. If you’re interested, drop the good people at Matjack a line.

Quick Lift Bag [Matjack]

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It’s Just Cool: Translucent Concrete

Posted: January 28th, 2008, 10:43am MST by Dan Kitchen

Forget those glass blocks! Don’t you wish you had a building material with the structural integrity of concrete and the light transmitting ability of glass? Litracon wins major cool points by putting fiber-optic strands in concrete blocks to achieve results like the ones above. Even cooler: Light can travel 20 meters through the fiber optics before losing brightness.

A Hungarian architect invented Litracon — short for “light-transmitting-concrete” — in 2001, and he started his own Budapest-based company in 2004. The material is slowly catching on, and it was even considered as one of the materials for the Freedom Tower in New York. You can see some incredible pictures on their website.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to develop plans for my glowing underground bunker.

Translucent Concrete [Litracon]

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Toolmonger’s 10 Favorite Tools, 2007 Edition

Posted: January 28th, 2008, 10:27am MST by Chuck Cage

Yep, we’ve seen our share of “ten best” lists, too. But trust us: this one’s a little different. Rather than just rounding up the the new tools last year and picking our favorites, we’ve taken a more Toolmonger approach. These tools are the tools we used the most in our shop during 2007. They’re the tools that we just couldn’t put away no matter how hard we tried.

Some of them are new, and some of them are older. Some of them are tools that we’ve reviewed in the past, and some of them are just tools that we dropped our hard-earned cash for because we needed (or wanted) ‘em. But they all share one common thread: we used the ever-lovin’ crap out of ‘em, and we can recommend them wholeheartedly.

You’ll also notice that the pictures we’ll post aren’t studio shots. They’re photos of the actual tools we used and beat to hell — dirt, scratches, and all.

We’ll post the list one tool at a time throughout this and follow on with a roundup once we’ve revealed all our selections. We look forward to hearing your opinions in comments.

If Rube Goldberg Designed A Nail Puller

Posted: January 28th, 2008, 10:05am MST by Benjamen Johnson

Although at first look this tool might seem like a Rube Goldberg design, on closer inspection you appreciate the ingenuity of its designer. I can’t attest to how well it actually works, but it definitely looks cool.

Strike the top of this 8″ tool like you would a chisel to get the narrow 5/32″ jaws underneath the nail head. When you attach your hammer to either the top or side of the puller and lever against the fulcrum, the spring loaded jaws close to grip the nail.

Add this nail puller to your collection of eccentric tools for $15.

Forged Nail Puller [Lee Valley]

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Dude, Where’s My Driver?

Posted: January 28th, 2008, 9:30am MST by Audra Heaslip

Blue Bird Snowboard Tool.jpg

“Bluebird Wax Stranger” isn’t some strange news headline from The Onion, but rather the name of a pocket-sized multi-tool from the attitude-laden snowboard accessory company Bluebird Wax. Okay, so it’s only four screwdriver tips (two Phillips, two flathead) that hook up to a fancy-blue ratcheting handle — but it retails for about half of most other ratcheting multi-screwdrivers. Check out the gnarly pitch from the folks at Backcountry.com:

Don’t let a loose screw or poorly adjusted binding ruin your day snowboarding. Be prepared with the Bluebird Wax Stranger Pocket Tool. You hardly notice this small ratcheting screwdriver in your pocket, and its Phillips and flat-head screwdriver bits fit about any binding out there. When your friend says “Dude, I think my binding is loose,” hit him with the Stranger Pocket Tool and get back to riding.

So, for half the cash you can keep your ride in good condition and help the less driven on the slopes — but I’d bet on this one being handy in the shop, too. Dude.

Bluebird Wax Stranger [Backcountry]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]

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Dealmonger: Porter Cable “Tiger Claw” Variable Angle Reciprocating Saw $188

Posted: January 28th, 2008, 8:41am MST by Stephen Cooke

There probably isn’t an angle this saw can’t reach — and with Tools-Plus selling it for $188, there are probably very few reasons for me not owning one right now. This Porter Cable “Tiger Claw” variable angle reciprocating saw boasts 180 degrees of adjustability on the rear gear housing and 360 degrees on the front housing. Both gear housings adjust smoothly on ball bearings, with 13 position stops in the rear and 12 positions in the front — that should just about cover every conceivable angle.

An 11.5A variable 0-2900 SPM motor powers the saw, which has a cutting stroke of 1-1/4″. A detachable “Quik-Change” front shoe, to utilize more teeth in the cutting action, and “Quik-Change” keyless blades make this saw truly variable. You also get blades, a heavy-duty case, and a one year limited warranty.

Tiger Claw [Porter & Cable]
Porter Cable 9750 [Tools-Plus]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

TV Tonight: Earthworm Tractors

Posted: January 28th, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Monday, January 28th, 2008) A new episode of Ultimate Factories visits the Caterpillar factory, and Invention Nation gives us another new mystery episode. Guess the reference of tonight’s title if you can — no Googling!

All times are central.

Holmes on Homes: Clean Slate (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build It Bigger: World’s Tallest Skyscraper (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
Trains & Locomotives (RFD-TV, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 4, hearing aids, 3-D puzzles, rubber mats, and toilets (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 34, inflatable safety devices, braille typewriters, and carbon fibre cellos (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
MythBusters: Lead Balloon (Discovery, 7:00 p.m.)
Ultimate Factories: Caterpillar (National Geographic, 7:00 p.m.) NEW
Top Gear: Episode 3 (BBC America, 7:00 p.m.)
Smash Lab: Hurricane Proof House (Discovery, 8:00 p.m.)
Street Tuner Challenge: Putting it Together (Speed, 8:00 p.m.)
Top Gear: Episode 2 (BBC America, 8:00 p.m.)
Street Tuner Challenge: Get Competitive (Speed, 8:30 p.m.)
Smash Lab: Crash Absorbing Concrete (Discovery, 9:00 p.m.)
Invention Nation: Episode 10 (Science, 9:00 p.m.) NEW
Invention Nation: New Cool (Science, 9:30 p.m.)
MythBusters: Exploding Toilet (Discovery, 10:00 p.m.)

Enjoy.

A Hand Plane Without Giving Up An Arm (Or Leg)

Posted: January 25th, 2008, 11:37am MST by Rick Reimundez

So you’re looking to get into woodworking, and you figure the cheapest route is probably to avoid the big expensive power tools and go with small hand tools. You figure, it was good enough for our 18th century forefathers, it’s good enough for you. Then you get the shock from seeing the price of some of the nicer planes on the market. Well, Anant out of India has got the planes you want at more reasonable prices for the everyday normal guy.

Most experts will agree that you have three choices when it comes to hand planes. You can spend big bucks and start using your plane out of the box; for a reasonable amount, you can either get a used vintage plane of high quality or get one of the average-quality new planes out there and spend some time tuning it, flattening the sole, sharpening the irons, etc. before you can start using it; or lastly, you can buy a cheap plane at the big box, and have it be so far from usable that you’ll stop using the hand plane out of frustration.

An example of the second school of thought, the Anant block plane replicates the classic and well-loved Stanley 60-1/2 block plane. You’ll need to spend a little time tuning up the plane before you use it, but it’s not so far gone that you can’t make it into a very enjoyable working plane. It won’t have the same tool p0rn feel of the Lie-Nielsen or the Veritas planes - but you’ll be able to buy more than just a single plane at a time, because at $40, it’s about half the price of the premium planes.

Anant makes a full line of planes based on classic, proven plane designs, often with their own improvements built in. As much as I love the idea of using a classic, vintage plane, I love the idea of it being brand new even more.

Plane and Simple [Resource for Choosing and Tuning Hand Planes]
No. 60-1/2 Block Plane [Anant]
No. 60-1/2 Block Plane [Highland Woodworking]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

Editorial: The Billy Mays Effect

Posted: January 25th, 2008, 11:04am MST by Sean O'Hara

I don’t really have anything against Billy Mays. His commercials and infomercial stylings will one day be the stuff of legend and myth - as advertising will surely be beamed into our brains in the future. But until then Billy has got to shout louder and smile bigger than everyone else, all while giving you a ball-busting deal on his latest product.

I would like to say that if I had a crap-ton of Zorbee’s to hock that I might find a quieter, more dignified way to go about it, but all things considered, brute force might actually work pretty well. Billy gets into every living room at least 20 times a day and more on the weekends. After a while it seems pretty normal to see his grinning mug smiling back at you.

Somewhere between reruns of Gilligan’s Island and History’s Mysteries, a loud, cheerful dude tries to help you furnish your living room with the Hercules Hook or clean that nasty stain in the hallway. No one else is trying to help you figure this crap out at 3 in the morning — they’re all sleeping. Maybe you do need some Mighty Putty. That would make life better. He’s a crafty one, that Mr. Mays.

All we’re saying is beware of salesmen that don’t blink and seem to point at you more than twice in a 10 second span of time.

Billy Mays Products [Google]

Drilling Dust Bubble

Posted: January 25th, 2008, 10:36am MST by Stuart Deutsch

dust bubble1.jpg

The Dust Bubble disposable dust collector adheres to walls and other surfaces for a quicker and easier post-drilling cleanup. The Dust Bubble also cuts down on preparation time because it eliminates the need to remove or protect furniture and other belongings in the vicinity of the to-be-drilled zone. Stick it. Drill it. Bin it. The days of holding a drill with one hand and a vacuum with the other are over!

A light adhesive backing makes the Dust Bubble easy to stick to painted and wallpapered walls. Once the Dust Bubble is attached to the wall, you expand it by pulling the tab, and then insert your drill bit through the crosshairs on the label. Drill your hole, keeping the bit spinning until it’s completely withdrawn. Peel off the Dust Bubble when you’re done, and discard it.

Although it’s likely a gross misuse of the product, I like to use Dust Bubbles when taking a hammer drill to my painted masonry walls, and I even reapply the same bubble for several holes. Dust Bubbles can only accept drill bits up to 10mm or 3/8″ in size, but you can circumvent this with creative use of Scotch tape. About 3″ in diameter, the flexible cavity provides enough containment for most home DIY projects.

You can buy Dust Bubbles in packs of 10 with either regular-strength adhesive, for painted or wallpapered walls, or super-strength for untreated surfaces. You can also get an industrial version that comes with a wetting agent to contain asbestos and other equally nasty substances.

They’re manufactured in the UK, and McMaster Carr distributes ‘em in the US. You can find ‘em in McMaster Carr’s catalog on page 2319, all the way at the bottom under “Drilling Debris Containment Bubble.” Alternatively, you can search for part number “8937A11.” If you know of similar products or even better DIY solutions, tell us about them in comments.

Dust Bubble [Corporate Site]
Dust Bubble Catalog Page [McMaster Carr]

Plastic Razor Blades

Posted: January 25th, 2008, 9:58am MST by Benjamen Johnson

As as strange as it sounds, ScrapeRite manufactures plastic razor blades. Why on earth would you want a plastic razor blade? Designed for the automotive detailing industry, these blades can remove most stuck-on paints, adhesives, or other muck without damaging the surface like harder steel razor blades.

These standard-sized, double-edged, plastic razor blades fit in most razor blade holders. They can be used for scraping, peeling, or cleaning a variety of materials such as acrylic, plastic, vinyl, leather, painted metal, glass, rubber, tile, finished wood, and more.

The blades come in three different types: a rigid yellow blade, a flexible blue blade, or a flexible and long-lasting, general-purpose orange blade. ScrapeRite makes their blades with hot, injection-molded plastic for high strength and stiffness. The plastic also resists many chemicals and solvents.

For $9 you can buy a 25 pack of these plastic blades. If you need a holder you can buy five blades and a holder for $4 to $6.

Plastic Razor Blades [ScrapeRite]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Plastic Razor Blades [Lee Valley]

The Week in Tools: Toolmonger Top 5

Posted: January 25th, 2008, 9:26am MST by Sean O'Hara

This week was a busy one here at Toolmonger. If you’ve been spending time in the shop — you should! — and you didn’t have a chance to keep up with Toolmonger this week, we suggest you start with these posts, which our readers helped to select:

What Exactly Is A Base-Boar-Zit?
A Base-Boar-Zit drills a curved hole into a wall and base board stud. It’s not much use for anyone who isn’t running cable behind a wall, but those who are get stoked at the very sight of one. Basically, line the base up with the wall, use a drill to power the bit, and push. You get a nice clean hole through the wall ready for cable.

Byrdrench’s Two-Fisted Multi-Tool
The Byrdrench would fit right in with 007’s arsenal. Not only does it pack a small toolbox in it’s slender form, it also separates down the middle to reveal an easy-open knife blade. It’s the closest thing you’re going to find this side of Cybertron to a Transformer — not to mention, it serves as four different types of hand tools while looking this good.

A Knotty Learning Tool
Unless you were an Eagle Scout knot-tying champion, you most likely don’t know how to tie more than one or two basic types of knots. The Fourteener knotting tool teaches you how to tie knots on a small, specially crafted learning board — it’ll take your rope-wrangling skills from sad to MacGyver in no time flat.

Goodbye Fish Tape, Hello Magnafish
From the “Why didn’t I think of that?” files comes the Magnafish. Instead of fishing behind a wall for the wire you know you strung behind that wall, just use the Magnafish to attract it and tell it where you want it to go. We’re sure this big magnet will deter a great deal of violence against drywall.

Hot or Not? “Blind” Tool Selection
After a post about what are and should be important factors in the tool selection process, and whether buying blind to brand is a good thing or not, Toolmonger readers light up the comments section with their usual hardcore insight. The result is a spirited back and forth over what makes a good tool buy.

Help us choose next week’s Top 5!

We’d appreciate your help in choosing next week’s Top 5, which’ll be featured here, elsewhere, and in the podcast as well. While you’re reading TM this week, look out for the “Interesting Post” button at the bottom of the article:

When you see an article that piques your interest, click the button once. You’ll return to the same page, but TM’s software’ll score your click for future reference. We’ll check in on the totals before selecting next week’s Top 5.

Hot or Not? Small Trucks

Posted: January 25th, 2008, 9:23am MST by Eric Dykstra

There was a time in the US when you could buy a small truck. It’s true! They usually had a modest inline four, a bench seat, and A/C and a radio if you were lucky. They weren’t the gigantic, six thousand pound, glorified station wagons that lumber their way to soccer practice and make the yearly trip to Home Depot in order to justify their existence. They were big enough to fit at least a sheet of plywood and strong enough to get it where it needed to go.

Does bigger mean better when it comes to work trucks? Do you miss the days of the Ranger, the S-10, or the Nissan Hardbody? Trucks like the Ranger and the Toyota Tacoma are still in production, but they’re fairly chubby compared to their former selves. What do you all think? Drop us a line in the comments.

Dealmonger: DeWalt Heavy Duty 9.6V Cordless Drill/Driver Kit $75

Posted: January 25th, 2008, 8:34am MST by Stephen Cooke

DEWALT Heavy Duty 3/8 9.6-Volt Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

This drill/driver from DeWalt doesn’t sport lithium batteries or futuristic aggressive grips, but it’s a great, useful tool nonetheless — I know because I have one. If you don’t, then head to Amazon where this DeWalt heavy-duty 3/8″, 9.6V cordless drill/driver kit is now $75. The DeWalt DC750KA weighs a reasonable 3.4 lbs. and features a 15 position adjustable clutch, insert bit, dual-speed range (0-300/0-1,000 RPM), and a carrying case with two batteries. DeWalt protects it with a three year warranty.

Via Amazon (B000GIIRLK) [What’s This?]
DC750KA Drill/Driver [DeWalt]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

TV Tonight: New Lineup, Old Shows

Posted: January 25th, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Friday, January 25th, 2008) A new episode of How It’s Made promises interesting segments on stainless steel and laboratory glass blowing — we hope they show a glass lathe in use! It looks like DIY, while providing nothing new, is revamping their Friday night lineup. HOME has a mini-marathon of the eternally angry Holmes.

All times are central.

Holmes on Homes: Wheelchair Bathroom (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build It Bigger: Turbo-Charged Boats (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
Cool Tools: Wood Work (DIY, 5:00 p.m.)
Today Show Tips: Tips, Tools, and Gadgets (DIY, 5:30 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 15, honey and honeycombs, fiber optics, bricks, and pipe organs (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
Ultimate Factories: Budweiser (National Geographic, 6:00 p.m.)
Modern Marvels: Saws (History, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 17, seatbelts, windows, wax figurines, and hot air balloons (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
Holmes on Homes: Pasadena 911 - Part 1 (Home, 7:00 p.m.)
How Do They Do It?: Episode 4, fresh drinking water in the desert, large LED TV screens, and Ferrari sports cars (Science, 7:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 4, the production process of hearing aids, 3-D puzzles, rubber mats, and toilets (Science, 7:30 p.m.)
Holmes on Homes: Pasadena 911 - Part 2 (Home, 8:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made 4: Episode 20, stainless steel, football helmets, resin figurines, and laboratory glassware (Science, 8:00 p.m.) NEW
Hammered With John and Jimmy DiResta: The Retro Table Lamps (DIY, 8:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made 4: Episode 19, Wooden Barrels, Fire Hydrants, Automotive Seats, and Cathode Ray Tubes (Science, 8:30 p.m.)
Wood Works: Hand Tools and Sharpening Tour (DIY, 8:30 p.m.)
Holmes on Homes: Nashville Kitchen (Home, 9:00 p.m.)
Build It Bigger: Coaster Build Off (Science, 9:00 p.m.)
Wood Works: Turned Sycamore Bowl With Ebony Rim (DIY, 9:00 p.m.)
New Yankee Workshop: Garden Armchair (DIY, 9:30 p.m.)

Enjoy.

The Modern Hand Axe

Posted: January 24th, 2008, 12:13pm MST by Sean O'Hara

Though the ax is one of the first tools created by humans, practically no humans today even own one. Modern life has made them largely obsolete — that is, until you leave the city and have need of one. Luckily for us, Coleman makes some fine axes, like the Camp Axe pictured above, for cheap.

We like the Camp Axe because it’s a basic, no frills, steel-headed axe. For around $15 you can throw one in the shop or in with your gear and have it ready when you need to cut down a tree or make firewood in that caveman kind of way. Even if you’re just taking the 4×4 out for the weekend, this little axe might be handy to have around for cutting down that bush or tree you’ve managed to hang the Jeep on.

A good axe is much like a good knife: carrying one around seems a bit silly, till you have to have one. Once you need it and don’t have it, you won’t be without it again. Remember, you’ve got it easy. You can buy one at the local sporting goods store — way easier than carving the handle from a tree and chipping flint into an axe head.

Hand Axe [Coleman]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

Project Idea: A Hide-Away Step Stool

Posted: January 24th, 2008, 11:41am MST by Chuck Cage

A reader sent us a link to this Unclutterer post about Pottery Barn’s solution for kids that need a little help reaching the sink. While I’m not sure that I’d shell out for the Pottery Barn version, this looks like a first-class idea for a home project — especially if you’ve been thinking about updating that vanity cabinet anyway.

(Thanks, Jet!)

Pottery Barn’s Hide-Away Step Stool [Unclutterer]

Be A Tool For Your Favorite Team

Posted: January 24th, 2008, 11:08am MST by Dan Kitchen

At last, say goodbye to the days on the job site when you could only express your team loyalty with mere words. Now you can beat in the message — literally. No one will dare mess with your team after seeing you cling tightly to the simulated football grip — complete with front-facing laces — of this construction-grade, “all-purpose” hammer. Now who’s ready for some football? You are!

NFL’s own online shop carries the pro-grip hammer for only seventeen teams, which means, in this case, Amazon has the bigger selection. For example, the NFL shop doesn’t carry one for the Superbowl-bound Patriots.

Now you might get some flack if you decide to sport a NY Jets green and you live in Texas. But you’re the one holding the hammer, buddy.

That having been said, you might want to pick one of these up if you’re a Miami Dolphins fan. Regardless of your loyalties, you’re looking at a street price of $20.

Team Hammers [NFLshop.com]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Patriots on Amazon (B000PCAU7Q) [What’s This?]
Giants on Amazon (B000PCCM22) [What’s This?]

Keep Your Shears Sharp

Posted: January 24th, 2008, 10:40am MST by Benjamen Johnson

What do you do with dull scissors? Throw them out and buy a new pair? Try to hone them on a whetstone? Don’t bother — Accusharp makes an economical sharpener just for sharpening scissors, hedge clippers, tin snips, and other tools with similar blades.

Just draw the ShearSharp over each blade of your scissors, and the diamond-honed tungsten carbide blade produces new sharp edges. The ShearSharp fits comfortably in either hand and keeps your fingers safe with a full finger gaurd. Because it won’t rust, you can clean the ShearSharp with soap and water or use the dishwasher.

Is $6 too much to ask for returning your dull tools to working condition?

ShearSharp [Accusharp]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon(B0001WOVFC) [What’s This?]

Froth-Pak 12 Foam Thrower

Posted: January 24th, 2008, 10:02am MST by Eric Dykstra

Two part foam spray-in insulation is becoming the standard in new home construction. It installs quickly, it boasts a high R-value per inch, and it prevents energy-stealing air leaks. Until fairly recently only pros could do this job, but lately companies like Dow Chemical have released products like the Froth-Pak 12 — it’s the same foam the pros use, but scaled down for smaller Jobs like fixing those pesky air leaks.

Froth-Pak’s two part chemical reaction creates a fast-expanding, quick-curing polyurethane foam that you can spray anywhere. Unlike Dow’s other foam product “Great Stuff,” you can spray Froth-Pak through a variety of nozzles. A wide fan nozzle broadcasts the material to cover more area per pass, while a “pour” nozzle helps to fill in larger gaps.

The Froth-Pak 12 kit runs about $35 and covers 12 board feet (.03m³). Dow also makes larger kits for the more ambitious among you.

Froth-Pak [Dow]
Froth-Pak Kit Street Prices [Google Products]

Hot or Not? Motorized Car Jack

Posted: January 24th, 2008, 9:27am MST by Sean O'Hara

Electric jacks are an interesting idea: Have your car jack itself up so you can save some sweat and knuckle busting. We’ve seen a few on the market that advertise a two ton lift capacity, and they plug right into your 12V power outlet.

To be honest, we haven’t heard any horror stories about electric jacks that crapped out and left the motorist digging for the stock jack — we also haven’t heard any stories of the powered version saving the day with it’s wondrous motorized lifting action.

So what do you Toolmonger readers think? Is the motorized car jack destined to become standard equipment on motor vehicles, or is it just a passing fad of little interest? Let us know in comments.

Street Pricing [Google Products]

Dealmonger: Ridgid Spring Fling Drain Cleaning Promotion

Posted: January 24th, 2008, 8:38am MST by Stephen Cooke

Ridgid Tools starts the year off with an interesting promotion for cleaning your pipes — a “buy one, get one” deal with products at multiple price points. At the bottom end, when you buy a sink machine for around $300, you get a free toilet auger with a street price of around $50. If you’re in the trade, you might want to invest in some of the pricier items — buy a $4,000 water jetter and you get a free SeeSnake micro inspection camera, with a street price of around $200. With so many choices, your pipes will gleam in 2008.

2008 Spring Fling Drain Cleaning Promo [Ridgid]

TV Tonight: Lighten Up, Francis

Posted: January 24th, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Thursday, January 24th, 2008) A new American Chopper continues with military hijinks, and a new How Do They Do It takes us on a trip to the Peterbilt factory.

All times are central.

Holmes on Homes: Gone to Pot (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build It Bigger: Super Fast Warship (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
Cool Tools: Cut Above (DIY, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 24, aluminum pots and pans, artificial limbs, peanut butter, and high intensity light bulbs (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
Rides: Bad Check (TLC, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 2, wood burning stoves, orthoses, ballet slippers, and buses (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
American Chopper: FANtasy Bike - Susan Morisset (TLC, 7:00 p.m.)
Classic Tractors (RFD-TV, 7:00 p.m.)
American Chopper: Army National Guard 2 (TLC, 8:00 p.m.) NEW
Cool Tools: Wood Work (DIY, 8:00 p.m.)
Cool Tools: Get a Grip (DIY, 8:30 p.m.)
How Do They Do It?: Episode 9, mega cargo ships and Peterbilt vehicles (Science, 9:00 p.m.) NEW
How Do They Do It?: Episode 7, weather forecasting and hovercraft vehicles (Science, 9:30 p.m.)
MythBusters: Lightning Strikes/Tongue Piercing (Discovery, 10:00 p.m.)

Enjoy.

Wiha Anti-Cam-Out Screwdrivers

Posted: January 23rd, 2008, 12:11pm MST by Stuart Deutsch

Wiha makes excellent precision screwdrivers, but their full-sized drivers deserve the same praise. The ribbed tips on Wiha’s Anti-Cam-Out screwdrivers prevent the tool from slipping off of fasteners, which prevents damaged fasteners and personal injury. Their comfortable and contoured no-roll handles, durable tips, and low cost make Wiha’s A.C.O. and 3K screwdrivers great tools.

Wiha makes the A.C.O. screwdrivers in a few slotted and Phillips sizes. If you prefer standard tip designs or you require sizes not available in the A.C.O. product line, check out Wiha’s “3K” line, which, excluding the ribbed tips, sports the same features as the A.C.O. drivers. They’re also cheaper.

Wiha 3K Screwdiver

Many industrial supply centers and a few retailers offer these screwdrivers for about $3 to $6 each. You can find ‘em in McMaster Carr’s catalog on page 2780, halfway down the page where it says “Maxi-Grip Screwdrivers with Anti-Slip Tips.” Or you can order directly from Wiha’s domestic distribution center, with shipping at $9 an order.

After about a year of medium-duty use, the ridges on my A.C.O drivers have worn down slightly, but they still tighten screws as well as they did on day one.

Wiha A.C.O. Screwdrivers [Wiha Tools]
Wiha “3K” Precision Screwdrivers [Wiha Tools]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Wiha Screwdrivers [McMaster Carr]

From the Flickr Pool: Stereo Madness

Posted: January 23rd, 2008, 11:39am MST by Sean O'Hara

It’s obvious from the rest of the photo set posted in the Flickr pool that butterjug2000 doesn’t actually live this way, but this photo reminds us of that first apartment project many of us had. No appliances, no dishware, no furniture, and a ten thousand dollar home-built stereo system.

We dig the finish on the boxes, which sounds rather like a recipe for baking rock the way the creator describes it:

So the finish goes like this:
1) 75% thinned 3lb cut amber shellac tinted with Transtint Red Mahogany dye.
2) Dark wood grain/pore filler
3) Raw umber glaze
4) Formby’s tung oil finish
5) Carnuba wax

Step 6: Pump out AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” as loud as they’ll go for warm-ups, and finish with the metal anthem of your choice. Rock on, Butterjug.

Toolmonger’s Flickr Pool [Flickr]

Save Money With CleanStream Shop Vacuum Bags

Posted: January 23rd, 2008, 11:06am MST by Eric Dykstra

You have to replace shop vacuum bags frequently to keep the vacuum working at peak efficiency. And different tasks require different filters, e.g. a paper filter for drywall dust and a foam filter for cleaning up after a leaky drain. CleanStream offers a reusable shop vacuum filter that can be used wet or dry. You can remove dirt and dust with a few firm taps on a hard surface (outside!), or you can clean it more thoroughly by rinsing the filter out under the tap.

The CleanStream filter traps dirt and dust on a non-stick surface rather than inside the filtering material as paper filters do. Thus a quick tap or rinsing quickly restores the filter to its optimum filtering ability. It will filter out 99.97% of particles down to .3 microns, which qualifies it as a HEPA filter. That means less of the fine dust will wind up back in the air and in your lungs.

The filter’s reusable nature saves money in the long run — with a replacement paper filter going from about $10 to more than $30, it doesn’t take many filter changes for the $23 to $35 CleanStream to pay for itself. CleanStream filters will replace the filters in Sears, Craftsman, Genie, Black & Decker, Ridgid, Shop-Vac, and Dirt Devil models.

CleanStream Wet/Dry Vac Bags [Official Site]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]

Skillers Tool Vest

Posted: January 23rd, 2008, 10:04am MST by Dan Kitchen

This Skillers tool vest looks like a cross between a cameraman’s vest and a tool belt. A Swedish electrician designed it because he couldn’t find any practical workwear solutions, and he ended up founding one of the top workwear companies in Europe.

The vest design spreads the weight of the numerous pockets over your shoulders, instead of it all riding on your hips. A mesh back keeps you cool up in that hot attic, or you can buy a zipper insert to expand the vest around a jacket when you’re in that unheated construction site.

The larger lower pockets can swing loose so you won’t be spilling hardware everywhere when you bend over. And you color-coordinating craftsmen can choose from a variety of fabric blends and colors.

With a street price of $55, the vest is comparable in price to a tool belt. But you might have to wear it with some carpenter’s pants, because I don’t see any evidence that this thing has a hammer loop. If any of you has one or if you’ve seen it in action, please let us know in comments if there really is such a glaring omission.

Work Vest [Skillers]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/23/Dust_Gets_In_Your_Eyes%e2%80%a6No_More'

Dust Gets In Your Eyes…No More

Posted: January 23rd, 2008, 10:02am MST by Benjamen Johnson

Drilling holes in ceilings really, really sucks — dust gets in your eyes, which both stings and makes it difficult to see what you’re doing. You could wear uncomfortable chemical safety goggles or a whole face shield — or you could try Hole Pro’s solution: the Power X series twin blade hole cutters.

A high-impact ABS plastic shield encompasses the hole saw to capture all the dust and debris. Not only does it capture dust and debris when you’re drilling above your head, it also makes cleanup a snap when drilling into walls.

Hole Pro designed the shield with a unique tri-slot design which collects cuttings and helps keep the cutters and work surface visible. The shield also features a gearing screw that adjusts the hole depth and a ball bearing mount to ensure the hole stays perpendicular to the surface.

The included high-speed steel blades and the tungsten carbide blades cut plaster and lathe, wood, MDF, plywood, sheetrock, fiber-cement board, ceiling tiles, sheet metal, and plastic. The Power X cutters even come with their own carrying case.

Hole Pro makes the Power X twin blade adjustable hole cutter in 4 sizes:

The X-148 cuts 1-7/8″ to 5-7/8″ holes
The X-200 cuts 1-5/8″ to 8″ holes
The X-305 cuts 1-7/8″ to 12″ holes
The X-425 cuts 1-7/8″ to 17″ holes

The Hole Pro Power X hole cutters run anywhere from $100 to $140 depending on which size you buy.

Power X Series [Hole Pro]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
X-148 Via Amazon(B000XMIL1K) [What’s This?]
X-200 Via Amazon(B000G1Q9JY) [What’s This?]
X-305 Via Amazon(B000G1O8YM) [What’s This?]
X-425 Via Amazon(B000G1OISI) [What’s This?]

Craftsman Club Calendar Now In Stores

Posted: January 23rd, 2008, 9:25am MST by Stuart Deutsch

CC Calendar1.jpg

You can now get the 2008 Craftsman Club calendar at most Sears locations nationwide. Along with the joy of a free calendar, you get 24 coupons, two per month — some great, others lousy, but for the price, one can hardly complain.

Some of the better coupons offer $5 off $25 purchases, $10 off $50 purchases, 25% off a regular-priced stick tool (whatever that may be), and $25 off any tool storage combo, regular or sale-priced. If you’re a Craftsman Club member, you can collect your calendar for free. Non-members can either pay $10 or find a cashier who’ll punch in their numbers for you.

Cheap-Ass Tools: Dozen Hammer/Screwdriver Combo Tools For $40

Posted: January 23rd, 2008, 8:36am MST by Dan Kitchen

You’ve probably seen these hammer/screwdriver combination tools — maybe in your junk drawer, or by the cash register at your local hardware store. Drillspot.com is running a deal that gets you a dozen of these things for less than $2 each, complete with a fancy “Art Nouveau” finish.

The claw hammer serves mostly as decoration — it’s a bit hard too swing. The screwdrivers only come in progressively tinier sizes. That being said, think of the satisfaction of being able to lend these out, and not being sad if they don’t come back. They’re perfect for giving away for IKEA furniture assembly, or to some poor tool-less soul.

Hammer/Screwdriver Combo [Drillspot.com]

TV Tonight: Not As Good As Led Zeppelin

Posted: January 23rd, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008) Tonight we get new episodes of Mythbusters, with some lead sheet origami, and Smash Lab.

Also, Wednesday night is “Midway USA’s Wednesday Night At The Range” on the Outdoor channel, a block of programs from 3:00 to 10:00 CT. Often they show segments on gunsmithing and tours of manufacturing facilities, in between the predictable “blam! blam! blam!”. Firearms enthusiasts will find it worth watching.

All times are central.

Holmes on Homes: Stone Walled (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build It Bigger: Mountain of Steel (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 7, racing shells, stainless steel sinks, leather, and pedal steel guitars (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 8, swords, pontoons, grandfather clocks, and fuses (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
MythBusters: Cell Phones on Planes (Discovery, 7:00 p.m.)
MythBusters: Lead Balloon (Discovery, 8:00 p.m.) NEW
Smash Lab: Hurricane Proof House (Discovery, 9:00 p.m.) NEW
Rock Solid: Concrete Vanity (DIY, 9:00 p.m.)
Hammered With John and Jimmy DiResta: The Dining Room Table (DIY, 9:30 p.m.)
MythBusters: Border Slingshot (Discovery, 10:00 p.m.)

Enjoy.

Liquidreflector Night Safety Paint

Posted: January 22nd, 2008, 12:12pm MST by Eric Dykstra

You see glass bead reflective paint on everything from fire hydrants to street curbs — it’s a staple of town and city DPW departments. If you want to make your mailbox or house numbers highly visible at night, you can paint them with Liquidreflector, a water-based acrylic paint that’s impregnated with mica and uses the same glass bead reflectors as the industrial paint.

You apply Liquidreflector in three steps. First, put on two layers of the reflective paint. Before the second coat is fully dry, sprinkle some more glass beads over the paint, and leave it to dry. Finally, paint a final coat on it to prevent the beads from falling off.

You can choose from clear/white, blue, red, amber, and green. Five ounces of white paint with two ounces of glass beads costs $7, and the same amount of a colored paint goes for 50 cents more. You can also get larger amounts as well as bulk glass beads.

Liquidreflector [Official Site]

Milescraft Mobile Tool Workcenter

Posted: January 22nd, 2008, 11:40am MST by Nate Bezanson

With this mobile tool workcenter, you can keep your Dremel (or other mini rotary tool) close at hand, along with accessories, work space, and extra storage. You can even sketch out ideas on a whiteboard on the box’s lid. The website mentions an “integrated vacuum hose port” but doesn’t provide much information about it — it looks like the unoccupied bench-dog holes might function as a downdraft table for dust control. Do any of you Milescraft MobileX1 workcenter owners care to fill us in on the details?

MSRP on this little beauty is $75, and street pricing is a pretty uniform $60, but I ran across it at All Electronics for $45, with shipping in the $7 range.

Milescraft Portable Hobbyist’s Workcenter [Digimode10]
Rotary Tool Workcenter [All Electronics]
Via Amazon (B000KIASXG) [What’s This?]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/22/Dremel_Derby_Demos_At_Lowe%e2%80%99s'

Dremel Derby Demos At Lowe’s

Posted: January 22nd, 2008, 11:07am MST by Stuart Deutsch

If you or your children are interested in crafting small derby cars, head to Lowe’s on Tuesday for a free demonstration. After they show you how to make a derby car faster and more aerodynamic, your kids’ll get an attendance badge, and you’ll receive a coupon for 10% off Dremel products. See more details after the jump.

This promotion runs every Tuesday at 7 pm at all Lowe’s locations until February 26th. I scanned the above image from last year’s “Derby Construction Guide,” but the wording on Lowe’s website suggests that this year’s coupon may apply to all Dremel accessories and not just rotary tool kits.

After the derby car demonstration, you can get started at home with Dremel’s derby car kit, or a recommended derby design and pattern book.

Lowe’s Promo Page [Lowe’s]
Lowe’s Store Locator [Lowe’s]

Folding Saw With A Bite

Posted: January 22nd, 2008, 10:45am MST by Dan Kitchen

Silky makes some of the sharpest and most convenient folding pull saws you can buy, for anything from yard work to trim carpentry. My bleeding thumb can attest to the sharpness of at least one of their saws, the general purpose Gomboy 210.

Silky impulse-hardens their blades’ teeth to create a point that’s harder than a file without reducing the flexibility of the saw’s back. And to prevent binding, they grind down the saw back to be less thick than the teeth. One downside: you can’t resharpen the blades, but replacement blades are readily available.

The saw cuts aggressively, but smoothly. With the rubber-coated handle, you can draw the blade without much effort, even one-handed. Silky treats all the metal surfaces for rust resistance, and they package the knife with a plastic case to protect it from the elements.

Street pricing on the Gomboy 210 is about $30. Check out Silky’s corporate site to see the variety of different styles — just watch your fingers.

Silky [Corporate Site]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon (B000658GXC) [What’s This?]

Enlarge Holes Without Removing The Wire

Posted: January 22nd, 2008, 10:01am MST by Benjamen Johnson

You’re trying to pull some wire through a hole with wire from a previous installation, but the hole just isn’t large enough. How the heck do you enlarge the hole without pushing the wire back through and losing it in the wall? The Rebore-Zit comes to the rescue. From the makers of the previously posted Base-Boar-Zit and other various -Zit products, the Rebore-Zit’s free-spinning swivel-eyelet allows you to keep the wire attached to the drill bit while you ream out the hole.

The procedure couldn’t be simpler: choose the proper Rebore-Zit bit, thread the wire through the swivel loop, and twist the wire so it’s securely attached to the bit — then push the bit into the hole, and enlarge it. When you’re finished, pull out the bit, and the wire is still attached. Repeat if you need to make a larger hole.

The Rebore-Zit comes in three different sizes: a 3/8″ bit to enlarge a 1/4″ hole, a 1/2″ bit to enlarge a 3/8″ hole, and a 3/4″ bit which also enlarges a 3/8″ hole. These bits run around $35 , $53, and $82 respectively — expensive, but how else are you going to enlarge a hole without losing the wire?

ReBore-Zit [Labor Saving Devices]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/22/Hot_or_Not__%e2%80%9cBlind%e2%80%9d_Tool_Selection'

Hot or Not? “Blind” Tool Selection

Posted: January 22nd, 2008, 9:26am MST by Stuart Deutsch

Blind Selection.jpg

Many of you base your tool purchases on firmly established brand preferences. What if, all of a sudden, those biases were gone, and you were left clueless and in need of many new tools? Would you trust someone else to select your new tool brands for you, or would you endure the time and cost of trying out different brands to rediscover your preferences?

Quite a few vendors, such as McMaster Carr, thoroughly describe certain products, but they exclude the brand information. In these cases, although you may know the country of origin, you won’t know who manufactures the product until it’s purchased and received.

Many people would never entertain such an indirect selection process, while others don’t care who makes their tools as long as it’s a US-based facility. We want to know what you guys think. Is “blind” tool selection hot, or not? For example, if you didn’t know your Craftsman from your SK or Snap-On, what would you do? Let us know in comments!

On a personal note, there are at least half a dozen excellent brands that I never would have known about if not for “blind” purchasing. So, we’ll start things off with one tally for a “Hot” vote.

(Thanks to my wife for patiently posing for the photo.)

Dealmonger: Winchester Ranger Tactical Knife Combo $15

Posted: January 22nd, 2008, 8:37am MST by Stephen Cooke

Amazon’s offering a sweet deal right now on this Winchester Ranger tactical knife combo set, listed at $15. The larger 9-1/4″ fixed-blade knife features a drop point with a half-serrated stainless steel blade, cutout handle for decreased weight, and dual thumb-studs. The small 7-3/4″ clip knife is a small folding version of its 9-1/4″ counterpart, with a liner lock and pocket clip.

Via Amazon (B000PKSLF6) [What’s This?]
Winchester [Corporate Site]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

TV Tonight: Hagfish the Horrible

Posted: January 22nd, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008) We get new episodes of Dirty Jobs and Some Assembly tonight. Slime eels, while not really Toolmonger-worthy, are definitely worth watching.

All times are central.

Holmes on Homes: Completely Incomplete (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build It Bigger: Major League Stadium (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
Machinery of the Past (RFD-TV, 5:00 p.m.)
Cool Tools: Classic Update (DIY, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 33, crayons, wooden kayaks, lawn mowers, and gold chains (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
Modern Marvels: The Lumberyard (History, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 39, yacht wheels, braided rugs, automobile thermostats, and chisels (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
Dirty Jobs: Steel Mill Worker (Discovery, 7:00 p.m.)
Dirty Jobs: Cave Biologist (Discovery, 8:00 p.m.) NEW
Some Assembly Required: Episode 4 (Discovery, 9:00 p.m.) NEW
MythBusters: Escape Slide-Parachute (Discovery, 10:00 p.m.)

Enjoy.

Less Grit On Your Mitt

Posted: January 21st, 2008, 12:09pm MST by Eric Dykstra

Whenever you wash your car, truck, or motorcycle, you’re taking a chance at damaging its finish. Some of the dirt washed off the vehicle inevitably ends up in the bottom of the bucket just waiting to scratch your paint. The Grit Guard keeps your wash mitt or brush grit-free by allowing dirt to settle to the bottom while the mitt stays elevated.

The Grit Guard fits any 12″ bucket you have laying around. You can remove more dirt from your washing implement by rubbing it against the grid. The Grit Guard’s plastic legs act as a slosh baffle to prevent settled dirt from getting stirred back up. You can also use it for wet sanding, washing small parts, or even draining oil filters. For $10, this cheap preventative can save hours of work or hundreds of dollars in repairs.

The Grit Guard [Official Site]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon (B000ALH2VE) [What’s This? ]

Mail Order Wood

Posted: January 21st, 2008, 11:46am MST by Sean O'Hara

If the local selection of hardwood lumber has got you down, you can always try a virtual one. InternetLumber.com offers over 30 types of hardwood for you to drool over. Though it’s not cheap, the selection will definitely get your attention.

From cocobolo to tigerwood, they offer stock in 1” to 2” thicknesses in standard lengths. If your taste runs a little outside the norm, you can request a custom order as well. Our big question: how much extra does it cost to ship a big order? For most of these boards, you’re looking at $10 to $20 a board foot to start with, so it’s not a low-budget type of place — but exotics are never low-budget anyway.

InternetLumber.com [Corporate Site]

Breaking News: Sears And Craftsman Split

Posted: January 21st, 2008, 11:03am MST by Chuck Cage

Craftsman, a century-old staple of Sears’ tool department may soon operate independently of its department-store master. According to a CNN report, “Sears Holdings Corp. plans to reorganize into several companies,” specifically it appears that they intend to split out the Craftsman and Diehard brands. CNN interviewed a Sears spokeswoman who said that the new structure would provide the “operating businesses with greater control, authority and autonomy.”

The combination of Sears and Craftsman has always been a real powerhouse in the industry, mating decent quality, inexpensive tools to an easily-accessible retail store — a task that other tool manufacturers (lacking their own retail facilities) have found daunting. Could this split mean that we’ll see Craftsman tools for sale in other retailers — even Wal-Mart? Or could this announcement lead to further inroads for other manufacturers into Sears tool aisles?

We can’t help but think that with its own corporate structure, Craftsman might choose to bring more design and manufacturing back in house — which might help to improve the some-are-great-some-not-so-much quality of their power tool and yard equipment lines.

One thing’s certain: if Craftsman retains their prominent Sears placement and expands to other retailers, hand tool manufacturers everywhere will be sweating this year.

We’ll keep a close eye on this story and will pass on any information as we come across it.

Sears To Break Into Several Companies [CNN Money]

Red Mahogany Danish Oil

Posted: January 21st, 2008, 11:02am MST by Sean O'Hara

One of the easiest wood finishes on the market, Danish oil wipes on without much effort and looks as good as any finish out there, even if you’re a beginner. Unfortunately, most stores don’t carry my favorite shade, Red Mahogany.

There are only so many Golden Oak and Walnut colored projects in you before the search for something a little darker and red takes you drifting down the stain aisle at the local hardware store. You might consider ordering this color if you’re looking for red stain that doesn’t give you splotches or take 50 coats to get right.

Except for shipping costs, you won’t pay any more for it – the only trouble is the wait. Plan a week ahead if you’re looking to go red on the next project.

Red Mahogany Danish Oil [Watco by Rustoleum]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

Goodbye Fish Tape, Hello Magnafish

Posted: January 21st, 2008, 10:38am MST by Benjamen Johnson

Have you ever ended up ripping open a wall because you just couldn’t get the fish tape to the right place? You tried again and again, guessing where the damn tape leader was by sound and feel, but just couldn’t direct it where you needed it to go. B.E.S. Manufacturing aims to stop this insanity with the Magnafish.

This nifty tool makes a fish tape look so 20th century. With powerful magnets it allows you to direct a magnetic leader through wall cavities rather than trying to push the long flexible fish tape. And you can actually feel the magnet through the wall, so you know the leader’s location exactly.

To use the Magnafish system, you drop the rare-earth magnet leader through a 7/8″ hole, then capture it with a paddle magnet. Move the paddle magnet toward the opening, then extract the leader and attach your cable or wire. I can’t find any information about whether you can direct the leader from a hole in the floor up the wall, though.

Magnafish runs about $90 — but think of the time you’ll save not tearing the wall a new one in your frustration.

Magnafish [B.E.S.]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Amazon(B000KZRE36) [What’s This? ]

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Byrdrench’s Two-Fisted Multi-Tool

Posted: January 21st, 2008, 10:01am MST by Dan Kitchen

The Byrdrench multi-tool adds a few twists to the typical knife and pliers combo we’re all familiar with. One difference: you get a pair of slip joint pliers rather than the standard needle nose pliers you find in most multi-tools. And the Byrdrench splits apart into separate tools, which really sets it apart from the pack.

If you separate the pliers, you produce a locking knife/screwdriver in one hand and an adjustable crescent wrench in the other. They function as individual tools, or you can combine the two halves to give yourself a longer handled crescent wrench. The tool includes a file and a slot that will accept four built-in standard hex bits.

You might notice this tool’s resemblance to the Spyderench — Byrd is Spyderco’s line of imported knives, and Byrd has reissued the design under their mark. Street pricing starts around $55.

Byrdrench [Spyderco]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon (B000RQ5VFQ) [What’s This? ]

The Week in Tools: Toolmonger Top 5

Posted: January 21st, 2008, 9:14am MST by Sean O'Hara

Last week was a busy one here at Toolmonger. If you’ve been spending time in the shop — you should! — and you didn’t have a chance to keep up with Toolmonger last week, we suggest you start with these posts, which our readers helped to select:

Wire Bending Jigs
Bender of Futurama fame says, “most problems in life can be solved by bending.” We have to agree - at least in spirit. Though it’s very simple looking, the wire bender can make as many shapes as you can imagine. With a little practice and some patience, you’ll be stopping nuclear bomb scares MacGyver-style with a coat hanger and some creative bending.

Watch Repair Tool Kit
Having a watch that doesn’t fit or doesn’t work is like having a car with no engine. It may be cool, but it’s not really going to help you get the groceries home. A simple set of watch tools gets your life straightened out and on time.

Firefighters’ Doorstops
Little did anyone know that the difference between a firefighter saving your bedroom from flames and having your belongings torched could be as simple as a cleverly designed doorstop that doesn’t pinch the fire hose when rounding the doorway.

Scrape Your Glues Away
The Kunz scraper isn’t for the namby-pamby weekend project — it’s for people who have better things to do than clean tiny scrapers. Get your hardcore scrape on, wipe it off, throw it in the toolbox, and get back to the game. It’s the weekend.

Tabletop Table Saw
It’s the little table that’s a big help in the shop. Swallowing the mini-me jokes can be difficult with a unit like this, but it’s a handy edition to have around the shop if you’re doing fine small-scale woodworking.

Help us choose next week’s Top 5!

Dealmonger: Duracell Powerpack For $130

Posted: January 21st, 2008, 8:33am MST by Stephen Cooke

After losing power during a snow storm this winter, I’ve been taking a second look at these portable powerpacks. Amazon is selling this one from Duracell for $130. The Duracell Powerpack 600HD features three three-prong AC outlets, one DC outlet, a built-in 600W inverter, a built-in AM/FM radio, emergency lights, and jumper cables. This unit comes in handy when you’re camping, working on the job, jumpstarting your car, or coping with an emergency.

Via Amazon (B000TKHMWK) [What’s This?]
Duracell [Corporate Site]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

TV Tonight: How Many Dudes Does It Take To Change A Lightbulb?

Posted: January 21st, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Monday, January 21st, 2008) A new Invention Nation probes power, and Discovery gives us a Dirty Jobs marathon.

All times are central.

Dirty Jobs: Spray Insulation Technician (Discovery, 5:00 p.m.)
Holmes on Homes: Let’s Rejoist (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build it Bigger: Super-Stadium (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
Trains & Locomotives (RFD-TV, 5:00 p.m.)
Dirty Jobs: Salt Miner (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
Dirty Jobs: Steel Mill Worker (Discovery, 7:00 p.m.)
Top Gear: Episode 2 (BBC America, 7:00 p.m.)
Dirty Jobs: Big Animal Vet (Discovery, 8:00 p.m.)
Top Gear: Episode 1 (BBC America, 8:00 p.m.)
Street Tuner Challenge: Making It Pretty (Speed, 8:00 p.m.)
Street Tuner Challenge: Get It Together (Speed, 8:30 p.m.)
Invention Nation: Power Surge (Science, 9:00 p.m.) NEW
Invention Nation: Less Landfill (Science, 9:30 p.m.)
MythBusters: Exploding Jawbreaker (Discovery, 10:00 p.m.)

Enjoy.

TV Tonight: Getting Up To Speed

Posted: January 19th, 2008, 10:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Saturday, January 19th, 2008) DIY provides the woodworking, Discovery gives you recent reruns and Science lets you catch up on HIM 4.

All times are central.

Dirty Jobs: Geoduck Farmer (Discovery, 5:00 p.m.)
Dirty Jobs: Sludge Cleaner (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
Some Assembly Required: Episode 3 (Discovery, 7:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made 4: Episode 2, Boomerangs, Barbecues, Pinball Machines, Strobe Lights (Science, 7:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made 4: Episode 3, Wooden Bowl, Chainsaws, Stackable Potato Chips, Jet Compressor Blades (Science, 7:30 p.m.)
New Yankee Workshop: Queen Anne Table (DIY, 7:30 p.m.)
MythBusters: James Bond Special- Part 1 (Discovery, 8:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made 4: Episode 4, steel wool, ranges, carved candles, and slot machines (Science, 8:00 p.m.)
New Yankee Workshop: Cigar Chair (DIY, 8:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made 4: Episode 5, CCD semiconductors, airline meals, paper cups, and trumpets (Science, 8:30 p.m.)
Wood Works: Contemporary Walnut Bench With Copper Base (DIY, 8:30 p.m.)
Smash Lab: Crash Absorbing Concrete (Discovery, 9:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made 4: Episode 6, padlocks, hair clippers, wooden shoes, and synthetic leather (Science, 9:00 p.m.)
Wood Works: Walnut Coat Rack (DIY, 9:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made 4: Episode 7, racing shells, stainless steel sinks, leather, and pedal steel guitars (Science, 9:30 p.m.)
Freeform Furniture (DIY, 9:30 p.m.)

Enjoy.

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/18/Dealmonger__Lowe%e2%80%99s_Energy_Star_Sale'

Dealmonger: Lowe’s Energy Star Sale

Posted: January 18th, 2008, 12:15pm MST by Sean O'Hara

If the new year finds you looking for Energy Star compliant appliances, Lowe’s is offering a 10 percent discount on “select” models and brands, i.e. last year’s models over $400. You get the discount at the register, so at least you don’t have to sweat cutting UPCs and mailing them to a P.O. box in China somewhere.

It’s not like they’re slashing prices to the bone here, but it would be handy if you have to go buy a dishwasher this weekend. You can get the offer from 1/17 to 1/21.

Energy Star Sale [Lowe’s]

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It’s Just Cool: Chain Mortiser

Posted: January 18th, 2008, 11:44am MST by Dan Kitchen

If you think a chain mortiser looks like a cross between a chainsaw and a drill press, you’ve just about pegged it. These tools speed up post and beam construction, and they look bad-ass.

To operate the tool, you clamp it onto a wide piece of timber, then plunge the mortiser’s spinning chain into the wood to create a straight-sided hole. You can reposition the tool and go again to create bigger mortises — it definitely beats chiseling out holes with a drill. If you want to see one in action check out this video for SwissPRO’s version.

The prices on these specialty tools definitely keep them in the niche market. Street pricing for Makita’s enigmatically named 7104L runs around $1200.

Makita [Corporate Site]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

A Knotty Learning Tool

Posted: January 18th, 2008, 11:11am MST by Eric Dykstra

The only thing I love more than a bad pun is a good learning aid. If you want to practice knot-tying — specifically, if you’re learning how to tie hitches — you need to have on hand the hardware the knot is meant for. The Fourteener from Complete Knotting Systems replicates 14 different kinds of hardware in a portable package that’s perfect for learning knot-tying wherever you are.

Among other things, the Fourteener will simulate hooks, rings, line cleats, and even the neck of a bag. It comes as part of a kit that also includes four meters of 5mm braided cord, a booklet of 17 knots to use with the Fourteener, as well as a nylon webbing strap and buckle to secure the Fourteener to your leg or other object for easier tying.

Darryl Lusk invented the Fourteener after a series of failed attempts at a granny knot almost got him laughed out of a lumberyard job. To spare you that humiliation, he sells his kit from the Fourteener site via PayPal for $15 — you can get discounts for buying in volume.

The Fourteener Knotting Tool [Official Site]

From the Flickr Pool: Stand-Up Game Cabinet

Posted: January 18th, 2008, 10:33am MST by Sean O'Hara

The coolest shop projects exude coolness and add extra functionality to your home. Flickr pool member James Brauer decided the best way to design a game cabinet was not to concentrate on reviving an old classic but rather to make a game cabinet that can play anything.

Not only does this thing look great, when it’s done all his friends can enjoy it and be jealous of his crafty thinking. Yeah, we’re not seeing the down side here.

Toolmonger’s Flickr Pool [Flickr]

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Painter’s Pyramid

Posted: January 18th, 2008, 10:02am MST by Stuart Deutsch

“Paint easier. Paint smarter. Paint without the wait!” The makers of Painter’s Pyramid claim their product will save you time and effort, and we found much truth in this claim. The simple plastic devices allow you to paint one side of a workpiece immediately after the other without having to wait for the fresh paint to dry. They’re non-stick and non-marring, and they can even handle large workpieces weighing up to 200 pounds!

To save time and effort, you paint one surface of your project as you normally would, place the workpiece face down on four or more Painter’s Pyramids, and then move on to the sides and opposite surface. The pyramids resist paints and solvents, to ensure that your freshly painted surfaces remain intact.

The 2-1/2″ pyramids rest evenly and stably on most surfaces, and you can secure them to unconventional work surfaces such as sawhorses using the holes in the sides of the Painter’s Pyramid. The rounded tips help prevent gouging and denting.

Many woodworking retailers sell Painter’s Pyramids in packs of ten. You can also purchase standard packs or mini-packs of four in the color of your choice directly from the manufacturer. The manufacturer is also running a “buy three sets, get one free” promotion, if you’re looking to purchase in bulk. Standard packs cost $6 to $7, with mini-packs selling for $3.50.

Painter’s Pyramid [Corporate Site]
Painter’s Pyramid [Lee Valley]
Painter’s Pyramid [Woodcraft]

What Exactly Is A Base-Boar-Zit?

Posted: January 18th, 2008, 9:17am MST by Benjamen Johnson

Pulling wire, whether it be for speakers, cable, or network, can be a pain in the ass — any tool that makes this job quicker and easier deserves a look. Labor Saving Devices designed the Base-Boar-Zit to drill a hole through the baseboard below the carpet line. The hole then curves upward into the center of the floor plate and into the wall cavity to provide an invisible and professional installation.

The powder coated steel foot directs the drilling cable with a curved tubing housing. The paddle bit at the end of the cable follows the arc of the tube into the wall cavity, preventing drilling through the opposite wall. Included with the Base-Boar-Zit are the cable bit with frame, 10 feet of thin fish wire in a storage case, and a hex wrench for the adjustable stop.

Available in two bit sizes, 5/16” and 7/16”, the Base-Boar-Zit runs $110 and $120 for the two sizes respectively. If you have a lot of wire to run, the Base-Boar-Zit may save you some time and frustration.

Base-Boar-Zit [Labor Saving Devices]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Amazon(B0002FRWI6) [What’s This?]

Dealmonger: Miller Mail-In Rebates

Posted: January 18th, 2008, 8:26am MST by Sean O'Hara

Now until April 15th Miller is offering mail-in rebates when you buy “select” Millermatic welders and Spoolmate guns on their website. Even though mail-in rebates are the most annoying form of cash-back, we’re still stoked about the savings.

Follow the links on the site to find which models get what rebate — models such as the Millermatic 212 and Spoolmate 3035 Spool Gun get a $150 rebate, and on the low end, the Millermatic 140 with Auto-Set and the Spoolmate 100 Series Spool Gun each get a $50 rebate. You can save some cash if you’re in the market, even if it’s a bit frustrating having to wait for it.

Mail-In Rebate Offers [Miller]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/18/TV_Tonight__Ol%e2%80%99_Dependable'

TV Tonight: Ol’ Dependable

Posted: January 18th, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Friday, January 18th, 2008) Good old Friday night: we get a new How It’s Made about four things we all love. Unlike Dirty Jobs, they probably won’t dwell over the word “bung” any more than necessary.

All times are central.

Holmes on Homes: Shaky Foundation (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build it Bigger: Space Tower (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 32 yogurt, candles, neon signs, and book binding (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
Modern Marvels: Welding (History, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 22, chains, bagels, and vinyl records (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
Toolbelt Diva: Episode 8 (Home, 7:00 p.m.)
How Do They Do It?: Episode 3, electricity and the world’s largest floating cranes (Science, 7:00 p.m.)
Take Home Handyman: Stripping for Beginners: Julie & Ray (Home, 7:30 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 3, toothpicks, acrylic bathtubs, helicopters, and beer (Science, 7:30 p.m.)
Holmes on Homes: Wall of Sound (Home, 8:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made 4: Episode 19, Wooden Barrels, Fire Hydrants, Automotive Seats, and Cathode Ray Tubes (Science, 8:00 p.m.) NEW
New Yankee Workshop: Hall Seat (DIY, 8:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made 4: Episode 18, Automotive Fuel Pumps, Cricket Bats, Change Machines, and Ductile Iron Pipe (Science, 8:30 p.m.)
Wood Works: Corner Display (DIY, 8:30 p.m.)
Build It Bigger: Boot Camp (Science, 9:00 p.m.)

Enjoy.

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/17/Bend_It_Like_Bender__3_8%e2%80%b3_Stainless_Steel_Bender'

Bend It Like Bender: 3/8″ Stainless Steel Bender

Posted: January 17th, 2008, 12:11pm MST by Kevin Whipps

Although bending stainless steel tubing can be a real pain, use the right tool to do it and it’s not that bad. RIDGID Tools offers stainless steel tubing benders for 3/8″ and 1/2″ tubing — they’ll bend a 180 degree bend, no problem. The handle’s two-stage design gives you extra leverage, which you’re certainly going to need.

500 Series HD Bender [RIDGID Tools]

Dealmonger: Milwaukee 360-Degree Reciprocating Saw $165

Posted: January 17th, 2008, 11:39am MST by Stephen Cooke

Milwaukee 6523-21 Super Sawzall 13 Amp Reciprocating Saw with Rotating Handle

Call it what you like — Sabre, Sawzall, Recipro — I call the reciprocating saw a must-have tool. Since Milwaukee Tools originated it, I’m not surprised that they’re the first to add a 360-degree rotating handle.

The handle on the Milwaukee 6523-21 locks at 45-degree intervals. Milwaukee’s Quik-Lok system lets you remove the blades quickly without tools. And Milwaukee backs up the 13A 3,000 stroke per minute saw with a five year warranty.

Toolup.com is listing this saw for $165, and they’re throwing in a free, heavy-duty, nylon tool belt.

Milwaukee [Corporate Site]
Milwaukee 6523-21P [Toolup.com]
Via Amazon (B0009RWLGU) [What’s This?]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

From the Flickr Pool: Rosette Cutter Bits

Posted: January 17th, 2008, 11:06am MST by Sean O'Hara

If you’ve ever cruised the aisles at the local big box looking at the wood trim and seen these wooden medallions going for a crack-smoking $6-$10 a pop and thought “I like that, but there’s no way I’m paying that for it,” you’re not alone. Flickr pool member brentph demonstrates how easy it is to make one on the cheap.

Just track down a rosette cutter bit like this one and cut a block around it. Once you make the circle design in the middle and perhaps round the sides, you have a piece the same quality as the blocks at the local retail place, and you can make it out of any stock you like, not just fir or pine. Expect to pay around $10 to $25 for a bit, which means you’d have to cut a few to make your cash back — but you normally wouldn’t need to buy just one rosette anyway, so making one winds up being cheaper.

Street Pricing [Google Products]

Snag A Fubar 2 On Clearance

Posted: January 17th, 2008, 10:42am MST by Eric Dykstra

All of us here at Toolmonger dig Stanley’s Fubar line of demolition hammers. You can imagine my glee when browsing Target’s clearance end cap I found a model 55-119 Functional Utility Bar (or Fubar) on clearance for $15 — that’s half off its usual retail price of $30!

Target’s site lists the Fubar as an on-line only product, but I saw this model in Wal-Mart and Target brick and mortar stores around the holidays. I’m guessing Stanley made a push to get these out as Dad gifts, and now Target’s selling off any they have left.

You might not find one in your local store, but it’s worth a look around at this price. And if you happen to find one, put it in your cart — casually carrying one of these bad boys around the store will get you some wary looks.

55-119 Fubar [Stanley]
Target Store Locator [Target.com]

The Hand Tool Knife

Posted: January 17th, 2008, 10:07am MST by Sean O'Hara

The tool knife wins in the Best Impulse Buy category this week. Tool geeks love to geek out and collect unusual tools that their friends don’t have. This knife definitely qualifies. Only one thing makes this knife interesting: the hand tools cut in relief into the brass handles.

Otherwise, you have a standard multibladed pen knife. Closed, the knife measures 3-3/8″ long and 3/16″ thick. It features a 2″ drop point blade and a bottle opener tool on the other end. We’d like to get it as a gift, but we can’t picture any Toolmonger blowing $30 on it themselves.

Tool Knife [Garrett Wade]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

Synthetic Finishing Pads

Posted: January 17th, 2008, 9:24am MST by Benjamen Johnson

With water-based finishes becoming more and more common, it pays to be prudent in your choice of abrasives. For instance, you don’t want to use steel wool on a water-based finish unless you’re a big fan of rust stains. Luckily, synthetic non-woven finishing pads are gaining in popularity — they don’t share the shortcomings of traditional abrasives.

The non-woven pads won’t shed abrasive particles onto the finish, meaning less prep work before your next coat. And you can wash the longer-lasting synthetic pads, renewing the cutting surface by removing dust and debris.

You can get them in different “grits” for about $1 a pad.

Synthetic Finishing Pads [Rockler]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon(B000H570E2) [What’s This?]

Dealmonger: Rockler Outlet Sale

Posted: January 17th, 2008, 8:35am MST by Stuart Deutsch

Rockler’s running their winter clearance sale. You can get a T-track starter kit complete with 4′ of track, eight knobs, and eight t-bolts, for $12 — one of the better deals. This track probably won’t accept standard hex head hardware, but that’s easy to overlook since the price is so low.

They’re offering a lot of decent deals, so search hard and order quickly before they run out. Although Rockler’s tiered shipping rates are a bit high, you can offset it by purchasing lots of sale products. Warning: The website will add some sale products to your cart two at a time, but you can usually purchase a single unit without losing the discount.

Outlet/Clearance [Rockler]
50% Sale Items [Rockler]
T-Track Kit [Rockler]
F-Style Bar Clamps [Rockler]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/17/TV_Tonight__At_Least_One_%e2%80%9cStripes%e2%80%9d_Reference_is_Expected'

TV Tonight: At Least One “Stripes” Reference is Expected

Posted: January 17th, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Thursday, January 17th, 2008) We get a new episode of American Chopper tonight, as well as a new How Do They Do It. If we’re lucky we’ll see Sr. go toe to toe with a drill instructor, or Mikey will cry — one of the two, maybe both!

All times are central.

Holmes on Homes: Holmes Inspection - Part 2 (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build it Bigger: Sakhalin Oil & Ice (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 10, holograms, package printing, skin cultures, and canned corn (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
Rides: Under Pressure (TLC, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 18, Hydroponic lettuce, construction wood, and fishing flies (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
MythBusters: James Bond Special- Part 1 (Discovery, 7:00 p.m.)
Wrecks To Riches: Christine Camaro (TLC, 7:00 p.m.)
Classic Tractors (RFD-TV, 7:00 p.m.)
MythBusters: Viewer Special (Discovery, 8:00 p.m.)
American Chopper: Army National Guard 1 (TLC, 8:00 p.m.) NEW
Cool Tools: Change of Season (DIY, 8:00 p.m.)
Cool Tools: Cut Above (DIY, 8:30 p.m.)
How Do They Do It?: Episode 8, mega freeways, and minting coins (Science, 9:00 p.m.) NEW
American Chopper: Peavey 2 (TLC, 9:00 p.m.)
How Do They Do It?: Episode 6, drink cartons, pre-fabricated houses, and mobile intensive care vehicles (Science, 9:30 p.m.)
MythBusters: Penny Drop (Discovery, 10:00 p.m.)

Enjoy.

The Cooler That Hauls You Around

Posted: January 16th, 2008, 12:13pm MST by Sean O'Hara

Instead of lugging your cooler all over hell and creation, have it lug you around. We’re not kidding: the Cruizin Cooler motorized coolers carry your beverages and you up to 15 miles before their batteries need charging.

A 500W motor powers the Cruizin Cooler model 50-500XE, and you steer it with a scooter-like stystem. The entire rig weighs about 74 lbs sans cargo. It can hold 24-12oz cans with eight lbs of ice to keep ‘em cool. It tops out at around 13 mph with a rider capacity of 250 lbs, though Cruizin Cooler says they’ve tested it up to 540 pounds.

You can attach a sweet trailer for extra beverages or your best friend. Expect to pay around $400 to $700 depending on which motor and how many trailers you want.

50-500XE [Cruizin Cooler]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/16/Hobart%e2%80%99s_New_Website'

Hobart’s New Website

Posted: January 16th, 2008, 11:41am MST by Sean O'Hara

Hobart just launched their new, redesigned website. Their press release says, “The re-design improves navigation, offers enhanced product information and enables viewing in a wide-screen format with resolutions of 1024 X 768, presenting more information with less scrolling.” Which means Hobart has managed to arrive in the 21st century and realized people would like to know more about their products than just the name, rank, and serial number the old site listed.

We’re glad to see the improvement. They make some great products, and their old web presence didn’t reflect the thought and quality they put into their welding units and gear.

Hobart Welders [Official Website]

Collins Complete DIY Manual

Posted: January 16th, 2008, 11:08am MST by Stuart Deutsch

Collins Complete DIY Manual will show you how to perform dozens of home improvement projects and repairs, from painting and decorating, to freezing a section of pipe for maintenance. Collins illustrates each topic with many colorful diagrams and photographs. Although this book is geared more toward homeowners than apartment dwellers, it’s an excellent reference for everyone.

Even with this being a “complete” reference, the material never feels rushed or abandoned. In some sections, this manual will teach you all you need to know to complete a particular repair or project. Other times, it offers a concise but solid introduction that makes it easier to locate more detailed information online or at the library.

Here’s the table of contents from the previous (2006) edition:

Planning Ahead
Decorating
Repairs and Improvements
Home Security
Infestation, Rot, and Damp
Insulation and Ventilation
Electricity
Plumbing
Heating
Working Outdoors
Tools and Supplies (unfortunately this chapter is too short)
Reference and Index

The book is hardcover, about 550 pages, 9″x12″ desk reference sized, and it has a very durable binding.

A huge word of warning - this book is published in the UK, so it doesn’t discuss US rules and regulations, and I don’t expect that they revise the editions sold in the US. Regardless, any DIYer will find this an excellent starting point and reference.

You can get the new edition for less than $40 shipped from most larger bookstores. For a better price, check amazon.co.uk for price drops, or search the web for barnesandnoble.com coupon codes.

Complete DIY Manual [Collins]
Complete DIY Manual [Barnes & Noble]
Via Amazon (0007252609) [What’s This?]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/16/Hot_or_Not__Veto%e2%80%99s_Topless_Tool_Bag'

Hot or Not? Veto’s Topless Tool Bag

Posted: January 16th, 2008, 10:46am MST by Dan Kitchen

Veto Pro Pac came out with their new line of OT bags last fall. Toolmonger has featured their line of tool bags before, and the posts generated responses from a number of readers, including Roger Brouard, owner and founder of Veto Pro Pac.

Its open design, which allows for bulkier items and easy accessibility while working, distinguishes the OT (Open Top) line. Otherwise, it features the same rugged material and construction as the original line, but it lacks one of the key features that the original had. With the original bags, you could tip, toss, or throw a loaded bag around and still have your tools neatly organized — a definite selling point. Without that feature, has Veto made a watered-down version of the original — or has their OT bag filled a whole new need?

Have you had a chance to handle Veto’s new OT line? Let us know what you think in comments. Maybe we’ll get lucky and Mr. Brouard will share his thoughts, too.

Veto Pro Pac [Corporate Site]
Via Amazon (B000VKSAQK) [What’s This?]

Glove Winner: Built In Entertainment Center

Posted: January 16th, 2008, 10:07am MST by Sean O'Hara

This entertainment center is a great example of making an odd space a usable center piece. Most folks just stuff plants under the stairs or use to store boxes of junk. Oooboooe and hs friend Dave (pictured here) decided to make a 30 draw monster out of the unused space.

Some of the draws are combined into one but it’s still huge. The best part is the access door the guys built in the back to get at cables. Now that’s thinking.

Toolmonger’s Photo Pool [Flickr]

Cutting Corners With A Cornering Tool

Posted: January 16th, 2008, 9:27am MST by Benjamen Johnson

In a world where power tools dominate most shops, hand tools can still help us out. For instance, a cornering tool, beautiful in its simplicity, does the same job as a router round-over bit, but it does it with no setup, sawdust, or noise. A cornering tool can actually cut a cleaner radius, without the machining marks you get with a spinning router bit.

A cornering tool, basically a small, simple molding plane, cuts with either a push or pull stroke. The two fixed fences, ground into the hardened steel with the cutters, stop the tool at the proper radius .

You can keep these cutters performing like new with a specially designed sharpening block. Each edge of the sharpening tool corresponds to one of the 1/16″, 1/8″, 3/16″, or 1/4″ radius cutters as shown in the diagram.

You can get a set with a sharpening kit for $30, or you can buy just the two cornering tools for $15 — they’re a fine addition to any woodworker’s toolbox.

Cornering Tool Set [Lee Valley/Veritas]
Cornering Tool Set [Woodcraft]

Dealmonger: Craftsman 13 Drawer 80th Anniversary Toolbox $288

Posted: January 16th, 2008, 8:38am MST by Stephen Cooke

Craftsman 13 Drawer, 26 in. Ball-Bearing Combo, 80th Anniversary

In a previous post I said you can never have enough toolboxes, but how about tool chests? Sears is selling this 13 drawer 80th Anniversary ball bearing combo chest for $288 — pick-up only for that price. The combo chest includes a 26″ chest, 26″ rolling chest, and a 26″ intermediate chest. The black full extension drawers with aluminum draw pulls slide on ball bearings and lock with an internal locking system. A platinum baked enamel shell holds it all together. You also get “customer applied” 80th anniversary decals.

Craftsman 13 Drawer Toolbox [Sears]

TV Tonight: Mythraker!

Posted: January 16th, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Wednesday, January 16th, 2008) We get a new, vodka martini-fueled Mythbusters tonight along with a new Smash Lab.

All times are central.

Holmes on Homes: Holmes Inspection - Part 1 (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build it Bigger: Mega-Tunnel (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 14, eyeglass lenses, granite, potato chips, and microprocessors (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 26, ball bearings, electrical wires, wax casting, and automated machines (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
MythBusters: Deadly Straw (Discovery, 7:00 p.m.)
MythBusters: James Bond Special- Part 1 (Discovery, 8:00 p.m.) NEW
Smash Lab: Crash Absorbing Concrete (Discovery, 9:00 p.m.) NEW
Rock Solid: Flagstone Kitchen Floor (DIY, 9:00 p.m.)
MythBusters: Barrel of Bricks (Discovery, 10:00 p.m.)

Enjoy.

Tube-Wringer Gets You The Last Drop

Posted: January 15th, 2008, 12:18pm MST by Sean O'Hara

The Tube-Wringer makes squeezing that last little bit out of a tube into a fine mechanical science. The little device strangles whatever contents remain in that overpriced tube of goo you bought at the local big box – most likely at full retail – and puts it to work where it belongs.

It works a lot like those old wringers you’d see in Bugs Bunny cartoons, only this one is too small to squeeze a wascally wabbit through. Two interlocking rollers squeeze the tube tightly to push all the contents toward the front. It seems like this would be both easy to use and satisfying, knowing that you’ve actually used all there is to have.

Street pricing starts at $6.

Tube-Wringer [Official Website]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]

Have Clean Files At The Ready

Posted: January 15th, 2008, 11:37am MST by Benjamen Johnson

“Always keep your knives sharp and your files clean.” I added that last bit, but regardless of who says it, it still holds true. A clean file cuts faster, saving time and frustration. To keep your files in top working order, you need to get your hands on a file card like this one from Woodstock International.

This particular file card sports polypropylene bristles on one side for cleaning rasps and removing dirt and rust from files. Stiff metal bristles on the flip side will remove embedded filings.

You shouldn’t have to pay much more than $6 for this or any file card.

File Card [Woodstock International]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/15/Firefighters%e2%80%99_Doorstops'

Firefighters’ Doorstops

Posted: January 15th, 2008, 11:09am MST by Nate Bezanson

Holding a door open doesn’t seem like such a big deal, until you realize that, for a firefighter, a pinched hose or blocked escape route can mean the difference between life and death. And firefighters would rather prop a door open than chop it off its hinges — it’s faster and easier! I was struck by the number and variety of doorstops offered at TheFireStore.com.

Clockwise from upper left:
The Open Door Inc Wedge-It [The Fire Store]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]
Large Rubber Door Wedge [The Fire Store]
Hingelock Door Chock [The Fire Store]
GloWedge [The Fire Store]
Hingestar Door Prop (not pictured) [The Fire Store]

Tabletop Table Saw

Posted: January 15th, 2008, 10:43am MST by Dan Kitchen

Proxxon’s FKS/E table saw may look like a toy, but it’s a fully functioning miniature table saw. When you’re making a scale model, a tiny error can be like flubbing a cut by a whole inch at full scale. To help model makers make exact cuts, Proxxon has been building precision power tools like this one for 30 years .

The FKS/E’s blade has a diameter of only 3”, but you can adjust the blade height anywhere between 1/32″ and 1″. With a variable speed adjustment, its ultra-quiet high-torque motor can muscle through a variety of materials. You can angle the blade for cuts up to 45 degrees. With the built-in extension wing, it can handle pieces up to 19-5/8” long. And it all fits into a package about the size of three reams of copy paper.

Despite the FKS/E’s scaled-down size, it doesn’t come with a scaled-down price. Street pricing is around $340.

Proxxon [Corporate Site]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

Glove Winner: Shop Shelves

Posted: January 15th, 2008, 10:10am MST by Sean O'Hara

We love shop projects that are designed in the shop for the shop. Even if they’re not furniture-grade or constructed from exotic lumber, these sturdy structures make life in the shop better. Take these shelves posted by Flickr pool member tmib_seattle for example. They may look a little rough, but they’re also well-built and ready to go in no time.

Putting a bunch of time into making these look better or finishing them out with a bunch of frills and trim pieces would only be more work with no real payoff. But they might look better if they were sporting a new pair of gloves from your favorite tool blog, so we have some on the way!

Toolmonger’s Photo Pool [Flickr]

Get Your Tubing Bent Out Of Shape

Posted: January 15th, 2008, 9:25am MST by Dan Kitchen

You might be a strong man that can bend iron bars, but are you gentle enough to bend soft tubing? Even if you’re careful, it’s all too easy to kink soft tube, and once you do that you can’t bend it back. Spring tubing benders allow you to put complex curves into brass, copper, and soft metal tubing without worrying about kinks.

Choose a spring just bigger than your pipe, and slide it over your tubing. The spring walls will prevent the tubing walls from kinking out. You can even take it further and put one spring bender on the outside and another on the inside if you have a particularly delicate bend. After bending, just remove the benders, and you’ve got that new waterline for your icemaker or fountain.

You can get them in a variety of shapes and sizes, and pricing varies. Street pricing on a set of six by General Tools is $9.

General Tools [Corporate Site]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon (B00004T827) [What’s This?]

Dealmonger: Bolt-Rite 4-Bolt Anchor Template $15

Posted: January 15th, 2008, 8:41am MST by Stephen Cooke

While doing some research on the deck I’m going to build next summer, I ran across these Bolt-Rite anchor templates over at Awesome Tools. You can get ‘em in a variety of sizes to suit your project/job. This 9″x9″ adjustable template takes anchor bolts up to 7/8″, and you can run conduit through the 2-1/8″ center hole.

Their aluminum construction makes them lightweight and reusable. You can adjust the templates for multiple applications. Center-line marks on the templates help with transit layout and stringlines. Normally $15 apiece, the price drops to $14 apiece when you buy a 10-pack.

Bolt-Rite [Corporate Site]
9″x9″ Four-Bolt Anchor Template [Awesome Tools]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

TV Tonight: Molten Mike

Posted: January 15th, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Tuesday, January 15th, 2008) Discovery gives us a new, very Toolmongery episode of Dirty Jobs and a new mystery episode of Some Assembly Required.

All times are central.

Holmes on Homes: Wall of Sound (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build it Bigger: Biggest Warship (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
Machinery of the Past (RFD-TV, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 38, drill bits, photo booths, and stamps (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 11, cement, caskets, soft drinks, and glider rockers (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
Dirty Jobs: Poo Pot Maker (Discovery, 7:00 p.m.)
Dirty Jobs: Steel Mill Worker (Discovery, 8:00 p.m.) NEW
Some Assembly Required: Episode 3 (Discovery, 9:00 p.m.) NEW
MythBusters: Chinese Invasion Alarm (Discovery, 10:00 p.m.)

Enjoy.

Fluke LVD1 Non-Contact Voltage Detector

Posted: January 14th, 2008, 12:17pm MST by Nate Bezanson

IMG_0715 (Custom).JPG

Fluke markets its LVD1 as a non-contact voltage detector (”volt sniffer”), but I’ve found that the bright LED at the end makes a perfectly competent flashlight, too. The LVD1’s voltage-sensor indicator light glows when the unit is close to an AC field, as you’ll see after the jump.

The picture below shows the LVD1 indicating voltage in a lamp cord. It can pick out hot wires several inches away.

For some applications, like crowded junction boxes, you want less sensitivity, and that’s where the Fluke’s bi-color indicator really shines — it flickers blue in the presence of weak fields, turning purple and then finally red as the field intensifies. Anyone working on AC will find it an indispensable tool.

The LVD1 only detects AC fields, so it’s useless for car wiring or anything else DC. It’s also not picky about what frequency it detects, so any changing field will show up — network cables, USB cables, and even fluorescent lights will make the indicator glow. So will cordless and cellular phones, when they’re transmitting! This usually isn’t a problem — holding the light by its clip rather than its body greatly reduces such spurious readings.

The LVD1 runs off a single AAA. In flashlight mode, it gives about three hours of good working light before the output starts to fall off noticeably. It’s good for many more hours of reduced output, adequate for reading but not hiking. When I need hands-free light, I clip it to my hat brim, my shirt collar, or whatever’s handy.

Street pricing is around $25.

Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]

Scrape Your Glues Away

Posted: January 14th, 2008, 11:36am MST by Benjamen Johnson

You’ve gone and done it this time: You forgot to clean up the squeeze-out last night when you glued your table top together. You could carefully pare away the rock-hard, dried glue with a simple chisel — but wouldn’t you rather use a large scraper with plenty of leverage like this one from Kunz?

Kunz casts their glue scraper’s uniquely shaped 12-1/2″ handle out of iron for strength and heft — it’ll take some abuse. The 2-3/8″ wide blade, sharpened on two sides, attaches to the handle with a slotted screw; so when it gets dull, you can easily resharpen or replace it.

Amazon sells this German import for $37 — a bit pricey for its less than glamorous purpose — but at least you can always scrape paint with it, too.

Via Amazon(B000MAUJAE) [What’s This?]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/14/High_End_Screwdriver_By_Elemen%e2%80%99tary'

High End Screwdriver By Elemen’tary

Posted: January 14th, 2008, 11:08am MST by Dan Kitchen

The London based firm Elemen’tary Design has created a simple and elegant screwdriver — it combines the flexibility of interchangeable hex bits with the old school charm of an heirloom-quality tool.

The cabinetmaker who created the beechwood-handled screwdriver wanted a modern tool that would be a pleasure to use. Over years of use, the linseed finish and brass ferrules will develop a patina unique to each user. The unique cardboard package further accentuates the tools — it beats out big box blister packaging.

You can get your hands on one of these smooth handled screwdrivers through Elemen‘tary‘s eBay shop, but you‘re looking at a price of $65 plus the cost of shipping across the pond.

Elemen’tary Design [Corporate Site]

EMI 511 Fire/Rescue Tool

Posted: January 14th, 2008, 10:42am MST by Nate Bezanson

Does your multi-tool have an adjustable hydrant wrench? How about a non-sparking hammer, or a gas valve shut-off tool? Next time you need a spanner wrench or a sturdy pry blade, you’ll wish you had the EMI 511 Tool on your belt.

Just over a foot long and weighing one lb, this special-purpose tool will normally set you back about $50, but the Fire Store sells it for $30.

EMI 511 Fire/Rescue Tool [Lab Safety Supply]
EMI 511 Fire/Rescue Tool [The Fire Store]

Wire Bending Jigs

Posted: January 14th, 2008, 10:09am MST by Eric Dykstra

This wire bending jig helps you bend wire neatly and accurately to make everything from custom pegboard tool holders to more creative projects like jewelry. Most importantly, it spares you the messy results and frustration of trying to bend wire just with pliers or your hands.

With this cast aluminum jig, you can bend up to 1/4″ mild steel wire. Just fit the wire into the grooves for simple angular bends, or insert the steel pegs to shape the wire in more complex shapes and curves. With two screw holes you can mount the jig to a bench, so you can apply more force to your bends. It’s one of those things you buy for one reason and keep finding uses for — at about $10, I can’t think of a reason not to get one.

Wire Bending Jig [Lee Valley]
Street Price [Google Products]

Miter Finder Has All The Angles

Posted: January 14th, 2008, 9:24am MST by Dan Kitchen

MiterFinder Cropped

Though it may just look like an odd level, Bosch’s Miter Finder calculates angles within 0.05 degrees. And once you’ve measured an angle within a gnat’s whisker, it tells you what angle to cut for trim installation. That’s not hard with flat molding, but if you want to cut compound angles while keeping the trim flat on the saw, the Miter Finder will do that, too. That means you won’t have to fiddle with crown jigs on your miter saw, and you’ll still get a good fit.

Despite the sensitivity of this tool, Bosch claims the rugged 17” aluminum housing will withstand frequent use. The housing contains a large digital display, interface buttons, and two spirit levels for you tool traditionalists. Street pricing is about $110 — pricey for a protractor, but maybe worth it if you’ve got a remodeling project coming up.

Bosch [Corporate Site]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon (B00002255G) [What’s This?]

Dealmonger: OBD II Check Engine Auto Scanner $37

Posted: January 14th, 2008, 8:45am MST by Stephen Cooke

OBD II Check Engine Auto Scanner

If your car’s check engine light comes on, you’re probably going to pay about $50 for a diagnostic if you take it to your neighborhood garage, or more if you go to the dealership — a lot of scratch for a problem that might be as cheap and easy to fix as a faulty temperature sensor. If you have a 1996 or newer vehicle that’s OBD II compliant then check out this standalone scanner.

With support for multiple trouble, pending, generic, and manufacturers’ codes, it’ll interpret that annoying check engine light and show you the results on an easy-to-read backlit LCD display. It’ll also reset and clear codes. Amazon’s selling the scanner for $37.

Via Amazon (B000LEPT5G) [What’s This?]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
UIF Technology [Corporate Site]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/14/TV_Tonight__Dude__Where%e2%80%99s_My_Biodiesel_Fueled_Van_'

TV Tonight: Dude, Where’s My Biodiesel-Fueled Van?

Posted: January 14th, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Monday, January 14th, 2008) Um, dude, what is this new Invention Nation episode about?

All times are central.

Holmes on Homes: What a Mesh (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build it Bigger: Big Easy Rebuild (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
Trains & Locomotives (RFD-TV, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 29, lighters, fossils, hockey pucks, and high-pressure cylinders (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 32, yogurt, candles, neon signs, and book binding (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
Top Gear: Episode 1 (BBC America, 7:00 p.m.)
Top Gear: Episode 8 (BBC America, 8:00 p.m.)
Invention Nation: Episode 8 (Science, 9:00 p.m.) NEW
Invention Nation: Eco-Energy (Science, 9:30 p.m.)
MythBusters: Brown Note (Discovery, 10:00 p.m.)

Enjoy.

The Week in Tools: Toolmonger Top 5

Posted: January 11th, 2008, 12:15pm MST by Sean O'Hara

It’s been a busy week here at Toolmonger. If you’ve been spending time in the shop — you should! — and you haven’t had a chance to keep up with Toolmonger this week, we suggest you start with these posts, which our readers helped to select:

T-Tracks For Jigs And Hold-Downs
We took a moment to rap about T-tracks and the many hold down wonders these little pieces of aluminum can deliver. They’re cheap, strong, and durable, plus you can cut ‘em to almost any length. If you’re looking for ways to mount gear, check this out.

Heat Treat Hand Warmers
After we mentioned Heat Treat hand warmers are a good way to keep the cold off your digits, Toolmonger readers got down to business and talked about various hand warming methods for those out in the cold.

Holz Toys’ Wooden Digger
This wooden digger is a little kid’s dream. But we’re not sure who likes it more — the dad or the kid building sandcastles with it. Either way, the neighborhood kids will be lining up for blocks to play with this toy. Who doesn’t love a steam shovel you can ride?

Protect Your Dome With MSA Hard Hat Liners
They look kind of dorky and won’t win you any fashion shows, but you won’t be laughing at these hardhat liners when the weather turns cold. Believe us, on a frosty morning out on the job site, we’ll take “dorky and warm” over “fashionable and freezing” any day.

Rekindling The Old Flame: A Look Back At Blowtorches
Ah, the good ole’ days: gasoline-powered blowtorches now cost almost as much to fill up as they do to buy. That’s ok. We still love ‘em, even though there are 100 products on the market now that would do a better, safer job than the old standby. Almost everyone from back in the day has a story involving one of these torches, and we still love to hear ‘em.

Help us choose next week’s Top 5!

Clean, Portable Power

Posted: January 11th, 2008, 11:34am MST by Benjamen Johnson

Portable generators rule, but in some situations they aren’t the ideal power source. For example, you can’t use your noisy, messy, and fume-spewing gas generator indoors. That’s when you need a battery-powered solution like Xantrex’s XPower Powerpack 1500.

This portable power system pumps out up to 1500 watts through two standard 120V AC outlets or through a 12V DC jack. With the provided accessories, you can recharge the XPower Powerpack 1500 from your wall outlet in about 15 hours, from your vehicle in about 8 hours, or from a solar panel in about 6 years.

Xantrex packs a battery pack, inverter, and power panel into a rugged, 60 lb, 14.8″ x 15.6″ x 12.3″ cart, which can be wheeled indoors and out. You can pick up the XPower Powerpack 1500 for about $250 to $300.

XPower Powerpack 1500 [Xantrex]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Amazon(B00005RHQQ)[What’s This?]

Silverline Power Tool Drag Racing

Posted: January 11th, 2008, 11:06am MST by Sean O'Hara

Along with building and demolishing things with tools, one of our favorite things is power tool drag racing. The competitors build their cars out of power tools and other stuff — then they race ‘em down a plywood track. After looking at last year’s entries for the Silverline races, we’re seeing those old drills in the corner in a different light.

Check out the site for some sweet build tips and race pics. Be warned: it’s infectious. If you wind up tearing into the power saw you got for Christmas two years ago, don’t blame us.

Power Tool Drag Racing [Silverline]

Reader Question: Is The Local Hardware Store Dead?

Posted: January 11th, 2008, 10:40am MST by Chuck Cage

It seems like we visit the local guys less and less now that they’ve built Home Depot and Lowe’s stores on every corner — or even just blocks away from each other. But we can think of numerous items that the big box retailers just don’t stock.

What’s your experience? Have the big guys finally steamrolled the locals flat, or do you still have a mom-’n-pop alternative in your neck of the woods? Let us know in comments.

(Thanks to adiything for the great CC-licensed photo.)

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/11/It%e2%80%99s_Just_Cool___Timberwolf_Log_Splitter'

It’s Just Cool: Timberwolf Log Splitter

Posted: January 11th, 2008, 10:07am MST by Dan Kitchen

Splitting logs will give you a workout, even if you use a machine. Most log splitters only do just that: split logs. You still have to lift the logs onto the splitter, pick up the pieces , and split those yourself. Timberwolf’s TW-7 log splitter picks up all three of those tasks, so you can knock out cords of wood in no time.

Unlike your average splitter, the TW-7’s special “box” splitting wedge sections the splits into uniform pieces. Instead of picking up the pieces, you just push them onto the splitter bed. With 28 tons of force the TW-7 splits logs up to 26” long, and with an optional hydraulic log lifter you won’t break your back getting them off the ground. A video on Timberwolf’s website shows the splitter in action.

Timberwolf TW-7 [Corporate Site]

Watch Repair Tool Kit

Posted: January 11th, 2008, 9:22am MST by Sean O'Hara

When you have the right tools for the job, you’ve already won half the battle. When you’re removing a link from your wristwatch or changing the battery out, having the tools is close to 90 percent of the battle. If you have them it’s a breeze — and if you don’t, you’re going to mess up that shiny timepiece.

Kits like this one run around $34, about the cost of one link removal and a battery change, so the kit pays for itself with one or two uses. The tool set includes five screwdrivers (four regular and one Phillips), a small hammer, pop-up case opener, spring bar remover, two push pin removers, and a screw-type link remover.

Whatever the cost, it definitely beats shuffling around the mall trying to get your watch right again.

Watch Repair Tool Kit [Watch Parts USA]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]

A Kitchen Appliance For The Shop

Posted: January 11th, 2008, 8:38am MST by Chuck Cage

Though as Toolmongers we probably see more orange Black & Decker gear than their appliances, here’s one that’s made for the kitchen — but kick-ass for the shop: the Slice Right electric knife. It’ll carve the toughest turkey, but you’ll wish you had one the first time you try cutting any foam.

After hacking our way — messily and frustratingly — through some 3″ foam to make a curve in a fiberglass project, we headed to the local fabric shop to score some more. The nice ladies there whipped out a knife like the one pictured above and cut even, square pieces for us in just seconds. We stopped by Target on the way home and bought one of our very own.

The pictured model features a 7″ steel blade complete with non-slip tabs to simplify blade removal — plus a safety lock to prevent accidental starts — and streets for about $15. Of course, there’s no reason to buy a fancy one. The cheap-ass models work just fine. (Nor is there any reason to drive around all day looking for one. Our advice: just buy the first one you find under $20.)

Slice Right Electric Knife [Black & Decker]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s this?]

TV Tonight: Spare Change

Posted: January 11th, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Friday, January 11th, 2008) We get a new episode of How It’s Made and the old standbys from DIY and Home.

All times are central.

Holmes on Homes: Showing the Cracks (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build It Bigger: Hurricane-Proof Homes (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 29, wheel loaders, vegetable oil, hand tools, and cotton swabs (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
Modern Marvels: Engines (History, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 47, ceramic tiles, nuts, steel forgings, and skateboards (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
Toolbelt Diva: Gutter Gals (Home, 7:00 p.m.)
How Do They Do It?: Episode 2, knives, diamonds in the lab, and bricks (Science, 7:00 p.m.)
Take Home Handyman: Totally Floored: Natalie & Alex (Home, 7:30 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 2, compact discs, mozzarella cheese, pantyhose, and fluorescent tubes (Science, 7:30 p.m.)
Holmes on Homes: Out of the Ashes - Part 1 (Home, 8:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made 4: Episode 18, Automotive Fuel Pumps, Cricket Bats, Change Machines, and Ductile Iron Pipe (Science, 8:00 p.m.) NEW
New Yankee Workshop: Jigs (DIY, 8:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made 4: Episode 17, Ice Cream Treats, Wooden Golf Clubs, Aircraft Wings, and Car Battery Recycling (Science, 8:30 p.m.)
Wood Works: Contemporary Night-Table (DIY, 8:30 p.m.)
Build It Bigger: Biggest Casino (Science, 9:00 p.m.)
Wood Works: Turtle Toy-Box (DIY, 9:00 p.m.)
New Yankee Workshop: Jigs (DIY, 9:30 p.m.)

Enjoy.

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/10/Stanley%e2%80%99s_New_FatMax_Flooring_Saw'

Stanley’s New FatMax Flooring Saw

Posted: January 10th, 2008, 12:13pm MST by Chuck Cage

Stanley says this new flooring saw is perfect for cutting dovetails, miters, and tenons — the bread and butter of custom flooring installation. Having never really done any myself, I can’t speak to the saw’s functionality. But I do like the idea of the angled handle.

Besides its shape, the saw also offers a rubber-coated handle, which Stanley claims is much more comfortable than wood — without sacrificing durability or accuracy. Street pricing starts around $10 for the 12″ and slightly more for the 14″.

If you’re an experienced flooring installer and have spent some time with one of these — or a similar model — we’d love to hear about it in comments.

14″ FatMax Flooring Saw [Stanley]
Street Pricing [Froogle]
Via Amazon [What’s this?]

Dealmonger: Craftsman 20 Inch Toolbox $10

Posted: January 10th, 2008, 11:32am MST by Stephen Cooke

Craftsman 20 in. Plastic Hand Box

Can you ever have too many toolboxes? Probably not. Sears is selling this Craftsman 20 inch plastic toolbox — red and black, with latches and a handle — for $10. I have a number of boxes this size — I store orphaned power tools and accessories in ‘em, and I like that they’re stackable. You can store your roadside emergency equipment in it, or it makes a fantastic first aid kit.

Craftsman Toolbox [Sears]

What Do You Get The Last Guy On Earth For His Birthday?

Posted: January 10th, 2008, 11:03am MST by Eric Dykstra

When you’re trying to outrun the retched remains of humanity on your way to Bartertown you just can’t pack that much gear. The ATAX multi-purpose survival axe will likely give you the most bang for your survival buck. With this little wonder you can cut down a tree, shoot an arrow at a deer, skin that deer, tell time, and estimate distance, as well as single-handedly rebuild a just and noble human civilization.*

Badass survivalist Ron Wood, whose badassedness rivals that of even Chuck Norris himself, designed the ATAX. You can either use it as a knife or lash it to a stick and use it like an axe. The high-carbon steel main blade measures 4-1/2″ with the tool’s overall length coming in at 5-1/2″.

With the various metrics laser-etched on the blade, you can tell time (like with a sundial), measure angles, and judge distances. With some slingshot tubing, you can turn the ATAX into an arrow launcher for hunting game. The micarta handle conceals a small storage area for various survival items like matches and twine and MacGyver brand paper clips.

If you can’t remember all the uses, the ATAX actually comes with an instructional DVD to show you how to use it. As Mad Max can tell you, survival doesn’t come cheap — the ATAX runs about $150 to $200.

ATAX [Survival.com]
ATAX on sale [OsoGrandeKnives.com]
ATAX on sale [Hoods Woods]

*Your results may vary.

Over 1,000 Posts In The TM Photo Pool!

Posted: January 10th, 2008, 10:38am MST by Chuck Cage

You read that right: over the holidays we quietly passed the 1,000 image mark in the Toolmonger photo pool. Actually we’re sitting at 1,134 as I write this. That’s a lot of great photos of shops, tools, and projects — plenty to keep us busy when we should be working…

In celebration of this momentous occasion (and truly awesome opportunity to avoid work!) we’re going to give away some more gloves. In fact, we’re going to give away a pair a day to some of our favorite photos.

Thanks again to everyone who’s participating in the pool, and if by some miracle you’re one of the few that hasn’t yet spent some screw-off time farming around in the pictures to see what everyone else is up to tool-wise, don’t be afraid — give it a look.

Toolmonger’s Photo Pool [Flickr]

The Engraved Dragon Hammer is Crack

Posted: January 10th, 2008, 10:05am MST by Sean O'Hara

Sometimes the right gimmick hits you just so, and you never see it coming. For example, I find myself irresistibly drawn to this engraved hammer I found at japanwoodworker.com. It’s just an 11oz. hammer with a white oak handle — but the engraved dragon got me.

As much as I preach against gimmicky tools, I remember now why companies keep trying them – because no matter what the gimmick is, somebody’s gonna bite. In this case that someone is sadly me. An Asian-style dragon on a shiny hammer just works; I’m not sure why, but I’m willing to shell out the $50 to have one. Yes, I’m just that sad.

Engraved Dragon Hammer [japanwoodworker.com]

My Favorite Not-Tool From Harbor Freight Today

Posted: January 10th, 2008, 9:20am MST by Chuck Cage

Making fun of Harbor Freight’s non-tool items is sorta like laughing at Pat in Something About Mary — in so many ways it’s wrong, but you just can’t stop. So yet again, we feature an item that we’re surprised to find on the front page of the HF site today: a coffee mug.

That’s not to say that we’re not fans of coffee mugs — or more seriously of the life-giving elixir within. It’s just that when I think about buying beverage containers, I think, say, Target. Or maybe the grocery store. For those of you with newly-purchased class, maybe Crate and Barrel or Williams-Sonoma pops into your mind.

BS aside, we present for your consideration one 14 oz. stainless steel travel mug. Certainly from China and probably not coated in anything that’ll kill you (any faster than coffee), this 5″ high, PVC-lined cup with non-slip rubber base can be yours for the princely sum of $2. Maybe the Chinese tool manufacturers make the ‘Freightster take a few of these (and a few four-piece decorative frog sets) for every good cheap-but-decent toolbox they deliver.

Oh yeah, and they have an English wheel on sale for $249 again. Be sure to watch that shipping cost.

Travel Mug [Harbor Freight]

Dealmonger: Garrett Wade Sale

Posted: January 10th, 2008, 8:36am MST by Sean O'Hara

The post-holiday sell-off continues. Garrett Wade, famous for overpricing by about 20 percent, is having an overstock sale: up to 50 percent off dozens of selected items. You might want to take a look, even if their website banner for the sale is bone-chillingly ugly.

Be careful to look at the prices — half of them are nowhere near 50 percent off, so be sure to shop smart. But Garrett Wade has discounted a number of cool tools to a price you might actually consider paying. We found a sweet assembly jig, normally priced at around $95, marked down to $65.

GW hasn’t posted an expiration date, but we’re guessing they won’t do this for long.

Overstock Sale Items [Garrett Wade]
Assembly Jig [Garrett Wade]

TV Tonight: Hoverarts and Hovercrafts

Posted: January 10th, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Thursday, January 10th, 2008) An episode of How Do They Do It is all that’s new tonight. TLC seems to be dredging up reruns instead of providing us with something new for their motorhead Thursday.

All times are central.

Holmes on Homes: Taking a Bath (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build It Bigger: High Risk Tower (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 5, copy paper, jeans, computers, and plate glass (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
Rides: Roush Racing (TLC, 6:00 p.m.)
Ultimate Factories: Apache Helicopter (National Geographic, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 22, steel safes, false teeth, airplanes, and maple syrup (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
Dirty Jobs: Big Animal Vet (Discovery, 7:00 p.m.)
Wrecks To Riches: Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt (TLC, 7:00 p.m.)
Classic Tractors (RFD-TV, 7:00 p.m.)
Dirty Jobs: Billboard Installer (Discovery, 8:00 p.m.)
American Chopper: HP 1 (TLC, 8:00 p.m.)
Cool Tools: Multi-Task (DIY, 8:00 p.m.)
Cool Tools: Classic Update (DIY, 8:30 p.m.)
Dirty Jobs: Bridge Painter (Discovery, 9:00 p.m.)
How Do They Do It?: Episode 7, weather forecasting and hovercraft vehicles (Science, 9:00 p.m.) NEW
American Chopper: HP 2 (TLC, 9:00 p.m.)
How Do They Do It?: Episode 1, Panama Canal and waste (Science, 9:30 p.m.)
MythBusters: Poppy Seed Drug Test (Discovery, 10:00 p.m.)

Enjoy.

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/09/Good_Shops_Aren%e2%80%99t_Clean'

Good Shops Aren’t Clean

Posted: January 9th, 2008, 12:11pm MST by Sean O'Hara

Our shop? Totally full of sawdust/metal chips/mess. We like the idea of a shop that’s full of tools you actually use. Toolmonger’s own Nick Carter sent in this fine example of his work space a few days ago. Though it’s not clean and shiny — there are enough metal shavings lying around to make you itch for a week — Nick obviously loves to work in his shop. You can’t ask for more than that.

We dig the bins and storage spaces under the lathe. This shop sees a lot of projects get completed — a solid reminder that it’s not what the shop looks like but what you can build in it that counts.

Toolmonger’s Photo Pool [Flickr]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/09/Knipex%e2%80%99_Smooth_Jawed_Pliers__A_Box_Of_Wrenches_In_One_Tool'

Knipex’ Smooth-Jawed Pliers: A Box Of Wrenches In One Tool

Posted: January 9th, 2008, 11:31am MST by Dan Kitchen

Think of Knipex’s Pliers Wrench as a cross between an open-end wrench and a pair of really-accurate slip-joint pliers. They deliver the gripping strength of combination pliers with the precision of a wrench — a great way to prevent rounding off that chromed nut on your sink or repeatedly slipping off the bolts on your Harley.

Knipex’s Pliers wrenches are designed for installing delicate hardware that requires a smooth and firm grip. They act just like an adjustable wrench, but sans the adjustable’s wedge-style movement, they offer no backlash. Plus, their length and bend offers a 10-to-1 mechanical advantage. The pushbutton ratchet allows you to quickly adjust the size setting, while the handles still allow you to quickly disengage to reposition.

You can find them in 7”, 10”, and 12” sizes. And if you decide your next plumbing job might benefit from owning these, you can find the 10” for a street price of around $45.

Knipex [Corporate Site]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s this?]

Get Jacked: Eastwood Transmission Jack Adapter

Posted: January 9th, 2008, 11:03am MST by Kevin Whipps

Transmission jacks don’t come cheap — they usually start around $500 — so it doesn’t make sense to buy one for that rare occasion when you have to tear out the tranny on your ‘87 dually. Eastwood offers a more affordable solution: a transmission jack adapter that fits any jack with a 1-1/8″ post-style saddle. Just pull off the stock cup, put this unit in its place, and get to jackin’. Pricing is $85.

Transmission Jack Adapter [Eastwood]

Hot or Not? Laser-Etched Sockets

Posted: January 9th, 2008, 10:37am MST by Stuart Deutsch

If you’ve strolled down the tool aisles at Sears anytime in the past year or two, you probably noticed that most of their sockets are now laser-etched. Other manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon — and they’re quick to praise their laser-etched sockets as being easier to read than traditionally labeled sockets.

In another post, TM reader Teacher suggests these laser-etched sockets aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. If you had to choose, which socket would you buy today - one that’s laser-etched, or one that’s mechanically engraved or stamped? Let us what you think in comments.

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/09/Flickr_Pool__Wood___Steel___Rockin%e2%80%99_Floating_TV_Shelf'

Flickr Pool: Wood + Steel = Rockin’ Floating TV Shelf

Posted: January 9th, 2008, 10:04am MST by Sean O'Hara

Multi-material projects always spark our interest. Reader gregjsmith and his friend Cy decided to build a floating shelf for their new TV. After noting that a 68” span was too much for wood alone, these guys decided that rather than give up on the design, they’d add some steel. Rock!

The final product turned out great — it supports the massive screen, no problem. We love the shelf, but more than that we love to see some down and dirty welding and fabrication. Plus, note the gratuitous American Dad on the ’set. Nice!

Toolmonger’s Photo Pool [Flickr]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/09/It%e2%80%99s_Just_Cool__Air_Hammer_On_The_Go'

It’s Just Cool: Air Hammer On The Go

Posted: January 9th, 2008, 9:19am MST by Dan Kitchen

With the right attachment, Paratech’s Airgun 40SC can punch through concrete, smash locks, and cut through metal at a rate of 600 blows/minute. That’s pretty damn cool. But what’s even cooler? It’s portable – perfect for forced entry in firefighting.

Paratech claims that by drawing 5.3 cubic feet per minute of air from its 13 cubic foot tank, the Airgun can smash away for up to 15 minutes of intermittent use — or you can go full throttle for about two and half minutes. That’s quite a while for such a small tank, achievable because the Airgun only consumes air on the power stroke. Of course, when you empty the tank, just hook it up to an air line to keep on pounding.

With a street price of $6,405, you may not run out to grab one of these with your post-Xmas gift cards, but you can check out Paratech’s website for some pictures of it in action.

Paratech [Corporate Site]
Street Pricing [Safetyfirstweb.com]

Dealmonger: Granite Surface Plate For $110

Posted: January 9th, 2008, 8:35am MST by Stephen Cooke

If you do any kind of machining or part-making, you need to check your accuracy on an absolutely flat surface, like this 24″x24″ black granite surface plate from Grizzly. For only $110 you get a grade B, non-magnetic, abrasive-resistant, corrosion- and warp-resistant, easy to clean surface with a +/- tolerance of .00015 inches. The plate weighs 234 lbs, so you’ll pay around $100 for shipping — but even for $210 it’s a sweet deal.

24″ x 24″ Granite Plate [Grizzly]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

TV Tonight: They Ran Out of Myths?

Posted: January 9th, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Wednesday, January 9th, 2008) A new Street Tuner Challenge is tonight’s highlight.

All times are central.

Holmes on Homes: Out of the Ashes - Part 2 (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build It Bigger: Floating City (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 12, Aluminum screw caps, chocolate, pills, and pasta (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 30, temporary metal fences, asphalt shingles, expanded polystyrene products, and hard candies (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
Modern Marvels: Aluminum (History, 7:00 p.m.)
MythBusters: Mega Movie Myths Episode 1 (Discovery, 8:00 p.m.)
MythBusters: Mega Movie Myths Episode 2 (Discovery, 9:00 p.m.)
Rock Solid: Soapstone Kitchen Makeover (DIY, 9:00 p.m.)
Street Tuner Challenge: Get It Together (Speed, 9:00 p.m.) NEW
Street Tuner Challenge: Making It Pretty (Speed, 9:30 p.m.)
MythBusters: Breaking Glass (Discovery, 10:00 p.m.)

Enjoy.

A Magic Mitre Box For An Imperfect World

Posted: January 8th, 2008, 12:09pm MST by Eric Dykstra

In a perfect world every corner in a room would be a perfect 90° angle. Anyone who’s ever installed crown molding in an old house knows it’s not a perfect world. The Magic Mitre helps you make custom inside and outside mitre cuts for odd joints that would otherwise require some fudging.

You adjust the Magic Mitre’s adjustable template to fit against the angle that’s being cut for, then lock the template into the workpiece holders. You don’t need to take any other measurements. After the device is locked in place and the template is removed, you can make a perfect cut for the corner being worked on.

Though it’s definitely an “AS SEEN ON TV” gadget, it could save your sanity if you’re pulling your hair out refinishing an old house. QVC.com offers it for $54. Street pricing is as low as $20.

Magic Mitre [Corporate Site]
Street Price [Google Products]

Bosch Cordless Miter Saw

Posted: January 8th, 2008, 11:28am MST by Stuart Deutsch

Bosch MiterSaw2.jpg

If you’ve ever wanted to cut up some wood without being tied down to an electrical outlet, Bosch has what you need — a cordless miter saw featuring the fantastic 18V BlueCore battery technology. You can make about 100 cuts in 1″x6″ pine on a single charge, and the battery juices back up in an hour. Bosch thoughtfully offers the saw in a “B” version, without battery and charger.

Street pricing for the 3918 is about $290, or you can get the 3918B for about $220. What will the folks at Bosch think of next?

Bosch 3918 Miter Saw [Bosch]
Bosch 3918B (sans battery) [Bosch]
3918 Street Price [Google Products]
3918B Street Price [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/08/Cal_Van%e2%80%99s_Socket_Drive_Converter'

Cal-Van’s Socket Drive Converter

Posted: January 8th, 2008, 11:01am MST by Nate Bezanson

Most socket sets include a downsize adapter for driving 3/8″ sockets from a 1/2″ ratchet, but they never include an upsize adapter. Cal-Van helps us out with this tremendously clever double-ended adapter that can convert in either direction! Check out the deceptively simple mechanism after the jump.
To drive a small socket with a large ratchet, push the central bar one way:

And to drive a large socket with a small ratchet, just push the central bar through the other way:

Thanks to the knurled body, you can spin it with your fingers, in either configuration. It also functions as a short extension, but its length could make it awkward in tight spaces. But, hey, if things are that tight, just go get the right ratchet!

Cal-Van makes one version for 1/4″ and 3/8″ and another for 3/8″ and 1/2″ drives. This little piece of American ingenuity will set you back about $8, unless you have to pay shipping. Try your local Sears.

3/8″ to 1/2″ Drive Converter [Sears]
Cal-Van Twin Spin Drive Converter [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]

The Half Off Deal From Taunton Press

Posted: January 8th, 2008, 10:35am MST by Sean O'Hara

Taunton’s putting on their Winter Warehouse Sale next week, with 50 percent off select books that were well into the “not a shot in hell” price range. With the discount, most of the selected stock runs for $12 to $22 instead of the normal $20 to $50.

While this isn’t a steal, you can get some good deals like Furniture & Cabinet Construction for $19 and Building, Carving, and Turning Techniques for 18th-Century Furniture for $13. The same people who bring you Fine Woodworking magazine also put out these books, so they’re worth a peek.

Winter Warehouse Sale [Taunton Press]

Hot or Not? Dead-On Annihilator

Posted: January 8th, 2008, 10:02am MST by Stuart Deutsch

Dead-On quietly released an “ultimate wrecking bar,” the Annihilator, designed in response to the “dysfunctional” utility bars already on the market. We couldn’t dig up many details, but from the looks of it, the Annihilator is intended for nail pulling, demo work, lumber tweaking, chiseling, and killing vampires.

I couldn’t find the Annihilator at any local retailers, but a handful of online distributors list it. You can get it for $39 plus shipping via Dead-On’s direct store.

Dead-On claims the Annihilator is vastly superior to Stanley’s FUBAR lineup. Does anyone here think the Annihilator stands a chance? Let us know in comments.

Press Release [Pull’R]
Storefront [Dead-On]

X-mas Loot: Kobalt Toolbox

Posted: January 8th, 2008, 9:17am MST by Sean O'Hara

A shiny toolbox with neatly arranged drawers and no clutter — this has to be x-mas loot if ever we’ve seen it. Toolmonger reader and Flickr pool member hopsean posted a slew of pics of his holiday haul. One of our favorites shows a total close-up of how the drawer pull is constructed, for any interested parties.

We also love that the Kobalt boxes come with covers. Not that you’re ever going to use ‘em, but they do come with covers.

Did you get any cool, tool-related loot this year? Post it up to the photo pool — we’d love to see it!

Toolmonger’s Photo Pool [Flickr]

Dealmonger: Craftsman Club Deals Jan 6-12

Posted: January 8th, 2008, 8:33am MST by Stuart Deutsch

The newest Craftsman Club flier includes a few great deals. If you’re not a Craftsman Club member, check out the registration link below — if you join now, you should receive your card before February’s promotional period.

If you are already a member and haven’t yet seen the flier, just enter your member ID number in the sign-in box on the home page. They’re offering a few exclusive “online only” deals, like their 12 piece nut driver set and case for $20 with a free 11″ tool bag. The set typically retails for $30-$40 — or separately at over $6 a piece. To take advantage of online-only deals, you must enter your card number into your account profile.

You can register with the Craftsman Club for free. Membership gets you special coupons and access to exclusive sales featured in their once-a-month flier. We’ll answer any questions you post in the comments section to the best of our ability, but we can’t help with any personal problems with your membership. You might want to read through the various posts and related comments in the archive, or contact Craftsman Club directly at 1-800-682-8691.

Craftsman Club [Craftsman]
Sign-Up Now [Craftsman]
Online-Only Deals [Craftsman]
12 Piece Nut Driver Set [Sears]
Free Bag With $25 Purchase [Sears]

TV Tonight: Familiar Ground

Posted: January 8th, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Tuesday, January 8th, 2008) We get new episodes of Dirty Jobs and Some Assembly Required tonight. Some Assembly Required should help fill the void left by the missing Made in America, even if the topics seem awfully familiar — MIA has covered both Gibson and Burt’s Bees already.

All times are central.

Holmes on Homes: Out of the Ashes - Part 1 (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build It Bigger: Fault Zone Tunnel (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
Machinery of the Past (RFD-TV, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 9, steel, apple juice, aircraft landing gear, and cosmetics (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 42, lacrosse sticks, frozen fish products, flashlights, and paintbrushes (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
Dirty Jobs: Vomit Island Workers (Discovery, 7:00 p.m.)
Dirty Jobs: Big Animal Vet (Discovery, 8:00 p.m.) NEW
Some Assembly Required: Episode 2, Gibson Guitar, Batesville Casket, Burt’s Bees (Discovery, 9:00 p.m.) NEW
MythBusters: Boom Lift Catapult (Discovery, 10:00 p.m.)

Enjoy.

Newsflash: People Design Snowboards With Their Hands

Posted: January 7th, 2008, 12:28pm MST by Chuck Cage

Video game blog 1up (among others) noted that Bill Gates’ recent Consumer Electronics Show keynote included a demonstration of the very cool Microsoft Surface, a multi-touch display panel sorta like the one you saw in Minority Report. The funny part: we hear that Bill used the surface to customize a snowboard, commenting on how cool it was to apply the customizations with one’s hands.

Incredibly, we’ve been doing things like customizing snowboards with our hands for quite some time. Now that you’re spending a little more time away from the office, Bill, why not take a stab at the old-fashioned way? If you’re stumped for projects, we’d be happy to recommend a few to get you started.

2008 CES Keynote Coverage [1up]

Rekindling The Old Flame: A Look Back At Blowtorches

Posted: January 7th, 2008, 12:11pm MST by Audra Heaslip

This 1949 Craftsman catalog brings us back to the days of zoot suits, the jitterbug, explosive shop tools, guiltless gasoline consumption — and the good ole’ gasoline blowtorch.

Even before the modern technology of propane and butane cartridges, amateurs as well as professionals commonly used blowtorches for stubborn household problems like thawing frozen pipes, loosening jammed bolts, and even detecting freon leaks (due to the changing color of the flame). Plumbers used the torches to liquefy lead for sealing pipe joints, electricians used them for soldering wires, and painters for stripping paint from walls.

To operate these blowtorches, you fill the fuel tank about 3/4 full of gasoline, and then seal the fuel valves. A hand pump pressurizes the air, sending the fuel up a wick tube to the burner head. The wick tube contains a cotton wick about eight inches long, with half of it soaked in the fuel and the rest leading up to the burner.

Just past the wick tube, a screen filters out impurities before the fuel is burned. Finally, an evaporation chamber on the bottom of the blowtorch head builds pressure between the wick and the burner head. The fuel escapes through the orifice in the burner head, producing a very hot, blue flame and the familiar roar of the blowtorch.

If you’re worried about frozen pipes this winter, you can buy the antique Craftsman blowtorch pictured above for about $10 on eBay — the same price as in 1949. For the same (adjusted) price as back then, you can even fill it up with gasoline — just like the good old days.

Information on Blowtorches [Zangobob’s Blowtorch Heaven]
Antique Craftsman Catalogs [Rose Antique Tools]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/07/It%e2%80%99s_Just_Cool__Table_From_A_Fallen_Tree'

It’s Just Cool: Table From A Fallen Tree

Posted: January 7th, 2008, 11:27am MST by Sean O'Hara

Fallen trees provide a great source of cheap wood. I cruise the areas around my home looking for them in yards or chopped up in the garbage pile out front. You’d be surprised what can come from an ugly, old, dead tree. Toolmonger reader and Flickr pool member shelbymay posted this great pic of a new coffee table made in large part from a felled ash tree.

My first real furniture project. I cut the top out of a white ash tree that fell. I used a #3 or 4 hand plane to smooth out the top. It was quite rough from the chain saw. I left the bottom rough. Hand planing something this large takes a lot out of you.

Great job on the planing. The semi-rough nature of the top makes a great conversation piece, and we like being able to see what the other parts looked like before shelbymay applied some major TLC.

Toolmonger’s Photo Pool [Flickr]

Was it the Todd?

Posted: January 7th, 2008, 11:03am MST by Audra Heaslip

We thought you’d appreciate this great construction site sign, supposedly from Australia. I wonder if Todd gets a lot of calls.

Aussie Construction Sign [The Place to Blog]

Is This Carabiner Knife A Rip-Off?

Posted: January 7th, 2008, 10:32am MST by Eric Dykstra

I hate having a ton of junk in my pockets, even when that junk is useful, so this cool Kershaw carabiner caught my eye. It incorporates a little serrated blade into the body as well as two screwdrivers and the obligatory bottle opener. “Cool, I can clip my junk outside my pockets,” I thought. Then I saw the asking price: around $35. That seemed a bit steep — and after doing some shopping I found out exactly how steep it was.

It seems companies such as 4imprint.com are selling this knife in bulk as a promotional item for as little as $3 a unit!

I don’t know for sure that they’re the exact same item, but they look suspiciously similar. So is this just a cheap knockoff or an extreme discount for buying in bulk? Give us your two cents in comments.

Kershaw Street Price [Google Products]
Promotional Carabiner Knife [4Imprint.com]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/07/From_the_Flickr_Pool__What%e2%80%99s_Under_Your_Tile'

From the Flickr Pool: What’s Under Your Tile

Posted: January 7th, 2008, 10:01am MST by Sean O'Hara

Pretend for a moment that you’re a young suburban tree. Times are tough with drought conditions all over, and you need to find water. You know that the house right next to you has water you could capture a few times a day — so it makes sense that a tree would choose to grow roots under the shower tiles, right?

I’m not sure if someone neglected to remove the roots before construction of the shower stall or if a tree managed to figure out where a good source of water might be, but I’ve never seen this — it’s cool and a little bit creepy, like something from a horror movie. Props to Flickr pool member gregjsmith for the sweet photo.

Toolmonger’s Photo Pool [Flickr]

Reader Question: What Breaks S#!$ Better Than The BlendTec?

Posted: January 7th, 2008, 9:58am MST by Chuck Cage

Have you heard of BlendTec’s (in)famous tests where they blend unusual items to show the strength of their industrial blender’s tines? For shock value, they’ve pureed items like an iPhone, a Guitar Hero controller, a Chuck Norris action figure, and a copy of Halo 3. The idea’s that if the BlendTec can handle this crap, it can certainly churn up a ‘rita or two.

But you’re not chefs. You’re Toolmongers. And no one breaks s#!$ like Toolmongers. So here’s our challenge: If you had a $500 budget, what would you buy/assemble/build to destroy tech items efficiently (and entertainingly) — something that’d make the BlendTec look tame? You know, fill in the blank: “He brought a BlendTec to a (blank) fight.”

Let us know in comments, and just to make it fun, we’ll send a Stanley stud finder to the reader who posts our favorite solution.

PS: Please don’t sue us Mr. Norris. Or BlendTec. Your name and likeness is wholly used here as satire. Really.

Blending S#!$ [BlendTec]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/07/Rout_Smoother_With_Freud%e2%80%99s_Quadra_Cut'

Rout Smoother With Freud’s Quadra-Cut

Posted: January 7th, 2008, 9:18am MST by Benjamen Johnson

Router bit manufacturers must be taking a cue from the razor blade companies — more blades are better. First there were two-wing bits, then triple-wing bits, and now Freud has come out with the Quadra-Cut bit. Freud claims the new Quadra-Cut bits leave a surface that requires no sanding or reworking - even in cross grain cuts.

Freud designed the router bit so two of the carbide cutters have an upshear angle and the other two have a downshear angle. The upshear cutters remove most of the wood, while the downshear cutters finish the cut. Freud manufactures the cutters from exclusive TiCo hi-density carbide with titanium. A permanent non-stick coating on the body of the bit reduces friction and makes the bit easier to clean. To reduce chatter, Freud computer-balances all their Quadra-Cut bits. All these features combine to make a bit that produces an ultra clean edge.

Freud makes many 1/2″ shank bits, from a 3/8″ radius round-over bit for $34 to a $100 raised panel pattern bit. If you want to go right from the shop floor to the finishing room without first stopping at the sanding station, you might want to give these bits a try.

Quadra-Cut Bits [Freud]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Freud Quadra-Cut Bits [Rockler]
Freud Quadra-Cut Bits [WoodCraft]

Dealmonger: AAA 70 Piece Road Assistance Kit $35

Posted: January 7th, 2008, 8:31am MST by Stephen Cooke

AAA stuffed this double-sided carrying case with a 45 piece first aid kit, 8 gauge 10′ jumper cables, a hand-charged dual-LED flashlight, work gloves, emergency poncho, flat head and Phillips head screwdrivers, duct tape, a knife, bungee cord, cable ties, and AAA’s emergency care guide manual. I carry a similar kit which came in handy today when my battery crapped out in the seven degree weather. This 70 piece kit is missing a number of useful tools, but everyone should have a first aid kit, duct tape, and jumper cables. Amazon sells it for $35.

Via Amazon [What’s This?]
Street Pricing [Google Product]

TV Tonight: Get on the Bus

Posted: January 7th, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Monday, January 7th, 2008) Hippies dig garbage, man, in an all new Invention Nation.

All times are central.

Build It Bigger: Deepest Tunnel (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
Holmes on Homes: For Annie (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Electrical panels, kites, toothbrushes (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Matches, carousel horses, fine porcelain, automobile fuel tanks (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
Top Gear (BBC America, 7:00 p.m.)
Top Gear (BBC America, 8:00 p.m.)
Invention Nation: Less Landfill (Science, 9:00 p.m.) NEW
Invention Nation: Innovative Alternatives (Science, 9:30 p.m.)
MythBusters: Jet Assisted Chevy (Discovery, 10:00 p.m.)

Enjoy.

TV Tonight: Factories and Furniture

Posted: January 5th, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Saturday, January 5th, 2008) Tonight: a How It’s Made marathon, and DIY has their woodworking shows for your a-snoozement.

All times are central.

MythBusters: Exploding House (Discovery, 5:00 p.m.)
G.I. Factory: Episode 3 (Military, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 45, brushes and push brooms, blackboards, smoked salmon and zippers (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 21, fiberglass insulation, wooden ducks, gumball machines and exhaust systems (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 1, solid tires, cheesecake, canoe paddles and globes (Discovery, 7:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 2, boomerangs, barbecues, pinball machines and strobe lights (Discovery, 7:30 p.m.)
New Yankee Workshop: Cherry Nightstand (DIY, 7:30 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 3, wooden bowls, chainsaws, stackable potato chips, and jet compressor blades (Discovery, 8:00 p.m.)
New Yankee Workshop: Deck Chairs (DIY, 8:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 4, steel wool, ranges, carved candles, and slot machines (Discovery, 8:30 p.m.)
Wood Works: Gilded Picture Frame (DIY, 8:30 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 5, CCD semiconductors, airline meals, paper cups, and trumpets (Discovery, 9:00 p.m.)
Wood Works: Contemporary Dovetail Bench (DIY, 9:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 6, padlocks, hair clippers, wooden shoes, and synthetic leather (Discovery, 9:30 p.m.)
Freeform Furniture: Nesting Tables (DIY, 9:30 p.m.)

Enjoy.

The Week in Tools: Toolmonger Top 5

Posted: January 4th, 2008, 12:13pm MST by Sean O'Hara

Eat Anywhere With The French Army Bivouac Knife
The French Army Bivouac Knife won’t replace the good china, but it might feed your ass if you’re trudging through the jungle or forest and nothing but rocks and sticks are available. It also collapses down Swiss Army-style, so you can throw your handy flatware in a pocket or backpack.

De-Ice, Ice Baby With The Walk-Behind Salt Spreader
This resembles a lawn seed spreader because that’s very close to what it is. The big difference: this rig’s sweet rubber drive wheels grip the ice for an even, salty spread on your slick walkway.

Let Them Eat Crow: Crittercam Shows Toolmongers In The Wild
Crows prove to be much smarter than many people thought. They use tools and in some cases take them to the jobsite with them. If that’s not a Toolmonger, we don’t know what is.

Pocket Saw Cuts (Almost) Anything
The MXZ saw — infamous from late night infomercials — makes an appearance on Toolmonger. Readers weighed in on the little hand saw that “never needs sharpening” which could just as well read “can never be sharpened.” Check out the comments for the complete down-low.

Rip The Duct A New One
The Malco duct ripper — made to punch through ducting without breaking your other drivers — combines the features of a fine chisel and a hardy screwdriver. It may be a good idea, but you could buy an entire cheap set of drivers for what one of these costs.

Help us choose next week’s Top 5!

Protect Your Dome With MSA Hard Hat Liners

Posted: January 4th, 2008, 11:28am MST by Audra Heaslip

Hard Hat Liner from MSA Safety Works.jpg

If you work outdoors in the winter, you know keeping your head warm isn’t a big deal — until you’re freezing and can’t think about anything else. Hard hat liners from MSA Safety Works protect your head and neck from the elements, with hook and loop straps that secure to your hard hat suspension. If you don’t need one of the fancier variations — one with a mouth cover or a full-head pullover — you can find the simple design shown above for under $10 at the big box.

MSA [Corporate Site]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

From The Flickr Pool: Home-Built Toolbox

Posted: January 4th, 2008, 11:05am MST by Sean O'Hara

You don’t realize how cool this home-built toolbox is until you open it up and see how cleverly it was designed. It didn’t cost an arm and a leg to build either.

Using wood screws and pine, Toolmonger Flickr pool member “fresh dressed like a million bucks” constructed the toolbox expressly for bike tools. A divider on one side separates a slim tool storage compartment from another section that’s sized perfectly for its bike-related contents. The builder topped it all off with a shop-worthy coat of black paint. Cheers to “fresh dressed like a million bucks” for this rugged, cheap, and functional creation.

Toolmonger’s Photo Pool [Flickr]

Heat Treat Hand Warmers

Posted: January 4th, 2008, 10:33am MST by Audra Heaslip

Heat Treat Hand Warmers at REI.jpg

When the temperature drops, blood vessels in our extremities constrict to redirect blood flow to vital organs like the brain and heart — that leaves hands and feet vulnerable to heat loss. Working out in the cold becomes uncomfortable, difficult, and less productive — that is, unless you slide heating pads into your gloves. Heat Treat Hand Warmers keep a temperature of 135-156 degrees F for up to seven hours. (You can wrap ‘em in cloth if they feel too warm, so you don’t end up like the villain in the opening scenes of Raiders of the Lost Ark.)

The warmers’ active ingredients — iron, water, cellulose, vermiculite, activated carbon, and salt — create an exothermic oxidation reaction when exposed to air. Therefore the packs last longer when kept in enclosed spaces such as gloves or pockets. Grabber Performance also makes a Heat Treat Mega Hand Warmer that lasts up to 12 hours, toe warmers for boots, and body adhesives — all safe and nontoxic. Pricing starts at about $1 a pair.

Heat Treat Hand Warmers [REI]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/04/Holz_Toys%e2%80%99_Wooden_Digger'

Holz Toys’ Wooden Digger

Posted: January 4th, 2008, 10:01am MST by Sean O'Hara

This wooden steam shovel kicks the crap out of Fisher Price or even Tonka — it actually works! It swivels and digs with a bucket controlled by two wooden levers. Holz Toys has a winner here — heck, we want one.

The 45″ long digger holds a child 2 – 5 years old on top of its cab, where the kid works two levers to move dirt or sand. You can buy this completely wicked toy for $250 plus shipping. We especially love the hole saw cutouts that help define the treads — they really bring the whole digger together.

Wooden Digger [Holz Toys]

T-Tracks For Jigs And Hold-Downs

Posted: January 4th, 2008, 9:19am MST by Stuart Deutsch

T-tracks provide variable mounting points for jigs, hold-downs, featherboards, and other accessories. You cut them to the desired length and install them flush with your work surface, using flat-head screws. With the track installed, you can secure your jig or accessory to your work surface with T-bolts or 1/4″ hex head bolts paired with nuts or threaded knobs.

T-tracks commonly measure 1/2″ deep, 3/4″ wide, and 12″ or 48″ long. Tracks with these dimensions accept T-bolts or 1/4″ hex head bolts, while larger tracks accept 5/16″ fasteners. The deeper trench of the Incra T-track, shown above, conveniently accepts bolt ends and nuts as well.

If you secure your jig with hex head bolts, you’ll have to slide them in from the end of the T-track, which can be a PITA if you’ve already got accessories in place. T-bolts, on the other hand, you can install at any point on the track — just insert and rotate. You might have more trouble finding them locally, though.

Whichever bolts you go with, threaded knobs maximize the ease of using your T-track.

T-Tracks [Incra]
T-Tracks and Accessories [Rockler]
T-Track Accessories [Woodcraft]
T-Tracks and Accessories [MLCS]
McMaster Carr [Corporate Site]
Incra 24″ T-Track Via Amazon (B0000DD5EX) [What’s This?]

Dealmonger: Sears After Christmas Sale!

Posted: January 4th, 2008, 8:32am MST by Sean O'Hara

Sears is ending their “We overstocked this stuff for Christmas and didn’t sell it” sale tomorrow, so if you’re jonesing for that gear your family didn’t manage to get you, now is the time. Specifically, the Craftsman 263 piece Mechanic’s Tool Sets, Craftsman 10-drawer, 27 in. combo toolboxes, and Craftsman 20 piece socket wrench sets are all 20 to 25 percent off, which might actually put some of them this side of “never gonna pay that.”

Sears is also giving away .5A, three-disc grinders with purchases over $75 dollars, while supplies last. We’re betting supplies are plentiful on the Norelco looking sanders, because we don’t know anyone who wanted or got one for Christmas.

Craftsman Sale [Sears]
Craftsman 263 pc. Mechanics Tool Set [Sears]
Craftsman 10 Drawer, 27 in. Combo [Sears]
Craftsman 20 pc. Socket Wrench Set [Sears]

TV Tonight: Ice Cream Treats!

Posted: January 4th, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Friday, January 4th, 2008) Friday is so dependable. You get a new How It’s Made too!

All times are central.

Holmes on Homes: Bargain Basement (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build It Bigger: Coaster Build Off (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 25, coins, cars, and grocery carts (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 14, three-wheeled vehicles, T-Rex vehicles, baseball bats, artificial bonsais, and trombones (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
Toolbelt Diva: This Show is Fan-tastic (Home, 7:00 p.m.)
How Do They Do It?: Episode 1 (Science, 7:00 p.m.)
Take Home Handyman: Door to Adore: Caroline & Sam (Home, 7:30 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 1, aluminum foil, snowboards, soft polymer contact lenses, and bread (Science, 7:30 p.m.)
New Yankee Workshop: Four Drawer Chest (DIY, 7:30 p.m.)
Holmes on Homes: House Arrest (Home, 8:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made 4: Episode 17, Ice Cream Treats, Wooden Golf Clubs, Aircraft Wings, and Car Battery Recycling (Science, 8:00 p.m.) NEW
New Yankee Workshop: Wooden Bowls (DIY, 8:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made 4: Episode 16, Levels, Hot Dogs, Abrasive Grains, and Sandpaper (Science, 8:30 p.m.)
Wood Works: Gilded Picture Frame (DIY, 8:30 p.m.)
Build It Bigger: Battle Machines (Science, 9:00 p.m.)
DIY Inside: LA Auto Show (DIY, 9:00 p.m.)

Enjoy.

Woodcarving Kits Make Getting Youngsters Started Easy

Posted: January 3rd, 2008, 12:11pm MST by Benjamen Johnson

If you want to introduce a youngster to the joys of whittling, Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers offers a starter kit that makes it easy. Along with a 3-1/4″ Victorinox pocket knife and a 60-page book, the kit includes two basswood practice blocks, one of which is already marked up for carving the ball-in-cage.

The book, Old Time Whittling, shows you how to make ten projects, with over 50 photographs and diagrams, and it also covers pertinent topics like wood selection and knife sharpening.

Amazon and Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers sell this kit for $22. And once you master the basic skills, you can always check out Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers for more advanced carving supplies — they carry quite a variety.

Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers [Corporate Site]
Old Time Whittling Kit [Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]

Shur-Line: This Is How We Roll

Posted: January 3rd, 2008, 11:27am MST by Eric Dykstra

Rollers make your paint job go faster, but the clean-up afterward takes just as long as with regular brushes — the paint tray and rollers collect paint, and you have to scrub ‘em if you ever want to use them again. Now Shur-Line offers a five-piece set that’s covered in Teflon for easy clean up. Shur-Line claims that dried paint will peel right off!

The set comes with two 9″ Teflon-coated knit roller covers as well as a roller frame and a 16″x11.5″ paint tray coated with the slick stuff. Shur-Line even throws in a plastic edge for good measure.

If you’re tired of tossing out liners or disposable trays, you might want to give this a shot. Street pricing starts around $8.

Shur-Line [Corporate Site]
Street Price [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/03/Cold_Remedy__Valiant%e2%80%99s_Remote_Car_Starter'

Cold Remedy: Valiant’s Remote Car Starter

Posted: January 3rd, 2008, 11:03am MST by Audra Heaslip

Valiant Remote Car Starter from JC Whitney.jpg

A remote car starter can make the winter months much easier. Without one, well, you know the drill: trudge out into the cold, yank your car door open from the sheath of ice that formed overnight, sit down on the icy driver’s seat, and start ‘er up. Then shiver, curse, and blow vapor clouds for ten minutes while the heater puffs out air that’s – is it possible? – even colder than the air outside.

Valiant’s remote car starter allows you to forgo this process with the press of a button from up to 1,000 feet away. It’ll start the engine and control the heat, defroster, or a/c for a user-programmed time of up to 24 minutes. It comes with built-in relays for ignition, lights, and climate control, though you’ll need to buy extra relays for keyless entry or power trunk release. It can also start the engine automatically every two hours to avoid a dead battery in frigid temperatures.

JC Whitney is running a sale on the Valiant remote starter for $56, about $15 less than retail. Of course, you do have to install it yourself. But you’re a Toolmonger. You’re not afraid of that.

Right?

Valiant Remote Car Starter [JC Whitney]
Street Pricing [Google]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/03/Form_Wood_Curves_The_Traditional_Way_%e2%80%94_With_A_Scorp'

Form Wood Curves The Traditional Way — With A Scorp

Posted: January 3rd, 2008, 10:32am MST by Benjamen Johnson

Traditional woodworkers use a scorp for roughing out concave shapes like bowls, spoons, and chair seats. Pfeil makes this 7″ long scorp with a contoured ash handle and a thick steel shank to reduce chatter as you pull the 1-1/4″ blade toward you. Less chatter = smoother curves.

Woodcraft sells it for $30. Note: this scorp requires honing before use. But if your honing skills leave something to be desired, Woodcraft will hone it for $5 extra.

Scorp [Pfeil]
Scorp [Woodcraft]

NEOS Overshoes

Posted: January 3rd, 2008, 9:59am MST by Eric Dykstra

If your favorite pair of broken-in Doc Martens aren’t waterproof anymore, slide ‘em into a pair of NEOS overshoes. Made of durable nylon laminated with a waterproof layer of PVC film, they keep your feet warm and dry when you’ve got rain, snow, or slush to trek through.

The overshoes slip on and off easily over your shoes or boots, and NEOS offers a variety of lightweight styles for work, commute, and industrial applications. You can select a lugged sole for traction or a cleated version for icy conditions. I particularly like the Voyager 11″ model that costs about $60.NEOS Overshoe [Corporate Site]
Street Price [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]

[Corporate Site] [Google Products] []

Glove Winner: Drafting Table

Posted: January 3rd, 2008, 9:18am MST by Sean O'Hara

This drafting table makes a big bang without wasting tons of materials or cash. The builder (and Flickr pool member) MPgalvin gives us the down-low on the construction materials:

We made the frame and all wood components out of white oak so that it will be sturdy and heavy. The cross stiles are made from 1/2 inch copper pipe with threaded rods running through them. The copper pipes sit in counter bored holes and the threaded rod is tightened to draw the legs together.

We love that MPgalvin used stylish, sturdy white oak and copper tubing that’s lightweight and attractive to boot! Great job — we can’t wait to see the next project!

Toolmonger’s Photo Pool [Flickr]

Dealmonger: Dead On Finishing Hammer For $14

Posted: January 3rd, 2008, 8:31am MST by Stephen Cooke

Dead On Tools offers a great line of hammers – made for framing to finishing — at affordable prices. Now ANTOnline is dropping the price even further, offering this Dead On finishing hammer for $14, or about 33% off the regular price. You get a 16 oz. hammer with a tempered smooth face, curved hickory handle, and a cool skull and crossbones logo, too.

Dead On Tools [Corporate Site]
Finishing Hammer [ANTOnline]
Street Pricing [Google Product]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]

TV Tonight: Do They Do It?

Posted: January 3rd, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Thursday, January 3rd, 2008) Science gives us a new episode of How Do They Do It, although we have no idea what they do.

All times are central.

Holmes on Homes: Ceiling the Deal (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build It Bigger: Boot Camp (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 16, personal watercraft, ice skates, wine, and office furniture (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
Rides: Time Capsule (TLC, 6:00 p.m.)
Modern Marvels: Heavy Metals (History, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 40, fur tanning, photographs, welding electrodes, and electric violins (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
Street Customs: The Royal Rover (TLC, 7:00 p.m.)
Classic Tractors (RFD-TV, 7:00 p.m.)
Ultimate Factories: Apache Helicopter (National Geographic, 7:00 p.m.)
American Chopper: Flowjet Bike 1 (TLC, 8:00 p.m.)
Cool Tools: Classic Update (DIY, 8:00 p.m.)
Cool Tools: Change of Season (DIY, 8:30 p.m.)
How Do They Do It?: Episode 6 (Science, 9:00 p.m.) NEW
American Chopper: Flowjet Bike 2 (TLC, 9:00 p.m.)
How Do They Do It?: Episode 4 (Science, 9:30 p.m.)
Dirty Jobs: Bug Breeder (Discovery, 10:00 p.m.)

Enjoy.

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/02/Malco%e2%80%99s_Flexible_Duct_Cutter'

Malco’s Flexible Duct Cutter

Posted: January 2nd, 2008, 12:11pm MST by Benjamen Johnson

To make cutting flexible duct easier, Malco makes one wicked looking cross between an insulation knife and a pair of wire snippers. Simply grab the non-slip vinyl handles and use the double-edged stainless steel blade to easily slice through the insulation. Finish the cut by snipping the inner rib coil with the compound action wire cutters.

At $30 or so, this might not be for just anybody’s toolbox, but if you’re installing an HVAC system this tool could save you some time. Just be careful carrying this bad boy in your tool pouch.

Flex Duct Cutter [Malco]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]

Prescription Safety Glasses On The Cheap

Posted: January 2nd, 2008, 11:35am MST by Eric Dykstra

If you wear glasses, you know how pricey a new set of specs can be, especially when the workplace requires safety lenses. Fortunately, websites like GlassyEyes.com and 39DollarGlasses.com will help you save some cash and keep your peepers safe.

Glassy Eyes provides tricks and tips for getting quality eyewear at decent prices. After I read up on scams to avoid, I linked through 39dollarglasses.com to a retailer offering ANSI Z87.1 certified frames/lenses for as low as $70 plus shipping — less than half what they usually go for. Give these sites a look if you need glasses or if you just want a spare set for the next time you sit on yours.

Main Page [GlassyEyes.com]
Main Page [39DollarGlasses.com]
Safety Glasses [39DollarGlasses.com]

X-mas Loot: Mini Jack

Posted: January 2nd, 2008, 11:05am MST by Sean O'Hara

Toolmonger photo pool member greenturtles002 posted this great pic of his X-mas loot — a sweet Craftsman mini-jack, with a red stapler behind it to show the scale. Now all he needs is a working Nascar model to lift with it. Sure, the desk would be a little crowded at that point, but anything worth doing is worth doing big!

Did you get any cool, tool-related loot this year? Post it up to the photo pool — we’d love to see it!

Toolmonger’s Photo Pool [Flickr]

If Leatherman And Bionic Wrench Mated…

Posted: January 2nd, 2008, 10:27am MST by Benjamen Johnson

LoggerHead Tools, makers of the Bionic Wrench and the Bionic Grip, now offers the ImmIX multi-tool with Bionic Wrench technology. The ImmIX 10X combines a Bionic Wrench with two retractable, stainless steel blades, a bit driver, and ten bits — slotted, Phillips, Torx, and Robertson — in a rubber carrier/grip. Replace the knife blades with ten more bits in a second rubber carrier, and you have the ImmIX 20X.

LoggerHead electroplates these cold-rolled steel laminate tools with nickel for corrosion- and chip-resistance. For your comfort the rubber bit carriers double as cushioned grips. Use the Bionic Wrench for SAE sizes 1/4″ through 9/16″ or metric sizes 7mm through 14mm, or lock the handles together to use the magnetic bit driver. When you’re done, slip the ImmIX into its carrying case looped through your belt.

Right now you can pick up an ImmIX 10X for $40 on Amazon. Toss in another $10 and you can buy yourself the 20X. Or pay $50 for either tool somewhere else.

ImmIX Tool Family [LoggerHead Tools]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]

From The Flickr Pool: Hand Made Dovetails

Posted: January 2nd, 2008, 10:04am MST by Sean O'Hara

If you want to gauge a woodcrafter’s skill, look at the joints. Joints tell you how the piece was constructed, how good the crafter was, and even what tools they used. Flickr pool member ghb624 posted a great example: this chest made with old-school dovetail joinery.

Someone took a long time building it, probably by hand. Despite varying sizes and small imperfections, each joint fits perfectly. I found myself studying each dovetail in succession just as its maker must have. Whether the fingers protruding from the back were a design element or the creator just screwed up, I respect the choice to finish it. It’s beautiful — I can’t believe someone threw this out.

Toolmonger’s Photo Pool [Flickr]

Permalink for 'Toolmonger/2008/01/02/It%e2%80%99s_Easy__And_Cheap__Bein%e2%80%99_Green_With_Earth_Friendly_Cleaners'

It’s Easy (And Cheap) Bein’ Green With Earth Friendly Cleaners

Posted: January 2nd, 2008, 9:13am MST by Audra Heaslip

Earth Friendly Cleaning Supplies.jpg

With twenty bucks and some elbow grease, you can turn your litter-strewn, sticky-countered, beer-stained place back into the gleaming pad you had (or wished you had) before your New Year’s party. And you can do it with completely eco-friendly cleaners made from natural, nice-smelling ingredients like almond and cherry oils (dishwashing liquid), lemon oil (hard surface cleaner), coconut-based soap with vinegar (glass and mirror cleaner), and cedar oil with citric acid (toilet cleaner).

Why go green? Nontoxic cleaners are safe for you, your family, and pets; they let you avoid harsh chemical smells during the time of year when it may be too cold to open windows; they don’t damage the environment; and best of all, they’re cheap at the big box. The Earth Friendly Products Cleaning pack retails at around $19 for six different cleaners, so you can be green without spending too much of it.

Earth Friendly Products [Corporate Site]
Street Pricing [Google]

Dealmonger: 20% Off Kobalt Tool Storage

Posted: January 2nd, 2008, 8:38am MST by Stuart Deutsch

As part of their end-of-the-year sale, Lowe’s is slashing 20% off the price on all Kobalt tool chests. With gas-spring supported lids, sturdy ball bearing slides, spacious load-bearing drawers, and a sharp finish, these chests store your tools in style. As a bonus, each well-constructed unit includes no-slip drawer liners and a dust cover.

Kobalt makes its chests and roll-aways with three different drawer sizes:

26″ wide, 12″ deep
26″ wide, 18″ deep
40″ wide, 18″ deep

The 12″ drawers are found in either a three-drawer or six-drawer unit. The six-drawer unit only offers 1/3 more space than the three-drawer unit, but costs 50% more. In light of this, I recommend the three-drawer unit. The gas-spring lid opens to reveal another spacious compartment, so you can think of the three-drawer unit as having four storage compartments.

If you’ve got a moderate budget, a lot of loose tools, and enough space for the larger footprint, you should take a look at the sweet 18″ deep drawer units. One of these five-drawer top boxes will theoretically store a few more tools than two three-drawer 12″ deep units. You can choose between a powdercoated black finish or, for a higher price, stainless steel.

We can’t post all the prices, ’cause there are so many, but Lowe’s is selling the three-drawer, 12″ deep unit for $80 and the five-drawer, 18″ unit for $215. A final note about Lowe’s website: enter your zip code to see the lower prices.

Kobalt Tools [Corporate Site]
3-Drawer Chest [Lowe’s]
4-Drawer Roll-Away [Lowe’s]
5-Drawer Stainless Chest [Lowe’s]
6-Drawer Stainless Roll-Away [Lowe’s]

TV Tonight: Love From Speed

Posted: January 2nd, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

(Wednesday, January 2nd, 2007) A new episode of Street Tuner Challenge shows that the Speed Channel really cares about you in 2008.

All times are central.

Holmes on Homes: Falling Flat (Home, 5:00 p.m.)
Build It Bigger: Biggest Casino (Science, 5:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 11, plastic bags, solar panels, plastic gasoline containers, and hockey sticks (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
How It’s Made: Episode 26, amphibious vehicles, putters, model ships, and wax crayons (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
MythBusters: Supersized Special Episode 1 (Discovery, 8:00 p.m.)
Rock Solid: Slate Floor (DIY, 8:00 p.m.)
Rock Solid: Brick Wall (DIY, 8:30 p.m.)
MythBusters: Supersized Special Episode 2 (Discovery, 9:00 p.m.)
Street Tuner Challenge: Making It Pretty (Speed, 9:00 p.m.) NEW
Street Tuner Challenge: Calling in Reinforcements (Speed, 9:30 p.m.)

Enjoy.

Happy New Year

Posted: January 1st, 2008, 8:00am MST by Chuck Cage

We hope you had an enjoyable and safe time last night, and are properly resting up today — we certainly are. As we get ready to prepare the traditional Texas New Year’s Day feast of black-eyed peas and sausage, we’re looking forward to another great year of Toolmongering.

See you tomorrow.

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Posted: January 28th, 2008, 10:27am MST by Chuck Cage

Posted: January 28th, 2008, 10:05am MST by Benjamen Johnson

Posted: January 28th, 2008, 9:30am MST by Audra Heaslip

Posted: January 28th, 2008, 8:41am MST by Stephen Cooke

Posted: January 28th, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

Posted: January 25th, 2008, 11:37am MST by Rick Reimundez

Posted: January 25th, 2008, 11:04am MST by Sean O'Hara

Posted: January 25th, 2008, 10:36am MST by Stuart Deutsch

Posted: January 25th, 2008, 9:58am MST by Benjamen Johnson

Posted: January 25th, 2008, 9:26am MST by Sean O'Hara

Posted: January 25th, 2008, 9:23am MST by Eric Dykstra

Posted: January 25th, 2008, 8:34am MST by Stephen Cooke

Posted: January 25th, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

Posted: January 24th, 2008, 12:13pm MST by Sean O'Hara

Posted: January 24th, 2008, 11:41am MST by Chuck Cage

Posted: January 24th, 2008, 11:08am MST by Dan Kitchen

Posted: January 24th, 2008, 10:40am MST by Benjamen Johnson

Posted: January 24th, 2008, 10:02am MST by Eric Dykstra

Posted: January 24th, 2008, 9:27am MST by Sean O'Hara

Posted: January 24th, 2008, 8:38am MST by Stephen Cooke

Posted: January 24th, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

Posted: January 23rd, 2008, 12:11pm MST by Stuart Deutsch

Posted: January 23rd, 2008, 11:39am MST by Sean O'Hara

Posted: January 23rd, 2008, 11:06am MST by Eric Dykstra

Posted: January 23rd, 2008, 10:04am MST by Dan Kitchen

Posted: January 23rd, 2008, 10:02am MST by Benjamen Johnson

Posted: January 23rd, 2008, 9:25am MST by Stuart Deutsch

Posted: January 23rd, 2008, 8:36am MST by Dan Kitchen

Posted: January 23rd, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

Posted: January 22nd, 2008, 12:12pm MST by Eric Dykstra

Posted: January 22nd, 2008, 11:40am MST by Nate Bezanson

Posted: January 22nd, 2008, 11:07am MST by Stuart Deutsch

Posted: January 22nd, 2008, 10:45am MST by Dan Kitchen

Posted: January 22nd, 2008, 10:01am MST by Benjamen Johnson

Posted: January 22nd, 2008, 9:26am MST by Stuart Deutsch

Posted: January 22nd, 2008, 8:37am MST by Stephen Cooke

Posted: January 22nd, 2008, 8:00am MST by Nick Carter

Posted: January 21st, 2008, 12:09pm MST by Eric Dykstra

Posted: January 21st, 2008, 11:46am MST by Sean O'Hara

Posted: January 21st, 2008, 11:03am MST by Chuck Cage