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Toolmonger (8 unread)

The Evolution Of The Magnetic Pick-Up Tool

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 1:04pm MDT by Kevin Pace

We all remember the original magnetic pick-up tool, a rod with a telescoping shaft and a magnet at the end of it. When it first got popular, Bush Sr. was in the White House, EuroDisney had opened to abysmal reviews, and the X-Files was taking off as the show to watch — life was simpler then.

Next thing you know, we’re adding hinges and clips and magnetic pads and LED lights and everything else under the sun to improve this basic and essential tool. Now a simple search on Amazon reveals 52 different results for magnetic pick-up tools.

So which kind do you favor around the shop? Are you the “old-fashioned and stripped-down” type, or are you the “all the bells and whistles I can get my hands on” type? Let us know in comments.

Street Pricing [Google]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]
Paslode Launches Their New Site

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 12:23pm MDT by Sean O'Hara

We wanted to find some info on the tools that our friends at Paslode are lining up for the giveaway, so we headed over to what turned out to be Paslode’s new site. We were surprised to find it completely revamped, and it’s much easier to find what you’re looking for.

Our favorite bit is the little area near the bottom right on the front page where you can search by zip code for parts and service dealers for Paslode tools; it pops up a map and gives you the next few closest hits. Sure, it’s not that big a deal — until something breaks and you have no idea where to start looking for it to be repaired or replaced. That’s what I like to refer to as preemptive customer service. I may never need it for the one pneumatic gun in my arsenal, but it makes me happy that it’s there.

Check out the site if you get the chance, if for no other reason than to drool over a few guns. That’s what we do.

Of course, there’s also this giveaway thing they’re doing in conjunction with some tool blog on the front page — you might want to check that out, too.

Paslode [Website]
Paslode Nailer Giveaway [Toolmonger]
Air Power Without The Cord

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 12:01pm MDT by Benjamen Johnson

Air tools are generally lighter and more powerful than their electric cousins, but if you’re using an electric compressor, you still need a source of electricity. With gas-powered air compressors you’re truly free of the plug. While they’re not a new concept, DeWalt has added a couple new models that you might want to consider.

The two compressors really only differ in their capacity and number of wheels. The D55690’s dual tanks have an eight-gallon capacity, and a 10″ semi-pneumatic wheel mounted between the tanks gives the compressor more mobility, while the D55695 uses a more traditional-looking 17-gallon tank perched upon two of the same 10″ wheels.

Driven by a 270cc, 9 HP OHV engine, both compressors output 150 Max PSI and 16.3 SCFM @ 100 PSI. DeWalt achieves these pressure and flow ratings with a four-cylinder cast iron pump. The engine features an automatic idle control for reducing fuel consumption, and it’ll shut off when the oil’s low to protect the pump. Finally, a ball drain valve allows you to quickly drain the tank.

The compressors take an 18V XRP battery to start the engine — they both ship with the battery and a 1-hour charger. The D55690 runs $1,600 to $2,000, and the D55696 is about $100 more at $1,700 to $2,100.

D55690 [DeWalt]
D55695 [DeWalt]
D55690 Street Pricing [Google]
D55695 Street Pricing [Google]
Dealmonger: Black & Decker Power Scissors For $9

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 11:24am MDT by Kevin Pace

Amazon is selling these Black & Decker 3.6V Cordless Power Scissors for $9. The small, lightweight scissors can cut cardboard, carpet, fabric, and other soft materials quickly and easily. They come with a charger, and they’re eligible for Amazon’s free shipping if you find another $16 worth of stuff you want to buy.

Via Amazon [What’s This?]
Cordless Power Scissors [Black & Decker]
Street Pricing [Google]
Build Your Own Backyard Putting Green

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 10:47am MDT by Audra Heaslip

If you’re looking for a good weekend project, Lowe’s website offers instructions on building your own backyard putting green. Using wood, sand, paver base, astroturf, PVC, and a few basic tools — plus some elbow grease/quality time spent with the kiddo — this looks like a project you could do even without the big box. In fact, one online magazine dedicates a whole section to building your own greens that go beyond the 8′ by 8′ square.

We see a few potential concerns, though: warped wood over time, protecting the green in winter months, and drainage issues since the flat turf and raised border can retain water. Do you have experience building a green or ideas about how to improve drainage? Post in comments and let us know!

Weekend Projects [Lowe's]
DIY Backyard Putting Greens [Residential Putting Green Magazine]
Skil Isio 2-in-1 Gardening Tool

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 10:11am MDT by Benjamen Johnson

Skil just recently introduced the Isio 2-in-1 gardening tool — it’s a new lithium-ion grass and shrub trimmer with a tool-less blade-changing system that allows you to convert it from lawn shears to shrub trimmer and back again easily.

At one pound, the Isio supposedly weighs 50% less than comparable products, and it features soft grip material on the top and bottom of the handle to make extended use more comfortable. The Isio uses laser-cut, diamond-ground blades from Switzerland to make clean and healthy cuts.

The 3.6V lithium-ion battery holds its charge for 18 months, so it won’t be dead next spring when you dust it off. Using the wall-mountable Energy Star-qualified battery charger, Skil claims its 5-hour charge time is three times faster than other garden products on the market, and the charge lasts 33% longer.

The Isio comes with the shrub trimmer blade, the grass shear blade, and the charger for $80 at either Lowe’s or Amazon.

Isio [Skil]
Isio [Lowe's]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]
Dealmonger: Sine Vise $89

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 9:37am MDT by Nick Carter

Wholesale Tool is selling this 2-7/8″ wide imported sine vise with 3-1/2″ jaw opening for $89. In conjunction with a gage block it’ll help you set set an accurate angle when holding a workpiece for precision grinding or layout. You can find better deals on similar imports by trawling eBay, but Wholesale Tools seems to have the lowest price otherwise.

Sine Vise [Wholesale Tool]
Street Pricing [Google]
Via Amazon [What’s This?]
TV Tonight: Spin Doctors

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 9:00am MDT by Nick Carter
(TV Tonight, Wednesday, June 10th, 2009) We’re so happy that we get a new MythBusters to break up the dull week.

All times are central.
- Deconstructed: Pressure Washer, Camping Stove, Fax Machine, Hydraulic Jack (Science, 5:00 pm)
- This Old House: Newton Project (DIY, 5:30 pm)
- Deconstructed: Camping Lantern, Coffee Grinder, Air-powered Impact Wrench, Shock Absorber (Science, 5:30 pm)
- How It’s Made: Screwdrivers, Rubber Track Loaders, Physician Scales, Carbon Fiber Baseball Bats (Discovery, 6:00 pm)
- Ask This Old House: Repairing Interior Door, Creating Privacy With Plants (DIY, 6:30 pm)
- How It’s Made: Levels, Hot Dogs, Abrasive Grains, Sandpaper (Discovery, 6:30 pm)
- Time Warp: Hot Stuff and Cold Steel (Discovery, 7:00 pm) NEW
- MythBusters: Curving Bullets (Discovery, 8:00 pm) NEW
- Ice Road Truckers: Rookie Run (History, 9:00 pm)
- Wrecked: Slaying the Dragon (Speed, 9:00 pm)
- Wrecked: Marci’s the Boss (Speed, 9:30 pm)
Enjoy.