Archive for April, 2007

Bionic? Maybe Not. A Nice Pair Of Gloves? Sure.

Monday, April 30th, 2007
bionicgloves.jpg

These gloves provide big-time freedom of movement via cut outs and relief areas while still protecting your fingers and hands with good quality leather.  But bionic?  They don’t feature any of the super-cool gizmo tech I think of when I hear “bionic.”  Bummer.

(more…)

Tool Talk Podcast #8

Monday, April 30th, 2007

Join Sean and me for a romp through this week’s top five tools as chosen by the readers of Toolmonger.com.  Highlights: we express our suprise over the #1 tool this week (a seriously niche motorcycle tool), explain the easy method of installing a gutter protector, and dish on some of the didn’t-quite-make-it posts from this week.  Considering all the talk about motorcycle tools, we ring up our friend Joe Brown who joins us briefly to describe the demise of his BMW R65.  RIP, R65.  RIP.  Remember, if you’ve got a question or comment for us, you can call us at 866-718-9403.  (Podcast Download)

Wreck a Deck Without Wrecking Your Back

Monday, April 30th, 2007
deckwrecker.jpg

The Duckbill Deck Wrecker – a simple duckbill-shaped claw food on the end of a long stick — lets you apply boot power and leverage to rip up deck boards in a hurry.  And since you’re not struggling or bending over, you’ll finish the job with far less back pain that usual.

(more…)

Dealmonger: A Craftsman 13-Pc Spade Bit Set For $10

Monday, April 30th, 2007
Sears 13 pc spade bits

From this week’s Sears circular: a 13-PC. Spade bit set (#20919) for $10.  The set includes bits in the following sizes: 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 13/16″, 7/8″, 15/16″ and 1″.  The bits come a metal storage rack as pictured, and the offer expires May 5th.

Craftsman 13-PC. Spade bit Set [Sears]

TV Tonight: Yogurt and Candles

Monday, April 30th, 2007
tm-tv2nite-22.jpg

(Monday, April 30th, 2007) Tonight isn’t much of an improvement over Sunday, although we do love seeing how model ships are made.

All times are central.

  • Trains and Locomotives (RFD-TV, 5:00 p.m.)
  • How It’s Made: Episode 26, amphibious vehicles, putters, model ships and wax crayons (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.)
  • Chop Cut Rebuild: Body Work (Speed, 6:00 p.m.)
  • How It’s Made: Episode 32, yogurt, candles, neon signs and book binding (Discovery, 6:30 p.m.)
  • MythBusters: Walking on Water (Discovery, 8:00 p.m.)
  • Unique Whips: Cadillac Attack (Speed, 10:00 p.m.)

Enjoy.

TV Tonight: Tofu and Lottery Tickets

Sunday, April 29th, 2007
tm-tv2nite-22.jpg

(Sunday, April 29th, 2007) I’d say it’s best to spend tonight finishing up those weekend projects.

All times are central

  • How It’s Made: Episode 33, prepared mustard, violins, nuts and bolts, and toilet paper (Science, 7:00 p.m.)
  • How It’s Made: Episode 34, fresh cut flowers, adhesive tape, tofu and lottery tickets (Science, 7:30 p.m.)
  • Classic Tractor Specials (RFD-TV, 8:00 p.m.)
  • 10 Things You Must Know: Ceramic Tile (DIY, 9:00 p.m.)
  • Tricked Out: Ford Focus SVT: Coilover Suspension Upgrade (DIY, 9:30 p.m.)

Enjoy.

Toolmonger’s Top 5: The Week In Tools

Saturday, April 28th, 2007
tm-top5.jpg
top5-fiveup-0427-450.jpg

It’s been a busy week here at Toolmonger, but we did get to spend some quality time in the shop. If you’ve been spending time in the shop, too, 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:

A Tool Only Hog Owners Will Appreciate
Surprise, surprise: apparently others appreciate Harley-Davidson niche tools, too. This transmission neutral-light specialty tool appealed to many TM readers — and should definitely be a part of your ‘kit if you’re planning on any DIY hog transmission surgery.

Norm’s Kick-Ass New Yankee Chop Saw Table
We loved this DIY chop saw stand we caught on New Yankee Workshop, and think it’d make a great project for the home wood shop. It’s not as portable as the high-dollar pre-made aluminum versions, but this one’s a lot cheaper, and there’s always the thrill of answering the question “where’d you get that?” with “I made it.”

Ladder-Dok Saves Gutters
What’s worse than cleaning out gutters? Trashing your gutters in the process. This small steel frame slips inside your gutter to transfer the weight of your ladder directly to the house, saving costly gutter damage.

How-To: BBQ South African Style
TM reader Freddie sent us this great primer on how South Africans get the BBQ on. They call it “braai,” but you can think of it as open-pit BBQ with a twist. Don’t miss this how-to complete with pictures and recipes.

Save Time In the Wood Show With Ten Gauges In One
Whether you’re measuring dovetails or checking the diameter of a dowel you’re turning, this ten-in-one gauge has it all — but is a little pricey.

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:

interestingpost1.jpg

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.

Dealmonger: Craftsman 18V Drill/Saw/Worklight Combo For $90

Saturday, April 28th, 2007
Sears Drill/Saw/Worklight Combo

From the Sears’s clearance pile: a Craftsman 18V 3-piece drill/saw/work light combo (#11591) for $90. The drill is a two-speed piece with a 24-position clutch, 3/8″ keyless chuck, and a bubble level for straight drilling. The trim saw delivers 4500 rpm for fast cuts and features a safety lock-off switch. The Work light’s claim to fame is a 180 degree adjustable head. Also included: two batteries, a charger, 2 bits, and a 5-1/2″ Blade.

Craftsman 18v 3Pc. Drill/Saw/Worklight Combo [Sears]

TV Tonight: It’s All About The Wood

Saturday, April 28th, 2007
tm-tv2nite-22.jpg

(Saturday, April 28th, 2007) DIY saves the night again with their woodworking shows.  The Wood Works episode with James Krenov should be well worth watching.

All times are central.

  • Cool Fuel: Geothermal and Bio-diesel (Science, 6:00 p.m.)
  • MythBusters: Paper Crossbow (Discovery, 7:00 p.m.)
  • Cool Fuel: Cow-power and Solar Power (Science, 7:00 p.m.)
  • The New Yankee Workshop: Barrister’s Bookcase (DIY, 7:30 p.m.)
  • The New Yankee Workshop: Jigs (DIY, 8:00 p.m.)
  • Wood Works: Masters and Mentors Tour: James Krenov and Art Carpenter (DIY, 8:30 p.m.)
  • Wood Works: Egyptian-Inspired Mahogany Dresser, Episode 1 of 2 (DIY, 9:00 p.m.)
  • Freeform Furniture: Entry Table (DIY, 9:30 p.m.)

Enjoy.

Cheap-Ass Tools: Husky’s Nail Apron

Friday, April 27th, 2007
nailpouch.jpg

If you love the old-school vibe you get from wearing a nail apron but don’t want to cough up $12 or more for one, Husky’s got your back with a 5-pocket nylon apron for a whopping $4.  Besides, I actually used one of these while making some spot repairs on a roof the other day, and was favorably impressed with the strength of the material and the comfort.  Fasteners didn’t poke through the material as mush as one might expect with thin nylon.  In short: it rocked.

(more…)

How-To: Win A Set Of RIDGID Pneumatics

Friday, April 27th, 2007

ridgid-post.jpg

We just wanted to remind you about our RIDGID pneumatics giveaway.  RIDGID was kind enough to offer up a set of pneumatic tools for giveaway to one of our loyal readers.  Sometime in June we’ll select a winner from all of you who post valid comments here on Toolmonger since the giveaway started.

So, when you post a comment here, you’re not only sharing your experience with other Toolmongers around the world, you’re also adding a chance to win!  That’s good all ’round, yeah?

Toolmonger’s RIDGID Pneumatics Giveaway [Toolmonger]

Dealmonger: Reconditioned DeWalt 18V XRP Hammerdrills For $130

Friday, April 27th, 2007

post-dwsale.jpg

Matt writes: “I stumbled upon this DeWalt 18V factory reconditioned hammerdrill in the Amazon Goldbox.  $129 seems like a pretty good deal.”  Indeed!  They run over $200 new.

Via Amazon [What’s this?]
Street Pricing [Google Product Search]
The DW988KA 18V XRP Hammerdrill [DeWalt]

One Beer Projects: Fixing Your Toilet

Friday, April 27th, 2007

Grab a beer and learn how to fix your clogged, running, leaking, or otherwise jacked-up toilet.  We’ll talk you through identifying the problem and fixing it — and knowing when to quit and call in the pros.  (Podcast Download)

Toolmonger News: Dodgetopia Goes Under

Friday, April 27th, 2007
tm-news.jpgdodgetopia.jpg

We’ve linked to a number of discount (read: cheap-ass) tool deals from Dodgetopia in the past, but we’ve avoided them for a bit recently because we’ve heard grumblings from some buyers regarding their recent reliability.  When we checked their site today for a tool we had on backorder, we discovered the front page empty except for a lone message that reads:

DodgeTopia.com regrets to announce that due to the incompetence of our distributor we are ceasing trading. Over the last year it has become apparent to us that their negative attitude, constant order errors, inability to keep track of or order stock, and continual lack of support from their management is not something we wish to continue to pursue.  Please be assured that all orders still classified as “pending” are being fully investigated as to their current status.  Any orders placed after April 14, 2007 have been credited. We would like to thank all of our customers for their continued support and patience.

Chalk one more discount tool seller as belly up.  I guess we may have to write off that set of $3 pliers we ordered a few months back.

Notice To Customers [Dodgetopia]

(In a Ginsu Knife Voice) It Washes! It Waxes! It Vacuums! It Polishes!

Friday, April 27th, 2007
powersidekick.jpg

Hardcore car cleaners will love (or hate) the Power Sidekick which won awards at this year’s SEMA show for its multiple car washing attachments and quick change functionality.  Though their website is a bit short on details, it loosk to us as if the Sidkick’s brush and polishing pad are both driven by the air moved via the ‘kick’s vacuum.  All the attachments connect to the red “power unit” which contains the battery.

(more…)

Dealmonger: A Makita Variable-Speed Reciprocating Saw For $60

Friday, April 27th, 2007
post-recip.jpg

Over at Hardware & Tools they’re offering the Makita JR3000V Variable Reciprocating saw for $60.  (Compare that to $90 or more via Amazon and elsewhere.)  It features a 1-3/16″ stroke length at a variable 0 to 2300 strokes per minute.

Makita JR 3000V [Hardware & Tools]
Street Pricing [Google Product Search]
Via Amazon [What’s this?]

Craftsman’s Trimmer and Blower All Rolled Into One

Friday, April 27th, 2007
craftsmanblowertrimmer.jpg

This Craftsman product claims to kill two unpleasant tasks with one tool by combining a gas powered, 2-cycle trimmer and a leaf blower into one string-trimmer-shaped beast.  We do have one concern, though: it looks like it might be a bit bottom-heavy. 

(more…)