http://toolmonger.com All tools. All the time. Your source for news, information, and reviews of hand tools, power tools, and tools of all kinds. Thu, 15 May 2008 02:49:09 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Driving fasteners into concrete or steel can be painfully slow and difficult, but Toolmongers during WWII needed a fast way to attach a steel-plate patch to the steel hull of a damaged ship. So, Yankee ingenuity produced powder-actuated tools.  A chemical propellant -- like gunpowder -- explodes inside the tool ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/14/powder-actuated-tools/ Veritas adds versatility to your precision steel rule with their ruler stop. They designed the stop to be positioned and removed quickly and easily. Slide this little stop over your ruler and tighten its brass set screw to create a reference point for repeatable measurements. The Veritas ruler stop fits rulers ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/14/precise-repeatable-measurements/ Today's trash collection technology is focused on reducing man-hours, since the industry's biggest cost is labor. Robotic trash trucks, operated by the driver alone, collect the garbage; trash compactors reduce storage size so it doesn't have to be collected as often. Now, the folks at Big Belly ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/14/its-just-cool-solar-powered-trash-compactor/ Tangles of wires have become as ubiquitous as the computers they connect to -- you'll find them in the shop for controlling CNC machines, in the garage for diagnostics, and in my favorite personal hangout, the electronics lab, for everything. While the WireMate isn't strictly a tool, it can help ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/14/tame-tangled-cords/ When you're working on a complex project with wood, you can save a lot money by efficiently laying out the pieces, especially if you work with expensive wood. CutList Plus will calculate the most efficient layout for your project, so you have fewer total board feet to purchase, less ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/14/cutlist-plus/ To ensure 90 degree corners and plumb walls, a contractor runs string lines between batter boards when laying out foundations, pools, or landscaping. Rousseau claims their reusable batter boards reduce labor costs by making setup faster and easier. You could also see long-term savings by using their batter boards instead ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/14/better-batter-boards/ We posted a review of these nice new levels from Stanley just a bit ago, but here's your chance to see first hand how we tested 'em -- and to meet the latest addition to the TM crew, JR Bluett. http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/14/tm-tv-beating-the-s-out-of-stanleys-fatmax-levels/ We spent a little time with Stanley’s new 24” FatMax magnetic (43-525) and non-magnetic (43-524) levels here in the Toolmonger test shop. They look like any other level -- and even a bunch like the old FatMax lineup -- except for a few new features. But instead of just checking ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/14/hands-on-stanley-fatmax-24%e2%80%9d-magnetic-and-non-magnetic-levels/ On the hunt for a hand truck or dolly, I found satisfactory offerings at Sam's Club, Staples, Office Max, and Office Depot, for between $50 and $70 -- pretty reasonable, considering the alternative could be back surgery. For $20 to $30 Ace Hardware, Lowe's, and Home Depot sell dollies ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/14/dealmonger-20-hand-truck/ (Wednesday, May 14th, 2008) A new custom chopper show debuts on CMT, and Modern Marvels looks at two dangerous yet useful things. Made in America is still missing, which is somewhat perplexing. All times are central. Holmes on Homes: What a Mesh (Home, 5:00 p.m.) Rock Solid: Porphyry Granite Front Walkway (DIY, ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/14/tv-tonight-ratzenberger-outsourced/ Let's be clear: the press hates Husky's 5-in-1 drywall tool. Popular Mechanics named it one of their "10 Worst Gadgets of 2007" -- along with the Zune, leading dozens of Microsoft fanboys to blog, "at least my Zune isn't as uncool as the Husky 5-in-1." And it's not pretty. It's ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/13/hands-on-husky-5-in-1-drywall-tool/ In part two of this week's Tool Talk double-feature we run down this week's top five tools, walk you through building your own giant plywood dinosaur, and review Skil's handy 6.0 amp corded jigsaw. Remember, if you've got a question or comment you can call us at 866-718-9403. (Podcast Download) [audio:http://media.libsyn.com/media/toolmonger/TT-Podcast-39.mp3] http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/13/tool-talk-podcast-39/ In our haste to build a giant dinosaur we forgot to put out podcast #38. So join us as we run down of the top five tools -- from a few weeks ago -- track down some answers for a caller who wants to know why pneumatic nailers feature different ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/13/tool-talk-podcast-38/ Here's a familiar scenario: you want to install a shelf, or a flat-screen TV mount, or something else with those little slots or hooks for wall mounting. You measure the distance between the slots and put some screws in the wall with that same distance between them. But ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/13/hang-stuff-on-the-wall-with-bds-new-level/ Sometimes a pencil isn't the marking tool of choice -- when you need long-lasting, weatherproof markings on wood, concrete, ceramics, metal, or just about any other surface, grab yourself a lumber crayon. These crayons also mark oily, slick, and wet surfaces. You can get these non-toxic lumber crayons from Irwin ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/13/crayons-arent-just-for-kids/ XS Scuba designed the FogCutter X knife for scuba divers, but the 4-3/8" blade with built-in shears could likely fill a lot of needs on solid ground as well. When you need more precision than the single blade, the shears provide extra control for cutting rope, fabric, monofilament, or ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/13/cut-anything-but-fog/ With gas prices soaring, cost-conscious Toolmongers hate to waste even a drop of liquid gold -- not to mention that spilling gas all over your hands and clothes leaves you smelly and flammable. If other fuel cans have you frustrated, take a look at No-Spill's CARB fuel cans. ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/13/dont-waste-a-precious-drop-of-gas/ A lot of companies are competing for the "shake" or "no-battery" flashlight market, but Valor makes a $10 version that's both more efficient and much less expensive than many of the other offerings. While other companies promise only four to five minutes of light for 30 seconds of shake, ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/13/valor-shake-flashlight/ This bad-ass combination rake/hoe, commonly called a McLeod tool, is designed to fight wildfires, but you can also garden with it.  The tines are made for raking fire lines, the sharp hoe edge cuts sod or branches, and the head can also be used to tamp and compact. Whether ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/13/mcleod-tool/ If you're planning to graze the tool isles at True Value, print out this coupon before you go. Save $5 off your $25 purchase at any of the 6,100 True Values stores nationwide. The offer's good through July 4, 2008. $5 Off Coupon [True Value] True Value [Corporate Site] http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/13/dealmonger-5-off-25-purchase-at-true-value/ (Tuesday, May 13th, 2008) On this minimal Tuesday, Rock Solid reminds you how many outdoor projects you haven't completed. All times are central. Holmes on Homes: Showing the Cracks (Home, 5:00 p.m.) Machinery of the Past (RFD-TV, 5:00 p.m.) How It's Made: Ball Bearings, Electrical Wires, Wax Casting, and Automated Machines (Discovery, 6:00 p.m.) How ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/13/tv-tonight-a-vast-wasteland/ Lately I've been thinking a lot about efficiency and which tools are most necessary to have around all the time, so this survival tool kit from Flickr pool member Alexander Becker caught my eye. All these tools fit into an Altoids box, which is a smaller package than I've ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/12/from-the-flickr-pool-survival-toolbox/ Mac Tools, embracing its role as a NASCAR sponsor, just released a limited-edition Hendrick Motorsports tool box set with racing logos and graphics on the door lids. The set consists of a cart and an MB1000A base box with a newly configured top hutch for added storage -- they ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/12/preview-hendrick-motorsports-tool-box-set-and-cart-from-mac/ After the work day is done *wink* you can head straight for the fishing hole, if you're carrying the Packer fishing rod. It weighs eight ounces and measures less than 22 inches long, so you can make room for it even in a crowded toolbox. Check out this ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/12/its-just-cool-toolbox-fishing-rod/ A water detector in the basement will save you a major headache -- unless you're not home to hear it. Leave on vacation for a week, and you could come home to a dead battery in your water detector, thousands of dollars of water damage, and a floating sofa. Like ... http://toolmonger.com/2008/05/12/wayne-backup-sump-pump/