Archive for Home and Tool

SureFire Flashlights Save Lives

Among the key ingredients of a well-prepared emergency kit is a quality flashlight. In fact, in literature on preparing for emergencies of any kind, Homeland Security lists a battery powered light source right between a radio and a first aid kit. At first thought, most people will agree that this is an obvious choice for emergency situations. During many emergencies, such as hurricanes or earthquakes, the power is interrupted and citizens often find themselves spending several nights in darkness. A flashlight becomes a very hand thing to have around.

If you are going to rely on one or two flashlights during a time you will be without power for several days, you are going to want to make sure you have quality lights in your emergency kit. You may want to consider purchasing a SureFire flashlight. SureFire began life as a company which built laser-sight parts for weapons and moved into the portable lighting industry. SureFire is the largest supplier of lights to the armed forces, and is known for super-powerful, durable products. SureFire’s wide list of lights are carried by soldiers, federal agents, and swat-team members. If these lights can take the beating given by these elite forces, they can make it through life in your emergency kit. In addition to superb lighting power and durability, SureFire also offers flashlights with extremely long battery life. The U2 Ultra LED light can get over 40 hours on two batteries!

Not all emergencies involve nights without power, though. Everyday, people face a wide variety of emergencies, some involving life or death situations. Some of these times call for immediate action in order to get out alive, and it’s hard to believe that a flashlight provides any help at all. But there are hundreds of stories being told about how SureFire flashlights gave individuals the edge they needed to get out of incredibly dangerous or stressful situations in the most positive way.

In Colorado City, Texas, a man grabbed his G2 Nitrolon when his wife is about to deliver their child. The midwives were so impressed with the power of the light provided, they all went home with SureFire products to use during future deliveries.

There are multiple accounts of SureFire flashlights frightening off bears that were in the process of charging campers or hunters. A man in Pennsylvania lived through an encounter with a 600 pound bear due to quick thinking and the blinding light of his E2D Defender. In many bear stories found about SureFire products, the bright beam of the flashlight stopped angry or charging bears in their tracks, blinding them or turning them in another direction!

Bears aren’t the only animals SureFire flashlights can conquer. There are stories of wild dogs, mountain lions, cats, monkeys, snakes, moose, wild boar, alligators and coyotes all being bested by the bright light of these superb lights. A man in Washington State even used his G2 LED to frighten a pest from his garage in a quick, non-violent way. SureFire flashlights don’t just save people, they save animals too. In many of the cases where SureFire products were used to frighten or deter animals, they were used in place of guns!

Of course, lives can be endangered by more than animals. Sometimes, carelessness and miscommunication can put people in harm’s way. For example, a police officer in New York tells of a night at the firing range when the lights were not working properly. During one of the firing sessions, he thought he detected movement in the firing range, and used his SureFire M6 Guardian to check the range. He swept the range up to 130 feet away and discovered that someone was in the line of fire. Just in time, the police officer ordered everyone to stop shooting, avoiding a gruesome and unnecessary accident due to quick thinking and powerful lighting.

As you can see by these true stories from SureFire flashlight owners, not only is a good flashlight a great tool for many emergencies, the SureFire products are superb tools. SureFire has been in business for many years, and is known among professionals as a company that manufactures high-quality, reliable flashlights for a wide range of needs. SureFire’s product line includes weapon attachments, home defense, and general flashlights. In reviewing SureFire product information online, it is noted that each of their products garners a large number of excellent reviews, and many customers feel like there is no better flashlight than the SureFire product they own.

SureFire flashlights do save lives, and many people have written in to SureFire to let them know. What better flashlight could you find for your emergency preparedness kit than a product which has been tested true time and again, by professional warriors and regular citizens alike?

Read More : Fenix tk15Surefire LX2 | Surefire 6pxFenix hp20 | Milwaukee 6562-21 | Fluke 373Fluke 374Fluke 376Fluke 381Extech ms420Fluke tl81a Dewalt dwp611Makita lct 207w

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Why Buy The Toro 1800 Power Curve 38025?

Thinking of purchasing the Toro 38587? If you are then I strongly suggest that you read this entire article right now as I reveal to you the top 3 reasons that the Power Curve 38025 is one of the best on the market today.

If you are in need of a good snow thrower then the Toro 1800 Power Curve 38025 will not be a bad choice. I have owned mine for the last three years and have been very satisfied with its performance.

This snow thrower was designed to handle up to a foot of snow. So if you live in an area that receives around that amount of snow you can not go wrong with the Power Curve.

The 38025 packs the power of a gas snow thrower without all of the hassles.

Some of the best features of this snow blower are:

* It is very light and maneuverable that anyone will be able to use it.
* It will throw the snow that it removes as far as 30 feet
* There is no mixing of gases and oils unlike 2 stage gas snow throwers
* It runs quiet and smooth; some gas throwers sound like you are in a construction zone
* Simple push button starting
* The chute can be easily adjusted to throw the snow where you need it

The Toro 38025 is perfect for keeping your driveways and sidewalks completely snow free. It will remove up to a foot of snow with ease.

So my advice to you is that if you are thinking of purchasing the Toro 1800 Power Curve 38025 do not wait. Also if possible you should buy it online. I purchased mine from my local Home Depot and the next day I found it almost 30% cheaper online.

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Dewalt Launches New Line of 12v MAX Power Tools

This October 2010 Dewalt is pleased to launch their new a long anticipated line of cordless compact power tools. Accordingly, craftsmen everywhere are excited to invite the new line into their power tool repertoires. Dewalt’s new line-up includes seven new tools: a screwdriver kit, drill driver kit, an impact drill kit, impact wrench kit, worklight, inspection camera kit, and an IR digital thermometer kit making the new line complete, comprehensive, and, indeed, totally impressive. These newbies also feature a structural redesign that moves the battery directly below the handle. As such, the tools now offer a thinner, more ergonomic grip and the space for a belt-clip – something always convenient though rarely found on more compact power tools.

In greater detail, and beginning with the more unsung products in the new line-up, Dewalt dct410s1 12v MAX inspection camera is an infinitely cool little gadget. With a three foot long, waterproof, snake-like cable extension which allows you to see into, record, and photograph a jobsite’s more or less impossible spaces (like inside pipes, behind walls, or etc), the camera is ideal for tight, awkward, and generally impossible working environments. The camera also features a 3.5″ LCD screen monitor (with a 3x zoom capability) that completely detaches for better visibility in strange and strained positions. The monitor also recharges directly from the camera handle so you may simply reattach the monitor or replace the battery to keep working. Said kit includes one lithium ion battery, a charger, storage box, and hook and magnet tools to help you retrieve otherwise not-retrievable objects.

Similarly, Dewalt dck211s2 12v MAX LED worklight is also expected to become a fast craftsmen favorite. With a 360 degree pivoting head for optimal usability and a bright light out-put of 130 Lumens for an always enlightening performance, the worklight keeps your workspace bright and visible. Additionally, the light is equip with both a kick-stand and a powerful magnet to allow hands-free use in a variety of convenient places and positions.

As for the thermometer, with its primary focus on general versatility, the Dewalt dct414s1 12v MAX infrared digital thermometer scans for temperature changes with color-coded accuracy. With beeping audio alarms and the tool’s patent-pending LED hot (which reads red) and cold (which reads blue) spot indicator, this thermometer quickly locates temperature fluctuations (between -20 degrees Fahrenheit and 932 degrees Fahrenheit) with true and simple to read accuracy displayed on a clear, back-lit analog screen. Also including one lithium ion battery, a charger, and kit box, the thermometer is both complete and precise for convenient and universal use.

Getting back to the “big guns” of the operation, Dewalt dcd760kl 12v MAX 3/8″ drill driver kit, weighs only 2.4 lbs rendering the thing a super compact super-fighter. With a slim design to better fit into tight and awkward spaces, and with a giant 1500 RPM and a dual-speed transmission the tool produces the most optimal speed and torque control, big power, and comfortable workability. The drill driver also has a bright LED light to improve visibility, a belt-clip for comfort and portability and includes two lithium ion batteries, a fast-charger, bit-tip, and contractor’s bag for organization, storage, and transportation.

Similarly, Dewalt dcf610s2 12v MAX 1/4″ screwdriver kit, at a grand total of only 2.2 lbs, boasts the same compact design as the drill driver, and despite its single speed transmission, the screwdriver operates with smooth and powerful precision. The tool additionally has three LED lights on its front to ensure virtually shadowless visibility, a one-handed loading quarter inch hex chuck, and that good-old belt clip for convenient mobility. The kit also includes two lithium ion batteries, a fast-charger, bit-tip, and a contractor’s bag.

As for Dewalt dcf815s2 12v MAX 1/4″ impact driver kit, the tool is also lightweight and compact at only 2.3 lbs, and with three LED lights at the front of the tool providing shadowless illumination during virtually any work environment, the impact driver provides the utmost in convenient crafting. Also featuring that handed loading quarter inch hex chuck and a huge 950 in/lbs of max torque, the tool is both seriously powerful and simple to operate as well. In addition to super-power and comfortable operation the kit also includes two lithium ion batteries, a fast-charger, bit-tip, belt-clip, and a contractor’s bag.

Lastly and likewise, Dewalt dcf813s2 12v MAX 3/8″ impact wrench kit shares the slim and lightweight body design of its above counterpart while offering a truly gigantic 1150 in/lbs of max torque for the most intense power and a huge array of industrial applications. Three LED lights at the front of the tool offer virtually unimpaired visibility while a hog ring anvil contributes to easy operation and fast socket changes. The kit additionally includes two lithium ion batteries, a fast-charger, bit-tip, a contractor’s bag, and ZERO belt-clips; I repeat there is not a belt-clip in this kit.

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Breville BOV650XL Compact 4-Slice Smart Oven You get what you pay for!

I researched toaster ovens for months before finally deciding to bite the bullet and cough up for this model. (Second place was the ~$35 B&D.) It hurt to part with so much money, but I am glad I did.

Although I have a full-size oven, I cook for every meal and live alone, so the portions are generally small, and saving time is key. Since investing in this little wonder, my main oven has become nothing more than kitchen storage. I’ve used this oven to bake, broil, toast, and cook, all for much less time and less energy. I don’t doubt for a minute that it already earned back its $155 price tag– and I’ve only had it five months!

Furthermore, my sister lives in Japan in an apartment with VERY little space; for years she had only a very old, worn-out toaster oven that could barely even toast properly. I strong-armed her into purchasing one of these and she couldn’t be more pleased. Now it doesn’t matter that Japan isn’t fond of whole wheat bread; she can bake her own!

I hesitated to buy this because of price…so glad I did. I got a “damaged” box from Amazon & saved some money by doing that. The oven works perfectly…1st time we’ve had toast that’s evenly toasted in years. My 19 year old son uses it constantly & says it’s by far the best we’ve ever had. Yes, you will need to read the instructions, but it is quite easy to operate, sturdy, efficient & worth what I paid.

Breville bov650xl | Cuisinart dlc2011n | Winix plasmawave 5300 | Electrolux el6984a | Delonghi dd50p | Zojirushi cdwbc40 | Bosch tas6515uc | Homedics sbm-500h

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Toro 38381 Power Curve Snow Thrower Going 100% ELECTRIC

Like most here, I bought this blower before the Winter arrives. It was a birthday present from me to me, on behalf of my lower back which hurt a lot last Winter from shoveling the snow. At the store where I bought it (HD), the rep kept trying to convince me not to buy it since it wasn’t gas and only a 1 stage blower. I can’t buy a gas blower as I don’t have a garage and the shed is far away from the street and house. Making an electric snow blower my only option if I am to avoid back pain. I also bought the 12 guage 100 foot extension cord to keep it chugging. Besides having to use the cord, I’m worried about how it will work with ice-snow and heavy snow. Those wheels will be a little tough to push in the show, but if I don’t have to lift snow with a shovel, I will be satisfied. Yes, I know I have to run it every 8 inches, no problem there. I do this anyway year after year with a shovel as I don’t ever want to wake up to 20 inches of snow on the driveway. I just hope it survives a few years. And if this insurance scares away most of the show this Winter, then it met its objective. Sometime this Winter, I’ll update this review and post the results of this experiment.

Well – I also purchased early on – couldn’t wait to sell my older model CCR1000 Toro – gas powered, and I did! I never got it to start during my winter months only twice last year – and it spent more time in the Repair shop than my use of it – so I said – I’m going electric ! My first purchase sent from the Toro mfg was disappointing – I received this model Toro – however – with missing parts!! Only 1 turn knob and missing washer & screw – incomplete packaging. Well – I had to call Amazon customer service and return the 1st unit sold me – and then they shipped me out another Toro 38381 18-Inch 15 Amp Electric 1800 Power Curve Snow Thrower – well the 2nd box shipment was totally complete with all parts and I was very happy. I also had no problems assembling the unit – as I also had read in an earlier review from someone else – I just followed the instructions step by step – and it was very easy to put together and with very little time. I’m a female and had no problems at all assembling it – actually a piece of cake! It’s very light weight unit and easy to handle. I then ordered the matching recommended low temp cord with was displayed with this Toro model on Amazon website – and plugged it all together and tested the unit – it ran just fine. Make sure you read the instruction booklet totally to make sure that the cord is not damaged, so that it will not damage your new Toro Electric Snow blower. Well like the others, I’m waiting for the snow to arrive here in Chicago to totally test the unit and report back on my review. I’m just happy I have an electric snow blower that requires NO maintenance, no gas/oil, just plug and go, a lightweight model and to just be careful of the electric cord. I got the 100′ ft – 14 gauge cord that was recommended – plugged into our 15 amp electric outlet in the garage – and it worked just fine. Now my next test is the snowfall here in Chicago – and it get’s extremely nasty here. Well – will report back during snow season! At this point, I would definitely recommend this buy! Giving it 5 stars.. but let’s report back during blizzard times!

Toro 38381 | Snap-on 870552 | Uniflame wad820sp | Sno wovel w0208

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Hitachi Gas Powered Straight Shaft Grass Trimmer

this was my first purchase ever of a weed trimmer and i bought it for mild use around my house for once in awhile ,although i didn’t get a chance to crank it up for at least a month after i received it i must tell everyone viewing my review (and not ever having another weed trimmer model to compare it with)that this model is amazing in every way from running smoothly and quietly with pretty much easy fluid preparations such as the oil and gas mix ( a cinch) and cuts the weeds from my pavement with such ease leaving a clean and groomed area.if you had to go and purchase a brand new audi which would leave you with many good feelings about it then this hitachi weed trimmer i would have to put in the same class as for also leaving you with many good feelings that you made the purchase i give it a 5 star and thank you for reading my review

I purchased this trimmer to replace a similar Echo trimmer I had been using for almost 30 yrs. Assembly was minimal and the directions clear. After adding fuel and following the starting instructions, it started on the third pull and ran smoothly. It is not as heavy as my old Echo and has a very good balance and thus easier to handle and less tiring to use. It was neither more nor less noisy than any of my other 2 stroke tools. Using the heavier gauge line, the spool will obviously hold fewer feet line than when using the smaller gauage. However. because the line is stronger and more durable it seems to last as long as when using the thinner line. Presumably because it is more durable and does not need to be fed as frequently. Wish I had thought of this and used it on my old Echo as it makes the trimming work a lot easier and quicker. Although I have only used this trimmer 3 or 4 times so far, I am very pleased with it and would recommend it. Of course, the $40 rebate from Hitachi and free shipping through Amazon makes the delivered price very appealing at $149. A great deal.

This is a top notch product. After using several different products ranging from battery, electric, and gass trimmers, I have to say this weed eater is in its own class. I love the power it produces, it’s relatively light weight, and how it has a variable power trigger which is a big bonus.
Only 2 small setbacks : It would be a good idea to wear jeans as the weed eater’s guard does a poor job of protecting your legs and you could get a thrashing from foreign objects being slung around. The other thing is the kill – on/off switch is easy to press by accident. This happened about 3 times on my first go and shut it off, but it restarted with one pull every time. I cut 2 lawns on its first use and it demolished everything in its path. Would buy again, best piece of lawn equipment besides my craftsman riding lawnmower.

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Fagor 670040230 Stainless-Steel Multi-Cooker

I’ve been using my Fagor 3-in-1 multi-cooker for a few months now and have really enjoyed it. I’ve tried all 3 functions. For the rice cooker function, I like it but the rice comes out a little stickier than we’re used to. I’ve tried cutting back on the amount of water and that seems to help. But I typically just use my old rice cooker because the multi-cooker is already in use making the main dish. For the slow cooker function, it seems to cook at a slightly lower temperature than even the low setting on regular slow cookers. The food gets done, but meats aren’t as “falling apart” as they are in my old slow cooker. But maybe that’s a good thing since they’re not overcooked. Depending on what I’m making, sometimes I use the multi-cooker and sometimes I use my old one. The multi-cooker is 6 qts, but is taller and has a smaller diameter than most slow cookers. So it wouldn’t work well for a big flat piece of meat like a brisket. Also, the multi-cooker is teflon coated, so if I’m making something that I will need to use my immersion blender on, I use my old slow cooker with the corning-ware insert. Another small problem with the multi-cooker is that even though the insert is removable, it’s not very good for putting the ingredients in the night before and putting in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. There’s no handles to grab it by and there’s no lid just for the insert. Because there are no handles, it’s also very difficult, and dangerous, to lift it out after cooking to pour the food into a serving dish. The function I was most nervous about was the pressure cooker. I had never had a pressure cooker before and had visions of horror remembering my mother’s and grandmother’s disasters. But honestly, once I learned to trust the multi-cooker, it’s been great. I didn’t know how long it would take to reach pressure, so I would get nervous that it wasn’t closed right. But it was fine. You just need to add about 20 minutes to your estimated prep time for it to get up to pressure and start cooking. I was concerned about the 9 psi pressure after reading the other reviews here. I sent an e-mail to Fagor customer service and they actually sent me a page from Miss Vickie’s web site that said you need to increase the cooking time by 40% and that you shouldn’t use anything less than a 15 psi cooker. I couldn’t believe they would send me something that says not to use their product! But it was all the customer service people could offer. Well, it turns out Miss Vickie’s web site is wrong. You don’t need to increase the cooking time at all, or just a minute or two if it’s a long-cooking recipe. The problem is that Miss Vickie based her calculation on the ratio of the pressures (9 being 40% less than 15). But pressure isn’t doing the cooking, temperature is. And the ratio of the temperatures is less than 10%. And if you use absolute temperature (according to my engineer husband) the ratio is even less, about 1%. So for a recipe that cooks 10 minutes you would increase it by a few seconds. So now I just use the recommended times in recipes and everything has come out perfectly cooked. I should add that this multi-cooker does not come with a steamer insert, and many pressure cooker recipes, especially for vegetables, require one. It doesn’t even seem that Fagor offers one separately. I really like the browning function. It gets very hot and is useful not only for browning ingredients at the beginning but also for getting things boiling at the end of slow cooking so that you can add thickeners like cornstarch or roux. The warming function is nice, too. I’ve used the cook delay once or twice, but only for an hour or two. Longer would be risky for bacterial growth. So I really like this appliance. I don’t think I’ll be getting rid of my rice cooker or slow cookers, but they’ve moved to the basement and the Fagor 3-in-1 multi-cooker has the prize spot on the kitchen counter.

Note: Since writing this comment over a year ago, I have found this silicone vegetable steamer and it works perfectly as a trivet for this pressure cooker. It has firm legs which hold it above the liquid. They were strong enough to hold 4 pounds of brisket. It worked beautifully and cleaned up very nicely.
Chef’n Sleekstor VeggiSteam 8-1/2-Inch Silicone Steamer, Arugula
And I should add that I still love my Fagor 3-in-1 and use it several times a week. I still mainly use it for the pressure cooker function, though. I’ve found that I really don’t need a slow cooker anymore.

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Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream Maker Review

The Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme Ice Cream Maker is a step up in both functionality and price from the very popular freezer-bowl ice cream makers that many of us own. The freezer-bowl makers are easy to find and they usually run only about $40-$50. You can see our review of a basic Cuisinart model here:

• Product Review: Cuisinart Automatic Ice Cream Maker

The drawback to this type of ice cream maker is that it is limited in how many consecutive batches you can make. The bowl that the ice cream is churned in has a thick double wall encasing a special liquid. This liquid needs to be frozen solid for the bowl to be used. Freezing it usually takes a full 24 hours; we’ve tried using it more quickly than that and just ended up with ice cream soup.

In general, the less expensive versions are really great if you plan on making ice cream only occasionally (or no more than once a weekend) and if you have time to really chill your ice cream base. This means planning ahead and cooking your custard, then giving it a night in the fridge to chill, then churning it in your ice cream maker the next day.

But what if you want to make more batches in a short period of time, or if you want more immediate ice cream gratification? Enter the next step up: a consumer compressor model.

A compressor model of ice cream maker has an built-in compressor. There is no need to chill the bowl and no need to wait between batches. The motor and compressor get the temperature down to freezing as the bowl churns.

There’s a big step up in price for these benefits: the retail price for this Cuisinart model (perhaps the most common and easily found) is $400. I bought mine for far, far less than that – used off Craigslist. You can often find these used on Craigslist or on eBay. They are much larger and seem to be the first thing that people want to clear out of their closets during spring cleaning.

So how does it work, and is it worth it?

Well, if you’re going to make a lot of ice cream at once (like I am, for my wedding) yes, it’s worth it. If you are a heavy-duty ice cream or sorbet eater, this is a fabulous machine.

The down-side, besides price, is the size. This puppy is big and really heavy. It also makes a ton of noise; the motor grinds and grinds as it turns.

Here are a few more tips from our use so far.

• You can put in warm ice cream mix, like slightly cooled custard, but it will take a lot longer to churn and probably be looser than you would like. We had better results with pre-chilled mix.

• It’s very easy to use this machine – just as easy as the freezer-bowl models. You just pour the mix into the pail, put it in the machine, slot in the paddle, and put on the lid. The lid slots into the churning arm and connects to the paddle.

• One last note on what is actually my favorite feature so far! It may be a minor thing for most of you, but I love how easy it is to get the ice cream out of the light little 1-quart pail. The freezer-bowl is so heavy and unwieldy that it was very difficult to scrape out. The bowl is also much easier to wash, for the same reason.

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Drill Doctor DD750X Drill Bit Sharpener

I received the DD750X as a Christmas present. Today, I watched the DVD twice, then read the instruction book before sharpening my entire high speed drill bit set (3/32″ through 1/2″). Next, I sharpened three carbide tipped bits (3/16″, 1/4″, 3/8″), then I tried grinding a split point on one of the larger HSS bits. The DD750X worked flawlessly as advertised. I tested one of the newly sharpened drill bits by drilling through some 1/4″ thick cold rolled steel bar. The bit drilled through the CRS effortlessly with two nice continuous chips. This was with the 118 degree point angle and standard relief angle.

Next, I re-sharpened a 7/16″ drill bit with the split point and I did not experience any difficulty aligning the drill point on this bit as others have mentioned here. The back grind did not seemed to infere with the alignment procedure.

The Drill Doctor does what it says, sharpens your drill bits, and in a way that is rather ingenious. This company has taken its knowledge of sharpening from its manufacturing floor experience and brought it to the home workshop at a very reasonable cost. This machine works wonderfully, and the accompanying instructional DVD is quite good. Having sharp drill bits makes working a pleasure – and it’s safer to work.

I did observe that on some of the smaller bits (ie. around 1/8″ and smaller), that the relief angle visually appeared to be too shallow. Definitely much shallower than on the larger diameter bits. So, I tried re-grinding a few of the smaller bits with an increased relief angle by adjusting the alignment guide one notch in the +ve direction as described on page 23 of the manual. That worked perfectly and visually increased the relief angle as described in the manual.

I dropped and broke an older model and couldn’t find parts (hint there)so I bought a new Drill Doctor. It came with the hardest, stiffest electric cord; absolute piece of shee-shee! I can’t put the tool any further than 2 feet from an outlet because the cord will not relax. The cord actually pulls the tool across my steel topped bench. I warmed it up but it never went slack! The memory in the snake-like cord makes it almost impossible to return the tool to the storage case. A very bad place to economize quality. I relish some stifness in my life but not in my Drill Doctor cord! I will replace the cord so I can enjoy the tool. The DVD instructions send me to the manual for “further instructions”; duh?

I plan to utilize the Drill doctor dd750x ability to grind a 135 degree angle for drilling stainless steel and I am pleased that this option is available. The only thing that surprised me is the relative coarseness of the ground tip on the drill bits. I get a much smoother finish on my drill bits when sharpening them by hand even on the coarse wheel of my pedestal grinder.

I have been sharpening drill bits by hand for 25+ years, but I could never get the consistency with an exact 118 degree drill point angle and perfect relief angles that I can achieve on the DD750X. Also, the DD750X sharpens bits in a fraction of the time that it would take me to do it by hand, as I would ususally take several passes by hand before I would get a reasonably symetrical drill point angle and a good relief angle. The only time I will go back to hand sharpening is when I break a break or chip a bit and need to get remove a lot of material. The DD750X takes forever to remove large amounts of material. In these cases, i will get it close by hand and then use the DD750X to finish grinding the tip.

I am thoroughly impressed with the DD750X snd would highly recommend this unit. The price on Amazon was much better than I could purchase locally.
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Makita LXT Tools Worth Every Cent!

I bought this Makita lxt211 set in January 2010 and use at least one tool every week. I am very satisfied with the quality of these tools and highly recommend them to anyone that needs to get any work done around the house.

These tools are some of the nicest 18 Volt cordless tools that I have ever seen. The weight is pefect. Dewalt should take a few lessons from Makita. The value in this 7- piece kit is spot on. Home Depot gets $379.00 plus tax for the impact driver and drill alone……You get all of this for $629.00 and two day free shipping if you are prime, that is a deal in my opinion. As far as the packaging is concerned it was the worst I have ever received without the items being damaged. For starters the box looks like it was left out in the rain…..Not good when you are buying power tools. That being said it appears that everything in the box was dry. Also the box had been opened and retaped up with tape that read Makita. All I know is I was sold NEW tools not Re-furbished and I better not find out any different. Other than that I loved doing business with Amazon. This was my first purchase and I was really pleased with everything from inital purchase, to tracking, to on-time-delivery.

The Batteries – The batteries last a long time between recharges and charge very quickly.

The Drill – Small, lightweight, and powerful. I also have the larger BHP454 but like the one that comes with this set much better because it’s smaller size and lower weight make it much easier to handle.

Impact Driver – I have only used it once or twice – but since it is compact it probably would be good in tight spaces. The drill has a hammer setting so I usually just use it instead.

Circular Saw – Fairly average. Works about the same as others I have used.

Reciprocating Saw – This tool is great. I use it all the time to cut up branches. I’m not sure how I lived without one of these in the past. It can also cut metal, but I find the Angle Grinder works better for that.

Angle Grinder – Probably the best tool in the set. How I managed to live my entire life without one before I’ll never know. It is great for cutting through metal and if you buy a sanding attachment for $10 it will sand quicker than almost anything else I have used. I love this tool.

Radio – The radio has an input jack for an IPod. It isn’t really loud outside, but works pretty well indoors. I didn’t really think I would use it much, but I actually use it fairly often.

Flashlight – Makita probably just throws it in to make the set seem larger (7 pieces not 6). The first week I got the set I dropped it and the bulb broke. They should replace this light with a Cree LED light instead. Not a very good flashlight – but really, who cares about that…

The bag looks really nice – but I don’t use Makita td090dw it at all
- so no comment on that.

More: Trifield 100xe | Algreen 81001 | Rubbermaid 5e39 | Brinno phv132512 | Ingersoll-rand 2130

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Chamberlain Whisper Drive 1/2-HP Belt Drive Garage Door Opener

Purchased as a replacement for an ancient chain drive opener that couldn’t be adapted for safety stop. Surprisingly easy to install–when I saw all the pieces I was a little concerned but the directions were very thorough and full of “if…then” branches that covered every issue, like solid door vs. panels, what if a door spring is in the way, what if you can’t fit the far end of it onto the wall and need to use the ceiling, etc. There’s a helpline # Chamberlain wd822kd in there but I didn’t have to call it. Once in place, it’s noticeably quieter than the old one and it lets you turn the lights on separately from running the motor, which is a huge improvement in my garage. The big wall button lights up so you can find it in the dark. So…things to watch for to improve your experience…1) You may need to purchase hardware to fasten it to the ceiling and the door. Carriage bolts are good for the door since they end up fastened inside and out. Lag screws are good for walls and ceilings. Short hex bolts with nuts and lock washers to join bracket pieces. 2) Get a good hacksaw blade. 3) Buy some “angle iron,” which is those long pieces of metal that look like an “L” from the side and have lots of holes you can use for fasteners.

I installed this opener yesterday to replace a screw drive Genie that was 16 years old. The Genie worked well for many years except it had the older and far less secure wireless technology and was very noisy. I never liked the screw drive unit. During the winter the screw and trolley system gets stiff and the opener really struggles. During the summer the greese on the screw liquifies and then drips on the vehicles. The main advantage of screw drive is simplicity. The screw is driven directly by the motor so there are far fewer moving parts. This is the only advantage in my view.

This Chamberlain pd752d opener uses the new rolling code technology and the belt drive system means it is very quiet. Everything I needed to complete the installation was included in the box. It took me about 4.5 hours to install it. This included the time to remove the Genie, read the directions, install everything, and then make the appropriate adjustments. The remote controls are small and light. I think most of the time spent was trying to understand the directions, the pictures, and finding the right parts. The installation is relatively simple and well designed, but it takes time anyway for first time installers. I suspect an experienced installer would get the job done in 90 minutes or less.

The outdoor wireless remote keypad works great and seems to be made much better than the one I had for my Genie that never worked quite right.

The wireless remotes that come with the unit are preprogrammed for the unit. If you want to link other remotes, such as your automobile’s remote control, then you must go through a programming sequence. It is not difficult, but having a helper during this step is helpful as you have to press the learn button the opener and then press the remote button in the auto within 30 seconds. This is not as easy as you might think.
Maybe a 6 or 8 foot piece to reinforce the door and then another to cut up to make your own ceiling brackets. 4) A stepladder is a must for holding the motor up while you attach it to the ceiling–consider using a helper too. 5) Unfold the box and a few other empty boxes and place them on the garage floor all along the path of the device and especially under the motor–that will prevent scratches while you work. 6) A 2 x 4 board, which you can use a) to measure the gap between door top and opener track b) to test the safety reverse feature and c) as a crosspiece if you need to attach something at a right angle to the beams or studs. 7) You’ll need two ordinary 100 Watt light bulbs–difficult to ship those inside it without them busting so I was ok with that.

I am very happy with this product and would purchase it again.

More Hoover guv | Skylink sc-100 | Koolatron kwc-25

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Makita 2012NB 12-Inch Planer Review

How is the Makita 2012NB planer?

Makita 2012NB is arguably the best portable model on the market. To best minimize snipe, Makita came up with an innovative four-column design and fortified it with diagonal cross supports to stabilize the cutterhead while the patented Interna-Lok cutterhead depth adjustment secures the head while cutting. We particularly like how easy it is to adjust the depth scale and gauge. The depth stop makes sure you never overplane multiple pieces. The infeed and outfeed tables are supersized – another little perk we liked. Often, changing planer knives is an ordeal, but Makita’s quick-change system and externally accessible brushes minimize your maintenance time and get you back to what you really love doing. The unit is relatively lightweight as these machines go, and at 83 decibels, is among the quietest of its kind.

Makita 2012NB 12 Inch Portable Planer Feature:

  • Compact and lightweight for easy transporting to the job-site
  • Fastest and easiest blade change system on the market, uses disposible double edge blades
  • Interna-Lok automated head clamp eliminates snipe without the added steps of a manual head-locking device
  • LED light indicates that the planer is plugged into the power source
  • Quiet operation at only 83dB
  • 4-post design and diagonal cross supports for stability
  • Large and easy to operate paddle on/off switch
  • Large table extensions to support the work piece
  • Disposable double edge planer blades
  • Detachable tool box for storage of the standard equipment
  • Easily adjustable cutting depth for precision planing
  • Optional dust hood enables dust collection system to be connected to planer

Makita 2012NB Specifications:

  • Cutting capacities:
    • Width: 12″
    • Depth: 1/8″
    • Thickness: 6-3/32″
  • Max. cutting depth:
    • 5-7/8″ wide and less: 1/8″
    • 5-7/8″ to 9-1/2″ : 1/16″
    • 9-1/2″ to 12″ : 3/64″
    • No. of knives: 2
    • Table size (WxL): 13″ x 30-3/8″
    • No load speed: 8,500 RPM
    • AMPS (120V): 15
    • Overall dim. (WxH): 19-1/64″ x 15-25/32″
    • Net weight: 61 lbs.

Makita 2012NB Includes:

  • Planer blade set
  • 2 Ea. Magnetic Holder
  • Socket wrench
  • Hex wrench
  • Key
  • Detachable tool box

More : Makita 2012NB | Makita bss610 | Makita lxt202 | Makita LXT218 | Makita LCT200W | Makita BHP452  | Makita BDF451

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Milwaukee 2691-22 18-Volt Compact Drill

The Milwaukee M18 2-tool combo kit includes the Milwaukee M18 lithium-ion 1/2-inch compact drill/driver, M18 lithium-ion 1/4-inch hex compact impact and convenient contractor bag.

Examples of innovation include the Milwaukee 4-pole frameless motor, lightweight durability, built-in LED lights, battery fuel gauges and variable speed triggers.

When you need power, precision and superior performance in an ultraefficient package, you can’t afford to buy anything but HEAVY DUTY. Backed by the confidence of a 5-year warranty, the M18 2-tool combo kit is the essential tool arsenal for the enduring professional.

Features, Benefits & Applications

The Milwaukee M18 lithium-ion 2-tool combo kit gives you a double dose of power for the essential package for the most difficult jobs.

The Milwaukee M18 Lithium-Ion Compact Drill Driver is the most powerful tool in its class with 400 in./lbs of torque. With over 100% more grip for bit retention than other leading brands, plus more run-time and impressive compact size and weight, the M18 lithium-ion high-performance drill driver minimizes downtime and worker fatigue.

Featuring adjustable speeds ranging from high speed RPM of 1-1,800 and low speed RPM of 0-450, the M18 lithium-ion compact drill driver allows you to apply concentrated power for accuracy and professional results. The M18 drill driver also has 24 clutch settings, weighs 5.3 pounds and includes a side handle for compactness, comfort and control.

The Milwaukee M18 lithium-ion compact drill driver offers endless applications including running wire, drilling metal to run conduit, conduit clamps, running copper pipe, Pex, anchoring pipe hangers, running pipe through wood, setting duct anchors, drilling pilot holes ductwork, fastening duct and general fastening.

The Milwaukee M18 1/4-Inch Hex Compact Impact Driver is the fastest, strongest and longest running in its class. With pinpoint illumination, one-handed bit-loading and more than 70% faster speed than the nearest competitor; the Milwaukee 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver makes this the smartest and easiest choice. With two times longer run-time and 1,400 in./lbs of torque, the Milwaukee M18 1/4-inch hex compact impact driver provides extreme durability and extended power, and features a variable speed trigger to accurately control the 0-2,200 RPM. Additionally, the driver features 0-3,200 IPM and 4-pole frameless motor, maximizing efficiency, run-time and torque.

The Milwaukee M18 1/4-inch hex compact impact driver weighs a mere 3.5 pounds and is 5-3/4 inches, making it compact, yet extremely powerful. Other features include a battery fuel gauge, which displays remaining run-time, and a bright LED light for pinpoint illumination on dark jobsites.

The Milwaukee M18 1/4-inch hex compact impact driver has a variety of applications including fastening hex self-tapping sheet metal screws, 5/8-inch and 3/4-inch pipe couplings, outlet boxes, panel boxes, conduit clamps, pipe hangers, pipe clamps, switch plates and general fastening.

Milwaukee LITHIUM-ION Battery
Milwaukee is the leader in lithium-ion technology, launching the first Li-ion System in 2005 and the first backward compatible Li-ion in 2006. Perfecting the formula in 2008, Milwaukee’s lithium-ion batteries are 65% lighter, 50% smaller and store more than 30% more power than “compact” NiCd batteries. They also feature a fuel gauge that lets you know when to recharge, reducing downtime.

Select M18 models feature the 18-volt XC high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack that offers increased run-time with 40% less weight than an 18-volt NiCd battery. Featuring Milwaukee’s digital power management to help ensure optimal battery life and run-time, the 18-volt XC high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack protects the battery and tool during the toughest jobsite application.

To combat on-site problems like bent/broken terminals, damaged clips and broken welds caused by use and abuse, Milwaukee lithium-ion batteries are equipped with recessed terminals, slide pack dual clips and over-molded housing, and integrated welded frame and cell separators.

About Milwaukee Tool
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation, a Brookfield, Wisconsin-based subsidiary of Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. (TTI) (HKEx stock code: 669, ADR symbol: TTNDY) is an industry leading manufacturer and marketer of professional and industrial heavy-duty portable corded and cordless power tools, accessories and safety equipment. Products include the legendary Sawzall® recip saws, V28™ and V18™ lithium-ion cordless tools, Hole-Hawg® drills, portable band saws, circular saws, driver drills, hammer drills, rotary hammers, pneumatic nailers, grinders, sanders and the new Trade Titan™ series of heavy-duty work carts and accessories.

Product Description
Milwaukee 2691-22 M18 LITHIUM-ION Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit with Carrying Case

More : Milwaukee 2691-22 | Milwaukee 2694-24 | Milwaukee 5625-20 | Milwaukee 6190-20 | Milwaukee 6523-21

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Dremel Tools Maybe one of the best purchases I have ever made

I actually love this tool until last month. I used it lightly on various tasks from cutting, grinding, polishing ( very handy for Harley owners BTW ) and even for drilling.
This has been a really handy tool to have being a cordless model until it just decided to QUIT WORKING? turned off while doing some work and it is through, it will not work at all? It had about 3/4 charge and I believe the battery has just come apart inside because it will not charge now either – really weird as it was not dropped or anything I just turned it off and now it is a really expensive paper weight?
I love Dremel products but I think there is a reason this particular model was not out long.

I am not able to determine if the charging adaptor is suitable for 110V – 240V. I live in a country that operates 240V. Can I get confirmation on the voltage for the Mains charging adaptor.

The Dremel is a terrific tool to keep handy. This specific model has all the power you need in a cordless Dremel. It easy handled all the tasks I have asked it to do, including cutting plywood with an attachment I purchased separately.Have not use this tool much since it’s a spare unit but it feels solid and strong enough to handle minor tasks ,especially when you’re away from AC outlet ! My main concern is about the Lithium Ion battery can be able to hold the charge while in storage ! With the sale price and most of positive reviews before purchase ,i am happy with the unit !

More : Karcher k2.28 | Jet 708620b | Remington rm1015p | Haier hum013ea | Haier hlp23e | Zerowater zr-008 | Dremel 4000-6/50 | Dremel 6300-03

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A Biometric Gun Safe May Help Save Your Life

Recent advances in digital technology are bringing the realm of James Bond’s gadgetry into the homes of ordinary citizens. One of the coolest pieces of gear is the biometric gun safe. If you own a small arm, you want to keep it securely locked away so that children and strangers cannot gain access to it. As well, you want to be able to open the safe immediately if needed.

These biometric gun safes will securely store any valuable, and they are uniquely suited to safe firearm storage. In the unlikely event that you actually need your pistol, you want it fast. The time lost in fumbling with a traditional safe lock could cost you precious seconds. With an ordinary safe, you would need to turn on a light to see the dial. With a fingerprint safe, there is no need to turn on a light. A touch of a button illuminates the fingerprint sensor, making it quick and easy to open the safe. You simply press your thumb to the sensor for one second and the door pops open.

The installation process is simple and straightforward. A biometric safe installs between standard 16″ on-center wood studs. With no exposed screw holes to be drilled, this safe is designed to thwart attempts by would-be thieves to break in. These safes can be concealed behind a picture frame for added security.
Several fingerprints can be programmed in to the biometric gun safe so the safe will recognize several fingerprints and/or several authorized users. In a typical use case, you may not remember which thumb you programmed, so to be sure you will get your gun immediately, why not program the safe to open for either thumb?

A traditional dial and tumbler safe would require memorizing a combination. If you ever lost or forgot that combination, you’d need to call a locksmith to open the safe. A biometric gun safe takes the memory work out of the equation. If you’re wondering about how it’s powered, a long lasting replaceable battery takes care of that. Optionally, the safe can be connected to an external DC power supply.

Let’s hope you never need your gun. That’s just a bad scenario. However, if you ever do, locking it in a biometric gun safe is a much better plan than storing it in a conventional safe, or even worse, not locking it up at all.

Buy Gunsafe : Gunvault GV1000D-DLX | Gunvault GV2000C-STD | Gunvault mvb500

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