Buy the Black & Decker AAW100 Auto Wrench Here

Black & Decker AAW100 Auto Wrench Review

When you’re trying to do some home improvement tasks around the house and you are limited with the space that you have to work in, using most tools can be a real hassle. The other day I needed to take apart a pipe under the kitchen sink and being a big guy I didn’t have much room to work with my wrench set. That day I went out and bought the Black & Decker AAW100 8-Inch Auto Wrench Adjusting Wrench and thought I would give it a nice review for the power tools review section so here goes.

Uses For Black & Decker AAW100 Auto Wrench

The Black and Decker Auto Wrench has a nice firm feel to it, and doesn’t feel flimsy like some similar products I’ve seen. It’s about the same size as a regular wrench so you won’t notice a ton of difference from the real thing. The mouth of the Auto Wrench opens up to about 1 ¼ inches so you should be able to use it for most projects around the house, but probably wont work for most major jobs where you need a wide mouth wrench instead.

In my under the sink scenario, the Black and Decker Auto Wrench worked out beautifully. I only have about 4 feet to work in under the sink so the auto wrench nicely fit around the pipe until it was snug which allowed me to use one tool instead of reaching for the right set. The button is in a good location depending on the size of your hands, and it works very quickly to grip around the pipe, nut or whatever else you’re trying to get a grip on.

Cheapest Price On Black & Decker AAW100 Auto Wrench

The cheapest price on a Black and Decker AAW100 Auto Wrench that I’ve seen is $18.99 found here, although I’ve seen it priced for elsewhere. For that price it’s definitely well worth the small investment to save a lot of time and hassle on small projects where you don’t want to break out your regular wrench set.

Bottom line, the Black and Decker AAW100 Auto Wrench won’t replace your regular wrench set anytime soon but for smaller, around the house type jobs the Auto Wrench will save you quite a bit of time and frustration and is a great wrench to have around when you are trying to work in a small confined space.

Buy the Black & Decker AAW100 Auto Wrench Here

© Black & Decker AAW100 Auto Wrench Review

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Buy the Rockwell RK9000 Jawhorse Here

Rockwell RK9000 Jawhorse Review

A friend of mine told me about a new all in one workbench called the Rockwell Jawhorse RK9000 that he said got a lot of positive reviews. Always looking for a nice versatile workbench I wanted to give it a shot and I was very impressed with their promotional material. Besides I need more items in my carpentry tool review section so I though this would be a good candidate.

The Jawhorse has a very well constructed metal frame, it’s very sturdy unlike some similar products that felt a little cheap and flimsy. It has a nice wide base which is nice when you are holding something heavy like a door or a wide piece of sheetrock and you don’t want things rocking back and forth while you’re trying to drill or cut.

The Jawhorse had excellent clamping strength (the box said it has over 1 ton of force), I tried a lot of heavy objects and they didn’t move a bit. Locking in the jaw clamps was very easy you just step on the handle which sits directly below the base. I like the stepping pressure arm since most of the time both of your hands are on your project and can’t easily be freed up to lock something in place. The clamps also have rubber pads on the end to prevent the clamp from damaging anything delicate.

Uses For The Jawhorse RK9000

I can see a lot of uses for the Jawhorse be it as a table saw, a welding support, a place to work on an engine, or even just as a regular sawhorse when you’re doing some home improvement projects. Although I haven’t tested it I’ve read reviews of people even using it as a support to hang sheetrock on the ceiling. I would imagine that you’d need some kind of extender on that one though but the jaws are more than strong enough to support it.

One of my favorite features of the Jawhorse is that it folds down to basically nothing so you can easily just stick it in a closet or underneath your workbench. As I’m sure most of you do I have a big problem with trying to find space in my workshop and having big sawhorses lying around sure doesn’t help much.

Cheap Price on Jawhorse RK9000

The cheapest price I’ve seen this for the Jawhorse RK9000 is on Amazon where it goes for around $179.99 (at the time of this writing, it may change if you are reading this later) which is a pretty good price for it in my opinion. I’ve seen similar workbenches that go for much more, $500 or more at some of the big box stores in my area.

Definitely check out the Rockwell Jawhorse RK9000, it appears to be a very good unit for that do it yourselfer who is limited on workspace.

Buy the Rockwell RK9000 Jawhorse Here

© Rockwell RK9000 Jawhorse Review

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3. Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi Tool review

Buy The Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi Tool Here

Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi Tool review

When I’m not working around the house, I like to fancy myself as an outdoorsman… you know fishing, hunting, camping… the works. One thing I always hate though is having either a big clunky knife in my pocket or having to carry around a sack full of tools so when I came upon the Leatherman 830850 Skeletool CX Multitool, needless to say I was intrigued and wanted to do a pocket tool review for the site.

The Leatherman Skeletool CX multi tool is a very interesting little all in one pocket knife with a lot of different uses. I’ve seen knives with similar functionality but the Skeletool CX is very lightweight which I can appreciate, especially when out on a fishing trip.

The Skeletool CX features a large knife with a nice locking feature to make sure you don’t cut your finger off when cutting bailing twine, a universal bit screw driver with both Philips and flathead bits, a good set of pliers and both hard and regular wire cutters. So basically I don’t think there is much that you can’t do with the Skeletool, aside from maybe start your car or change the channel.

Naturally once I get a new gadget I have to try it out in as many scenarios as I can think of so I tested it in my workshop for a while, screwing in anything I could find, cutting some old rusty wires that I had lying around and yanking some old nails out of some boards. I have to say it performed very nicely for an all in one tool, and while I don’t think its going to replace my tool chest anytime soon, the purpose of the Skeletool is to have a nice lightweight multitool in your pocket for quick use, which it does a fine job of.

One of the things I like best about the Leatherman Skeletool CX Multitool is that it comes with a 25 year warranty from the Leatherman Tool Group, which is one of the main reasons why I bought it. You see, if a company isn’t willing to stand by their product for more than 30 days (like most companies do) then I just don’t think it’s worth opening my wallet for, and I’m sure you all agree.

Buy The Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi Tool Here

© Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi Tool review

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Buy The Black & Decker TLD 100 Here

Black & Decker TLD 100 Thermal Leak Detector Review

If you live in a cold area of the country like I do then you know how a draft in your walls or doors can make the difference between a comfortable home and an uncomfortably chilly evening. It’s easy to figure out where leaks are coming from with windows, but with walls, ceilings and doors it can be tricky to find cold spots where the insulation may not be adequate, especially in old homes. Because of this I wanted to give the Black & Decker TLD100 Thermal Leak Detector a review in our tool reviews section.

The Black & Decker TLD 100 Thermal Leak Detector is a handheld device that you hold near or against walls, windows and ceilings and will give you an accurate temperature depiction to help you figure out which areas of your home need attention. The control panel is pretty easy to use, even for people who hate electronic devices. You set the temperature within a range and the Thermal Leak Detector alerts you when you are in a temperature (hotter or colder) that is outside your desired range.

Essentially you run the TLD100 along the wall like you would a stud finder until you find a problem area that you can either correct yourself with more insulation, better caulking or a wall, window or door replacement. The TLD100 thermal leak detector also comes with a guide on how to better insulate your home, but I would recommend reading this site instead (shameless plug).

Overall I found the Black & Decker TLD 100 thermal leak detector to be a very easy to use device, it’s very light weight and has a nice comfortable handle. It reads in both Fahrenheit and Celsius so if you live outside the United States you don’t have to worry about converting degrees. Saving money on heating and cooling can be a big bonus these days with the cost of heating oil much more expensive these days.

Buy The Black & Decker TLD 100 Here

© Black & Decker TLD 100 Thermal Leak Detector Review

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3. Joby Gorillatorch Adjustable and Flexible Tripod Flashlight Review

Buy the Joby Gorillatorch Tripod Flashlight Here

Joby Gorillatorch Adjustable and Flexible Tripod Flashlight Review

Like a lot of people I have a hard time doing some do it yourself home improvement projects and holding a flashlight at the same time. I can have someone hold it for me but what if I’m by myself? Someone told me about the Joby Gorillatorch Adjustable and Flexible Tripod flashlight so I decided to give it a shot.

The premise behind the Gorillatorch tripod flashlight is that it stands on its own and shines at various angles which is particularly helpful with do it yourself jobs where you’re down low. I started my tool review by first getting under the sink. I set the Gorillatorch on the floor so it was shining at a 45 degree angle and it worked great. I was able to bend the legs at the perfect angle so it shined exactly where I needed it to go and when I needed it in another area I just bent the legs that way.

The legs are made of a rubbery material so they are very easy to move and the feet are magnetic, so my next test… car repair. I popped open the hood of my car and stuck the Gorillatorch tripod flashlight right underneath the hood and angled the flashlight downward. It stuck to the hood with absolutely no problem, and since it was completely upside down the magnets obviously worked very well when it showed no signs of dropping off.

I wanted to test the magnet out again so I stuck it to the side of my car while simulating a tire change and again the Gorillatorch showed no signs of falling off and was very easy to angle. I simulated a tire change in the dark and had more than enough light to complete the change. For those of you who live in the country where there aren’t many streetlights, the Joby Gorillatorch Tripod Flashlight is a great thing to have in your car in case you need to change your tire in the middle of the night.

The last test I had for the Gorillatorch was in my workshop where I do a lot of woodworking. Sometimes I need a lot of visual detail for my projects and I need a lamp because the overhead lights aren’t that great. I bent the Gorillatorch legs around one of my wooden shelves and it stuck right there, very easy.

Overall I really liked the Joby Gorillatorch Adjustable and Flexible Tripod Flashlight. It isn’t terribly expensive at just under $30 especially compared to some other brands of tripod flashlights. The magnets worked great and the arms are very easily bendable so you can use it for virtually anything. I give it two thumbs up.

Buy the Joby Gorillatorch Tripod Flashlight Here

© Joby Gorillatorch Adjustable and Flexible Tripod Flashlight Review

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3. Toro Power Shovel Electric Snow Thrower Review

Buy The Toro PowerShovel Here

Toro Power Shovel Electric Snow Thrower Review

As many of you know I live in the northeast so getting a foot or two of snow every couple weeks is a regular occurrence so I decided to give the Toro Power Shovel Electric Snow Thrower a shot since I am a little sick of shoveling. To be technical the model I have is the Toro 38361 Power Shovel 7.5 Amp Electric Snow Thrower since Toro has a few models of electric power shovel.

The Power Shovel snow thrower is a nice light unit that is fantastic for clearing out sidewalks, cleaing off decks, porches and walkways. You can use it on a smaller driveway as well. Since it isn’t gas powered you will have to do have a long extension cord so you can reach the end of your driveway (no sense in buying a Toro Power Shovel if you have to shovel the end of your driveway right?).

I was very pleasantly surprised at the throwing power of the Power Shovel, but I guess I shouldn’t be since it’s called a snow thrower for a reason right? The grip is nice and it is very easily maneuverable to fit in and around tight spots. The handle is adjustable which is very nice since I’m 6 foot 2 and my wife is just barely over 5. For you women out there who are concerned about running the Toro Power Shovel, you could easily use it and it sure beats shoveling!

If you have a large driveway then an electric power shovel is probably not for you because it isn’t terribly wide so you will have to go back and forth across your driveway much more often than you would with a regular snow blower. Another drawback is that since the Power Shovel is electric you will have to drag around a power cord, so be sure you have a long enough cord to be able to do your entire driveway.

Also even though I tested this in nice light snow I can imagine that the Power Shovel snow thrower might have a little trouble with that really slushy wet snow that is extremely heavy. To be fair though I did not test this (mother nature didn’t give me the right conditions yet) so I could be totally wrong with my assumption.

Bottom line, I think the Toro Power Shovel Electric Snow Thrower is a nice value at around $99, especially for those of us who don’t have a big enough driveway to justify buying a big gas powered snow thrower. I would highly recommend it for anyone who wants a nice, inexpensive and reliable snow thrower for a small to medium driveway.

Buy The Toro PowerShovel Here

© Toro Power Shovel Electric Snow Thrower Review

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Buy Your Black & Decker ReadyWrench Here

Black and Decker Ready Wrench

The Black and Decker ReadyWrench is a nice tool for any do-it-yourselfer who either needs tools, or is limited in space to store a great number of tools. The Ready Wrench is a small handheld tool that features 16 of the most common metric and standard sized socket wrenches and replaces both one and two inch deep sockets.

The Ready Wrench is very sturdy and has a nice rubber handle which is especially nice when working on anything involving grease or water so the tool doesn’t slip out of your hands and so you don’t bang your knuckles after it slips (we’ve all done that haven’t we?). The ReadyWrench feels very sturdy, unlike some all in one tools I’ve used over the years.

One of the nice things for me about the Black & Decker Ready Wrench is that I always lose socket wrenches since my real workshop is very messy with tools everywhere. This all in one tool prevents me from losing sockets because it is all built together very nicely.

The downside to the ReadyWrench is that the number of sockets is limited so anyone who needs a socket wrench on a daily basis probably wouldn’t be able to use this tool exclusively (though they could use it some of the time). The other thing I didn’t like about it is that the tool is very straight so if you are trying to get in to a tight spot with it you probably would be better off with an extended socket.

Ultimately I think the Black and Decker Ready Wrench is a nice tool, especially for people who might need a wrench occasionally. It fits nicely in a drawer or toolbox which is great for anyone who is limited in the amount of space in their house or apartment, and it feels very well made so it should last a long time. I don’t think the ReadyWrench will replace my regular socket set but it’s well worth the price and makes a nice gift for that handyman (or woman) in your home.

Buy Your Black & Decker ReadyWrench Here

© Black and Decker Ready Wrench Review

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As with any major power tool there are a number of variations and options when choosing the right chain saw, not only for the job but for the worker as well. Picking the right chain saw is not just about how well it will work for your specific purpose, a chain saw is one of the most dangerous power tools and safety is a big issue when selecting yours.

You need to know how much you will be using the chain saw and what kind of trees you are going to cut with it. This will help you select the bar length. A shorter chain saw is best if you are only trimming branches or small trees of just a few inches diameter. A longer bar will be needed for cutting full-sized mature trees.

Chain saws can be powered two ways. For light use or occasional lawn and garden trimming, an electric chainsaw may work best. These are quieter, lighter, less expensive, and easier to maintain although not nearly powerful enough for daily professional use. They are also limited to location as you can go no further than the limit of your longest extension cord.

Gas powered chain saws usually have a two cylinder motor that uses a special gas/oil fuel mix. These chain saws are noisy, bulkier, and heavier but provide many advantages as well. They can be used just about anywhere and are more powerful and rugged than the standard electric chain saw. Make sure the design of the chain saw provides a high center of gravity.

Besides checking the balance and feel of a chain saw to fit your physical capabilities, make sure to pay close attention to the various safety features. Most common are such additions as a chain brake to automatically stop the saw in the event of a kickback. Make sure there is an adequate hand guard. This lever in front of the handle is also designed to cut power in a kickback. Make sure there is also an appropriate chain catcher along the bar to prevent a broken chain from flying up at you. Be sure the chain saw has a shielded muffler. Not only will this protect your hearing but also helps direct heat exhaust from the engine from burning your hands.

Other features you may want to look for, especially if you will be using the chain saw a lot, either professionally or in obtaining a winter’s worth of firewood, is an automatic oiler for the blade. A visible fuel and chain oil indicator will make routine and necessary maintenance easier and contribute to a longer life for your chain saw. An anti-vibration system can make long hours of use less debilitating on the operator. Check to see that the spark plug and air filter is easy to reach and service. If you live or work in a very cold climate, the added expense of a heated handle might provide comfort much greater than the added cost.

Even if you have decided you can save money by purchasing your chain saw online, it would pay to still visit a store so you can physically inspect the model you are wanting. This way you can see that it does fit your hand and strength. Don’t forget to check the warranties that come with the chain saw of your choice and never try to save a few dollars buying a used chainsaw. You will most likely be inheriting someone else’s problems and the cost of bringing it back up to safe working order may be more than you would have paid for the new one.

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3. Portable Generators

An electric generator can serve several regular purposes as well as being a literal lifesaver in an emergency. The basic concept is that an engine, usually powered by gasoline, is run to create electrical power that can then be used in any electrical appliance or tool. They are routine equipment on job construction sites to power the tools of the industry in places that are not yet wired to the grid. Many people use them in their homes either to supplement their energy needs or to provide power in an emergency where regular electrical services are shut down.

The least expensive generators are the two stroke (cylinder) motors that run on gasoline with four stroke generators of this type being mid-range in cost. While most generators run on gasoline, propane and natural gas units are available and some newer models even use solar power. The greatest problems with gasoline driven generators include the noise, smell, fuel costs, and the toxic fumes emitted. When considering one of these units, check not only the exhaust vents of the generator but the fume removal system where you will be running it.

Choosing the size of unit you will require involves finding out how much electrical power you need to have generated and for how long. Since most equipment ratings are based on maximum output and efficiency, remember to add a little extra for the usual less than perfect conditions the generator will be working in.

The smallest generators produce between 750 watts and 3,500. This is usually sufficient for a couple of appliances and lights. If your equipment cannot safely handle power fluctuations, an inverter generator that provides a steady flow will be required. Most mid-range generators will provide between 4,000 and 8,000 watts which is sufficient for emergency power to a small, up to 3,000 square foot, home. For larger dwellings and those who still want numerous appliances including air conditioning to run from the generator, the large 10,000 to 17,500 watt generators will be required.

A rule of thumb way to determine how much power your generator will need to produce can be found by checking your circuit box. Add up all the amps from the circuits you will want to keep running and multiple by 100 then add a little extra to cover start up surges.

You will need to determine what type and how many transfer switches you will need. As a minimum, two 120 volt AC switches and a DC outlet for a vehicle, should be included. If you have heavy equipment or appliances that use 220 volts, make sure the transfer switch size is included or that one can be added.

Check for the environmental compliance on the generator you are looking to purchase. Those that conform to the California Air Resources Board requirements (CARB) will be less polluting and acceptable throughout all 50 states. Check the decibel level. Most generators run between 47 and 79 decibels. Local sound ordinances may limit the model and size of generator you can legally run in a given area.

If you require more long-term generated power, the addition of a storage battery array may need to be added to the list. By using the generator to charge batteries that then provide power to your appliances, you may be able to save on fuel costs by not having to run the generator all the time.

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For large scale construction projects, few things will make the job go easier than using compressed air powered nailers and staplers. While a hammer may be okay for a small project, the air nailer can perform a thousand times more quickly without wearing the user out physically.

Air nailers and staplers are designed to be very long lasting tools as they do not require a motor or fuel source of their own to operate. The force used to drive the nails or staples is provided to the tool through a hose from a separate air compressor.

The sizes of air driven nailers and staplers vary according to the job they are designed for. Smaller guns are made with lower pounds-per-square-inch (PSI) pressure for driving small finishing nails into crown molding. Some of the largest made can drive a nail into metal support beams.

There are several delivery systems for the nails and staples. Strips are more common for nail delivery. The nails are fastened to plastic or heavy paper strips that are fed into the firing chamber one nail at a time. Others are fed through a coiled cartridge that will either hold individual nails along the coil or are made of a long coil of wire that cuts and injects the fastener as the trigger is depressed.

With there being the danger of the nail becoming a flying projectile, on average 37,000 people a year are treated for nail gun injuries annually in the United States alone, some air nailers and staplers have safety features included in their design. The most common safety device is the duel-action contact-trip trigger. This feature prevents the air nailer from firing unless the nose sensor and the trigger are depressed at the same time. A safer variation is the sequential-trip trigger which requires the nose depression before the trigger pull.

A recent development, which therefore makes a much more expensive air nailer, is the “Safe Nailer.” This air nailer has a capacitive sensor which can detect the lower mass ratio of human skin and lock the trigger mechanism until it is pointed away.

There are two types of firing mechanisms. In one, the least safe, the compressed air directly drives the nail or staple into the surface being fastened. The other method has a piston that is driven down by the air pressure which then contacts the nail and drives it home. These type air nailers and staplers are low power enough that the nail has little projectile force for traveling through the air while being quite sufficient to drive it into the wood or other material being fastened.

Since there are few moving parts and no motors to wear out in an air nailer or stapler, the primary things to look for are the safety features, nail feed mechanism, and sturdiness of the housing. By sticking with the name brand equipment that has a reputation for quality, you will only need to match your specific needs with the nail gun size for that task to have a versatile tool that will last for many years.

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