Craftsman released its new 12V NEXTEC series of compact power tools before the winter holidays, and performance reviews are starting to roll in. One of the more innovative tools of the Nextec series is Craftsman’s new Hammerhead Auto Hammer. The Auto Hammer’s compact size makes it well suited for areas too tight to swing a traditional hammer, as […]
Craftsman Hydraulic Stool – Buy One Get One FREE
Sears is holding a Buy One Get One Free sale on Craftsman’s hydraulic stools, which means you get two for $79.99. The promotion is valid all week until February 7th, and the stools are available for in-store pickup or home delivery. Because the shipping fee for two stools is $14.50, we recommend the free in-store […]
3 Preemptive Tips for a Cleaner & Safer Shop
We decided to do some winter cleaning today, and only after we got started did we realize how abysmal we let our working conditions become. So, we took a break from the agonizing process to share a few quick tips that we should have been following all along, and will try to adhere to for next time.
Freud Router Kit $130 via Woodcraft
Major Ramifications, from the GarageJournal forums, informed us that Woodcraft is offering a 2 1/4″ HP Freud router kit with a fixed and a plunge base for $130, shipped. The router comes with the two bases, the motor, 1/4″ and 1/2″ collets, an above-table adjustment knob, and a kit box.
Kobalt 26pc Palm Ratchet Set
While browsing for something over at Lowes.com, I noticed Kobalt’s 26 piece palm ratchet set. From the looks of it, this set is intended to be highly portable, and includes a small selection of sockets and insert bits. Best of all, the set is priced at $15. We are quite eager to give Kobalt’s palm ratchet a try, but […]
Stanley Quickslide Utility Knife
I’ve been using Stanley’s Quickslide utility knife for about two years now, and it’s still my favorite go-to knife. The Quickslide is a great knife because: i) the blade extends and retracts quickly and easily, ii) blade changes are also quick and easy, and iii) it is super-compact and can be carried comfortably in a pocket or clipped securely […]
Craftsman Hand-Held Vacuum $12.49
This Craftsman portable vacuum seems to be a pretty good buy, especially at 50% off. The vacuum comes with a 600 watt motor, crevice attachment, dusting brush, and a filter. It also comes with a relatively long 14′ cord that should provide enough reach to handle most cleanup tasks with ease. There are only a handful of reviews on Sears’ site, all posted within […]
Gearwrench Magnetic Extension Review
If you find that you often need to use tape, putty, or shims to hold fasteners inside of sockets, then you will definitely want to consider Gearwrench’s new magnetic drive accessories. Gearwrench’s new magnetic lineup includes 6″ extensions, universal-joint adapters, and drive-size adapters, all available in 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ drive. In this review, we put Gearwrench’s 6″ magnetic extensions to the test – read on for a detailed […]
Stanley 20oz FatMax Xtreme AntiVibe Framing Hammer – $13 Shipped
Stanley’s 20oz FatMax Xtreme AntiVibe framing hammer is available for $13, with free shipping, through BuyNow via Amazon.com. This hammer features a checkered (milled) face, a magnetic nail-start, a rip claw, and of course Stanley’s 2nd generation anti-vibration design. Buy Stanley’s 20-oz FatMax Xtreme AntiVibe for $13 via Amazon Stanley FatMax Xtreme AntiVibe Product Info Price […]
Update – Obvious Soft-Handled Vise-Grip Country-of-Origin Info
The other day, ToolGuyd described one way of checking the country-of-origin of a pair of soft-handled Vise-Grips. Well, it has come to light (thanks Elroy) that there is a MUCH simpler method that requires simply checking looking at the adjustment screw.
Montezuma Portable Toolbox
Montezuma’s portable toolboxes are compartmentalized in such a way that every tool and accessory is visible and within immediate reach. These extremely well designed toolboxes are well suited for both portable and static tool storage and organization. In addition to great functionality, these toolboxes also have a superb look and feel to them!
Hidden Soft Handled Vise-Grips’ Country-of-Origin Info
If you recall from the previous ToolGuyd entry, I mentioned that I was a bit hesitant to try out Irwin’s soft-gripped Vise-Grips. You see, I like knowing where a tool is made, but that’s pretty hard to do when half the tool is covered up. Well, it seems like soft-gripped Vise-Grips are slow sellers because I […]
“Irwin” Soft Handled Vise-Grips
The reputation of Vise-Grips precedes Irwin’s ownership by quite a few decades. Since Irwin’s acquisition of the Vise-Grip label, there have been many changes – some good, some bad. One of the improvements was the addition of soft-handled grip options – such a seemingly minor feature makes these pliers much more comfortable to use.
Craftsman “Digital” Micrometers
These hybrid micrometers are somewhat of a cross between standard vernier micrometers and those with electronic readouts, and offer quick measurements at a relatively low price. Although the “digital” claim is quite literally true, in today’s age, “digital” implies an electronic readout. While we’re not comfortable still seeing these described as “digital” micrometers, such a description is still common practice […]
Ridgid Portable Compressor – Quick to Tempt, Hard to Find!
Many Ridgid power tools are so well designed that I sometimes wonder why they’re not more popular than they are. Ridgid’s 4.5 gallon twin stacked compressor is a great example of how Ridgid’s tools are often underhyped. This compressor had so many great features – from the beautifully well spaced control panel, to the easy-access drain valve, high quality […]
Stanley Powerlock Tape Measure Review
It can be quite tough to find a good tape measure these days – unless you have access to a Stanley Powerlock, that is. Powerlocks have a classic no-frills look and feel which make them easily recognized amongst hobbyists and pros alike. Although tape measures are extremely ubiquitous, they’re not all built the same. In fact, there are […]
Megapro Driver Review
Megapro’s wide range of multi-bit screwdrivers, bits, and accessories, are sure to meet most of your portable driving needs. Currently, there are 7 drivers with different bit assortments based on bit type or common usage – hex, tamperproof, and automotive to name a few. Each screwdriver comes with 7 double-sided bits and a 1/4″ hex driver, but you can also […]