This deal combines two iconic U.S. hand-tool and power-tool makers whose fortunes have faded amid a collapse in the housing market and a broader industrial slowdown.
Stanley is the smaller company, based on sales and employees, but will be the acquirer in the deal, which comes amid a slow period in deal making.
The two companies, will have combined annual sales of $8.4 billion and about 40,000 employees, the companies say. Stanley has annual sales of around $3.85 billion and Black & Decker has annual sales of around $4.85 billion.
The companies said they are looking for the combination to reap savings of $350 million a year and also add $1 per share to the bottom line in three years.
In the ongoing quest to recycle and structures for use as live/work spaces, these train cars have followed the lead of re-purposed shipping containers and are now being transformed into permanent living structures.
This video making the rounds on the internet is out to prove that if we take daily chores and add a fun element, they become much less rote and more enjoyable. Isn't that what life is about? When designing a room or home what can we do to make it more fun without being a gimmick or cheesy? Are there ways to make workshop or home improvement more fun?
My passion is helping people remodel and renovate their homes and businesses. Not only is it how I make my living, it is how I spend much of my "free" time. (OK, as much "free" time as a parent of two kids under 4 has...)
I love the excited look a client gives me when they begin to see their mental image come to life; a magical transformation from mere thought to real life space. I love seeing them enjoy their new creation. I love seeing an increase in their happiness/productivity/enjoyment as they acclimate to their new environment and figure out all its parts and pieces. I love having a job where I see a finished, tangible product that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Why do I tell you this? Because I want to help you too. I want to hear from you about what tools, resources, council, etc. would most benefit you in your current or future projects. The reason? I enjoy developing products (books, spreadsheets, schedules, lists, etc.) for people to effectively use to save time and money on their projects.
So, use the comment section below to share your needs, or email me at editor@charlesandhudson.com. Please don't limit yourself. Be brutally honest regarding your needs.
Perhaps you need help assembling a project schedule, or you need assistance in establishing project costs, or your contractor is quickly piling on the change orders and you are a bit lost. Whatever the case, let us know what you need and we will get you the information. After all, this site is here to see you succeed, and have fun doing it!
There are many ways to find home improvement advice. The most popular have always been books, magazines, tv and now blogs. Well these guys saw an opportunity to share their knowledge and opinions on home improvement via a podcast which is an audio episode you can download and listen to on your computer or personal listening device (iPod). We like the fact they aren't pros but two guys who are passionate about DIY, personable and can explain problems in layman's terms.
This interview unveils The Handyguys as they share the secrets to the success of their podcast, popular DIY topics and how easy it is for you to ask The Handyguys a home improvement question.
CH: Who are the handy guys behind "The Handyguys Podcast"?
HGP:The Handyguys are Brian Peppel and Paul Shane, two avid DIYers, not professional contractors. We have been doing large and small projects around the home for ourselves and others for the past 25 years, and we still have all of our fingers and toes.
CH: Why did you decide to focus on a podcast instead of just starting another home improvement blog (like we need anymore)? Do you guys have previous media training? The podcast sounds slick and well produced.
HGP: There is an overwhelming number of home improvement blogs, websites and forums online already. However, DIY forums and blog posts can be a bit impersonal, as can the so-called experts in discussion groups who often bully folks who are just trying to learn. We wanted to establish an audio DIY site with a friendly and non-threatening atmosphere.
In our day-to-day life, we often found ourselves being go-to guys for home improvement questions from other DIYers. A podcast provided a great outlet for us to share our experiences and relay our desire to help others. We love to chat about projects and help people out no matter their skill or background. Many home improvement podcasts are just re-purposed radio shows. If you want to get the weather and traffic with your home improvement podcast, subscribe to them. If you want a home improvement podcast that is produced specifically for the medium, then we are the only game in town.
As far as the podcast and website production, we are DIYers too. We studied, learned and implemented. We both have technical backgrounds in I.T. Brian has more of a sales and business background, whereas Paul is more of a technologist. Both Handyguys have lots of public speaking experience so they are not afraid to speak into a microphone.
The big news in the woodworking and diy world today was that Norm Abram, long-time host of This Old House and New Yankee Workshop, will cease production of New Yankee workshop but continue his work as the master carpenter on This Old House.
Apparently the New Yankee Workshop website will remain online which is a positive considering the wealth of knowledge in lessons and plans that are available.
Even if you don't harbor a secret love for Norm this is a blow for those who valued his straightforward and honest instruction and precision techniques. We recently posted this video about his favorite tools which was insightful.
But you can still catch him on This Old House and we can always carve his likeness in a pumpkin for Halloween each year.
We've profiled a few of our favorite iPhone Apps for DIY and great ones keep on coming!
As of today, here's a complete list of our favorites.
1. Knot Guide - A must have for the boy scout within.
2. The Stanley Level - Is that a level in your pocket?
3. The Handyman App - Calculate paint, flooring, wallpaper and more.
4. ID Wood - Empower yourself at the lumber yard or flooring shop. Our review
5. Converter - Ultimate unit conversions
We're featured in the Steal This Idea section for creating a patina mirror just like you've seen on the walls of your favorite French bistro (We prefer Le Singe Vert over Schiller's any night).
November 4, 2009 | Comments ()
