Tools
Toolsnob tipped us to some big news in the world of tools. Stanley Works will acquire Black & Decker for $4.5billion in an all-stock deal.
According to the WSJ:
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.
So you need a drill, jigsaw or sander, but you've only bought hand tools and you typically avoid the power tools aisle. Well, you're probably thinking: Where do I start? Doug Mahoney of the great blog Toolsnob helped us compile a quick and easy guide to help anyone buying power tools.
The most important consideration is value -- a personal equation involving cost, durability and lifestyle. A Bosch battery drill might cost $200, and it's going to withstand the beating of daily labor. But a Black & Decker might cost a quarter of that and as long as you're not planning on dropping it from a 20' extension ladder, it might be the right choice for you. I don't buy into the idea that the most expensive tools are the best because it depends on what you're using it for and how often you use it.
Take into account these other issues before your power tool purchase.
Ergonomics
This one is really important to me. If you're going to be doing a lot of work with a tool, it's got to be easy on your hands. This ties into safety as well. An awkward tool is a dangerous one.
Cost
Like I said above, high price or low price doesn't really matter as much as what I'll be asking the tool to do. It's a trade-off. The most durable, precise tools tend to be the most expensive.
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
One of the cooler products (no pun intended) we've reviewed is the Ryobi TEK4 Infrared Thermometer. All TEK4 Tools are cordless and use a rechargeable battery. Built for toughness they are impact and dust resistant so you won't have to worry about taking it with you to the job site.
We certainly wish the TEK4 website ran a bit faster and was not built entirely in flash but it's worth the wait to check out the product line.
We found the infrared thermometer to deliver as promised. The real time readout is actually fun to play with and we couldn't stop pointing the laser at everything in the room. Turns out we should probably turn on the gas heater soon as our space was in the 60's. The thermometer measures from temperatures ranging from -4 to 590 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 to 310 Celsius). So no worries using this in extreme environments.
Check out this video of Master Carpenter Norm Abram being interviewed at last years AWFS show by Popular Woodworking magazine. Great insights into his favorite tools and techniques.
Tools Norm Abram Value's the Most
Table saw - because it touches each project
Joiner - straighten rough lumber
Surface Planer - required to keep everything level and square
The San Francisco bay area has a rich tradition of diy ethos. Residents take pride in their homes and environment which is unique to any other part of the country. Two of our favorite magazines were born there, ReadyMade and Dwell. It's no wonder there are so many housebloggers in the region who are fortunate to have a plethora of diy resources at their fingertips.
It seems the best value is found in Oakland & the East Bay so thanks to Gene of DIY Insanity we've got your diy needs in the East Bay covered. For other cities check out our complete list of DIY City Guides.
Let us know if we've missed any hidden gems in the comments or you feel a vendor review needs adjusting.
Hardware Stores
Markus Supply Ace Hardware 510.832.6532
625 3rd St., Oakland, CA 94607
When you just need some basics, your nearest hardware store is your best bet. But if you need a wider selection of items but don't want to go to the box stores, Markus Hardware may have what you need.
Ace Ellis Hardware 510.653.4365
5424 MLK Way, Oakland, CA 94609
If you're looking to browse the aisles, head somewhere else. Ellis Hardware has most of what they sell on huge shelves behind the counter. Describe what you need, and they'll get it for you, or tell you where you can if they don't carry it.
A couple weeks ago we won a Bosch PS20-2A from a giveaway by HomeFixated.
It's an awesome little drill and perfect for around the home. Wired recently did a round-up of mini-drills and included the slightly bigger brother of our Bosch, the Bosch PS30-2A. They declared it their winner and if it shares the same attributes (which it looks like it does) with the PS20 then we couldn't agree more.
We'd also love to get our hands on the Ridgid R92008. With 240 lbs. of torque this driver is definitely a cross-over to entry-level drills.
We're still more than a month away from Halloween but that doesn't mean you can't satisfy your pumpkin carving jones right now! This Old House would love to help you do this by announcing their 2nd annual pumpkin carving contest. Previous entrants used xacto knives and drills to create their jack-o-lanterns. Get creative.
Details are as follows.
Take a look at our recent articles on ShelterPop!
+ Not all women want to use the same tools as men and rightly so as these new female-centric tools are lighter and have smaller grips - Tools Strong Enough for a Man but Made for a Woman
+ Your wall material is a key consideration when determining how to hang art - Learn How to Hang Photos on any Wall
+ There's a wrong and right way to store extension cables so they don't twist up and are easy to access each time. Here's the right way to do it.
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November 4, 2009 | Comments ()
