This weeks giveaway is for the woodworkers out there! Amateurs and pros will all agree that this pocket hole clamp from Rockler is indispensable when it comes to joinery. This clamp is a welcome addition to any workshop and would make a great gift for the budding craftsman in your family.
One winner will receive two clamps as they really are best used in pairs.
More details:
Clamp and surface align your pocket hole joints easily.
Works with 3/8'' pocket holes on 3/4'' thick face frames and casework.
Clearance in clamp body allows for clamping and fastening of double joints in one step. Ratcheting handle enables clamp to function while laying flat on the workbench.
Pin is adjustable in length to utilize pocket holes of varying depth.
Lightweight aluminum construction.
***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED - THANKS FOR ENTERING***
HOW TO ENTER
You've got 2 ways to enter to win these Rockler pocket-hole clamps:
1. Leave a comment on this post with the words "Rockler rocks!".
2. Tweet this post with the words "@Rockler rocks"
Only one entry permitted per email address but each method of entry counts and so you'll increase your chance of winning if you comment and tweet. Please use a real email address so we can contact you if you win.
GIVEAWAY DEADLINE
The random winner will be chosen at 12 midnight EST on March 12, 2010 and will be notified immediately.
COMMENT HERE TO WIN
This photo gallery of tool tattoos was popular on our main and deserves to also be shared on our tool blog. Inspired by this T Square tattoo we spotted on a recent trip to Seattle, we decided to pull together a photo gallery of tattoos dedicated to tools.
It's difficult to tell which body part some of these tool tattoos are located on but many of them would be very difficult to cover up which shows true dedication to their tool tat.
The wrench seems to be the most popular tool put to ink and no better tool represents the working-class, DIY ethos more than a wrench.
Which one's your favorite?
One Project Closer just tipped us that Craftsman tools will now be available in about 100 Ace Hardware stores by this summer. Ace Hardware will start with about 10% of the Craftsman line and go from there.
This is big news for Sears Holdings as they've found a partner in Ace Hardware that has a reach and distribution that Sears is lacking. In a poll conducted by Popular Mechanics last year, Craftsman was chosen as the readers favorite so this venture should prove well for both parties.
We like unique bottle openers and when they also incorporate other functions we are besides ourselves. Case in point, the Screwpop. It's a 4-1 tool that is small enough to attach to your keychain. It's great when you're in a bind and need a flathead or phillips screwdriver or if you're parched and can't find a bottle opener.
There's also a 1/4" hex nut driver if the occasion arises for that.
These are available for $4.95 and you can purchase from their website.
If you've heeded our earlier advice to invest in good, durable tools, the next step is to ensure proper care and maintenance in order to extend the life of your tool collection. The most popular tool upkeep task is sharpening blades, so you'll need to select a file or stone that best complements your blade and the size of the tool.
We got our hands on a hardcore bottle opener from Craftsman. It's made from the same forged steel that all of their hand tools are and you can certainly feel it's heft.
Another unconventional bottle opener that will add a bit of steampunk to your party is this railroad spike opener. These are reclaimed spikes all of which have been hand-forged and are one-of-a-kind.
As everyone knows the mid-Atlantic has been walloped with more snow than usual and many parts of the rest of the country are also blanketed in the white stuff.
We really like products that take a basic tool and improve on it without trying too hard to revolutionize a process. The SnoBoss from True Temper looks to fit the bill as it retains the same function of shoveling snow but with a few enhancements it has made the process less arduous and more efficient.
What we like most about this design are the neutral hand-grips that allow your body to work from a stronger position which relieves stress on your back and wrists. There's also a footstep to provide more leverage.
Sustainability is becoming an ever-present buzz word, applied to everything from wardrobe choices to home construction. PJ of Unclutterer offers his take on buying durable, sustainable tools that make better, more longer lasting choices, resulting in the need for fewer replacements (and a decreased chance that you'll end up with an out-of-control tool collection!)
He also includes a link to an earlier post of his recommendations for must-have tools, a handy guide for those who want to build a basic yet thorough set that can tackle most home repairs.
Photo from IronMongery.com
A friend who is an avid DIY enthusiast, recently shared his love for his new oscillating power tool. He has the Fein Multi-Master which I had the opportunity to test at the International Builders' Show a few weeks ago. It's really been the only player on the market for some time and according to Toolsnob Fein's patent on the tool expired and now new offerings from Dremel and Rockwell have become available and at a lower price.
Rockwell was certainly pushing their oscillating multi-tool at the Builders' Show and had a board setup for attendees to cut out small squares with and take note of how quickly and quietly it operated.
One Project Closer recently did a thorough review of the Dremel Multi-Max and came away very pleased and highly recommend it.
These hammer and saw cufflinks from designer Debbie Howe will add a little DIY flair to your finest shirt and suit.
Hand-made in New York of sterling silver and real wood. Available for $88.
Show pride in your favorite TV programs with this sharp looking tape measure from Komelon that's branded with a badge from the DIY Network. As a courtesy to our readers the DIY Network has offered this as a giveaway on our website.
The 25' tape is stainless steel with double-sided printing and enclosed in a durable rubberized case. This isn't a cheap piece of swag and could be your go-to tape measure for years to come.
***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED - THANKS FOR ENTERING***
HOW TO ENTER
There are two ways to win.
1. Let us know in the comments below what tool you find indespensible (besides the tape measure).
2. Retweet this text on Twitter.
@Charles_Hudson I want to win this DIY Network Giveaway!
Only one entry permitted per email address but each method of entry counts and so you'll increase your chance of winning if you comment and tweet. Please use a real email address so we can contact you if you win.
GIVEAWAY DEADLINE
The random winner will be chosen at 12 midnight EST on February 12, 2010 and will be notified immediately.
COMMENT HERE TO WIN
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.
I've assembled a list of 6 tools perfect for home improvement newbies. With these items you will be well on your way toward building a comprehensive workshop that can handle any home improvement task.
A few comments on selection criteria:
1. I have used all of these tools myself (or perhaps a slightly older model) and find them impressive to say the least.
2. My selections are based on VALUE. I hate pointless product features; they only appeal to people who don't know what they are doing. My selections are not top-of-the-line, all the bells and whistles, have-to-take-out-a-loan-to-purchase tools.They get the job done for a great price.
3. Below I will share the product link, but I won't explain every last facet of the tool. I figure Amazon does a better job at this. I simply tell you why I find the product to be such an impressive buy.
So, here we go!
Zircon StudSensor i60 Center-Finding Stud Finder
What It Is: A stud finder is, quite simply, a tool for pinpointing the location of wood (and in some models, metal) structural elements behind drywall, tile, or most other wall surfaces.
When You Use It: A stud finder is essential for many home improvement projects. Installing crown molding, baseboard, chair rail, putting in closet inserts, hanging heavy items on the wall; all require identifying solid backing.
Why I'm In Love With The Zircon i60:
1. The Zircon i60 is light-weight. Since you will be holding it to a wall or ceiling repeatedly, light-weight and maneuverability are essential for comfortable use.
2. The electrical current sensor. The Zircon i60 notifies the user when an electrical current is present in the wall, allowing you to avoid penetrating wiring when installing the fastener.
3. The Zircon i60 uses LED lighting displays, not LCD. LED (you know, the little colored light) is much more durable than LCD (like your digital watch screen). My stud finder takes a lot of abuse, and LCD would just not last in my toolbox. Besides, unless you want to download music videos and watch them on your stud finder, an LCD is overkill.
Bessey D-BKWH Quick-Change Folding Utility Knife
What It Is: A utility knife is an all-purpose cutting tool that uses removable, disposable razor blades.
When You Use It: Ummm, any time you cut something? I use mine to sharpen a pencil, cut through plastic sheeting or cardboard, open a tube of caulking, etc.
Why I Am In Love With The Bessey D-BKWH:
1. Extremely quick blade change. I mean, I can change a blade in under 6 seconds, no joke. (I actually timed myself. I admit, I am a total tool nerd...) Simply unsnap the lock bar, slide out the main clasp, change the blade, slide the main clasp back in and snap the lock bar in place. Done. No need for a screwdriver or any other tools.
2. Safety. Throughout the blade-change process, you are never exposed to difficult movements that create a cutting danger. I have used utility knives that force you to slide locks adjacent to the blade. Can't tell you how many times I nearly severed tendons trying to open a stuck slide lock.
3. The Bessey D-BKWH folds in half when not in use, allowing for safe and simple storage in a pocket or a tool belt. When working on my projects, I simply slide this knife into my jeans pocket at the beginning of the day, and never think about it again until I need to use it. When a need arises, I just grab it from my pocket, flip it open, and I'm ready to go.
4. Once flipped open, the knife is ready to go. I can't stand the knives that force you to slide the blade in and out. So often the slide gets stuck, creating great annoyance when you have to disassemble the knife just to fix the sliding mechanism. No hassle like this with the Bessey D-BKWH.
Newborn Bros & Co #111 1/10GAL Hex Rod Caulker
What It Is: A caulking gun, or caulker, is a tool used for dispensing any product out of a tube container.
When You Use It: Use a caulking gun for an array of projects that require caulking or adhesive. I use mine mostly for caulking paint-grade trim and adhering wall paneling.
Why I Am In Love With The Newborn Bros Caulker:
1. Durability. I dare you to break it. It's more durable than Tiger Woods' image. Oh, wait...
2. It showcases a whopping two features: A puncture tool and a spout-cutter. Both are used to open a new tube of caulking or adhesive.
3. I love simple tools, and this is the poster-boy for simple and effective tools.
