This week I got to try out Makita's 18-Volt Lithium-Ion sub-compact impact driver. I'm no stranger to the world of impact drivers, and I'm on the record in my belief that it's one of the most basic, versatile tools anyone can own (yes, you probably need one). But this is definitely the smallest and lightest model I've ever gotten my hands on, so I was curious how it would perform, and whether it would earn a permanent spot on my workbench.
"I'm so excited for yard care season to begin!"
- Nobody, never
That is, until me, today! I got to try out Milwaukee's M18 cordless string trimmer kit (which is waaaay more than just a weed whacker - read on for that), and it has me itching to go out and get my yard whipped into shape. In fact, I got so carried away testing out these new tools, that I've been putting off writing up this blog post all morning! Read on to see what I'm so psyched about, and how you can win the same toolkit for yourself!
Hey everyone! Spring is in the air, and that means all of you will be crawling out of hibernation and looking for some DIY projects to tackle! With that in mind, we've got a really great Home Depot #toolschool giveaway for you this week.
It's always fun to share some free tools with you guys, so scroll down for the details on how to enter to win:
Today we've got an awesome Home Depot #toolschool giveaway for you guys! Over the years we've had the opportunity to do a ton of projects using tools from Dremel; everything from rotary tools, oscillating tools, saws, soldering irons, burning and etching tools, cleaning products ... you name it.
So this month, we thought it'd be fun to share some of these goodies with you guys! Scroll down for the details on...
Over the last twelve months we worked with The Home Depot to come up with a whole series of projects and tool reviews called Tool School. We had a blast testing out everything from wet-dry vacuums to framing nailers, high-tech measuring gadgets and low-tech (but incredibly useful) cutting tools.
Here are a few that didn't make it into any of our previous projects or roundups, but I still thought deserved a mention:
As we wrap up the year, it's always fun to look back at some of our favorite DIY projects from the last twelve months. This year we worked with The Home Depot to come up with a whole series of projects and tool reviews, called Tool School. Here's a look at some of the DIYs I liked best, along with the tools that made them possible, plus, a selection of new gift ideas just in time for your holiday shopping.
You know the saying "if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail?" Well, if all you have is a wet/dry vac, then you're going to be just fine, mister, because it's probably the one power tool in my house I would never, ever, not even maybe, give up.
I've written about the amazing versatility and usefulness of my wet/dry vacuum before (here's what it feels like when your basement...
This week on Tool School, I'm trying out the new Dewalt cordless framing nailer. It's the most powerful cordless nailer they've ever built, so I'm excited to see how it works!
You know you're pushing the limits of what you might call "DIY" when your project requires a nail gun. For most jobs, a hammer and a bag of nails will suffice. But if you're framing an addition, building a deck, or putting up a fence, you'll probably want to reach for a framing nailer. These beasts are heavy, tough, powerful, and (slightly) dangerous. But when you need one, you'll know it, and you'll be glad it's there.
The Rigid MEGAMax is a hulking monster-tool. It's the Optimus Prime of home improvement. If they ever make a movie about power tools coming to life and taking over the world, forcing us DIYers to labor at the thankless tasks they've plied for so long, well, then this tool will be their leader.
The MEGAMax is a really powerful interchangeable tool system just introduced by RIGID. The Powerbase includes an 18V brushless motor and can automatically identify which tool head you've attached (and adjust battery/motor output accordingly). I tried two of the attachments, the Reciprocating Saw Head and the 1/2 in. Right Angle Drill Head, and I can tell you that I don't think I've ever used a more powerful handheld tool (corded or not) in my life. Here's what I found ...
Every once in a while I discover a gadget that does a lot more than I expected it to do. And the Bosch Laser Measure is definitely one of those. When I received a sample to review, my first thought was, "Great. I have thirteen tape measures on my workbench. What do I need this for?" But after trying it out, I've completely changed my mind. Now I'm thinking, "I have this thing. What do I need thirteen tape measures for?!"
The Bosch 165-ft. electronic laser measure surprised me by doing everything I needed it to do better than my existing tools, and by doing a few things I didn't know I needed (but I did)!