Archive for April, 2009

For many, achieving a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records is an important and fulfilling occasion. From months of planning to physical training to accomplish the feat, many dedicate themselves heart and soul to the fulfillment of their goal. However, there’s one record that simply can’t be done without a workshop essential.

In this video, you’ll see the record for most rotations hanging from a power drill in a minute is 141 achieved by The Guy Hiang (Germany) on the set of Guinness World Records – Die Größten Weltrekorde in Cologne, Germany, on September 1, 2007.

Watch the Drill Spin World Record

This feat is commendable, but what’s even more impressive is the drill itself.
Can you tell us what the brand of drill is?

In times like these, it’s hard for craftmen to get the tools they need at a price that they can afford. If it’s not the price being offered for new tools, it’s the availability. So how can do-it-yourselfers and tool enthusiasts alike still get the equipment they need without going on a scavenger hunt for the best price?

Tools-Plus.com offers a solution for stressed craftsmen looking for a better deal on items like nailers, sanders, and saws. The Reconditioned Tool selection at Tools-Plus.com gives craftsmen a better way to shop for tools by offering up a great selection of DeWalt power tools that have been restored to their top condition. Though some of the tools may have cosmetic blemishes, it’s really the performance that counts. These tools are guaranteed with manufacturer’s warranties, just like a new tools, and still deliver the same cutting, nailing, or sanding power you need to complete your latest project.

Take a look at some of our reconditioned tools to see how you can save on brand name tools that are easy to use, easy to purchase, and easy to ship right to your door.

Unless you’re a craftsman or a do-it-yourselfer, having a garage filled with tools just isn’t practical. Besides being a costly After all, most people tend to use tools for little fix-it projects. So what are the essentials every home should have?

First off, if you’re a new homeowner or are just looking to start out on your own, consider the types of uses you’ll need tools for. Do you have electronics? Do you plan on hanging artwork in the new place? Do you have tools needed to repair or even access certain parts of your home? If you have special needs, outfit them before you try to improvise and possibly, cause yourself even more hassle.

Next, outfit your home with these manual tool essentials:

1. Screwdrivers (Phillips & flat head)
2. Hammer
3. Pliers
4. Wrench
5. Hand saw
6. Utility knife
7. Pry bar
8. Tape measure
9. Needle nose pliers
10. Ratchet and socket set
11. Stud finder
12. Putty knife

Finally, every home should have a Cordless Drill for all of those little projects that don’t include pre-drilled holes, like furniture, walls, floors, and other minor repairs. Include a few bits and screwdriver heads and you’ve got a tool that’s sure to make any project easier.

With Earth Day steadily approaching (April 22), many homeowners are looking for ways to clean up their home and the environment. While many may turn to recycling bins, compost areas, and water conservancy to help out Mother Earth, some are going to the tool box to do their part. Recycling dead batteries from power tools properly is just one way that you can reduce your environmental impact while still taking care of business.

DeWalt, a leading manufacturer of power tools, has recently announced that April is National Power Tool Battery Recycling Month. As part of this effort to recycle batteries properly, the company will be offering a discount on battery purchases at any of its service centers.

DeWalt hosted its first recycling program in October 2008 and collected more than 23,500 pounds of rechargeable batteries. Users can recycle nickel cadmium (Ni-Cad), nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) and lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries from any battery manufacturer at any of the 87 service centers and receive their $10 off discount. It’s really that easy.

For those who can’t make it to a service center for the event, there’s always the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation, a non-profit group with a mission for recycling. The group’s Call2Recycle Progam has helped countless handymen and women recycle their batteries easily and safely. Last year, the non-profit reported a 12% increase in collection numbers, resulting in more than 6.3 million pounds of rechargeable batteries recycled.

Do your part for the environment this Earth Day. Recycle your power tool batteries properly.

The Wood Whisperer‘s tagline is “Education and Entertainment For the Modern Woodworker,” and it’s true that the site has equal measures of both. The site, which is sponsored in part by Festool, has lots of video podcast content, a robust ‘new to woodworking’ page and lots of user generated content, too.

TWW is also home to the Wood Talk Online audio podcast, where Marc and Matt answer listener emails. If you’re into woodworking, a trip to The Wood Whisperer is well worth your time.

We’re continuing to share the love and tell you guys what we’re reading.  There are so many great tool blogs out there that we’re still finding new ones, too.

Tool Snob is great because it has concise, readable reviews and, most importantly, it has personality.  It’s fun to read and not just knowledgeable.  Today’s review of a crowbar (that got stolen) is a perfect example.  The site even gives out free stuff – and we love free stuff.  Most recently, they gave away a Home Depot gift card – but we won’t hold that against them .

Springtime is here – shouldn’t your workshop be ready for the season?

Because of the nicer weather that springtime brings, many contractors, do-it-yourselfers, and hobbyists choose spring as the perfect season for starting a new project. If you’re planning on starting up something new, or even finishing up a project you’ve already started, it’s important to consider the tools you’re using to get the job done. If they’re worn out from many winters -or in many cases, just plain old – you may want to consider giving your tool box (or work bench) a spring cleaning.

Spring cleanings aren’t just about getting your work areas organized; they’re also about getting your workshop safe. Organized work spaces, up to date tools, and a cleaner area for doing your projects are all vital elements to keep yourself safe and functional. Just remember, if your shop is looking old, rusty, and a little bit unstable, chances are that it’s just the right time to give it a good spring cleaning.

Clear out the dust, dirt and grime from your tools and work areas. Sweep the floors and reorganize to maximize your space. Go through all of your tools and materials and to check on their conditions. If there’s rust, toss it or recycle it properly. Have a broken power tool? Replace it with a new one from Tools-Plus.com. Been storing paint for several years? It’s probably time to toss it. Remember, you have to make smart choices about what you keep in your shop, especially during the busy season of spring.

We’ve been finding so many great communities since we’ve started blogging.  So every once in awhile, we want to take some time to recognize what we’ve been reading.

Savvy tool shoppers – and I know you’re savvy because you’re reading our blog – should check out the community at Tool-Rank.com.  The site has reliable, crowdsourced tool reviews, an active forum community, and regular contests (just like we have our weekly Where’s Lucy? contest).  Blogger Chris Rodenius has a great knack for finding great tools (and some downright odd ones, like an 87-tool Swiss Army knife).