In case you've been "in the dark" (pun intended) new federal government lighting legislation takes effect this coming year (2012) which will fundamentally change the way residential homes and businesses will utilize lighting. The issue isn't that the use of incandescent light bulbs is being outlawed. Rather, standards for lighting efficiency are being mandated. That means manufacturers have to change the way they product general lighting products. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which provides neither independence nor security, mandates a progressive phase-out and the alternatives are enticing in some ways, but also carry some baggage... so which will you choose?
Finding pocket tools that will get through airline and TSA security can be a little tricky, so we figured we would try to bring some clarity to the issue of what you can fly with in your pocket. Since there are some speculation and claims about what is approved and what is not, we figured the best way to find out what you can fly with is to simply try it for ourselves. After checking the TSA website, it is pretty clear what is prohibited. Using that as our baseline, we went about looking for some pocket size tools that had items we could use and did not include any of the banned items.
Are you looking to set up your shop or garage with a new tool box set? For Black Friday this year, Sears has some great deals on tool box sets along with lots of other goodies that you need. We got a preview of the sales flier and there are many deals that are 50% or better off the regular prices. This Black Friday might be a good excuse to load up on some great tools and gadgets and maybe even pick up a few gifts for this holiday season.
For us to take notice of Black Friday tool deals, we figured that the tool or accessory has to be at least half-off of the regular price to get us out of bed early. We are happy to report that it looks like Ace Hardware has plenty of deals. Also this year, we appreciate that there was only minimal coupons and rebates required unlike Ace Black Friday sales in the past. This year you can show up early and come out with some instant savings gratification for sure. Make sure to check out what time your local Ace opens on Black Friday and then get on over there to save tons and pick up some really cool stocking-stuffers for Christmas.
Harbor Freight is all about everyday value and Black Friday is no exception for the discount tool retailer. Plan on finding some amazing deals starting Black Friday and lasting through the weekend. For us it is easy to recommend picking up tools at Harbor Freight. Everyone knows that many of the tools might not be "pro" grade but given their price, you can often purchase 3, 4 or even 10 of them before coming close to the cost of a major brand product. For many folks, tools from Harbor Freight can be a very economical and also wise choice, especially if you are only going to intermittently use the tool or do just one job with it and then throw it on a shelf.
With the economy in the dumps, it seems that we have seen plenty of products on sale throughout the year so in order for us to even want get out of bed early for a sale; we figured that the merchandise has to be at least half off of the regular price for it to make our list. The deals at Lowe's look pretty good this year for Black Friday.
So are you ready to replace those incandescent lightbulbs with LED lamps yet? No? Why not? The thing about LED lighting that is so impressive and compelling is that it doesn't use nearly the amount of power as traditional lighting. That means that you don't waste energy creating heat instead of light. You can also dim LED lighting more easily than other technologies like florescent bulbs. LED lighting is also safer and less hazardous, less prone to shattering, and ultimately more convenient to use due to its smaller form factor. LED lighting, like incandescent, doesn't require an expensive, and often bulky, ballast. In fact, LED lighting is clearly the future of both residential and commercial lighting. This isn't an opinion, it's a fact - one that is easy to see once you experience it in practical use.
There are an arsenal of tools any decent electrician worth his Romex is going to have in his collection. With the recent proliferation of new electrical tools and devices hitting the market, we thought we'd give an overview of the electrical testing tools that any professional will need to have in their rig in order to perform the most common electrical tasks. In our circles, electricians are the folks who specialize in the electrical wiring of residential & commercial buildings. While some electricians specialize in new construction, others are very adept at renovation work and rewiring. Both, however, need to have a full suite of electrical testing tools in order to successfully execute their work.
Traditionally, you could buy doors made from wood, steel, or fiberglass. Each had their strengths and weaknesses, but recently vinyl, or uPVC has made its way into the scene - taking on the dominant materials and presenting a very reasonable alternative to the more traditional products. Taking a look at uPVC or vinyl exterior doors we wanted to present 5 reasons why you should consider it for your next project. uPVC may not always be the best choice, but there are definitely plenty of reasons why it should be considered.
So, you're on the market for a drill/driver. You're thinking 18V, Li-on most likely but other than that you're at a loss. There seem to be hundreds of drills on the market but no good way of comparing them. If only someone would put together a guide... but wait! We did! Enjoy. Every manufacturer's offering in one place and just in time for Valentine's day. Your wife will be so happy to unwrap that new drill she's been at hinting for months. Of course she uses the code word "jewelry" but we all know that means drill. Right?
With all the talk about green energy and rebates, a lot of people have looked to the possibility of replacing their old windows as a means of saving energy and improving their homes. Why would you do that? Well, there are some whose windows are little more than <1/16-inch pieces of low insulation glass between them and some pretty hot or cold weather. In Florida and other warmer climates, for example, codes were considerably lax in decades past, allowing for substandard windows to make their rounds in many cities. Now, with rising energy costs and a housing market that has many holding onto what they have, replacing windows is an ever more popular means of home improvement. Plus, it tends to add curb appeal.
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