2011 Milwaukee Tools New Product Symposium
So we’re here at the 2011 Milwaukee New Product Symposium. While it has yet to officially begin (I’m penning this […]
Lowe’s to Sell GE WattStation Electric Vehicle Chargers
Electric vehicles are on the horizon – that much is clear, but the infrastructure to make them practical is still […]
7-inch Swanson TOSB01 Speed Bevel Review
When Swanson sent us their newest 7″ Speed Bevel, we didn’t realize the new inexpensive orange ABS plastic composite square would quickly become our all-around go-to tool for odd jobs and miscellaneous angle measurements. Swanson, who brought us the original Speed Square, built some new innovation into the Speed Bevel. While it doesn’t excel in build quality, it does have a really good function as a low-cost multi-purpose solution for finding angles, making quick cut measurements, and serving as a stop-gap protractor.
Ready to Turn in Your Incandescent Bulbs? You May Not Have To
The government has affected many different aspects of home construction, some good, like primary building codes that keep home safer and set standards for quality construction. Other things, like regulating low-flow toilets in 1994, have been more… problematic. Now, consumers are facing an essential “ban” on all residential incandescent lights that is slated to start next year for 100 watt bulbs. So how is this a “ban”? In December 2007 the federal government enacted the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. This act mandates that all household and commercial light bulbs producing between 310 and 2600 lumens be 30% more energy efficient then 2007-era incandescents by 2012-2014. This would put them in step with halogen technology. The efficiency standards starts with 100-watt bulbs in January 2012 and works its way down to 40-watt bulbs in January 2014.
Duo-Fast DF150-CS Button Cap Stapler Preview
If you’ve ever done a roofing job (and most of our readers seem to have some knowledge of this type of work) you’ve laid down button caps to secure felt to a rooftop. That job is made simpler with the addition of pneumatics. We’ve tried several different systems, like the Fasco America SideWinder Windstrips Stapler we reviewed last year. Now, Duo-Fast has a new product, the DF150-CS Button Cap Stapler. This system allows you to shoot staples and plastic button caps at the same time. As you can imagine, it’s perfect for roofing felt applications as well as housewrap. Most jurisdictions not locked to Broward County rules will allow the use of a tool like this on roofing felt and housewrap.
The End of the Traditional Toilet
Dealing with human waste in many places around the globe proves to be a challenge. Here in America, we often take for granted the amount of clean water that is available and take minimal measures to conserve it. Depending on the age of your home and the type of toilet that is installed, a toilet can be one of the largest users of water in your home. Now the reason that Bill Gates is interested in toilets is because for a big part of the world, clean water is limited and in many cases is not even available. So the idea to develop a better toilet, maybe even the ultimate toilet, does seem like a worthy cause.
Rockler Pack Rack Tool Apron Preview
When we first saw the Rockler Pack Rack Tool Apron, we thought “man, that’s going to be very heavy to wear […]
Rheem XR90 Extreme Recovery Gas Water Heater Preview
We’re big fans of instant, on-demand water heaters – but now there’s yet another option for energy efficiency. Now a […]
Makita Helps Learning Planet with Cordless Tools
Pro Tool Reviews really loves the idea of backing charities that reach out to those in need. Makita caught our […]
Porter-Cable C1010 1 Gallon Quiet Trim Compressor Preview
Having a full sized 4-gallon compressor for framing and other construction projects is great, but what about the smaller job where you don’t want a larger compressor that takes up lots of space and is bulky to maneuver? For that, Porter-Cable has introduced its new heavy-duty, one-gallon, 135 Max PSI quiet trim compressor (model C1010). This is the kind of tool you want to bring with you to do punch lists and smaller trim work, making it perfect for general contractors, trim carpenters, and remodelers. It’s even suitable for woodworkers, wanting a lightweight tool for furniture assembly.