SKIL 89033 33 Piece Screwdriver Bit Set
Filed under: Bits, Carpentry, concrete, Decorating, Demo, Drill/Driver, Electrical, Finish, Layout, Manufacturing, Plumbing, Recycling
This is a fantastic set!
Review in progress
For more info: Skiltools.com
To buy: Amazon.com
Bora 543100 WTX Clamp Edge
Filed under: Carpentry, Decorating, Demo, eco, Finish, Layout, Manufacturing, Recycling
Are you looking for an easy and inexpensive way to rip sheet goods? Well, the Bora Clamp Edge is your answer.
The Bora Clamp Edge can be used independently or along with a table saw to break down sheet goods. For small projects or where a table saw is too cumbersome to transport, I prefer to use the Bora Clamp Edge guide over a table saw. It is light, very portable, and takes up very little room in my truck.
In the above photo, I used a scrap piece of plywood to rip a perpendicular piece to repair a soffit.
When I read the reviews on Amazon for this guide, a few people were having trouble getting the most out of this tool, so I’ll give a couple pointers to make your experience trouble-free.
One, when combing the two pieces together, make sure to hold the two bars together, while installing the screws. If you slide the two bars together without doing so, the two sides may not align.
Two, when installing the screws, turn them counter clockwise until you hear or feel a click, then turn clockwise. Doing this will make sure that the two bars are aligned and the treads for the screws are not damaged. Also, be sure to apply torque incrementally, when tightening the screws.
One user on the reviews commented that the clamp would not slide from once section of the combine bars to the other. I’d ask this particular reviewer to make sure that the two bars are aligned. Over-tightening a screw can shift the alignment.
Before I made my first cut, I made sure to measure the distance from the blade to the edge of the base of the circular saw. The Ridgid saw above is one inch, so I made sure to add an inch to the cut line, before clamping the Bora Clamp Edge (Not all saws will be one inch).
On my first cut, I thought the Bora Clamp Edge would move, as the clamp lever was so easy to engage. However, there was no movement.
The Skilsaw is much more powerful than the Ridgid saw, but the Bora Clamp Edge worked well. No movement detected in the cut piece.
Here’s a photo of an OSB sheet after an 8ft rip.
Photo of three OSB boards. The Bora Clamp produced straighter edges than the one from the OSB factory.
Here’s a photo of half of the Bora Clamp Edge on a small rip.
If you’re looking for an edge guide and are near a Lowes store, make sure to pick one up. You’ll thank yourself. I found this display at the Burbank, California store.
To buy: Amazon.com,
Lowes.com
For more info: AffinityTool.com
OX Tools Offers Attractive New Stainless Steel Tape Measure
Filed under: Carpentry, Demo, Electrical, Layout, Manufacturing, New, Plumbing
CRANFORD, NJ (June 20, 2016) – Accuracy and durability are at the forefront of features that professionals look for in a tape measure and OX delivers on both and as an added bonus, rare earth magnets embedded in the tang to stick to ferrous materials.
“User research indicated that traditional housings were not constructed to withstand multiple drops that are very common on the jobsite and that over time, the markings would become hard to read due to heavy use,” states John Diplock, managing director for OX Tools USA. “We overdesigned this new tape measure to exceed user expectations.”
The 25’ Pro SS Tape Measure showcases a 1-3/16″ wide tape with double-sided with easy-to-read inch fractional markings with 1/8” increments symbolized. The nylon coated tape blade boasts a 9’ horizontal standout.
The business end of the tape has a double-sided tang that offers multiple points to grasp the material and can also sit flush with metal.
The stainless steel case protects the tape from the harsh workplace environment and the rugged over-molded cushion grip increases comfort and provides added slip resistance.
To find a local OX dealer, please visit: http://us.oxtools.com/stores/pages/view/
About OX Tools
Since 1974 Ox Tools has been delivering high-quality professional tools to the general construction, masonry and tiling trades. The company has grown steadily based on the quality of its products and its determined pursuit of service excellence. Ox Tools’ commitment to research and development is combined with a willingness to listen to the people who everyday depend on their tools. By relentlessly researching and introducing new materials and new features, the company is proud to say it has positively impacted the lives of the professional contractor.
Zircon m40-FFP Handheld Electronic Metal Detector
Filed under: concrete, Decorating, Demo, Layout, Plaster/Drywall Repair, Plumbing, Recycling
This is the first Zircon product that I am reviewing, but it’s not the first one I’ve used. I think the first detector that I used was about 20 years ago. It was a stud detector.
I’ve done some preliminary testing on known staples and nails, and it worked on every single one of them.
Review in progress!
For more info: Zircon.com
To buy: Amazon.com
Bora 543100 WTX Clamp Edge 100″ Clamp Edge Saw Guide
Filed under: Carpentry, Decorating, Demo, Finish, Layout, Manufacturing
Review in progress!
Just arrived . . . with a big foot print on the box. I was a bit concerned that the Bora guide would have damage, but it’s perfect!
For this review, I’ll be building shelves for a tiny house, along with a tiny house. The tiny house will be a sample home for our returning veterans without a place to come back to. I always look forward to having any tool available that will make the build easier for our veterans and community volunteers, and this looks like a great compliment to our tool chest.
For our veterans reading this, thank you for your service!
For more info, please contact the fine folks over at AffinityTool.com
To purchase: Amazon.com
Freeman PFWS Professional Fine Wire Stapler
Filed under: Carpentry, Decorating, Demo, Finish, Layout, Manufacturing, Nailer/Stapler
Review in progress!
Upon initial inspection, it’s really hard to believe that this tool sells for so little. This is a quality tool! See the specs below.
- Anodized aluminum magazine holds up to 60 Fasteners at a time and accepts Arrow T50 Brand staples between 1/4 and 9/16-Inch
- Anodized aluminum cylinder provides a more durable surface when the piston is firing and retracting during use, leading to less wear and tear on the internal parts
- Non-marring tip helps protect your work surface from any scratches or marring inflicted by the tool
- Includes oil and wrenches
- Die-cast aluminum construction
For more info: FreemanTools.com
To buy: Amazon.com, HomeDepot.com, Lowes.com
Milwaukee Inkzall Point Marker
Filed under: Carpentry, Decorating, Demo, Electrical, Layout, Manufacturing, New, Pens/Pencils, Plumbing, Weld/Solder
Review in progress!
For more info: Milwaukee Tool
To buy: Amazon.com
Johnson Level & Tool 1904-0700 EZ Read Rafter Square
Filed under: Carpentry, Decorating, Layout, Manufacturing, Recycling
We’ve had the pleasure of using the EZ Read square for seven weeks now. Every one of the claims made by Johnson are accurate. The edges of the EZ Read square are machined, not stamped, so the edges are straight and accurate. It’s the most accurate framing square we’ve found to date. The anti-reflective coating works. Instead of squinting your eyes to see, the black coating just soaks up the rays. The markings on this tool contrast well with the black coating, making it easy-to-read. The scribing notches are top notch. Sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves. Really, they do work well. Even if you have another square, it would make sense to pick one these up, just for the scribing feature alone.
For more info: johnsonlevel.com
To buy: Johnson Level & Tool 1904-0700 EZ Read Rafter Square
Johnson Level & Tool 1904-0700 EZ Read Rafter Square
Preview:
- Solid aluminum body with CNC machined edges for greater accuracy and durability
- EZ Read permanent graduations and numbers are highly visible
- Thick edge is useful as a saw guide
- Continuous scribing notches – ideal for ripping at 3-1/2″ and 5-1/2″
- Low-glare, protective anodized finish
For more info: johnsonlevel.com
To buy: Johnson Level & Tool 1904-0700 EZ Read Rafter Square
Stanley TLM65 – 65″ Laser Distance Measurer
For more info: StanleyTools.com