Home & Garden Blog » Tools

A Guide for Choosing and Buying the Right Tools

brock — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:43:32 +0000

The hardest thing I ever learned in all my years of being a do-it-yourselfer wasn’t really home improvement related. Sure, there have been a few learning experiences, but the most challenging thing I’ve had to deal with is choosing the right tools.

When I went to the hardware store, I was inundated with different brands, sizes, strengths, prices and even colors. It didn’t matter if I was looking for a new hammer, chainsaw or drywall trowel; the options were always mind-boggling. It’s taken years of trial and error to finally devise a method where I can usually pick the right tool the first time around.

Define Your Needs

If you just plan on trimming the hedges, you don’t need a logging chainsaw. Examine the work you want to do and decide exactly how big a tool you are going to need. You don’t need to spend $45 on a metal trowel if you’re only going to be patching a few quarter size holes in the wall.

Define Your Scope

Is this a job you’ll be doing a lot of in the near future? Is this a tool you’ll be using for other jobs around the home? If this is a one-time job, and once you’re done the tool is heading to the garage, then you don’t need to buy the expensive, extra-super-special one. If you are going to be using it again and again, you’ll want to invest in something sturdier. Take, for example, a cheap off-brand chainsaw versus a more well-built expensive model. If you bought a wood furnace and are going to be spending your weekends in the fall chopping down trees, you’ll want the better one. If you only plan on using it to cut off the occasional wayward branch, go for the cheaper one. Initially, the quality won’t be much different. It’s what happens over long-term use that counts. Cheaper chainsaws will have chain jams and breaks, as well as heating issues, because they’ll lack some of the options the more expensive chainsaws have.

Shop Around

Visit mom and pop hardware stores, as well as the big box stores, and compare prices and models. If you can wait a few days, then don’t be afraid to surf the web at credible websites (like Smarter.com), and pick an implement. Online sites often have deals that brick and mortar stores don’t. When you’ve found the one you want, take the plunge. Remember, if it turns out to not be what you want, then you can always return it.

Home Depot Coupons: 50% Off Power Tools

ernani — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:48:45 +0000

So you’ve decided to make changes and fixtures to the house. After all those times putting it off and making good excuses to delay the process, you’ve finally programmed your brain to set other things aside and get these tasks completed. It took a while, but at least your there.

The next step is getting the right tools for the job. Like many of you, right when I think I’m ready to start, I’m either missing or have misplaced the tools I need! Even if I locate where those tools ran off to, then they are old, rusted or barely functional. This is definitely a disaster, considering I’m finally in the right mind set to accomplish these goals and not having the proper tools can result in a major setback. The thoughts of spending more money on tools may easily be the reset button that takes about another year or two to reboot. Before you consider hitting that button, take a look at HomeDepot.com.

Home Depot has the perfect solution when it comes to getting the right tools you need without spending so much. Use this coupon code PRES50 and get 50% off power tools and accessories! Choose from a variety of power tools that include cutting saws, compressors, screwdriver sets, hammer drills, welding angles and more! But make sure you make all your online purchases soon, as the coupon is only valid up to March 9th, 2011.

Instead of hitting that reset button and waiting another year to even contemplate on working on the house, check our Home Depot coupons page for more great deals and promotions.

Helping Hands: When Children Want to Be Involved

brock — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:00:59 +0000

As both a Mr. Fix-It and a father, I try to have my oldest child help me out occasionally with the easy home repair or remodel as a way to get that little extra bonding time and hopefully teach him a little bit about the do-it-yourself attitude.

As my other two get older, I will bring them in as well, but for right now, my 5-year-old is daddy’s helper. This is fine if I am doing something easy and mundane such as patching a hole or painting a room, but he cannot be directly involved with projects that could be dangerous for him or involve sharp tools such as saws and utility knives.

The problem with having him help on one thing means that he often wants to help on everything, even the dangerous ones such as resigning a roof or cutting boards. As a father, I am torn. On the one hand, the job itself is too dangerous and he can’t help, but on the other hand, I don’t want him to get disheartened about helping me out altogether. Here are a few tips I have learned to keep kids involved with the project, but keep them out of harms way at the same time:

1. The helper. A hammer and a board means hours of playtime. When my son asks me to help out and there isn’t much that he can do, I give him my hammer or rubber mallet and a small piece of wood. I tell him to sit at my work bench and help flatten the wood, so I can use it later in the project. Yes, it’s a little white lie and he isn’t going to go for it for too much longer, but he likes hitting the wood, and he thinks he’s helping me out.

2. The tool man. If I am doing a job like plumbing that doesn’t involve sharp tools, but it still a little too dangerous for him to do, then I make him my tool man. He sits next to me and I ask for a tool from my toolbox and he gives it to me. It’s fun for both of us, because he doesn’t always know what the right tool is and he guesses.

3. The holder. I remember one of my first experiences as a holder for my dad was when he was fixing a flat tire. He gave me the hubcap and it was my job to hold the lug nuts for the tire until he needed them. I felt so special even though all I was doing was holding a hubcap. Have your child hold the screw or nuts for you until you need them. This frees up a hand for you and gives him something to help out with.

The thing to remember when having children helping you with a repair is that to them, anything they do is awesome. They are helping Dad, and it’s a big boy thing to do. It may not seem like much at the time, but some of my fondest memories involve talking with my dad as we worked on a project.

Buying New Tools: Do You Really Need Them?

brock — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:43:13 +0000

When I head to a place like Sears or even online stores, like many men, I tend to gravitate toward the electronics and tools sections. No matter what tools I buy, there is always more that I “need.” Whether it’s that new electric hammer that lets you nail things in tight spaces or just a new wrench set, since the old ones are getting a little worn.

As a do-it-yourselfer, you need to have tools, and depending on how intense into home repair you get, that could mean the basics, like hammers, wrenches and screwdrivers, to the more advanced (and expensive) tools like routers, air compressors and saws of all sizes and shapes.

It’s easy to get caught up in the grandeur of the new tools, and it has led to many marital disputes over the years. Believe it nor not, your wife or significant other does not appreciate your need of a cordless drill, because you already have a corded one. I know, right?

The thing you have to ask yourself when you go to buy a new tool — or when you just to go window shopping — is this: Do I really need it? Many times, a tool seems cool on the shelf and you can think of a million things to do with it, but then you get it home and it just sits on your shelf.

Sure, it looks really good sitting on the shelf, and you will be the envy of all your friends, but what’s its use? You just spent $100 or more on a tool that’s going to do nothing, but has the potential to do a lot. I will admit that there has been the occasion where a tool has sat on my shelf for a while and then out of nowhere the perfect situation arises to use it. But this is rare.

I cannot stress the importance of having a proper set of tools, but getting over your head with needless tools serves no purpose. The money would be better served buying supplies for your home improvements and upgrades to the tools you already use.

The last thing you want to find out is that you can’t start that project you want because you spent all your money on a tool you’ll never use. I have actually done this, and its not fun explaining to my wife that I can’t fix the leaking sink for another couple of days because I spent the money on a new jigsaw.

I had to build a new doghouse after that, just so I could fit in it for a couple of days.

Mr. Fix It: Finding the Right Tool for the Job

brock — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:42:23 +0000

Being a mostly self-taught do-it-yourselfer, I discovered early that if you want things done right, then you need to have the right tool for the job.

It’s easy to forget that when you are desperately trying to get a job done and you don’t have the one size wrench or screwdriver you need, it can be a real pain.

So what do you do? If you were anything like me, then you improvised, usually to disastrous results. Let me tell you about a few instances when I didn’t have the right tool for the job and the consequences of improvising.

1. Children’s Toy: It seems like nowadays, if you want to construct a children’s toy such as a bicycle, then you need to have an engineering degree, which is funny since I studied physics and still can’t get this stuff together. Many times, these kits come with some cheaply built wrenches or other tools to help you build, but no such luck this time.

I needed a wrench or, at the very least, a crescent wrench, and I had them, but they were downstairs in the garage and I wasn’t feeling the walk. I surveyed the room like MacGyver, trying to ascertain what piece of mundane equipment I could use for a wrench. My wife has been into beading, and she had purchased a dainty pair of pliers to help grab the beads. I saw my opportunity and took it. The consequence was a rounded nut that wouldn’t turn even when I went downstairs and got the right wrench.

It then required a trip to the hardware store to buy a new nut (I didn’t have that size) and to buy a tool that could turn the stripped nut. Yeah, me.

2. A hammer by any other name. A hammer by definition is basically a tool to hit something. It has a few handy dandy points like the nail puller, but it’s main purpose is to hit something. We had some molding that had come loose, thanks to the added motivation of our children, and come off. There were some nails sticking out of the bare wood. I certainly did not want my kids getting hurt on it, so I decided to nail them in just to be safe.

Of course, it was about 8 p.m., and I was tired. The last thing I wanted to do was go all the way to the garage just to grab a hammer. I mean, anything can really be a hammer right? Wrong. Once again, I surveyed the room and found a heavy ceramic (what my mother would call a “pretty”), and I would call it a substitute hammer. It’s heavy, and I was sure it could take down one of those little nails.

I grabbed it and lightly tapped the nail and nothing really happened. I guess I needed a little more force. Needless to say, the “pretty” broke into about four pieces and wasn’t so pretty anymore. Add to the fact that my wife did not know I was using her “pretty” as a hammer meant I had a lot of explaining to do. The biggest consequence was 24 hours of being in the doghouse.

My advice to all you do-it-yourselfers out there is not to cut corners and to grab the right tool for the job when it needs it. Believe me, it will save you time in the end.

Home and Garden Store Coupons Expiring Soon!

evette — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:11:40 +0000

Brookstone: Take $5 off orders $75 or more – AF5APR (Exp: 05/15/09)

Find at Brookstone.com – Mobile Laptop Desk: ~~$129.95~~ $99.95 on sale!

Compact Appliance: 12% off freestanding beverage fidges – BEVFRG12 (Exp: 05/31/09)

Find at CompactAppliance.com – Avanti Commercial Beverage Refrigerator: $286.56 after coupon code is applied

Designer Linens Outlet: Free shipping on orders of $69+ – ShipAF69 (Exp: 05/31/09)

Find at DesignerLinensOutlet.com: Castle Hill of London 200 Thread Count 100% Egyptain Sheet Set: ~~$49.99~~ $29.99 on sale!

Living Direct: Take an additional 5% off all patio furniture – 5PATIO (Exp: 05/31/09)

Find at LivingDirect.com – Vifah Luxany Caffe Bench Patio Set: ~~$749.00~~ ~~$551.65 on sale!~~ $524.07 after code is applied.

Tool King: Free shipping on all orders over $149 – SPRING (Exp: 05/31/09)

Find at ToolKing.com -Makita Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver: $269.99

Click here to find more coupons for home and garden stores.

Tool Boxes – Check out Klein Tool Bucket Tool Organizer

evette — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:24:50 +0000

I don’t own enough tools to own a proper tool box per say but living on my own for 6 years I have accumulted a good set of standard “need-to-have-repair items”. Which means I own a decent hammer, a power drill, assorted nails and screws..a philips screw driver..etc.

Since I don’t own extensive tools the Klein Tools Bucket Type Organizer appeals me. Here are the official features:

•Fits standard 5 gallon bucket
•Constructed of double-layered, 600 x 300 denier polyester to resist wear and tear on the jobsite
•Water resistant to avoid the buildup of mold and mildew
•Double layer of polyester at bucket edges for durability
•Interior pockets include: 3 tool sleeves, 1 power tool/cord sleeve, and 6 universal pockets
•Exterior pockets include: 9 screwdriver/nut driver pockets, 11 pliers pockets, 11 utility pockets, 2 wire stripper pockets, and 2 Velcro® closeable pockets
•Heavy-duty webbing keeps pockets open for easy access to supplies and tools
•(Tools not included)

Price is only $39.99

If you are interested in the Klein Tools Bucket, Tool Organizer – Click here!

DeWalt Heavy Duty Cordless Drill – Compare and Save 61% Off

evette — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 20:46:17 +0000

I recently went on a manly expedition to Home Depot with a male chum who needed to find and purchase measuring tape. Apparently when men need to update their tool kits, there is just no waiting.

Made me kind of laugh to be honest, I liken the male tool box to shoes and bags and makeup for women. When the urge hits to upgrade, you have to run with it!

So there we were amidst the sky high aisles of all things masculine when it struck me, I need to buy a cordless power drill. I admit I can be utterly clueless when it comes to certain facets of home repair, but all things being equal, I am actually pretty self reliant with the majority of my home design needs.

One of the things that I am constantly doing each time I move is screwing! Screwing portraits up, screwing the curtains up, screwing my bed together, screwing, screwing, screwing. So it is my personal belief that every gal should have a compact cordless drill.

With the help of my chum I chose the DeWalt Heavy Duty Cordless Drill. What I like about it is it has the appropriate amount of strength for any of my medial tasks, but it is light-ish and easy to handle. Plus I was informed by my masculine friend that DeWalt is a great and respectable brand.

I have already had to use it twice! To install a ceiling fan in my apartment and to redo the drapes I lazily hammered into the wall in lieu of breaking my wrists hand installing them with my Phillips screwdriver. But so far so good, the thing is paying itself off.

DeWalt Cordless Drill - $121.06 (you save 61% Off)

If you are interested in purchasing or shopping for the DeWalt Cordless Drill, click here.

Killer Deal – Cordless Chain Saw

evette — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:01:52 +0000

Need to trim the branches off your garden tree? Better yet, ever get the urge to don a mask and go on a killing spree? No? Just me huh? Well whatever your purpose, this cordless rechargeable chainsaw is a killer deal!

This Cordless Chain Saw will get the job done quickly and safely. Its 18V motor and rechargeable NiCad battery power the chain at 576 FPM to zip through branches with amazing ease. Also has double safety switch to help prevent accidents, safety nose guard design for anti-kick back and a lightweight outdoor tough design that weighs just 9 lbs. Battery charger included.

Usually cost: $~~269.99~~ at Heartland America sold for: $79.99

Limited time they are offering FREE shipping as well.

To shop for the Heartland American Cordless Rechargeable Chainsaw, click here.

To shop for more discount outdoor power equipment, click here.

iRobot Deals! iRobots that Vacuum, Clean Gutters and More!

evette — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:12:20 +0000

Welcome to the Future! In truth as a child when I envisioned robotic help of the future, my mind formed images of Rosie the Robot Maid from the Jetsons, or better yet models like iRobot the movie:

So we may not be there quite yet, but with products like the iRobot Looj gutter cleaning robot, the iRobot Roomba and the iRobot Dirt Dog Shop Sweeping Robot we are definitely on our way!

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Check out some of their top selling robots:

iRobot Looj Gutter Cleaning Robot

Basic Gutter Cleaning Model

Blasts out debris, clogs and sludge and brushes your gutters clean
Reduces repeated ladder repositioning and over-reaching from dangerous heights
Price: $99.99

iRobot Roomba

New iRobot Roomba 500 Series Robots feature dramatic improvements in navigation and floor coverage, edge and corner cleaning, brushes, filters and advanced anti-tangle technology.

Covers 4 rooms on a single battery charge
Self-charging Home Base
1 each Replacement Beater & Bristle Brush
Price: $399.99
iRobot Deal: Save $75 Off when you buy 2 iRobot Roomba’s!

iRobot Dirt Dog – Shop Sweeping Robot

iRobot Dirt Dog sweeps your workshop, garage, basement, patio, deck and other industrial floor surfaces. The high-speed, counter-rotating brushes and oversized dust bin pick up and trap woodchips, nuts, bolts, dirt and other heavy duty debris so you don’t have to. It even cleans beneath workbenches, cars, furniture and other hard-to-reach places. When your work is done, just press the Clean button and walk away.

Price: $129.99

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