Big S-Biner!

November 14, 2009

One of my favorite hardware accessories of the moment is the new Big S-Biner from NiteIze.  S-biners (basically an s-hook and carabiner hybrid) come in a variety of materials and sizes, but NiteIze’s #10 Big S-Biner is the largest, and therefore the coolest I’ve ever seen.  At just over 10” from end to end, use of a Big S-Biner is really limited only by your creativity and imagination.   Have some super long extension cords that need organizing?  No problem.  Feel like hanging your bike from some exposed pipe?  Easy.  This handy little $10 investment has a weight rating of 100 pounds, impressive for something so lightweight.  Recently, I had the opportunity to excitedly show one off to a fellow TOH blogger.  “It’s just a clip” she said to me, “what can you really say about it?” My reply, “Maybe, but look how BIG it is!” was an argument ender.  If you see some of these beauties at your local hardware store, I highly recommend picking one up…just don’t use it for mountain climbing.

Go green with graywater

November 14, 2009

Next time you pay your water and sewage bill, consider this: Approximately 40 percent of all the water used in your home gets flushed down the toilet.

That's a staggering amount, and water is becoming an increasingly precious and costly commodity in most parts of the country.

To help homeowners reduce water consumption and save money, Sloan Valve--in association with WaterSaver Technologies--recently introduced the Aqus Greywater System, an ingeniously designed device that diverts drain water from the bathroom sink to the toilet. Here's how it works: 

Deal of the Day: EARLY Black Friday bargains at circuitcity.com

November 13, 2009

Can't wait for Black Friday? Neither can Circuit City. They're bringing you a full weekend of Black Friday-style savings on home electronics, including deep discounts on laptops and LCD HDTVs. View the full circuitcity.com Early Black Friday Sale flyer for all available sale items. Prices valid thru Sunday 11/15/09.

Red, hot kettle from Hamilton Beach

November 13, 2009

It's the kind of day, here in New York, where I'm craving a hot tea to combat the dreary, gray, cold outside (we're expecting our first Nor'easter, according to the local weatherpeople). I kind of wish I had this electric kettle from Hamilton Beach. You don't need to turn on the stove to get a steaming cup of lemony tea or chamomile with this cute-as-a-button appliance. I love that you can just plug it in and heat a little over a quart of water in just a few minutes. Plus, it's my favorite color: red!

Deal of the Day: 500-thread-count down comforter, $50

November 12, 2009

There's a bedding clearance at overstock.com! Get this oversize 500-thread-count white down comforter for just $49.99—that's 88% off the MSRP. While supplies last.

Compact combo kit ideal for all DIYers

November 12, 2009

Got a DIY tool lover on your holiday shopping list? Then may I suggest getting them (or me) Porter-Cable's new three-piece cordless combo kit? This is a hole-drilling, screw-driving dream team of tools.

The Model PCL-318IDC-2 Combo Kit includes a drill/driver, impact driver, flashlight, two 18-volt lithium-ion batteries, plug-in charger, and soft-sided storage case.

Both the drill/driver and impact driver are very compact and lightweight, making them ideal for all users. But be fooled by their compact size; these are rugged, professional-duty tools.

Banner stakes tell neighbors to stay off your lawn

November 11, 2009

 
 
In my experience, handwritten notes on leftover computer paper never seem to get very far with getting people to follow instructions when no one's watching. That's why I think these Banner Stakes from Affinity Products, Inc. can come in pretty handy when you need to keep someone off a growing lawn or away from a wet patch of paint.

Deal of the Day: Skil 4-tool combo kit for $99

November 10, 2009

Get this 18-volt tool set with 2-speed drill/driver, multi-finishing sander, orbital jigsaw, and a flashlight for just $99 (MSRP $129) at Lowe's. 

Super sandpaper: The next generation

November 10, 2009

I love using hand tools, but power sanding is really the only way to smooth rough wood. Electric sanders aren't only faster and easier than hand sanding, they also produce a smoother, flatter surface. 

I own several types of power sanders, including belt, orbital, disc-and-belt, and oscillating drum, but the one I use most often by far is my random-orbit sander. Its round pad simultaneously spins in full circles and vibrates in tiny orbits, making it useful for both heavy stock removal and for lightly knocking down a coat of varnish.

The only drawback to random-orbit sanders is that you must buy specially made, hook-and-loop (Velcro) abrasive discs, which aren't cheap. But to be honest, I wouldn't even mind the price if the darn discs didn't rip or wear out so quickly. Fortunately I may have found a solution to this problem.

Switch blade: Two-in-one utility knife

November 7, 2009

 
I'm always impressed when a tool manufacturer takes a simple, everyday tool and completely redesigns it to create a much more versatile, useful tool. Case in point:

Stanley Tools just added the TwinBlade Utility Knife to its popular--and ever-growing--line of FatMax Xtreme hand tools.

At first glance, the TwinBlade looks similar to most other utility knives, but it's hiding a secret.

Homebuyer tax credit set to be extended and expanded

November 6, 2009

Yesterday, the House of Representatives voted to pass an extension and expansion of the First-Time Homebuyer tax credit. Now, all that's needed is for President Obama to sign on the dotted line today and the $8,000 credit will be in place until April 30, 2010 (instead of expiring at the end of this month). Plus, it won't be exclusive to first-time homebuyers anymore - which should hopefully squelch the ugly practice of using kids' identities to get around red tape.

This box protects and organizes

November 6, 2009

If a robber ever comes to my home office looking for bank or credit card documents to steal my identity, they've got another thing coming to them.  Everything is, quite frankly, lost in a mashed up, cluttered mess of files, folders and paperwork. Unfortunately, I have a hard time finding those important documents myself...particularly when I really need them. If I ever get my act together, I think I'll invest in one of these steel file boxes ($19.99) from Master Lock.

Laundry can be so sweet

November 5, 2009

Some people hate doing laundry. In our household, it’s viewed as a rare opportunity to advance the agenda without working up a sweat. You start out with a big messy pile and end up with a nice neat stack (and, if you are lucky, an even number of socks). Sure beats doing windows or cleaning out the fridge. Every so often I idly wonder how this could be any easier, and now Whirlpool has an answer. More

Super cuts: Saw blade delivers superior results

November 5, 2009

I was using my table saw recently to cut up some maple plywood, and discovered that my 10-inch, carbide-tipped blade wasn't cutting very smoothly, and more troubling, it was splintering the maple veneer.

That was a bit surprising because the blade was relatively new and still pretty sharp. So, what choice did I have? I sent the blade out to be sharpened, but also decided to treat myself to a brand-new saw blade--and boy, am I ever glad.

My search to find the perfect plywood-cutting saw blade led me to the Freud LU79R010. And after using it for the past week or so, I can honestly say that it's the smoothest-cutting blade I've ever used.

Space (saving) heater

November 4, 2009

Whether you're a sucker for the Slanket or your loyalties lie with last year's late-night TV star the Snuggie, the days when polar fleece just won't cut it are quickly approaching. So what's the next best way to take winter's chill out of the air, other than cranking up the thermostat? A space heater. Sure, they're easier on your energy bill than central heating, but they're never too easy on the eyes, your decor, or your floor space. The list goes on, which is why I'm drawn to the ECO-heater, a 3/8-inch-thick, wall-mount, square heater capable of keeping a 10-foot-by-12-foot room cozy with minimal electricity. An added bonus: because it uses convection, a process in which most of the air is heated in the space between the panel and the wall, it is also safer than models that heat up in the front, especially for pets and children.