We get a lot of emails from people, which we always love hearing from our readers.  They ask us questions like which combo kit should I buy?  Where should I buy it from?  Who is the best manufacturer?  These are all awesome questions, so we decided to make an information page about these questions and power tool combo kits.

What Manufacturer Combo Kit is the Best?

This is probably the number one question we get from our readers.  We wish we could give you a simple answer, but there is not one.  In reality there truly is not one best manufacturer around.   Some manufacturers may make the best reciprocating saw, but maybe their grinder is sub par.  Now if you talk to different people, you will get many different answers.  It’s like the old truck argument, which is better Ford, Dodge or Chevy.  You will get people who are loyal to Ford and hate Dodge, while others think Chevy is the best.  I am not sure why people fight about this since we all know GMC is the best, yeah I know I say that because I own one.  Well the same goes for power tools.  Some will swear by Dewalt and others say Milwaukee.  So again there is not an easy answer to this question.  You have to find what you like best.

A better question should be what manufacturer combo kit should I buy?  While the answer is still hard, it is a little more easy to narrow down.  First you have to ask yourself what kind of user are you.  Are you a professional who uses his tools for a living everyday?  Are you a home user who will be using his tools every weekend?  Will you be using them once a month or once a year?

If you are a professional, well the answer is easy you need to invest in the best.  We will leave that alone now since I am sure you already have a favorite brand.  If you use your tools once a year, you don’t want to invest a lot of money because all the tools will do is sit on your shelf and lose money over time.  In fact you may even want to look on eBay for a nice inexpensive used set.

Now the question comes for the homeowner.  The guy who uses his tools every weekend or once a month.  Now the line gets a little more blurred.  Here you can go either way.  You can spend the money for a nice professional set since you will be using it all the time or you can save yourself some money and get the nice DIY power tool set.  This is only a decision you can make, but we would suggest going to the store and picking them up.  Play around with them.  How do they feel?  Is the balance what you expected?  Does it fit nice in your hand?  Can you manage the weight of the tool?  The bottom line is buy what you feel comfortable with.  When it comes down to it, if you are a weekend warrior, any of the tools will hold up in your situation.  It really comes down to how it feels for you.  You also want to see what tools they offer in that line, so you can expand your tool set down the road with the tools you may need.

What Power Tool Combo Kit Should I buy?

Another great question, but again one we just can not answer for you.  We can give you a little guidance, but the choice is up to you.  What tools will you be using?  Chances are you will be using the drill, but if you have no use for a reciprocating saw, then why buy one?  Sometimes you are better off looking for a deal on the drill, charger and 2 batteries.  Then you can buy the bare tools of what you need and build your own kit.  One thing we would recommend is staying with the same manufacturer as it sucks having 5 different tools and 5 different batteries.

If you already own a certain manufacturer and you like them, stay with them.  Again you don’t want to have a lot of money invested in different batteries.  Since you already have some of the tools, you can just go out and buy the bare tools.

Where Should I buy it From?

You really only have a couple of choices.  Either online or a store.

Store: Pro – You can get your tools the same day.  If you need to make a return, you can take care of it right away.  You get to see the tools before you buy them, you can pick them up and feel them.  You can talk with a real person.

Store: Con – Can be a little more pricey, but sometimes worth it for the added convenience.  You might have to sit in traffic or stand in line.  You can’t just wear boxers to the store, trust me it won’t end in your favor.

Online: Pro – Might be a little less expensive.  You can order from your home while sitting in your boxers.  You can pick your nose while you buy your tools and not have to hear, “Sir you are making a scene.”

Online: Con – Returns can take longer.  Might have to be home to accept the package.

Don’t forget to look for power tool coupons online.  Here is a Craftsman power tool coupon that when you sign up for their club, you get 10% off.  This is just an example as this one is expired.

When Should I buy it?

You really only have two options with the when question.  You can either buy it when you need it and hope it is on sale or wait for a good sale and then pick it up.  I tend to try and time it.  If I know I will be needing a tool for a job in about a month, I will start looking through the ads or online for the best price.  This way I am familiar with the price range of the combo kit or tool.  So when I am in a box store or see something in the paper, I can really know if it is a great deal.  This is something we would suggest getting into the habit of doing.  Say you are not familiar with the price range for a certain combo kit and you are in a big box store.  You see a sign that says “SALE.”  As you look closer it’s a great kit that is normally $600 and now it’s marked down to $499.  You might think it is a great price, but how do you know that somewhere online it isn’t selling everyday for $470 with free shipping?  So make sure you get familiar with the pricing structures before you buy.

Another great time to buy is Black Friday or around Christmas time.

Should I buy New, Refurbished or Used?

Again this is up to you.  If you are only going to be using the tools a couple times a year, we would suggest buying them used.  Why buy new tools for them to sit on the shelf and lose money?  If I will be using my tools a lot, then I always buy new. That’s just me.  If it is a tool that I will not use much, then I will buy a refurbished tool.  Perfect example.  I use my circular saw a lot.  I really only need an inline saw, so I bought a new one.  However, there are times a wormsaw is needed for a job and they are nice to have around.  I would rather save some money and buy a refurbished one and let that sit on the shelf.

We hope we provided you with some items to think about before you make a tool purchase or power tool combo purchase.  There really is a lot to think about when making this purchase as it tends to be a large investment.

Here is how the system works and for this we are using it on a truck box.  The alarm is powered by three AA batteries.  You mount the alarm on the box door using sticky 3m tape that is included.  Once you alarm the system, it remembers the psotion of the alarm and uses that as the starting point.  When in alarm mode any movement out of that positions will activate the alarm.  So when the door is in the down position and it is armed, once the door is open, it activates the sensor and turns on the 110db alarm.

Overall the set up is a snap and a great way to help protect your items in your toolbox or anywhere else you can dream of.  For the price of the alarm, it’s worth it.  A couple downsides to this system is you can not leave the alarm armed all the time.  Since it has a memory of when you arm it, movement causes it to activate.  So when we had ours armed and drove down the street, it started whaling while we were driving.  We thought it was funny, but the police didn’t see our point of view.  Not that it is a big deal because why do you need it activated when you are driving.  If someone steals your tools while your driving, you have bigger issues.  However, it would be nice to set it and forget about it.  We would like to see it have two remotes for the system.  The higher versions come with two remotes.  Also for those who want added security, they do have a system that you can mount under your truck hood.  That way when they open the box, they can just rip off the alarm and silence it.  Overall it seems to be designed more for the overnight storage or when you will be away from your truck for a long time.

Another good use for me is for my garage door.  I have a detached garage and have a lot of tools in the garage.  I do have a pad lock since the door it is not Automatic.  This way I could arm the alarm and just leave it until I need it.  We didn’t take an extract measurement, but it did work within 20′.  Check out Toolguard.com for more info.

Win A Toolguard Alarm

We are using it on a truck box, but there are so many other uses for this alarm, as you can see on the Youtube comments below.  Speaking of uses, just post how you could use this alarm and you will be entered to win a free alarm.  Besides a truck box, one place I would use it is in my kids Spiderman lunch box.  That way when he opens it in the small lunch room at school it will scare everyone.  Ahh I couldn’t do that or could I?

Types of Extension Cords

• Indoor - Used for indoor use only, they are not as rugged as outdoor cords.  Can not be used outside.  An indoor jacket is not as durable.  The jacket is the cover that protects the actual wires in the cord.

Extension Cord - Indoor

• Outdoor – Designed for outdoor, but can be used inside.  Jackets are a lot more durable.
• Hint – You might see two identical extension cords, but a big difference in price.  Check the cord.  Some outdoor cords have a better jacket that hold up better against certain chemicals, sun light, weather and more.  Decide how your cord will be used.  If you will be using the cord a lot, pay a little more as they can handle more abuse.

Extension Cord - Outdoor

There are three types of prongs

• 2 Prongs – Can be used in three prong outlets.  Designed for smaller items like lights.

Extension Cord - 2 Prongs

• 3 Prongs – Third prong is a ground.  Use only with other three prong outlets or extension cords.

Extension Cord - 3 Prongs

• Specialty Prongs – 220V have a different prong.  There are also prongs that twist and lock into place.  2 and 3 prongs are the most common.

Some extension cords have different features:

• Built in GFCI – A breaker that automatically shuts power off in the event of ground fault and overloads.
• Lighted Plug – End of the plug lights up to show there is current.
• Multiple Sockets – Can plug more than one tool into the cord.

Extension Cord - Lighted

Extension Cord - Multiple Plugs

Extension Cord Ratings

Extension Cord - Rating

Extension Cord Markings

**  You will also see markings like 16/3.  The first number is the wire gauge and the second number is conduction’s inside.  So a 16/3 is a 16 gauge wire and has 3 conduction’s inside.

Extension Cord - Rating

Storing Extension Cords

You always want to store your extension cord in a dry location and away from direct sun light.  You also want to make sure they are out of the way, so yourself or others will not step on them as that will ruin the cord in the long run.

When you store your extension cords, you should roll them up.  It does take a little extra time, but you will not have the frustration when you need them next time.  Below are two common ways to store your cords when not in use.  There are a lot of other ways, but here are just two.  The Velcro can be purchased at your local hardware store.  I believe I got these strips for about $4 and there were 40 in the box.  The other way is to wrap the cord around itself.  I prefer this way the best.

Extension Cord - Storing

Extension Cord - Storing

Attach Extension Cords

When you hook one extension cord into your tool, you want to make sure they are secure.  If not you will become frustrated when they keep coming apart.  Below are a couple of ways to attach each of them

Extension Cord - Attach Cords

Extension Cord - Attach Cords

The two ways below are great for when your power tool has a very short cord and the two methods above will not work.  The one right below is called a square knot.  If you watch the video, you can see how this works.

Extension Cord - Attach Cords

Extension Cord - Attach Cords

How to Roll an Extension Cord

The easiest way to see this is by watching the video below.

Extension Cord Tips and Tricks

• Always selects a cord with a higher power rating than the tool you will be connecting it to.  If the tool has a higher amp rating than the cord you could damage the tool and start a fire.
• Do not use a cord longer than what you need.  If you only need 25′, do not use a 100′ cord.  Using a longer cord than needed can affect performance as you have power loss over a longer run.
• Wire gauge is a measure of the diameter of the wire inside – Large diameter can handle more current.

We have a compiled a list of the best Tool Blogs to check out in 2012.  This is like the Oscars for Tool Bloggers, making the TIA Ultimate Tool Blogs list means you have finally made it to the big league.   No, not really.  It means that you have no life and bust your hump every day writing content in hope that one day you might actually turn this into a full time job.  In all seriousness these guys and girls bust their humps everyday to give us good reading material, let’s support them all.

In no particular order:

ToolGuyd.com – Stuart really has some great content, very unique finds and honest reviews.

OneProjectCloser – You down with OPC?  Yea, you know me! OPC is an awesome source for How-To’s and more

CharlesandHudson.com - Great articles over here and not just tools

aConcordCarpenter.com – Rob knows carpentry and lucky for us who don’t, he writes about it

HomeFixated.com – If you read this blog while drinking your morning coffee, chances are you will spit coffee all over your pc screen because this site is funny!

CopTool.com – The official tool blog of Ohio Power Tool

Tool-Rank.com - Great layout and informative

DewaltOwnersGroup.com - The mecca for DeWALT fans everywhere

ToolSnob.com – Unique posts and great articles

ToolBoxBuzz.com - Nicely laid out and good reviews

ToolStop.co.uk - Europe’s number one tool blog and home of the tool spy

ToolMonger.com – ToolMonger has been around forever and have some great articles

ProToolReviews.com – Dont let the ads fool you, there is some really good in depth tool reviews here

ToolsInAction.com – 2 humps who talk about tools

RidgidForum.com - Mass tool forums

1. Bosch Glide Saw – Okay we know this is very pricey for a gift, but we had to throw one dream gift on the list.  This saw is amazing and Dad will surely love you for this gift.
2. Milwaukee Combo Kit - I just moved my tools over to Milwaukee and love them.  They have a large line of tools for dad to upgrade in the future.
3. Milwaukee Knife – Who doesn’t love a good knife?  The Milwaukee Fastback is awesome.
4. Dewalt 20V Kit – Dewalt has their new line out.  The 20V is a great set for Dad.  Not to mention their 12V line of tools.  They don’t have many to offer, but the ones they have are very nice.
5. Radio – If your dad has a cordless set, a radio is a great addition.  You can get one for his 18V set for about $100.  Just make sure you take a video of your dad grooving to the oldies so you can pop it up on YouTube.
6. Universal Max Axess 19 Piece Set – Craftsman’s new line of socket tools.  Who doesn’t love sockets?
7. Level – A good level is a great gift.  Just make sure you give him a picture of yourself.  So when he opens the picture and the level, you can tell him you just want him to make sure your picture is level on the wall.
8. Craftsman Nextec G2 Drill/Driver – These are great drills for the DIY.  The quickboost feature is awesome.  Something dad will love.
9. Compressor – A compressor is a must and dad will thank you for this gift.  It’s great to blow off his work bench, fill your football, run sprayers, fill tires and more.
10. Grinder – A good bench or angle grinder is always a plus to have around.  He probably will not reach for it everyday, but when needed, it’s very handy.
11. Hand Tools – There are a lot of great hand tools that have come out in recent years.  Most dads still have the pliers and other hand tools from the 70′s, so it would be a great upgrade for him now.
12. Wet/Dry Vac – You can get a cordless one to match his cordless power tools or a corded one that will allow dad to clean up his messes.
13. Craftsman NEXTEC Powersource – Pretty cool way for dad to keep his cell phone or mp3 charged at all times.
14. A Gyros Magnalite -A great light at an affordable price.
15. Milwaukee M18 Impact – Actually that is one I want, so feel free to donate it to Tools in Action.

We tried to keep the list to a minimum, but the truth is we could go on and on.  There are so many great power tools that you could give dad for Christmas, it was hard to stop.  I know you could think of about 40 items we missed, but let us know.

1. Peace and Quiet- Try giving mom some peace by giving her time alone.  I bet she would love this one.
2. A book or magazine – If she is not a big fan of reading books try a movie.
3. Did we say peace and quiet - Did you skip over number 1?  If so you should go back and check this one out.
4. Breakfast in bed – If you are a husband, son or daughter think about how many times she took care of you.  At least we can give her one day.  If you don’t cook, try Captain Crunch.  After all didn’t mom teach us it was the thought that counted.  Let’s see if she still believes that.
5. Craftsman Clench Wrench Two Piece set – Actually you can get this for me too, I mean dad. You didn’t think we would put a tool in the top ten list?  After all we are a tool site.
6. Video and Popcorn – Buy your mom her favorite video and a box of microwave popcorn.  I am sure her favorite candy wouldn’t hurt either.
7. Card – Why not create a card for your mom?  Instead of buying a card for your mom, create one for her.
8. Craftsman V4 Combo Screwdriver & Cutter – This is a 4 volt set which is great for hobbies and other small to do items.  If your mom is not into power tools, this can be a great compromise.
9. Craftsman Nextec G2 Multi Tool – Okay if your mom does want a little more power and versatility, but doesn’t want to own a lot of tools, this is a must.  This will allow your mom to be a handyman in no time.  Sorry, handymom in no time.
10. Dremel – Who wouldn’t love a Dremel as a present?  They do so much and they are easy to use.
11. Milwaukee 18V Impact – Ok maybe that’s just something I really want.  You could pull a Homer Simpson and buy her something you really want, when you know she doesn’t want it, now it is yours.  Well I guess that’s pretty low.  I guess mom should know us by now.
12. Dinner – Not another cooking idea.  No actually this one you take her out.  Tell her to put her best dress on, “We are going to the gas station to grab a bite to eat.”  Bet she will love you for that one.   Grab a gift certificate to her favorite restaurant and surprise her.  Actually forget the gift card.  I am sure after the gas station crack, if she already has the money she might not bring you along.
13. Craftsman Screwdriver Set – Craftsman has some great screwdriver sets for a good price.  Who doesn’t need a good screwdriver set?  Am I right?
14. A day out – Take mom out for the day and do things she likes to do.  It does not have to cost anything.  Maybe it is just a walk in the park.  Whatever it is, put her at the top of the list.
15. A photo album – Put together a nice photo album of your family and give that to her.  Include pictures when everyone was young and a timeline of photos of your family.  I am pretty sure she will love that one.

Wow I really feel we came out of our shell here at Tools in Action.  That’s an awesome list if I do say so myself.  Yeah I know we didn’t have many tools on it, kind of weird isn’t it?  I know we are a tool site and you probably expected a lot of tools, but we wanted to put a realistic list together.  Let us know if we forgot anything that should have been on this list.

Everyday more and more women are using power tools to do home improvements, build things and repair items around the house.  We tend to get emails from women asking what type of tools should they buy or how can they learn and get experience, so we decided to make an article geared towards this.  Now we did name this women and power tools, but it pretty much can be used for both females and males who are looking to get started with power tools and home improvements.

The first thing you need to know is that it is not complicated and you can take this new hobby on.  Especially now that the economy is bad, why not learn and save yourself some money.  Instead of hiring someone else for these small repairs, try it yourself.  The biggest thing thing is make sure your comfortable.  Never do anything you’re not comfortable with especially with power tools.  If you don’t like using circular saws, then don’t use them unless your with someone who can show you or teach you how to properly use a saw.

OK the big question.  What manufacture or type of tools do I need.  A while back we created an article Women and Power Tools.  This give a nice overview of what type of tools you might need to get started.  However your situation might be different.  Your project will guide you on what tools you might need.  OK the biggest question is what manufacture should I go with.  We wish we could give you a solid answer, but everyone is different.  First go with a brand name.  There are companies out there who try to market to women, which is fine.  However some of these brands are very cheap.  They end up making the project harder.  As an example we saw one company who was making piers geared towards women.  We tried them out and while they looked nice, they didn’t do the trick.  While they would hold a bolt, it just didn’t hold the bolt tight and secure, so the pliers just kept falling off.  Now if your new to tools you might think you were doing something wrong, in fact it was that the pliers were just junk.  We would really suggest going to your local store and actually putting your hands on the tools.  Pick them up.  How do they feel?  Talk with a knowledgeable worker and we do stress knowledgeable.  Get their opinion.  You really want a tool that feels good in your hands, one your comfortable with.  Just make sure your tools are quality and you feel comfortable with them.

Before you start with any work, always remember safety.  Wear safety glasses, eye protection or other safety items when needed.  Just remember that when you screw up you can always fix a mistake, but you can not fix damage to your body.

When you get your tools, don’t try and tackle a huge job right away.  We would even suggest getting some scape wood and try drilling and screwing just so you get the hang of using your new tools.

As always we want to hear from you.  If you have questions or comments, let us know.

Recently Dan and myself did a welding project where I welded a patch onto my old lawnmower.  Dan being Dan insisted I winterize my lawnmower to protect over the winter months.  Usually I don’t do anything to my gas powered tools, but I figured what the heck. I have had my mower over 20 years and the only thing I ever did to it was empty the gas every winter.  However my smaller tools like my weed whip and hedgers, well I should have winterized those as I have replaced them over and over.  This How to Winterize also works with other gas powered tools.  Just make sure you always check your owners manual.

1. Clean your deck – Make sure all the grass and debris is off the mower.  Moisture can be trapped in the grass and prevent rusting.  This is a good habit to get into after each mowing.
2. Treat Gas – If your Lawnmower is being stored in a cold place, make sure you fill it wil gas as this prevents moisture from building up in the system over the winter.  It is also very important to add either seafoam or Sta-Bil to the gas as this prevents the gas from going bad.
3. Oil Change – You don’t really have to do this, but it is pretty easy to do and then next spring you won’t have to mess with the oil.
4. Air Filter – Change your air filter.  Again it is not necessary, but it does help the engine run better when you start it up next year.
5. Spark Plug – You don’t have to change these each year, but I do since it only takes two minutes and cost a couple of bucks.  It will ensure you always have a good spark when trying to start your mower.
6. Blade – This is a good time to sharpen your mower blade.  This way you don’t have to be in a hurry to get it back so you can mow your lawn.  Most people take their blade in during the spring and mower shops get backed up, so there is a wait.  If you do it during fall when mowing season is over, you won’t have to worry about a time factor.
7. Spray – When you change your spark plug and air filter, now is a good time to give your lawnmower a shot.  Just a couple of sprays of Seafoam or other engine treatment will do the trick.  After you spray in the spark plug hole and into the air filter opening, put the spark plug and filter back.  Then start the engine.  The engine will start briefly and then might bog down or stop running.  This gives the rings and other crucial components to your engine, proper protection.

These are seven things you should do to winterize your lawn mower or other gas powered tools for the winter season.  This should do two things for you.  Save your engines and cause you less frustration during the summer months.  Your gas powered tools should run smooth all summer long.

Is Dewalt getting ready to add another tool to their ever growing hand tool line up?  When we first heard that Dewalt might be introducing a new multi tool, we can’t say we were suprised.  After all it seems like you can find a multitool just about anywhere now.  However when we saw the design, we were taking back.  Dewalt looks like they are trying to make a nice compact multitool with just the items you need.  I know a lot of guys carry around multi tools, but I am not one of them.  Primarly because they are bulky and have a lot of things I don’t need.  This tool looks different.  Looks like it has just the items I need.  A knife to cut, pliers to loosen or tighten bolts and a double ended bit (Philips and flat) for screws.  For me, that is everything I need.  I like the fact that is uses a traditional box cutter blade.

We have heard this is one of two designs as the other design is more of a traditional Multi tool with about 8 different tools.  Hopefully they decide to release both.  Anyone else heard of this multitool coming out?

Dremel is at it again, showing you how to do a project. Then giving one lucky Tools In Action reader a Dremel MultiMax.  This month Dremel and Chip Wade are showing you how to regrout a bathroom.  So how do you win the tool?  Sign up for our newsletter, Facebook or Twitter and you are entered to win. The winner will be announced in next months newsletter.

Here is the project:

Regrout Shower/Bath

Bathroom

Tools Needed

• Dremel Multi-Max MM20 Oscillating Tool

Accessories

• MM501 1/16-Inch Carbide Grout Blade
• MM500 1/8-Inch Carbide Grout Blade

Additional Materials

• Painter’s tape
• Dust brush
• Grout

Project Steps

1. Insert MM500 or MM501 Carbide Grout Blade into the tool, depending on the width of your grout lines, tighten the screw with the Allen wrench to secure the screw within the holder.
2. To protect your shower/bath area, we recommend linking the edge with painter’s tape before you begin work with your Dremel tool. You may also consider taping the tile for added protection.
3. Set the tool to medium to high speed and slowly guide the blade into the grout.
4. In smooth, even motions, push tool along the grout line to begin removal. Depending on how hard the grout is, more than one pass may be required.
5. If needed, rotate the blade to get into tight corners – remember to unplug the tool before changing the blade.
6. Keep the blade parallel to whatever ledge you’re working with, allowing the tool to meet the wall at a right angle.
7. To avoid scratching, do not allow it to rest on any ledges.
8. To control plunge depth, use the carbide grit line on the blade as an indicator. Do not plunge beyond grit line to prevent harming the backer board.
9. When finished, dust off edges and remove tape.
10. Regrout floor following floor preparation instructions supplied by grout manufacturer

Our goal this year was to do a pressure washer shoot out, but if you know Dan and myself, we tend to be a little slow on these things.  However we did feel it was important to put something out there about pressure washer buying tips, since we received a lot of questions about our pressure washer reviews.  Yes we did get some of our pressure washer reviews out in time such as the Pressure Washer, Dewalt and the Mi-t-m.  Ok so here are the top five things to look for when buying a pressure washer.

1. Gas vs. Electric

Electric and gas pressure washers pressurize water differently.  The biggest different is the speed and strength.  If you own both an electric and gas powered lawn equipment such as hedger, than you know the difference.   The gas powered items are usually louder, but produce more power.  While electric is quitter, but usually have less power.  Electric is good for those who don’t want to mess with gas and are cleaning small areas. The gas pressure washer allows more pressure for bigger areas to clean such as driveways, decks and homes.

2. Hot Water vs. Cold Water

Cold pressure washer, which you see at most stores, are less complicated than hot water pressure washers.  Also the cold water pressure washers are more portable.  The key with the cold water is they rely more on the pressure.  Hot water pressure washers can clean better primary because they use hot water.  They also clean faster and use less soap.  Another advantage is they sanitize much better than cold water.  Hot water pressure washer are great for industrial or farm use.  If your a homeowner, you should go with a cold water pressure washer, unless you have a meat locker at home and need to clean it out all the time.  If you do have a meat locker at home, drop me a line, I would love to come over for dinner.  Don’t worry I won’t bring Dan.

3. Warranty

There are all sorts of warranties out there.  Some claim they have the longest warranty, while the next box over states they have the longest warranty.  Just read the fine print.  What does the warranty cover.  Does it just cover the frame or does it cover the engine and pump.  You might be surprised how some manufactures can state their warranty.  You want to make sure the warranty does cover the engine and pump.

4. Power

Pressure washers state their fact two ways, some do show three ways.  Pounds per square inch(PSI) and gallons per minute (GPM).  It’s hard to determine which washer can be better if you don’t find the third stat called Cleaning Units (CU).  This is a great test to see which washer is truly better and measure each washer apples to apples.  If you don’t see the CU posted about the washer, it is easy to figure out.  Just multiply the PSI by the GPM.  This will tell you the CU.

5. Portability

Portability is very important.  How easy is it to wheel around and store.  There is nothing more frustrating than buying a washer only to find out that it is a pain to when around or worse yet, won’t even roll over a the hose without some force.  Look for a washer that is easy for yourself to wheel around and store.  What may be easy for someone, might not be easy for someone else.  So don’t take someone’s word for it.  Go to the store and try them out.  If you have to wheel it all around the store, go to town or whatever, just make sure you can use the washer yourself.

These are five things we could think of, which isn’t saying much as Dan and myself have enough brain power to light up a five watt bulb.  So if you can think of anything we missed, drop us a line or leave a comment below.  Yes we do know we didn’t touch on engine manufacturers or pumps, but that’s only because everyone can swear by a different pump or engine.  Some have had great experience with certain engines, while others have not.

Every tool has a tale to tell, whether it has been handed down through generations or worked most of its life on a job site, they all have a story to tell.  My tool is the Stanley Yankee no.15a.  It started its life in London, England.  I am not sure what year, but I would guess sometime in the late 60′s or early 70′s.  My grandfather was a London Taxi driver and worked on his own taxi in his small garage under his house.  I remember being a kid and my eyes would gleam every time I went down to the garage and saw all the tools hanging on the peg boards.  My father then inherited the tool and used it as a taxi mechanic, then brought the tool to the USA and started his own automotive business.

Now this tool is in my hands and it is quite a departure from the daily tools that I use.  The handle is made of wood  which is in surprisingly good shape except for the worn off paint.  The ratcheting action still works perfect.  It has a forward, reverse and a locked position.  The shaft of the tool is slightly bent from all the years of use.  This tool truly is a classic quality tool that has spent many years helping my family get the job done.  My Grandfather would never imagine that when he purchased this tool that it would be posted on the internet for the world to see 40 years later, after all they had rotary dial phones back then.

Whats your tool story? Share your story below and you are entered to win a Veto Pro Pac LC OT, it is the toughest tool bag on the planet and will last for generations!

By Emily McClendon

Maybe you’re the kind of girl that doesn’t know a Standard from a Phillip’s head screwdriver, or maybe you just got finished replacing your own transmission; either way, there are certain tools every woman needs to have on hand.  I’m talking about the tools anyone can use, and that everyone should own.  Regardless of your significant other’s possibly extensive tool collection, you should personally make sure you have these tools in your garage.

Air Compressor

The air compressor is the mainstay of any tool collection.   Not only is there the obvious use, powering air tools, but air compressors are useful for tasks from cleaning the garage to simply maintaining your tire pressure.  Traditionally, the two major considerations for purchasing an air compressor are HP (horse power) and PSI (pounds per square inch).  Horse power has traditionally had the largest influence on the buying decision, with the stance that higher horsepower is better.  However, HP can be a misrepresentation of air compressor performance. In the same way car performance can be affected by a number of variables beyond HP, so too can air compressor performance rely on additional considerations.  The same is true of PSI, although a higher PSI would seem to mean a better air compressor, in actuality most air compressors require a PSI of 90+ to work effectively.  Anything above this level does not significantly improve air compressor performance.  The true metric that should be compared when considering which air compressor to purchase is CFM (cubic feet per minute).  CFM gives a true indication of how much power an air compressor has, the greater the CFM, the greater the power of your compressor.  So whether you need to pressure wash your driveway or blow a plastic bottle to kingdom come, find the right air compressor for you, but make sure you have one!

Battery Charger

Not the most glamorous tool in your handywoman’s arsenal, a battery charger may seem superfluous, but believe me, you need it.  Your car battery only provides the initial electrical charge required to start your car, but as anyone who has left their lights on knows, it is a critical function.  Although the same initial charge can be provided from another car, if you’re home alone or have only one car, the only choice is to go buy a new battery, or call a friend or tow truck to jump you off.  Battery chargers are also essential for vehicles that are in storage for long periods of time, such as ATVs and boats.  A battery charger may not seem critical until you have an interview to get to and your car won’t start, but one incident like this and your charger will have paid for itself and then some.

Socket Wrench

Socket wrenches are another all around, multi-purpose tool.  Although all socket wrenches are comprised of the same basic shape, a “female” head to which the “male” socket is attached, sockets have varying levels of  depth, and are categorized accordingly. “Shallow” (also known as “standard”) sockets have a lower profile and are used to access narrower spaces.  Alternatively, ”deep”, or high profile, sockets are useful for tightening or loosening nuts in which the bolt is protruding.  Additionally, sockets are produced in hexagonal (6 point) or double hexagonal (12 point) configurations.  For most homeowner needs, 12 point sockets are perfect, as they are faster than the 6 point sockets most commonly used in professional applications. Socket wrenches are particularly ideal for women due to the torque provided by ratcheting sockets.  The additional force provided by ratcheting sockets reduces the amount of effort needed and a breaker bar can be used to amplify this effect.  A good set of sockets can be used to handle almost any angle or size nut quickly and more easily than a traditional wrench.

Locking Pliers

Falling nominally under the category of vise grips, locking pliers come in every configuration traditional pliers do, including needle nose, flat nose, and round nose.  The advantage locking pliers offer is an adjustable width that can be locked in place, removing the need for hand strength to continually hold the pliers closed. While vise grips are usually marketed for use in industries like welding, applications for locking pliers abound around the house.  Locking pliers can be used for any job where you need to hold something securely but do not want it to come in contact with your hand.  Getting a pair with a one handed release can really make jobs easier, especially for jobs in tight spaces.

While there are specialized locking pliers (vise grips), the more generic options are fine for anyone who doesn’t form sheet metal as a hobby.  In fact, major tool companies such as Leatherman have recently released locking pliers as an option in their multi tool.  Companies are also improving their offering of locking pliers with cushioned grips, making them much more comfortable to use.  In a pinch, locking pliers can even be used as a hammer, truly making this a versatile tool.

Cordless Drill with Bit Set

If you have one tool, it’s probably a screwdriver.  Everybody has screwdrivers, and they come in so many shapes and sizes, it’s hard to imagine throwing them all away, but that’s exactly what you can do if you get a cordless drill.  The idea of a cordless drill can be intimidating if you’ve never used a power tool before, but in actuality manufacturers have started releasing models that are lightweight and easy to use.  A sturdy cordless drill with a large bit set can cover any screw sinking or removal need, and can drill holes through almost any material.

The most important attribute to consider when buying a drill is voltage.  Very simply, the higher voltage a drill has the more powerful it will be.  You should also look for a drill that offers a reversible option, variable drill speed, and a large chuck (where the bit goes) size.   Finally, make sure the drill you choose has good reviews for battery life and comes with a smart charger, which will cut down on charging time compared to conventional chargers.

While picking out tools may not be the most glamorous shopping excursion, the proper tools are necessary for everyone, man or woman.  With the right tools, almost any household job can easily be accomplished.  Don’t worry though, nobody will ask you to take out the trash.

We have seen more and more people started to get hurt for some reason.  We see it on the job site and at homes, so we thought it would be a good time to do a review of safety.  No matter how much the medical field advance in various technologies, we still only have one body, so it is important to take the small little steps that can protect you.  When you think about the small investment for these safety items, it is well worth every penny.

Every body part is important to protect, but especially your head.  Your head only weights around 8lbs., so image what a brick, a piece of rebar or a flying object will do to your head.  Which brings us to our first important safety item, a hard hat.  Most job site require a hard hat at all times, but sometimes we forget, we get lazy or just don’t want it on because of the heat.  Check your hard hat everyday for cracks or anything else that might compromise its integrity.  Even certain chemicals can ruin the integrity of the hard hat.

The average human walks the equivalent of five times around the equator.  With most people doing desk jobs, how much is it for the average trades worker?  Your feet take the brunt of the abuse day in and day out.  Not only do they have to take the weight of your body, but also your tool belt.  Oh yeah, all the items you are carrying too.  Spend a couple extra dollars and buy yourself some good work boots.  As with the rest of the safety equipment, do not be cheap.

While there are times we wish our hearing sucked, such as when the boss is talking, most of the time they are a very important part of our body.  Our ears, while very resilient, are also very delicate.  They are susceptible to infection and obviously loud noises.  Working with power tools is not like being at the library, they are loud.  Day to day working with tools doesn’t seem like it has an effect, but over long term they can damage your ears.  Just ask anyone who is over 60 and has been working with tools or machinery for the last 20 years.  Its kind of like when we get older we get fat.  Now if you are like me, I looked in the mirror yesterday and I was in shape.  Today when I looked in the mirror, I had a beer belly and three chins.  Well the truth is that happened slowly over time, just like hearing loss.  There are a lot of types of ear protection.  Get protection that works for you.

Besides your brain, your eyes are the most complex organ in your body.  You need to protect them.  Get a nice pair of safety glasses to protect them.  In fact get a couple.  Get ones that feel comfortable.  Maybe you even want an extra pair that have a tint, so when you are outside, they work.  Your eyes are composed of over 2 million working parts.  Now image what a small piece of metal or wood can do if it gets lodged in one of these parts.

A good pair of work gloves makes all the difference.  They will not stop a saw from cutting off your finger, but they will help protect from small scratches and small impaled objects.  Think about how many times you use your fingers in your life, even how many times you use them throughout the day.  Another reason to use work gloves is to keep you hands clean.  Throughout the day you get small objects, that you can’t even see, on your hands.  How many times do you touch your eyes lids or put things in your mouth.  Do you want these small items getting into your mouth and eyes?  With gloves you can take them off and for the most part, your hands are clean and free of debris.  This will cut down on the odds any small items will enter your eyes or mouth.

Knee pads are a great item to wear.  Not only will you get ahead in life and make a difference with your boss, but your knees will last a little while longer.  Think about how much pressure you put on your knees.  If you are like me or the average American, you are probably overweight.  For every pound of weight you carry, puts 3lbs of pressure on your knees when you take a step.  You know how heavy your tool belt is, plus the items you carry around all day. Well this adds up.  Every time you get up and down off your knees, you put more pressure and damage the cartlidge.  Over time this adds up and in no time you might need a knee replacement.  Knee pads won’t eliminate all damage, but it will control and slow down the damage process.

A safety vest is another important safety device to use.  They are designed to be seen even in low light.  As you know, the light reflects off the vest and allows others to see you.  Plain and simple, wear one when appropriate.  There is no weight to the vest, but can be the difference between going home and seeing your family or going to the hospital and seeing a doctor.  Even worst case scenario, your family will see you at the morgue.

Sometimes you work in areas that are not well lite.  You might have forklifts, trucks or other dangerous vehicles around.  You might have loud tools or other items where it might be hard to hear someone.  That’s where a small flashlight comes in play.  Even though you may have a safety vest on, you might still need to get get someones attention to let them know you are around.  A small flash light can do the trick.  It helps signal a potential hazard.

You have one body, take care of it, protect it.  Don’t be cheap when buying safety items!