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ToolSkool Reviews

Coast HL7 Headlamp Video Review

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

By: Brad Staggs

Since we got this product to test, you wouldn't believe all uses that we've found.  Check out the video review and let us know what you think: 

If you want more information about this headlamp... check it out here: www.coastportland.com.

And click here to order on Amazon.com. Update!!!! Since this video was shot, the price has been reduced on Amazon... You can now get this headlamp for under $40. 



Shoulder Dolly Review

Saturday, January 21, 2012

By: Brad Staggs

If you've ever moved any furniture at all, you know that it can be a heavy, tiresome, and painful job.  If there's a way to make that job a bit easier, then we here at ToolSkool are all for it.  Here's a video review of the Shoulder Dolly Moving Straps.  You can see that they do the job using your shoulders and legs. Watch the video for tips to make using them even easier. 


You can check out more about the Shoulder Dolly and the other moving products they have at www.shoulderdolly.com

And you can buy the Shoulder Dolly for a little under $40 at Amazon.com.  It might be a bit pricier than other moving straps, but because the Shoulder Dolly uses your shoulders and legs (the strongest muscles in your body), it's worth the few extra dollars.  

iCat Neck It by EK EKcessories

Monday, January 16, 2012

By: Beth Knott


Walking up and down the aisles at 2012 International CES, I was a bit overwhelmed by all the accessories there for iPhones and iPads.  There were literally thousands of cases, lots of protective screens, cases, etc., but one thing stood out and caught my attention, especially for people like me who are constantly on the go.  It’s called the Neck It from iCat. It’s a simple little device, but with a very big purpose.  

Here’s the official description from EK EKcessories about the Neck It: The latest in iPhone, iPod and iTouch accessories, the iEK Neck It allows you to retain your device comfortably and securely around your neck without a bulky case.  The universal attachment locks in securely, with a patent pending press and release buckle and is attached to a safety breakaway lanyard made of durable 100% nylon webbing. Made in the USA. Suggested Retail $24.99.

Here’s how it works.  The lanyard hangs around your neck and the connector locks securely into the 30 pin dock connector on your iPhone (or iPad or iPod).  According to the folks at EK EKcessories it will hold at up to 40ish pounds, although all that really means to me is that it’s strong and you would have to really catch it on something and pull with force before the phone drops off of the lanyard.  It seemed very sturdy to me, and walking around a trade show floor for a couple of days, I did catch it on a couple of things, but no problems with my phone coming off or with it pulling and damaging the phone’s connector.  There is a detachable clip that’s easy to use if you want to take your phone off of the lanyard to use it.  For me, it was long enough to use it while it was hanging around my neck. 


How would you use it in a ToolSkool application you ask? Well, I’ll tell you.  A lot of you are working on a ladder or on a roof.  The Hang It provides a good way to keep your phone near you without fear of it taking a pretty good plunge to its possible destruction on the ground.  For around $20 on Amazon.com, that’s a decent insurance policy. You can also use it to hang your phone from a peg board.  And it comes in a bunch of colors, so pick the one you like (or can see easily if you do put your phone down). 

There is another device from them I hope to test soon which might be even better.  It’s called the Reel It.  It clips to your belt loop (or whatever) and you can reel it out when you need it, or it stays snug against you when you don’t. We’ll get back to you on that one.  But if you want to take a sneak peak… here’s the Reel It on Amazon.com.  

There’s not a ton of extra info on the EK EKccessories website, but check it out for other products. 

Camo Gorilla Tape Review and Giveaway

Monday, January 09, 2012

By: Beth Knott

I can’t remember exactly when Gorilla Tape first came out, but we’ve been using it since.  It’s tough, durable, and is more of an “all-around-use” tape than standard duct tape. We shoot videos and we keep a roll of Gorilla Tape or two in the production bag.  It’s perfect for taping down cords, taping props in place.  And, we use small pieces of it to hold microphones to clothing or other non-smooth surfaces. We’ve found that it sticks to almost any surface, even ones that are rough or uneven.  Now, I have to tell you, I have not put the claims that it can be used outdoors to a lot of tests. When we shoot a video, it only has to stick for that day, and then we pull it up and move to the next location.  But my colleagues at CopTool.com, taped a half wood pallet to a cinder block wall and they seemed to be pleased with the results.  Check out the CopTool.com review for more info.


So needless to say, I like the standard black Gorilla Tape, but now, they’ve come out with a Camo version.  Not being much of a hunter or fisherperson myself, I wasn’t instantly sold on how this camo tape would be used, but I’m told that folks are finding all kinds of creative uses for it.  So here’s my challenge to you.  We’re going to be running a little contest until February 5th, 2012.  All you have to do is tell us how you use (or how you would use) camo Gorilla Tape.  We’ll pick the most creative use and the winner will receive a gift package of tape from Gorilla Tape.  You can leave your comments here, but we’d also like you to leave your comments on our Facebook Page.  So get those creative juices flowing… Get your ideas in, and maybe you’ll win the prize.  Oh and please leave your email address if you comment here, so we can contact you if you win!  

You can get the standard black Gorilla Tape or the Camo Gorilla Tape on Amazon.com. 
And you can go to www.gorillaglue.com for more information. 


C.H. Hanson Automatic Locking C-Clamp

Friday, January 06, 2012

By: Brad Staggs


I have a bunch of clamps. Not as many as the master, Norm Abrams, but I have a bunch. The latest addition to my collection is the Automatic Locking C-Clamp from Hanson. I first saw it at the Hardware Show in Las Vegas earlier this year and was impressed. I finally got a chance to use one in my shop a couple of days ago…I was even more impressed.

I used it in the process of making a cabinet door for my downstairs kitchen – a project that’s only taken me about 8 years to finally complete, but that’s a different story. I used my trusty Kreg jig to construct the door frames, but instead of using the clamp that comes with the jig, I substituted the Hanson version. It performed like a champ.

If you’ve used this type clamp in the past, you know that it’s a trial-and-error process of finding just the right pressure to hold the wood together. You try it, then adjust the screw, then try it again, and then maybe a third or even fourth time – finally, it’s dialed in…at least for that pair of pieces. Not so with the Hanson Automatic Locking C-Clamp. Once you have the stile and rail mated properly, just place this clamp in position and squeeze the handles together. There’s no fumbling and no adjustment…well, almost no adjustment, but I’ll get to that in a moment.

The clamp holds the wood firmly in place and allows you to install the fasteners with little-to-no muss and fuss. The only adjustment you might want to make is the pressure with which the clamp holds the wood. This would be more important when dealing with softer woods than the 50-year-old ash I was fastening. I’m not sure you could dent this stuff with a sledge hammer. But I digress.

The only issue I had with the clamp was the width of the handle in the open, or unlocked, position. It’s a pretty wide spread and while I have some pretty big mitts, it was literally a bit of a stretch for me to get my fingers in position to squeeze the handles. Using two hands to do the job is easy, but when you’re trying to hold two pieces of wood in the proper position and get the clamp in the right place, it can be a challenge – even for someone with Banana Hands (if you haven’t seen Shallow Hal with Jack Black and Tony Robbins, you should). Also, while I was using the clamp, the small tension spring inside the clamp came loose and I had to reattach, which took all of about 20 seconds, so no biggie. 

I can say that after a few times using the clamp, I found a way to position my hand on the clamp that made the process much easier. So don’t give up if it feels a little large or clunky at first. 

Here’s my bottom line: This clamp is genius! I even told the guys at Hanson that they should team with the Kreg folks and package this with the jig kits. It truly is a time-saver. The packaging states that it’s 7 times faster and 100% easier. Since I’ve never timed myself using the old-style clamp, I can’t say for eertain that it speeds the process 7 times, but it does speed the process up considerably. It also eliminates the need to re-adjust the clamp for slightly different thicknesses of stock. 

They come in several sizes, and for less than $18 for the 7 inch version, this clamp is worth adding to the toolbox, especially if you’re into building face-frames or cabinet doors. It will save you time, most likely, and will surely save you some aggravation during the build.


As always, let me know if you use the tool and have a differing opinion. I welcome all input!

New MyLowes Online Program is Interactive Online Customer Experience

Friday, December 30, 2011

By: Beth Knott



Lowe’s has come out with a new interactive, online series of tools for organizing your home products, and of course, home purchases.  I made a purchase in the store a couple of weeks ago and they asked me if I wanted a “MyLowes Card”. Assuming it was like other store cards, where you just get promotions, etc. with the card, but this one is VERY different. I’m actually surprised the big box stores have not come out with this service before now.  And it is a service, although I am aware they have the potential to increase sales.  But this sales tool is actually a tool that’s useful to the consumer.  

Here’s how it works.  You get the card from Lowe’s.  You then go online and create an account and register the card you got to that account.  At that point, you can use MyLowes in several ways.  Here are some of the highlights, and some of the examples given by a video overview of the system.  Let’s say you want to paint your dining room. You can go into your MyLowes account and set up a folder for your project.  You can add paint to the project, and reminders for purchasing paint and other materials.  You can even put the room dimensions and links to online video tutorials in the folder. Then when you go to purchase your paint, scan your card, and your paint color and sheen will be saved so that if you need to pick up more later, you don’t need to have the can or even a color swatch.  Kind of neat, right? 

Signing up was quick, and setting up folders was easy.  I also went in and set reminders to change my water filter in my refrigerator and change my air filters.  The only drawback I saw was that you have to actually connect the reminders to a product by going to the product page on the website, but hey, like I said, they want to sell product, and really that’s not a big deal.  Also, I’m not sure I “saved” the instructional video correctly in my project folder, because I didn’t see a “save” button, so I just copied the URL and put it in the line for the item I wanted to save, but at least it keeps it all together. Also, I like that you can create shopping lists per project.  

Lowe’s says on their website that they plan to keep improving the system, but I think it’s a good start.  Wonder when The Home Depot will follow suit?  For more information about the program and to see the preview video go to www.lowes.com

Altec Lansing IM237 Speaker

Friday, December 30, 2011

By: Brad Staggs


I spend a lot of time in my shop. At my house, the shop is more of a gathering place than the kitchen (a different story altogether). That being the case, my iPod, iPad and MacBook spend a lot of time there, too. As anyone with any of these electronics will tell you, the speakers leave something to be desired, especially in a noisy environment. That’s why I was thrilled with this little speaker. It packs a big punch in a little package.

The iM237 (In Motion) from Altec-Lansing is a very affordable way to bring bigger sound to your small electronic devices. It runs on 3 AAA batteries and uses an 1/8” mini plug, so it can be used with portable games, as well. 

The speaker is very user-friendly. Just unpackage, install the batteries and plug it in. It has a small ON/OFF button that can be a little fussy if you have big fingers as I do, but other than that, there’s not much to mess with.


From a volume standpoint, the speaker adds several decibels to the standard output of the iPod or iPad. As a matter of fact, it’s recommended that you keep the volume of your device at only around 80%. Otherwise, distortion may occur. I can confirm this from personal experience. Even at that level, the sound emanating from this speaker is impressive and more than ample to be heard from a reasonable distance. 

The battery life is decent, as well. Of course, it will vary depending on use, but I’ve changed mine only every few days, even with moderate to heavy use. The key is turning the speaker off when you’re not using it. That’s where the button size comes in. I have, on several occasions, thought I’d turned it off when in fact, my fat thumb didn’t depress it thoroughly. Keep an eye on that and you’ll be fine.

The iM237 comes with a nice zippered carrying case and the cord wraps neatly around the base, but I use mine so often that it rarely sees the inside of the pouch. There’s also a handy lanyard attached to the speaker. This is most often my storage option-of-choice. It hangs quite nicely from a pegboard hook over my workbench. 


From a sturdiness standpoint, the speaker has performed more than adequately in my shop. While I do maintain a couple forms of dust-control, some dust is unavoidable, but hasn’t affected the iM237 in the least. I’ve even dropped it a couple of times with no apparent adverse affects. 

Here’s the good news: while I remember paying close to $40 for mine, it’s now available for less than half that. And even at $20, the iM237 is a portable speaker that more than pays for itself in a very short period of time.  Check it out on Amazon.com

Toolskool Will Give You More in 2012

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

By: Beth Knott

For the last two years, we've been reviewing, writing about, and posting videos of tools and gadgets.  And we will still focus on those things, but we will be re-vamping the look and feel of ToolSkool and we'll also be adding more content and broadening those categories.  We plan to go to even more press events and trade shows and find you the latest tools, home electronics, even building products, and fun gadgets.  We also are going to have an "old tools" area where you can tell us about your Dad's tools or even your Grandfather's!  

We want to know what you want to read about.  We want to know what you want us to review... So as we move forward, please go to our Facebook Page and "Like" us! Also, we'd like to keep you up to date on new articles as we post them, so follow us on Twitter.   And post what you'd like for us to write about! 

Beth Knott, Managing Editor of ToolSkool


Brad's Gift List for Guys Who Don't Want Ties

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

By: Brad Staggs

Guys really don’t want ties… they do want tools and gadgets.  Throughout the year, I try out new products.  Some are a better design to a tried and true tool.  Others are new, quite inventive tools.  But, in the end, I always think that a tool that makes a job simpler is the most appreciated.  Here are a few you might want to consider giving the “guy” on your list.  

DeWalt Folding Utility Knife: Great low-cost utility knife that comes in handy for a variety of tasks.  Around $10 (DeWalt Knife at Amazon.com)
More info on the knife at DeWalt.com.



Coast Headlight Flashlight:
A no-hands solution to working in dark places. 
There are two versions of the light.  Around $25 - $50.  The focusing version is available at Amazon.com for $44.  The non-foscusing version at Amazon.com. For more information, go to coastportland.com


Portasol Butane Heat Tool: 
Great for everything from wood-burning to soldering wires, and it’s cordless! 
Around $57 (Buy the Heat Tool on Amazon.com)


DeWalt 5-in-1 Hack Saw: 
A saw that converts into several configurations to make any job easier. 
Around $23 (Buy the Hack Saw at Amazon.com).  For more information on the hack saw, visit DeWalt.com.


Stanley Socket & Tool Kit: 
All the tools you’ll need for just about any job in one convenient carrying case. These come in various price ranges based on the number of tools in the set and materials the tools are made with.  
I found a good one at Costco for around $60.  There is also a 123 piece Chrome Vanadium set at Amazon.com for around $55.  And a 99 piece Black Chrome Etched set for just under $100 on Amazon.com.  For more information about Stanley Hand Tools and the various sets available, go to www.stanleytools.com


SKIL Multi-Tasker Oscillating Saw: 
You don’t know how handy these are until you use one.  Great for a number of tasks around the shop and house. 
Around $80. Buy the Multi-Tool at Amazon.com.  For more information about the Multi-Tool Kit, go to skiltools.com



Swanson Lighted Level: Convenient and a great gift for the tool-guy who has everything. Around $46.  Click here to buy the level on Amazon.com. For more information about this and other levels, visit swansontoolco.com.  


By: Beth Knott

Okay, so that's the end of Brad's list, but as one of the writers for Toolskool, I have my own addition that I think Brad left off of his list... He's too modest to toot his own horn, so I'll toot it for him... 

The last gift selection that I suggest is this:

Book: Spend-A-Little, Save-A-Lot Home Improvements Author: Brad Staggs:  This book is a very handy book for anyone who lives in a home, whether you own it or rent it. It's chock-full of information that anyone REALLY can do. And the projects in the book, for the most part, are inexpensive, and will end up saving money on utility bills. From insulating pipes, to keeping air from flowing in behind your outlet covers and switch plates, this book is a manual of how to keep up with the little projects in your home.  

If your guy is one of those Old-School people (like me, especially with how-to books) who likes to have the actual book in his hand, you can order it for less than $20 on Amazon.com.  

If your guy likes to read his books on an e-reader, or on his Ipad, then you can order the Kindle version for $9.99



Tool Lover Black Friday Deals from Rockwell

Tuesday, November 22, 2011


Rockwell Offers Online Black Friday Values

This year, do-it-yourselfers don’t have to engage in hand-to-hand retail combat to take advantage of Black Friday values. Just fireup your laptop or desktop and click:  https://www.rockwelltools.com/us/default.aspx

Once-a-year bargains on some of your favorite Rockwell tools and accessories, including:
Rockwell BladeRunner, $159.00, plus free shipping
Rockwell VersaCut Saw, $119.00, plus free shipping
Rockwell JawHorse & Plywood Jaw, $169.00, plus free shipping
Rockwell JawHorse & Work Table, $169.00, plus free shipping
These special exclusive online offers will be available on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24 and Black Friday, Nov. 25, 2011.



 

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