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.
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!
John Thompson{tag_emailaddress} commented on 10-Jan-2012 06:23 PM
My son was thinking he could take his old jeans and cover them with camo tape and then he would have a new set of hunting pants.
Sharon{tag_emailaddress} commented on 14-Jan-2012 04:26 PM
My daughter, the Great OutdoorsWoman, would make great use of this tape. Perfect for mending her tent, looping around the front of her hikers when they come apart, looping around firewood bundles for a carrying handle, and I wouldn't put it past her to
tie up her food from the bears with it, or rig up her sleeping hammock with it also. We'd love to win and we thank you for the chance!
Beth Knott{tag_emailaddress} commented on 16-Jan-2012 09:47 AM
Sharon, send your contact info to me at bethk@toolskool.com, and you'll be in the running to win the prize!
Johna DeRosier{tag_emailaddress} commented on 19-Jan-2012 06:19 AM
I have a rip in the back seat of my car, I can reupholster it with the "Camo" tape. and hey, I would fit right in (I live in NC)
katt hale{tag_emailaddress} commented on 19-Jan-2012 07:00 AM
i plan to use the camo tape to cover the boarders of some old picture frames that I have, and put in fishing and camping related photos of the family
Debbie Chioffe{tag_emailaddress} commented on 19-Jan-2012 05:22 PM
I would love to make a fashionable Itty Bitty Gorilla Glue Camo Bikini, that would be sure to stay on no matter how rough the waves (or Land Sharks) were! dksugarpaws@yahoo.com
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.
Every year, my mom and I hit the Black Friday sales... It's become a tradition, and although I don't know whether the running around is really worth the money we save, we enjoy it and it's something we do together to kick off the holiday season. The rest of our family thinks we're nuts, and they brag about staying at home, sleeping in, and eating left overs while we run all over town. If you are not as gung ho as we are about hitting the town on Black Friday, maybe on online Black Friday is more your speed. If so, keep checking back, we'll post the deals here for DIYer's, woodworkers, and tool lovers in general.
For DIYer's, woodworkers and remodelers looking for great holiday tool deals. Here's one from JET.
JET ISSUES CODE-RED ALERT ON BLACK FRIDAY VALUES
JET Tools has issued a code-red, high alert on Black Friday exclusive values. From November 25-29, you’ll save up to 28% off selected JET woodworking machinery and 15% off all JET accessories and mobile bases. Over the course of the code-red sale, JET will highlight its major product categories with tools to keep your workshop humming at peak performance. Click the following link to see products on sale now:
Also, while you’re on the website, enter JET’s Workshop Sweepstakes. New prizes are given away each month and winners qualify to win the grand prize valued at $3,400.
Here's another Black Friday Sale to check out from the comfort of your home... My plan is to hit these sales as soon as I'm back from the Midnight sales the night before! Seems like Powermatic has made it easier for me than Target, Kohl's, Best Buy, or the rest of the retail stores out there. Heck... you guys may even get your shopping done before December 24th this year!
STRIKE POWERMATIC GOLD AT BLACK FRIDAY SALE
There’s a bonanza in store for woodworkers who take advantage of POWERMATIC’s Golden Black Friday sales event from November 25-29. Save up to an extra 15% off selected products and all accessories to keep your workshop running at peak performance. Click the following link to view POWERMATIC woodworking products included in the five-day sale: http://www.powermatic.com/Media.aspx?nav=Promotions
We've been keeping up with all the changes with Delta Power Equipment Corporation. And the latest is that the new website is up and running... Take a look and see what you think.
DELTA® Power Equipment Corporation made a big announcement about it's warranty policy last week, and for those of you that trust the Delta brand, but might have been concerned about the new ownership, here's some good news to put your mind at ease. Note that the new warranty policy is for new machinery purchased after February 4th, 2011.
Here's the official statement from Delta:
DELTA® Power Equipment Corporation, a designer and manufacturer of portable, stationary and benchtop woodworking machinery and equipment, has announced that as of their purchase of Delta® Machinery from Stanley Black & Decker on February 4, 2011, all new Delta woodworking machinery purchased on or after that date will carry a Five Year Limited Warranty against manufacturer’s defects.
“For 90 years, DELTA® woodworking machinery has been known for its quality and durability,” said Bryan Whiffen, President and CEO of DELTA® Power Equipment Corporation. “In order to maintain that heritage, we have announced an across-the-board five year warranty for all purchases of new Delta woodworking equipment. This top-in-the-industry warranty is another way we can demonstrate to our customers our commitment to manufacturing and servicing top-of the-industry woodworking tools.”
Drawing additional strength from this warranty are the high-quality, Made in the USA products which are manufactured in the Anderson, SC facility including the world class, DELTA® UNISAW® Table Saws, Radial Arm Saws and Line Boring Machines. Biesemeyer® products, which are known for being the most precise accessories in the industry, are also manufactured in the Anderson, SC facility and will continue to carry a two year limited warranty against manufacturer’s defects. All refurbished Delta products will continue to carry the 180 day warranty.
The complete line of DELTA® professional and DIY woodworking equipment and machinery as well as BIESEMEYER® professional woodworking accessories will continue to be offered through woodworking distributors and retailers throughout North America.
For more information on all DELTA® and BIESEMEYER® products and service, customers can call 1-800-223-7278 or go to www.deltamachinery.com or www.biesemeyer.com.
I love it when I get an email that has information, or in this case a video, about a tool that I really think is cool and can't wait to get to our team to review. it looks like Jason Feldner (Product Manager and star of the video) and the team of engineers at Bosch have come up with another really cool idea. I've already got it on the list of upcoming reviews, but until we check it out, take a look at the video that the PR team for Bosch sent, and see what you think!
I'm headed to Bristol, TN a little later this month to check out the latest tools and accessories coming from IRWIN Tools. While there, I'll get to check out the Ultimate Tradesman Challenge. Here's a bit of information from the Irwin press release:
IRWIN® Tools, a world-class manufacturer and marketer of a broad line of professional hand tools and power tool accessories, will host the Ultimate Tradesman Challenge World Finals on Sunday, March 20, 2011. Six competitors from around the world will use their trade skills to perform a series of precise tasks — such as gripping, sawing, marking, clamping and drilling — in a race against the clock. The tradesman with the top time will be crowned the Ultimate Tradesman Challenge World Champion and will have a chance to win up to $1 MILLION.
IRWIN Tools, a company serious about celebrating the contributions of professional tradesmen, hosted over 250 competitions in nine countries to identify the top six competitors who can Grip It, Rip It, and Drive It faster than any other tradesman. On Sunday, March 20, 2011, one will be crowned the IRWIN Tools Ultimate Tradesman Challenge World Champion.
“IRWIN Tools is excited to host these talented competitors at Bristol Motor Speedway for the Ultimate Tradesman Challenge World Finals,” said Curt Rahilly, VP of Marketing for IRWIN Tools. “At IRWIN, we are dedicated to meeting the needs of professional tradesmen. These trade professionals make a real difference in their communities each and every day because of the work they do. Our competition is a celebration of their contributions and talent.”
And here's a video clip sneak peak of what we can expect to see at the Ultimate Tradesman Challenge:
Back in June, when the weather was warm and the days were longer and a not filled with snow, I took a trip to the outskirts of Chicago to visit the Bosch Power Tools facility. We saw a lot of tools that were new and some that were improved. One of the improved tools that we saw was the award-winning Bosch Power Box. It was first introduced in 2004 and then upgraded in 2006. Job sites and workshops everywhere became better places to work when the Power Box was there. It had a funky, rugged look with the roll-cage design, but most importantly it really was rugged and stood up to the beatings that come with being on an construction site or in a workshop or garage.
So what is new with the Bosch Power Box 360? Well, for one thing, the 360 part according to Bosch… here’s what Bosch says about it in a press release, “The five-speaker design with an integrated subwoofer – an industry first among jobsite radios – projects high-quality, enriched sound in all directions. That means no more jobsite bickering over the placement of the radio.
Not only does the Power Box 360 offer outstanding premium sound but Bosch also made the sound more powerful than the previous PB10-CD. The PB360S model offers more than 2X the sound power output of the previous version, and the PB360D model offers up to 5X more sound power output. Advanced digital signal processing delivers optimized AM/FM reception and quality, for crisp, clear radio sound. Enhance the music listening experience further by selecting from four preset equalizer settings, or customize the music by programming separate bass and treble controls.
Prefer to take your personal digital media player with you? No problem. The Power Box 360 features a weather-sealed digital media bay that offers secure storage and protection from moisture, dust and debris. Simply plug your digital media player in, close the door and get back to work. Not sure you want to take your expensive media player to the job site? The digital media bay also features built-in SD memory card and USB ports so you can play your favorite MP3 and WMA digital music files right from your SD memory card or USB thumb drive device.
The USB port also doubles as a powered USB port so that you can also charge most USB-enabled devices. The PB360D model even features a built-in SIRIUS™ Dock & Play port for connecting select SIRIUS satellite radio devices (device, antenna and subscription sold separately). Care to play your portable CD player, other satellite radio device or any other digital media device? Both versions of the Power Box 360 feature external auxiliary ports as well as a line out port for connecting your Power Box 360 to another unit.
Turn the Power Box 360 around and there’s a built-in battery bay. Plug the unit in and conveniently charge Bosch 14.4V or 18V lithium-ion power tool batteries inside the Power Box 360. If there’s no access to electrical outlets, those same batteries can be used to power the unit, which makes the Power Box 360 ideal for on-the-go or outdoor use.
If users do have access to electrical outlets, the Power Box 360 also serves as a power center. The PB360S model features built-in four-way power outlets and the PB360D model features four-way GFCI outlets so you can power or charge anything from corded power tools and small shop lights to cell phones and laptop computers. Both models also feature a 12V DC (car charger) outlet for more even more versatility.
When it comes to controlling all that power and functionality, Bosch has made that easier too. The new illuminated LCD display on both models is angled upward for easier viewing and large, easy to see buttons and knobs make controlling and programming the unit nearly effortless. The PB360D model features a fully backlit front control panel for easier viewing in the dark and exclusive remote control with onboard storage for users to control the Power Box 360 from up to 40 feet away.
Of course, the Power Box 360 retains the distinctive and rugged aluminum and rubber roll cage design. By using precisely positioned rubber bumpers to suspend the radio inside the protective cage, the Power Box 360 is isolated from the shocks and impacts commonly encountered on the toughest jobsites, so the music never skips a beat and the Power Box 360 stands up over time."
That’s the end of what Bosch has to say...now for what I know. Since I haven’t had the pleasure of testing one of these babies out for any length of time, I can’t say for sure if they sound and all the other features are as superior as they say, but I can say this about the Power Box. It is rugged. While we were at the press event, we did a little test… and some of my colleagues from www.homefixated.com captured this video of the drop test… And if you take a look at the girly girl throwing the Power Box from the ladder… well that’s me! So I know for sure it stood the test of the drop.
Thanks to www.homefixated.com for loaning us the use of the video. It might be the only time I’ll ever appear on youtube!
I’m going to try to get my hands on one to test and I’ll give you a follow up. There are two versions of the Bosch Power Box 360. The 360S is the standard version, which the 360D is the deluxe version, and it has a few more bells and whistles, like a backlit panel, a place to plug in Sirius radio, and GFCI outlets. You can get the Bosch PB360S for around $180 and the PB360D for around $250.
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