Ever notice how pulling out nails with a hammer claw leaves marks on the wood? Donald Shenk did, and he decided to do something about it. A skilled craftsman with a commitment to building more efficiently with wood, Shenk saw an opportunity to give the building and...
Hand Tools
Range Finder
Handymen and women have always relied on precise measurements in order to complete a job in or around the home. A replacement for your standard issue tape measure can now be found in Bosch’s Laser Range Finder. This device is mostly appealing because of its compact...
Glue Gun Recall
Crafters Square Hot Melt Glue Guns has recalled 253,000 glue guns because they can short circuit, posing a fire, burn and shock hazard to consumers. There have been seven incidents so far with two injuries. The glue guns were sold at Dollar Tree, Dollar Bill$, Dollar...
Nail Removal Tricks
Looks like you can teach an old dog new tricks. This video from FineHomebuilding.com taught me some new ways to remove nails. Turns out you don't have to rely on brute force, a strong hammer and lots and lots of swearing, which is my personal technique. Finesse works...
The Scoop on Shovels
Looking for a good workout this winter? Nothing beats shoveling snow. And with snow now upon us here in Boston, it's time to talk about the latest shovel technology. The three things to consider when buying a snow shovel are the blade, handle and the grip. When...
Too-Much-Time-on-Your-Hands Award
Ever wondered why your contractor comes in over budget and not in time? I think I may have found the answer. Nevermind that the video is in German. It's a visual answer. Please do not attempt this at home—or anywhere else. You Tube Biok2006
Ergonomic Shoveling
For as long as I can remember, I've known there's no better way to throw out your back than to shovel snow or dig a trench. But digging a hole wouldn't be half as bad if it wasn't so awkward. Leaning over puts all the pressure on the back. Now the BackSaver Grip comes...
The Right Wrench
Why is it the one wrench missing from a set is always the one you need most? Now with LoggerHead Tools’ new Bionic Wrench, a three-piece set does the work of 30 different sizes. The Bionic Wrench removes the guesswork of determining how large a nut or bolt is. Gone...
Quick on the Draw
When I hear the words “pump-action,” I think shotgun, not screwdriver. Lee Valley is out to change this with their Autoloader Screwdriver. A handy 6-in-1 tool, the Autoloader holds six different bits, all housed within a clear chamber. To change bits, users need only...
New Wrench on the Block
There’s always some new-fangled invention or tool looking to do the job of many or replace all those old what-nots and what-have-you’s from the work bench. Most are quickly passed over. Once in a while, though, a new tool comes along that's worth considering. Take...