Parts Card

by ryw | Jan 1, 2017 | Buying, Tips

How often have you been at the store, knowing you should pick up a filter, humidifier pad, vacuum bag or plumbing part, but don’t remember the size or the part number? A solution is to make up a Òparts cardÓ the size of a business card to carry in your billfold....

Tool Depreciation

by ryw | Jan 1, 2017 | Buying, Tips

The depreciation factor can help you out when you buy more expensive quality tools. A high-quality tool usually will depreciate less, as a percentage of its purchase price, than a lower-priced tool. This means you can use that quality tool over the years and, if you...

Tool Potential

by ryw | Jan 1, 2017 | Buying, Tips

Once you have invested in quality power tools, follow through with premium blades, bits or accessories to take full advantage of high-quality engineering. For example, if you try to get by with a cheap saw blade instead of a premium blade, a saw will not perform up to...

Tool-Buying Decisions

by ryw | Jan 1, 2017 | Buying, Tips

Because of market competition, you won’t go wrong most of the time if you go by price as a guide to quality when buying tools. If you’re pondering whether to buy the $100 or $200 tool, go with the more expensive. Quality tools are a joy to work with and,...

Fenestration Rating

by ryw | Jan 1, 2017 | Buying, Tips

When you’re shopping for new windows, first, look for the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label; it means the window’s performance is certified.

Window Climate Region

by ryw | Jan 1, 2017 | Buying, Tips

Look at the Climate Region Map on the Energy Star label to be sure that the window, door, or skylight you have selected is appropriate for where you live.