November 7, 2009
I'm always impressed when a tool manufacturer takes a simple, everyday tool and completely redesigns it to create a much more versatile, useful tool. Case in point:
Stanley Tools just added the TwinBlade Utility Knife to its popular--and ever-growing--line of FatMax Xtreme hand tools.
At first glance, the TwinBlade looks similar to most other utility knives, but it's hiding a secret.
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November 6, 2009
Yesterday, the House of Representatives voted to pass an extension and expansion of the First-Time Homebuyer tax credit. Now, all that's needed is for President Obama to sign on the dotted line today and the $8,000 credit will be in place until April 30, 2010 (instead of expiring at the end of this month). Plus, it won't be exclusive to first-time homebuyers anymore - which should hopefully squelch the ugly practice of using kids' identities to get around red tape.
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November 6, 2009
If a robber ever comes to my home office looking for bank or credit card documents to steal my identity, they've got another thing coming to them. Everything is, quite frankly, lost in a mashed up, cluttered mess of files, folders and paperwork. Unfortunately, I have a hard time finding those important documents myself...particularly when I really need them. If I ever get my act together, I think I'll invest in one of these steel file boxes ($19.99) from Master Lock.
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November 5, 2009
Some people hate doing laundry. In our household, it’s viewed as a rare opportunity to advance the agenda without working up a sweat. You start out with a big messy pile and end up with a nice neat stack (and, if you are lucky, an even number of socks). Sure beats doing windows or cleaning out the fridge. Every so often I idly wonder how this could be any easier, and now Whirlpool has an answer.
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November 5, 2009
I was using my table saw recently to cut up some maple plywood, and discovered that my 10-inch, carbide-tipped blade wasn't cutting very smoothly, and more troubling, it was splintering the maple veneer.
That was a bit surprising because the blade was relatively new and still pretty sharp. So, what choice did I have? I sent the blade out to be sharpened, but also decided to treat myself to a brand-new saw blade--and boy, am I ever glad.
My search to find the perfect plywood-cutting saw blade led me to the Freud LU79R010. And after using it for the past week or so, I can honestly say that it's the smoothest-cutting blade I've ever used.
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November 4, 2009
Whether you're a sucker for the Slanket or your loyalties lie with last year's late-night TV star the Snuggie, the days when polar fleece just won't cut it are quickly approaching. So what's the next best way to take winter's chill out of the air, other than cranking up the thermostat? A space heater. Sure, they're easier on your energy bill than central heating, but they're never too easy on the eyes, your decor, or your floor space. The list goes on, which is why I'm drawn to the ECO-heater, a 3/8-inch-thick, wall-mount, square heater capable of keeping a 10-foot-by-12-foot room cozy with minimal electricity. An added bonus: because it uses convection, a process in which most of the air is heated in the space between the panel and the wall, it is also safer than models that heat up in the front, especially for pets and children.
MoreNovember 4, 2009
The KitchenAid 4.5-quart Ultra Power Stand Mixer is on sale for $249.99 at Target.
November 4, 2009
Now, I personally have a mighty hard time adjusting the heat on my radiator. It's old and stubborn and doesn't seem to like me very much. Which is why I think I'm going to get one of these lovely, solid brass radiator keys ($22.95) from Signature Hardware. Who said practical can't be pretty? See after the jump for a smattering of sensible how-tos and stylish photos, all regarding radiators.
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November 3, 2009
It’s never too soon to start gathering ideas for holiday gifts, and this one comes from my friend Ashton, who loves woodworking so much he makes his own guitars and who writes, “For under $50, in most cases, a good Japanese saw is a must have." I had never heard of these tools, but I see from pictures that a hand saw can never be too thin or too sharp, and even better if it comes on a skinny wooden handle.
MoreNovember 3, 2009
Ok, it sounds strange I admit, for someone over the age of 8 to decorate her room with stickers, but they are great for anyone with design ADD or a small budget. Wall stickers have been popular for a few years now (BLIK, ferm Living, and Wallnutz are just a few places where you can find them), but many people haven't discovered tile stickers. Sticviews lets you choose from one of its patterns or upload a pattern or photo of your own and then customize everything from color to size to rotation.
MoreNovember 3, 2009
Pottery Barn is offering free shipping on all holiday ornaments.
November 3, 2009
I was at my local home center recently purchasing hardware for a closet renovation, and I made a most pleasant discovery. I found a much better, sturdier version of the standard closet-shelf bracket.
The typical bracket is simply a L-shaped piece of metal with a diagonal brace and a hook for holding the closet rod. The improved bracket I found is similar in design, but it's superior in every way.
MoreNovember 2, 2009
This GE 14-cup food processor is $49 at Walmart.
November 2, 2009
We love giving you the opportunity to flaunt your home improvement skills here and in This Old House magazine, but sharing is caring, right? We can't keep your amazing stories and tips all to ourselves! Now, Dremel is giving you the chance to show them how you tackle a common home project using your Dremel tools. What's in it for you? A chance to win $2,500.
MoreNovember 2, 2009
Here's some good news for those who rely on natural gas: This winter you’ll probably be warming your homes for less, as natural gas prices are the cheapest they’ve been in years. But don’t let that good news lure you into complacency about an inefficient furnace. While the heating appliances have long lifespans (they average 20 years), any bought before 1992 can have efficiency ratings as low as 60 percent. That means you’re losing up to 40 cents of every dollar you spend on heating. If you can’t afford an upgrade to a more efficient furnace (newer ones have a minimum rating of 78 percent and many go up to 95 percent) just yet, at least make sure an HVAC pro performs a thorough maintenance check-up on your unit once a year and you should clean or change the filter every month.
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