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November 8, 2011

This is it, readers -- the end of an era. The Hardware Aisle is finally closing shop, clearing the shelves, pulling down the gates for the last time. It's been a great run: More than 3,000 posts and millions of pageviews, as you learned about tools we love, techniques we've perfected, products we recommend, and deals we've shared.

The good news is that if you're a fan of our Deal of the Day posts, you can continue getting them. They're just moving to Facebook. Like our page there and you'll get them in your news feed every day. We hope to even feature them all on a separate tab at facebook.com/thisoldhouse, so keep an eye out for that in the coming months.

Hardware Aisle posts will continue to be available through search at thisoldhouse.com, so if there's something you remember reading about, you can still find it on our site.

Thanks, friends -- it's been a great run!

Two handy tools in one

October 29, 2011

Here's a handy new power tool from Skil that combines two often-used, much-needed household tools into one compact, cordless package.

The Skil Model 2350-01 is a combination cordless in-line screwdriver and flashlight. The 4-volt, rechargeable unit has a screwdriving bit on one end (above) and an integral LED flashlight (below) on the other. This is an ideal tool to keep in a kitchen junk drawer, in a desk drawer, or on a workbench. 

The Skil 2-in-1 Cordless Screwdriver & Flashlight comes with two screwdriving bits and a battery charger; it's available on-line for about $34.

Deal of the Day: Save over $200 on a Kenmore Dishwasher

October 28, 2011

Are your kitchen appliances up to snuff for the upcoming holiday cooking season? One of our tips to prepare for a stress-free holiday feast is to replace appliances that aren't working right because of age. If your dishwasher is over 9 years old, it might be time. This sleek Kenmore 24-inch built-in model has great features to not only scrub dishes, but to save energy and keep quiet! Get it at Sears today for $607.88 (was $809.99).

Easy-stack bike rack

October 27, 2011

Looking for an easy, space-saving way to store away bicycles for the winter? Then check out the Racor Pro Freestanding Bike Stand.

Simply lean the 79-inch-tall stand against a wall, then slip one or two bikes onto the vinyl-coated arms. There are no holes to drill or anchors to install; the weight of the bikes keep the stand in place. And the stand's four arms are independently adjustable, making it easy to store the bikes level and perfectly balanced. 

The Racor Pro PLB-2R Freestanding Bike Stand typically costs about $97, but is available on-line for only $52.

Deal of the Day: Save $20 on a Digital Angle Protractor

October 26, 2011

Measure all the angles on your next project with precise accuracy by using this Digital Angle Protractor from Rockler.com. It measures the entire 360-degree range, reading the angle between its two overlapping steel blades. Get the 8-inch blade model today for $19.99 (was $39.99).

Insulation information

October 25, 2011

 
With the heating season just around the corner, now is the time to evaluate the energy efficiency of your home's insulation. But where to start, and how to get the most bang for your buck?

One great place to begin is at www.EnergySavers.gov, the official website of the U.S. Department of Energy. There, you'll find a wide range of energy saving tips, strategies and products, including a very comprehensive section on fiberglass insulation.

With just a few mouse clicks, you can get detailed information on how insulation works, where to insulate, recommended R-values, dealing with moisture, the importance of ventilation, installation techniques, and the differences between fiberglass batts, rolls and loose-fill.

The site also has energy-saving information on space heating, cooling, windows, doors, water heating, kitchen appliances, even landscaping. Log on today and start clicking your way to a warmer, more energy-efficient home. 

Deal of the Day: Save 10-50% at Lamps Plus!

October 24, 2011

Need more incentive to get your home primped for the upcoming holidays? How about a big sale? Now through November 6, save 10-50% on the Get Ready for the Holidays Sale on Lampsplus.com. You can get great deals on bathroom lighting, ceiling fans, desk lamps, fountains, and more. Sleek-up a bathroom or kitchen with a chandelier like this Possini Euro Deco Pendant Light. Get it today for $149.95 (was $199).

Portable fire pit

October 22, 2011

 
Wood-burning fire pits provide a warm and cozy way to extend the outdoor living season. The only problem is that most steel fire pits are rather large and heavy, measuring typically about 30 to 40 inches in diameter.

The Mini Fire Pit shown here is only 18 inches in diameter, making it perfect for balconies, apartment courtyards and small patios. And it weighs just 10 pounds so you can easily take it along to the beach or lake.

Made of stainless steel, the Mini Fire Pit comes with an attractive steel base, spark-arresting screen and steel poker. It's available on-line for $110.

Deal of the Day: Get Prepped for Holiday Cooking

October 21, 2011

Sears wants to help you get ready for a house full of guests and busy kitchens during the holidays. Right now through October 31st you can enter the Sears Holiday Preheat Event for a chance to win a $1000 or $500 Sears gift card! Right now, you can save 10-25% on select appliances purchased online—like this GE Profile 19.5 cu. ft. refrigerator for $1779.99 (was $1999.99).

One tough tool tote

October 20, 2011

Lugging around a bunch of tool boxes is no fun, so I was very excited to learn about the new ToughSystem storage products by DeWalt. This smartly designed system might just provide the easiest, best and safest way to store, organize and transport tools.

Deal of the Day: Save 21% on a Canvas Log Carrier

October 19, 2011

'Tis soon the season to get cozy by the fireplace—and you will need to transport the firewood indoors. Use a convenient and durable log carrier like this one by Custom Leathercraft. It transports about 6 average-sized logs per load and measures 15-by-35-inches. Get one today for $14.24 (was $17.99) and keep that fire roaring.

High-speed pumpkin cleaner

October 18, 2011

The one part of pumpkin carving that no one seems to enjoy is scraping out the seeds, fleshy pulp and stringy, gooey guts from inside the soon-to-be jack-o-lantern.  

Now I'm not sure the tool shown here, called the Pumpkin Gutter, will make gourd evisceration any more enjoyable, but anytime you can introduce a power tool, you've pique my interest.

The Pumpkin Gutter resembles a mixing wand from an electric hand mixer, except that fitted onto the end of its shaft is a completely round cage of steel cutting blades. To use the tool, simply chuck it into any power drill, then run it at high speed around the inside of the pumpkin.

The spinning steel blades will rip free the seeds and soggy strings, and even remove some of the flesh, if you'd like to thin the pumpkin walls to make them a bit more translucent.

The Pumpkin Gutter is available on-line for less than $10.

Deal of the Day: Save 22% on a Electric Toro Leaf Blower

October 17, 2011

Leaves starting to pile up? They fall soon, if they haven't already! If you don't own a leaf blower, now is a great time to save on one. The Toro Ultra 12-Amp, Electric Blower/Vacuum is a 3-in-1 blower, vacuum, and leaf shredder and will make fall yard work a breeze. Get one today for $69.97 (was $89.99).

Compact compressor, uncompromising quality

October 15, 2011

Unless you're a professional contractor, you might not be familiar with Emglo Air Compressors, but the company has been designing and manufacturing high-quality, industrial-duty air compressors for nearly 60 years.

And throughout its long history, Emglo has introduced many innovative, industry-first designs, including the world's first low-profile wheelbarrow-style compressor; the first electric stacked-tank, hand-carry model; the first hand-carry, gas-powered model; and the first compressor with an integrated control panel.

Not content to rest on its laurels, Emglo recently introduced the Model EM810-4V, a compact, stacked-tank compressor that's powerful enough to simultaneously run four pneumatic trim nailers, or two framing nailers, or two roofing nailers, or two flooring nailers.

It has a four-gallon tank and features a heavy-duty, oil-lubricated pump with cast-iron cylinders; 125 maximum air-pressure output; dual soft-start valves, which enhance quick start-up in cold weather; sight-glass vial for easily checking the oil level; universal push-to-connect coupler for hassle-free hose attachment; and a quick-turn ball drain valve that provides a fast, thorough way to drain condensation from the tank.

The Model EM810-4V (shown above) sells for about $259. It's also offered with an easy-roll attached dolly (Model EM810-4M; below) for $349.

Deal of the Day: Save on Small Appliances, Support a Good Cause

October 13, 2011

Did you know October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Cuisinart is offering their support by donationing to the Breast Cancer Research Fund and with their Pink Series, which is all on sale right now at Amazon.com! If your kitchen could use a little pick-me-up, check out the great product line they offer. One great buy is the Mini Prep Plus Food Processor in Pink, which is on sale for $39.95 (was $75)! Support a great cause to equip your kitchen!