http://www-test.toolmonger.com All tools. All the time. Your source for news, information, and reviews of hand tools, power tools, and tools of all kinds. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:44:43 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en When you think of a portable compressor you probably think of a tool that's small and easy to move for powering your air nailer. Sure, that's one definition of portable -- but how about a compressor the size of a mobile home that can deliver 1,200 cfm at over 350 ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/15/portable-air-compressor/ Once upon a time, when pneumatic nailers were all the same -- to me at least -- this fine tool would've escaped my attention. This is a multi-blow nailer, which means there's no depth adjustment; you simply hold the actuator until the nail is driven to the depth desired.  If ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/15/multi-blow-joist-hanger-nailer/ Who would've thought you could store thousands of gallons of water in a tank that folds up to the size of a tent and can be carried by one guy? That's just what you get with the Rol-La-Tank from Fol-Da-Tank. Designed to be a relay storage tank for storing liquids ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/15/rol-la-tank/ It's been a busy week here at Toolmonger. If you've been spending time in the shop -- you should! -- and you haven't had a chance to keep up with Toolmonger this week, we suggest you start with these posts, which our readers helped to select: No Dog(leg)s Allowed Making a bend ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/15/the-week-in-tools-toolmonger-top-5-35/ We drive an early version of the Silverado hybrid pickup -- due out in the first half of next year -- and con GM into hooking a 20' boat behind it to find out if it can tow. Don't miss our full hands-on post with the details. http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/15/video-gm-silverado-hybrid-test-drive/ Think battery power and regenerative braking are only for granola-eating hippies? Think again. GM was kind enough to give us a little time with their new-for-2009 (read: available in the first half of next year) Silverado hybrid. And we tried something you can't do with a Prius: We tooled around ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/15/hands-on-gms-2009-silverado-hybrid/ Toolup.com is selling the Vise-Grip 20R chain wrench for $20, which is 10% off the regular price. When I have to unscrew something with limited or no gripping options, I never fail to reach for my Vise-Grip chain wrench, and I often use a pair. They work great ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/15/dealmonger-vise-grip-20r-chain-wrench-20/ (Friday, August 15th, 2008) There's nothing new tonight, but if you like seeing how it's made and done ... well, you'll be happy. All times are central. Rock Solid: Fire Pit and Grill (DIY, 5:00 p.m.) Rock Solid: Outdoor Labyrinth (DIY, 5:30 p.m.) Modern Marvels: Welding (History, 6:00 p.m.) How It's Made: Electric Baseboard Heaters, ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/15/tv-tonight-moldy-oldies/ The art of organizing a workshop can make a big difference in how you work. Here at the Toolmonger shop we engage in constant discussion about the right tool for the job, which tool is a good tool -- and then we generally grab the tool closest to hand, unless ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/14/shop-layout/ If your budget for new tools isn’t an infinitely renewable resource, you might want to hit up Sears for a couple of your need-to-have power tools. Their ever-expanding C3 Ni-Cad line includes over 20 tools that don’t cost much cash when compared to others of their class. We're not sure how ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/14/cheap-ass-tools-craftsman-c3-line/ And you thought taper gauges were an expensive way to measure hole diameters -- these internal micrometers from Brown & Sharpe offer a whole new perspective on "expensive." They start at $450 a tool, but you're probably going to need a bunch of 'em because they only measure diameter within ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/14/its-just-cool-internal-micrometer/ With a screw gun you can drive lots of screws, fast -- and since the current trend in laying subfloor and hanging drywall is to use screws, I imagine there are plenty of Toolmongers out there who get a lot of mileage out of their screw guns.  Grabber's SuperDrive 75 ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/14/rocker-screw-gun/ Attach these magnetic support blocks from Flange Wizard Tools to your construction square or straightedge and give them a new lease on life, guiding your torch straight and true while you cut metal. These blocks will attach to any edge up to 1/8" thick with a pair of set screws. ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/14/blocks-let-you-guide-your-torch-with-a-straight-edge/ It's yours for the taking: a big tool with a history. It could be your father's Little Giant power hammer, a Smithy 3-in-1, a ShopSmith, or a friend's forge that he can't move with him. If you haven't a lot of space in your shop -- or if you'll have ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/14/reader-question-big-tool-dilemma/ All2ools.com is selling the Dynafile pneumatic abrasive belt sander for the low price of $383. It looks rather funky, but it has it where it counts -- did we mention it's pneumatic? Because its belt measures between 1/8" and 1/2", many tool guys reach for the Dynafile when they're blending welds ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/14/dealmonger-dynafile-14000-pneumatic-abrasive-belt-sander-383/ (Thursday, August 14th, 2008) Two new episodes of Some Assembly Required offer a look at the Leatherman Skeletool and compound bows. Backyard to Battlefield is worth catching for you robot/ROV enthusiasts. All times are central. Rock Solid: Interior Brick Wall (DIY, 5:00 p.m.) Rock Solid: Functionless Front Entrance Fix Up (DIY, 5:30 p.m.) How ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/14/tv-tonight-knives-bows-and-military-robots/ Most projects look better without fingerprints, and some projects even work better without them. The solar oven I'm thinking of building takes in solar energy through clear glass or plastic panels -- and I don't want to break out the glass cleaner to wipe off my fingerprints every ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/13/wipe-out-fingerprints/ Connect GasWatch's TLV 212 propane-level indicator between your propane tank and your grill's regulator and you'll never have to wonder, "Do I have enough gas for the party?"  And it's not just for your grill -- it'll work on all outdoor propane-burning equipment with a QCC Type I connection. ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/13/running-on-empty/ MNPCTech's Bill Owen has laid out the steps for a great mirror-finish paint job, complete with video tutorials, tips, and tricks.  I've no idea how many Toolmongers would want to go through all this work for a computer case, but I'd bet a quarter that there are a few projects ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/13/its-just-cool-mirror-finish-paint-tutorial/ According to their latest "Super Savers" flyer, MSC is selling Kant-Twist's T-handled 2" clamps at the low price of $11 apiece, if you buy two or more. Make sure you follow the link from the flyer, as the clamps'll come up at the higher price if you just search the ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/13/dealmonger-kant-twist-2-clamps-11/ Specialty tools are endless -- pick some job that you know someone somewhere is going to have to do, and there's a tool for it. If you need to remove institutional-grade glued-down carpet in the middle of the day at a school, or in the middle of the night in ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/13/jackrabbit-carpet-puller/ You need to bore a bunch of holes through some timbers, but your drill just isn't up to the task. If you have your impact driver handy you can do the job with one of Irwin's impact-wrench utility-pole auger bits. Irwin designs these bits with a medium-fast screw point to ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/13/impact-wrench-auger-bits/ For lawn purists, the push reel mower is the only way to cut your grass -- the eco-friendly tool also makes for some great exercise. Factory Lawn and Garden are currently listing this Scotts 20" push reel mower for $93. The mower features nine cutting heights, from one ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/13/dealmonger-scotts-20-push-reel-mower-93/ (Wednesday, August 13th, 2008) A new Mythbusters takes on YouTube, and the new Under Construction builds a deck. All times are central. Rock Solid: Masonry Camp (DIY, 5:00 p.m.) Tank Overhaul: The Hellcat (Military, 5:00 p.m.) Rock Solid: Tiered Garden Walls (DIY, 5:30 p.m.) How It's Made: Wind Generators, PVC Gloves, Thermo-formed Glass, Fire Trucks ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/13/tv-tonight-not-about-adams-cold-sore/ Score! Having read about a ten-dollar scroll saw and a twenty-dollar recip saw, I've been watching for opportunities at pawn shops, and today my vigilance paid off.  I reeled in a 20' Werner aluminum extension ladder, rated at 200lb -- for $40. I'd just stopped in at a pawn shop I'd ... http://www-test.toolmonger.com/2008/08/12/pawnshop-diving-ladder/