The workhorse sander for most tradesmen is the 5-inch-diameter random-orbit sander. Thanks to its ability to hog off stock with a coarse grit disk and leave a smooth, finished surface with a fine grit, this single tool has replaced the old progression of belt sander to half-sheet finish sander for...
Anyone with the wherewithal to shop for a truck last year found himself in the driver's seat when it came down to the bottom line in striking a deal. Between dealer desperation and the cash-for-clunkers program, it was a rare chance for consumers to actually come away ahead
Tradesmen are problem-solvers. We all have 'Aha!' moments – those instants of clarity and understanding when you see the solution to your problem, right in front of you. Burt Weinstein has made a career of such moments. The big difference between him and the rest of us is that he patents his...
If there's one thing we learned over the past year of touring with the Site Commander, as we visited 600 cities across the country, it's how hard contractors will work to keep their companies afloat. Survival in this business is difficult enough without facing historic economic conditions and the...
Below-Deck Storage / Tough, Quiet Tires
The latest pro circ saw from Skil (model HD5687) is not one of the company's signature wormdrive tools but a new blade-right sidewinder model. We found it interesting enough to test because of its price (under $100) and the fact that it's Skil's only 7-1/4-inch sidewinder warranted for professional...
Plumbers typically cut chamfered drain holes in subflooring by eye, using a recip saw held at a shallow angle. The resulting inconsistencies in the roundness of the hole and the chamfered angles can keep the drain from sitting totally flat and centered in the opening, and a generous application of...
New Heavy-Duty Dodge Rams / What's That Beater Worth?
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Two of the world's oldest, largest, and most respected makers of hand and power tools surprised just about everyone in November by announcing that they intend to combine their many assets to form an $8.4 billion global tool company, to be called Stanley Black & Decker. As of this writing, the...
To say 2009 was a tough year for auto-makers would be something of an understatement. But you could also say it was a very good year for truck buyers who managed to stay in the market. When the construction industry went into a skid, prices for pickups and other work vehicles plummeted, and nearly...
Fein Power Tools has introduced a new line of low-vibration compact angle grinders (model WS-14) that lock out accidental start-ups.
Rather than rely on fuel cells, Senco's all-new Fusion cordless nailers operate on the same principle as pneumatic tools: compressed air.
The BAKflip CS Contractor Series tonneau combines a weathertight load-bearing folding pickup bed cover with an integrated sliding rack system.
Ride-Rite LS load levelers from Firestone Industrial Products are designed for heavy-duty (2500 series and up) Ford, Chevy/GMC, and Dodge pickups.
The WeatherGuard E-Line Saddle Box (model 143) is the first in a new line of pickup toolboxes introduced by security tool-chest manufacturer Knaack.
Deluxe Commercial Unit truck caps and covers from A.R.E. are available for most 2010 pickups.
The 50QT Fridge Freezer from Australian four-wheel vehicle-parts manufacturer ARB was designed to improve on all other portable vehicle units now available, says the manufacturer.
Step n Tow is a Class III 2-inch receiver-mounted tow hitch.
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Full-Pull Utility Drawers from Tuffy Security Products provide lockable storage for pickups with 4-, 6-, or 8-foot beds.
The hard, knobby treads on construction-vehicle tires are good for navigating building site terrain and debris, but they can be loud and slick on paved roads and they offer poor fuel economy.