When shopping for a home improvement tool, most of us have an impossible wish list in mind. It has to do everything, store easily, not require you to pump iron in order to lift it, and -- while you're wishing -- you want it to be intuitive. Right? Well, manufacturers have been listening to the market and have introduced a few high-tech twists to their popular lines.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior with a long list of small repair jobs or just a gadget-freak who has to have all the latest gear in your toolbox, you’ll find the fall line up of DIY tools a welcome change from the grunt and grind of yesteryear. Once you pick up Black and Decker’s new Firestorm Cordless Multi Tool down (approx. $120, Black and Decker), for example, it's truly hard to put it down. Not only does this little ergonomically designed powerhouse fit your hand like a glove, its three interchangeable heads will take care of nearly every project in sight. The Multi-Tool combines the best features of B&D’s award-winning Mouse sander, easy-clamp jigsaw, and Firestorm drills and drivers. Think of it as a Swiss Army Knife with buzz.
B&D’s Multi-Tool will become your new up-for-anything, go-anywhere workmate. Some buddies and I used it this weekend to get my deck in shape before the relatives descend for the holidays -- sanding off the old paint before touching up, ripping off the ugly flower boxes (last season’s big mistake), drilling out masonry for a new light fixture. We almost came to blows over taking turns. Black and Decker has been leading the charge (pardon the pun) on cordless, rechargeable tools and appliances, and this one is a great addition to their line.
After a lifetime of cut thumbs (and a basement piled with power tool paperweights), I’ve found the perfect tool: the RotoZip Revolution Spiral Saw (around $139 ). It’s tough enough to make a 200-pound former Navy Seal weak in the knees, yet smart enough to impress his Mensa date. Unlike a conventional saw that uses a blade or teeth, the spiral saw uses a high-speed revolving bit similar to a drill that lets you plunge into material and then slice clean freehand cuts in any direction. But wait, there’s more: the basic Revolution unit will cut almost anything from wood and aluminum siding to ceramic wall tile and marble.
The Revolution even has a smart remedy for those jerky starts and itchy trigger fingers. It uses a computer chip and a series of embedded sensors to automatically adjust power according to the user’s cues. The Revolution has a number of other winning features: a quick release handle for freehand styling and tight workspaces, recessed high intensity LED headlights so you can actually see what you’re doing, and an adjustable air diverter that blows debris away from you and your work. It even packs away easily into its own carrying case.
You can add endless functionality to the Revolution with Zip Bits and accessories (sold separately). The convenient Circle Cutter is great for doing just what it claims to do. My favorite is the Zip Mate attachment ($39.95) which quickly transforms the basic spiral saw into a grinder, sander and polisher that can work on floor tile, masonry and metals. I used it to straighten my stone walkway (be sure to use the included safety glasses) and have my eye on redoing the kitchen floor. Watch out, house -- I’ve got a power weapon in hand and I intend to use it!
Until now, the rule of (bloodied) thumb for most DIYers has been" "Measure once. Measure twice. Then call a professional." With the new intelligent and versatile tools available for home improvement hacks and hobbyists, those autumn chores can have a happy ending. So it’s time to get out that favorite well-worn flannel shirt, dust off the extension ladder, and finish some of those projects left over from last year.
See also:
|
