Looking For a Raise? Ladders

Ladders might be one of the oldest tools right behind hammers and possibly spears. The history of the ladder is boring and unimportant to many of us, so I’ll skip that part and we’ll talk a bit about ladder safety and maybe touch on some ladder options for you.

Ladder safety is one of the most important things you can have in your head when twenty feet up; well that and maybe not falling. Believe it or not ladder accidents happen more with those who use ladders a lot more than those who are occasional ladder users. Conventional wisdom says that is because people who use a ladder day in and day out are more apt to get hurt because they are on a ladder more; this is a falsehood. Most ladder accidents occur because the person using the ladder is comfortable and lax in making sure that they have done everything correctly.

First off is looking over your ladder before you use it. Look for any parts that might be broken and should you find a broken rung or lateral, replace the ladder. Fixing a ladder is a lot like stuffing a rag into a hole in your gas tank. In fact it’s even more dangerous. Chances are the car might not explode, there is no doubt your ladder will come out from under you.

Once you are sure that your ladder is solid and in good condition, carrying it is the next step. No matter what kind of ladder you have, there is a balance point on it; this might even be marked on the ladder its self (imagine that!). Once you have located the balance point, carry the ladder from there. Some ladders (most now) actually tell you how to carry them. Because men use ladders a lot more than women typically, there are pictures as well. Injuries from carrying a ladder improperly occur quite a bit.

Set up your ladder in a level spot that is firm. True you might have a level spot in the yard, but id the ground is soft this is pointless. Putting a ladder feet on a couple of 2 X 4’s is not an option. Neither is putting it on a piece of plywood. Plywood is liable to slip out from under the ladder. Go back inside and watch the game, try a little later.

Once on a ladder, make sure you stand no higher than where the top rung rests on your thigh. Yeah one more step up couldn’t possibly hurt… oops. Are you getting this? Generally there’s not a lot to hold on to up high, your ladder is your connection to terra firma, stay as close to is as you can. Failure to do so could result in a fall or your one way ticket to Paintown- population you.

Ladder types range from a frames to extension ladder and even those cool hybrid ladders that are both and can be saw horses or jet boats or whatever. The later ladders are nice because they can reach as high or low as needed and do provide some options. Make sure when using these or A-frame ladders that everything is locked out, this will ensure stability.

Move slow and think before you start climbing a ladder. When outside make sure you are not near any power lines. Really most ladders will not conduct electricity, but you still might. Being grounded is easier than you think. Speaking of thinking, think safety and you should be fine. Happy climbing!

August 19th, 2010 by 12oclock in Porter Cable Power Washer Articles | No Comments

Top 4 Cordless Angle Drills – High-Quality, Great Price

Designed to reach the industry’s seemingly unreachable tight spots and corners, an angle drill is a brilliant little tool that will do nothing less than enhance and simplify your working experience. With a compact body design, an angled chuck, and industrial power, the angle drill is built for efficient drilling and driving, sometimes though, it can be difficult to efficiently find the drill that best suits your specific needs. To help ease the stress of the search, I’ve done some research for you and found the following four tools generally sum-up what’s best about the cordless angle drilling community.

To begin with the most heavy-duty, high-performance drill, Makita’s BDA350 (18v)angle drill is designed to deliver superior precision and maximum productivity. With 121 in/lbs of torque and 0 – 1,800 RPM, the drill can master almost every driving and drilling application with power to spare. Variable speeds put you in control over the tool’s wide range of capabilities, and designed with a comfortable, ergonomic shape, the tool is simple to use and comfortable to operate all day. Its slim, efficient design makes the tool perfectly suited for any craftsmen from plumbers to carpenters to electricians – and because the drill is also cordless, it is portable, mobile, and convenient. The tool also has a 3/8″ keyed metal chuck with a low profile and enhanced gripping power giving you even better access to hard to reach spaces and a better grip on your bits; this means not only that the will drill keep better hold of your bits, but that you will achieve more with them. A built-in LED light illuminates work areas for optimal precision in dim corners and tight spaces, and powered by Makita’s lithium-ion battery system, the BDA350 has vastly extended battery life and run-time. The kit ranges in price from about $330 – $360.

This next tool is slightly less awesome for not using lithium-ion technology (which I happen to be quite partial to), but all that is made up for in good craftsmanship, and perhaps more importantly, a great price. Makita’s DA312DWD (12v, 3/8″) angle drill ranges in price from about $190 – $210, and is compact and powerful to deliver craftsmen some of the most efficient angle drilling in the business. Utilizing a 2.6AH NiMH battery the tool is reliably strong, and because of its compact design, the tool is a real casanova of close quarter drilling and driving. The drill’s 3/8″ chuck is keyless for the simplest bit insertion and removal, and with a variable speed trigger (ranging from 0 – 800 RPM) operators have complete control over the tool. An electric brake stops the chuck with uncommon quickness contributing to both your safety and working precision on the job. Being compact and lightweight at only 3.5 lbs, the tool is also extremely well balanced for optimized portability and maneuverability, and with overload protection, the motor is protected from burnout during rigorous applications. Ultimately, the tool is a supremely tough and generally affordable solution to close quarter drilling and driving.

For lighter-duty users that still expect high-quality, Dewalt’s DW960K-2 (18v) cordless right angle drill-driver is a perfect match; costing about $180 – $195, this is a quality, comprehensive kit at a price that is difficult to resist. The DW960K-2, however isn’t just a good price, its a great tool as well built with innovation and versatility to deliver an angle drill with enough power to back up its sleek design. With two-speeds ranging from 0 – 500 and 0 – 1,500 RPM, the tool is flexible through a variety of applications, and with a reversing capability the tool brings craftsmen more working options on the job. A multi-grip trigger (which allows users reach tighter spaces while still accessing the trigger) improves control and comfortability on the job, and designed a sealed ball bearing construction and right angle transmission, the tool boasts impressive, durable longevity. The tools 3/8in plastic, two-sleeve chuck helps get even closer in close-quarter applications, and as the tool weighs only 4.7 lbs, it is strikingly comfortable and convenient in every work space. Altogether, the tools unique design and versatile power make it a truly perfect tool for any electrician, plumber, or general craftsmen.

Ranging in price from about $150 – $180, Dewalt’s DW965K-2 (12v, 3/8″) cordless right angle drill-driver is basically the best deal you’re likely to find for a quality cordless angle drill. The DW965K-2 is an uncommonly versatile tool with the big power to work through challenging conditions and materials, and two-speeds (ranging from 0 – 400 and 0 – 1,200 RPM) plus reversing to help you manage a host of applications. With a sleek design and a maximum output of 165 unit watts, the drill is a brilliant performer in tight spaces as well as in challenging industrial materials. A multi-grip trigger keeps you comfortable as you work, and at only 4.1 lbs the tool is ultra lightweight for comfortable operation during continuous work or awkward operation. The tool’s all ball bearing construction and right angle transmission ensure durable high-performance throughout the life of the tool ultimately rendering this little sucker, an industrial performer at a price that no one can argue with.

In the long and short of it, with cordless power and angled versatility, one of these models is sure to fill the angle drilling void in your life. Good luck and happy crafting!

August 2nd, 2010 by 12oclock in Porter Cable Power Washer Articles | No Comments

Tips on Choosing a Company For Your Backhoe Rental

When you do not own your own backhoe, and you need to have one for a specific job, there are many businesses that offer a Backhoe Rental. You will just have to decide on which company to use as well as determine the right type of backhoe that you need for the job. Renting a backhoe for your yearly yard work, laying a driveway or sidewalk or any job that may require this type of machinery is as easy as doing some research on the Internet. It is better to rent one in these types of situations then putting out all the money in order to purchase one.

There are several things that you need to consider when involving yourself in a Backhoe Rental. You need to consider the types of models that are available for rental and if those models will fit the needs of the job you are going to be doing. You do not want to get a cheaper backhoe because of the price to just find out that it is not large enough to get the job done. You should not make your decision on the backhoe that you rent strictly on the price of them.

You also need to consider the special attachments that you may need with your Backhoe Rental. There are many businesses that will charge an extra amount for any attachments that you need to add to your rental agreement. However, if the job calls for that specific attachment, then it would be worth the extra cost. You need to make sure that you break down all the costs in order to see if you can get a better deal. There are times when you can take a bundle of attachments that would be cheaper than just taking one.

Another consideration is the transportation of the Backhoe Rental. If you have your own trailer in order to transport the backhoe, then this will probably not be a factor for you. However, if you don’t, then you would need to add in the expenses that it will take to rent a trailer as well. Many of the rental places that you will find will be able to include a trailer for transportation as well but, of course, with an extra fee attached. You can also get the backhoe delivered. Sometimes you can get special deals that your delivery of the equipment will be free if you order it on specific days. You just have to ask questions in order to get the right information.

July 31st, 2010 by 12oclock in Porter Cable Power Washer Articles | No Comments

What You Need to Know About Temperature Options of Pressure Washers

Pressure washers are advanced cleaning machines that utilize the power of highly pressurized water to tackle the toughest stains, grime, and other deposits. Quality pressure washers are unbeatable when it comes to meeting the cleaning requirements of commercial, industrial, or residential settings. Thanks to the extensive range of water pressure washers available today, you can now choose the perfect model for your specific needs.

Defining Features

One of the key aspects to determine the cleaning power of commercial pressure washers is its temperature level. Based on their temperature options, power cleaners are generally divided into three types – hot water units, cold water units, and steam units. Tri-mode machines are also available, embodying all three temperature options in one unit.

While you may need to use a hot water pressure cleaner for some cleaning tasks, others may require the cold water version. Deciding on the perfect pressure washer for each task is easier than it seems.

Cold water pressure washers are designed for light cleaning applications that can do without the additional cleaning force of hot water or steam. These power cleaners are effective in cleaning different surfaces like patios, windows, concrete surfaces, and vehicle exteriors. Being lightweight, compact, and portable, cold water pressure washers are the fastest selling models in the market. In addition, since these cold water models do not contain a heating element, they are less expensive than heated models.

For heavy-duty cleaning jobs, it is best to get hot water pressure washing machines. These industrial pressure washers feature the combined power of high pressure levels and extreme heat to dissolve stains, oil, grease, and grime from various surfaces. Hot water power washers are great for cleaning industrial areas like greasy food manufacturing plants or dirty shop floors. Using cold water power washers in such areas will not dissolve the fat deposits and grease, but instead cause them to solidify into greasy clumps that can be very hard to remove.

Steam pressure washers are undoubtedly the most powerful cleaning forces around. These pressure cleaning machines eject super-hot steam at high pressures so that even the most demanding tasks can be completed easily in no time. With extremely high steam temperatures that can reach330°F, these steam power cleaners offer you the most reliable and effective solution to dissolve hardened grime, tough grease, and stubborn stains. Another positive aspect of steam power cleaners is that you do not have to use any harsh cleaning chemicals to soften the greasy deposits.

As stated earlier, there also exists another class of pressure washing equipment with tri-mode temperature options. That means you simply have to purchase a single unit to enjoy the benefits of all three versions of power washers. To make sure that you pick the right version for your needs, always buy pressure washer from reputable suppliers who will help you select the best machine for you.

July 24th, 2010 by 12oclock in Porter Cable Power Washer Articles | No Comments

Important Things You Need to Know About Battery Drills

There are many different types of cordless drills which are available, each of these have different features and functions. You need to check that the drill is comfortable when you hold it. Try using a number of different drills and choose one that suits you the best. There are a number of different types of grips available, you can only find out which one is best by trying them all out. Visit a home hardware store so that you can hold and feel all of the drills. Find an easy to use drill which has accessible controls.

Features of Cordless Drills

Choose a drill which has variable speeds. You may require these speed settings so that you can select lower speeds. Softer materials should be drilled with higher speeds. If you choose a drill with an automatic clutch then the speed will change depending on the material being drilled automatically. This is fantastic for beginners.

You need to think about the power of the drill. There are many different voltages of drills, including 2 to 24 volts. You need to think about what you intend to be drilling with the drill so that you can work out the voltage requirements. You should always buy a slightly higher powered drill than you think you will need so that you can be sure you have enough.

Another important thing to think about is the battery. Battery life of the drills varies depending on the drill that you buy. I would suggest buying a drill that has two batteries so that you can use one while charging the other. The battery should be charged as soon as you notice its losing power.

Manufacturers of Cordless Drills

Popular drills for woodworking are Makita drills. This was one of the first companies to pioneer the idea of cordless drills and always continues to improve their technology and models. There are many different models which are available which make them very versatile. All of the batteries use latest technology, and most drills come with two batteries.

The Makita drill is compact and has very good power controls. It’s very comfortable to hold and use and offers several advanced features such as variable speed, and shift lock drive system. This drill is supplied with two powerful batteries.

Another popular drill manufacturer is Ridgid, these drills are popular because they have very good power. They normally come with long life batteries and a charger which can charge both batteries at the same time. These are heavy duty tools.

Ridgid also produce a 3/8 cordless drill which is 14.4 volts. This is a very powerful drill, however it is also very heavy, at 5 pounds it may be too heavy for some people. There are some great features like reverse, 24 position clutch and variable speeds.

July 22nd, 2010 by 12oclock in Porter Cable Power Washer Articles | No Comments

Sliding Compound Mitre Saw Blade Tips

If you are buying a sliding compound mitre saw for the first time, you might like to read these useful tips about saw blades. They will make your life easier and keep you safe.

To start off, most DIY enthusiasts use the all-purpose blade that comes with the saw. If it’s a reputable make, you will be able to carry out a wide variety of jobs around the home with this blade, and for many people, the original blade is the only one they will ever need.

However, if you decide later on that you want to do more specialised work, such as precision cabinet making, it will pay you to go for more specialist blade to match the task, and incidentally, this applies to all prices of sliding mitre saw and to any make, from Makita to Bosch, from Dewalt to Hitachi. It really does pay to have the correct blade for the job, especially for finer work where you will be bringing together several wooden components.

If sliding compound mitre saws are new to you, you need to know that their blades have a less “aggressive” cut than other power saws, which means that the teeth of the blade need to be less “hooked”. The “hook” angle is the thing to look out for. You need between zero and minus five degrees for a sliding compound mitre saw, otherwise the wood will be chewed up and things could get dangerous.

Whether you stick to the original blade that came with the saw, or build up a little collection of blades, here are some great tips (no pun intended) to keep them in top condition:

* Clean your blades so that resin from the wood does not build up as this will impede the movement of the blade through your work. Good cleaners are available from hardware shops specifically for this purpose. Be aware that you should not use caustic cleaners like oven cleaner, as this can loosen the carbide tips of the teeth. For a more natural cleaner, there’s a product called “Simple Green”, or you can even use baking soda and water.

* If it’s getting hard to feed wood through your sliding mitre saw, the saw’s blade may be in need of sharpening (assuming that everything else is adjusted correctly). Don’t delay the sharpening and go to a professional.

* Keep your blades in a dry place and use a water repelling oil like WD-40 to keep rust at bay. It’s a good idea to cut some scrap wood to start with if you have previously coated the blade for storage – you don’t want to oil up a nice expensive piece of hardwood!

* Store blades flat, with card or something similar in between if you are stacking them, or you could chip the hard but brittle carbide tips.

Please follow these tips and you will get the best, and the safest, performance from your sliding compound mitre saw.

July 17th, 2010 by 12oclock in Porter Cable Power Washer Articles | No Comments

Magic Tools – Diamond Concrete Drilling, Grinding and Polishing Tools

Have you ever thought that a diamond besides the symbol of elegance and beauty can be really a useful thing? Well! A lot of people would be surprised to know that Diamonds are the toughest materials manufactured from earth and besides their glamor enjoys different functions such as drilling, grinding and polishing.

Let us discuss Diamond Core Drill Bits, Diamond Grinding Tools and Diamond Grinding Tools in detail.

Diamond Core Drill Bits A Smart Choice for Industrial Purpose

Core Drilling Bits are avidly used to drill wells, mountains, and for basic construction purposes, or to cut hard surfaces such as stone, concrete. Of course, the size of the diamond depends largely on the job you are going to perform. Diamond Core Drill Bits, like other industrial diamond cutters function and are prepared in the same way. It’s very interesting to know that many people have actually utilized a material such as diamond so effectively, economically and interestingly.

Diamond Core Drill Bits – Never fall dull

One of the positive and strong attribute about drill bits is that they never fall dull. Pointing out all the benefits, we can now understand how important is it to have these Core Drill Bits for construction work.

Diamond Grinding Tools – High Performance Tools

A Grinding tools contains special diamond segments for grinding range of materials which other grinding and cutting tools cannot. The special diamond segments contain in a diamond grinding tool constitutes diamond crystal and powder metal forming the bond. Before selecting the grinding tools, remember that ‘bond’ is one of the main factors depending on how hard, or abrasive the material is. The bond decides the rate at how sharp is the edge of Diamond Grinding Tools.

Diamond Grinding Tools – Never Go Dull

Another benefit is that they never go dull. This of course doesn’t mean that they are going to last forever. It simple means that as long as diamonds are embedded in the surface, the diamond grinding tool will drill and perform just as actively as the first day of its life till its last working day. What’s more amazing?

Diamond Polishing Tools – Most effective and convenient means

Diamond Polishing tools are the most effective and convenient means to polish stone, concrete or masonry. Thanks to the recent advancement in flooring industry giving a shiny and glossy like look to the floor. Catching on millions people attention, these tools give dazzling and shimmering look to the concrete floor and are highly used in private homes, office, industries, retails houses, showrooms, warehouses.

Much faster they are, they allow ample amount of time and are much cleaner and give marvelous results.

July 3rd, 2010 by 12oclock in Porter Cable Power Washer Articles | No Comments

The Advantage of Ryobi Tools

In the world of power tools, it is said that if it isn’t a Ryobi tool, you probably don’t have a need for it. One of the leaders in the power tool industries, Ryobi has a full line of power tools, cordless tools and tools for outdoor jobs. It is the top choice among homeowners, contractors and hobbyists. The hallmark of Ryobi tools has always been its outstanding value, giving the consumer quality tools at a reasonable price.

This is just a sample of the tools that Ryobi manufacturers: band saws, biscuit joiners, buffers, circular saws, drills, drivers, grinders, jig saws, miter saws, routers, sanders, reciprocating saws, scroll saws and table saws. That’s only the corded tools. There is a full line of cordless drivers and drills for simpler and quicker use. There are also combo kits that carry an 18 volt drill, a circular saw plus a light in a case. They even have a workshop all in one box, that includes a power saw, a reciprocating saw, a hand vac, a flashlight and a cordless drill. Ryobi has all of the modern tools you will need, as well as the traditional standbys. There are also options designed to appeal to professionals as well the occasional user.

You don’t have to have power tools to handle your outside jobs like caring for your lawn or your garden, but they sure make the job easier. Ryobi carries a full selection of outdoor tools such as blowers, chain saws, cultivators, log splitters, and power washers, perfect for cleaning the siding on your house or washing down the walks after trimming. A power pruner on a pole is able to cut a brand 12 feet in the air; it is like an expandable chainsaw!

Cleaning outdoor debris such as leaves and yard clippings is so much easier with a Ryobi blower. The handheld blower is light and easy to use, and the backpack version is perfect for big jobs, and they both convert into a vacuum.

The log splitter in the Ryobi line give you 11 amps of power with 4 tons of pressure in a steel construction with a two year warranty for heavy duty splitting. It is able to split logs as large as twenty inches long and twelve inches in circumference.

Most Ryobi tool owners never want to change them, just maintain them and replace parts when needed. Periodically replacing filters and other parts Will keep the tools working like new for years. You can order replacement parts directly from Ryobi on Theo 8000 number. You will be directed to the closest service center to pick up whatever you need for your drill or your trimmer.

On the website that Ryobi maintains, you can get a copy of all of the manuals for cordless tools and Ryobi tools. Make sure you registered any Ryobi tools you purchase and then you will have an easy time ordering parts or exercising the warranty. Make sure you take all of these steps to take care of your Ryobi tools; give them a little time and they will last you a lifetime.

June 27th, 2010 by 12oclock in Porter Cable Power Washer Articles | No Comments

Proper Usage Techniques For Carpet Cleaners

Carpet cleaners, as is evident from the name, are used to clean carpets, mats, and upholstery. These machines, also known as carpet shampooers and carpet extractors, can be broadly classified into two major categories: heated and non-heated equipment.

Non-heated carpet cleaning machines utilize inlet temperatures to clean carpets. These systems are ideal for low-traffic commercial areas or for cleaning heat-sensitive carpet fibers. Heated units, on the other hand, use steam temperatures up to 210°F to more readily soften and dissolve hardened stains, allowing for faster, more effective cleaning. Despite the differences between these two types of machines, the operation is the same, as discussed below.

The Cleaning Process

One can divide the cleaning process with carpet cleaners into five stages, starting with vacuuming loose dust from the surface.

Second, the operator must pre-spray the carpet with a cleaning solution. Green chemicals are desirable as they clean without releasing toxins that harm the environment, the user, and the carpet itself. Then, the user infuses water or a mixture of water and the cleaning agent into the carpet. The pressure and temperature levels of the output of carpet cleaners can be varied, depending upon the hardness of the surface and difficulty of the cleaning job.

Let the mixture remain on the surface for about 15 to 20 minutes. The idea is to let the cleaning solution penetrate inside the carpet’s surface and weaken the bond between the dirt and the carpet fibers.

The third stage of the process involves agitating the surface with a carpet cleaning wand. Top suppliers offer a variety of additional wands for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and even hard surfaces. Walk behind units are also available, where the operator walks behind the machine as it agitates the surface.

The final stage of the cleaning process involves extracting the dirt-laden water and all residues of cleaning solution from the surface of the carpet using the carpet wand. The extracted residues are stored in a recovery tank.

Key Considerations

One should not confuse the solution tank with the recovery tank. Carpet cleaning machines usually contain two tanks. The first is the solution tank, where a mixture of water and cleaning agent is stored. The second is the recovery tank in which the extracted residues of dirt and cleaning agents are kept.

The vacuum attached with the surface is an important specification for the carpet upholstery cleaning process. A vital specification of the vacuum is its airflow, which is a measure of its absorption capability. It is expressed in cubic feet per minute (cfm). Normally, the airflow of the vacuum attached with carpet cleaners range from 100 cfm to 200 cfm.

Given the number of different temperature and extraction specifications available on today’s systems, the best choice is to consult a reputable supplier who will guide you to find the right machine for your application.

June 23rd, 2010 by 12oclock in Porter Cable Power Washer Articles | No Comments

How to Choose a Saw Stand For a Sliding Compound Miter Saw

If you are like me, buying a new Compound miter saw and Saw Stand set – up is something to get excited about. Shopping at the local home improvement warehouse stores raises more questions than it answers. Read this article and discover the 3 simple questions you need answers to that will make the buying decision fun and unbelievably easy.

1. What do I need?

Knowing what you are going to use the saw and stand for makes life much easier.

For making miter cuts on small wood moldings, like quarter round and 4 inch base boards a small power miter box will fill all your needs.

For projects that require compound angled cuts, like those used to install the large crown molding, your needs will be satisfied by a compound miter saw equipped with a 12 inch 80 tooth carbide blade.

For the larger jobs where cutting framing materials are required, like cuts made to roofing rafters made of 2 by 10s or 2 by 12s a heavy duty sliding compound miter saw with a 12 inch 60 tooth carbide blade will get the job done right.

2. How will I be using this tool?

Using the saw and stand in a shop environment, A stationary set – up and a dust collection system makes the most sense. In addition to making clean – up easier, a built in table designed to support the pieces of material you will be cutting is a great must have feature.

Working on the job site, in a word, portability and OK lets make it two words, durability separate the good from the not so good. You are going to need to move room to room and floor to floor so something heavy that will not fit through an average entry door is out of the realm of reason.

3. Do I want good quality or Will Cheep Work?

OK, cheep stuff has its place. For the one time project where you set the saw and stand up and leave it set up, cheep works. Although you should expect to give up quality materials, durability and live with the lack of functionality of the cumbersome levers and knobs, and need a hand full of tools each time you move the thing, all just to save a few bucks.

Premium full featured saw stands are manufactured using top quality aluminum body and leg components. Equipped with slide out material supports, adjustable legs for uneven job sites, solid wheels attached for ease of one person moving the saw and stand around the work site and best of all tool free set – up and adjustments designed to last for years of heavy duty use.

June 12th, 2010 by 12oclock in Porter Cable Power Washer Articles | No Comments