Sears always has new tools for that hard to buy for person and this Christmas is no exception. Dog Bones are a practical tool for the home owner and shade tree mechanic. It’s one of the best tools to get that teenager who wants their own tool set, but doesn’t have the room for a full set of mechanics tools. Dog Bones are basically a full set of sockets or box-end wrenches all in one convenient package.

The first three are brand new! You can be sure they won’t have one of these!!!

If you are an Ikea fan these Dog Bone wrenches will make assembling your new furniture a breeze.

Craftsman Ratcheting Dog Bone

New this Christmas! A ratcheting Dog Bone! I’m excited about this new wrench from Craftsman. All the metric or SAE (American) sockets I need around the house in one wrench! And it ratchets! I can now build that coffee table. tighten up the squeaky bed frame, fix that kitchen chair (again) and not have to get out a huge tool box because I don’t know what size the nut is. I know once my spouse sees this wrench it will never make it back to my toolbox out in the garage … It will go right into the kitchen drawer with “her” tools. There have been a few variations of the ratcheting version from other brands but the Craftsman is the best. The Full Chrome Polish design is easy to clean, nice to hold and it looks good. It’s very compact for what it does and the “fit and finish” is great.

Buy Here From Sears: Craftsman Ratcheting Bone Order your wrench here. Have it shipped right to your house or stop at your nearest Sears and pick it up in less than 5 minutes!

Craftsman Universal Dog Bone Combination Wrench

If you are completely numb to tools but you know you need at least one around the house the New Universal Dog Bone is one of the best choices you can make. Besides handling 6-sided (hex) nuts and bolts it also handles 5 other types of fasteners in both SAE and Metric sizes. This is like having 56 different wrenches in your kitchen drawer or glove box. For the average homeowner this is a much better deal than buying a $75 dollar mechanics tool set.

Buy Here From Sears: Craftsman Dog Bone Order your wrench here. Have it shipped right to your house or stop at your nearest Sears and pick it up in less than 5 minutes!

Craftsman Dog Bone Combination Wrench

The original! Still a great buy! Buy Here From Sears: Craftsman Dog Bone Order your wrench here. Have it shipped right to your house or stop at your nearest Sears and pick it up in less than 5 minutes!

Welcome to the 2011-2012 Snow Blower Season!

I know this is a tool blog, but I have been very busy over on Movingsnow.com and MowingSnow.com writing snow blower reviews for the 2011 – 2012 model year.  Head on over there for the latest on Snow Blowers, Tractor Mounted Snow Throwers, ATV Snow Throwers and Canadian Snow Blowers.  Continue reading this page to see a complete list of the U.S. Snow Blowers I have reviewed so far.

U.S. Customers Click Here. This will take you to MovingSnow.com

Canadian Customers Click Here.  This will take you to MowingSnow.com

I also reviewed the new Meyer Home Plow.   In the past I spent most of my time reviewing Craftsman Snow Throwers, but this year I’m spending more time reviewing the TroyBilt snow blowers available at Lowes.  Northern Tool has also added the Husqvarana Line this year and I will be reviewing those great snow blowers.  I will also compare the different MTD manufactured units to help you make the best choice for your driveway and pocket book. (Go Here To Read The Comparison Review)

Note: If you find any of the articles and reviews useful, please hit the Google +1 button. 

“The +1 button is shorthand for ‘this is pretty cool’ or ‘you should check this out.’ Click +1 to publicly give something your stamp of approval.” – Google +1  Your +1′s can help friends, contacts, and others on the web find the best stuff when they search.

You need a winter hat. The Perfect Winter Hat 2011 Review

Roller Skids: (2011 Update) 

Accessories & Parts For Your Snow Blower:  (Go Here For 2011 Accessories & Parts) Includes reviews!

Snow Blower Reviews By Size:

24 Inch:

Craftsman 24 inch 179cc Review BEST VALUE!  (2011 Review) 

Husqvarna 24 in 208cc Model 924HV Review (2011 Review)

Troy-Bilt Storm 179cc Dual-Stage 24 in Snow Blower Model 31AS62N2711 Review (2011 Review)

Snow Devil Model 57030 Review The Throw-Aways Have Landed?  (2011 Review)

Ariens Amp 24 Snow Blower Review (2011 Review) (2010 Review)

Yard-Man Snow Blower – 208cc, 24in. Model# 31AM62KE701 Review (2011 Review)

2010 Ariens 24 inch Compact Series Model 920014 Review (2010 Review)

Steele 24″ Gas powered Snowblower Review (Read the Snow Devil Review)

26 Inch:

Craftsman 26″ 208cc* Two-stage Snow Thrower Review (2011 Review)

Craftsman 26″ 208cc* Two-stage Snow Thrower Review With EZ Steer (Power Steering) Easiest to Use! (2011 Review)

Yard-Man Dual-Stage Snow Blower 208cc, 26in. Clearing Width, Model# 31AM63LF701 Review (2011 Review)

Steele 26″ Gas powered Snowblower Review  (Read the Snow Devil Review)

Troy-Bilt 208cc 26 in Model 31BM63P3711 Review  (2011 Review)

Troy-Bilt  208cc Track Drive 26 inch Model 31BM73Q3711 Review  (2011 Review)

27 Inch:

Snapper 249 cc 27″ Path Two-Stage Snowthrower Review Better Than A Deere?  (2011 Review)

Husqvarna 27in 414cc Track Drive, Model 1827EXLT Review The ULTIMATE SnowBlower? (2011 Review)

28 Inch:

MTD Pro 28 in 277cc Model 88771 Review (2010 Review)

Yard-Man 357cc, 28in. Model 31AH65LG701 Review (2011 Review)

Troy-Bilt Storm 2840 Snow Thrower Review (2011 Review)

John Deere 249cc 28 inch Model 1028E Snow Blower 1695808 Review (2011 Review)

Craftsman 28 inch 277cc Model 88791 Review (2010 Review)

2010 Toro 28 inch 250 cc Snow Blower 828 OXE Model 38634 Review (2010 Review)

2010 Toro 28 inch 305 cc Snow Blower 1028 OXE Model 38644 Review (2010 Review)

29 Inch:

Snapper M1529E (29″) 305cc Review Better Than a Deere? (2011 Review)

30 Inch:

Craftsman Professional 30″ 357cc* Two-stage Snow Thrower w/ EZ (2010 Review) Buy at Sears.com

Troy-Bilt Storm 3090 XP 357cc Dual-Stage 30″ Gas Snow Blower Item 139971 Review Good Alternative To The Craftsman! (2011 Review)

Limited Edition Craftsman With Briggs & Stratton Engine (2010 Review)  With Briggs & Stratton Engine at Sears.com

John Deere 342cc 30 inch Model 1330SE Snow Blower 1695812 Review (2011 Review)

32 Inch:

John Deere 1332PE (2011 Review)

Simplicity P1732E (32″) 342cc (2011 Review) (2010 Review)

33 Inch:

Craftsman Professional 33″ 357cc* Two-stage Snow Thrower w/ EZ Steer Review Best Value Large Frame!  (2011 Review)

Troy-Bilt Polar Blast 3310 XP 357cc, 33″” Two-Stage Snow Thrower 31AH95P6711 Review   (2011 Review)

36 Inch:

Ariens ST36DLE Pro 36, Ariens Professional ST36DLE (36″) 342cc Review (2011 Review) (2010 Review) (2010 Review)

38 Inch:

John Deere 1338PE Review (2011 Review)

45 Inch:

Craftsman Professional 45″ 420cc* Two-stage Snow Thrower w/ EZ Steer Review  (2011 Review)

The tools — many manufactured using original dies from now-shuttered SK Hand Tool plants in Chicago and Ohio — are being produced in a newly-built, state-of-the-art headquarters in Sycamore, IL, and in Colorado Springs, CO.

SK Back In Business!

“SK is an iconic American brand that we are proud to continue manufacturing in the United States,” said Doug Spitler, Vice President/General Manager of SK Hand Tool. LLC. “We’re excited to show mechanics the SK brand is alive and well, and in fact, better than ever.”

IDEAL has fully leveraged its considerable resources into assuring the success of its SK acquisition. Along with building a new 130,000-square foot facility in Sycamore, it has invested in technically advanced metalworking, and CNC machinery to guarantee superior tool quality, and has refurbished essential equipment salvaged from SK plants. Modern management practices, such as small batch and one piece flow manufacturing, are being applied, resulting in world-class quality and on-time shipping capabilities to SK dealers and distributors, and ultimately, greater end-user satisfaction.

SK Hand Tool, LLC, as the company is now known, will manufacture the full line of SK brand tools that professional mechanics continue to demand. Mechanics can continue to expect the superior corrosion resistance of the SuperKrome finish, the excellent grip and torque of the SureGrip screwdrivers and the quality and variety of the SupetSet™ socket sets.

For more information, phone (800) 825-5575. On the web visit the newly launched www.skhandtool.com. Article Source Professional Distributor Magazine

The tools will carry a limited lifetime warranty:  Here is an excerpt from the SK website:

SK Hand Tool LLC products, except as otherwise specified, are warranted under normal use and service against defects in materials and workmanship for the expected life of the tool. This warranty does not cover wear from normal use, or any problems caused by misuse, abuse, modification or improper maintenance of the tool.

EXCEPTION.
For only a period of one year after the date of purchase, storage products, micrometer torque wrenches, dial torque wrenches, torque screw drivers and consumable products that are reasonably expected to be used up or damaged during use are warranted under normal use and service against defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty does not cover wear from normal use, or any problems caused by misuse, abuse, modification or improper maintenance of the tool.

EXCLUSIVE REMEDY.
Your sole and exclusive remedy for any breach of this warranty is that SK will, at its sole option, either repair or replace the defective tool, or refund your purchase price, if you return the tool to an authorized SK warranty station. Contact SK Hand Tool LLC Customer Service at 800-822-5575 to obtain information regarding authorized warranty stations. No consequential, incidental, special, or punitive damages, or damages for property loss or personal injury, can be recovered under this warranty.

Agents and distributors of SK tools have no authority to make representations or warranties other than those contained in this warranty.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS MADE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER ORAL, WRITTEN, EXPRESSED, OR IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMTIED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY. If you are a consumer this warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Craftsman 51 pc. MAX AXESS Mechanics Tool Set Model 29309 Review

Craftsman 51 pc. MAX AXESS Mechanics Tool Set

How often do you have to use a combination wrench because your sockets are not deep enough to go over the bolt to reach the nut you want to loosen?  How many times when assembling a deck or other home project do you use a bolt that’s too long and end up not being able to tighten the nut all the way because your socket won;t fit over the bolt.

Introducing the MAX AXESS Mechanics Tool Set.  This is a new design ratchet and socket set that allows the bolt to “pass through” I do a lot of outdoor woodworking projects. I NEED this new tool set.

Craftsman MAX AXESS Tool Set

Replaces a 93 piece set!

The Max Axess system (socket set) allows you to work on any length fastener, eliminating the need for deep well sockets.  The set only has 51 pieces, but it replaces a 93 piece set because the sockets work both as deep wells and regular sockets.

New Unique Ratchet!

You can work on any length fastener with this new ratchet because the bolt “passes through” the tool.

The new ratchet has a 35% lower profile than your standard ratchet.  It gives you better access in tight locations and better clearance for your fingers. It is 45% stronger than Craftsman’s most popular ratchet. You will be able to use this ratchet instead of a breaker bar to loosen stubborn fasteners most of the time.  You can do your work faster without changing tools as often.

Not only is this ratchet thinner and stronger than your old ratchet, it comes with adapters so you can use it with your existing sockets.

Nice Case!

Built to last!

I like the great chrome finish.  Just wipe them down when you are finished using them and they will last for years and years.

Click here to go to Sears.com: You can order the set online, pick it up your nearest store or have it shipped right to your house. Be sure to check the deals in the upper right hand corner of the Sears.com screen. Craftsman 51 pc. MAX AXESS Mechanics Tool Set

Did you know Craftsman is introducing a whole new line of routers?

Craftsman has just introduced a new line of fixed base and plunge routers.  These great new routers have some great new features that will help you perform your routing tasks easily and with greater precision than ever before.

The router I will be showing you is the new 2.25 HP Digital Plunge Base Router Model 27669 from Craftsman. Craftsman sent me the Model 09-27669 Digital Plunge Base Router to review and here are my first impressions of it.  I am going to go through all the features and give you my opinion of each feature.

Craftsman Model 27669 Digital Router

First off this new router looks and feels like the very popular existing Craftsman router line it is replacing.  The rest of the industry appears to be headed to sub-compact routers, but I for one like this base size.  I just don’t feel the sub-compacts from the other manufactures are big enough and stable enough for most woodworking tasks.  This new Craftsman router is lightweight.  This size base gives me good stability on all work surfaces and yet is small enough to work on even those tiny jewelry boxes.  Your current Craftsman sub-base plates, bushings, pantagraph, router table and accessories will fit.  It comes with both a 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch collets for hobby and professional router bits.

12.0 Amp, 2.25 HP, Variable Speed Motor with Digital Readout. The 12.0 Amp motor is permanently sealed, has top and bottom ball bearings and a 10,000 to 25,000 variable speed RPM settings.  The top-mounted LCD display allows you to easily set up the router. (More about the display later)  With replaceable brushes this motor will last a long, long time.

6 Variable Speeds. The speed is easily controlled from the top-mounted LCD panel and you know precisely what you router is set on. You can slow this router down for those big raised panel bits and speed it up to get those perfect laminate edges.

Soft Start Motor Technology. I use a 10 year old single speed, 2 hp router all the time without this feature and it is always an exciting moment when I turn the router on.  If you are not hanging on with both hands it will go dancing across your work table. This new soft start is great!  When you turn the motor on it starts slowly and comes up to speed without any torque twist at all.  In fact, I tested the soft start by not touching the router and flipping the ON switch.  The router never moved as it started and came up to speed.

NEW Digital Readout. Yes, there have been a few routers with an LCD panel before, but I like this new panel.  This panel lets you set the type of bit you are using, the diameter of the bit and the type of material you are routing.  The router uses this information to set the proper RPM for the application.  The display shows icons for the bit type, size and type of material. I read the manual once and then tried the display.  The setup is very intuitive and easy to use.

Electronic Feedback Circuitry. Coupled with the display is the Electronic Feedback Circuit.  This Feedback Circuit is like a govenor on your lawn mower.  With the older routers you always noticed the router would slow down when it hit a harder section of the material or would slow down if you pushed the work through to fast.  This new circuitry senses the increased load and keeps the bit at a constant speed.  To test this I inserted a 1/2 inch round over bit and used it on a 4 foot length of hard maple.  The router never slowed down no matter how fast I ran the maple through it.

LED Lighting. Three super-bright LEDs on the bottom of the motor housing really light up the work area.  This was always a problem for me with older routers-I couldn’t see the work very well.  The new lighting makes it easy for me to see exactly what I am doing.

Rack and Pinion Height Adjustment and  Depth Stop Turret. The aluminum base uses the familiar 4-position depth stop so you can make deep cuts in three or four passes.  In addition there is a Height Adjustment knob on the depth rod that allows you to tweek your cut in 1/64 inch incrediments.   This helps you get the perfect depth for those intricate cuts. The big thumb lock for the plunge slide is quick and locks repeatedly well.

Vacumn Port Accessory Included. This vacumn port actually works.  It screws into the base and covers the entire cutting area.  The 1 1/4 inch hose fitting is just the right size for your Craftsman 19.2 volt C3 Cordless Vac.

Above Table Depth Rod Tool. In addition to using this router as a handheld it can easily be installed in a Craftsman Router Table.  Your bit depth is easily adjusted from the top of the table with the supplied hand crank.  This is so much easier than your old router where you have to reach under the table, unlock the base and spin a ring.

Tear Drop Handles. The handles fit my hands well.  They are not to0 big or too small and are comfortable with the router in any position.

Heavy Duty Precision Machined Base with Clear Sub-Base. Your existing Craftsman sub-bases and bushings mount quickly.  The quick release motor latch makes changing your bit a breeze!

Spring Loaded Spindle Lock. The spindle lock is located on the working end of the router.  You can change your bits just one wrench. The supplied wrench actually has a cushioned handle!

Full View Chip Deflector. If you decide not to use the supplied vacumn attachment there is a good chip deflector to keep the chips from flying all over you. (Always wear safety goggles when using a router.)

The 27669 Kit Includes. Router, Plunge Base, 1/4 and 1/2 inch collets, Clear Sub Base, Collet Wrench, Depth Adjustment Wrench, Edge Guide, Vac Adapter, All Screws for Mounting Attachments, and a Nice, Heavy Duty Soft Carrying Case.

The 27669 comes with a 1 Year Warranty and you can purchase the opitonal 3 year money-back Sears Protection Plan.

Go Here To Purchase This Great New Router: Craftsman Model 27669 Digital Router

This is one pliers I wish I had 30 years ago.  The Knipex 4-in-1 Electrician’s Pliers is one tool that is critical if you work on household wiring.  It will grip, crimp and strip 10, 12, and 14 gauge electical wire. It will help make your rewiring and new wiring projects easier. You will be glad you spent the extra money and bought this high quality pliers.

What I like.

- The crimping section is in the right place, inside the handle.  This gives you the maximum power to make a crimp connection properly.

- The wire strippers are machined and sharp.  They are exactly the right size so they won’t knick your copper wire.  They are strong enough to cut soft and hard copper and aluminum wire.

- The wire loop hole is at the right location to give you the perfect loop every time you need to wrap a wire around a screw.

- It’s just the right size.  Small enough to not take up a lot of room in your tool belt, but big enough to get the job done every time.

Buy at Sears.com.  Buy online, get the best deal, pick up at your local Sears or have it shipped to your home.

Knipex Electricians Pliers

Alligator Pliers are a variation of the tongue and grove pliers (commonly called Chanel-locks after the original pliers)

These tough pliers from Knipex fix some of the agrivating design issues all the other tongue and groove pliers have.

-Pinch guard protects against hand and finger pinching

- Optimum adjustment for different size work.  It will grab the smallest piece of wire and pipe up to 2 3/4 inches on the 10″ size.

- Wear resistant, hardened teeth grip objects of any shape.

Use these pliers to grip just about anything, pipe, metal rods, pull brads out of wood.  Yes, it will mar delicate surfaces but for plumbing and general use this is a great choice for a pliers that will last you a lifetime.

Buy at Sears.com.  Buy online, get the best deal, pick up at your local Sears or have it shipped to your home.

Knipex 10 in. Alligator Pliers

Knipex 12 in. Alligator Pliers

Knipex 7 1/4 in. Alligator Pliers

There are a thousand different types of wrenches out there and most of them are redundent. This in not one of them!  The Knipex Plier Wrench is one wrench that will replace a whole toolbox.  It’s not a gimick wrench like the “bionic” wrench.  This one works and does things you always wanted in a wrench.

Won't damage fittings

So what’s so great about it?

- The smooth jaws grip all parallel surfaces tightly without damaging the surface.  They will be you go-to pliers for finish plumbing.

- They will grip a large range of sizes.  These pliers work so well they will replace a full set of standard and metric open-end wrenches.

- They have a 10 to 1 grip transmission ratio so you can use them to grip, hold, press and bend workpieces.  You can even use them as a small vice.

- The zero backlash jaw surface (parallel faces) pressure prevents damage to edges of sensitive components.

- Instantly adjustable at the touch of a button.  You don’t have to remove the tool from the workpiece to adjust it.

- The instant adjustment will let you use it just like an open-ended ratchet.

- Chrome vanadium electric steel, forged, oil-hardened.  This tool will last a long as the ones I inherited from my great grandfather!

Buy Here at Sears.com: Knipex 10 in. Plier Wrench Grips to 1 3/4 inch.

Buy Here at Sears.com: Knipex 12 in. Plier Wrench Grips to  2 3/8 inch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_RLWKMXrqk

Buy Here at Sears.com: Knipex 3 Piece Pliers Wrench Set

 

Adjusts quickly

Grips Tightly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An adjustable that ratchets!

I woke up this morning thinking of all the tools out there no one has ever created a full-polish locking pliers.  All of the ones available are galvanized or plated rough steel.

Craftsman sells a set of full-polish combination wrenches for under $20 that are as good looking as the high end brands going for over $100 a set.  (Craftsman Evolv 14 pc. Combination Wrench Set SAE/Metric) There is no reason someone can’t build and sell a reasonably priced full polish locking pliers.

Of course I want a small needle nose like the Needle Nose Vice Grip first.

Needle Nose Vise Grips

Good News! The New Sears “Cool Blue for Tools” Catalog is available online!

The BAD News! You won’t be able to pick up a copy in your local Sears.

Cool Blue for Tools

I was told this weekend that the new Cool Blue for Tools catalog is available starting today for online viewing but many stores will not get copies to give away.

This is a great catalog with a lot of new tools and ELECTRONIC features.  If you are one of the 4 mechanics and 6 woodworkers in the U.S. that own an Ipad or tablet you will really enjoy this new catalog.   I spent some time with the catalog and it appears to have lots of videos embedded that can also be viewed on your smart phone.

You can view it here: Cool Blue for Tools

Be sure to order an extra copy for your neighbor who still hasn’t gotten around to buying a computer.

Order Your Catalog Here It will be mailed to your home.