Hand Tool Reviews

This is an outstanding kit. I had a Dewalt 18v drill and needed a rip saw and circular saw, but at $200 -$250 each it just made sense to get this kit for $599 w/ free shipping. Plus the rebate for a free tool, which I ordered the jigsaw. I did debate getting the Craftsman or Rigid kit for about half the price. So what sold me on DeWalt? I noticed during a NASCAR race, after a mutli-car wreck, that several teams were using the DeWalt 18v Reciprocating Saw cutting away fenders! I didn't see anyone using Craftsman, Rigid, or Bosch?

I started using the kit immediately. The first project was a double tier floating deck at about 600 sq ft:

Rip saw with a 9" blade went thru 6x6 treated posts with little effort.

Hammer drill drove about 500-600 deck screws quick and controlled. It also went thru the concrete without hesitation.

Circular saw is great as well, trimmed deck boards, cut angles on the posts, and portability is so nice when you don't have to worry with cords.

Cut off tool is wonderful; I usually had to use the torch but it was always a hassle getting the tank moved around to the job, but I walked my fence row a trimmed 15 tension bars in about 8-9 mins.

Only down side was the XRP batteries held up for 2 posts on the rip saw and then it was dead. The drill and circular saw did what I expected as far as lifetime. The only thing that I did not like was the Hot/Cold feature on the charger. I had an older battery that this feature never affected, but the new XRP batteries seemed to always set this off. The manual says it helps extend the overall battery life, but this needs to be remembered if you only have a couple of batteries. When this "Feature" is on the batteries DO NOT charge! So the quick 1 hour charge they advertise now takes 2-3 hours (1-2 hours for the "Cool Down" and an hour to charge it).

Tools did an amazing job. Overall I am VERY satisfied and will continue to buy DeWalt.

Been using the 18V DeWalt tools on the job where we put them through hell. Yes, we smoked some drills and fried some batteries but the tools went down fighting. Been watching the sales at Lowe's & HD hoping to finally get myself a good set of cordless tools for the house. I have to tell you, this kit at this price on Amazon....well, I couldn't match it anywhere else. I don't know how they do it but Amazon always seems to have what I'm looking for at very attractive pricing. Anyway, I finally have a kit that has everything I wanted and more. You'll wonder how you lived without a right angle drill. Only complaint is that the portable light is pretty much a waste - would have preferred a jigsaw. I know folks have complained about the 18V batteries not lasting but I've never had that problem. Just wish they weren't so expensive to replace when they do finally die.

Traveling out to client location and installing cabinets and fixtures, this is a must have kit...It is amazing what power these items have.

I tried three David White Mark 4 laser devices before I bought the DeWalt. Two of the Mark 4's had indistinct oval blobs instead of sharp dots, the third actually had a broken window. The dot produced by the DeWalt DW082K is far superior. It has a small cross with a sharp, bright dot in the center. It works great, but could use some improvement in the dampening system. A slight movement of the unit causes the beam to deflect wildly for several seconds before completely stopping. I marked spots on the floor and ceiling as indicated by the laser dots. I then rotated the DW082K in 90 degree increments for the full 360 degrees. Each time, the laser dots exactly covered the marked spots. I concluded that it is very accurate, at least for my use.

I have owned this for about three weeks now, and it has been a life saver.
A lot of my lighting installations have been on sloped ceilings and with this Plumb Bob, layout was fast and accurate.
I would recommend this to anyone needing accurate placement of lights, fans, etc.

as a drywall fixer in the uk i find this invaluable and for the price , excellant value. paid �120 which is about $230 but these products cannot be obtained in the uk for your prices.

I have owned this Reconditioned finishing nailer for almost a year now and have yet to encounter a single problem. Nailer came in perfect condition even though it was factory reconditioned. I have used many brands of nailers and would recommend nothing but porter cable.

Purchased this product to speed up the process of building a deck. This item performed flawlessly. Easy to use, fairly light weight and drives nails without splitting the wood. Love it!

I have the 250Ar, but I'm sure it's similar/same. I have not tried a lot of finish nailers, but I can tell you I'm happy with this one:

-- going from 3/4 to 2.5 inches is a wide range
-- tool requires a quick look at the manual to use the first time, then easy easy easy.
-- price is right -- and probably the best you'll find anywhere.

If you do any amount of finish work, I think this tool is worth it (though, you need to have/buy a compressor to use it!). I found that you definitely need to regulate the pressure going into this tool -- my best luck has been with 90lbs (or a bit less, though that's out of spec). Drives nails VERY accurately.

Mine came with nails, so I'm pretty happy! I've bought plenty of refurbished tools... without any problems ever. I wouldn't hesitate!

I have resisted getting a multitool for a long time, but finally got this one. It looks to be a very high quality tool, and the best thing about it is that it has USA stamped on it.

I just receieved this for Christmas after I requested it on my wish list. I like it better than my former Leatherman Pulse(which came up missing)because the Gerber needle-nose pliers are much more comfortable to use. It's hard to explain, but Gerber has you squeeze the solid side while Leatherman has you squeeze the "open channel" side which pinches your skin unnecessarily. Other than that, Leatherman and Gerber models seem to be close to the same in functionality and features.

My only major complaint is that I failed to notice this set doesn't come with scissors, which can sometimes come in handy, although it's not a deal-breaker. I give it 5 stars because it's my fault I didn't notice the lack of scissors. Otherwise I would have asked for a different model. I now prefer Gerber over Leatherman now that I've owned both.

This was the first item I ever bought from Amazon and it's one of the few items I still have in my posession 7 years later so I figured it passed the test for a glowing review since I've put it through the paces and then some. This thing is amazing and besides for the few cosmetic blemishes I have caused it is still in perfect condition. First off the snap open pliers and easy access blades gives it the one up on the Leatherman multi-tools which tend to have a very tight feel when trying to pry them out of the plier handle, not to mention it takes two hands to access any of the tools. So I use my MP600 when fishing or doing work around the house so I like the ability to unsheath and snap out the plier head at anytime with one hand because when I need them the most I am always holding onto something else already. One of my favorite features are the substantial nubs and dents they put on all the tools of the MP600 to allow them to be removed easily. I'm sure I'm like most men who keep my nails cut low and those little slits on most multi-tools make it a flat out pain to get at exactly what you need. I also like the locking mechanism for the tools that keep them open until you pull back the safety latch. It adds a step when closing up the tool but not having to worry about a blade closing on your hand is a huge plus.

Here are some of the things I use this for:
Removing Fish Hooks
Driving Screws
Breaking down Cardboard Boxes
Cutting Plastics
Punching holes through Synthetics
Opening Beers

I do all of those things with no sign of rust, no need to oil any blades, no corrosion and very little dulling of the blades and thats over a seven year time frame. I use the tool at least 4-5 times a week at home and work and it is certianly indespensible. If I ever lose this thing (because it appears to last forever, so I won't need to replace it because it falls apart) I will replace it the same day.

This summer (2004) I purchased a Husqvarna 7021CM from Northern Tools. I happen to live near one of their stores so I did not have to pay shipping. The reason I chose the mower was for the engine and the price. This mower has the same engine as the "expensive" Toros. The engine is very powerful and very smooth. I like rear bagging mowers since the bag stays out of your way when you are trimming around trees/bushes/swing sets...
The bag can hold a LOT of grass too.

Pro's:
1. excellent engine, plenty of power
2. built very solid
3. large rear bag - mounting and dismounting of bag OK
4. excellent air filter system
5. Husqvarna's excellent service/support

Con's:
1. There is a gap between the engine and the deck, I am told to allow air flow to help bagging - this causes the mower to be "dirty" - grass clippings and dust get on the deck while mowing (I just blow mine off with the leaf blower after mowing)
2. Not a very agile mower. If you have a hilly yard or don't like to push, spend the extra 30-50 dollars and get the self -propelled model. I'm young and my yard is flat. (I need the exercise too as well as being cheap ;-)
3. The rear "flap" to protect the operator from rocks/debris flying out from the back of the mower easily goes under the mower when pulling backwards on the mower. If you mow your grass short, the blade can actually put a cut in this guard.

Now - where to buy. My experience with Northern Tools was less than stellar. As I pushed the mower in the garage, I could tell one of the wheels wasn't quite round (it had a flat spot on it). Don't read me wrong, the wheels are very sturdy and have nice bearings in them. So at the end of the mowing season I took the mower back to Northern Tools to have them look at the wheel. They did nothing and wanted to charge me $38.00. When I pushed the mower out of the store, I could tell it was still bad so I turned around and asked them to please fix it again. 3-4 days later, I picked up the mower and it was "better" but I could still feel the flat spot. They said they put a new wheel on it but it sure doesn't look new. Oh yeah - they tried charging me again. Yeah, right.

So - I went to Husqvarna's web site, submitted a question to their support about the wheel. I RECEIVED SOME OF THE BEST SUPPORT EVER FROM HUSQVARNA. (No, I don't work for Husqvarna or one of their retailers) After a few e-mails back and forth, (They had me check the spindle on the mower) a new wheel arrived UPS in a few days. WAY TO GO HUSQVARNA. I will definitely be considering your products in any future purchases. The wheel still has a slight bump (Only felt on a very smooth garage floor) but I am definitely willing to live with it.

We bought one of these mowers to use a rough mower for our lawn business. It wasn't very expensive so if I ran over a rock or something while mowing an alley or lot and broke or bent the shaft I wouldn't be out as much money. Well we liked it so much we use it for all of the mowing we do to the point that we're not using the self propelled mowers that we own. We plan to buy another one or two when our local Husqvarna dealer gets some more in.

First, I have a shipping related tip. Since I was going to buy this mower I checked Northern's cost to ship and it was $93, the cost to ship through Amazon was $51. Use Amazon to save some money on shipping. Also, I received the mower in 5 business days after ordering it and Yellow Trucking did a good job about delivering. About the mower, I have only used it a couple of times but I was impressed from the first time I started it. The Briggs Intek (OHV/OHC, important if you live on a large hill) is the smoothest and the strongest engine I have ever had on a mower. The engine is fairly quiet for a 7 HP as well. The deck, wheels, and their mounting brackets are all very well made. The discharge,mulching,and bagging system is simple and works nicely.
I haven't used the bagger and probably never will, so I don't know how convenient that aspect is. The Husqvarna is every bit the mower that Toro, Snapper, Honda, and Lawnboy are.

I rounded of a Bolt on my motorbikes filter housing, and when i say rounded i mean, no flats whatsoever (real nasty) So much so the garage said it may have to break a section on the engine to get the bolt out. I got my hands on these babys as a last hope of saving my ', within 2 min's the bolt was off. these things are truly worth their weight in gold. A truely excellent product that WILL do what it says.

Most tools of this type are overrated, and I was sceptical when I saw this one advertised. However, I ran into a situation at work where I had to remove some badly rusted and rounded over bolts from the exhaust manifold of a piece of earthmoving machinery, and none of the standard methods worked. After trying for 3 hours, I finally bought a set of Bolt Grips. They really worked. I had all 3 bolts out in less than 5 minutes. I am sold on these things.

i was under my truck for 3 hours with pb blaster and vice grips trying to get off rusted, rounded off axle bolts. bought a set of these and i was done in 15 minutes. a MUST HAVE for any home mechanic with an older car.

I started with this plane, and was so impressed, I ordered two others. I use them for my boatbuilding hobby, and couldn't be happier. I find myself returning to this plane more and more, while my metal Stanley is collecting dust. Its a beauty, and works like nothing I've ever had. I appreciate the fact that these are made in the USA, by an American. Steve is a class act, easy to reach, and clearly knows his craft. Spring for the money. You won't be dissapointed.

I have a Knight 45 degree coffin smoother, and it not only makes wonderfully thin, fluffy curls of wood, it is a beautiful piece of work! I recommend it highly.

I am truly amazed every time I pick up this tool. It has produced nothing but feathery shavings since I first used it. It is easier to adjust than my Bailey style iron planes and I get better results. What more can I ask for?

Well, it feels like an extension of my hands. It is that comfortable to use. Did I mention that it looks great? That's not really important in my shop but there it is nonetheless. I am slowly changing all of my planes to Knight Toolworks.

They are less expensive than any other top-end plane on the market. You will get better results. Take a few minutes to learn to adjust the iron (I DO mean a few minutes) and you will be hooked.

You can find this at bradcosupply.com I have not personally tried it but it looks as if it will do the job and give plenty of "bang for the buck".

I have written one review about the shingle eater tool and now I can not find the tool anymore and was just wanting to find were I could buy it thanks.

I have been in the roofing business for about twenty years and haved tryed just about evert tool kown to man to get shingles off forks,bars,shovels nothing worked for me that well.One day I was in a local lumber co. and saw the Shingle Eater and taught I would try it that has been about ten years ago and several Shingle Eaters ago this tool works better than any tool I have tryed revemoving not only the shingle but the nails as well.To who ever designed this tool you have my thanks.

I purchased the Shoulder Dolly because I was moving with my 65" big screen TV. Movers wanted me to pay $270 just to move the TV across town, and that was only partly insured!! Believe me, without the Shoulder Dolly, I couldn't have moved the TV without professional help.

I used the Shoulder Dolly system to help my son and his family move. At first there was a lot of resistance to the new gadget, but by the 3rd heavy walnut chest of drawers, it was get the "strappie thing" and let's move this beast. A simple system that works extremely well. Lift with your legs/thighs and carry the weight evenly across your shoulders and not your arms and biceps. Everyone who tried it said "where do I get one, I will not move heavy furniture without it ! " Highly recommended. Follow Up: (Sept '05) bought my second set, my son would not give up the set he used to move with. I will not move furniture without one again !

Worth every penny - protect your investments from the damages of moving. Easy to use, effortless moving.

I have owned this knife for over 10 years and though it is scratched from rough rides in several toolboxes, it still works like new. Although this knife does not have a fancy 'ergonomic' grip or flashy color scheme going for it, what it does do is perform reliably well for a long long time, and not cost you much up front! I agree with the previous reviewers - some of the best features of this knife are the ability to store up to five blades inside the knife body, and the ability to expose the blade at several different settings.

Now that I have set up a woodworking shop in my garage, the handy hole in the end of this knife makes it easy to hang on a pegboard hook. If you need a real workhorse of a utility knife, I cannot recommend a better one than this!

There is nothing like a good tool that does its job everytime. Other knives may look cooler or feel squishier, but the Stanley 10-099 Utility Knife will always be as near to perfection as may be found. Solidly built and utilizing an ingenious mechanism for replacing and storing blades (a simple screw to hold its two halves together), this knife is utility par excellence.

Look no further, unless you like squishy grips and well thought-out color schemes. Did I mention the unmistakable positive feeling of the blade-locking mechanism?

When I was in 8th grade in technology class, this was the prized utility cutters among the class. Unlike other utility cutters we had this was lightweight so using it repetively was less a burden and practically unbreakable (I should know because I accidently broke some of the others after repetitive collisions to the hard floor)no matter how many accidents or kids just trying to break it for fun. As for its cutting ability, this blade so sharp and sturdy that along with normal cutting of boxes we have cut thick rubber, half inch dowels, and the dare devils even cut some thick copper wiring with this knife without the blade breaking like the other utility knives we had. So over all this thing is cheap, light, sharp as ... and simply just the best regular utility knife out there.