Tool Reviews

"It's Hammer Time! and RIDGID is making a name for itself"

WHATS INCLUDED

The RIDGID Hammer Drill/Driver comes packed with the one 18-Volt Hammer Drill/Driver, 1 auxiliary handle and an operators manual.

TESTING THE RIDGID HAMMER DRILL/DRIVER

With its 1,3000 lbs. of torque RIDGID's Hammer Drill/Driver is an industry leader and features over 100 settings for dialing in with it's micro clutch. This is an excellent drill with great power and torque. It is a little heavier than my other drills, but the power and  performance outweighs the annoyance of the weight. 

While testing the RIDGID Hammer Drill/Driver it was obvious that it had more power when paired with the OCTANE battery. If you have a regular battery it will still output a lot of power but I would suggest using an octane battery when drilling items like concrete or hard materials.

I think just about anyone would be happy with this drill, whether you are an avid DIYer or a professional tradesman, I know I definitely will be switching out my other drills for this baby.

FAVORITE FEATURES

Mode Selector

This Drill/Driver features a mode selector that easily allows you to quickly switch between 3 modes: drilling, driving and hammer modes.

Auxilary Handle

This is hands-down my favorite feature on the hammer drill because this is the first time I've seen the auxiliary handle designed this way. Most of the hammer drills I have attach the handle with a small screw and I always hate having to take the time to unscrew it.

RIDGID's auxiliary handle tightens on with a simple unscrewing of the handle. KUDOS to RIDGID for this feature. I am a huge fan and I hope other tool companies follow suit.

Brushless Motor Technology 

Ridgid's brushless motor technology delivers up to 50% longer motor life and more runtime.

HOW COULD IT BE BETTER?

One thing I noticed, was when the drill reached thermal overload, it seemed to shut off quickly, it would be nice if the drill could just go a couple more seconds to power through. I don't know if this shut off feature is preventing some other safety concern (which it very well may be) but if this could be improved, I think it would make this hammer drill much better than what it already is.

The RIDGID Hammer Drill/Driver retails for $149.00 at The Home Depot.

"The ultimate Husky duo has hit center stage."

I got the opportunity to test out this Dynamic Duo. Husky has built some pretty great products and today Im sharing my experience with the Husky Silent Air Compressor and the Husky Framing Nailer. I have two other compressors in my shop and I was pleasanlty surprised with the performance of Husky's product. Let's get to it! 

"This post is sponsored by the Home Depot as a part of The Home Depot's Pro-Spective Campaign."

HUSKY 4.5 GAL. Portable SILENT AIR COMPRESSOR

This Husky silent air compressor is a lot quieter during operation than my other two air compressors. This is probably one of my favorite features because I always feel self-conscious when using my air compressor, especially in the mornings. I know my neighbors probably don't mind. But it's nice to not have a loud roaring sound in the air for long periods of time. The decrease in noise was well welcomed.

 The oil free pump requires less maintenance and the compressor features an integrated metal control panel for easy operation.

The airflow is 3.0 SCFM at 90 psi and 4.0 SCFM at 40 psi and the motor is 1.3 HP 4-pole induction motor allowing 2 times longer life.

I really like the wheels and back foot pedal for ease of movement. It makes transporting a whole lot easier and I like that the back handle is adjustable.

FAVORITE FEATURES

The compressor features 2 quick couplers that allows two tools to work simultaneously. Normally on my other air compressors, if I am using two tools I have to take the time to change out each tool as I'm using them but its nice to have the option to hook two tools up at a time.

This compressor is perfect for inflation, finish nailing and framing and roofing. Speaking of framing, lets get into this awesome Husky Framing Nailer. Being that this compressor is perfect for framing, it would only be right to couple it with Husk's Framing Nailer.

HUSKY PNEUMATIC 21-DEGREE FULL-HEAD FRAMING NAILER

This Husky Framing Nailer is a beast of a tool. It features an easy load magazine from the rear and can easily switch between sequential and contact nailing. 

It's ideal for sheathing, framing, remodeling or deck projects. This nailer has a bit of weight but its die-cast magnesium body is constructed for lightweight usability. 

FAVORITE FEATURES

EASY LOAD MAGAZINE

The framing nailer has a rear loading magazine that allows you to slide nails into the magazine. 

ANTI-DRY FIRE SYSTEM

This anti-dry fire system helps protect the tool and the operator. It prevents you from shooting blanks when the the nail quality is low.

To connect the framing nailer to the Husky Silent Air Compressor, I used the 50ft. Husky Air Hose, it features very good weather flexibility and the smooth finish does not mar surfaces. The air hose is lightweight for less fatigue and includes bend restrictors for increased hose life. 

These two dynamic tools make quite the DUO. I will surely be using this air compressor often in the future.

“It’s time to get things laser leveled”

“This review is sponsored by The Home Depot as part of the Prospective Campaign"

If you are prepping for any projects where something needs to get hung, man do I have the tools for you. Let Bosch help you out with their line of Laser Levels. I hope you like what you see.

 "There are some affiliate links in this post, meaning I get a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no cost to you. Click Here to read my full disclosure."

WHATS INCLUDED

The Bosch 165ft. Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser Level comes packed with The Bosch Line laser level, a RM 2 magnetic rotating mount with fine adjust, a ceiling grid clip, a heavy duty pouch and 3 AA batteries.

The The Bosch 30’ Self Leveling Cross Line Laser comes packed with the one Line Laser Level, 1 flexible mounting device and 2 AA batteries.

TESTING THE LASER MEASURES

It was obvious that the Bosch 165ft. Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser Level is a precision tool that was very well built. It features three modes, leveling mode, point and transfer and alignment mode. It also shows a visible red line of 165 ft. It has a solid casing that makes me confident that it won’t break easily from a fall and working the standard features of the laser is quite intuitive, anyone could just pick this tool up and be able to use it. I think this tool is well designed to be used by an average DIYer or an everyday professional. 

The Bosch 30’ Self Leveling Cross Line Laser features vertical and horizontal leveling with a one button operation. This particular level laser would be great for contractors, especially when performing activities such as plumbing, HVAC, hanging electric boxes, etc and being that it is at such a low price, it would be a great option for most users. I also found that it was very useful in hanging up pictures on the wall, an activity that most homeowners do.

FAVORITE FEATURES

Bosch 165ft. Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser Level

Magnetic Rotating Mount
I really love that this laser level comes with a RM 2 magnetic rotating mount. It makes it a lot easier to rotate the laser level around and it eliminates the need for a tripod in some cases. The rotating mount rotates at 360- degrees while staying centered on the plumb point. The magnetic feature also allows you to mount it just about anywhere.

Built-In VisiMax
The built in VisiMax technology observes the power consumption of the laser level to maximize line visibility and extend power life. This is a great feature for projects that take longer periods of time.

Bosch 30’ Self Leveling Cross Line Laser
1-Button Operation
You can easily select between vertical, horizontal or cross line modes. You also can turn the level laser on or off.

Smart Leveling System
The 30’ leveling laser features a smart leveling system that self-levels and senses any types of out of level conditions. You may also opt to turn this feature off.

HOW COULD IT BE BETTER?
I think for both the Bosch 165ft. Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser Level and the Bosch 30’ Self Leveling Cross Line Laser, the outdoor visibility would make this tool a lot better. The level lasers are great indoors but it was hard to see outdoor past a certain distance.

The Bosch 165ft. Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser Level retails for $199.00 at the Home Depot. The Bosch 30’ Self Leveling Cross Line Laser retails for $39.98 at the Home Depot.

 "I acknowledge that the Home Depot is partnering with me to participate in the The Home Depot Pro-Spective Campaign. As a part of the program, I am receiving compensation in the form of products and services, for the purposes of promoting The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own. My post complies with the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines."

"A whole lot of glove loving"

In the shop I am always looking for a good pari of durable gloves. Whether it's building a 21 ft deck, cutting down some lims, or getting grim out of the gutters. There is always a need for some great gloves and today I'm sharing some a great pair today. Firm Grip's Trade Master Large Tan Duck Canvas Gloves.

"Dont go unprepared on your car ride, Husky's got you covered."

I always like to make sure I'm prepared when I am on the road, and since I got my new SUV, I wanted to share a couple of extra items that I like to keep in my truck for loading.

"This post is sponsored by the Home Depot as a part of The Home Depot's Pro-Spective Campaign."

You never know what can happen on the road, or when you may need to transport something, so it's nice to be prepared. Luckily, my Chevy Tahoe has a nice little hidden compartment in the back that can hold quite a bit of stuff; even better, its a hidden compartment. So know one will ever know its there. Well except for you guys now!

There are some affiliate links in this post, meaning I get a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no cost to you. Click Here to read my full disclosure.

I started using Husky products about three years ago and I am always impressed with their products, so it was a no brainer to have their brand in my SUV. Let's dive into to some of the Husky products!!

HUSKY Lumen Utility Light

I think we can all agree that it's always a plus to have some kind of light in your car. If your luck is anything like mine, you have experienced being stuck on the side of the road in the dark. If you haven't, trust me when I say it's good to have some kind of light with you.

This Husky Utility light has two modes; high and low and features a combination handle and stand for multiple light angles. This really comes in handy when you're doing something such as changing a tire, or working under the hood. I was surprised to see that it also came packed with 6AA batteries, so don't fret the first 4 hour runtime is covered. Check out my other post on top tools for traveling here.

HUSKY HEAVY DUTY RATCHET TIE DOWN WITH DOUBLE J HOOK

The next Husky product is the Husky Heavy Duty Tie Down. Now this tie-down is the Big Daddy of Tie downs. I keep this in my SUV for the heavy duty loads. If I need to transport something on the top of my truck, I'll be sure to pull this tie-down out.

This Husky Ratchet Tie-down has a 10,000 lbs breaking capacity. YES! you read that right! 10,000 and also has a working load of 3333 lbs. You know what that means? This tie-down is sure to get the job done. The tie-down has a polyester webbing that resists mold, rotting and mildew, so you can rest in knowing that this tie-down will last you for a while.

HUSKY Ratchet Tie-Down (4-Pack)

I also have these smaller HUSKY tie-downs ratchets for smaller loads. They have a quick and easy thumb release that allows you to loosen your load and these tie-downs are also pretty durable for their size. There have been several times where I've gone to a store and decided to buy something and ended up having to by some tie downs. Now Im prepared.  These particuler Husky Ratchet Tie-Downs have a break strength of 1500 lbs and a working load of 500 lbs. 

It's nice to have both the big ratchet tie-down and the smaller ones. There's nothing like having the right tool for the job.

Whether you're loading something in your car, or stuck on the road at night, these three Husky products are sure to make you're life easier. 

Thanks for reading guys, XOXO, Ashley

I acknowledge that the Home Depot is partnering with me to participate in the THD Pro-Spective Tool Review Program. As a part of the program, I am receiving compensation in the form of products and services, for the purposes of promoting The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own. My post complies with the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.

"Filling Pocket Holes the easy way"

Since I started building two years ago, the Kreg jig and pocket holes have been used on most of all my builds. It's one tool I highly recommend and pocket holes quickly became something I was grateful for during building.

"This review is sponsored by the Home Depot as a part of The Home Depot's Pro-Spective Campaign."

The only thing that was missing was a decent way to fill the holes after builds. I have tried several ways to fill the holes after drilling them in the wood, but this by far has been the quickest and easiest way for me to fill pocket holes in. Today I am excited to share my quick trip with you and I hope that you find this tutorial helpful.

I know that written instructions aren't always helpful, so I decided to also catch my technique on video. Enjoy

There are some affiliate links in this post, meaning I get a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no cost to you. Click Here to read my full disclosure.

Materiels

3/8" Dowel

Wood Glue

Hammer

Dremel MultiMax 

Dremel Multi-Max Oscillating Tool Cutting and Variety Accessory Kit for Wood Metal and Drywall

Step 1: Drill the Pocket Hole

I used my Ryobi Brushless Drill Driver to drill in my pocket hole using my handy dandy Kreg Jig, one of my favorite tools as I said earlier. For this particular demonstration I drilled a pocket hole on a 1 1/2" setting.

Step 2: Add Wood Glue 

Once the pocket hole was drilled, I cut down my long 3/8" Dowel into a 2.5" piece. I cut the dowel down to size using a bandsaw since it is so small. You don't want it to be too short because you want to make sure the whole pocket hole gets covered but you also don't want to waste materiel. Then I put enough wood glue in the pocket hole to ensure that the dowel would be secure in the hole. After adding the glue, I let it sit for a few minutes to let it dry and then moved on to the next step.

Step 3: Insert Wooden Dowel

After adding in the wood glue, I took the wooden dowe land first forced it in with my hands and then hammered it down into the hole to make sure it was secure. It may be best to clamp you're piece down, if needed, to make sure you get the dowel completely into the hole.

Step 4: Cut the Wooden Dowel

Next, I cut the 3/8" dowel. To cut the dial I used my Dremel MultiMax 3.5 AMP Variable Speed Dremel. It comes with a storage bag and accessories.  The tool-less blade change gives the ability to change blades a lot faster and reposition the blades easily.

The new quick hold accessory allows one-handed operation while changing out blades and the Dremel features a wide variable speed range from 10k to 21k oscillations per minute.

With the Dremel MultiMax laying flat, I began cutting the wooden dowel with the Dremel. While cutting, try not to force the Dremel to cut, let it do the work on its own. Also be sure to hold the Dremel evenly while cutting, to ensure you don't cut into the wood around the pocket hole.

It takes less than a minute to cut through the dowel, a fast and easy way to fill it. As you can see from the photo, this technique is a great way to fill in pocket-holes and it doesn't take a lot of time. It is also inexpensive. I usually can use one or two dowels per project.  I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and please let me know how your experience goes with this technique.

"DEWALT is giving framing nailer a whole new name with this cordless addition."

"RIDGID is changing the game with it's MEGAMAX design"

When I first learned about the RIDGID MegaMax back in April, I was super excited about this design RIDGID came up with and I have never seen anything like it. With technology ever-growing, I thought this was a fun and unique design to keep up with the times. I also thought it was a good way to eliminate costs of tools with one Megamax power base and different choices of attachments.

WHATS INCLUDED

The package comes packed with the 18-Volt OCTANE Brushless MEGAMax Power Base and the operator's manual.

Testing out the RIDGID Power Base and Attachment

The RIDGID MEGAMax Power base is a interchangeable tool system that uses one power base and allows you to change out attachments.  The smart Power Base automatically identifies the attached head and configures in order  to match the appropriate piece.

Now if that isn't cool, I don't know what is. For this particular review, I used the reciprocating saw head attachment to take it for a test run. This is supposed to be the Industry's most powerful Reciprocating Saw when connected to RIDGID Power Base and OCTANE Battery and I must say I may be a believer of that statement. Compared to my makita reciprocating saw, the difference is power was noticeable right away. This attachment head has on/off orbital action and connects in four directional head positions. 

I think most people know by now that Diablo has some of the best blades when it comes to cutting, so it should be no surprise that I opted to use this Diablo 9 in. 9 TPI Demo Demon Carbide General Purpose Reciprocating Saw Blade to test out the RIDGID Megamax. This particular blade is my favorite because it can cut a number of materials. Whether it be wood, metal, pvc/pipe materials; it is strong enough to cut most items with less vibration. 

Two other good blades for the reciprocating saw is the Diablo 9 in. Carbide Pruning and Clean Wood Cutting Reciprocating Blade, a blade that delivers fast and effortless cuts and features large blade gullets that provide fast chip removal and the Diablo 9 in. 10 TPI Steel Demon Carbide Medium Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blade, a high performance blade for greater durability with tooth geometry for clean/smooth finishes.

Ridgid OCTANE 18V 6Ah Bluetooth Battery

I used the RIDGID OCTANE Bluetooth battery to test out the RIDGID Magemax and this battery has got some power. When paired with an OCTANE tool the RIDGID bluetooth battery provides maximum performance in high demand applications. 

With it's bluetooth capability it allows you to receive push notifications, battery status and gives your tool security. Compared to a regular lithium-ion, it has four times the power.

FAVORITE FEATURES

On the reciprocating saw head attachment, my favorite feature is the On/Off orbital action. It allows you to match the cut to the application, a feature that helps the user get a better experience out of the tool.

LED Panel

THE LED Panel on the RIDGID power base shows the status of the tool and the attached head. It also has arrows that makes it easy to line up the power base to the attachment.

HOW IT COULD BE BETTER?

 Although I'm sure this would drive up the price, I think it would be cool if RIDGID could come up with at least one attachment that actually comes with the power base, instead of having to buy the base and attachments separately. 

THE RIDGID MEGAMax Power base retails for $99.00 and the RIDGID MEGAMax Reciprocating saw head retails for $69.00 at the Home Depot.

"DEWALT is making its mark with this FLEXVOLT Circular Saw Impact Pack"

I have received many tool packs, but I must say this circular saw and impact driver pack is one I will put to use. Today I am sharing all the details on my experience with the FLEXVOLT circular saw and impact driver.

Bosch DAREDEVIL 12PC SPADE BIT SET

I don't think there will ever be a time where I will be satisfied with the number of bits I have, and thats mainly because I have a hard time keeping up with the ones I've got. But these Bosch DAREDEVIL Spade bits are a great addition to my shop.

They feature a full-cone threaded tip for fast and effortless drilling and has a self-feeding tip that allows 10x faster drilling. The set comes with 12 spade bits ranging from 1/4 in to 1-1/4".

When using these bits it seemed as if the bits cut through the grain with less kick back then normal spade bits Ive used. It may not be a bit you use every day, but you will be glad you have it in your tool arsenal.

Dremel Multi-Max Oscillating Tool Cutting and Variety Accessory Kit 

The Dremel is definitely a must-have in he shop.  There aren't a lot of uses for it but at the moment you need it. You will be glad you have it. 

I like the Dremel because it has a variety of accessories that couple with it. I would recommend the Dremel Multi-Max Universal Oscillating Tool Accessory Set for Wood Metal and Drywall or if you want something smaller, the Dremel Multi-Max Oscillating Tool Cutting and Variety Accessory Kit for Wood Metal and Drywall.

The tool accessory kit has an universal dual interface that actually fits all tools (RRockwell, Fein, Makita, Ridgid, Milwaukee, Bosch, including the DeWALT® and Porter Cable®, meaning you don't necessarily have to have a Dremel. These accessories are ideal for the removal of hard materials like carpeting, tile adhesives, vinyl flooring. etc

The variety accessory kit also features a universal dual interface, used to repair, restore, and remodel. It includes 3 blades that work with wood and drywall and 2 designed or wood and metal flush cutting.

Bosch 165 ft. Laser Measure with Bluetooth and Full Color Display

This next tool is one of my favorites and a good tool to have for doing any kind of wall project. This Bosch Laser Measure measures distance, length and volume of an area with one click of a button. When measuring a room, you hold it up to a wall, press a button and it will calculate the distance. How cool is that?

This particular model has an upgraded color display with back lighting for increased visibility and features Bluetooth technology that's compatible with the free MeasureOn Bosch app. When your dealing with large areas, sometimes a traditional tape measure can be a hassle, but this is a great replacement.

Adding these three tools to your shop will ensure that you are always prepared for a particular job, though I don't use these as often as my every day tools. I can rest at ease knowing that they are always there if I need them.

Thanks for reading guys. XOXO, Ashley

"Going for a ride? This guide has the 411 on what tools you should bring along."

“The Ryobi Bolt Cutters are cutting its way through chains, bolts, fencing and more”

WHATS INCLUDED

The box comes packed with the one Ryobi ONE+ Bolt Cutters.

TESTING THE RYOBI BOLT CUTTERS

I really had a lot of fun testing out these Ryobi Bolt Cutters, at first I tried testing them out with a regular Ryobi battery, but I quickly realized that Ryobi's new 6amp battery was the only battery that's really compatible with this tool. You need enough power to be able to cut through those hard materials, so if you have this tool in mind, be prepared to grab that 6 amp battery with it. The 6AH battery has high performance electronics for the maximum amount of power and communicates directly with RYOBI tools to deliver the optimal level of power for the best performance.

The jaws open to accommodate materials up to 3/8 in. in diameter for soft materials and ¼” in hard materials. And the bolt cutters can make up to 200 cuts per charge with a P108 high capacity battery. While testing it out I noticed that for the thicker bolts, it either didn't cut all the way through the first time or didn't cut through as much. This is to be expected, as thicker materiel is harder to cut, but I wonder what that may do to the steel jaws overtime. I was still pleased with the tool, as it got the job done, but I will be curious to see how it holds up after some time of wear and tear.

Check out this quick review video to see how my test run with the Ryobi bolt cutters went.

FAVORITE FEATURES

Cuts up to 3/8 in. cut capacity

The fact that these bolt cutters can cut up to 3/8" in capacity means that it can cut through standard locks and household items that I may need to cut through.

Forward and Reverse Buttons

I really love the ease of the separated forward and reverse buttons on the bolt cutters. It really helps with precision cutting and repetitive cuts. I was really pleased with this part of the tool design.

HOW COULD IT BE BETTER?

Although it says the bolt cutters can cut through 3/8 in. in diameter, it does take multiple cycles, It would nice to be able to cut this with one pass, but not too big of a deal to make this tool a deal breaker.

The Ryobi Bolt Cutters retail at The Home Depot for $99.00

 I acknowledge that the Home Depot is partnering with me to participate in the The Home Depot Pro-Spective Campaign. As a part of the program, I am receiving compensation in the form of products and services, for the purposes of promoting The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own. My post complies with the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.