Living in the Northeast, I can tell you from experience that shoveling snow is one of the most arduous tasks you will ever have to complete. Now, a company called I-Shovel is looking to automate this chore with a Jetson-style robot. Its patent-pending technology allows the robot to detect snow accumulation and determine the perimeter of the area to be shoveled. Once it determines the area has received enough snow, the bot goes to work. While only in the prototype stage, it looks promising from the video. The makers believe it will be affordable and hope to get a production model out later this year, hopefully just in time for next winter.
Crafters Square Hot Melt Glue Guns has recalled 253,000 glue guns because they can short circuit, posing a fire, burn and shock hazard to consumers. There have been seven incidents so far with two injuries. The glue guns were sold at Dollar Tree, Dollar Bill$, Dollar Express, Greenbacks, Only One $1 and Deal$ stores nationwide from February 2007 through August 2007. The glue gun is black with a yellow trigger and has a 44-inch electrical cord attached. "Crafters Square" and product number 818261-72 or 818261-75 are located on the packaging. Consumers should stop using the glue gun immediately and return it to the store for a full refund.
Looks like you can teach an old dog new tricks. This video from FineHomebuilding.com taught me some new ways to remove nails. Turns out you don't have to rely on brute force, a strong hammer and lots and lots of swearing, which is my personal technique. Finesse works much better. The video has some great tips on removing bent, headless and galvanized nails. Check it out before beginning your next demolition project.
Oh boy...I just found the perfect present for Bob. This 3-piece set of flatware has a fork/box wrench, knife/pliers and spoon/open-ended wrench. Perfect for the hungry mechanic in your house. It's made of polished stainless steel and available for $17.99 from Northern Tool & Equipment.
Looking for a good workout this winter? Nothing beats shoveling snow. And with snow now upon us here in Boston, it's time to talk about the latest shovel technology. The three things to consider when buying a snow shovel are the blade, handle and the grip. When selecting a blade, consider if you want to push snow or lift it. Some blades are almost flat for pushing snow while others are more curved from bottom to top to assist lifting. Handles come in a variety of shapes with newer versions having a wave-like bend that helps to distribute the weight and make lifting snow easier on the back (that one is music to my ears). When looking at the grip of the shovel, remember you will likely be wearing winter gloves when you use it so make sure it is extra-large. You might think it's impossible to apply advanced research into a snow shovel's grip but Ames True Temper has developed a grip called VersaGrip™, which can support more hand positions than any other shovel on the market, according to the manufacturer. Its patented styling is also specially designed to reduce hand fatigue. Both the Penguin Combo Shovel/Pusher and the Ames True Temper Snow Blazer 2 have a patented VersaGrip™ and are available for purchase from Lowe's.
Ever wondered why your contractor comes in over budget and not in time? I think I may have found the answer. Nevermind that the video is in German. It's a visual answer.
Please do not attempt this at home—or anywhere else.
If you are anything like me, your home workshop is a disaster. There's a hammer here, a screwdriver over there. I don't know where my saw is, but I think there are a couple of nails in the coffee can by the sink. Is it any surprise that every household task I do takes twice as long as it should?
Now I've found something to make my life a whole lot easier and more organized. StuckOnTools is a wallboard that hangs all your tools with magnets, so with a quick scan you can see which tools are missing and which ones are close at hand. Personally, I like the powder coat finish—it's much more aesthetically pleasing than my coffee can. StuckOnTools has a variety of organizing systems available for your workshop, kitchen, office, barbecue and garden in a wide array of sizes. Prices vary for each particular system and can be ordered from their web site.
