About the author

Todd Fratzel

I'm full time builder for a large construction company in New Hampshire. I run their design-build division that specializes in custom homes, commercial design-build projects and sub-divisions. I'm also a licensed civil and structural engineer with extensive experience in civil and structural design and home construction. My hope is that I can share my experience in the home construction, home improvement and home renovation profession with other builders and home owners. I'm also the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Tool Box Buzz. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, suggestions or you'd like to inquire about advertising on this site.

New Irwin Vise-Grip Curved-Jaw (CR) Locking Pliers

By Todd Fratzel on Hand Tools

New Line Delivers Three Times More Gripping Power than Traditional Locking Pliers Huntersville, N.C. [August 27, 2010] — Trade professionals hate busted knuckles resulting from failed locking pliers. That’s no problem for tradesmen who use trusted IRWIN® VISE-GRIP® locking pliers, which have earned the top spot in the locking pliers category since their introduction in…

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DEWALT® Launches a New Compact Router

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

DEWALT® Launches a New Compact Router that Merges the Ergonomic Features of Traditional Trimmers and Performance of Full-Size Routers TOWSON, Md. (Aug. 26, 2010) – Today, D EWALT announces the launch of its new Compact Router, which combines power, ease-of-use, ergonomic features and innovations designed for visibility, control and overall performance. The Compact Router, which…

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Li-Ion Vs NiCd Cordless Batteries

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

Industry Experts Weigh In On Li-Ion Vs NiCad Battery Debate Readers continue to send in emails asking questions about Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) and Nickel Cadmium (NiCad or NiCd) cordless tool battery packs. So I reached out to Jason McNeil, Product Manager at DEWALT and Derek Vicko, Senior Product Manager at PORTER-CABLE and asked them to help…

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Rockwell JawStand Review

By Todd Fratzel on Hand Tools, Product Reviews

Rockwell JawStand Rockwell recently introduced the JawStand. So we were pretty happy when they sent us their latest addition which compliments the ever popular Rockwell Jawhorse. JawStand Features This compact easy-to-use work stand not only supports loads up to 220 lbs, but it can clamp work pieces up to 1-3/4 in. thick and raise them…

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Rough Openings | Standard Framing Dimensions

By Todd Fratzel on Framing

Framing Rough Openings Framing rough openings for windows and doors (standard door and windows openings) is really straight forward if you follow some simple dimensional rules. For standard wood framed construction the rough openings for doors and windows is typically the actual unit size plus 2-1/2 inches in height and width. Standard Door Rough Openings…

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Custom Stairs

By Todd Fratzel on Finish Carpentry, Framing, Interior Decorating

Custom Brazilian Cherry Staircase In our new home we built the custom stairs with Brazilian Cherry treads, handrails and newel post. The risers and stringers are made from poplar. Brazilian Cherry is a really beautiful wood and extremely dense. I’m told it’s about 100 times harder than red oak. As you can see in the…

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Kitchen Backsplash – How To Tile A Backsplash

By Todd Fratzel on Feature Story, Kitchens

How To Tile A Kitchen Backsplash Kitchen backsplashes can be as simple as a 6 inch high piece of your countertop and as complex as an intricate tile design. Installing a kitchen backsplash is a DIY project that most people can do with a little planning and elbow grease. We recently installed a tile backsplash…

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Home Improvement Forums

By Todd Fratzel on Home Improvement

Home Construction & Improvement Forums Today I’m very pleased to announce that the Home Construction & Improvement Forums are finally open. The forums are something that we’ve been wanting to add to this site for some time and the time is now. Our goal is to provide a community area for member to ask questions,…

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