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.

IRWIN Vise-Grip GrooveLock Plier Review

By Todd Fratzel on Hand Tools

IRWIN Vise-Grip GrooveLock Pliers Irwin recently introduced Vise-Grip GrooveLock Pliers in three different models including the Straight Jaw, V-Jaw and Smooth Jaw. Irwin recently sent us a pair of the Straight Jaw pliers to test and share our thoughts with all of you. Features Simple push of innovative press-n-slide button adjusts lower jaw 2X faster…

Continue reading »

Channellock® 9.5 Inch 369 High-Leverage Linemen’s Plier Review

By Todd Fratzel on Hand Tools, Product Reviews

Channellock® 9.5 Inch 369 High-Leverage Linemen’s Pliers We recently introduced the new Channellock® 9.5 Inch 369 High-Leverage Linemen’s Pliers. Channellock set us a pair to evaluate and we wanted to share our thoughts. Features Round nose Cuts ACSR Laser heat-treated cutting edges last longer Only CHANNELLOCK® uses a knife and anvil style cutting edge to…

Continue reading »

PORTER-CABLE Jobsite Radio

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

New PORTER-CABLE® 18V Cordless/120V Corded Jobsite Radio Amps Up the Work Site With Durability and Features TOWSON, Md. (Aug. 19, 2010) – PORTER-CABLE is expanding its professional-grade 18V System with a new Jobsite Radio (model PC18JR) that delivers durability, performance and quality features at an excellent value. “PORTER-CABLE is excited to add a jobsite radio…

Continue reading »

PORTER-CABLE 12 Volt MAX Lithium Cordless Power Tools

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

New PORTER-CABLE® 12 Volt MAX* Lithium Cordless Power Tools Deliver Quality and Value in a Compact Size TOWSON, Md. (Aug. 19, 2010) – PORTER-CABLE announces the launch of its new 12 Volt MAX* Lithium line of cordless power tools that offers durability, compact size and lightweight for professionals that demand quality at a great value.…

Continue reading »

PORTER-CABLE Heat Gun

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

Variable Temperature and Speed Fan Control Trademarks of New PORTER-CABLE® Heat Gun TOWSON, Md. (Aug. 19, 2010) – PORTER-CABLE has added a powerful 1500 watt Heat Gun (model PC1500HG) to its line of professional-grade power tools, featuring best in class performance and ergonomics at a great price. “PORTER-CABLE is pleased to bring a quality heat…

Continue reading »

Doors With Built In Blinds – Interior Uses

By Todd Fratzel on Doors

Door Glass with Built In Blinds I’ve written several articles about doors with built in blinds and how wonderful they are for exterior doors like paired French Doors. Today I want to discuss how these same doors can also be used for interior applications. At work we’re currently in the process of building a large…

Continue reading »

Kitchen Backsplash – Mastic Vs Thinset

By Todd Fratzel on Kitchens

Choosing Mastic or Thinset for A Kitchen Backsplash As I pointed out recently we’re writing a series of articles over the new couple of weeks on How To Tile a Kitchen Backsplash. We’ve already discussed selecting backsplash tile and how to layout tile backsplashes so this article will focus on the use of mastic vs…

Continue reading »

Lead Paint

By Todd Fratzel on Painting and Finishing, Safety

Lead Paint and Your Health Lead paint is a known source for potential life threatening health risks. This year we’ve seen the introduction of a very significant lead paint law which aims to protect us from the potentially dangerous side effects from lead. While many of us feel the new law is poorly written and…

Continue reading »

Copyright © 2009-2023 Front Steps Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Home Construction & Improvement™ is a Trademark of Front Steps Media, LLC.