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.

Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) vs Nickel Cadmium (NiCd)

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

Which Battery Pack is Best? Cordless tools have come so far in design that today most any tool can be purchased in a cordless version. With so many choices in tools and manufacturers it’s no wonder that consumers feel overwhelmed. Add to the equation all of the choices in battery packs and it’s not out…

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One TIME® Wood Protector – Before & After

By Todd Fratzel on Decks & Porches, Painting and Finishing, Product Reviews

One TIME® Wood Protector Last year we tested the One TIME Wood Protector on the rear portion of the deck with great results. We’ve been so impressed with the One TIME Wood Protector results that we’ve decided to use it to finish the remaining stairs and farmer’s porch as well. As you can see in…

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National Enjoy Your Deck Day

By Todd Fratzel on Decks & Porches

National Enjoy Your Deck Day Nationwide celebration on Saturday, July 24, 2010 – encouraging people to enjoy their decks and spend time with family and friends Celebration includes a huge national deck party – host or attend a local deck party in your city at http://www.meetup.com/National-Enjoy-Your-Deck-Day/ Numerous ways to celebrate with fun deck activities, game…

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Vinyl Beadboard Ceilings

By Todd Fratzel on Decks & Porches

Long Lasting Vinyl Beadboard Porch Ceilings Last year we wrote an article about using vinyl beadboard for porch ceilings. That article has been quite popular with lots of folks emailing us asking questions about how to install this product and quite a few questions about using PVC Trim for the porch carrying beam. Reader Uses…

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CHANNELLOCK – New Website, New Plier and Giveaway

By Todd Fratzel on Feature Story, Hand Tools, Product Reviews

CHANNELLOCK Website – New & Improved CHANNELLOCK has been in business for almost 125 years and they are known for some of the best pliers that I’ve ever used. CHANNELLOCK recently introduced a new website featuring some great interactive videos and information to showcase all their products including pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers and an assortment of…

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EPA’s Lead Paint Law Frustrates Hardworking Contractors

By Todd Fratzel on Painting and Finishing, Safety

EPA’s Lead Paint Law Here on our Home Improvement site we’ve been covering the EPA’s new Lead Paint Law closely since early spring when it went into effect. We’ve written lots of articles on the new law, training, fines and cost implications. So far we’ve met very few people that seem excited about the new…

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NLBMDA Takes Legal Action Against EPA Over Removal of Opt-Out Provision in its Lead Paint Rules

By Todd Fratzel on Painting and Finishing

The lead paint law saga continues. I thought many of you might be interested in the following information as it pertains to the new law. [Washington, DC] – The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA), along with a coalition of housing industry associations, filed suit in federal court today against the U.S. Environmental…

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Armstrong Cabinets Offers New Origins Series

By Todd Fratzel on Cabinetry

Armstrong Cabinets’ Origins™ Series offers the durability and strength of all plywood construction with the environmental benefits of sustainable, low emitting materials to provide added options when building or remodeling a home or buying cabinetry. The hardwood plywood materials used to construct the new Origins Series utilizes an urea-formaldehyde free, soy-based adhesive called PureBond®. The…

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