Archives: Home Improvement

Ryobi 18V String Trimmer Review

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools, Product Reviews

Ryobi Model P2002 – Lithium 18V 12″ Cordless String Trimmer The folks at Ryobi were kind enough to send us another ONE+ cordless tool to review. This time they sent the Lithium 18V 12″ cordless string trimmer. We’re not new to the ONE+ battery system as we recently reviewed the Ryobi 18V Compact Drill which…

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Paslode PF150S-PP Review

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools, Product Reviews

PF150S-PP Positive Placement® Metal Connector Nailer Over the last couple of weeks we’ve had the pleasure of testing the all new Paslode PF150S-PP Positive Placement® Metal Connector Nailer. Paslode asked us to give it a test drive and we obliged on a large framing job that requires several dozen large metal joist hangers. Engineered Lumber…

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Whole House Fans Vs Attic Fans

By Todd Fratzel on Air Conditioning, Electrical

Difference Between Whole House Fans and Attic Fans As summer quickly approaches I wanted to share an archived post about whole house fans and gable attic fans. This post was written to help a reader decide which type of attic fan was best for her home. Marrisa wrote to me and wants to know about…

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Help Wanted – Finding Qualified Help Isn’t Easy

By Todd Fratzel on Framing

Hiring Qualified Carpenters Not sure this post will mean much to everyone but it’s my way of venting some upcoming stress. Today my top “go to guy” (foreman) tendered his two weeks notice. So tomorrow my day will start in search of a replacement for a position that’s becoming harder and harder to fill with…

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One TIME Wood Protector – 10 Months Later

By Todd Fratzel on Decks & Porches, Painting and Finishing

One TIME Wood Protector Last summer I tested a product called One TIME Wood Protector on our Cambara Decking. In the past we’ve had horrible luck finding a product that could seal our beautiful deck and stand up to the harsh New England weather (extreme cold winters and searing hot sun in the summer). However,…

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Prefabricated Wall Panels Save Time

By Todd Fratzel on Framing, Green Building

Using Prefabricated Wall Panels I’ve written about using prefabricated wall panels before and how they can save time on a job. Today I wanted to show an example of a job that really benefited from the use of prefabricated wall panels. Today one of our crews set wall panels on the 2nd floor of a…

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Miterless Moulding Systems

By Todd Fratzel on Finish Carpentry, Interior Decorating

Anyone-Can-Do-This Miterless Moulding Systems From Fypon® ARCHBOLD, OHIO – If you can make a straight cut with a handsaw, you can transform a room with a decorative crown Miterless Moulding System from Fypon®. “We’ve completely removed the fear and the hassles for homeowners of adding mouldings to the home,” says Tina Mealer of Fypon. “There…

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Ryobi P815 18V Compact Drill Kit Review

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools, Product Reviews

Ryobi Lithium-Ion 18V Compact Drill Kit – P815 Ryobi sent us their new 18V Compact Drill Kit (P815) to evaluate recently. The cordless drill market is flooded with 18 Volt drills to serve every project that you can think of. There are some really amazing 18 volt drills out there which cost a pretty penny…

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