Archives: Home Improvement

Craftsman 12 Volt Lithium-Ion Auto Hammer

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

Craftsman Auto-Hammer The other day I saw a demonstration of a really cool new tool that will find its way into many workshops! We’ve all seen the popular palm nailers so this new auto hammer is an extension of the idea. This innovative new auto hammer is a cordless tool that allows you to install…

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Brick Facade Over Metal Stud Framing

By Todd Fratzel on Masonry

Brick Facade & Metal Studs Brick facades and metal stud framing are becoming increasingly popular in commercial and residential construction. This type of construction is popular for several reasons including speed, cost and performance. I’ve written several posts recently documenting the metal stud framing, Densglass Exterior Sheathing and the Masonry Flashing Details. In this post…

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How To Install Leviton 6260M Electronic Timer Switch

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical

Leviton 6260M Timer Switch In a previous post, Leviton 6260M Electronic Timer Switch, I wrote about these new timer switches that I purchased to use in our three bathrooms. Using timer switches will allow us to run the fans after we’ve left the room in order to make sure all the excess moisture is removed…

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Nail Jack Nail Puller

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

Nail Jack – Cool Tool So I keep hearing about this great nail puller called the Nail Jack. Pulling nails is one of my least favorite things to do especially with how well pneumatic nailers sink nails today! This really cool tool makes it much easier to pull stubborn nails. What I like best is…

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Preparing Metal Stud Walls For Masonry

By Todd Fratzel on Framing, Insulation

Metal Stud Walls & Masonry Recently I wrote an article, Metal Studs with Densglass Sheating and Foam Board Insulation, which showed how we framed an exterior wall with metal studs then applied Densglass Exterior Sheathing followed by a layer of foam board insulation. This was all in preparation for a final layer of exterior masonry…

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Safety 1st Magnetic Tot Lok Review

By Todd Fratzel on Safety

Child Proofing Locks Our daughter just turned one this spring and she’s finally walking and extremely curious. Because of her mobility and curiosity I’ve had to go back and make sure that all our cabinets are baby proofed. We’ve tried lots of different baby proofing products but I keep coming back to the same product.…

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Fein Universal Cutting Blades

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

Fein Multimaster Tool Blades Recently I wrote about the Fein Multimaster tool which has become an extremely popular multi-purpose tool for any workshop. Well if you already own this great tool then you may be in the market to buy additional cutting blades for it. You can find a great selection and great prices on…

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Garage Organization Project

By Todd Fratzel on Closets & Storage, Garages

Garage Organization Our new home is almost 3 years old and I’ve severely neglected the garage since we moved in. I have lots of projects planned and ideas so I finally decided this weekend that I needed to get the garage cleaned out and organized before I start anything else. One of the problems that…

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