Archives: Tools & Products

ZIP System Sheathing On Ranch Style Home

By Todd Fratzel on Building Materials, Framing

If you haven’t seen a house built with the ZIP system then you might wonder what on earth we’ve built this house with. The green and orange colors certainly stand out at first sight. As I continue to write about the Total House Construction Series – Foundation to Finish I’ve been spending quite a bit…

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Cheap Table Saw – Great Deal

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

Amazon has an incredible deal on a factory-reconditioned table saw from Bosch. I’m a huge fan of the Bosch worksite table saws. You can read a table saw review I did about one of these we bought for our crew. Right now you can buy the Factory-Reconditioned Bosch 4000-N-RT 10-inch Worksite Table Saw from Amazon…

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Save Electricity – Buy Smart Strip Power Strip

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical, Power Tools

Televisions, computers, printers, DVD players and most electronics continue to use electricity even when you turn them off. In fact, today’s high tech homes consume so much “un-used” electricity because of the many electronics in our homes. This is why you should consider buying the Smart Strip LCG3 Energy Saving With Autoswitching Technology. This power…

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Porter-Cable 23-Gauge Pin Nailer

By Todd Fratzel on Finish Carpentry, Power Tools, Product Reviews

One of my favorite air tools in my workshop is my Porter-Cable 23-Gauge Pin Nailer. Pin nailers are very useful for all kinds of home improvement projects and fine carpentry. Most often I use the pin nailer when I have delicate pieces of wood that need to be held in place for a glued assembly.…

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ZIP System Sheathing

By Todd Fratzel on Building Materials, Framing, Siding & Trim

I recently wrote about a new product, ZIP System Wall and Roof Sheathing, and today we finally installed some of the ZIP System wall sheathing on the new house we’re building that you can follow on Total House Construction Series – Foundation to Finish. The ZIP System is an exciting new product that I’m very…

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Roof Snow Rake Review

By Todd Fratzel on Maintanence, Power Tools, Product Reviews

If you live in a snowy climate then you no doubt need to own a roof snow rake. Last year I wrote a post about removing snow from your roof to prevent ice damns and structural damage. So I thought it was a good time to remind everyone about buying a good quality roof snow…

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Leatherman Must Have Tool

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

The Leatherman has been making the multi-purpose tool for years and it’s a must have for any handyman, home owner or contractor. Leatherman has introduced the Leatherman 830996 Kick Multi-tool with Micra holiday combo pack. This combo pack includes two great Leatherman multi-purpose tools. One is the really small Micra packed with great features and…

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Stabila Aluminum Box Beam Level Review

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools, Product Reviews

If you’re going to do any serious home improvement projects or framing construction then you need to invest in a really good beam level. Anyone that knows me knows that I like to buy the best quality tools I can afford and that’s why I like the Stabila 37532 Jamber 78-Inch and 32-Inch Aluminum Box…

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