Archives: Tools & Products

Proper Edging of Flower Beds

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping, Power Tools

The easiest way to edge a flower bed is by using a simple half moon edger. This tool is used to cut the sod along any shaped flower bed. You simply work your way along any line you want and use the tool to cut the sod. By cutting the sod along a nice clean…

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FLUKE 1AC-A1 II VoltAlert

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical, Power Tools, Product Reviews

Today I bought a new electrical tester. In the past I’ve had testers but none that I really liked or trusted. I read some reviews and this Fluke 1AC-A1 II VoltAlert received some decent feedback. What I like about this tester is you can use it several ways. It has a flat tip that allows…

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Leviton 6260M Electronic Timer Switch

By Todd Fratzel on Electrical, Energy Conservation, Product Reviews

Leviton 6260M Electronic Timer Switch Yesterday I received the three Leviton 6260M electronic timer switches that I ordered for the bath fans. These switches allow you to choose pre-set times of 10 min., 20 min., 30 min., and 60 mins. You can buy these dimmers from Amazon, Leviton Decora 60-30-20-10 Preset Minute Electronic Timer. I…

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John Deere Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping, Product Reviews

Last week I purchased the John Deere 3.5 cu ft tow-behind broadcast spreader. I finally assembled it and put it to use. First off let me say that John Deere has got to be one of the last companies selling products in this country with extremely well written directions and parts. All of the small…

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John Deere Home Maintenance Kit Arrived

By Todd Fratzel on Landscaping, Product Reviews

My John Deere Maintenance kit arrived yesterday. The kit is great, it contains two quarts of oil, an oil filter, a fuel filter, two spark plugs, the foam and paper air filters. All of the parts are John Deere parts which is recommended by the users maintenance manual. What I like most about buying everything…

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Router Dado Guide

By Todd Fratzel on Finish Carpentry, Power Tools

I’ve been searching for an easy to build, cheap router dado guide. What I found is a very simple router dado guide that I can build for making the dado’s in the book shelves I’m going go make for the basement storage room. As you can see this router dado guide is really simple. I’m…

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Using Air Nail Guns For Metal Connectors and Joist Hangers

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

Bostitch Joist Hanger Gun The other day I wrote about how much joist hangers have improved the construction industry. However, anyone that has used these hangers can attest to the slow nailing process of using the special joist hanger nails. Because joist hangers typically are attached to a single ply of 1 1/2″ material the…

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Router Edge Guide Finished

By Todd Fratzel on Power Tools

Today I built my router edge guide and it worked great! Yesterday I posted a picture and drawing I found online of a do-it-yourself guide and today I made it in about an hour. This will work great for putting the rabbit on the edge of the 1×6 for my porch skirt. As you can…

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