x close

Black & Decker PD600 Pivot Plus 6-Volt High Performance Screwdriver

We can't think of anything we'd want to add to this little hummer. It's incredible what B&D has engineered into this system (we don't think it's fair to call it a "screwdriver"). The 5-foot tape measure fits on board, or you can remove it for separate use. Dual speed range lets you drill holes at high speed and drive screws at the slower speed. A 23-position clutch, just like what's on the big boys, will keep you from stripping your screws. But get this: Unlike conventional cordless screwdrivers and regular power drills, this tool's handle easily locks in three positions for tight areas and awkward spots. Genius! And just like the "real" drills, this one's got an accessible forward/reverse rocker switch for backing screws out, too. Here's something, though, that the big-boy drill makers should pick up: It's got on integrated light so you can always see your work surface clearly. For the money, we haven't seen anything like it. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste

---

Futures

On-board bit storage conveniently holds a 1/16" pilot bit and double-ended screwdriving bit;

6-volt drill and screwdriver, tape measure, light, and more in one convenient cordless tool;

2-speed gear box gives you a low speed for screwdriving and high speed for drilling;

3-position pivoting action for maximum flexibility and versatility in tight areas;

Integrated light with separate on/off switch illuminates dark work areas;

---

Customer Review:

Dead On Arrival

It was DOA. The power switch knob was broken. It could not have happened during the shipment because the packet was sealed. Bottom line: inferior quality.

Ryanda
Chicago

great for the little jobs

For all normal intents and purposes, this is a wonderful power screw driver. Maybe not for heavy duty construction use, but I'm very happy using it for light duty work around the home. The power is decent, and the ease of use can't be beat.

Even works great in Costa Rica

My 'old' Black & Decker Accumatic Power Driver conked out after 6 years of good service - no chance to replace the battery.
Looking for something fancier I saw the PD600 at Amazon's, and bought it immediately.
Great performance, lots of 'oomph' (power), very good torque control, and I love the zwo speeds offered.

... and I see the envy in all the neighbor's eyes, asking me: "...and where did you get THAT?" "At Amazon.com, of course!"

---

Keywords: Black & Decker; (Black and Decker); Cordless Tools; (Volt); (V); In-Line Screwdrivers;

---

---

x close

Allied 59045 105 Pc. Home & Auto Tool Set

---

Futures

12' Fractional tape measure: readouts at 1/8" increments for fast, accurate measuring, dyna -drive sockets designed to contact fasteners on flat sides for greater torque;

Dyna -drive sockets designed to contact fasteners on flat sides for greater torque;

---

Keywords: Mechanics' Tools; (Car Repair Tool Sets); (Auto); Hand Tools; Tool Sets;

---

---

x close

Malco FCG2 Fiber Cement Siding Plank Gauges

---

Futures

Makes installing fiber cement siding a one person job;

Works with 5/16" fiber cement siding;

Will not mar the finish of pre-finished siding;

Creates standard 1 1/4" overlap with measuring or marking;

---

Customer Review:

Malco Siding tool

Great, works as advertised with a little practice. Worth the cost in time savings and much less aggrevation!

Working alone? There is NO question: You need these!

I recently finished siding my 2-story colonial with 5.25" (4" exposure) Hardie Boards. It took me about 3 springs/summers of weekends since I did 99% of it completely alone.

I did not start using these until last year (year 3). At that point I only had 25% of the house done. Between these gauges, pump jacks, and a pneumatic siding nailer, I got nearly the other 75% done in one season. But if I could have only kept one tool that was an absolute necessity for working alone, it would have been these.

They are easy to set up and insert, and do a great job holding a course on the wall, especially when working alone. When butt-joining, I would hang a piece on these, then remove the one nearer to the joint and use the other as just a support or "shelf."

Here is my advice as a homeowner who installed Hardieboards by himself:
1. Get these gauges!
2. Expect that over many squares, the bottom edges might get a little worn, perhaps requiring a gentle tap with a hand or hammer to get them to sit on the top course quickly.
3. If you are using the 5.25 (4" exposure) boards, you should STILL use some type of measurement gauge. The 5.25" does in fact dip slightly if you put the gauges near each end of a 12' board. I don't know if this happens with the bigger exposure boards but I would guess that it is not as much. Also, you may have to make your own measurement gauge for the 4" exposure. The Malco one starts at 5"

Mandatory Tool for Siding Work

Anyone installing fiber cement siding needs these gauges. Quantum leap in siding installation process, dramatically cuts time required for job, no measuring of overlap, no time needed to check siding with level. Gauges will assure identical overlap and level siding. Makes siding job look almost perfect. Very simple to use. Essential if you work alone!

---

Keywords: Measuring & Layout Tools;

---

---

x close

Toro 51598 Ultra Blower

With 225 mph of maximum force, the Toro Ultra Blower is a three-in-one machine--blower, vacuum, and leaf shredder--that's ready to rip through leaf-covered lawns with the power of a small hurricane. Better yet, you'll likely find it to be not only one of the most powerful lawn tools in your garage, but one of the most versatile as well. To facilitate the different uses, the blower comes with a quick-release latch for easy conversion as well as infinitely variable air control. In addition, the metal impeller mulches leaves with fearsome efficiency, reducing 16 bags of leaves down to a single bag. For those looking for a blower that'll make quick work of acres of matted-down leaves, Toro's Ultra Blower is up to the task. --Rivers Janssen

---

Futures

Variable air control;

225-miles-per-hour maximum air force will clear just about any lawn;

Metal impeller for efficient mulching;

Reduces 16 bags of leaves to 1;

Converts from blower to vacuum mode with no tools necessary;

---

Customer Review:

Toro leaf vacuum

Generally good. Does a nice job of vacuuming the garden (haven't done the leaf blower thing yet). Bit plasticy tho' so lengevity may be an issue if abused.
4/5

Why did I wait so long?

I have a 10-year old Toro electric blower, and it still works, but it never had the power I wanted. This new blower is lighter, more powerful, and I think it cost less than the one I bought a decade ago. It was definitely time to upgrade!

Does well for me

Living in Southern California I have trees that drop leaves year round and I like to vacuum them up. While my lot isn't as big as what you find in the midwest the 51598 works perfectly for me. The only problem I have is the same as many other people, it does pick up everything if you get close to the garden, mulch and loose dirt are gone into the bag. Of course it shouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that is going to happen.
My only recomendation would be to look in your local Lowes or Home Depot for it before ordering online. While listed as "in stock" I waited almost four weeks for it to arrive due to "back-ordering". Purchased from Lowes it would have cost me maybe $2.50 more, but then I would have been using the vacuum instead of a rake!

---

Keywords: Landscaping Tools; Blowers & Vacs; Electric; Home; Tools;

---

---