As many radio shows as I do, as many TV shows I am involved with, as many articles, blogs, and Facebook posts as I write, at the (cliche alert) end of the day, it’s about the stuff we build, the lives those projects change, and the tools we use to do it.
Reel It In. I know I’m not making this up for a hyperbolic opening line because when I saw Stanley’s new compact chalk line, it was hard to contain my enthusiasm (which the product manager patiently suffered through.) For as ancient a tool as a chalk line is (think Egyptians snapping lines on the pyramids,) it is also eminently improvable as Stanley aptly demonstrated with their STHT47147 compact chalk reel. One way to make it smaller was to cut down by about 70% how much string is in there (how often do non-framers really snap lines longer than 25 feet?) There’s also an awesome belt hook. And the string that is there—uber tough according to Stanley. Snap it!
Stapler. An 18 gauge—or “narrow crown”— stapler is a not a tool I use every day, or even every job, but I will say this: once you find the need for—then use one—there is no turning back. The thing a stapler does very, very well according to product manager Scott Pare (and me) is provide excellent holding power in a short fastener. Also, staples don’t split material near the end like nails can. And for this reason I’ve used them installing backers to mate up two pieces of crown
molding—both inside and outside the house. I’ve used them installing built-up molding assemblies in custom situations like column wraps and exterior door casings, and building access panels and doors in pine-paneled rooms. Porter-Cable‘s NS150C is upgraded from previous models with a more compact and durable magnesium body and oil-free design. The tool accepts accepts 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inch 1/4 inch crown staples. No fuss, no muss, great price: It’ll be a staple of your tool kit.
Frame It. I love framing. I’ve used a boat load of different nailers over the years on everything from projects and tool reviews, to building Boomtown in Joplin to framing up our sets at JLCLive, The Remodeling Show and DeckExpo. There is no doubt all framing nailers are NOT built equal—there being yawning gaps between different companies’ approaches to the tool. And this gap is further widened, it seems to me, with Bostitch’s new compact framer. I have not run the tool through it’s paces but at first glance, I’m not sure I could find a problem with it even if I did (and I plan to.) Super compact with no power compromise according to Bostitch. Build it.
Blade Geek Alert! I’m a blade geek. I like—OK, love—a premium blade on my miter saw. I don’t see a miter saw on a finish site as complete without one. Ditto for a circ saw. Good blades cut better and easier. Not cheap by any stretch, premiums cut cleaner, straighter, and are just that much better than the included (albeit free, I understand) blade that usually comes with a saw. DeWalt has been making saw blades for years, but they have sharpened up with their new line of face-ground
(sharpened) blades for circ and miter saws. With an “ultra sharp C4 carbide” according tot DeWalt these blades deliver primo, low- to no- splinter cutting in all kinds of materials. I know I surely want that when I’m cutting moldings but it also makes me feel better knowing I can get it cutting cedar deck boards or even trimming a door to size. Sharp.
