Tools Master

The Toro 51358 is a 13-inch electric grass and weed string trimmer with a 3.9-ampere motor. It is cheap and durable at only $44.99 retail. The 51358 is AC powered and has a cord-lock system, so you’ll still need a long cord or extension cable if your lawn is large. See below what satisfied users are saying.

“I love it. Super cheap, but super good. As good or better than any trimmer I’ve ever used.”

“Toro products have always worked well for me doing landscaping and this 13-inch trimmer is no exception. It’s a tough little machine.”

Not actually a tool, but for sure you’ll be needing one of these in your work area. The TLP808 has one one of the best AC surge protection systems protect your delicate electronics and other devices. It has 8 outlets and an 8-foot cord (hence 808), and has diagnostic LEDs to warn of wiring problems and suppressor damage.

The suppression is rated at 1,440 joules maximum, and can also protect from line noise.

Customer Reviews

“The quality seems much better than other brands. I’m about to purchase 3 more of this model. Not shown is the right-angle flat wall plug which saves space especially if you have a set of drawers right by the outlet that power plugs interfere with.”

“I purchased this surge protector to use with a laptop while traveling. It has plenty of outlets for a printer and other items, is light weight and takes up very little space in my rolling computer bag. It adds extra outlets to a hotel room, as well as protecting equipment. The lower outlets are spaced to handle transformers.”

The 808 sells for only $11.99.

The LXT218 by Makita is a combo kit—included is the BHP454 1/2″ hammer driver drill, and the BTD141 impact driver. This set is made in China, but don’t let that fool you, because Makita is a respectable brand and we are sure they have outstanding quality control.

First off, in terms of ergonomics, Makita did its job well. The drill feels very light in one’s hands, and the trigger and reverse switch are positioned to be accessed easily via your finger tips. In addition, using the drill will make you realize that the tool has a good overall “balance.”

The drill has plenty of power at hand, long battery life. It was very efficient when we used it to drill 3/8″ holes in concrete, in fact it did 6 holes in the same time our old tool did drilling one hole. It was also surprisingly quiet, even on the hammer drill setting.

The impact driver is what people might consider “the best part of the kit.” It is one of the best drivers we have ever used as well as one of the most versatile. It has incredible power to get out the most difficult screws yet still has enough finesse to keep from damaging screw heads.

The box (carrying case) is also impressive in its own right. Well built, and we’ve no doubt that it will last and protect the units from damage and the elements for a good long while. Plus, it also has space for a third battery, just in case.

This combo has definitely impressed us; add that to Makita’s new claims of LXT Lithium-Ion goodness with the “smart” charger and we’re sold. Listed at $714.00, it seems pricey, but it can be had for around $340-$380 which makes it quite a steal.

A 6.4 ampere, 3 1/7 inch paint remover tool from Metabo is up for a featured review. At $531.71 (retail), is the LF724 worth it? See what users think below. Take note, the LF724 first came out in the market nearly 10 years ago, we were just as surprised to find out people are still buying and enjoying them these days.

“I have used this stripper for a few more jobs over the years, and it is still going strong. I now always use a vacuum with it which makes for a much cleaner job. With a vacuum I have found I can wear safety glasses rather than goggles (glasses are much cooler and don’t fog up) and don’t need a dusk mask. You may still want to wear a dusk mask as it is a dusty job. I replaced the door that busted off the front with a screwed on sheet of 1/16″ Al. It works great. In fact, I never use the rabbet blades and have removed them. Just use a 1″ carbide hand scraper to get the underside of the siding.”

“I purchased the Metabo paint remover about 2 months ago. I used it to remove about 6 layers of paint from the fascia boards on my house. This tool works amazingly well and is very easy to use. When all of the paint was removed, i gave the fascia boards a quick once over with a random orbit sander. When finished, the fascia boards looked brand new. One coat of primer and two top coats of paint and presto, my home looks great. Doing a thorough job in the first place prevents you from having to return and “fix” it in a couple of years.”

“I am in the process of stripping all the paint off my 1886 Colonial Revival home. I have purchased many tools to do the trick but the Metabo is far the superior of any of them. Old paint will gum up any carbide discs such as that of the Porter Cable paint stripper, I know cause I also bought this tool. I used it once and now I am trying to find another use for it. The Metabo is awesome I can remove all of the paint right down to the original wood. It is a serious tool and could do some serious damage if used improperly. But once you get a handle on it you will love it as I do. combine it with your shop vac to make clean up unheard of and a safe way to remove lead paint.”

Unit is sold with a carrying case.

The C12FDH by Hitachi, is a heavy duty 12-inch dual compound miter saw that has a laser marker, which can accurately indicate where the blade will cut exactly on the material. It has 1,950 watts of power, which makes it easy to cut through any medium. The blade assembly can pivot up to 5 1/8″ which can easily cut a number of thick materials vertically.

This miter saw is listed at $622.22, and can be had at a more realistic $340-$400, making it quite a good option for those in the lookout for a good miter saw. See what owners/users are saying below about this beast-of-a-saw.

Comments

“After years of borrowing my father’s DeWalt, it was time to get my own. I’m not a professional, just a weekend home improvement guy. I compared features and warranty vs. price and after speaking with some folks at a home improvement store, I made the decision to buy this saw. I used it over weekend, over a period of about 18 hours in two days, to cut crown molding and could not have been happier with the performance. The laser was lined up perfectly out of the box and made cutting extremely easy. This is just a well made, powerful, easy to use saw and I could not recommend it highly enough. Quality on the saw looks great and it was set up perfectly out of the box. For $289, I can’t be happier and look forward to using this for years to come. No issues at all. You will not regret buying this saw.”

“So far I’ve cut pine trim with perfect angles, walnut hardwood flooring and 2x8s, and I plan on using this saw to build a deck out of composite lumber. Just a tip, the saw comes with a 40-tooth blade, which isn’t good for trim or hardwood floor, I went out and purchased a 90-tooth blade and it cuts perfect. In addition to the blade, I bought the UU610 table which fits almost any size piece of lumber, and is a snap to put together and wheel around.”

“This machine is everything it says. It’s great. I enjoy home remodeling and this machine makes it even better. I have never had a laser before and it truly makes it easier to get a precision cut.”

The Metabo DSE 300 is a 300-watt triangular base plate sander, which can be used for sanding wood (including varnished surfaces), plastics, metals and stone. It has a robust gear and dust proof triple ball bearing design, encased in an aluminum body and plate holder. Variable speeds are offered which removes high stock (material) enhanced by an oscillating circuit—all controlled conveniently by a thumb wheel.

The aluminum base plate is also covered in foam (PU), which ensures the sandpaper adheres tightly to the medium. The sheet attaches to the plate with a Velcro face, ensuring quick and easy sheet changing. A suction channel built into the housing keeps the workplace clean of dust—which can also be done via an external vacuum cleaner through its connection.

The DSE 300 is slim enough with good recessed grips that suit both right and left-handed users. Its low housing makes it reach difficult surfaces, and a 360 degree-rotating place ensures even wear in sanding sheets and accessing of problematic corners.

Base plate measures 93 mm, orbital speed at zero load from 14,000 – 22,000 rpm, and 18,000 rpm at rated load. The unit weighs 1.3 kilograms only.

The Metabo DSE 300 Intec

Digital Angle Gauge review

For most of us, there is the Johnson Level & Tool 700, but, for those of us who want to step it up a notch, there is the Wixey WD300 digital angle finder/gauge. What is there in this digital unit that is not in manual angle finders? For one, degree resolution of up to 0.1 degrees. It has a magnet on one side, as expected with angle finders, which you can attach to saw blades, iron table tops, what-have-yous.

Although digital, this unit is as simple as it gets. There are only 2 buttons—a power switch and a “zero” switch. The zero switch allows you to have a reference straight line. Say you want to make your table saw’s blade at a perfect right angle to your table. You simple press zero while the guage is on top of the table then attach the gauge on the blade and set it to 90 degrees.

So, what else? The unit is very handy at 2″ x 2″ and 1.3″ thick. It uses one CR2032 battery which Wixey claims lasts 6 months, and also came with a spare battery. Shipping weight is only at 1.5 pounds.

At only $39.99 retail, this thing is definitely a must-have.

The Karcher G 3050 is a commercial grade pressure washer that uses a brass head for rust resistance. It has a quick connector wand assembly, inflatable tires for maneuverability, and comes with a 25-foot hose (1/4″ diameter). The G3050 OH comes with a Karcher standard 30-day warranty.

Specifications

Type: Gas Powered
Pressure Rating: 3,000 PSI
Engine: Honda GC190
Engine Capacity: 187cc

Dimensions

The unit is not light—for shipping, expect your package to weigh as much as 80 pounds. It measures 22″ x 23″ x 35″ overall.

Excerpt from a review
“…is an excellent gas pressure washer in value and use. It worked just as it was advertised. I have used it to clean my sidewalk, wooden deck, brick patio, paved driveway, etc. It runs and operates really well. I recommend it highly without reservations.”

The 5007MG Magnesium is a 7 1/4in circular saw made by Makita. It has easy-to-read number markings on base and depth, which allows the user to cut accurately. It can quickly change from 0 to 45 degrees by easy grip levers. It is a workhorse of a circular saw at only $260, which is why it is one of the more popular Makita circular saws currently out there. So, in this review, we’ve compiled the most critical points every user and would-be buyer should know.

What people say

“This new saw from Makita is an outstanding improvement over previous models. It has a much more substantial feel and the rubber grips are nice too. The base plate is now made from cast magnesium which should make it stronger and add to its durability. The rubber grips on the depth and bevel adjustment levers are also welcomed, no more skinned knuckles trying to pry the old style loose. The fit and finish of this saw is also outstanding. The saw has as much or more power than any other sidewinder on the market. I’m not a salesman, just one who appreciates fine tools and this saw from Makita would make a nice addition to anyone tool bin.”

“This is the finest circular saw I have ever owned. This is coming from someone who owns 5 circular saw presently and over 30 year experience. I think I’ve owned every circular saw made. The led lights are really nice, the balance perfect, adjustments sweet and the motor seems to just glide through wood with simplicity. Makita saws became the most popular among contractors long ago because of there light weight and the thinnest blade guide in the industry. The only gripe is when you set the depth gauge which is really nice if you go past 0 it gets stuck. Now when you set the gauge it’s easier to go to 0 then up to the depth you want. The angle gauge has positive stops never saw this before I like it.”

“The saw works wonderfully, and cuts exactly what it is supposed to cut. The problem though, for those of us who are lefties is that the blower blows the sawdust directly into your face, and there’s no getting around it. We’ve basically handed this saw off to our right handed saw guy to use. I am sure that somewhere out there Makita makes a left handed version, but in the meantime we’re out shopping for a different saw. If you are right handed, this is an excellent saw for the money and has held up well for both a school remodel and building a 4 story hotel so far. Just beware if you are left handed that you should try to either find a left handed model, or get a different saw.”

Read more reviews here.

Makita KR23

The Makita KR23/43 battery is an old model NiCd battery used in cordless drills, screwdrivers, etc. If you are looking for a replacement battery for the KR 23, your best bet would be to use the Makita 7000. It is a direct replacement for a number of Makita batteries, including the KR23. The Makita 7000 sells for around the $22.00 price range.

Makita 7000