Welcome to another article series from Tools Master. In this article we shall discuss something that is important to all power tools and handymen—extension cords. Yes, the world of extension cords deserves discussions on safety and quality, and we shall do exactly that in this installment.

This article aims to compile some of the best researched extension cords in the market that is important for safety. In here you will find reviews and product descriptions, as well as potential savings and recommendations. Please feel free to hit the comments for reactions and suggestions.

Why 220v extension cords?

If you arrived in this article via search keywords, we can safely assume two things—one, you are looking to buy a quality extension cord, and two, you need information on 220 voltage and how it relates to extension cords.

So first and foremost, let us clarify that “220v” or general voltage is not necessarily associated with extension cords—they are not a kind or a type. There are no 220v-specific cords, at least. An extension cord or any kind of wire can run any voltage: whether it be 110 volts, 220 volts, or even 12 volts and so on. However, some cords are labeled 220 volts because in some countries, 220 is not the standard voltage which means wall sockets that supply 220 voltage have different socket shapes or configurations. This is what makes a 220v extension cord specific.

If you want to learn more about these cords or simply need a guide when you are out shopping for one, we have compiled a short guide on what things you need to look out for. First, of course, comes the wire and the quality of the wire. Wire quality is usually specified in thickness or gauge. The gauge of the wire is specified in terms such as “10 AWG” or American Wire Gauge. Also specified are its safety features such as the quality of the wrapping or sleeve.

Wire length, on the other hand, is a personal preference. You can choose any of the available lengths that suits your application.

Also commonly-discussed is amperage or maximum operating amperes. It is important that your cord can handle the ampere-draw of your device. For example, power tools have high ampere-draws, so a heavy duty extension cord is needed. To be safe, it is wise to get a cord with a substantially higher amperage than what you are planning to use it with. In this aspect, there is no such thing as overkill.

It is also important to keep in mind the number of available plugs or sockets the other end has. If you are planning to plug a lot of devices, you can also get a cord that has individual switches, or even a master switch with a safety fuse. Always make sure that your cord can handle multiple devices as this can cause unwanted overheating which can lead to fire.

Best 220v extension cords

Coleman Cable 35188801

The Coleman Cable 35188801 has 12 feet of wiring and has 3 outlet plugs that are polarized for safety. It has a maximum rating of 13 amperes for 125 volts and 7.4 amperes for 220 volts. Coleman Cable is a respected cord brand so you can expect this unit to be of quality. This 220v extension cord sells for only $11.99 list price.

Click here to learn more about this cord and see other available products.

Greetings and welcome to another article from Tools Master. This time we shall discuss some very hard-working workhorses for small to medium businesses—1 ton chain hoists. If you are planning to buy this type of hoist or are simply looking for more information and popular products you can check out, look no further. This article has got you covered.

Chain hoists

Basically, a chain hoist is a type of hoist. A hoist is a device used for lifting or lowering a given load. In the system, the lifting medium is the load chain, and the power can either be of manual type, electrical, or driven by pneumatics.

The hoist is has a system of large and small pulleys held together by a closed chain. In a manual chain hoist, a loop is formed by the closed chain which makes it possible to be pulled manually by hand.

1 ton chain hoists

A 1 ton chain hoist, quite simply, is a chain hoist that has a maximum load rating of 1 ton, or roughly 907 kilograms. A hoist with this load rating is usually manually-powered because 1 ton is considerably “light.” There are also some exceptions where a 1 ton chain hoist is electronically assisted.

When in the market for a unit, it is important to note the amount of lift you need. One needs to figure out lift height—usually specified in feet especially in the United States but can also be in meters.

Another thing to look at is the construction of the hook and chain assembly. Look at the quality of the materials used, the general construction of the device, the diameter of the chain, and safety features such as load emergency braking and pulley configuration.

To further guide you, a 1 ton chain hoist with a rated lift height of 20 feet will cost somewhere in the vicinity of $200 to $300. Below are some sample products. Click on each link to learn more and/or read reviews.

Best 1 ton chain hoist

Grip 18103

The Grip 18103 is one of the most affordable hoists in the market. The quality is superb for its value, and is made by a renowned tools brand—Grip. The hoist is rated at 2,000 pounds or exactly 1 ton, and has a lift height of 10 feet. I has drop forged hooks that are extremely durable. This manual hoist sells for only $39.99.

Click here to learn more or read reviews.

Performance W4005DB

The Performance W4005DB is another relatively cheap chain hoist. At $59.99, you already get a maximum load rating of 1 ton with a 8-foot lift height. It also has heat-treated bushings and bearings for extra durability.

Click here to learn more or read reviews for the W4005DB.

A rolling tool organizer will come in very handy at a number of times and applications. It obviously is essential especially in on-location jobs, especially if you need more tools that a standard toolbox simply could not carry. We see these organizers everywhere—even in handyman television shows—and are to keep yourself organized even when you are not at your workplace.

Even if you simply work at home, a rolling organizer can work wonders for your organization and tool storage. There are a number of different sizes of tool organizers available, you would be surprised, and it would be hard not to find a unit with which you won’t find any advantage using. There are even rolling organizers that mimic full-sized cabinets and are not really meant to be brought on location, but are still very useful, not to mention, nice-looking to use for storage at workplaces. Some tool organizers are also relatively small and others are simply toolboxes with wheels. Anyway, you will see all of these in the product features below.

Before you proceed to shopping, make sure you know exactly, or at least have an idea of the size (and shape, maybe) that would suit your needs. Some tool organizers can go as high as waist-height, while some are simply slightly bigger toolboxes with wheels. The orientation in which it is “rolled” is something to consider as well. Most standard designs have two rubber wheels on one side and needs tilting when being moved. When it is square on four sides, the non-wheeled sides act as natural stoppers. Other boxes have wheels on all four sides. While this maybe more useful for some, it is less sturdy and hard to keep still when you are already in the workplace. Other units also mimic full-size carts and can be considered as rolling (tool) cabinets.

Below is an example of a full-size rolling tool cabinet from Mac Tools.

To get you started with shopping, below some popular and proven products that have received rave reviews.

Duratool Tool Organizer

This toolbox with wheels from Duratool is 12 inches deep and 32 inches high. It has 6-inch wheels and three detachable sections that can act as non-mobile toolboxes. The handle pops up when needed, which means no protruding handles when you are already in your spot. It has trays for organizing drill bits, fasteners, and other small parts.

Click here to read more about this product including reviews.

Bucket Boss 40513

This Bucket Boss is a completely different style of tool organizer. The main difference is that the tools are exposed. This may be better for those who only plan to organize their tools at home. It has a lot of compartments good for organizing with a huge center compartment for bulky items. It has soft rubber wheels that won’t scratch floors.

Click here to read reviews and pricing.

A top quality holster for your precious cordless drill is a necessity. These drills are very mobile and handy, and they need protection because they are more prone to damage—drops, scratches, etc. If you are a professional or a seasoned handyman, you would know that basic carpenter or cargo pants simply cannot carry and support the weight of the drill. A holster, which attaches to a belt, is the way to go.

Fixing jobs that require vertical movement—ladders and platforms, for example—require quick and easy access to tools. A cordless drill holster can hold your standard (corded) or cordless drill, and additional accessories like extra drill bits, drill chucks, and even other tools such as screwdrivers and pliers. This can come in very handy especially if you work alone.

Now, imagine you have something to fix on a ceiling. Of course you must carry your tools with you because it would be very tiring to grab each tool on the floor each time you need it. With a drill holster, you simply reach as you would from your pocket. Eliminating the need to go back and forth saves time and makes you more productive.

When looking for a drill holster, a good quality one should not cost you more than $15.00. You should at least have a minimum budget of $10.00 and you are good to go; you will surely be able to find one that will literally last forever. Buying drill holsters are a one time thing and is an investment so do it right the first time—a good holster should even surpass the life of the drill itself. Also, when looking at potential holster, keep in mind that some are right-handed oriented and while others are left-handed oriented (non-traditional).

Most top-quality holsters are made by known tools manufacturers themselves. For example, brands like DeWalt and Makita sell very good products. Other brands that you might encounter, which are good as well, include Bucket Boss, Custom LeatherCraft, Grizzly, Occidental Leather, and Black Rhino.

Click on the above manufacturer’s links to see their product offerings.

Buying one from the brands mentioned above will surely leave you with a quality holster. You might also be already familiar with some; the others are simply specialty brands but they  have excellent products as well. Either way, it all boils down to each individual product’s unique features and if you need them or not.

Now, below are some sample products to get you started with your quest. Click on each one to read more.

DeWalt DG5120

DeWalt is such a known brand associated with drills, not to mention tools in general. Their DG5120 has an adjustable retainer strap which means it can easily hold bigger, odd-shaped drills. The holster is made from ballistics-grade material which is tough enough to last a lifetime and at the same time also eye-catching. There are pockets on the outside that can hold chucks, extra drill bits and screwdrivers.

Click here to read more about the DeWalt DG5120 including user reviews.

Bucket Boss 54006

This drill holster holds traditional (corded) and cordless drills. This in particular is a right-handed oriented model. It features a retention lock strap that fastens with a button. There are four outside pockets that can fit around five drill bits and are conveniently located. You can get this holster for as low as $12.99.

Click here to read more about the Bucket Boss cordless drill holster.