3 comments about Black & Decker (1) Heavy Duty Scouring Pad & (1) Teflon Safe Scrub Pad Part No. PKS-HDNS.

1. It would be nice if the description of this item provided some details, such as WHICH Black & Decker cleaning tool it is specifically designed for. I found out the hard way that the two pads are for the PowerScrubber, not the ScumBuster, which is the tool that I own. Oh, well, at least I'm only out $8 + the cost of shipping.



2. The refills arrived promptly and in good condition. They appear to last a little over a year with moderate to heavy usage.



3. Just as it was billed it is a wonderful helper to cleaning both in the kitchen and the bath/shower area. I would happily and freely recommend the product to anyone...even the person who says they can do as well without any help, I don't think they can make their arm go as fast as this product or as thorough at cleaning. Bet it would do the bbq grill, but without cleaners.

5 comments about Hitachi DS18DVF3 18-Volt Ni-Cad 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit.

1. I like this drill because it feels great in my hand and is very comfortable to use. The grip is great. I hate the keyless chuck. On certain bits, I just can't seem to get the chuck tight and it will come loose during the job. I have dewalt drills that don't have this problem. The batteries with this drill are horrible. They don't last long at all. Hitachi makes a another battery that fits this drill that last a lot longer. Overall a decent drill.



2. this was an upgrade to my old 13.2 volt firestorm which died recently. Definatly can tell the extra torque, and the speed of recharge is great too. The included light really comes in handy too, and it's BRIGHT! I named mine Drillzilla because the colors remind me of Godzilla



3. I've owned one of these sets for roughly 5 months and am absolutley pleased with its performance. I'm the Maintenance Supervisor of the multi-use building where I work so I have used this drill on dozens of occasions for a variety of purposes.
   
   This drill is very comfortable to use and is relable in its' performance. The battery life is usually sufficient to get the job completed, but on a more lengthy task which may require changing batteries they charge quickly enough that I always have a fully charged battery ready for use.
   
   When I first got the drill I did have a slight problem with the bits coming loose but that was mostly caused by my not adequately tightening the chuck. That's not an uncommon problem with keyless chucks, I've experienced that with other drills.
   
   The only negative comment I might have would be more of a personal feeling than a comment about this tools performance. I just don't feel this drill has the power to tackle a real tough job, such as drilling through metal or sheet steel more than about 1/16"; I use my heavier duty drill for those real tough projects. That one is also a Hitachi product and I believe their top of the line drill powered with Lithium Ion batteries, however it is a rather expensive tool.
   
   Overall, this a great little drill. I have no qualms in giving it a 5 Star recommendtaion for anyone looking for a dependable drill at a reasonable price for use around the home, in the home workshop or even on the job site.
   
   [...]



4. I purchased new for $75 plus a free battery totaling 3 batts. I am glad I got the third one since the 1.4 amp batts do not last long. Hitachi makes higher amperage batts, and I would suggest purchasing them for those who use the unit extensively. The drill is well balanced and well made with plenty of power.



5. I bought this drill based on the ergonomics. I picked up and held every drill at the store and this one has perfect ergonomics. The handle is very comfortable and it appears to be perfectly balanced, the weight is perfect, feels light but well made. This drill is the most comfortable to hold by far of any drill I have seen or tested and I looked at every brand in several stores.
   
   The drill has a lot of torque and the clutch is great. I use it as a cordless screwdriver most of the time and a drill on occasion. Most chuck less drills have a hard time holding the bits, but you can use the DeWalt drill bits that have a hexagonal base and it solves the problem completely.
   
   The batteries last a long time and charge in about 30 minutes. It comes with two so you can charge one while using the other. They won't charge until they cool down however (the charger will not charge a hot battery).
   
   If you need a longer run time, you can get NiMH or Li-Ion batteries in anywhere from 1.5Ah to 3.0Ah that fit this drill. If you go with either of those however, you will need a new charger since the supplied charger is only for Ni-Cad batteries. The UC18YRL is a universal charger that can charge all 3 types of batteries.
   
   You can also buy the DS18DFL package which appears to be the same drill with Li-Ion batteries but without a flashlight. For some reason the Li-Ion drill is rated about 6% less torque of 374in/lbs vs this one is 400 in/lbs, although I doubt anyone could tell the difference.
   
   The flashlight is bright and lasts a long time, I use it all the time. The light comes with a spare lamp inside if you unscrew the cover. I had a hard time finding replacement lamps for the light for a while, but then found out the Makita ML180 lamps work perfectly as a replacement so I just pick those up at a local Makita dealer.
   
   I have dropped both the flashlight and the drill onto a concrete floor about several times and both survived without damage except killing the flashlight bulb if the light was on.
   
   I bought two kits I use in two locations and this set has been great in every way. The batteries are getting old so I'll replace them with NiMH or Li-Ion and get the universal charger.
   
   All rechargeable batteries self discharge so if you charge it and store it, it will be dead when you need it. If you use it only occasionally, it is best to store the batteries with a low charge or near empty, not fully charged to extend their lifetime.
   
   When you replace them, you can recycle them at most hardware stores or any Radioshack will accept them. Don't throw them out, the Cadmium is toxic and like all rechargeable batteries, they should be disposed of properly.

5 comments about Dewalt DW6913 Router Edge Guide with Fine Adjustment and Vacuum Adaptor.

1. Great product, my only complaint is there were no instructions included but then again it's pretty easy to figure out.



2. My newer routers are DeWalt, so I bought this item to use with them. The thing is mostly plastic, but has some good points, but not nearly as good as the Porter-Cable edge guide. My first use caused me to ruin some very expensive wood, even after testing it first on scrap wood several times. It seemed to work just fine on the scrap, but when I tried it on hardwood, no such luck. I gave it 3 stars, because my technique may have been somewhat at fault. So I'll just give advice to practice using it on hard as well as soft wood before using it on the real thing. Better still, use a router table when precision is needed.



3. I found it very easy to attach to the router and very easy to adjust. I would highly recommend this attachement. They should probably ship them with the router. It makes it much easier to route straight lines.



4. Not sure about this. It could be better. Seems to flex a bit and if accuracy is really important, I would not trust it. If you absolutely need an edge guide and you cannot build a fixture to guide your router then I would buy this.



5. Dewalt DW6913 Router Edge Guide with Fine Adjustment and Vacuum Adaptor
   I think the vacuum attachment is a bit of overkill and it doesn't detach but the guide works well when you need one so get a guide this one micro adjusts so is good for accurate work but the vacuum attachment seems like it should be removable because it is just extra gear you normally don't want.

5 comments about Rubbermaid 3N83 Collapsible Cargo Crate.

1. I use this when I go shopping at BJs. Since they don't give out bags, it is easier to haul all my stuff in in these instead of just a couple of things at a time.



2. Oh, I really, really heart this thing. I live in a third floor condo and one thing I always hated was having to truck 25-lb boxes of cat litter all the way from the car to the house. There's an elevator, but it's not directly next to my car, and cat litter is heavy and the handle cuts into your hands...ow! So when I spotted this on a Friday sale on Amazon awhile back I knew I needed to get one.
   
   It lives in the trunk of my car now, ready to unfold when needed.
   
   I have to ding it one star because it still feels a little awkward to fold it up even though I've been using it for months -- I still have this weird instinctive worry about pinching my fingers. But other than that, I really heart this thing. In fact, I wish it were a smidge taller so I could stack more in it...



3. I bought this product and on day 3 the left rear side separated from the back and just hung there! Thinking I had a defective one, I arranged to return it and get another and the same thing happened in a matter of days! I'm putting no more than a purse, a lunch bag and a small tote bag in there and it's nothing heavy - I just have a bad back. With 2 crates having the same problem in a matter of days - something is wrong with the quality of this item.



4. I purchased this cart for work. I have to haul many files home to review. Often times I am taking the cart over the side walk, and hoisting it into the back of the car. It is very durable and holds more pounds that I can carry. If you want a work horse....this is the one!



5. This is a very clever collapsible crate to carry cargo and then fold away till needed again. This would be great for someone who, say, lives in an apartment or condo where the front door and parking space are not near each other. I intend to use it like that, and leave it open in the trunk of my car so I can use it to keep items from rolling around.
   
   I got this for myself after my workplace bought me one to use at work. The one they bought me is a Staples brand, and sells for about $20. The Rubbermaid is identical to the Staples brand, and probably others, except for the snappy red color and the paper sticker that reads "Rubbermaid." Do you like the red color enough to spend $10 extra bucks?
   
   Still, these are dead useful, and it's hard to see regretting the purchase.

2 comments about Achla CMP03 Spinning Compost Mixer Black Plastic.

1. This spinning compost mixer is made of very think and durable plastis. It spins when you put your foot on the side of one of the "steps" that encircle the center of the mixer. The steps are marded witht he days of the week to help you remember when it was last turned. The base is a separate part that is included but not really necessary because the barrel part will balance on its own when on its side. There is lots of room inside as it is designed for bulk compost mixing. One end has a big "X" that acts as a handle to unscrew and open to the inside. What is neat is that the barrel looking composter can be just that, a barrel. I put mine on a wheel dolly and roll it around the yard putting waste in it until it fills up. The only downside I can see is that this composter does not have a way to make compost tea. Otherwise the shipping was quick, the product is virtually indestructible and does what it is supposed to do.



2. I never thought I would look forward to composting, but this product makes it fun.
   Every day I take kitchen scraps out and add them. Next I rotate and change the day.
   It is light, but strong, and the stand is perfect. Good job. It takes one or two times to get the
   hang of the cover, but it is very well made.

5 comments about Bosch PR20EVSNK Colt Installers Kit 5.7 Amp 1 Horsepower Fixed Base Variable Speed Router with 4 Assorted Bases and Edge Guide.

1. I love the versatility if the router. I have a habit of abusing tools, because they need to go the extra mile...This little "giant" has done all I have asked of it and more.



2. Very handy litte tool. Comes in a sturdy case and has several different bases. One thing I would really like to see is Bosch to make a small plunge base and a circle cutter for this tool. They make a circle cutter for their rotozip which is poor quality and really only for sheetrock.
   The addition of a percision plug base would really make a great tool even better.



3. I bought my first Bosch Colt when they first came on the market and have used it extensively in my home shop and hobby woodworking projects. I particularly like it for easing edges on various handyman jobs and furniture projects I have built. I bought a second one recently because I was away from home and needed a router for a custom kitchen counter we were installing. I had always wanted the full kit for the different bases offered with the full kit. I was not disappointed. It did everything I needed it to do and did it well. This is not a "toy router" but rather a serious, power tool, to do the job with power to spare. I only wish I had one of these twenty years earlier.



4. The product arrived as expected with lots of wonderful attachments. However, after using the offset base for less than five minutes, a grinding noise started and the collet dropped down so that the nut began to grind into the workpiece. Looks like the bearing (bushing) prematurely failed. Bosch recommended I take the base to a service center -- this I did but didn't plan on the trip. Now I wait to see what kind of warrantee service they provide and delay my project a week. Not a really good first impression.



5. this tool is so much easier to use than afull size router and it has all the power I need.

5 comments about Stanley 11031 FatMax Telescopic Plastic Legs Sawhorse.

1. I've been using 2 of Stanley 11031 FatMax sawhorses to build a fence and wish I had purchased these much earlier. I considered the plastic yellow ones because of costs but this is the ticket. Even the leveling feet came in handy, a feature I thought was a little silly. The two features that I appreciate most are the ease of setup and strength. The shelf that hinges the two sides together is a real plus for keeping your circular saw and nailer out of the sand when working outdoors. My shop made horses were just fine but a real pain to setup when working alone - most often the case. Seems I was always knocking something into them or kicking the legs out from under them.
   My only reservation about these horses is that using 2 of these, you are limited to only about 3 ft. in width for the cross memebers. You can use any length 2X lumber but they will never be more than 3 ft apart.
   If you need more width to support your work (shouldn't normally be an issue) you'll need another horse or two. Doesn't necessarily have to be a $40 FatMax but there will be times I think that I'll need the additional support. I suspect it will be another one or two of FatMaxes best.



2. Work perfectly, easy to adjust and can be used in a multitude of ways. I now have four and they are the perfect shop helper. Fold up nicely and store with minimal space when not used.
   Stanley 11031 FatMax Telescopic Aluminum Legs Sawhorse
   
   Highly recommend for every shop.



3. I simply love these. Sturdy and it's great to be able to adjust the height. Fold nice and flat and won't warp like the all-plastic ones. I'm a pretty cheap guy, but these are so much better than the plastic sawhorses...that they're well worth the price.



4. I purchased two of these sawhorses. I have primarily used the feature for setting 2X4's into slots on the top and using plywood to make a work surface for small painting projects. The leg adjustment is handy. These are quite sturdy, but not to be "bashed" around.



5. I thought initially that these were a bit expensive, however after using them I realized they are worth every penny. The ability to easily adjust the height and not have to bend over all the time is awesome. They appear rugged and work great on uneven surfaces. Right now I'm very happy with the Stanley FatMax sawhorses.

3 comments about Fein 63502097027 3-1/8-Inch Hard Material Blade for Sheet Metal, Hardwood, Fiberglass, and Carbon Fiber.

1. I was told about this tool by a freind when I needed to do some work on the inside of my sailboat. The tool works on the same principle as an orbital sander, only with this cutting blade attached, it will cut just about anything very safely. I have used this blade to cut fiberglass tabs away from the hull without danger of cutting throught the hull and with very little dust. I have also cut the 3/8 plywood that was fiberglassed to the bulkhead. I just took my time and the adjustable depth stop and did not cut through any deeper than necessary. I also trimmed the ends of Stainless steel screws off that are through bolted through the cabin top. I now carry this tool with me anywhere I have a job to do for cutting or sanding. Well worth the money.



2. This is the perfect tool for anyone that needs to cut fiberglass. It is indespensable and much more managable than a dremmel or other hand grinder. I use this tool almost daily. The only down side is that this blade is a bit fragile and will break if bent even slightly.



3. cut through one and one half inch thick hardwood like butter. after five three foot boards the teeth still looked new. highly recommend in conjuction with multimaster

5 comments about Fruit Picker, the Twister Picker.

1. I have tried other pickers and I can honestly say that this product is fabulous. Thank you, thank you for inventing this. It arrived amazingly fast all the way from CA and was assembled within 5 minutes. I had so much fun using it that I can not wait for the next apple tree to be ready.



2. This is a neat idea. I bought it to pick apples with. These are tennis ball sized apples, some maybe a little smaller, and it grabs and holds them perfectly with minimal effort. Initially, my only negative was that you couldn't pick smaller fruit, like figs, but the seller got in contact with me and even emailed me pictures of how you can wrap masking tape around each prong of the picker and it will then hold smaller fruit. He was very helpful. I bought a telescoping paint pole at walmart and had it hooked up within a few minutes. I am very pleased with this purchase.



3. It's rare these days to find a useful tool in this price range, much less one as well constructed and designed as the Twister Picker is. Nearly everything in stores is made in China or wherever and usually falls apart with any rough use -- or just general use. The T/P however seems to be strong, durable and so far has stood up to rather rough usage in my backyard. The design of the tool makes it easy to grasp the fruit, twist it loose and drop it into a bucket. Even the angle of the grippers is ingenious as it makes it easier to reach around little branches and twigs as you navigate it through the tree.
   
   A little word on pole selection -- it seems broom sticks don't usually have a hole in the end anymore. However, the paint department at any home improvement store will have extension poles of varied length and almost all have the required hole. I've used the T/P on a 12' pole and a 5' pole and it worked excellently for either.
   
   If I could I'd give this product 6 stars -- it's just that good.



4. 
   I have ordered hundreds of items online over the years, but this is the first review I have ever written.
   
   I have seven fruit trees on my property, including orange, lemon, grapefruit, Satsuma tangerine, apricot and fig trees, and I have tried every other fruit picker I could find. I have tried baskets, bags, and even pickers with clippers on the end. Still, gathering fruit was always a chore.
   
   The Twister Picker makes gathering fruit actually enjoyable. As another reviewer said, it is very similar to picking with your hand. I find that the other pickers on the market are not nearly as maneuverable in between branches and around other pieces of fruit that are not ready to be picked. Even a cage's usefulness diminishes since it begins to get heavy and more difficult to maneuver the more it's filled, not to mention once fruit goes in the cage, it makes it harder to see and guide it to the next piece of fruit you want to pick. The Twister picker lets you reach any spot in the tree, not matter how difficult, and surgically pluck the fruit down. It is also much gentler than most of the other pickers, which can be really important for more delicate fruit like apricots.
   
   As for service, the product arrived the day after I ordered it, with clear and straightforward instructions for attaching a handle. I liked that I got to choose my own handle. I like the telescoping variety, and the Twister Picker comes with a sliding cord adjustment that makes changing the length of the pole a breeze. The pole I bought did not have a hole in the end as is required, but that was easily fixed by simply duct taping a PVC pipe coupling (less than $1 at most hardware stores) about an inch from the bottom. Also, the picker can be easily modified for extra small fruit by applying a piece of tape around the grasping loops.
   
   If you have fruit to pick, I very highly recommend the Twister Picker. Thanks Mr. Hanford for a great product!



5. What a great product!!!!!!! This product is everything it says it is!!!! easy to use,easy to set up!!! Thank you

5 comments about Snow Joe 622U 19-Inch 13 Amp Electric Snow Thrower.

1. As a mom of three, anything that makes my life easier is certainly a help and this snow machine certainly made it easy to clear snow off my 100 ft driveway and front walk. My husband also uses it too and was very happy about my purchase. He's the traditional shoveler kind, but when he saw me zip through the snow on the driveway, he just had to get a hand on it. I like that I can totally manage this machine on my own (even put it together myself in about 5 min) and that all it requires is an outdoor cord. I hang it on a hook in the garage and it takes up minimal space. I also like that I don't have to worry about draining gas out of it during the off-months.



2. This snow thrower is not meant for clearing unpaved surfaces. Nor will it hold up in even moderate snowfall locations. Drive belt slips under load if snow is wet. My first unit threw an auger blade forty minutes after arrival from shipper. The nut and bolt separated and I hadn't checked for loose connections. I think the nylon fiber in the lock nuts contracts when they freeze allowing them to 'back off' with the vibration. Anyway, the loose blade, driven by the hefty 13.5 amp motor all but destroyed the plastic housing. SnowJoe replaced 1st unit, which I returned at my expense. 2nd unit is still running though I have had to patch plastic housing with sheet metal and rivets after oversized hole in auger bracket allowed metal to fatigue and snap - another 'beating' from a loose blade. Chunks are missing from blades due to ice imbedded in new snow. Plastic handle lever broke on both units. My first winter in Idaho: I admit I 'overexpected' results from a plastic toy.



3. For the price its a great value. I found it powerful enough to clear even that crusty gritty pile the snowplow leaves at the end of your driveway 15 minutes after you put the blower away. I can easily put it in the back of the wagon to do my mothers sidewalks. The best part is no gas smell, spills or mixing oil. I no longer smell like an oil refinery after blowing snow. Its way quiet too, I can blow snow at 2AM if I want and not disturb my neighbors. I really like the special start safety button cause stops the blade instantly if you mess up or hit something. I strongly suggest you use a blue cold flex cord with lighted plug...cause it really helps to know when the power is getting to the blower and the flex follows better. I will not blow snow with a gas blower ever again.



4. I live in southern Minnesota, we've had regular snowfall this winter that requires shoveling on a weekly basis. Snowfalls have been wet, dry, heavy, light, powder, slush, etc. IN EVERY CASE THE SNOWJOE HAS BEEN USELESS!
   
   The main problem with the unit is that it is underpowered. It is rated to draw 13-15Amp, which is equivalent to roughly 2 horsepower. This is simply not enough to throw snow more than 2 feet. In the last storm (4" of wet snow on a 30F day) the thrower couldn't even throw snow out of the tube.
   
   The idea of an electric snow thrower is attractive, but this unit simply doesn't have enough power to get real work done. On every occasion that I've taken it out of the garage, I've quit after 10 minutes and spent the next hour shoveling.



5. We didn't buy through Amazon - we used QVC. QVC mailed us some plastic bags instead of our snow thrower, so we haven't had a chance to use this product. We'd like to, because we're in the middle of a record snow fall in Southern Wisconsin. But, QVC isn't in a hurry or interested in expediting our real order to us. Our first tip that the QVC box in the mail didn't contain our snow blower was that the box was 1" tall and 5" wide. The invoice states that it's a snow thrower, but the plastic bags just can't move several inches of snow like, uh, a snow thrower.
   
   David, the customer service rep, says the order pickers probably "grabbed the items from the wrong bin." I imagine the strength of those order pickers, grabbing and tossing snow throwers from bins like they were, say, plastic bags.
   
   QVC admits the error was theirs (hard to get out of that one), but they're in no rush to, well, send us a (real) snow thrower. We'll get the bona fide item (one hopes) 10 business days AFTER they get their plastic bags back.
   
   Please get this item from Amazon.com.