5 comments about Belkin Compact Surge Protector.

1. We have bought many surge protectors for our home. This product is among the best. It is not only light weight but it is very versatile, compact and easy to fit in all sorts of spaces.



2. My last surge protector blew up along with a DVD player, and it was not a pleasant experience. Luckily, everything else that was plugged into it survived, but I figured it was time to find a surge protector that I had been seeking since the dawn of time (make that the dawn-of-my-first-computer time). Trying to make all the plugs fit was an exercise in frustration and the units never stayed in place because the weight distribution always tipped the things over. This little gem solved all those problems and looks good besides. I finally found the surge protector I wanted and needed! It is worth every penny.



3. Good, clean design and layout. Flexible enough to accommodate up to 6 power bricks without blocking the other outlets (4 on the wide face, 2 more on the ends of the narrow face). A "Not Grounded" warning light is a great feature that provides additional peace of mind.
   
   I mounted it on the underside of my desk to get all the wires off the floor. The thoughtful design extends to the keyhole for screw mounting which gives you the option of forward or sideways engagement. It works even better when upside down because the cables hang down instead of draping over.
   
   On the quality side, the on/off switch feels flimsy, and 3 prong, grounded plugs take some effort to pull back out. Belkin probably figured these actions aren't frequent enough to warrant complaint, i.e. most people just plug in, switch on, and forget about it for the next three years, and cost reduced these components to keep the price down. It's a good compromise. I'm very pleased with the product and the price!



4. Disappointed with what I received.
   
   I bought this to use a power distribution center for an aquarium. What's the first thing I see: Not suitable for aquariums. On the box and on the unit itself, but not on the website description.
   
   Also, there is no circuit breaker or on/off switch with this unit. First time I've seen one of these without a master power switch and a breaker.



5. This Belkin protector is a very good product. It saves a lot of space, has many outlets, and looks very modern. Compare to a store price, it can be bought at a very decent price on Amazon. You can also find this product wothout shipping cost.

1 comments about Porter-Cable 390K 5-inch Low Profile Random Orbit Sander Kit with Hook & Loop Pad and Dust Collection.

1. Intrigued by the design, I purchased this sander. Overall, I am very pleased with it. Here are the pros and cons:
   
   Pros: Lower center of gravity makes it a delight to use. Feels more natural, like a sanding block. This is a very, very powerful sander, and the constant response motor prevents the sander from bogging down with pressure--no matter how hard or soft you apply pressure to the workpiece, the power is always there. The quick stop feature is a great innovation--you don't need to wait for it to stop or use a "sander sitter". The benefit of all of this is that you get A LOT of sanding done in much less time, compared to other 5 inch orbital units (e.g. Bosch).
   
   Cons: (reason for 4 stars and not 5) Two, that are greatly overshadowed by the PRO's above, but issues nonetheless. The biggest problem is the receptacle for dust collection. It only takes that stupid Porter Cable dust hose that is horribly inefficient due to the small size of the hose. The hose is functional and does suck up dust, but could be better. I had one of these hoses laying around from my biscuit cutter, but it is still a lousy design. Maybe I can Jimmy up some type of setup for a better hose with an adapter.
   
   The next con is that the top of the unit is somewhat broad and a little difficult to "palm" without some hand fatigue, but I am getting used to it. This ergonomic shortcoming is somewhat compensated by less fatigue by the lower center of gravity, but not entirely. The more standard units have a smaller top that is easier to get your hand around.
   
   I would definitely buy the item again. It is a very useful tool.

5 comments about Ridgid 25643 SeeSnake Micro Inspection Camera.

1. This tool is amazing! It helps make work a lot easier by looking under and around things. It saves a lot of time and energy. I can't wait to see what Ridgid does to one-up this tool!



2. Awesome! Millions of uses, even just around the house ... let alone my field of work --- HVAC and refrigeration! Highly recommend this tool!



3. This machine works very well. The only issues is that you can not take a picture of the screen nor can you save or download anything you see. This is very important. Customers want to see what you are talking about.



4. I'm a contractor and was pleased to see an inspection camera finally out on the market that doesn't cost a fortune.
   
   I was looking at the Milwaukee inspection camera when I saw this one. The biggest reason I chose the Rigid over the Milwaukee is that the Rigid has 3 helpful attachments with it: a mirror, a hook and a magnet. These attachments are great for doing down the wall cabling and retrieving lost items.
   
   I could honestly care less about a rechargeable battery. If you don't use a rechargeable battery all the time, it doesn't hold it's charge and then it delays the job. Alkaline batteries have years of shelf life and are easily obtainable.
   
   The picture being upside down doesn't make a difference. If you're looking up a wall, everything is going to look somewhat confusing anyway. The idea of a picture is to see leaks in pipes and you already know what direction pipes run so it doesn't matter if you're looking at it upside down. Besides it's easy to twist the unit to change the camera orientation.
   
   I haven't tried the Milwaukee so I can't compare the Rigid's picture to it. I was fairly impressed with the picture on the Rigid so I don't have any complaints. Since this type of tool is new to the consumer level market, I'm not expecting miracles as far as the picture. It does the job fairly well.



5. Very good looking. But when you have it in your hands ...
   screen is very small, snake camera and whole tool is a little
   heavy,

5 comments about Black & Decker XD1200K 12-Volt Ni-Cad 1/4-Inch Hex Cordless 5-Position Drill/Driver Kit.

1. I recently purchased the Black and Decker XD1200K drill/driver kit to be used to assemble a recently purchased garden shed. So far, the swivel and torque adjustments have come in handy, bit changing is a "snap" and the weight is just perfect. The only draw back I've found is that there is no magnetic bits for holding screws when installing the studs and siding (and there is a ton of screws!). I would recommend this tool for every day repair jobs around the house. It is very maneuverable and has been a pleasure to use.



2. I have several Black and Decker 12 volt cordless power tools. This one is the most dynamic of them, because it is flexible. It has the same level of power as my standard 12 volt system, yet can get into places the CDC1200K cannot. The "QuickConnect" feature is GREAT if you have the bits to support the 1/4" chuck. I use the other drill for drilling and this one for driving. If you purchase the multi-voltage quick charger ( at amazon or many other places ) you can have a conditioned, charged battery that is ready at a moments notice. If your not building the Trump Tower, these 12 volt drill/drivers are GREAT.



3. First of all let me say that I don't know anything about heavy industrial uses for a drill so I am not qualified to speak of such issues as I have never been a tradesman. Further, I have never been asked to take part in any projects in which I had anything to do aside from digging or simple grunt work. Therefore, the other reviewers are far better qualified than I in regards to judging whether this drill is effective in diverse settings. I bought mine strictly for home use. I just got a new condo and the 12V comes in handy for everything I need to do. It drilled holes perfectly for cabinet handles and cabinet knobs. I also made steady use of it for the putting up of window treatments. The model was reliable and I have no complaints. It appears ideal for simple home operations and is a great addition to my toolbox. Also, considering that I got mine for 37 bucks--it's financially a good deal.



4. All my old manual screwdrivers were dull and ineffective so it was finally time to invest in new tools. I used to avoid having to buy anything that required screws because I didn't want to deal with the strength required sometimes to drive the screws in as far as I want and calluses/blisters that would sometimes form on my palm from putting too much pressure manually. It was long overdue to get a power screwdriver, and I'm extremely pleased. Now I can't wait for reasons to need to use it! I'm a novice when it comes to electric/power tools and this was easy enough for me to figure out how to work with minimal perusal over the brief instructions included. It comes with a few starter bits, and they couldn't be easier to change out. It's powerful enough to deal with everyday jobs around the home, yet lightweight and easy to handle, which is all I need. I don't need to buy any additional components for this tool for my uses.
   
   The only other thing I could wish for is a better way to monitor battery charge. As it is, I charge the battery by counting down the hours and relying on B&D's opinion of how long it should charge for as stated in the instructions (3-6 hours), and not by the red light on the charger because the light does not seem to go off ever; the purpose of the light on the charger seems to be only to indicate that it's plugged in - not that the battery is still charging. The light doesn't go off when the battery is fully charged like so many other products' chargers do. Perhaps I'm missing something there.
   
   Good value overall.



5. Nice compact tool. Fits in some close quarters & makes a good Right
   Angle drill. Only flaw----Batteries might be scarce???

5 comments about Shake Away 20oz Small Critter Repellent Fox Urine Granules #8004520.

1. 
   This product may work for some people, but our (2) little rats are either very intelligent, or they don't care. We have been trying to catch them since November (of '07), with 3 different types of traps in two sizes. This was the latest attempt.
   
   I swear, at night, I can hear them singing, "I'm al-right...."
   
   Karen S.



2. Recently, a racoon started attacking my hummingbird feeders for the nectar. I sprinkled Shake Away fox urea around the base of the trees holding my feeders. After 4 days, no repeated attacks.



3. Bottom line, the chipmunks play in it. They roll around in it like it's the first snowfall. The squirrels simply hop over it. The rabbits don't seem to take any notice of it at all. Nor do any of the deer (in fairness, the deer repellent is supposed to be coyote urine). So, which animals is it supposed to repel? It's unsightly, it stinks, it's really expensive and it does not work. If there is an animal that is actually frightened away from your plants by this stuff, I can assure that animal does not live in Ohio. Here, if they notice it at all, it's just something white and powdery that they like to roll in. It would seem to be chipmunks find it a very compelling perfume.



4. Our little farm has chubby, hungry groundhogs galore, and so far the product works well at repelling this type of critter. My tender sprouts in the veg garden have survived the feast of the groundhogs, I'm happy to report! I can't vouch for effectiveness on other species, though.
   
   However, the 20oz granular product does not go a long way. A 70 foot perimeter application (of a fenced-in garden) requires more than half the container. Amazon's price is excellent. But, the manufacturer could do well to provide a bulk package. A smaller garden would benefit better.



5. This product did not work at all. I sprinkled it all over my squash plants repeatedly after a woodchuck got into them. The woodchuck continued eating the plants, even with the shake away powder all over them. Instead of repelling, I think it actually made the leaves taste better. My squash plants are completely gone. Don't waste your money on this product.

2 comments about Skylink Complete Wireless Alarm System #SC-1000.

1. This system is ideal if you want to be notified if there's is a break in, but don't want to pay an arm and a leg, plus your first born for the service.
   
   It can call multiple numbers with a pre-recorded message to let your friends, family and you etc, know that there's a break in. You can set the order or frequency of calls to the programmed numbers. It can be set to silent or audible alarms and you can add vibration, smoke , temprature detector etc, modules to it.
   
   You can set different zones to react instantly or to count down before going off. In addition you can slowly keep growing/adding on security sensors as your budget allow.
   
   I've been using it for some months now with no problems and its real, real, easy to configure. I had one issue with it however and it's not a unique problem to the device. Be careful where you put the motion sensor or you'll get constant false alarms. Light reflecting through your windows/glass doors could set it off. Have it face inwards and away from mirrors that can 'see' the windows/glassdoors. Forgetting to turn off the ceiling fan caught me in the first few days. Apparently it was turning the pages on a magazine in some cases, and moving the curtains in the next.
   
   Finally, it has a wide detection arc, so really think about where you are placing it(motion sensor).
   
   Did I also mention that it uses 9volt batteries as backup power, though I am not sure how long that last or if it can recharge rechargable ones.



2. This is a wonderful system that allow for peace of mind when leaving the premises. I bought the complete system with alarm and dialer. The systems come linked together, so if someone sets off the door/windows alarms or the motion detector, the dialer will begin calling the pre-programmed numbers with your custom pre-recorded message. So far it has worked very well. The built in alarm is unbearably loud, so be careful if you set it off by accident. Be sure you have the remote handy as you do NOT want to get near it to disarm it. It has the ability to trip the phone dialer based on the sensors by themselves, as a whole, or by the main security system. The dialer can be set so that you can hear the numbers being dialed, or you can opt to make it completely silent. I have mine silent as I don't want someone finding it and pulling the phone cord out. Besides, the alarm is enough to scare anyone off. The motion detector is very touchy however, and it will trip the system with slight movement. In my opinion that is a good thing. At night I set it so that only the doors and windows are alarmed, and the motion detector is off. This is a handy feature. I've purchased many security devices lately and this one is certainly the best. If you combine this with an in home motion detection webcam such as the Linksys WVC54GC you can not only be alerted via phone, but also get pictures sent to your cell phone, send streaming media to your cell phone, or simply hop onto the web and view your house in real time with no computer needed. This is my setup and it gives you an amazing piece of mind. Just be sure to mount everything out of sight!

5 comments about Hunter Fan/Light Remote Control #27185.

1. I was not sure if this thing would function well, but boy not only is it great having it on the wall so it doesn't get lost it works better than expected and it was "easy" to install



2. This item is possessed. Go over to epinions and read about it. Fan comes on and off at random times, mostly inconvenient times (while your trying to sleep). Changing the frequency dip switches involves unmounting the fan (thats right, getting up on a ladder and taking it down again). I actually have installed 100 fans in my life, and holding up a fan in one hand while changing a dip switch with the other is somewhat of a challenge :). Now that the dip switches are changed, VIOLA...still interference. I think I may try to cut the receiver wire this time to shorten the range, as it may be getting interference from down the street, or solar flares, or the gremlins that live in my attic.



3. should not be sold with fans that come with compact flow lamps...ok for incandesent lamps only..needs to be made in usa also...i dont trust china products..



4. Product works great and I received within 2 days of my order. Will definately order again.



5. I've had many Hampton Bay fans in the past but not so much in future purchases. If you have a plain Jane chain pull, then you're safe to go. However, the upgraded ones with the remotes leave a lot to be desired. The warranty for 25 years only covers the motor, NOTHING ELSE.
   
   In researching why my fan failed after two years of operation I opened up Pandora's Box so to speak. The remote and receivers are made by Rhine based in TW. They have a very weak capacitor design and break down anywhere from one to two years. The failure range from blown capacitors or shorted ones which kind of ooze gray matter all over the inside of the receiver. I've spent three weeks sending emails and going to forums to try to find the manufactureer of these capacitors and they are made by Carli in China, However you can't buy them here, and they won't answer any emails.
   
   So the long and the short of it is, in my case I cannot change it over to a pull chain type so essentially it is scrap.
   
   For some odd reason my paying for a two hundered dollar fan and be told I have to pay for a weak designed receiver just doesn't do well with me.
   
   Good luck

5 comments about Racor Pro Double Folding Bike Rack #PSB-2L.

1. I had this rack for just about a month before returning it.
   
   I had it fixed into a brick wall - so had to buy new anchors because the ones that come with it are puny. Even with the new anchors it came off of my wall in a couple of weeks (had 2 bikes on it). The holes in the rack aren't really big enough to hold anchors much bigger, so I don't know what you'd do....
   
   In terms of fitting bikes on it - I had 2 on it, but the outside one wouldn't sit properly, it sat with the front slightly raised and off the arms because I just couldn't get enough clearance.....pedals would get in the way, or handlebars resting on seats. I got enough for them both to sit there, just not quite 100% flat on the arms.
   
   Then there's the arms.....they come coated in a nice rubbarized(?) black plastic. Within a week it had started splitting and by the end of the month it had completely came off one of the arms and was shredded on the other. That was the final straw, so I returned it.



2. I have three of these racks in addition to several others from different makers. While I do use these, I only put one bike each on them and they're just not ideal for my purposes.
   
   First, I find that the "hump" in the holder, where you would typically put the first bike, is too far from the wall. All my bikes are drop-bar road bikes and if I put the bike here the wheel turns about 45 degrees from the wall and causes the wheel to stick out. I've personally addressed this by putting some padding over the "shelf" area of the rack and sliding my bike all the way in against the wall.
   
   As far as putting two bikes... with the first bike mounted all the way in as I've described above, I could mount two bikes. With the first bike mounted where it's "supposed" to go I cannot. First is the turned front wheel issue. Second, is the fact the bikes are too close together and end up touching.
   
   In summary, the rack isn't ideal for holding one or two bikes. I will concede that most racks of this kind aren't really suitable for holding two bikes without crowding, but the distance from the wall problem is worse than the other brands I own.



3. Item arrived on time..Great bike rack! Holds 2 different kind of bikes with no problem. Would purchase this product again.



4. My husband and I both have bikes and were looking for an easy way to store them on our back porch. My husband found this one and we have been happy with it. The bikes are easy to get on and off, and the rack keeps the bike up off the porch.
   
   Only down side is the protective coating cracked and fell off within a few days. I don't think this hurts the bikes; I just didn't know why it wasn't made stronger.
   
   Overall, happy with this purchase.



5. Rack works great. I had a hard time getting the screws into the stud because I didn't have a posidrive screw driver. so i mangled the screws a little getting them in. The rubber coating on the arms is fragile too. I managed to damage it just with the weight of the bikes so i put some electricians tape over it to keep it from self-destructing. Other than that i love it. I put it up the wall enough to fit stuff under the bikes but not have to lift it too far to get the bike down. I'd recommend this to a friend but with reservations because of its minor failings.

5 comments about Gerber 22-01629 LMF II Black Infantry Knife.

1. This is one of Gerber's best knives.Buy one now because Gerber has a history of dis-continuing some of their best knives.
   This knife is a great value considering that it is as good a knife as the Trident series which cost much more.The only shortcoming of this knife is the sheath,It's for a molle' vest and does not carry well for most.Some may see this as a plus, the constuction and material is first rate. The knife fits well in your hand,has a stout well shaped blade.The chisel point on the end of the handle is functional, but I wouldn't count on the hammer funtion,the flat is just too small.



2. First off, the size of this knife is bigger than I expected. This isn't going to slip into a pocket or be inconspicuous in any way. The sheath is rather large and has many diferent ways to attach to your person. The blade is thick and could only be described as heavy duty although it is not overly long. The handle provides a very secure grip. If you you were to go on a hike in a remote area, this would be one must have item along with food, water and signaling devices. The sheath has a nifty honing slot in it. I rate the quality as first rate.



3. Very sturdy and well balanced, it fits perfectly in my hand. I'd still prefer a fine edge vs serrated but that only a small con. I've only used it for light duty stuff but so far the blade has been pretty good. I like the integrated sharpener, easy to use. The sheath is also very well made and has many attachment options.
   Overall very good knife.



4. This is one sturdy knife. I was able to split wood with ease and still hold a good edge. IT has a good weight and comes with a great sheath, with its own blade sharpener.
   
   The hammer edge also comes in real handy. Have not tried tying the knife to a stick but its a great option in a survival situation. Paired with a fire steel fire starter, makes the pair a great survival kit.



5. i would buy this knife again it does everything it needs to do around camp, very sturdy, the only thing the sheath is huge but with the sharperner and the leg straps i guess it needs to be, the calf straps are cool, because you can simply attach this huge knife to your leg and walk around, it messes with people which is fun

5 comments about InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist Bio Charge Replacement Cartridge, 16-Ounces #BIO-CG.

1. This product is getting hard to find in my area. All the big box stores seem to have discontinued carrying it. My septic systems is working great and we have used this for 5 years now!



2. I was pleased to find this at Amazon. I could not find it or have it ordered at my local "home stores" even though the store carried the actual device. Order several at a time and look for free shipping deals over a certain $ amount.



3. Using these cartridges is so easy...and my concerns about getting liquid stuff delivered were completely unfounded. The cartridges travel incredibly well. And ordering them on line saves hours of hardware store searching.
   
   Thanks.



4. I have been using this product ever since we remodeled our kitchen 6 years ago. I know that Bio Charge is doing the job it is supposed to do because my septic serviceman reports no problems everytime I have the system cleaned. I used to purchase these cartridges at my local Home Depot, but now they only carry the disposala that use the Bio Charge cartridges, and not the replacement cartridges. What a bummer! I'm happy I found them at Amazon. The price was right and the delivery was great.



5. This product is hard to find. Amazon had it and it was delivered quickly. Would recommend.