5 comments about Robert Larson 800-1800 Honing Guide.

1. I bought one of these jigs years ago and have used it hundreds of hours to create and maintain perfect single facet cutting edges on chisels and plane irons using waterstones. In order to be successful you need to control downward pressure on the portion of the tool being ground and use all of the available surface of the stone. Switch ends on the stone frequently, and periodically flatten the stone using a very flat surface (you can determine a flat surface by a perfect reflection) and waterproof sandpaper. The wheel of the jig can break down waterstone surface so don't let it run in the same place over and over, and don't put pressure on the wheel. I recently purchased several more of these jigs so I can sharpen more tools at one sitting. Use a good straight edge (steel rule), strong back light (white wall) and care to set the tool in the jig. With practice you can re-set the tool very accurately. The great advantage of this jig is that the wheel to bevel line is exactly the same as the surface of the stone. No guessing, just results. Be sure to use a screw driver to firmly tighten the jig before starting and check, double check, setup before comitting work. Use a magnifying glass or loupe to observe the cutting edge as sharpening progresses. Using this jig I was able to obtain a single facet edge on a 1 inch mortise chisle that has lasted over 20 years of moderate use, and still is razor sharp. Got it's first touchup sharpening just last week - good for another decade or two.



2. When my father died, I inherited his chisles and planes. He had not been able to take care of them for years.
   
   This tool when used with a good set of sharpening stones or mounted, quality sandpaper allowed me to bring my father's tools back to the razor sharpness he was famous for.
   
   I am not the sharpest tool in the box, but this "Honing Guide" has allowed me to now have the sharpest tools!
   
   LOL



3. The Robert Larson Honing Guide is a simply designed device that works reasonably well for honing chisels and plane irons. The guide holds most blades securely and moves easily over the sharpening stone. The guide works well for chisels with 3-4 inch long blades and widths from 2 inches down to 1/4 inch. Its shortcoming is with blades shorter than 3 inches or narrower than 1/4 inch. The slots in the guide do not hold these smaller blades squarely and honing becomes difficult or impossible. Beefier tools (like mortising chisels) also do not fit well. For the money, a semi-useful tool to have on hand, but for a little more money, better honing guides are available.



4. I was hesitant to buy one of these economical honing guides. There seem to be lots of bad reviews but I figured I wanted one and took a chance on the Robert Larson model. Previously I had use grinders or belt sanders to shape a plane blade or chisel and hone by hand on an oil stone. I was never satisfied with the results I got with my bench planes, so I started looking around at sharpening systems. I settled on the scary sharp method and ordered this guide as I thought it would work. I also found some Granite floor tile on sale at Lowes along with 180 and 320 grit adhesive paper. It took a couple minutes to figure out how the honing guide worked, noting the shapes and sizes of the grooves that hold a plane blade or chisel.
   It took only a minute and I was getting good results. It held blades and chisels just fine if you take the time really look what you are doing. I did my plane blades and a set of chisels all in less than an hour. They turned out great considering I only sharpened to a 320 grit.
   I recently ordered some 3M micro paper to get a grit range from 1200 to 3000. This make steel reflect like a mirror and sharp like a razor.
   Overall I am very satisfied with the honing guide and the results. do some research on blade sharpening and you will do fine with this economical little gem.
   I think the problems others have had with these devices relates to abuse and just over working them. They are a honing guide, not a heavy duty sharpening tool



5. I have been hand sharpening my chisels, scrapers and planes on waterstones for years. This is the first time I have used a guide like this and I can say that I have been doing it the hard way. This makes it much easier and faster to get a superior edge.
   
   I use a straight edge placed on the roller wheel and item to be sharpened to determine the bevel angle. It comes with recommended distances out from the front edge of the guide to create a 25 or 30 degree bevel, but it is much more accurate to sight it with a straight edge.
   
   Well worth the modest investment compared to the price of tools and sharpening stones.

5 comments about Tajima PZB-400 Plumb-Rite Plumb Bob Setter.

1. what can you say this tool is great for hanging doors, windows, jam studs just great



2. I used one of these a few years ago. I kept borrowing it from a co-worker. I finally decided to get my own. It may take a bit longer to set up than just using a level, but the results are dead on.



3. This is a extremely fast working man's tool, strong magnet easily holds the bob on even the lightest gauge framing. I have used the pin mount on wood, & is as strong as well. Drive it, pull it out. 28 years in the trade, this makes the day go alot smoother.



4. After seeing this tool on This Old House I knew that if it worked as shown it would come in handy for the 10 new doors I was putting up during my remodel. It does work just like they showed on TV and on the box!
   
   All ten doors went up faster and with no problems. If you need to make sure that something is plumb over a tall span, then this is your tool. It will be a permanent fixture in my tool chest from now on.



5. Nice tool. Easy to use with pin and recoil feature. Used to frame some basement walls. Hang from joists and using 0 out pin feature, spot location of walls was a snap. Hanging drywall, used to spot stud locations for screw shooting. Bob rests quickly as stated. Only real dowside is lightweight plastic cover could be beefed up some or made out of aluminum or steel.

3 comments about Winchester 22-41281 Ranger Tactical Knife Combo.

1. These knives are surprisingly thick and sturdy for fifteen dollars for the set. The handles are fat and comfortable. The description doesn't say: the small knife have a 3.25" long blade. They are made in China.



2. I think it's downright irresponsible to sell a fixed blade tactical knife and not include some kind of sheath. This is not a kitchen knife that is meant to be stored in a drawer or toolbox. It is meant to be carried with you. What are you supposed to do with it, wrap it in a rag, put it in your backpack, and hope you don't fall on it and get stabbed?
   
   At least the smaller of the 2 knives is a folder and can be safely carried in a pocket or clipped to gear.
   
   Come on Winchester/Gerber, spend the extra buck and throw in a cheap sheath so people can safely use your product!!



3. Great balance and design. The kit does come with a carrying case for the fixed blade knife.

5 comments about M-D Building Products 92296 SmartTool 47-1/4-Inch Digital Electronic Level.

1. I am an accessibility inspector and this level works great for checking slope. I use it for road grade during paving operations. I could use two since everyone always borrows it from me. Great deal and I also recommend Amazon tools. The best price and fast shipping.



2. This level works, its a great level when your working by yourself. Just turn on the audible alarm and when you get to level it beeps. It could not be any more accurate.



3. I am in the middle of setting a suspension lift and needed a very precise method of measuring the angles and relationship between the differential flanges and transfer case flanges. After some research, the SmartTool seemed to be the answer. So when I read the companies description, it indicated the the module could be used by itself, with a 2' level, 4' or 6' level. So I ordered the 4' level believing I could use the module to measure the drive flanges and have a very accurate digital level also. WRONG. The level that contains the module is constructed so that the module is permantly installed. So now I own a very accurate 4' electronic level but I still need a small digital level to complete the original task.... Very frustrating.
   
   So if you need a short level, order just the module.



4. I first received the 24" level, as a gift from a good friend of mine that has been in wood working most of his life. Most guys would love to have a small portion of his wood shop in their home ( I know I would) I've used it a few times and got some nice results with it, but it wasn't until I had to level out a bath room floor that I found out on what I was missing out on. Using both the 48" to span from left to right to see how much the floor was off and using the 24" to see how much the joist was off made this job just last 2 days and kept me on track and my clients happy. Because they got a level floor and I was able to finish the job on time. All you need to do is hear the tone to know that you're on level with out trying to use your "calibrated" eye ball. Also trying to figure out rafter pitch or how much a floor or joist is out of level, this one tells you on a dime. Now I'm waiting for the 96" to come out. If you only buy one "Fancy" level, take my word for it you'll need to buy two, both the 24" and 48" these levels are easy to use, my 15y/o son can even use this one, and he has. Thank you M-D for making a quality tool that can last and is easy to use.



5. The level is very well built; robust enough for commercial use. The auto-flip display is not a gimmick and very useful. I like the audible tone of "LEVEL" so you can focus on positioning your work and not needing to look at a display. I used it to map out sag on my home's wood spanners; very practical and made my job easy to accomplish. The read out of degrees, in/ft and % slope is versatile. The calibration is a little complex, so keep you instructions handy. I haven't needed to recalibrate it since the first time, but I had it less than 6 months...time and use will tell of its staying power.

5 comments about Zircon 60371 i65 OneStep Wood, Metal, and Live Wire Stud Sensor.

1. I needed to hang my new TV on the wall. The instructions for the wall mount were very specific about finding the center of the stud to ensure the bracket would hold the weight of the TV. This baby did the job...it worked as advertised!



2. This tool is very easy to use, accurate and well priced. I highly recommend it!



3. This is the first stud finder I've owned and unfortunately, I'm not impressed. The unit fails to locate studs where I know they exist and is marginal at best in locating other studs behind dry wall.



4. Bought it specifically because it tells you if there is electrical behind the beams-- and it also tells you if you are in the center of the beam-- very useful for placing photos or other things on the wall. Have used it several times with no problem at all. Works great.



5. Good product works just fine I'm the one who sucks at handyman work,no all jokes aside there are much more expensive stud finders out there .This is all you need .

5 comments about Pro-Quality 1/4" 20-200 Inch-Pound Automatic Torque Wrench.

1. Don't be alarmed if your package insert reads 20-150 in-lb, since the wrench itself is marked to 220 in-lb. Perhaps the +/- 4% accuracy only appies up to 200 in-lb. A 10% torque bonus!



2. Works well. Reading the settings requires my reading glasses, but overall, I am very satisfied.



3. I looked in several places in our town and could only fine wrenches that were 2-3x more expensive. This is a high quality tool and was a good transaction.



4. As received, the torque wrench was so badly out of calibration that it was totally useless. The torque settings on the wrench produced torques almost twice as high as the indicated values over the entire torque range. In addition, reproducibility was so poor that I was even unable to make a 'correction' table. Fortunately I discovered the problem before using the wrench or I would have surely stripped out the fasteners. The wrench appears to be a knock-off of the high quality 'Snap-On' wrench which is available on-line for ~$135. Don't waste your money on this product - buy the 'Snap-On' tool.



5. The minor calibrations are only in metric while the major calibrations are in both inch-pounds and Newton-Meters. As the inch-pound major settings go by steps of 20, it's not hard to figure half way for 20, 3/4 for 35, etc.
   
   Quality and storage case seem good for an inexpensive tool.
   
   The range also goes to 240 inch-pounds, not 200 as the title suggests.

4 comments about Quick-Grip 53006 Micro Clamp.

1. These quick clamps work great. They are very easy to quickly bring to the right size and then squeeze with one hand to tighten the clamp. As someone who works alone most of the time, being able to clamp one handed is a big help.



2. If you build scale models and other miniatures, you will find that two or more of these clamps are part of your essential kit. They are about the closest thing you will find to untiring fingers. They can hold softly or as firmly as any screw clamp. The parts and pads seem impervious to model making solvents and chemicals.

   I also use them as a simple hand vice. Fixtures and jigs that utilize clamping can be taped to the jaws. The main bar can be replaced with a brass strip if you need a greater reach, but also need the smallness of these jaws. Household repairs? No. The slightly stouter Quick-Grips are much more rigid. These are for very light work and are the right tool for the delicate work of model building

   I'd give a sixth star if I could!




3. I purchased these to use in assembling parts for behives. They are samll enough to use for hobby and model work. But they are strong. Easy to adjust and clean. My only gripe is that the pads fall off, and can get lost -- as has happened to me.



4. These little clamps are just the right size for those small boxe's I seem to be making a lot of lately. With the soft pads and the one handed operation they make glue ups a snap on small items. Getting the right pressure on these small pieces is essential, with larger clamps it is too easy to get too much pressure and squeeze out all the glue, leaving a starved joint. These little clamps have a nice "feel", allowing you to get just the right amount of pressure to insure a strong joint.
   Highly recommend.

2 comments about DEWALT DW0730 Laser Target Card.

1. I used this target while laying out the foundation for a barn I am building in the high country of New Mexico. The target was brilliantly visible even in the fierce light of the noon-day sun.



2. The item I received was 3"x5", not 5"x9" as advertised, and was made of simple pink plastic, not even laser-reflective. As such, it is virtually useless for enhancing laser-reflectivity. I'd sorta call it a hoax... I returned it.

No comments about Milwaukee 2300-20 M-Spector Digital Inspection Camera, AA Battery Powered.

5 comments about IRWIN 394001 Bolt Grip Bolt Remover Set.

1. Most tools of this type are overrated, and I was sceptical when I saw this one advertised. However, I ran into a situation at work where I had to remove some badly rusted and rounded over bolts from the exhaust manifold of a piece of earthmoving machinery, and none of the standard methods worked. After trying for 3 hours, I finally bought a set of Bolt Grips. They really worked. I had all 3 bolts out in less than 5 minutes. I am sold on these things.



2. I rounded of a Bolt on my motorbikes filter housing, and when i say rounded i mean, no flats whatsoever (real nasty) So much so the garage said it may have to break a section on the engine to get the bolt out. I got my hands on these babys as a last hope of saving my £££, within 2 min's the bolt was off. these things are truly worth their weight in gold. A truely excellent product that WILL do what it says.



3. It took time and some air tools to round off that rusty nut, but afterall, if I am anything, I am a craftsman. And anything worth doing, is worth taking your time and doing right, right? So I was (and still am) proud of that old rusty nut I rounded off. There it sits like a festering boil on the butt of my project. Hanging up my progress and wasting my time. You can imagine my pride. My joy.
   Never fear! Irwin BOLT-GRIPPY Nut Extractor to the rescue!
   Those reverse spiral flutes made of High Carbon Steel would surely tear that stubborn old nut a new one.
   -Not Even Close -
   Old Rusty Nut - 1,
   High Carbon Steel Flutes - 0.
   Them High Carbon Steel Reverse Flutes sure look pretty all rounded off an all tho ...
   Like I say in my title - it didn't take long - and wha-la! All them super tough flutes folded a round like a used foil pie plate. I didn't even have to use my air tools. (I must admit that I am one brut of a man, just for the sake of fairness and all, you understand). And the best part of all is - I still have that rusty ol' boil of a nut to enjoy! Now, where did I put that hammer and chisel ...?
   Thanks Irwin!



4. Comparing this to the bolt out set that I purchased from ACE hardware, this set was wonderful. The ACE hardware set did nothing to my stuck bolts. The irwin set helped me remove the bolt almost as if there was nothing wrong with it.



5. Damage bolt remover works ok i have not put it to a tuff or hard bolt to get out but it has worked very well for the bolts ihave used this tool on thank you for asking my opion
   Dawn Garlick