5 comments about All in One Clamp A-50 50-Inch Grip Clamp Guide w/T-track.

1. 6/22/08 Ordered this item on April 24th 2008 and it was promptly received. Upon examination I noticed that it would not work. Returning the item was not an option, so I looked up e emerson tool online and was happy to find a useful website with exploded views of their tools. It was obvious that the tool was missing a part. An e-mail was sent and I waited.... On may 22nd I received a reply stating that they were short handed and they were sorry that it took so long to get back to me. I was assured that the part was now in the mail.... As of 6/22/08 no part has arrived, I have sent a couple of e-mails to emerson in the last few weeks and have received no reply. Most small companies I deal with try to ensure that customer service is taken care of quickly. I have no problem allowing for a company being "short handed". But, this low level of service is unusual, especially during difficult times. A satisfied customer will tell a couple of people, an unsatisfied customer will tell everyone they meet! The tool looks like it might work well, I have no way of knowing. And do not plan to try their other items.



2. The product is useful, and speeds up panel cuts (etc), but it is far from perfect.
   
   When cutting a sheet of 4-foot-wide 3/4" plywood, it clamps securely, but the guide can flex significantly if you push too hard in the middle, resulting in a cut that is not straight. The less wide the wood, the less of an issue this is.
   
   I was able to push mine more than the reported 1/16" in the middle when used across a sheet of plywood (4'). To me, ANY amount of flexing is a problem, because it is inevitable that I have to push the tool against the edge while cutting. However, use of the optional tool guides presumably reduces the problem, because when using them you don't have to push against the guide.
   
   Another reviewer suggested clamping a piece of the wood to support the middle of the straight-edge. A good solution, but it takes away from the instant-setup convenience this tool is said to offer.
   
   Years ago I bought an aluminum straight edge called Cutters Edge II. I can't find it in google so I assume it is no longer available. It was substantially more rigid than this one, and it came in two 4' lengths which could be joined together. However, its clamping system was much less convenient than this one.
   
   I have not tried it yet, but I suspect this guide would not work well for very thin sheets, such as plywood less than 1/4". Because the clamps rely on edge-to-edge force, thin sheets have the potential to bow with this kind of clamping force applied.
   
   The All-in-One Clamp Guide seems to be best suited to 90-degree cuts, yet they do not have any means of ensuring that the cut will be square. There is a squaring attachment (wide jaws), but measuring and/or checking with a square will still be required.
   
   I only just learned about the "Ultra" model that is 100 inches long. That's the tool I really need (for ripping sheets), and I wish I had bought it instead. Being wider, it should flex less, however with its longer span, it is more subject to flexing. But it's expensive, and I could easily build my own jig, albeit using clamps that are not as quick to use, but with immeasurable flexing.



3. This is great for ripping 4'x8' sheets of plywood. Ignore any of the recommended accessories except for the wide jaws. The saw and router guides are really cheap and you really don't need them anyway.



4. I have been thinking about getting one of these for a long time. I finally ordered the 50" & 24" the 50" came today & it is the best guide I have ever bought. I will definitly get the 99" & 36".



5. Decent design, but it doesn't always clamp very straight. Therefore, you end up with a less that squarecut. I wouldn't use this for cutting down the length of a door if you're going for square. Decent for the price, though I'd rather pay more for the Tru-grip models.

3 comments about Spectra Precision HD50 Laser Handheld Distance Meter.

1. I bought this because I was having difficulty installing long pieces of crown molding - getting the length right. I do this alone, without a helper. So far (1 month) this device works like a charm. Perfect cuts every time. Easily accurate to 1/16". Small, great functionality.



2. This is a really neat device that measures accurately to within 1/16th of an inch over 165 feet. So does the Bosch DLR165K. As a matter of fact, they are the same unit- one is yellow, one is Bosch blue. The Bosch can be purchased for less- in some cases, much less. Look for the best price before you buy.



3. This tool is a tough, reliable measuring device. It is fast and comes in a nice case that fastens onto a belt. It has served me daily for a year. I haven't used other laser measuring tools but what I read suggests that there may be better ones out there. For example, the Spectra does not hold more than one measurement in memory. In sunlight over distances of 15 feet it is difficult to see the laser. The price for the unit is definitely right...half of what I paid.

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

1. Always wanted a solid survival knife that I could depend on. This is it. I have tried it out at home to see what it could do and I was not dissapointed. It will cut through just about anything, I abused it in everyway possible and it still looks the same. I know there are more expensive knives but why spend the money.



2. Love the sharpener in the sheath and partially serated blade, but I don't love how the sheath doesn't have any clips or loops to attach to a belt! I had to rig my sheath up with some paracord to make loops for my belt to pass through. That is why I gave this product 4 stars and not 5.
   
   Other items to note: mine came with what appears to be a leg holster type of thing to wrap around your calf, and this knife is fairly heavy and feels quite solid.



3. I bought this knife for a young man that is training in knife fighting and will be going survival camping with me this fall. I searched high and low for a knife that would fit the survival and fighting needs well. I was impressed by all of the reviews on this knife and am very happy with my choice. I initially started knife shopping because one of my sons is on orders for Iraq, is in the infantry, and I thought he should have a good knife. I chose the Kabar Warthog for him and myself. After ordering the LMF II, I was second guessing my kabar purchase, but I like the Kabar Warthog fixed blade better than the LMF even though it is not as specialized in design. If I was an Army Aviator, I would surely carry the LMF II.
   
   The knife is well constructed, of high quality materials. I really like the concept of the full tang, though fully insulated from the butt cap. I am not fond of a serrated blade, nor the serrated location on the blade.
   
   The knife has a nice weight, and balance. I don't like the handle shape, it doesn't fit my large hands well. Luckily the young man is only 13 so he does not have that problem.
   
   The blade sharpens up very nicely, and I am sure this knife will serve him well in the future. The sheath is overkill for most, but offers a myriad of options for carry,



4. This knife will, first, outlast it's owner. It will also take anything I've thrown at it. It is light, simple, and very solid. The sheath is MOLLE compatible, and has an integral sharpener. It's a mean, well-built knife.



5. For those not interested in details: "It's a great knife."
   
   
   For those interested in details: The blade steel is 12C27 - comparable in toughness (durability in rough use) and hardness (edge retention) to 440A. It's a good blend of both qualities.
   
   The construction is not full tang but push tang; however, this does not appear to affect its structural integrity. The LMF II is constructed in this manner in order to give this particular knife an insulated handle. This means that you can cut an electrically "live" wire without fear of injury. The story you might have heard already about this knife is a true one - this is the knife that allowed an advanced marksman team to cut a live electrical line in Afghanistan powering insurgent search lights that would have given their position away.
   
   Since 12C27 is a stainless steel, maintenance is minimal as is the probability of corrosion. The blade takes quite a good edge and shows good edge retention also. As a matter of fact, I was quite surprised at the edge retention. I recently spent near three hours outside doing some hacking some light, but woody, brush. When I had finished, the blade had dulled only slightly. The blade coating also held up very well and showed no flaking, chipping, scratching, or dusting.
   
   As to sharpening, this steel was very easy to sharpen, and it takes a decent edge too. The sharpener built into the sheath works very well on the blade and will restore the knife's edge with only a few strokes. NOTE: Since part of the blade is serrated, this sharpener is limited in its ability - it can only sharpen the non-serrated part of the blade. Sharpening the serrations should be done using a diamond rod or a similar sharpening tool.
   
   The handle design looked funny to me a first - didn't seem like a good design, but, thankfully, it's only looks. For starters, the grip is made of Kraton and offers a very secure and solid grip. As to comfort, my hand only started hurting after the first two hours of cutting, and that was minimal pain... but I'll admit after three, it was plum tuckered out. :) In other words, it was a very comfortable handle.
   
   The "skull-crusher" butt (steel projection below the handle) is also insulated, so don't worry about getting shocked though there either. It is also designed to function as a make-shift hammer by using the top side of the butt as a hammer head.
   
   The three holes in the knife (two in the guard, one in the butt) are intended for lashing the knife to a rod for use as a spear. The hollows or concave indents/depressions in the handle are also designed for this purpose and allow a lashed pole to fit snugly against the knife handle.
   
   The blade performs well at light chopping (provided you make contact with the non-serrated part of the blade). Light chopping accounts for a large portion of outdoor/survival work with a knife. Heavy wood cutting should be done with a saw of some kind (wire saw, folding saw). The serrations also function very well and are useful in many ways - cutting rope being a big one. The serrations do seem a bit more "aggressive" than some other knives and seemed to make the work go faster.
   
   As was already mentioned, the sheath has a built-in sharpener that works well and is easy to use. All you have to do is stick the blade in and pull it back out a couple times - you don't have to worry about the blade angles, because it's all taken care of for you. Overall, the sheath is very well made. The different carrying options are very nice and allow you to carry the knife on your thigh (using the leg straps) or on your belt (disconnect the leg straps).
   
   This is a great knife for utility/survival purposes at an affordable price. Though I would love to buy a Fallkniven A1 or Odin or a Busse or a Randall, etc., the Gerber LMF II is much more budget friendly knife, and it still exudes quality while serving its purpose very well. You really can't go wrong with this knife.

5 comments about CH Hanson 03040 STUD4SURE Magnetic Stud Finder.

1. useless product. pay $ 5 more and get a real stud finder. This one just has a magnet and it finds only metal studs. Don't waste money buying this.



2. I have a good model Zircon stud finder with deep scan and electrical detection. This works great except for walls that have insulation between the studs. Unfortunately, these are the walls that I have to find the studs for installing my closet system brackets in 2 bedrooms! After getting too many false readings, ghost readings, no readings, and many missed studs, it came down to this magnet to find the nails in the studs. With thick plaster walls, the magnet won't stick to the wall, but you will be able to feel the magnet pull on the buried nail head. This tool is a little tough to use when you are finding the first stud, but once you find the first one, and after moving over 16", you can find the rest much easier. I still use the Zircon unit to find studs on non-insulated walls and for finding hidden electrical wiring. Just don't put this tool near your credit cards or PC!!!!



3. This simple stud finder is simply a magnet in a plastic case and quite effective if the metal you're seeking is near the surface. The magnet isn't strong enough to be of any use in plaster/lath. Since this was my last shot at finding a stud finder, I'm next buying a very strong black magnet for $2 in hopes it can find the nails.



4. The amazon description stated "NEW VERSION" and showed a picture of the new model. They sent me the old one. I called them and they sent me a replacement which again was the old model. The manufactures site shows the new model, but the part numbers are the same for the new and old. That's just confusing.



5. We've never owned a stud finder before, but we just moved into a house and didn't want to go drilling holes and guessing to find the studs for hanging things like we did in our apartment. I was really impressed with the reviews and I decided on this over an electronic stud finder. It sure helped that it was so inexpensive. We just got it and it works great - I can hardly believe how strong a pull this magnet has to our walls! Our toddlers are always curious about our tools and this is one that I don't mind them playing with since it's enclosed in plastic and has no moving parts. The stud finder did look different on the website a week ago when I ordered it (it looks a lot more simple now). We got the newer version, so I was a little surprised when I opened the box, but I don't care what it looks like as long as it works.

5 comments about Calculated Industries 6130 Scale Master II Advanced Digital Plan Measure with Optional PC Interface.

1. I like the accuracy of the unit and the custom scales. I have had two of these that the reset button quit working on and one of them has a sticking count button. The count button is at a very uncomfortable location. It really needs to be located closer to the wheel where your finger naturally rests. I use this every day of the week and depend on it very much.



2. If you do alot of estimating: then this is the product for you. I am currently working on an estimate for a 73,000 S.F. commercial project. For whatever reason the architect doesn't have alot of the wall measurements on the plan. This wasn't a problem, using the scale master saved me hours which basically paid for itself on this plan. Most of my plans have measurements on them, but almost always have some sections that do not have the measurements needed to estimate the project accurately. Speaking of accurate, the scale master is extremely accurate. My next purchase will be the computer interface which should pay for itself in one or two plans.



3. Have used this product for a few years now. Use it every day so I have ordered 3 in the past 3 years. Nice for the price. Serves me well.



4. The scale master makes it so easy to do big take-offs. Run this little guy along walls of similar types, piping, sidewalks, borders. It has architects and engineer scales, you can change and lock in the scale on the fly.
   
   The only reason that its a four rather than a five is that the little toggles are kind of rough on the fingertips. This doesn't detract from the usefulness of the product a bit though.



5. The Scale Master is the best tool out there for estimating measurements. There's a little room for improvement, it can get awkward at times, but it's a heck of a lot faster than a scale.

5 comments about FastCap 3rd Hand Support System 57-to-144-Inches, 2-pack #3HAND5.

1. I bought a pair for a recent home, crown molding project. The first board went great but then the misadventures began. Both supports eventually fell over a few times (not hard) and that caused both to jamb--meaning no up or down motion. I called the FastCap folks (GREAT people by the way--amazing service) and they sent me replacement parts. That only worked so-so...items still jamb up.
   
   When they work, they work great. My experience is that they are way too flimsy because fall overs happen--especially when you are by yourself up on a ladder!



2. I am finding more uses for this everyday. IOt's like having two helpers only better. The only con is the pole length adjustment is hard to use. I am going to get a set of shorter ones also.



3. When these supports arrived, I checked the package and everything was intact. The project they were purchased for was to push exterior drywall back to the ceiling rafters. The nails that was used to hold the drywall was releasing. The ceiling I was working on was 8 x 28 ft. I started at one end and jacked the drywall back to the rafters. I used drywall screws to secure the ceiling. I think the FastCap 3rd Hand Support System is well worth the money. The units I received clams it is rated at 150 pounds. I am not sure it is capable of this weight. There were no instruction inside the box, the only instruction is what is on the side of the box.



4. I love the 3rd hands. I used them to hold ceiling sheet rock in place while I screwed it in place. I'll have plenty of uses for my 3rd hands in the future.



5. My husband and I saw this nifty setup,FastCap 3rd Hand Support System 57-to-144-Inches, on the home improvement program "Cool Tools" and indeed they are. We used two of them them to support heavy pieces of ceiling drywall when we were doing a recent kitchen remodel.We both have shoulder problems and these allowed us to put in the drywall screws without either one of us standing there trying to hold up the sheet of drywall at the same time. We also used them to hold up the ends of plastic sheeting when it came time to block of the room for sanding. We may use them again when we install the upper cabinets. Great tool, glad we bought them!

5 comments about STAINLESS STEEL 8" LARGE Display Digital Caliper - Instant SAE/Metric Conversion.

1. Useful for normal measurement that doesn't require tigh precision. Great for measures in inches or fraction of it. When it comes down to .0XX of an inch then you got to use your judgement or get a pricy caliper. Overall, it is reliable.



2. The calipers are excellent! Very sturdy and easy to use. I am a field biologist and I use these calipers all the time now. They are by far the best deal on the internet.



3. 
   I actually bought these to measure my toy poodles' head.
   
   A poodle's head is supposed to be twice as long as it is wide,per the AKC standards for conformation. For toy poodles I thought the 8 inch version would work, which it does. Now I can be very precise in choosing which dog to breed to which when concentrating on the head, one of many, many characteristics to breed for.
   
   Gunner January, 2008
   
   Oh, these look like they'll last forever.



4. this tool is really good for the price. It got a realy clear and large lcd screen and is precise. You got a free battery too. nice stuff!!



5. I wasn't sure what to expect when I unboxed these. They come in a plastic hard-shell case with rigid foam inserts and something about the inconsistent sheen of that brittle-looking injection-molded black plastic case just screams, "Made in China." But the calipers themselves are more than true, sturdy and accurate enough for most hobby uses.
   
   I bought these calipers for reloading, hoping that I could get accurate measurements down to the 1/1000 of an inch and was not disappointed. For my purposes, these work really well.
   
   One thing I will mention, is that like many catalog pictures, the one in this item's description is a little misleading, as the blue background on the display in the stock photo somewhat hints that the display is backlit--which is not the case. Of course, nowhere is this promised, but it's still somewhat misleading.

3 comments about ThumbSaver TS001 Magnetic Nail Setter Bonus Pack Includes The Standard and Mini Size.

1. This is one of those tools that you wish you had invented yourself. I've hung several items and it made hanging things easer. It kept my hand out of danger and I like it. This is worth every cent I spent.



2. These two"holders" protect your fingers from being damaged while trying to hold small nails, brads, staples, screws and the like. You can also use these tools to "reach" spots that your fingers cannot, so starting the above items in tight areas is a much easier procedure... I made a prototype of this tool a few years ago but never got it made; I'm glad these folks did, so I could buy theirs... One improvement would be for the smaller tool to fit inside the larger tool saving some storage space.



3. Great for holding nails in those hard to get places. Equally as great for using small nails that are hard to get a hold on. Great idea and great product.

5 comments about Calculated Industries 8025 Ultra Measure Master Measurement Conversion Calculator, Silver.

1. Yes, 5 Stars. I had an older version of the Construction Master calculator by C.I. which stopped working (not it's fault). I tried buying a similar calculator by another company and after using it for 2 weeks I through it in the garbage and bought the Ultra Measure Master !! I won't use anything else. There is no equal.



2. Great product, used CI products for years now and will always go back to CI for more products. Excellant layout and ease of use. Recommend this and all CI products.



3. It drove me crazy whenever I had to convert centimeters to inches, or grams to ounces, etc. This calculator does it all in an instant. Be cautioned that learning to use it will require studying the manual, which is conveniently located in a pouch attached to the calculator. But don't let that deter you. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, this gadget is for you.



4. This calculator does EXACTELY what I expected and does every calculation I've been looking for..!!
   Great product - recommended !



5. I HIGHLY recommend this calculator for metric conversions. This is a huge help for science class.

5 comments about FastCap Accuscribe Scribing Tool.

1. I have been pleased with the workmanship and functionality of my "scribe" which I've used mainly as a compass. I like the fact that the device locks in whatever position I want. There are a number of features that I haven't explored. There is a built-in sharpener, and I figure if I need to do a really large circle I can just put in a long pencil instead of the stub that it comes with.
   
   I keep it handy in my shop. A good value.



2. Great idea and well built. I first saw it in a wooden boat magazine and thought it looked good. As a wood worker, drawing circles is a common problem. I've used it a couple times and have these observations:
   1. It holds it's position and measurement quite well.
   2. It is constructed of good materials.
   3. The pin pulls back for safe stage, but doesn't stay in the extended position without the help of a little electrical tape.
   4. I think it would be nice if the pin side would also swivel to allow larger circles.
   Would I recommend it? Yes, but the builder could improve their design a bit.



3. The joint makes it easy to work with. The only thing I would like to see changed is the pencil holder. I would like to be able to use a mechanical pencil or pen. The pencil provided (standard #2 pencil) is the only style that will fit. I'd buy it again.



4. This Product has been improved and the nuts will now hold it in place. If you have one that does not work contact FastCap [...] and they will replace it or take care of you in a way that will satisfy you. Their customer service is unbelievable! If there is a way they can improve it let them know, they'll listen!



5. Good for scribing trim to walls. Flat bottom for accrate scribes. Must have for stain-grade trim.