Handy Tool Guide

Greenlee has launched a new line of hand tools which includes the new side- and diagonal-cutting, long nose and two types of pump pliers. 'Featuring diamond-serrated jaws and induction-hardened blades, side-cutting pliers come in 8 or 9 in. lengths and have handle ridge for choke-up capability. Angled diagonal-cutting pliers allow end-user to place head of pliers flush against surface while gripping handles securely. Offered with 6, 7, or 8 in. flared handles, long nose pliers feature wide-grip design for optimal load bearing. Molded grip pump pliers (10 and 12 in.) incorporate ergonomic grip and right-angled teeth.'

Read: Professional Pliers are offered in multiple styles.

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Laptop magazine have published a review of the Magellan Maestro 4040 GPS navigator. 'The 4040 is a huge improvement over previous Magellan navigators. You'll find only a power button on the 4040, which is a fantastic change from the button-cluttered RoadMate models. We would have preferred an external volume dial and the ability to adjust the unit with only one hand, but we'll take the improvement. The Maestro line includes AAA travel information and seems as though it was created for vacationers: One of the six buttons on the main menu is for AAA roadside assistance (available for members only). And the POI database can guide AAA members to shops and campgrounds where they can score discounts.'

Read: Magellan Maestro 4040 - Laptop Mag

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Klein Tools has added six new lightweight lockback pocket knives to its product offerings. 'Lockback pocket knives include anodized aluminum handles, textured thumb stud, and multiple style blades manufactured from AUS 8 SS and hardened to Rc 58-59. Models 4400-BLK and 40001-BLK have 2¼-2½ in. black chrome drop point blades, respectively, with black handles and reversible thumb studs. Sheepfoot blade has length of 2 5/8 in., and coping blade, drop point, and screwdriver models are 2½ in. Most include removable pocket/belt clip.'

Read: Klein Tools Expands Line of Lightweight Lockback Pocket Knives - Thomas Net

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A review of the Coolermaster Gemini-ll CPU cooler has been posted over at Personal Computer World. ‘Coolermaster 's latest model is so big it’s marketed not only as a CPU cooler but a combined CPU and motherboard cooler.To give an idea of just how big the Gemini-II is it supports two 120mm fans (not included), towering above whichever CPU you attach it to (it supports AMD sockets 754 939, AM2 and Intel’s LGA775). The resulting airflow also manages to cool the motherboard memory slots and graphic card slots as well. You can use the Gemini-II passively, but we'd recommend going down the fan route.’

Read: Review: Coolermaster Gemini-ll CPU cooler – Personal Computer World

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Tablet PC Review have published a review of a WaterField Designs laptop SleeveCase which can function as a stylish stand-alone laptop case or can be inserted into another bag 'The SleeveCase is mainly composed of three materials. The inside is made of shock-absorbing neoprene, covered by tough ballistic nylon. The bottom has a lead indium trim, which has a checkered pattern to it, giving the sleeve a touch of style. The outer materials seem highly water resistant. After I ran it under my sink at full blast for approximately half a minute, I could not detect any moisture in the interior. The basic sleeve comes with a Velcro strap that keeps the sleeve securely closed. However, I feel as if having the strap could pose a bit of a problem. Because the strap concentrates pressure where it is located, it could cause a bit of extra wear on the notebook on that specific point. However, this is just speculation.'

Read: WaterField Designs Laptop Sleeve Case Review

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Kipor North America has introduced the KDE500TA portable diesel generator whose digital control panel lets the operator view generator performance, load characteristics, voltage, power, frequency, total run time, and battery charge voltage. ‘A convenient electric starter gets the generator up and running quickly. And despite its high output, the KDE5000TA keeps running for 8.5 hours on a single tank of fuel. A bonus with this Professional Series unit is its free accessories kit that includes a wrench set, screwdriver, oil jug, keys, battery, battery terminals, and terminal boots.’

Read: Portable Diesel Generator features low-noise design.

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CNET have published a review of the Philips VOIP8411B Skype phone which allows internet and landline calls on one cordless handset without the need to be connected to your PC. ‘The VOIP8411B "kit" comes in three pieces. The largest item--a black box the size of an average cable or DSL modem--is the hub, and must be connected via its included Ethernet cable to a broadband modem, router or switch/hub (we tested it with a Netgear powerline Ethernet adapter, for example). If you want to tap into your existing phone system, you'll need to have the hub close to a phone jack (there's a standard RJ-11 phone jack alongside the Ethernet port on the back of the hub). The box is powered by your typical oversized AC adapter, which can be a pain to deal with if your power strip is already full.’

Read: Philips VOIP8411B - cordless phone / VoIP phone

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Ingersoll Rand has introduced the new W360-2 extended-anvil cordless impact wrench which features a two-inch extended anvil . 'Suited for automotive and industrial applications, W360-2 provides operator access to hard-to-reach areas. This ½ in. Impactool(TM) weighs under 6.4 lb and delivers 360 lb-ft of reverse torque. Onboard battery electronics provide operators with ability to choose lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium batteries, and IQV charger is compatible with all IQV batteries. For optimal control during fastening and loosening, tool incorporates variable speed trigger and electrical brake.'

Read: Cordless Impact Wrench has 2 in. extended-anvil

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A review of the WORX All Natural Hand Cleaner and Zogics CitraWipe Degreaser and Hand Cleaner has been posted over at WebBikeWorld. 'I'm sure there are lots more waterless hand cleaners out there and I'm hoping that our visitors will respond by sending us their tips and tricks for keeping clean whilst on the road. In the meantime, let's take a look at two interesting products, Zogics CitraWipes and WORX All Natural Hand Cleaner. WORX isn't actually a waterless hand cleaner, although I didn't discover that detail until I finally read the instructions on the back of the package the first time I used it. But I'm including it here because it works -- if you'll pardon the pun -- very well indeed.'

Read: Review: Waterless Hand Cleaners - WebBikeWorld

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CNET have reviewed the Belkin CushTop laptop desk which provides padded comfort when using your laptop on your couch, bed or floor. ‘Available in silver, green, and orange, the CushTop looks like a slightly malformed angular pillow, with a large hole going clear through from one side to the other. The opening in the middle can be used to store an AC adapter brick, a mouse, or any other small accessory you want to keep out of the way. Measuring 14.5 inches wide by 12 inches deep, the CushTop gently slopes from 4 inches high in the rear to 3 inches high at the front, providing a comfortable ergonomic angle for typing. It's not nearly as soft as it looks, although the fabric covering (described by Belkin as "furniture-like upholstery") looks and feels nice.’

Read: Belkin CushTop - CNET

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Personal Computer World have published a review of the Aten CS1774 KWM switch which is a multi-computer KVM switch with built-in 3-in-1 (KVM Switch, USB 2.0 and Ethernet) function. 'The CS1774 reduces desk clutter by using a single mouse, keyboard and monitor for up to four computers. It offers plenty more than basic KWM switches, with mic and headphone connections and a built-in network hub. The CS1774 switch is more compact than we expected. Most of the sockets are located on the back but there are a couple of USB ports on the front, designed for use with peripherals.'

Features:
• USB 2.0 KVME Switch with Ethernet Hub/USB Hub
• Three/Five auto-sensing dual speed ports (Ethernet/Fast Ethernet) plugand-and-play enabled; hub complies with IEEE802.3/IEEE802.3u Standard
• 2 port USB 2.0 Hub built in
• Multiplatform support: compatible with all operation platforms PC(Windows,Linux and most others), Mac and Sun
• With speaker and microphone support
• Bi-directional switching and flexible interoperability;switch permits independent PC, independent peripheral, and independent audio function, regardless of KVM switch focus
• Buzzer On/Off via hotkey
• Keyboard and mouse emulation for error free booting
• Computer selection via front panel pushbuttons and hotkeys
• superior video quality - up to 2048 x 1536; DDC2B
• OS Compatibility:WIN98、WIN ME、WIN 2K、WIN 2003、WIN XP、LINUX、Mac OS 8.6/9/10 and SUN Solaris 8/9.
• SUN/Mac keyboard support and emulation* *1.PC keyboard combinations emulate SUN/Mac keyboards. *2.SUN/Mac keyboards only work with their own computers.

Read: Aten CS1774 KWM switch - Personal Computer World

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Midwest Tool And Cutlery Company has expanded its offering of replaceable blade snips to include new patent pending MagSnips models which feature easily replaceable blades and a light-in-weight cast magnesium frame weighing just 14.4-oz. 'MagSnips® cut a variety of materials including vinyl and aluminum siding, metal roofing materials, shingles, metal flashing, vinyl flooring and screening. MagSnips® excel at cutting materials containing abrasives that dull blades quickly due to the replaceable blade feature. The versatility, ease of use, safety features and economical, easily replaceable blade feature of the new offset model MagSnips® will appeal to both tradesmen and do-it-yourselfers.'

Read: Replaceable Blade Snips feature offset design.

Posted by HTG Admin at 3:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Pocket Lint have reviewed the ReCharge4 portable power supply which recharges your iPod, mobile phone, digital camera or gaming device up to 4 times from a single charge. ‘If only there was an equally small device that could plug into any of your gadgets and recharge their batteries on the move, that could power them up as you go, and that could do so a number of times on the one charge of its own. Which is where the ReCharge4 comes in. The "4" refers to the number of times it will recharge your iPod or mobile phone or digital camera or games console. Well, in theory anyway, the actual number of total charges you will enjoy depends on the exact device being recharged. However, we managed to fully recharge a Motorola Razr mobile phone and an iPod video 80GB the promised four times, twice each to be precise. The Panasonic Lumix FZ30 digital camera managed three charges, the same as our PSP. To say we were blown away by this performance is an understatement, our appreciation was almost sexual to be frank.’

Read: ReCharge4 Portable Power Supply Review

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W2 Architectural has indicated the company will introduce VAMP Spotlights, a new series of track heads developed specifically for the architectural market, at the 2007 Lightfair International. 'Crafted of die-cast aluminum, VAMP Track Heads combine smooth cylindrical form with black silicone accents. Closed back eliminates light leaks, while threaded captive accessory holders accommodate up to 2 filter mediums including hexagon louvers, cross-blade louvers, color lenses, or dichroic lenses. Designed with aiming indicators, each track head is lockable and adjustable in field without tools, with 350° horizontal rotation and 90° vertical rotation.'

Read: Track Light Heads target architectural market.

Posted by HTG Admin at 3:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

CNET have published a review of the Kata Ergo-Tech Sensitivity V Backpack which features a large rear safe guard laptop compartment that can accomodate a 15" laptop. '"It's like a James Bond backpack!" That was the reaction of the security folks searching my Kata Ergo-Tech Sensitivity V Backpack at the entrance to the American Museum of Natural History. More-restrained strangers simply offer "Cool backpack." But I don't carry this camera backpack because it draws attention; I carry it because it's a durable, waterproof bag that manages to be both compact and roomy simultaneously. Coolness is just a gadget-girl bonus. On the outside, the backpack consists of a black, neoprene-like material; the bright-yellow inside material has a flannel-like nylon texture, which serves as the loops for hook-and-loop-based attachments. Though some might consider the yellow innards a bit too bright or flashy, it also renders every object in the bag immediately visible, even the smallest microSD card.'

Read: Kata Ergo-Tech Sensitivity V Backpack - CNET

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Alan J. Heavens writing over at Courant.com offers some useful tips on choosing the appropriate nailer for your tasks. 'Given a choice between hitting 100 nails with a hammer and using a power nailer, the nail gun gets my vote every time. There are many on the market, though. So let's sift through the choices to figure out what's right for do-it-yourselfers. Need to know: the kind of projects you have in mind. If you're planning to build a garage or finish the basement, you'll be better off with a framing nailer. If you're installing hardwood floors or door and window frames, go for a finish nailer. Brad nailers are for light work; roofing nailers are for shingling.

Read: Buy Nail Gun That's A Good Fit For Projects You'll Be Doing

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PC Magazine have published a review of the affordable Garmin nüvi 250 GPS device. 'What do you give up by buying a nüvi 250 instead of the nüvi 350? I did a side-by-side comparison of the 250 and a nüvi 360. (The 360 is basically a 350 with Bluetooth phone interface and an FM modulator.) Here's what I found. Physically, the two devices are very similar. Both the 250 and the 360 feature a 3.5-inch, 320-by-240 QVGA antiglare screen. I'm happy to report that Garmin didn't cut corners by putting in a cheaper, more reflective screen. The primary difference here is that the 250 has a built-in GPS antenna and the 360 uses a fold-out "patch" antenna. A mini-USB connector supplies power for both units. I prefer the mounting bracket on the 360, however, because you can attach the power cable to it. With the 250, you have to disconnect the power from the unit each time you remove it from the mounting bracket.'

Read: Garmin nüvi 250 - PC Mag

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The new Spitfire Series Supported PVC Gloves from North Safety Products are designed for tasks which require the user to be seen and/or transmit hand signals. 'Spitfire(TM) Series Supported PVC Gloves feature eye-catching design that is suited for jobs where hands must be seen to be safe. In addition to interior jersey liner that promotes wearer comfort, gloves have flexible, liquid-resistant, rough PVC finish that lends to extended work life and promotes grip on wet or dry objects. Example applications include traffic signaling, construction sites, commercial fishing, and other demanding work environments.'

Read: Work Gloves have high-visibility design for wearer safety

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A “Hands-on” review of the Hobart’s AirForce 250A Plasma Cutter has been posted on Toolmonger. ‘The AirForce 250A ships in a very well-designed box weighing (according to UPS) 56 lbs. Be careful when you pick it up — it’s heavy for its diminuative size. Ours shipped with the ICE-12C torch pre-installed. In fact, everything came pre-assembled, which makes getting started with the 250A really simple. The 250A is Hobart’s entry-level plasma cutter, offering a 35% duty cycle at 12A. It’s particularly well suited to the small shop as it’s entirely self-contained — it has a built-in piston-driven air compressor — and runs effectively off of a 20A 110V circuit. (Most new builders love to add “freezer plugs” in the garage, which is a boon to home shop enthusiats as they’re often perfect for this application.)’

Read: Hands-On: Hobart’s AirForce 250A Plasma Cutter

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The folks over at Toolmonger tested the Husky 26-Gallon Vertical Air Compressor over the period of a couple months and have posted their assessment in a review of the compress or's operation. 'It’s a “vertical” style compressor, which means that the tank stands up instead of lying down. It takes up surprisingly little floor space — about the same as a small pancake compressor – covering a 21” x 21” patch of concrete and standing 45-1/2” tall. It also features wheels on the bottom so you can roll it around the shop or out to a wounded vehicle in need of some air. Perched atop the 26-gallon tank you’ll find a 110V-powered, 1.5 HP electric compressor motor which turns on and off with a smart-looking red switch. Two gauges on top monitor air pressure inside the tank (right) and the pressure going to the tool attachments (left). A knob allows you to adjust the output pressure according to the need of the tool you’re using at the moment.'

Read: Husky’s 26-Gallon Vertical Air Compressor w/6 Tools

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The new lightweight Bioclimatic Convair evaporative air-conditioning units from Scott Brothers Ltd operate with windows and doors open and are available in white and titanium. 'During hot weather, most people prefer to leave the windows and doors of their living rooms, bedrooms, conservatories, offices and shops open. Traditional refrigerative units do not suit this requirement as they only work efficiently with windows and doors closed. Convair is designed to work with windows and doors open and is totally environmentally friendly using no refrigerant chemicals, thus causing no end-of-life disposal problems. Another major benefit of Convair Bioclimatic air-conditioners is that they use less energy than a 100W light bulb. This is particularly important when considering that most consumers expect increases of their energy expenses as high as 80% per year over the next few years. Furthermore, Convair appliances overcome all shortcomings of cheap Far-Eastern evaporative coolers, which are both ineffective and badly designed.'

Read: Evaporative Air Conditioners are environmentally friendly

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