Recent content by brianmc02

So I’ve heard two stories about this term. (This refers to a telephone lineman’s tool that is a handset with a dial pad, a couple of diagnostic LEDs, and clip leads on it.) One is that a tech could “**** in” to a call in progress to check the quality of the connection. The second is a bit more...

OK, I think this part is the key. Couldn't stop trying to visualize how the claws being at a right angle to the pivot and gear could possibly work as a can opener. I'm going to confuse my wife and put it in the utensil drawer in the kitchen. As I started to say before, the items in the...

Over the last year or so, I have inherited some tools from two family members. One was a machinist and tool/die maker. The other is a guy who did everything from upholstering furniture to making musical instruments. The items in the collection are And this is one of the tools. The business...

I'm selling my Wera ratchet set. It's an amazing little set of Metric 1/4" sockets and hex bits, with the Zyklop ratchet and various extensions. As it happens, I have most of these individual pieces in my socket drawers, and find I almost never reach for this set. So I'd like to move it...

Not to point out the obvious, but putting a Snap-on handle onto a Pittsburgh breaker bar will not magically make the thing into a Snap-on breaker bar. There's more to Snap-on than just the handle! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I have the Astro too, and love it. First time I've had a combo air chuck + gauge, and it's very convenient. A thought or two on the accuracy discussion. I think the most important thing is to have the proper left/right and front/rear balance correct. It doesn't really matter if it's 31 vs 32...

Binder fan here. I find physical manuals easier to reference for diagrams and part numbers. Also "edit" multi-lingual manuals to make them a bit thinner. Saves shelf space! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I would suggest making use of the long walls in a couple of ways. Mount 6 - 8" wide shelves about a foot down from the ceiling along both walls. Good place to store paint, motor oil, stuff like that. Making the shelf narrow keeps you from losing things in the back row - you can see everything...

I'm with you on the need for properly-sized screwdrivers to fit the fastener. Makes all the difference in the world. You can make a 1/2" wrench work on a 13 mm hex, but it's a hack. Klein screwdrivers fit US electrical terminals better than Hazets, and Wiha drivers work better on BMW hose...

I have an old set of Bondhus ball-end keys that are great. But ever since I got 1/4" and 3/8" drive Allen sockets, I use them instead. Can't beat the speed of a ratchet. I also find I'm less likely to strip out the bolt head, since it's easier to keep the bit lined up straight. Sent from...

I had some basic 1/4 drive sockets - a mix of Cman and Snap-on, with an old Cman ratchet, and decided to look into upgrading a bit. Went down a rabbit hole researching ratchets, and wound up buying a complete Wera set. With the mix of sockets, hex bits and extensions, it is my new go-to for...

Another vote for the Bosch FL12. Very bright and even light pattern. I have two and expect to get more. Brian McCarthy

I agree with the Circ Saw first, then a Sawzall for the landscape timbers, but a table saw is also an excellent investment, if you have the room. I want to share a story from my life. Was getting married (almost 22 years ago now), and I went to Sears and bought a $500 table saw to work on...

I'm a big fan of earmuffs when using power tools. Also, when my kids were little, I'd wear them around the house. Helped keep my sanity when they were being whining little sacks. Brian McCarthy

Disconnect the opener from the door by pulling the release, and make sure the door moves freely by itself up and down. If the door is heavy to lift, the springs may be shot. Very easy to replace - just match the color code with new ones from HD. Also check the alignment of the tracks. Once the...