Here's a review of some of our favorite new products – gadgets, gizmos and hi-tech items that can make your project easier or your lifestyle more comfortable.
The Final Cut saw blade is a unique idea — a rugged blade for table saws and chop saws that features a sanding disc on the inner face of the blade. So, you get nearly invisible miter joints because the sanding feature eliminates kerf marks, kickbacks and binding. The 10-inch blade — $64 at the product's Web site — is superb and getting great reviews.
How's a retrofit central vacuum fit into your housekeeping plans? At the right price with all kinds of neat features, the Vroom Solo ($299) is the perfect addition to your busy household. Whether installed in the garage, kitchen, hallway or laundry room, the Vroom mounts easily into most common cabinetry. It has a long retractable hose, the most popular extensions and attachments, and makes cleaning all types of solid debris a snap. The Solo is a standalone unit; the Central is for use with existing central systems.
Put away those old-fashioned sanding blocks and sponges. Zip Sander by Ali Industries Inc. is lightweight and ergonomically designed, so more sandpaper covers the face of the wood (or other material) you're sanding. It's comforting, too, in that the Zip Sander's handle allows users a good grip. The Zip Sander is $10.99 at hardware stores and home centers. For accessories, see the Web site.
Here's beauty, warmth and energy savings rolled into one neat package. The Quadra-Fire pellet-burning EDGE™ 60 fireplace is specifically designed to help heat the home. It delivers 60,000 BTUs, providing warmth to more than 2,500 square feet of living space. Homeowners can choose fuel options ranging from wood and grass pellets, to corn and wheat. Lots of features.
How often do you open a full tube of caulk for a small job, then have to toss it because the caulk has hardened? GE Caulk Singles solves that problem with 1.25-ounce packets that can be applied with one hand – no tools. A cardboard backing incorporated into the packaging provides the pressure of an applicator, and each packet usually is enough for those small projects. Eliminates waste. They're under $2 at Lowe's, ACE and True Value.
Duo-Fast Construction has a more powerful, reliable and productive roundhead pneumatic framing nailer. The DF350S drives 16D nails flush every time. Contractors can cut down time and save money because of its extended tool life and part reliability.
Craftsman has a new, more affordable ergonomic line called evolv. The line was introduced in January, after consumers told Sears they wanted "big, comfortable grips," according to Jeff Kroggman, product manager for Craftsman hand tools. The line's 24-piece "Homeowner Set" is $39.99.
Craftsman's 12-volt lithium-ion Hammerhead Auto Hammer takes the work out of driving nails. No hoses or cords ... just press the trigger and hold firmly. Nails up to 3.5 inches long are driven into place. It's light (1.86 lbs.), delivers 3,600 impacts per minute, features a magnetic nail holder and LED illumination, plus it comes with battery, charger and carrying bag ($99.99). The Auto Hammer is a part of Craftsman's new compact line called NEXTEC.
Paslode's new cordless commercial framing nailer – the model CF325 – provides portable freedom at the job site without hoses or compressors. The result is a faster, cleaner job, saving contractors money and precious time over the long haul. The Paslode CF325 is powerful enough to drive 3 1/4-inch nails into the toughest lumber using new tip coated nails. This feature is available only with new fuel/nail combo packs. It's $399 at Home Depot.
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