Ironclad HUG-04-LHeavy Utility Gloves, Large
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $32.90 -- our price: $24.69
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Ironclad has given hands a new lease with their high-tech approach to glove design. Ironclad gloves are made to protect workers' hands better than other work gloves, without feeling clumsy the way so many work gloves can. The first thing we noticed about these gloves is that they're tailored to fit the natural curve hands have in a resting position, rather than being cut straight, so when the hand isn't working, it can actually relax without the glove pulling the fingers in an uncomfortable direction. The palm of this general-utility glove is made of Amara, a synthetic material that mimics the resilience, grip, and comfort of suede while remaining machine-washable and resistant to water damage. High-wear areas are reinforced with tough DuraClad fabric, making these the toughest-grip gloves we've ever worn. The fingertips are also reinforced, yet we had no problem with dexterous tasks like picking up coins. We also like the cut of the cuff on these gloves. It comes in tight to the wrist to prevent dirt or other materials from pouring in. Why so many other gloves have gaping cuff designs is a mystery. While the gloves themselves won't be damaged by water, they won't keep your hands dry for long if you're working in really wet conditions. But that can be said of most work gloves, and everything considered, Ironclad gloves are some of the toughest, most comfortable, and easiest-to-work-in gloves we've tried. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Size Large
• For abrasive applications
• DuraClad reinforced palm and fingertips
• Machine washable/ air dry

Reviews (35)

Don't Lose Your "FEEL"
These gloves fit tight to the skin while increasing your grip and providing some protection.The key here is to wear the right glove for the job.If I am handling something sharp, I'll wear something heavier than these.Perhaps the only flaw is in the labeling that these are Heavy Utility.

I've been using these as a general work glove for a year now and love the fact that I still have some "feel" with these.I plan on picking up the framer style for situations that require more finger dexterity.

Can't go without them!!!
My gloves (Ironclad IC-0300GRBYU-S) that I have had and used regularly since 2000, have grown legs and walked off!!!I can't believe it.After almost 5 years of use, they leave me!!!

So I am buying another pair just like them.I have used the gloves a lot and they stand up to to anything.Highly recommended.

Fits like a glove!
I was the first to try these gloves out now everyone in our crew uses them and now so does the loading dock/mail room. We don't do any really heavey construction so for us they work out well. Even the terry cloth on the top side of the thumb comes in handy to wipe the sweat from the brow. My first 2 pairs fit fine and were great. My 3rd pair had some glue on the inside holding down the thread which rubbed against my palm and was quite bothersome but it wore and before long I didn't even notice it. I have used these for minor construction to working on equipment with small screws. Even if your hands get soaking wet the gloves still fit well where a full leather glove has a tendacy to stretch and want to fall off. I am ordering 10 more pairs right now! ... Read more

Asin: B00004XOHB
Subjects:  1. Safety Equipment    2. Gloves    3. Work Wear    4. Clothing   

Just as the infomercials state, the Rotozip is an ideal all-around tool for wood and Plexiglas crafts and simple home improvement projects. We especially like that the Rebel includes a safety-conscious bump on/off switch that allows the tool to be shut down with just a tap. We also applaud Rotozip for creating a tool that's comfortable and easy to use for both men and women, big hands and small. All of the Rotozip saws have comfortable, ergonomic grips and are powered and balanced so the user never feels as though the tool is likely to torque out of his or her hands. The combo kit includes the Zip Mate, a useful little 4-inch grinder that attaches to the spiral saw motor and cuts metal and masonry, as well as acting as a grinding and polishing wheel (albeit a small one). Bottom line? The Rebel is a great do-it-yourself tool that's easy to use. This combo kit comes with everything you need for crafts and weekend projects. --Mark McDonald ... Read more

Features

• 4.5 amp, two-speed motor
• Air diverter switch
• Quick release handle
• Spiral saw power tool and Zip Mate attachment
• Three-postion bump-off switch

Asin: B00004WHV5
Subjects:  1. Rotary Tools   

Porter-Cable CFFN250A 2-1/2" Finish Nailer/Compressor Combo Pack
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $590.00
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Editorial Review

Though Porter-Cable's compressor/nailer combo includes everything you need to get started--finish nailer, compressor, 25-foot/300 psi air hose (with ferrules on both ends), fittings, Teflon joint tape, finish nails, oil, wrenches, safety glasses, and manual--it's by no means a starter kit. These are excellent, top-quality tools: first-time buyers can't go wrong, and longtime professionals will like the value. The 16-gauge finish nailer packs plenty of power (oak trim? no problem--better yet, no predrilling, hammering, and setting) and shoots a wide range of nails from 3/4 to 2-1/2 inches that handle everything from crown molding installation to building fine furniture. The nailer also has all the performance features we like: easy top loading, an onboard depth adjustment that lets you adjust the countersink without fiddling with the compressor, an easy-release side hatch on the nosepiece for clearing jams, and an adjustable exhaust port that lets you direct the backfire where you want it.

The 2-horsepower compressor, with its 6-gallon tank, has plenty of reserve capacity so it doesn't cycle as often as other compressors. Plus, its oil-free design means less maintenance. The lightweight compressor, though a little noisy (but only a little), is easily transported (there's a nice hand slot on top). With a maximum draw of only 10 amps, this compressor is also much less likely to trip a breaker than other, higher-amp compressors, which saves you from having to tramp back and forth to the breaker box. What else? There's also a carrying case for the nailer: no-nonsense and plastic, but certainly protective. Hands down, though, the real kicker here is the savings--compared to what you'd spend buying everything in this package item by item, it's pretty hard to resist. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• One-Year Warranty/30-Day Performance Certification
• Quick release nosepiece for easy clearing of jams
• Depth-of-drive adjustment to match nail depth to the application
• Rugged, top load magazine for easy reloading
• Oil-free compressor can operate on slopes without risk of leaks

Reviews (20)

Excellent performance
I have owned this pack for a few years. The compressor and nailer have worked without problems. When considering this combo, be sure that this is the right nailer for the task you have in mind. This combo pack is great for a beginner pack. I have added several other nailers to my collection.

Best Tool I Own Hands Down!
This combo pack is ideal!I had never owned a Porter Cable product until my father gave this to me as a Christmas gift.My initial attempt at installing crown molding was daunting.Well, after the first piece I was a pro.I have never experienced a tool that has allowed me to raise my DIY skills to such a high level.I feel like a professional.I am now removing the original crown molding that was poorly installed when I bought my house.I plan on replacing all of the crown molding utilizing my Porter Cable Finish Nailer and Pancake Compressor combo and my DeWalt 12" Combo miter Saw.Two indispensible tools for anyone.Spend the money and finally enjoy projects rather than dreading them.This unit will save you an incredible amount of time.You may want to keep a nail set and a hammer around though as I have had occasional nail heads stick up.However, this only happens about 1 in 50 nails that I've driven.

Works Good
I remodeled my basement a while back and this is the compressor I used to do the framing. It kept up ok with the framing nailer that I borrowed. I also used the finish nailer to put up my trim boards. The compressor wasn't able to keep up with my die grinder though. I used the die grinder to prepare my gutters on my house for painting, and I would have to stop quite often to let the compressor catch up. For little jobs like what I used mine for, however, this compressor will work just fine. ... Read more

Asin: B00004U5ZG
Subjects:  1. Porter-Cable    2. (Portercable)    3. Air Tools    4. Combo Packs    5. Nailers    6. Finish Nailers    7. (Nail Guns)    8. (Nailguns)   

Drill Doctor DD500PK 3/32" - 1/2" Precision Drill Bit Sharpener with Free Carrying Case and How-to Video
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $138.59 -- our price: $99.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Instead of throwing away old, dull bits, give them a checkup with the Drill Doctor and extend their life. Although drill-bit sharpening systems often fail to live up to our expectations, we're here to bear witness for the truth of the Drill Doctor's claims: it really does sharpen old bits in just a couple of minutes. The 500SP (also known as the Tradesman) works on conventional, split-point, and masonry bits. It can sharpen bits from 3/32 to 1/2 inches in size, and though the machine will also work for 3/4-inch bits, we'd recommend buying the Professional model for doctoring these big boys, as it comes with a special chuck the 500SP lacks. Both models--the 500SP and the Professional 750SP--allow you to choose between a 118- and 135-degree sharpening angle. Operation is fairly simple, but to make sure no one has trouble figuring it out, the Drill Doctor comes with a how-to video. Anyone who frequently wears down drill bits is going to appreciate the savings this handy machine can offer. Using sharp bits instead of dull ones also increases the life of your drill, because sharper bits require less work to make the same hole. We only wish we'd found the Drill Doctor sooner. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Carrying Case, How-to Video
• Easily sharpens to 118- or 135-degree points
• Sharpens masonry points
• Maintenance-free
• Precalibrated drill bit length setting

Reviews (17)

Amazing
Much to my surprize this tool is wonderful and does an excellent job. I resurrected dozens of old bits and in about 2 hours had more than my money back. A product that lives up to the hype, yes it's that good. Wish I had it years ago.

Excellent tool
Within 20 minutes of receiving the Drill Doctor I had set it up and sharpened 10 drill bits.Easy to use and does a great job.

Drill Doctor 500 is great
I purchased the Drill Doctor 500 brand new from Amazon.com because they had the best price. At first, I sharpened about 50 135 degree cobalt bits, which were dull. I tried each of them in a piece of wood (for testing purposes) and they drilled like butter.However, I got to a job site and used some of them in metal and they did not drill well at all.I then realized I had not sharpened them well enough. I find it works better when you use 6 to 8 more than the recommeneded rotations when shapening the bits.This thing is great. I sharpened two 1/2 inch carbide tip bits and they drilled cement block like they were brand new bits.It takes a little practice and I now keep a piece of thin gauge metal or aluminun next to my work bench to test each bit after sharpening. It does one well to read and follow the directions.I am just sorry that I have thrown away so many expensive cobalt bits over the years.Also, I had a problem when I went to reverse the diamond wheel.The wrench that was supplied with my drill doctor would not fit and it broke the plastic piece underneath the wheel.I called drill doctor and they sent a UPS pick up order at no charge and they they also sent me a brand new drill doctor.I expected for them to blame me and give me a hard time.Boy was I surprised at the outstanding customer service at this company. I love this thing and its one of my favorite tools. ... Read more

Asin: B00002240E
Subjects:  1. Bit Sharpeners   

Delta 23-710 Sharpening Center
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $200.82 -- our price: $159.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Using a dull-edged tool takes more effort, gives inferior results, and is dangerous. This Delta sharpening center uses a wet/dry system to hone both hardened and nonhardened tools and helps keep you on the cutting edge. Powered by a 120-volt, 1/5-horsepower induction motor, it rests on a solid cast-iron base that bolts easily to any bench or tabletop in the shop. The wet side spins a 1,000-grit, 8-inch wheel at 400 rpm to sharpen hardened tools without damaging their temper. Water pressure is easily regulated to help achieve a constant stream suited to any sharpening application. For honing edges and pointing screwdrivers, the dry side turns the 5-inch aluminum-oxide wheel up to 3,600 rpm. We especially appreciate the ease with which the tool rest and holder adjust to work on either wheel, whether tightly clamped around blades for a perfectly horizontal surface or removed to allow rotation. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Cast iron body for stability
• Adjustable tool rests hold the workpiece at the proper angle for sharpening
• Wet grinding wheel sharpens hardened cutting tools without damaging temper
• Dry wheel for pointing screwdrivers and honing knives and workshop tools

Reviews (28)

great engineering, poor construction
If BMW hired the three stooges to build their new 7 series sedan, it might end up alot like the Delta 23-710.Great engineering, poor construction.It is an amazing product for the price.I got mine, with the optional planer knife jig, for less than $200 from Amazon.com.When all was said and done, I was able to perfectly grind and hone my 6" jointer knives in very little time.However, alot was said and done to get to that point.

As it comes in the box, the Sharpening Center was non-functional.The grooves in all the tool jig rods were
misaligned with the set screws, making it imposssible to line up a blade with the grinding wheels.The jig rods must be set up so their grooves DO NOT align with the set screws so that the jig will align properly with the grinder.Also, my planer knife jig would not hold planer knives.I had to re-drill the locating holes on the clamp plate to get it to work correctly.While functional, the jig now looks like a Rube Goldberg contraption.

After reading other reviews, I think most people will find they have alot of work ( and thinking on their feet ) to do before they can get this thing to sharpen a blade.So how can I give it three stars?First of all, it is a whole lot cheaper than your only two real alternatives for sharpening planer/jointer knives - the Makita 9820-2, or the Tormek.Secondly, it really is well engineered, and once you get it's problems fixed, it does a very nice job.

So, if you're the kind of person who sees "challenges" and "learning oppertunities" not "problems" and "cheap labor issues", then this is the sharpener for you.If not, send your blades out for sharpening, because I'm sure the Tormek and Makita have their issues also.

Inadequate
I purchased this item primarily to sharpen wood turning chisels.Impossible to use with small chisels for turning projects on a mini lathe, because the shafts are not long enough to be held by the provided tool holder.General quality is poor, and insufficiently flexible use for a variety of sharpening requirements.

You get what you pay for
Can this sharpener do what the Tormek can? No way! However this sharpener is a lot less expensive. I've used it successfully to sharpen wood chisels and plane irons. It does a good job in a lot less time than doing it all by hand. The white wheel is good for rough work (grinding a new edge on an old screw driver) and the tool holders work fine. Yes the wet wheel might splash a bit and the tool holders are not adequate for sharpening complex curves. But if you are looking for an inexpensive way to sharpen flat edge tools, this one does work. I have no complaints. ... Read more

Asin: B00002240G
Subjects:  1. Grinders    2. Bench Grinders