Ace of Spades HQ

April 28, 2013

Weekend Home Improvement -- Tools! [Purp]
— Open Blogger

Having the right stuff is the difference between joy and misery.

Its easy to walk into Home Depot or Lowes and drop a bundle on the latest 18v(or higher) Li-ion drill from Milwaukee or Dewalt and not be disappointed, but those units are heavy. One mondo drill isn't always the best for all situations.

I have a few cordless drills, and I find myself grabbing an old 9.6v Dewalt as often as the new Milwaukee 18v Li-ion.

The Dewalt DW926 model 9.6v drill is the perfect tool for light/medium household use. Its got enough oomph to put quite a few 1/4" holes through wood, its got nice clutch, feels good in your hand, and is much more durable than cheap 9.6v drills, or anything from harbor freight. IOW - its not going to fall apart on you if you flog it hard.

I picked mine up used at a pawn shop maybe 7 years ago. I bought a couple of new batteries and its still going strong. Its outlived several crappy low end Black & Decker models, and some harbor freight junk. The grip is small enough that you don't need a hand with Michael Jordan's wingspan to hold it either. Some of the no-name Chinese junk is real bad in this regard.

The old DW926 has also shown enough market endurance that the aftermarket has even developed compatible 9.6v NiMH battery packs for it that won't bust your wallet. There's an old Makita 9.6v drill that's been around for about 20 year that people don't let go too.

When the batteries for something are still available 10 or 20 years after its introduction, you got a classic, not a fad.

Here's another handy thing to have -- a right angle driver. The Milwaukee one is pricy, but nice. Walmart has a Black and Decker angle driver for under $15. The first time you use it, it will have paid for itself in saved frustration, busted knuckles, and not bleeding all over shit.

OK, enough with the drilly, now a cutty recommendation:

This Milwaukee 18v Li-ion cordless sawzall KICKS ASS. I've used this thing to chop down 8" diameter trees. The batteries last a LONG time, and its got enough oomph to really power through some heavy stuff. If you put a long demolition or pruning blade on it, you can do some serious tree and brush trimming in the yard with it.

The only downside to that Milwaukee unit is its heavy and beefy which makes it a bit hard to "one hand" when you're on an extension ladder up in a tree reaching out. I have an old beat up 14v Black & Decker sawzall I use when weight is a factor.

For a cheap piece of junk, the B & D 14v sawzall is pretty damned good. I've been flogging mine for many years now, the plunger bearing is shot and wobbles, the black rubber grip trims fell off, but it keeps going.

If you can find one used for a few bucks, and want a light weight sawzall buy it. The 14v batteries for it are still available. Its endurance and power are nothing like the Milwaukee, but its the right tool where weight matters.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 07:22 AM | Comments (102)
Post contains 549 words, total size 3 kb.

1 How about some love for Dremels? Or digital calipers?

Posted by: Blue Falcon in Boston at April 28, 2013 07:51 AM (KCvsd)

2 I need to find some quality screw bits for my cordless drill. Any brand suggestions?

Posted by: Infidel at April 28, 2013 07:53 AM (gqEUi)

3 Set a black and decker drill on top of a 7 foot ladder, then it fell and broke in half. Bought another exact same drill and the exact same thing happened, in the same project. Down $160 so far I bought a Dewalt (for over $100 I think) and it hasn't broke in half yet. My 2 cents.

Posted by: Up with people! at April 28, 2013 07:55 AM (FmFB3)

4 Can we stop arguing about Ghandi now?

Posted by: Uncle Mikey at April 28, 2013 07:56 AM (8qoXL)

5 I've got two 9v Makita right-angle drivers that are my go-to tools for nearly everything. I've been using them for what, maybe 15 years every day, and they just don't give up.

Infidel, I like the tips sold by McFeely's (www.mcfeelys.com).

Posted by: Bivalve Curious at April 28, 2013 07:57 AM (sYUAj)

6 Purp, what's your recommendation for a miter saw for regular folks?

Posted by: EC at April 28, 2013 07:57 AM (doBIb)

7 Did someone say McFeely?

Posted by: Gandi at April 28, 2013 07:58 AM (FmFB3)

8 >> Some of the no-name Chinese junk is real bad in this regard.

DeFault's, too, are made in China like most of 'em

Don't be too quick to dismiss Harbor Freight. Yeah, an 18v cordless drill are meant to be disposable, but I bought a couple dozen of them for my assembly crews about 10 years ago and most of the still work.

I bought a floor stapler there for about $129.00 bucks when I put new hardwood floors in my house and it never failed me, even after lending it out multiple times.

My brother's Bostich $500.00 + failed after a couple of hours

Posted by: Albie Damned at April 28, 2013 07:59 AM (Yhu4q)

9 Anyone know where to get a Langstrom 7 inch Gangly Wrench? Home Depot was out.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at April 28, 2013 07:59 AM (yvU5U)

10 Ghandi would probably go with Mikita and not Bland and Decker..... because he was a crazy ass hindu who liked to drink piss.

Posted by: Truck Monkey at April 28, 2013 07:59 AM (jucos)

11 LOL at #10

Posted by: Uncle Mikey at April 28, 2013 08:00 AM (8qoXL)

12 So is this a test run for a substitute "gun thread" in the event of gun confiscation? If so, it would help to have some discussion of saw tooth caliber.

Posted by: The Poster Formerly Known as Mr. Barky at April 28, 2013 08:01 AM (D5Cmn)

13 I went to 12v Bosch--drill, driver, and impact driver. These are great quality tools and they're really comfortable to use. Milwaukee has introduced lots more 12v tools, though. I probably would have gone with Milwaukee if they'd been available when I needed to buy.

Posted by: Harrison Bergeron at April 28, 2013 08:01 AM (JQuNB)

14 ooops..I meant to say a $14.99 18v Harbor Freight is meant to be disposable

Posted by: Albie Damned at April 28, 2013 08:01 AM (Yhu4q)

15 Bivalve - nice site.

Posted by: Infidel at April 28, 2013 08:02 AM (gqEUi)

16 Re: miter saw:

I have a Makita for the last decade and it is still going strong. I put a diamond blade on it to cut tiles too. The water is hasn't bothered it at all although I did take the table apart to re-lube it.

Posted by: sTevo at April 28, 2013 08:02 AM (VMcEw)

17 >>I went to 12v Bosch--drill, driver, and impact driver.

There are some great bargains on the drill/impact driver packages. I love the Bosch

Posted by: Albie Damned at April 28, 2013 08:03 AM (Yhu4q)

18 >> Purp, what's your recommendation for a miter saw for regular folks?

The right blades are key. If you're doing steel, the Diablo is the way to go

Posted by: Albie Damned at April 28, 2013 08:04 AM (Yhu4q)

19 The only battery powered tool I had was a dewalt circular saw. It wasn't worth the bother. So I gave it to my brother who could use the extra battery and charger.

Posted by: sTevo at April 28, 2013 08:05 AM (VMcEw)

20 what's your recommendation for a miter saw for regular folks?

If you're gonna use it for precision work like crown molding/trim, the Dewalt is not bad. The real cheap ones got too much slop.

For cutting stuff like laminate flooring where precision isn't a big deal a cheap one is fine.

Posted by: @PurpAv at April 28, 2013 08:08 AM (/gHaE)

21 The one thing I always say is that the world revolves around tools. You could have every tool on the planet and it still wouldn't be enough and you would still find a tool you need for something.

Posted by: Berserker at April 28, 2013 08:09 AM (FMbng)

22 Hilti products anyone?

Posted by: Blue Falcon in Boston at April 28, 2013 08:11 AM (KCvsd)

23 I posted this on the book thread, because that's just the kind of idiot I am, but I want to repost it here, too, because I really do need advice on the tractor, and men with tools really do turn me on! This is all fine and well, and I'd like to throw in an endorsement for the good ol' sawzall myself, but what I really need is a thread to discuss subcompact utility tractors. Until that happy day, let me just say that men building stuff or fixing things around the house or even just walking around with power tools looking like they're about to do something with the huge turn on for me. Big time. Do we get to have this as a regular thread?

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at April 28, 2013 08:11 AM (U5uTP)

24 Did somebody say Wish?

Posted by: Jambi at April 28, 2013 08:11 AM (IJHzz)

25 I have a cordless Black and Decker, and the battery has failed. I could replace the battery, but it's based on old NiCad technology, and will fail in the same manner as the original. The drill itself is now useless without a power source. What I need is a power converter that will take A/C power and convert it to the appropriate battery voltage to make the drill useful again.

I used to have the necessary knowledge about electricity/electronics that I could haywire a suitable conversion, but I'm lazy, and want someone else to do it. Could be money in it; making a conversion adapter for cordless drills.

Posted by: Skandia Recluse at April 28, 2013 08:13 AM (wpQ0V)

26 The only battery powered tool I had was a dewalt circular saw

The batteries don't last long on them. I have an old Black and Decker 14v that I use for opening up chunks of wall for electrical work. Cutting drywall they'll last a bit longer.

Posted by: @PurpAv at April 28, 2013 08:14 AM (/gHaE)

27 The only battery powered tool I had was a dewalt circular saw. It wasn't worth the bother. So I gave it to my brother who could use the extra battery and charger.

Posted by: sTevo at April 28, 2013 12:05 PM

Kinda sounds like my attitude. Flashlights have batteries, power tools have cords.

Posted by: Berserker at April 28, 2013 08:16 AM (FMbng)

Hilti products anyone?

I love my Hilti impact drill. Worked great for putting holes in the concrete to put up a clothesline. An old friend, now gone from cancer, gave it to me.

Posted by: Infidel at April 28, 2013 08:17 AM (gqEUi)

29 Binford! The only name you need to know for quality tools.

Posted by: Tim the tool man Taylor at April 28, 2013 08:17 AM (IJHzz)

30 Kinda sounds like my attitude. Flashlights have batteries, power tools have cords. Posted by: Berserker at April 28, 2013 12:16 PM (FMbng) I knew this was you before I saw the nic!

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at April 28, 2013 08:18 AM (U5uTP)

31 Battery obsolescence made me the pitiful creature you see before you. *scurries off in shame*

Posted by: Cord-dragging Luddite at April 28, 2013 08:19 AM (I88Jc)

32 When I was in college, there was a girl studying architecture who had her own tools and knew how to use them. She could hang anything and even put in a shower. Her father took the time to show her how to do these things and when she moved into her own place, he gave her a set of tools she would use. More fathers should do that.

Posted by: Waldo Truth at April 28, 2013 08:19 AM (y2XjR)

33 I knew this was you before I saw the nic!

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at April 28, 2013 12:18 PM

That predictable am I, huh? lol

Posted by: Berserker at April 28, 2013 08:20 AM (FMbng)

34 Ok, question. What would you recommend using to cut an inch or so off the bottom or a wooden fence door/gate without removing the entire door? The POS builders have it flush to the ground and it rubs so no grass will grow and an indent is actually starting to form in the path of the gate. I'm hoping to do this myself.

Posted by: LindaFell at April 28, 2013 08:20 AM (PGO8C)

35 the battery has failed

A lot of people are mod'ing a special harness so they can use a common electric model airplane LiPo packs and Deans connectors. You need a LiPo charger and have to be careful about running them flat though. Without an ESC to shut it down, you can brick a LiPo by draining it.

Hit that link for the NiMH Dewalt battery and see if those guys got a NiMH for your drill.

With NiCd, the thing is to avoid fast chargers, they're nice but they reduce battery life. When charged at about 1/10th C (about 200mW for a 2100Ah cell, a NiCd can last a very long time.

Posted by: @PurpAv at April 28, 2013 08:24 AM (/gHaE)

36 Had my daughter help me climb a 30 foot ladder once. Her job was to stand at the bottom of the ladder with the cell phone dialed to 911, only needing to press send if need be. Then had her help me change a ceiling fan. She did the electrical and got shocked, and we all laughed, except her.

Posted by: Up with people! at April 28, 2013 08:24 AM (FmFB3)

37 Not predictable, just very strong in your opinions, which is an excellent trait!

Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at April 28, 2013 08:24 AM (U5uTP)

When I was in college, there was a girl studying architecture who had her own tools and knew how to use them. She could hang anything and even put in a shower. Her father took the time to show her how to do these things and when she moved into her own place, he gave her a set of tools she would use. More fathers should do that.

Or Moms. My dad is not handy at all. I learned my plumbing skills from my mom. Although, I don't use 16 penny nails to put up curtains anymore. I learned lots more mechanical stuff from friends and Chilton's and I love tools and DYI projects. I have always taught my daughter about tools and the do it yourself attitude. Really comes in handy now that she works at the local hardware store, my favorite place.

Posted by: Infidel at April 28, 2013 08:25 AM (gqEUi)

39 I was pleased to see the honorable mention of the Makita 9.6 drill. That thing is a freak Back when the Japs made their own stuff.. Mine is getting a little long in the tooth and I was out at HD shopping the other day. Decided I was going to postpone the replacement and find another at a pawn shop or garage sale. You can still get batteries for it. They are NI-CADs for gods sake.

Lasted longer than my marriage.(+20 years)

Only tool I've ever owned where I wish I had kept the case.

Posted by: pawn at April 28, 2013 08:28 AM (GIXPt)

40 Hilti and Snap-on for the job-site, Milwaukee and Makita for personal home use, and Ryobi for community shit.

*Keep your dickskinners off of my tools!*

Posted by: Fritz at April 28, 2013 08:29 AM (gyDll)

41 Damn it! A Home improvement thread and a gun thread!! And a gaming thread is probably in gestation.. and I've got stuff to do today! aaahhh!

I've been remodeling my house over the last year. About drills, I bought a
Milwaukee M12 series drill/driver and loved it so much, I bought a set of M12 tools. BIG FAN of these.. hold charge long time and have used them quite a bit over this year.

Also bought Paslode cordless framing nailer and trim nailer and they are awesome.. pricey, but I found used ones on Ebay and they were worth the $$.. Just sayin'

Posted by: Yip at April 28, 2013 08:31 AM (/jHWN)

42 cut an inch or so off the bottom or a wooden fence door/gate without removing the entire door?

A sawzall would make quick work of that. Put a shortish wood blade on it.

A saber saw would work fine too.

Posted by: @PurpAv at April 28, 2013 08:31 AM (/gHaE)

43 You really can't beat a sawzall and they're very affordable now.. I have a Dewalt. Found they now make tree-cuttin' blades for them, so for easy pruning.. they work better than trying to fire up the chainsaw for just a few cuts.

Posted by: Yip at April 28, 2013 08:35 AM (/jHWN)

44 I've had a Walther P22 for about 8 years. Now.... I'm a gun nut: I can field strip an M1, AR, M-16, M-9, Glock, Sig, Para or M1A in seconds, blindfolded. But that freaking thing befuddles me to the extent I want to place it into molten steel and watch it die.

a .22 pistol. IQ test and I get a 4.

Posted by: tangonine at April 28, 2013 08:36 AM (x3YFz)

45 I used the Dewalt 9.6 for years and was reasonably happy with it. A few years ago I moved up to a Makita 18v lithium ion drill and impact driver combo. They are AWESOME. I had the dead battery packs for the Dewalt replaced and it is now as good as new, but I never use it because 'as good as new' is nowhere near as good as 18v lithium ion. (I'm a Cabinetmaker and use my drills all day every day.)

Posted by: Enkidu at April 28, 2013 08:37 AM (Wcbt8)

46 Ok, PurpAv and Yip I have two 18W cordless DeWalt reciprocating saws. Is that what your calling a sawzall?

Posted by: LindaFell at April 28, 2013 08:40 AM (PGO8C)

47 Then had her help me change a ceiling fan. She did the electrical and got shocked

I never work shit hot unless I have to...which ain't often.

Posted by: @PurpAv at April 28, 2013 08:40 AM (/gHaE)

48 reciprocating saw == sawzall

Posted by: @PurpAv at April 28, 2013 08:41 AM (/gHaE)

49 Yeah, recip/sawzall... same same, except the cordless ones don't have the cutting power ( usually ) for for a small job they are fine.

Posted by: Yip at April 28, 2013 08:42 AM (/jHWN)

50 yeah some of that old 1980's makita stuff was great. I still have a few pieces. I have one of the 10" mitre saws with the cast iron table. Heavy ass mofo. I would still be using it if it could cut the bigger crown moldings, but its not big enough. The one tool that really had me excited years ago was the bosch jig saws with the roller guide. That shit was like a miracle back then, especially for us kitchen remodeling dudes having to cut corian. The one company that was always old reliable for me was the Milwaukee. I just could not kill that stuff. I have some pieces going on 30 years old and they are still kicking.

Posted by: Berserker at April 28, 2013 08:43 AM (FMbng)

51 Ok, got it. Thanks. Will give it a shot as soon as I get a wood blade for it. If I wait for the husband, it will get done sometime ....never.

Posted by: LindaFell at April 28, 2013 08:45 AM (PGO8C)

52 Sawzall is to recip's as Kleenex is to tissue paper.

Posted by: Yip at April 28, 2013 08:45 AM (/jHWN)

53 Since I use tools for a living, figured I'd toss in my .02. First off (being in Ohio this is a regional thing probably), I use Ridgid power tools almost exclusively...in battery and corded (circ saw, drills (5)...hammer, impact, compact, std, collated; jig saw, demo saws (comp and std)). As for battery life nothing beat the original NiCads...the Li-Ions are lighter, but don't have the grunt or the staying power. Also have a portable Ridgid table saw, 7" tile saw, 10" tile saw, miter sawand compound/sliding miter saw. All are very good products and have held up well...especially the portable table saw...I had my doubts. No, it isn't as stout or as good as my old-school Delta, but damn good and has remained true.

As for corded, I also have Milwaukee (rt angle and hammer drills; skill and circ saws), Ridgid demo saw -- I prefer right angles to be corded (grunt factor!)...but they can be wrist/hand breakers!...careful, careful!

Nail guns are pretty much all old-school H/D Bostitch (coil and strip feeders -- everything from 16d to fine finish) some Ridgid (crown and pin) and a Ramset.

As with all tools -- proper respect and safety practices will keep you away from the nearest ER!

Posted by: billygoat at April 28, 2013 08:47 AM (ujrve)

54 I'm going to take a nap, I'll check back on this thread in a few hours and attempt to answer any question people leave. I'll check it on and off until the ONT

Posted by: @PurpAv at April 28, 2013 08:48 AM (/gHaE)

55 ...btw, recip/sawzall/demo saws = same in my vocabulary...again, I think a regional thing!

Posted by: billygoat at April 28, 2013 08:49 AM (ujrve)

56 ...as for mechanical tools -- pretty much everything I own is either Craftsman or Snap-On.

Posted by: billygoat at April 28, 2013 08:50 AM (ujrve)

57 The Milwaukee corded 1/2" drills got enough oomph to really hurt you if they bind. I got a Holeshooter and the right angle drill. Beasts, both

Posted by: @PurpAv at April 28, 2013 08:51 AM (/gHaE)

58 I don't wanna be a communist or nothin', but I wish that they would make batteries in a way that would allow for a universal charger thingy, a clip-on dealy like for car batteries.

Posted by: and irresolute at April 28, 2013 08:53 AM (DBH1h)

59 Posted by: @PurpAv at April 28, 2013 12:51 PM (/gHaE)

...for realz!!!...I remember boring consecutive holes in joists and catching an (unseen) knot...that woke me up!

Posted by: billygoat at April 28, 2013 08:56 AM (ujrve)

60 I have a 1/2 corded Makita hammer/drill that is like that... if it binds, ouch. They're all probably like that. I also upgraded this last year to a Dewalt 10 miter saw and a Dewalt circular saw and love 'em both. Like butter..

Posted by: Yip at April 28, 2013 08:57 AM (/jHWN)

61 I remember building decks without a nailgun. What the heck were we thinking.

Posted by: RWC at April 28, 2013 08:59 AM (Wl/Ht)

62 ...as for mechanical tools -- pretty much everything I own is either Craftsman or Snap-On.
Posted by: billygoat at April 28, 2013 12:50 PM

Yeah same here. I'm a big believer in the snap-on ratchet handles and their wrenches. Sockets I use alot of the craftsman stuff, but the snap-on ratchets just feel great. I DO have to give huge props to the snap-on screw drivers. There are these tiny phillips screws inside the handlebar controls on the 1982-mid 90's harleys that only the frigging snap-on screw drivers will break loose without destroying. I have MAC, SK, Craftsman, you name it, and only the snap-on screw drivers will remove those suckers with a 100% success rate.

Posted by: Berserker at April 28, 2013 08:59 AM (FMbng)

63 alright 'rons.. gotta go myself. Invited over to bud's house for steak cookout... and I never turn down invites like that! Take care! .. ( and Go Rangers.. later today )

Posted by: Yip at April 28, 2013 08:59 AM (/jHWN)

64 The Milwaukee corded 1/2" drills got enough oomph to really hurt you if they bind. I got a Holeshooter and the right angle drill. Beasts, both

Posted by: @PurpAv at April 28, 2013 12:51 PM (/gHaE)

I saw a plumber get totally fucked up from a right angle milwaukee drill. That sucker binded and threw him against the wall like a rag doll. It wrecked his shoulder.

Posted by: Berserker at April 28, 2013 09:02 AM (FMbng)

Hey if people are still around this thread the first time homeowner has a question.

So I've got a two story house with gutters from the second story that dump onto the roof over my front porch.

It looks like the water is sticking to the roof and not going into the gutter but rather rolling underneath between the facia and decking then dripping down on my porch (how have I guessed this, well I just got the soffit painted, and it's turning brown where the water should be rolling off into the gutter.)

Any thoughts on potential fixes? I thought about throwing a silicone caulk bead on the underside of the shingle overhang to brake the surface tension of the water forcing it into the gutter.

My F-I-L suggested tucking some flashing under there to prevent it from flowing back.

Posted by: tsrblke at April 28, 2013 09:06 AM (GaqMa)

66 The best cordless is RIGID. Lifetime guarantee even on the battery. If it breaks, I take it to Home Depot (where I bought both my Rigid tools) and they trade it for a new one. They are so well made, I don't know any of the pros who use them who has had one fail.

Posted by: twolaneflash at April 28, 2013 09:07 AM (a07QB)

67 Posted by: Berserker at April 28, 2013 12:59 PM (FMbng)

...most times it all depends on what you're doing as to what you reach for. I can't say enough about having various lengths to #1, 2 and 3 Phillips, Robertsons, torx, regulars (lengths AND widths), etcetera. How many times have you needed that extra inch on the shaft of your tool...SWIDT?

Posted by: billygoat at April 28, 2013 09:08 AM (ujrve)

68 Posted by: tsrblke at April 28, 2013 01:06 PM (GaqMa)

Can you add a length of downspout to conduct the water to the gutter on the front porch?...or is the porch without a gutter?

Posted by: billygoat at April 28, 2013 09:10 AM (ujrve)

69 Can you add a length of downspout to conduct the water to the gutter on the front porch?...or is the porch without a gutter?

Posted by: billygoat at April 28, 2013 01:10 PM (ujrve)

That's plan A (but strangly I'm having problems finding length of downspout at my local hardware stores. But that may just be my frantic searching in between other trips.)

I'm still worried though that while that will help solve the bulk of the problem (since half my 2nd story roof dumps through that single downspout) I'm still stuck with whatever is just naturally coming off the porch.

Posted by: tsrblke at April 28, 2013 09:13 AM (GaqMa)

70 Posted by: tsrblke at April 28, 2013 01:13 PM (GaqMa)

...finding downspout, that is strange -- unless it is a special color. So basically, the overhang of the roofline allows for drippage to the porch floor, right?

Posted by: billygoat at April 28, 2013 09:18 AM (ujrve)

If it helps here's a google street view of a house that looks a lot like mine

http://sdrv.ms/167C6qX

(Address removed, and the house as undergone some significant renovations since that picture anyway so you wouldn't recognize it if you wanted to.)

But the general idea is still there. Over on the right hand side I get water pouring behind the gutter every time we get a little rain.

Posted by: tsrblke at April 28, 2013 09:18 AM (GaqMa)

72 finding downspout, that is strange -- unless it is a special color. So basically, the overhang of the roofline allows for drippage to the porch floor, right?

Posted by: billygoat at April 28, 2013 01:18 PM (ujrve)

Well there is a gutter on the porch, but the water seems to not want to go in it. It sticks to the porch roof, rolls underneath and actually comes poring out the bottom trim on the facia. (Or sometimes keeps rolling down the downspout and comes pouring off where the downspout makes a 90degree turn to go around the side of my house.)

Posted by: tsrblke at April 28, 2013 09:20 AM (GaqMa)

73 ...got it -- sounds like the roofline at the leading edge to the gutter is missing what is called a dripedge...

Posted by: billygoat at April 28, 2013 09:28 AM (ujrve)

74 tsrblke, Stupid question, but your gutters are clean right? Or does the water on the top roof not even reach the gutter and go down the siding? Probably just the picture, but it seems the roof has a very shallow slope/angle.

Posted by: RWC at April 28, 2013 09:28 AM (Wl/Ht)

75 ...in other words, if you shone a light up between the fascia and the gutter and looked from above you'd see light.

Posted by: billygoat at April 28, 2013 09:29 AM (ujrve)

76 ...looks like a 3/12 pitch or thereabouts. Agree with 74 -- gutters are clean right?

Posted by: billygoat at April 28, 2013 09:31 AM (ujrve)

77 I guess the B & D 14v sawzall would be good for pruning big bushes. Or is there something smaller? I have small hands.

Posted by: PJ at April 28, 2013 09:43 AM (ZWaLo)

78 Posted by: billygoat at April 28, 2013 01:31 PM (ujrve) I agree with your 73. Drip edge or shingle/gutter apron should fix it.

Posted by: RWC at April 28, 2013 09:45 AM (Wl/Ht)

Gutters have been alternatively clean and not clean.

Currently they're do for a bit of a cleaning, but I can look out during a rain and see that they aren't overflowing.

I can also see the top roof gutter downspout outlet and there's clearly water coming out of it. Lots of water.

Dripedge you say, is this the job of a roofer or a gutter repair guy to put in? Because the roof is literally brand new (like I said that's a really old picture)

New as in "August 2012."

Posted by: tsrblke at April 28, 2013 09:46 AM (GaqMa)

80 Posted by: tsrblke at April 28, 2013 01:46 PM (GaqMa)

...OK, a 'bit of cleaning' may mean that they are overflowing (doesn't take much and you wont necessarily see a deluge). Clean first and inspect the lip underneath the first hingle course and the fascia. Drip edge is an aluminum, 'right-angled', approx 1.5" x2 product that provides a seemless rolloff for water from shingle to gutter.

http://www.gaf.com/Video_Library/0_qf1iiqij

Posted by: billygoat at April 28, 2013 09:52 AM (ujrve)

81 ...bottom line -- you should have drip edge...especially if this is a new roof! If drip edge is present I would say gutters are not flowing properly and will overflow to relieve excess...cleaning should remedy!

Posted by: billygoat at April 28, 2013 09:54 AM (ujrve)

82 Posted by: tsrblke at April 28, 2013 01:46 PM (GaqMa) First choice would be a roofer. Don't know how you are handyman-wise (andI've never done it) but installation looks pretty darn easy.

Posted by: RWC at April 28, 2013 10:12 AM (Wl/Ht)

83 I get upset in the Home Depot tool department because I don't know what's any good. I come home with a few light bulbs and sore feet and anxiety and no impact driver.

Ladies have weaker arms and lighter projects, mostly. But I need some kind of pneumatic nailer/stapler. I have no idea what to buy. There are tanks galore and this one jobby with compressed air built right into the tool, The little home tanks intrigue, but they always want you to buy a kit with 18hundred tools to go with it. If I wanted to tack together some 1 by fours into swedish plate racks, and fix my screened porch what should I buy?

Posted by: SarahW at April 28, 2013 10:18 AM (LYwCh)

84 Simple, free solution: get the roofer out to do the job right this time.

Posted by: Average Guy at April 28, 2013 10:25 AM (U41JH)

85 Posted by: SarahW at April 28, 2013 02:18 PM (LYwCh)

Sarah, I would recommend going to the CS desk at your local HD and Lowe's for the following -- they regularly both run 'how-to's' and these would be a good way to find out and try out tools before buying. But going with what you said it sounds like a good finish nailer and a small compressor (we call them pancake compressors -- flat and light!) might be what you need.

Posted by: billygoat at April 28, 2013 10:27 AM (ujrve)

86 That gutter doesn't even need a downspout.

Rip the end caps off, let it shoot out the sides, and plug the existing downspout hole with a bit of tin can. You might want to pop rivet little deflectors on the ends to get the water away from the walls

Without the restriction of endcaps and downspout, its not going to fill up with crap up as often either.

Posted by: @PurpAv at April 28, 2013 10:51 AM (/gHaE)

87 @57PA 'The Milwaukee corded 1/2" drills got enough oomph to really hurt you if they bind.' No kidding. Put a 4" hole saw on one and if it binds, it'll try to take your teeth out. 500W = 2/3HP and its kicks like 2/3rds of a horse.... For moderate sized tree limbs, I like Japanese pull saws - aggressive cutting, no set and pulling is less likely to result in a swan dive than pushing or holding on for dear life with a recip saw. I do use a Sawzall for other stuff; it's so old it has no plastic except various insulators in the motor - works but you want to rig up a GFCI in a handibox to plug into. Ditto for the 1950's vintage 6" Electrosaw that my Dad used to build the house I grew up in. 1" arbor and armature to match, and unlike my Milwaukee that broke from a 3' drop to a loose gravel driveway, it can take a real beating.

Posted by: chuckR at April 28, 2013 11:20 AM (UGxsK)

Thanks guys (sorry I was putting in a shade).

I'll look into those things!

Posted by: tsrblke at April 28, 2013 11:36 AM (GaqMa)

89 next post about rain gutters gets two to the face and one to the nuts.

Posted by: tangonine at April 28, 2013 12:05 PM (x3YFz)

90 I have two Porter Cable's, a 12 volt and a 14 that I bought used and replaced the batteries. They both use the same charger too. I also have a Skil 6 volt I got in the early 80's, it had a key chuck and two speeds and I converted it to use a B&D 9.6 volt battery with original charger. The important thing to do is not discharge too far, when its trying to give up recharge it and take a break or use the other.

I have two Olympic (chinese that I'm looking for replacement batteries for. My Fil wanted me to fix one of those classic 9.6 Makita's with the magazine type battery but I powered it up off a DC power supply and the motor was shot, probably brushes. I told him to find one that ran at least and then get batteries for it.

Posted by: Bill sometimes Bill from Canada at April 28, 2013 01:17 PM (xJQSl)

91 Most of the snow is gone, things are drying out nicely. I just fired up my new Troy-built lawn mower. Now I just need the damn battery to charge up. It's an electric start model, my first ever. Shoulders are wearing out. And I'm hoping Mrs. Misanthrope will take to the mower like a duck takes to water. Yeah, I know 'Ron's it's a dream. Happy Sunday everyone

Posted by: Misanthropic humanitarian at April 28, 2013 01:18 PM (HVff2)

92 Bill, I've rebuilt NiCd battery packs for ones that were made out of unobtanium. Most use a standard 2100ma range sub-C in series.

Usually its only a few cells in a pack that are shot. If you scam up a selection of dead packs from a battery recycle bin somewhere, you'll have enough raw material with good cells to rebuild a few packs.

Its tedious, but it can be done.

Posted by: @PurpAv at April 28, 2013 02:02 PM (/gHaE)

I get to the thread when it's dead. Damn. I love tools.

I have noticed when buying simple tools, if you stick with the original patent builders you will get a better tool. For example, locking pliers go with ViseGrip. The other brands are posers. Regular old pliers, go with CeeTee. Adjustable pliers, go with Channel Lock. I'm sure there are more examples.

Posted by: Ronster at April 28, 2013 05:05 PM (4PYOi)

94 I have a simple rule when buying tools. If I'm going to use a tool often, I go for quality. If I'm only going to use a tool a couple times a year, I go cheap.

Posted by: Ronster at April 28, 2013 05:08 PM (4PYOi)

95 Plumbing tools. I don't think you can beat Rigid. Lifetime guarantee. I've busted Aluminum pipe wrenches (usually with a cheater pipe) and had them replaced without question.

Posted by: Ronster at April 28, 2013 05:11 PM (4PYOi)

96 Adjustable wrenches. Go with Cresent (CeeTee in the above comment about simple pliers is the Cresent Tool Company).

Posted by: Ronster at April 28, 2013 05:33 PM (4PYOi)

97 The one battery I replaced with the insides of a B&d pack on sale-14 volt. The other I just fudged on a aftermarket pack as the drill was too old for replacments to be stocked.

Posted by: Bill sometimes Bill from Canada at April 28, 2013 05:45 PM (xJQSl)

98 I lurv my DeWalt 12V. Just replaced all the rollers on my garage door. The DeWalt made it a snap.

Posted by: JimK at April 28, 2013 06:29 PM (Pl2CA)

99 Crescent adjustable are good. GSA was buying Proto's for the govt years ago and they weren't bad either.

I avoid the India/China stuff on those type tools. You'll just wind up getting hurt with the cheap stuff

Posted by: @PurpAv at April 28, 2013 08:02 PM (32UBw)

100 TEEEEESSSSSSSSSTSTST~~TTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!~~

Posted by: Serious Cat at April 30, 2013 06:31 PM (UOjzE)

101 foobar?

Posted by: Serious Cat at April 30, 2013 06:31 PM (UOjzE)

102 barfoo.

Posted by: Serious Cat at April 30, 2013 06:32 PM (UOjzE)

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