Plano Molding XXL Wheeled Storage Box

piano locker

We have been long fans of the Rubbermaid ActionPackers for their exceptional durability. But they have always lacked in one area of utility, movement, i.e. the lack of wheels. We pack our AP’s full, so it would be great to have a little help moving them, especially if we are stuck out at job site alone.

And so we have begun the conversion to Plano units. While we have not had years to stress test yet, these boxes have found a place in our hearts with their heavy duty construction, reasonable price and best of all, wheels! Our favorite model the XXL, also sports three locks, tie down hooks and FAA approval for all airlines. We did find a couple areas for improvement though…a domed lid would add a ton of extra storage and metal hinges and locks would solidify any durability concerns.

Link: Plano Molding 1819 XXL Wheeled Storage Box

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Light for Life UC3.400

light for life

Having a good flashlight is critical in our business. MagLights and StreamLights have been our favorites for both durability and quality of illumination. We prefer rechargeable models but long recharge times still keep us packing at least one disposable battery unit as backup. Enter the UC3.400.

Constructed of a durable and lightweight polymer, the UC3.400 is impact, abrasion, and water resistant; using 3 LED’s rated for 50,000 hours to produce up to 270 lumens with a run time of about 2 hours (30 minutes at peak). While those specs are well and good, at this price point ($170) I would expect nothing less. So what sets this light apart from the crowd? How about a 90 second recharge time? To Full. Yeah, that would do it.

Link: Light for Life Flashlight, UC3.400, Full Size, Black

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Milwaukee Expands M12 Lineup

m12

Over the last few months, Milwaukee has introduced a ton of new tools to its M12 Lith-Ion lines establishing itself as the defacto leader in the segment. Highlights include the M-Spector, a cordless camera kit; a 3/8″ Right Angle Driver; the Sub Scanner Detection Tool (location and depth finder that works in concrete, gypsum, PVC and even marble); a PVC Shear Kit and a weather proof radio as well upgrades to their drill/impact drivers. Prices are averaging about $150 per piece on the internet with 2 batteries or less then $100 for a bare tool configuration. We can’t wait to see what the company has in store for us next!

Source: Milwaukee M12 Tools

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Milwaukee Shockwave Impact Driver Bit Set

shockwave

For the last several years, Milwaukee has produced my favorite bit sets which now includes the new Shockwave line. Shockwave bits are specifically designed to handle high stress and torque applications where an impact driver is needed. By taking the standard drill bit and juicing it up with custom engineered steel that is heat treated and then compression forge, Milwaukee has improved fit, flexibility and shock resistance which means we get a safer more durable bit. Pretty nice.

Link: Milwaukee 48-32-4401 Shockwave Driver Bit Set, 29-Piece

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Skil HD 5687 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

skil

Last year I had a deck added onto my house but opted not to have the contractor add stairs, thinking they were not necessary. I was wrong. So this weekend, I put my DIY skill to use adding two steps on. Around the house I do not do much woodwork, so the only saw I have is an old and cheap Craftsman circular saw that I have had for years. For the size projects I generally tackle it has been fine, unfortunately not so this time out.

I needed to cut a few 45 degree angle where the stairs wrapped around a post and continued to the other side of the deck. For some reason, my Craftsman just did not want to behave. The blade kept flexing, distorting the cut no matter what I tried. Finally I had to go borrow my buddy’s saw to finish. Which lead to this research project, finding an affordable unit that did not compromise on features or performance.

And the winner is…The new Skil HD 5687. It combines properties of both worm-drive and sidewinder saws. It uses a sidewinder motor and housing to keep the weight to a very manageable 10.8 pounds plus the profile and handle style or a worm-drive model, all for less the $90. Sure is it not as sexy as say the Bosch 1677MD , but it has all the power for 60% of the cost.

Link: Skil HD5687-01 20 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw Kit

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Speck Products iPhone CandyShell

soeck

I typically avoid cell phone cases. I find them to be either overbuilt for the average user (like the Otterbox) or cheaply constructed pieces of plastic that offer no really protection against the accidental drop. So I just go naked. But I am always on the look out for that one perfect case. The CandyShell is as close to perfection as I have found. Speck took its form fitting hard shell and lined it with a great soft rubber material for excellent shock absorption. The result is a surprisingly heavy duty case that is still nice and slim for easy pocketing. The CandyShell is available in a variety of colors. all with a classy glossy finish.

Link: Speck Products CandyShell Case for iPhone

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Reciprocating Saw Showdown

milwaukee_super_sawzall

My love of multi-tasking tools is well documented, with the reciprocating saw right at the top of the list. Several months ago, I featured the Milwaukee Heavy Duty Sawzall as TekPicks choice for an electric saw. Not to say that I can influence the choices of the Popular Mechanics editors, but in the September issue, they agree with my choice. From price to power the saw impressed testers, leaving no complaints. Highlights include a spring loaded chuck that makes blade changes a snap. If you are in the market for a new saw, this is the guy to get.

Link: Milwaukee 6538-21 15.0 Amp Super Sawzall Recip Saw

Source: Popular Mechanics

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Evernote

evernote_logo

I spend a good portion of each day researching various topics and products on the internet for both TekPicks articles and my real life job. One of the best tools I have found for aiding me in these endeavors was the now defunct Google Notebook. No bells and or whistles, it was just a simple way to help me organize and tag URL links for later reference. The nifty Firefox plug in made life easy. The problem is or rather was, Google decided to stop development on Notebook several months back, meaning that with the next major release of Firefox (i.e. 3.5 a few weeks ago) the product would be dead. The good news, Evernote is everything Google Notebook was and more.

There are 4 ways to access the application: web, mobile device, Firefox plug in or the desktop app. All the same basic features I loved in Notebook are still there, but pumped up. You can create multiple notebooks and synchronize them across all the platforms. The filter and tag functionality has been expanded making searching for a particular note quick and painless. You can also save searches and even tag and upload photos from your mobile phone. The best part for me was the ability to directly import all of my existing Google Notebooks in just a few minutes.

Evernote comes in both a free and premium additions so start with the freebie and only upgrade if you need to upload 40 MB or more per month.

Link: Evernote

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Randolph Engineering Aviators

re

As previously noted, my eyes are extremely sensitive to light, both visible and UV, so I am always on the look out for a good pair of sunglasses. The Randolph Engineering Aviators, look to be a strong contender for my next pair. Designed for the US Military and NASA, they can take a beating. While I will never see combat or walk on the moon, I tend to pretty tough on my glasses between my usually clumsiness and the everyday wear and tear they get out in the field. For years, I have been tempted to pick up a pair of Oakley X-Metals for their purported durability, but the price point is a bit ridiculous at $400 or more. Not so with RE. Pricing starts at just $99 with the polarized setting you back a very reasonable $140 plus you can customize frame size, lens color and material along with frame color and temple style. Sound about perfect to me.

Link: Randolph Engineering Aviators

Source: Uncrate

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Bosch 18-volt 1/2-inch Compact-Tough Litheon Drill/Driver

bosch

UPS just dropped off a box full of power tool goodness in the form of the Bosch 18-volt 1/2-inch Compact-Tough Litheon Drill/Driver. No time for a full review tonight but so far my initial impression is very positive.

It is extremely lightweight especially compared to my old NiCad Craftsman it is replacing. I also really like the handle. It is quite comfortable even for my small hands. Small not girlish thank you. More later once I have had a chance to fully check it out.

Link Bosch 36618-02 18-volt 1/2-inch Compact-Tough Litheon Drill/Driver with 2 Slim Batteries

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