A while back, Black & Decker came out with the AAW 100, an electric Auto Wrench that adjusts with the push of a button.

While the reviews are mixed, the Black & Decker AAW 100 is still a top seller at Amazon.com. With 2-AAA batteries that host a 650 cycle life and 220 foot-pounds of torque, some folks rave that it's the best thing since sliced bread. On the other hand, many also think that the AAW 100 doesn't have enough torque to crack a nut.

While the Black & Decker AutoWrench is obviously good for folks with arthritis and other hand problems, or for doing various sized low-torque adjustments in a row, would the $25 be better spent on a quality wrench set? Or is this the perfect stocking stuffer for Grandpappy.

Any comments out there?

For under 20 bucks, the Ratcheting Hex Wrench from Professional Tools Manufacturing makes a great stocking stuffer  or party favour for the upcoming holiday season. The Ratcheting Hex Wrench comes in either a metric or standard version hex wrench with a powerful ratcheting mechanism that makes your task time quicker and easier. It features chrome vanadium steel keys with black oxide coating for hardness and an easy to grip ratcheting handle. Buy one for the hostess with the mostest.

Check out their video:

Ryobi's One+ Lithium Ion System has been a huge hit ever since Home Depot released the new product back in September. Yes, it is touted as Home Depot's store brand and yes, rumour has it that it is better for the homeowner versus the professional BUT - from the comments we are getting, the professional contractors are giving the Ryobi One+ Lithium Ion System the thumbs up as far as quality, durability and ...especially price.

What's so special about Ryobi's One+ Lithium Ion System. It's because it's just that, an entire tool system. Ryobi manufactured the lithium ion battery to be backwards compatible with all their other One+ power tools. The One+ system contains 35 power tools including: chainsaw, Circular saw, Jig Saw, Reciprocating saw, power drill, flashlight, pole pruner, buffer, polisher, blower, grinder, planer, sander, trimmer, a radio and more.

My DIY friend, Craig Holm over at Rocky Mountain Fire bought the Ryobi One+ 4-pc Lithium Power Took Kit from Home Depot for $259 and he was extremely satisfied while using it to remodel his kitchen and 2 bathrooms.

The only other manufacturer that has made their battery platform's backwards compatible is DeWalt, and DeWalt's tools cost 4 times as much. I say three cheers for Ryobi.

The biggest excuse I have for not wearing a respirator while I'm painting, working in the woodshop (aka:garage) or fertilizing the lawn is that it's inconvenient and I'm lazy. That's all. Paint and pesticide vapors, particulates, solvents, thinners and glue all contain harmful fumes that can cause permanent lung and brain damage. Excessive exposure to these toxins can lead to serious respiratory ailments (see: Wood Dust at www.osha.gov) so for under 30 bucks, why not protect yourself?

Cheri G. at the Toolking Superstore pointed out this fantastic safety product to me today. It's the OV R95 Respirator from AO Safety. Cheri bought one for her friend Dave Conner in NY and he said that it is "so comfortable and well sealing around his face that he is going to use it for everything". Well, maybe not everything ;0-)

Respirators are a good tool to have in your workshop and home. From wood dust to lawn allergens to pesticide mist, the OV R95 respirator from AO Safety, will help alleviate potential respirator ailments that could result from overexposure to these toxins. (see Dust Collection Systems: These Ain't Your Mama's Vacuum). You can use the OV R95 for protection against: paint and pesticide vapors, solvents, glue, thinners, particulates and mists.

While you're at it, purchase the Peltor Professional Noise Canceling Earmuff # H10A, also made by AO Safety. 

Available soon at ToolKing.com!

Are you looking for a new Circular saw? I am. I have an old, cheap one that I bought at Home Depot about 10 years ago that has just about had it with my torture. So now I'm looking at my options to purchase a new circular saw. Do I go cordless? How much will I use it? What do I need it for? How much power do I really need in my circular saw?

Do you want a computer-controlled milling machine for your home? Of course you do!
Especially if it's invented by a few dudes from NASA who like to work the wood. Basically you use the included modeling software to design patterns or drag and drop some included clip art, send your design to the memory card and then slip that baby into the port on the Compucarve machine. Viola! You are designing like pro, no talent necessita.

This is what the Sears Craftsman website says about it:
"Compact, computer-controlled, 3-dimensional woodworking machine with an easy-to-use interface. It allows a novice to make a complete project without a shop full of tools.The unique configuration allows it to perform many other woodworking functions, including ripping, cross cutting, mitering, contouring, jointing and routing. The CompuCarve can work in most soft materials, including wood, plastics (polycarbonate or cast acrylic) and certain types of high density foam. Set includes CompuCarve machine, (1) 1/16 in. carbide carving bit, (1) 1/8 in. carbide cutting bit, CarveWright Memory Card, starter software package, (2) 1/4 in. bit adaptors, vacuum bag adaptor, bit removal tool, hex wrench, owner's manual and Quick Start Guide".

For a mere 1900 bucks, even you can pretend you're a pro!

Just a quick update: we just found a short video about DIY Network's new tool show "Cool Tools" that we mentioned last week. Our favorite laser rangefinder, the Bosch DLR165K even gets a moment of glory in it too! Check it out!