Marshalltown, a manufacturer of all sorts of industrial products like drywall stilts and plastering tools has a new line of high-tech drywall stilts now available called SkyWalker Stilts.
SkyWalker 2.0 Stilts support up to 225 lbs and have a neat adjustable spring suspension system that makes walking on the stilts feel as natural as...well, NOT walking on stilts. Marshalltown claims that this feature of the SkyWalkers makes them easy to use for beginner or seasoned pros. Plus, the springs almost look like laces on a shoe. Come to think of it, the entire bottom of these stilts has an almost "cyborg foot" feel.
The height of the stilts is easy to adjust thanks to the Skywalker Stilts "flip-n-switch" feature. They are also one size fits all thanks to a three way ratcheting system allows Skywalker Stilts to easily be fit to any size leg.
Marshalltown SkyWalker 2.0 Stilts are apparently the next step in the evolution of drywall stilts, a tool that seemed like it would have hit it's plateau. They are available in two models: the SkyWalker SW218 scales from 18-30" and the SkyWalker SW224 scales from 24-40"
As luck would have it, both the 2.0 and 1.0 versions of Marshalltown SkyWalker Stilts are now available from ToolKing.com
Maybe you are just starting out in business or are looking for ways to increasing your already existing business. Whatever the case, marketing your business is an important way to connect with existing customers and also reach new ones. Marketing does not have to be expensive or time consuming and covering the basics are what is most important.
1. Keep a database of contacts. Build a database and start it with all your family and friends. If you use Outlook, that is a great start. Your database should include the person's name, email address, snail mail address and phone number. Birthdays are great to add if you have the time. In addition to Outlook, I use a free online database system at www.Plaxo.com which allows members to automatically update their information to other members. It also asks for birthdays and you can use their free e-card system to email someone a birthday wish.
2. Keep in contact with your contacts. Send out a postcard mailer at least once a year, the Christmas/Holiday season is a good time. It's not too late to get one out for this year, a calendar or fridge magnet, while more expensive, has a longer shelf/advertising life. A mailer is a nice way to remind people that you are still in business. Mailers can be designed, printed and mailed inexpensively online via VistaPrint.com or another online postcard mailing service. If your mailing list is not large enough to bulk mail (500 pieces) and you have the time, you can hand write and stamp your cards. Or, pay your kid to do it (that's what my parents did ;0). A good photo on the front may get you put up on someone's fridge.
3. Always have business cards on hand and hand them out frequently. If you don't have any, www.overnightprints.com is an inexpensive place to design them yourself online. Keep a box of business cards in your vehicle.
4. Send your customer a thank you card after you have finished a job. Include two business cards and ask them to refer you to their family and friends. Purchase thank you cards in bulk so that you always have some on hand.
5. Send a thank you card after you have given someone an estimate, thanking them for considering you. Also, put that person in your database. Even if they don't use you for that specific job, they may refer you to a friend or use you in the future if you keep in touch.
With most small businesses, word of mouth and referrals are your best form of advertisement. Keeping in touch with people and reminding them what you do for a living gets them to think of you when they are talking to others about their next project for hire. Why shouldn't they recommend or hire you for their next sweet project?
The Grand Prize of a 14" Band Saw with a granite top, donated by Steel City Tool Works , is being vied for by woodworkers in the latest Woodworking Awards Event held by LumberJocks.com .
Twice a year, LumberJocks.com hosts a Woodworking Awards Event where woodworkers from around the world enter projects into two designated categories in hopes of being voted top woodworker of one of the divisions.
This year, not only are the woodworkers seeking the honor of being voted as the best in each category but they are also hoping to be selected as the top "overall" woodworker.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Marshalltown, a manufacturer of all sorts of industrial products like drywall stilts and plastering tools has a new line of high-tech drywall stilts now available called SkyWalker Stilts.
Maybe you are just starting out in business or are looking for ways to increasing your already existing business. Whatever the case, marketing your business is an important way to connect with existing customers and also reach new ones. Marketing does not have to be expensive or time consuming and covering the basics are what is most important.
A while back, Black & Decker came out with the AAW 100, an electric Auto Wrench that adjusts with the push of a button.
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.
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: 
While you're at it, purchase the Peltor Professional Noise Canceling Earmuff # H10A, also made by AO Safety.