Thursday, 12 February 2009

Cordless Tool Accessories - lithium-ion, 18v battery


If you want to charge a bunch of batteries simultaneously, buy a bunch of chargers. You can plug in six batteries to this contraption, and it will charge them one at a time. It will automatically charge the next one in line, so it's not completely useless.



I like it because it will condition any of the original ONE+ nicad (or are they NIMH? Not certain) in addition to charging the new lithium jobs, but be aware of the limitation.



Also, I got mine on the shelf at Home Depot for $80, so don't buy this one from Amazon. Ryobi ONE 18V Lithium Ion 6-Port Battery SuperCharger with IntelliPort Charging System P125 Charger

I bought this knowing it only charged one at a time, and that was fine with me. I'm the guy who puts batteries in a charger and forgets them, so this looked like a solution. I had purchased some ryobi product that came with 2 lithium batteries, and plugged them in. It doesn't give a full charge. I don't know if it is the charger or the batteries, but the batteries are band new, and there are 2 of them. I can put them in the charger and check the led light, and I have only seen them go green once. Sometimes they get to yellow, but most often, they stick to red. Now my old ryobi non-lithium batteries charge fine and work great. They work better than the lithium....and that's not right. I seem to be the only one saying this, so maybe it is just me, but check it out.

Had the single charger, returned it and bought this one. Have not looked back since.

It has given new life to some of my old NiCad cells.



You can get this cheaper @ HD ( $79.00 )





FEATURES

* Power On-Demand, Up to six charged - 18V ONE+(tm) batteries available on-demand.

* Maximizes Battery Life - Charges stored batteries only as needed, which protects the batteries' cells and maximizes life.

* Conserves Energy - EnergyStar® qualified system enters Energy Save Mode to conserve energy when not charging or maintaining batteries.

* Indicator lights show battery and port status as batteries are charged and maintained or when status button is pressed during Energy Save Mode.

* 6 Port Supercharger (tm) reduces workspace clutter.

* Quick-release wall mount bracket (included) securely mounts to wall, organizing and maximizing work space.

* Batteries lock securely into place for easy transport.

* 1 HR CHARGE - Charges each 18V ONE+ battery, one at a time, in one hour or less.

* Maintenance Mode - Batteries stored on charger are conditioned for peak performance.

* Energy Save Mode - EnergyStar® qualified system saves energy, protects battery cells, and maximizes

So much better than using several chargers (and outlets). Less expensive than buying extra chargers. LOADS better than juggling 3 or more batteries on a single charger. Works like you'd expect otherwise.



One note: Currently, the seller on Amazon is selling this for waaaay over retail price ($79 at Home Depot - 11/13/09).

Let's just cut to the nitty-gritty that you probably already know: it charges six eighteen volt batteries in sequential order, and is pretty fast.



But once they're charged, they just sit there. The description says it'll "condition" your batteries -- specifically, "Batteries stored on charger are conditioned for peak performance", but once they're charged, they'll just sit there and decay through self-discharge. I pull plenty of depleted NiCads off mine after they've sat for a week or more. This isn't such a bad thing if I'm plugging a bunch of batteries in at the end of the day and getting back to them the following morning, but if they sit a few days the NiCads aren't fully charged when I click 'em in to my driver or (especially) a saw -- more a knock against whatever brand of battery cells Ryobi uses in their packs. The LiIons fare better due to their lower self discharge rate, but look here Ryobi...



The term "Conditioning" says to me that this charger will keep the batteries topped off through "bump charging" so they're at 100% whenever I grab for them. Alas, that's not the case. In fact, "conditioning" used to mean a lot of things, including the ability to charge, then drain down, then re-charge the battery and finish it at a trickle rate to bring all the individual cells up to 100%. I'm not saying it doesn't do this, but in my daily use over the past two years I've seen no evidence of any of this, just a fast charge top-off and move on to the next cell.



However, my work-around is to install this into an outlet timer that cycles the power early in the day, so my batteries charge up first thing in the morning and are ready for me when I arrive. The charger's circuirty won't overcharge these batteries, so it's even OK to do this days in a row without use. This charger has also established the superiority of Ryobi's Lithium Ion batteries, which have a much improved self-discharge rate compared to the NiCad packs, so they can sit for longer after being topped off without losing capacity. Though I continue to hang on to some NiCad packs because they perform better in the high discharge tools such as the recip and circular saws.



This charger is great in portability, in that it comes with a quick disconnect mounting bracket that allows me to effortlessly snap it off the wall, unplug it, and tote 6 batteries up into the attic using the built-in rubber handle. And I certainly appreciate the reduced need for spare wall outlets or popping batteries in/out of the solo chargers.

I love the fact that it clears up space in the garage and not take up valuable counter space in the garage because it hangs easily on the wall.



It works with the original Ryobi +One batteries as well as the lithium batteries. Because the charger stops "charging" when the battery is fully charged, batteries can stay in the charger when not in use. This allows for ease of storage. - 18v Battery - Ryobi - Lithium-ion - Battery Packs'


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Cordless Tool Accessories - lithium-ion, 18v battery 18v battery Cordless Tool Accessories - lithium-ion, 18v battery

Samsung Fascinate - combo packs, accessory kits


This Silicone Case should not be listed under Galaxy S accessories. Its just too big. We can fit 2 galaxy phones in it. Please if you are like me looking for a fit case DONOT buy this. I have not tested the car charger guess it should work. LCD Screen guard is big as well and needs trimming and expert talent to put it without air bubbles. Black Silicone Case / Skin / Cover, LCD Screen Guard / Protector & Car Charger for Samsung Fascinate (Galaxy S)

The only thing good about this package is the charger. The screen protector is ok, but doesn't stick on properly at the corners. The case is flimsy and slips off easily. It's acceptable, but not for aggressive users.

The LCD screen guard fits only the screen and not the entire facing as shown on the picture. However, that's how it is even with the Verizon brand. According to their rep, only the screen needs to be protected. Charger works fine and the casing is loose but it stays on more or less. I filed a complaint and they responded me right away so the service is pretty good. But yes, the shipping took longer than anticipated, probably b/c of lot of demand. Consider it as a starter kit.

It all arrived very quickly and looks like the pictures and descriptions, but the gel case is extremely loose (not form-fitting at all). Pay a couple extra dollars and get a case that fits the phone. The case bunches up when putting this in my holster because it is sooooo loose.

The case does not fit your phone. It is very loose and bulky. Lint sticks to phone very easily. The case material smells like a bad chemical rubber odor. That can not be healthy to you. I would not be surprised if there are banned substances that were used to make this product.

I ordered this and another product from them 5 days ago, got the confirmation email that said it was being shipped and to expect it sometime early next week. Today I got another email saying that my order is being refunded that they are out of stock. Very poor service and unorganized. You should know what you have in stock. Even today the items I ordered are listed as "in stock"

Everything works well



The case is a bit bigger and loose than what it should be. Quality is good though.



The screen protector is as advertised. It wont reach exactly to the edges of the phone. As long as it covers most of the touch area I'm ok with that.



The charger works but who knows if it'll break later on.



BASICALLY ITS CHEAP BUT ITS GOOD FOR THE PRICE.



I hate people that get angry for cheap stuff.



If you want something without pulling out your hair get the other one for $15 more. If the $20 one doesnt work then you can complain. - Combo Packs - Phone - Accessory Kits - Accessory'


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boat covers - support system for pontoon cover, boat covers


Beware!! The ad for this pole says 3 in 1 and indicates that the pole comes with three different tips included: a grommet tip, a snap tip and a rubber tip. Even the OEM packaging says that three tips are included and my OEM package was undamaged and untampered with. There were however no additional tips included. The pole ONLY comes with the rubber tip pictured. Useless for me since I need the grommet tip as most boat covers do. Attwood Corporation 10707-5 3-in-1 Adjustable Boat Cover Support Pole - Support System For Pontoon Cover - Boat Covers'


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Hitachi Brad Nailer - nail gun, brad nailer


This is one of the best tools I have ever had. Operates flawlessly every time. I use Bostich nails/brads because they are easier to find (all sizes up to 2") and the nailer works perfectly. The "height" adjustment is easy. The "jam release" mechanism is great - but the tool has never jammed. Excellent Product! James Willard Hitachi NT50AE2 18-Gauge 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch Brad Nailer

This is by far the best brad nailer I have ever used in my 20 years as a trim carpenter. It is very light weight ,powerfull, and looks great too! Hitachi has always been a pro-quality grade tool and this brad nailer is a great addition to there collection of pro-quality tools.

The one thing that swayed me to this model was definitely a key advantage. With this nailer, the safety slide peg is mounted behind the nail channel, which means you can get nails into tighter spots with this model than you can with others. The Bostich and others have the slide out in front of the nail channel which means the brad comes out about a quarter inch back from the forward-most part of the tool tip. With this Hitachi the brad comes out at the very front, which is very nice when putting nails in tight corners.



This tool is so handy and does such a nice job, I wonder what would ever make me buy a finish nailer. I'm pretty sure this brad nailer would do those jobs for me too.



Three minor disadvantages drop this to a 4-star rating (reallly 4.5), but it's not because I think there's a better one out there, it's just that there's room for improvement.



1. It's not oil-free. Not a big deal but it would be nicer to not have to bother with oil.

2. The lightest (shallowest) nail depth setting is still a little too powerful. With short brads in soft material many were penetrating too deep. It would be nice to be able to go a little shallower by a step or two.

3. The case is compact and handy, but there's no extra space in there to put nails or oil. Luckily they molded a spot for safety glasses (included) which I have emptied out to store my oil and a few brads there instead. I always have safety glasses with me anyway so that space is better used for nailer-specific items. There is extra volume inside there but its molded over in plastic so you can't use it. Again, nobody else seems to do a better job of this, but that doesn't mean it couldn't be improved.



In summary, a great tool. I can't believe I lived so long without it. A brad nailer makes many jobs much easier, allowing me to do things I couldn't do before with just two hands.

The price was more than right. This is an excellent deal. I used Milwaukee brads for it, and no jams so far. It would be nice if it had a better tip on it though. Comparing price and value with other brands, I would buy this one again. Up until 6 months ago I never knew Hitachi made good tools. Hitachi is my preferred brand for pneumatic right now. The only guns I probably wouldnt buy are their framing nailers, only because the PC is so much cheaper and does the job so well. Buy this gun, you can't go wrong. Along with the tip, the thing that really puzzles me is, I can go buy a $20 no name gun kit, and IT INCLUDES OIL IN THE CASE! (not to mention a couple thousand nails) Here I buy a Hitachi, and not a drop. How about including a small bottle of oil guys? The fifty cents it would cost the company would be well worth it to build greater brand loyalty.

I got this brad nailer as a back up to my Stanley Bostitch nailer and it feels more balanced than my Bostitch.



As others have mentioned, the the gun ships in a case without oil! I don't really mind it at all because I have lots of oil lyring around. But for those who are just starting out with pneumatic nailer, you should get some oil before you start firing nails with it.



I like that fact that it has the sequential trip and the bump fire built into the gun at the flip of the switch, a feature that my Bostitch does not have. It sinks nails well and countersinks it to the right depth once adjusted properly. I use combination of Porter Cable as well as Bostitch brand brads and not had a jam or misfire yet. I have test fired it very rapidly (3-4 brads per second) in sequential fire and bump fire mode and also not jammed.



I would have given it 5 stars if not for 2 small things which I found can be improved. The depth of drive adjustment wheel is easier to turn. It's located between the magazine and the nose. Not the easiest to turn if your fingers are not dexterous. My Bostitch had the adjustment wheel located in front of the nose. Secondly, the exhaust swivels 360 with some detents. But I think the exhaust can be improved because it 's only a cheap piece of plastic held in place by a ring groove. Not very easy to adjust the exhaust unlike the bostitch which has the exhaust adjustment incoporated into the top cap.



But overall, it's a well built gun and will buy it again and will recomend to friends if the sale comes around once again. Much better than some POS that is made in cheap china factory with no QC.

I had used a Bostich brad nailer of the same configuration and I found the Hitachi to have a better feel to it; it is lighter and packs a nice punch. There is one feature the Bostich has that I wish the Hitachi had and that is the oiling; the Bostich does not require oiling while the Hitachi does; no big deal, it is just not convenient and easy to feorget.

Pro: Excellent feel and worked flawlessly during two weeks of remodeling. Great on baseboards, moldings, cabinets, etc.. This is the perfect nailer for working around the house. Got this from Amazon for less than $60 with no tax and free shipping. $90 + tax at Lowe's.



Con: The no-mar tip could be better because it made very small dents. No oil included. A bit loud.



Still 5 stars because it's a wonderful tool compared to other nailers I used before. - Nailers - Brad Nailer - Brad Nailers - Nail Gun'


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Double Dutch Jump Rope - wooden toys, green toy


I bought this hoping it would be good quality like the school jump ropes. It is nowhere near that quality. The beads are supposed to be unbreakable and after two days the beads are already breaking. The rope is thin and cheap too. I am not happy with this purchase and will be contacting the seller to return it. Champ Sprt Segmented Plastic Jump Rope, 7-Ft., Red/White

I purchased these jump ropes several months ago and they are great. The are made of good quality plastic and the inner rope is very strong. I have used these ropes with beginner and advanced jumpers. I would recommend these jump ropes for everyone!

Received the segmented jump rope very quickly. It was a birthday present for my 6 year old grandaughter...and I didn't even know that she wanted it until the last minute. Service was very fast and it is perfect for her. For some reason, the segmented jump rope make easier for the younger kids to learn because of the noise it makes when it hits the ground...It helps them to time their jumps.. Thanks for the great service and for having just what I needed! - Fun For Child And Adult - Green Toy - Broke - Wooden Toys'


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Yoga Mats - mat bags, yoga


I just ordered this bag a few days ago and it came just yesterday!! I love the size and the storage. My yoga mat fits great and I still have plenty of room in it. The zippered pocket is great...it's big enough for my ipod, cell phone and keys..which is wonderful!! My old yoga bag just had an open pocket and when I would lay it down, everything would tumble out. The strap is sturdy and easily adjustable....I know I will be using this bag for a long time...my cotton one just wasn't holding up like I thought it would. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a new mat bag this is roomy and sturdy. Natural Fitness Natural Hemp Yoga Mat Bag

This bag is good. It fits my mat (Manduka Pro-Lite) with tons of extra space (both length-wise and width-wise) for my towel, clothes, etc. The double zipper is useful for getting the mat in and out easily. The side pocket is great for keeping my keys, wallet, and phone accessible. The construction seems sturdy, too. The fabric isn't particularly soft, but the strap is soft, which is what matters.

I love that this bag is hemp. It's light-weight and cute. The only problem is that it's way too small to fit my Manduka black mat (which is 26 width, and this bag is 27--I thought it might work).



Fair warning. Otherwise, I'm happy with it.

I like this bag. The double zipper makes it easy to maneuver the mat in & out (and I tend to be uncoordinated when it comes to things like this). The fabric is rough (which I like) & feels very sturdy .. the strap is also sturdy & adjustable & is comfortable when slung over my shoulder. It is smaller than a lot of the bags I've seen, & I like that, too. I had originally wanted the small Manduka practice bag, but am happy I chose this one instead.

Roomy enough for an extra towel. The pocket is big enough to hold my iphone during class and a few extra things. I don't have to struggle at all to get my standard mat in this bag. Love the Hemp smell too!

I am really happy with my yoga mat bag! The bag is big. I use it for only one mat so I can get it in and out very easily. Because of the zipper opening being on the side I don't have to deal with the stickiness of the mat and trying to push it down in the bag. The zipper seems a bit delicate so I am mindful of it and I haven't had any problems. We should all be more mindful after yoga anyway. The strap is adjustable and the bag is strong.

This bag is very sturdy, easy to open and close, and has a nice wide, adjustable strap for easy carrying. Makes it easier for me to get to the gym with my 2-year-old, gym bag, diaper bag and yoga mat! Also has a compartment for keys and fits a water bottle in the big compartment.

The zipper for the small side pocket was broken when it arrived, but it is still usable. The design on the sides of the bag are actually a little lighter than it appears in the picture. Cute bag overall though. Glad I ordered it. - Hemp - Yoga - Yoga Accessories - Mat Bags'


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Crocodile Leather - skeleton, skeleton watch


Watch was pretty much as advertised. Very nice appearance and seems to run very accurately, for a mechanical watch. Really fun to see a purely mechanical, wind-up watch work so well...All in all, very happy with this purchase! Stuhrling Original Men's 228.33452 Brumalia Boardroom Mechanical Silver Dial Watch

Just received this watch and have had it for a few days. So far I am pleased with this purchase. I intended on buying a watch that would be wound by wearing it but made a mistake and bought this mechanical watch. No problem though. Am still happy with the purchase and need to learn to wind the watch periodically (just like watches when I was a kid). Nice looking time piece. I would have given the watch a 5 star rating if the band was more comfortable. The clasp digs into my wrist but thing that after wearing the watch for a few weeks I will not be bothered by it. I am over 6 feet tall and when fastening the band I use the next to last available positioning hole in the band. This makes the "tail end" of the band a bit long. Overall, I like the watch.



I have an update for Stuhrling - the website is a joke (broken) and can't leave a message at the customer service phone number. This makes me think that this company is pretty shady and am not sure that IF I had an issue with the watch that I could have the problem resolved. Have my fingers crossed that my watch will not have a malfunction.



Update: After having this watch for a few weeks I can only say that I need to return it. It gains more than a minute EVERY day. If I don't keep resetting the watch to the correct time it will never be correct. I have tried to not wind it all of the way thinking that maybe I wound it too tightly but that does not seem to cure the issue. Feel that I got roped into a bad deal. - Stuhrling - Skeleton - Skeleton Watch - Crocodile Leather'


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Stationary Indoor Bike - recumbent bike, highly recommended


My husband and I were looking for a style of exercise bike that was easy on the posterior and on the wallet. The Marcy recumbent Mag cycle is both! My husband and my teenaged son were able to put it together in less than an hour (if you don't count the time in laying out the parts and reading through the instructions first). There were 2 washers left over, so I am assuming that the manufacturer included extras.



The monitor keeps track of the time that you spend exercising in each session, speed, distance traveled, calories burned, and it has an odometer. I was surprised about how quiet it is, as our previous upright exercise bike was quite noisy. The bike also has a dial to set the tension level (there are 8 levels).



I was able to buy the Marcy bike on sale for $127 and with super saver shipping through Amazon I was able to get free shipping and handling. This turned out to be a much better deal than through Walmart dot com. Marcy Recumbent Mag Cycle

My 74 year old, 5 foot , 240 pound mother asked me to keep an eye out for an exercise bike for her at yard sales. I was really concerned about her on an exercise bike because she lives alone as is not very steady on her feet. She is actually quite healthy and mobile for her age and weight, but I still had visions of her tobbleing over while trying to climb up on an exercise bike. I also figured the old style seat would be so uncomfortable for her that the bike would get used for the first week or to and then wind up being pushed in a corner and collecting dust. I stumbled across this bike while Christmas shopping. It was on sale for a heavily discounted price so it caught my eye. I read the reviews and looked at other similiar bikes. I decided this was worth the gamble. My mother had an exercise bike when I was young and you could not pull her off of it. The same is now true for this bike. I now worry that she will over do it. The bike is perfect for her to get in and out of easily and the chair is so comfortable for her that she uses it as a chair also. She does have to reach just a tiny bit for the pedals when her legs are extendted, but at 5 feet that would be true of anything. She has to put a pillow in her car seat so she can reach the gas. This is not a far enough reach to be uncomfortable for her or to put a strain on her back. My biggest concern in regards to my mothers health is her weight and with this bike she is able to safely exercise on her own at her leisure. The seat is plenty wide enough for her to sit comfortably and the handles are in the perfect place to help her get up and down. The seat is not too high or too low and I have no worries in regards to her tumbleing over. She is excited about her progress and is calling me often to update how long, far and fast she is able to go. Moving is so important at her age and I am so happy that she now has an easy option to keep her moving. She is down right giddy about the bike and reminds me of my girls when they were little on Christmas morning. It is a little early to determine whether or not the bike will still be used once the newness has worn off, but I have confidence that the benefits will be so apparent for her that she will be happy to continue to use this bike.

The directions advise to have two people put this cycle together, but I was able to do it by myself without breaking a sweat. One part of the instructions is incorrect, asking you to use three washers when you really need four (you'll figure it out by looking at the drawn instructions). I put it together in under an hour without any problems.



The cycle is very sturdy and quiet. I have the cycle stored next to our babies' bed and ride while they're falling asleep so I can look over them - it is VERY quiet! The highest magnetic tension is also pretty decent for a home machine. The monitor is very basic, but has the necessities.



Overall, I am very pleased with this purchase and would recommend!

I've been using this bike for about two years and I absolutely love it. I turn on the television and watch a movie or play video games and the time flies by! I honestly forget I'm riding it sometimes, though that depends how good the movie or video game is! I have to get up every 30 minutes to stretch and give my buttocks a break, but it's a very comfortable seat overall. I keep a pillow stashed between the seat and backrest for even more comfort. When I started, I was 400 lbs so there's no weight limit that I'm aware of. Easy to assemble, and you can adjust the tension from 1-8 to make your workout easier or harder. Plus, the legs rotate forward or backward, so you can ride in any direction you please. It also allows you to adjust the length from the seat to the pedals, so if you're short or tall you can adjust it to fit your needs. Also, it's relatively heavy but the bottom of the unit includes rollers, so it rolls across the carpet or hardwood flooring for easy storage. The unit is magnetic so it's very quiet--can't hear a thing when you're riding. The digital screen tracks time elapsed, calories burned, distance traveled and current speed; you can set it to rotate between these display options or set it to stick to a single option (for instance, if you only want to see time elapsed). I haven't replaced the batteries yet (I think they're two AA), so they seem to last forever. I don't use the handlebars or the sidebars--my knees kept hitting the handlebars so I removed them, making it easier to ride. My only suggestion: It could use a headrest, but if you put it in front of a wall or fashion a headrest on it like I did, you're set to kick back and watch the pounds melt away!



I lost 60 pounds over the course of a few months doing no other exercise other than riding this recumbent bike in my room. Yeah, it's THAT good. Great exercise bike that's well worth the price!

I got this because the price was a steal here on Amazon. It was very easy to set up, although kind of hard to adjust the length once assembled. We had to unscrew one of the (factory put in) screws in order to let the inside bar slide down far enough for the "shortest" hole to be used.



As for the shortest length, it is the perfect length for my boyfriend, who is 5'9". However, for myself, who is 5'2" it is still to long. So, I've been slouching while using the bike (which hopefully isn't really bad for my back) or using a pillow to prop my back up far enough so I can sit forward properly.



Otherwise, it is quiet, pretty light weight and easy to assemble. - Recumbent Bike - Stationary Indoor Bike - Highly Recommended - Exercise Bike'


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Cargo Pants


I've never really been a "Jeans" type person. Some cuts and colors looked all right on me, but I quickly found that other pant types suited me better. Particularly cargo pants. In a search for some decent-looking, colorful, hearty cargo pants, I came to Amazon. Two brands kept popping up near the top of the lists: Carhartt and Wrangler's RIGGS. So, after owning them both for a little while, here's a comparison:



Wranglers RIGGS Pros:



-Very durable material, and double/triple stitched. It's slightly thicker than the Carhartt canvas pants, and the pants (as a whole) definitely weigh a few more ounces. The "Rip Stop Technology" is visible, and is basically a thicker strand of material lining horizontally across the length of the pants. I haven't put it to heavy testing, as I like my pants whole, but I can see the material stopping minor tears.



-Pockets. The RIGGS have more pockets than the Carhartts. The two leg-pockets are larger and button-down to close (something the Carhartt's lack). There are two smaller pockets more than the Carhartt's, about the size of a flip-top cell-phone and one that's cut at an angle (probably for rulers, but I use it for lip balm, mini-bungies while I'm riding my bike, and other small thumb-sized things). I have to say, I like the RIGG's pockets more. If this kind of thing is important to you: The hammer loop is on the RIGHT side. Carhartt's is on the LEFT.



-Leather tab on right-front pocket. It's stylish, but more than that - it's functional. If you constantly clip things to your pockets (measuring tape, cell phone holster, Leatherman, etc.) then you're not damaging the seems of your pockets with the little leather patch.



-The knees are double-thick from just below the front pockets to the shins.



Wrangler RIGGs Cons:



-They come a little shorter than the Carhartt's. I wear a 34W x 36L and the Carhartt's seem to have about 1" over the RIGGs in length.



-This is probably due to my own issues (shared washing facilities, too much soap?), but after washing the RIGGs once they were suddenly very "distressed." The fabric seemed fine, but it was if they were washed in mild bleach. Again, this is probably my fault, but it only happened to the pants. Just a warning.



Carhartt Canvas Pros:



-Casual look. I have to admit, the RIGGs are nice on the eyes if you have a "rougher" style, but if you want something more casual and even EASIER on the eyes, the Carhartt's win. They just plain look a bit more sleek. They also come in more colors.



-Cheaper. The Carhartt's I found for roughly $25/pair online. The RIGGs I've found for about ~$35/pair. If they wear the same, the Carhartt's may be the better value.



-Fit. The Carhartt's fit better. They're slightly longer than the RIGGs, and have a more "tailored" feel to them.



-Fabric and double/triple stitching. It may not feel as robust as the RIGG's, but it does definitely feel more rugged than your average pair of jeans (and far more rugged than thin 'designer' pairs). It's also smoother than the RIGGs, giving the pants a smoother, slightly more stylish look.



Carhartt's Canvas Cons:



-Pockets. Make no mistakes, I find anything with more than two pockets a good thing, but there are a few mishaps. The main cargo pockets don't close, and are about the size of my hand (minus the thumb). The RIGGs pockets do button-shut, and can fit my full cupped hand. There's also a few less pockets on the Carhartts, but it shouldn't usually be a problem. What I find slightly more annoying is the belt-loop placement. It sits directly, vertically over the left (slightly-smaller-than-the-right) cargo pocket. When I go to put things in the left cargo pocket, I often hit the belt loop first and spend a few extra seconds fumbling for the right spot.



-The fabric wrinkles easier than the RIGGs. It's lighter, but not so light that you can quickly pat them down or leave them to hang. They might be prime candidates for steam-pressing, but I've not had the opportunity to try. The RIGGs are probably not light enough for steam-pressing, and if they're wrinkled badly, you're looking at nothing short of an iron to get them back to smooth.



Conclusion: Overall, I'm a bit split. It really depends on how long they last (and I expect both to go for years under moderate use). The Carhartt's are definitely more appealing stylistically, and I can use them in a wider range of outfits. The RIGGs, I feel, are more rugged and suited to heavier use. Both feel more rugged than jeans, and I like the comfort in knowing that I don't have to worry about worn out knees or random rips for some time. I'm definitely a "quality over quantity" person, and both pairs have quality look and feel.



In the end, both get 4 stars from me. I love 'em, and I'm glad I have both. RIGGS WORKWEAR by Wrangler Men's Ranger Pant, Loden, 40W x 32L

THESE TROUSERS ARE COMFORTABLE FOR HOT WEATHER AND LOOSE ENOUGH FOR THERMALS IN COLD.THE CARGO POCKETS AREHANDY TOGETHER WITH A CELL PHONE POCKET.THEY ALSO FIT GREAT FOR MOTORCYCLE WEAR,HOWEVER THERE IS LITTLE CRASH PROTECTION.TO AVOID FADE WASH THEM IN COLD WATER.

these are the best pants since Levis came up with the 501 for the 49ers (the real 49ers, not the sad NFL team of today).

I work in these pants nearly every day since I discovered them on the recommendation of the local feed store proprieter ("these are great pants!). I've yet to detect a manufacturing flaw and they shrug off the effects of everything from manure to plaster dust.

The hammer loop is on the logical side for once and I'm still trying to remember that I have cargo pockets and don't need to tote the toolbelt. and a cell-phone pocket! the new classics.

I was in the market for a good, strong, hiking and trail pant. Most of the options I came across were too heavy, not durable enough, or didn't have the right pockets. I research, but rarely purchase, clothing online, but these weren't on any shelves in my area so I took the risk and ordered a pair through Amazon, thanks to a "no-fee" return offer on them at the time. Though that guarantee turned out to be a bit of a hassle I was very pleased with the purchase and ended up with three pairs, one of each color.

Here is my overall analysis:



Pros:

1) The pants are lighter and more breathable than I expected.

I have other double-knee pants; they are quite heavy. However, these are made of a durable but lightweight cotton weave that breathes very well. Considering all of the extra pockets and associated material (including Cordura-lined back pockets) I was shocked at how light the pants were.

They represent the pants as being rip resistant ("Ripstop" as they say) and while I haven't seen them handle a rip, I am inclined to believe their claim. The particular weave of the cotton suggests that they would be hard to tear.



2) Good pockets and belt loops.

The pockets are strong, well-stitched, and located in the right places. The front hip pockets are deep and made of very strong cotton. Not the thin white cotton found in jeans, these are almost canvas-like; very reliable. As I said above, the rear pockets have thick Cordura on the inside as the lining. I am confident that my shop pencil or combination square will not easily rip through as it has with my work jeans.

The cargo pockets only have fullness on the rear seam, which is smart (the front seam lies flat, which prevents brush from catching easily while on the trail). They area large enough and close with durable snaps that can be opened one-handed, but don't pop open on their own. No buttons to fumble with or weak velcro patches. There is also a cell phone pocket (maybe a little small for some), an exterior "pliers" cargo pocket, and a hammer loop; all on the right side, so Southpaws beware.

The "patented tape measure patch" is kind of a gimmick as it isn't very thick leather and doesn't actually run on the inside of the pocket at all, which is where my tape always grabs and pulls. It covers the outside and the fold at the top of the pocket, but that's it. It's not bad, just doesn't really solve the tape pinching "dilemma."

The seven decent belt loops (including an extra wide center loop in the back) are well-spaced and provide good support and allow ample space for useful additions like binoculars, a flashlight, or a knife (yes, even a belt holster for those who are so inclined).



3) Serious stitching

All of the major seams are triple stitched. All of the secondary ones are double and pretty serious. Most of the single-stitched are not high tension seams (just fullness and folds it seems) and look sturdy. Also the thread is of good quality. See "Cons" below for a side note.



4) Relatively Reasonable Price

I paid [...] per pair (w/ free shipping and return shipping) on Amazon. Wrangler would sell direct at a little cheaper ($37 each I think) with free shipping on orders over $100. But of course, the return shipping would've been on me. So I went with Amazon. That's cheaper than Carhartts and these pants are lighter, have better pockets, and are better for hiking.

However, I recently found these on a shelf at our local hardware mega-center (Menard's, for those who know it) at around $30 per pair. That's a screaming deal. So look for them. You might be able to find a local retailer by going to [...].



Cons:



1) Be aware - Waist measurements seem to be on the low side.

I was thankful for the free return shipping deal, since the pants seem to run on the small side for their waist measurements. All of my other pants are 33s, but for these I needed a 34 to feel comfortable. And no, it wasn't merely wishful thinking on my part, the pants really do run tight in the waist.



2) Made in Mexico

If you're a "Made in the USA" person, these won't fulfill that criteria. But judging by the quality, Wrangler made it clear they wanted good workmanship. If you're simply sick of substandard products from overseas, especially China, these aren't that. Not even close.



3) A couple of single-stitch runs might not hold up.

Here and there, I have found a few stitching errors. Thread tails, needle burps, even one unfinished end. But all of them were in non-critical places. All in all, on three pairs I found 5 or 6 errors TOTAL. I don't know if you can do better than that for assembly-line clothing.



4) The free return shipping required a call to Amazon...twice.

Despite the "automatic" nature of the free return shipping offer from Amazon, both of the pairs that I returned resulted in a return shipping charge on the return amount. This required a call to an Amazon Support rep both times to have return shipping refunded to me as well. The reps were friendly, quick to reverse it, and noted that the return should have been automatic. But since it wasn't twice, it was obviously not something they were going to fix. Realizing that this is not really relevant to the product itself, i did not figure in this factor when giving the four star rating. Nonetheless, you should know it for your own decision.



Overall, very pleased with the purchase. Good, sturdy pants with nice features at a competitive price. They aren't Carhartts, but I didn't really want Carhartts or to pay Crahartt prices . I wish I had waited and bought it locally for the reduced price, but at the time this was as good a deal as I could find.'


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Lithium Battery - lithium battery, battery packs


These batteries are a great value because they last a lot longer than other 18V batteries. I have crews using these tools for metal framing and such and the less time they spend getting down off of scaffolds looking for a charged battery, the more money I save. I personally used the 18V driver to install 18 sheets of Durock and I went thru over 300 fasteners on a single charge. I kept reaching for more fasteners wondering when the battery would go dead and it just kept on going. The 3 amp hour design is awesome. In this case, I say you get what you pay for...and maybe a little bit more. Makita BL 1830-2 18-Volt 3.0 AH Battery, 2-Pack

I have used a lot of different tools/batteries. These outlast all the guys at work who are using dewalt. The batteries actually make a cordless sawszaw a useful tool. Even my boss was impressed. The only draw back is they are not cheap, but you get what you pay for.

if clothes make the man these batteries make the tool. just don,t leave the battery in the tool when you put then in the bag that the tools came in. the sligest touch to the trigger and the lite stays on and the battery willl be drained when you go to use it.

These batteries are important if you own a makita li-ion set. With the supplied two batteries you have to switch a single battery among the tools you are using while the second battery is charging, agrhh. This was very annoying when you are trying to make money on the job site. Armed with four batteries you can run three tools while one is charging, now you can make money!

These along with any of the tools made by Makita are the best on the market. I have used Makita's 14.4 Nicd stuff for years and actually sold them to a buddy and he is still using and lovin them.

Thank you Makita keep up the good work.

I was using the much smaller 1.0ah batts that came with the tool, and they'd last less than an hour.



This 3.0ah is so much better and lasts for a good couple of hours (having 2 is also great). Plenty of torque, super-fast recharging time and THE CAPACITY TO GET THINGS DONE.



Also, the Lithium technology is far superior to NiCd (and even NiMh); smaller, lighter, no degrading capacity (memory) effect, stronger torque, faster recharge and longer lasting.

I purchased the 18 volt Makita Drill and Impact Driver with the 1.4mAH batteries. Due to the amount I use them at the same time I purchased two 3.0 mAH batteries and these batteries have significant improved capacity over the 1.4's. I would recommend spending the difference if you use these tools frequently.

We normally buy Dewalt cordless tools, but when we find deals, we will buy other brands and we figured we'd give the Makita's a try.



The pluses: these batteries do last longer between charges than the old Dewalts nicads we had. If we have 2 guys doing the same job, the Dewalt would lose its charge in 3 hours, while the Makita would last at least 3.5 hours doing the same job.



The downside...the batteries cost you more in the long run. They aren't cheap, and they do last longer between charges, but we seem to have to buy new replacement Makita batteries more often than we do for our Dewalt products.



So, these batteries are great in that they are probably the longest running 18v cordless batteries we have had for our tools, but in the long run we probably won't stick with them because they need to be replaced every 4-6 months (we use them everyday), while our 'other' branded batteries are lasting almost a year under the same workload.

Having gone through several batteries with DeWalt products, I decided to shop around and see if I could find a "better mouse trap". I purchased these extra batteries thinking that they would be on par with the DeWalt's. Boy was I wrong!!! The charge on these last a long time. I have a four man crew with two impact screw guns, a chordless sawzall and a heavy duty drill. We have five batteries total and one single charger. I cant think of a time that anyone of us was waiting on a "hot" battery! Very satisfied!

extra batteries simply make sense for a serious worker. the one or two which normaly come with a set will not keep you working indefinitely and being able to cycle through four means constantly having power. even if your buddy keeps borrowing your impact driver. - Lithium-ion - Lithium Battery - Battery Packs - Lithium'


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Microsoft - software, cartography


The program installed fine, but in order to use it, you have to 'activate' it online (as you do with, for example, Microsoft Office and Windows). This is the first time activation has been required for Streets & Trips.



The activation process refused to function on my laptop. And despite the program's assurance that "you can use it for up to 60 days without activation," the program in fact would not run at all without activation.



I placed two calls to Microsoft Support about the issue. The first technician worked with me to reboot, uninstall, reinstall, etc., with no luck. The second technician acknowledged that there is a known issue with activation on some PC's. He suggested I could either wait for a patch (but he could not predict when one would be forthcoming), or I could get a refund.



It's a shame, because I've liked previous versions of S&T and was really looking forward to trying out the GPS features. I haven't decided whether to request a refund yet. If I keep the program and a patch is released, I will update this review accordingly. Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008 with GPS [OLD VERSION]

I just returned from a 6000 mile trip using the S/T 2008. I too had a little trouble with the activation as I was not near WiFi most of the time but once I got a good connections it worked.

In general it worked well. I did laugh when a huge lake in BC did not show up on one side of the road I was traveling beside. It is hard to read a lot of the small type in the car. Looking for the different colors of the minuscule blocks to see which was a restaurant and which was a bank was a problem. GPS reception can be spotty even when it appears it should be ok. On one or two occasions it did confuse left and right but the map was there to confirm.



All in all though it bailed me several times when I had know idea where I was in rural BC. It also got me through Vancouver and Seattle with no hassles. I also love being able to save my trip plans and reuse them again.

It is pretty amazing that you can turn your PC into a competent GPS. You can also cut and paste addresses into it.



It does not work as well as the Garmin dashboard units. If I want to find the nearest Peet's Coffee; S&T can't do it. It can show me dozens of "restaurants - other" in my area (oddly excluding what I'm looking for). If I search for Peet's it finds only 6 of the many dozens of Peets stores.



It has a category for grocery stores and for shopping centers, but not for hardware or office supply stores.



I had S&T 2006 and the GPS broke. I bought the 2008 thinking they'd have improved it. I can't see any improvement; it looks exactly the same and has the same odd little deficiencies.



My father-in-law has a great little Garmin unit. I was a fool and tried to save money getting S&T.

For anyone that does not have S&T with GPS it is a GREAT program. I travel to multiple clients each day and the program does a great job of mapping out the trip for me. Dropping all the client addresses into the program couldn't be easier.

I have used S&T 2006 for over a year and thought it was time to pick up the latest version. For those of you thinking of upgrading to 2008, I have found that there is not much to see here. Other than a new perspective map view, and the auto-calculate new route, the program operates and functions the same as 2006. Maybe it has more "points of interest" than 2006, but I really don't care; I'm on the road to see clients, not to find a coffee shop. If you are using 2006, or 2007, stay with what you have.

The only problem I have is that no where in the instructions does it tell you how to connect the GPS to your laptop computer. The "memory stick" as I thought it was (looked like one anyway) didn't fit into anything but the computer. I read where it said you could "go Wirless" and thought that the "memory stick" was how it was done. By accedent I learned that on the OTHER end there was ALSO a cap that covered the part that connected to the GPS. I almost broke open the plastic to get to the GPS to connect it to my computer. I called Microsoft Help on the phone. They said that I ws not the first with this problem. at least 14 other folks called with the same issue. I hope this helps other in the future. JW in Ohio

I bought this program to get the latest maps and updated places like hotels. It is my 4th upgrade over the years, starting back in 2003.



As far as I can tell, this version has NO IMPROVEMENTS AT ALL over my 2006 version, is more difficult to install and it tried to attach a Microsoft "live search" toolbar and default home page to my system. I live in western Pennsylvania and the new Mon-Valley expressway (PA-576) and several other new tollroads open since July of 2006 do not show up on the map! What is the purpose of buying the new version if there are no real improvements? On the plus side, the new GPS unit design may be a little easier to deal with, but if you already have T&S with GPS, don't waste your money on this version.

I have considered Streets and Trips a fine program, and purchased successive annual versions. This years version however, is very disappointing in that it appears not to have improvements that would justify a full purchase price. If very minor upgrade changes are all that are to be expected in the future, an annual downloadable upgrade should be offerred at a reduced price. My 2 1/2 years old home is on local maps but still not identifiable in the latest version (2008). All I've really noticed are minor "splash" screen changes.



Roger E. Reese

I am a directionaly challenged Realtor, so I thought this product might help. Pros: its cheap and works relatively well once you have played around with it. GPS receiver does have some lag-time to the screen so you need to know a little about where you are going before missing turns.

I bought an inverter for extra juice to extend the battery life of the laptop and have a well lit screen. A CD player/cassette converter can put the laptop sound into your car stereo for extra loud voice directions over loud, obnoxious clients. Cons: not intuitive, a regular GPS is so much simpler. - Cartography - Software - Maps - Streets And Trips'


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