Guy Low Price Electronic: 29 Aug 2010

Sunday, 29 August 2010

Makita Impact Driver - 18v, great tool

I'm a lead carpenter for a residential remodeler. I've owned 11 cordless drills over the years (currently I have 4) and this Makita is not only the best of the bunch, by far, it may be the best power tool I own. I've had it for about a month now and I've used it everyday. I have a complete compliment of "quick disconnect" bits so I also use this driver as a drill. I've drilled holes in concrete and block using masonry bits and it will easily countersink Tap-cons. I thought the little work light was a gimmicky thing but I have to admit, its a big help in tight dark places, I've even used it as a flashlight. For the size, weight, price, quality, power, etc, etc, you can't beat this drill/driver. The batteries charge in about 15 minutes but they last for days so with 2 batteries, you'll never be without a charged battery. The tool came with a soft square carrying case, kind of looks like a cooler. Since I hate wearing a tool belt rig, this case is great, if you remove the charger, this case will hold a bunch of standard handtools as well as the drill.

This is a great product, I highly recommend it.

*Update>> Its been just over a year and I have to say this drill is as good as the day I got it. In the last few months I purchased the combo kit, the drill and impact driver. I was curious to see if the first one I bought was still as strong as the brand new one. I see no difference. I am still more impressed with these drills/drivers than any tool I own....and its about time Makita sends me some free stuff for the gushing reviews. Seriously tho, you won't be disappointed. Makita BTD142HW 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver Kit

This thing is an absolute monster! I have been remodeling an older home for the past year. Before I went to Home Depot the other day and noticed this little wonder bundled with the 18v Makita drill, I was using a cheapo cordless and a corded skil to do all my drilling. The corded drill is about 15-20 years old, but was doing a good job still, but I got sick of dragging a cord around, so I pulled the trigger on this Makita set, and I must say I'm glad I did. I would have never considered getting just an Impact Driver, and to be honest, I have never really looked at one before the other day. This thing will drive screws into anything you can find, and if you need to bury screw heads so the surface is flush, you can do it with ease, WITHOUT striping the threads! This driver will also pull those buried screws right out of the wood without breaking a sweat. The design fits in the hand perfect, and the tool is well balanced. The lithium-Ion battery cuts down on the weight of the tool, so you can work all day and your wrist won't even mind.

As I said before, I picked up this tool and the 18v lithium Ion drill at Home Depot for $270 dollars, which I thought was a heck of a deal considering each of those tools run at about 200 a piece.

My only minor minor complaint was that they didn't give me any bits for the drill or the driver like I thought they would have, but that can be overlooked considering how well this tool works.

A+, Thanks Makita

I do a number of projects through our house and some woodworking. By far the most frequently used tool is a cordless drill/driver. I own an 18V with a traditional battery; a good performer but heavy and slightly unbalanced in the hand. A 14.4 volt with traditional battery which became much less used after the purchase of the 18 volt but still saw some use on short duration projects simply because it is lighter than the 18V, and DeWalt 7.2V "stick-style" used for smaller and/or more delicate projects. Over the past year, on DIY programs and in tool reviews, I had been noticing more attention given to impact drivers for everyday use in a broad variety of applications and projects. Especially in driving screws. Since this is a lot of what I use my drill/drivers for, my interest was piqued by the general consensus that the impact drivers were more efficient and less prone to the bit skipping out of the screw heads. This prompted my quest for yet another new tool for the arsenal. I hit the shelves of the local stores and checked out the current crop.

From the very first time I picked up this one I was in love. You see, I have been cursed with wide palms and short fingers and not a single power tool I have ever held or used truly felt comfortable in my hand. Mind you, I could still get a firm grip and it was never a safety problem, but especially with a heavier tool like my 18V, on longer projects I inevitably ended up with fatigue and a lingering ache in my wrist. When I wrapped my hand around this baby I had to have it. I am not exaggerating when I say that I have never had a tool feel so natural and balanced in my hand! The store I first encountered this at was my local Home Depot and they also had the previous generation which was identical in spec, shape and size with the exception of color and the fact it came with 3.0Ah batteries instead of the 1.5 in this kit (and if I'm not mistaken the charger on this one is slightly more advanced). I liked the weight and balance on this one better and with the 15 minute charge time I was willing to sacrifice the run time for the lighter weight and better balance.

After a month of use I am extremely happy with the performance and my purchase. It does an impressive job of driving screws of all types and sizes. Significantly better than anything else I have used and the benefit of the Lithium-Ion holding its charge while sitting on the shelf is very handy. I will still lug along my 18V or 14.4V when pilot holes are necessary but in tandem with this only for the convenience of not having to change bits, and I also still use the DeWalt for tight spots and more delicate tasks.

If you need the longer run time, I would recommend getting the previous generation model. My only regret is that just today here on the Amazon site I saw the kit with the accompanying drill for just about the same price as this kit. At the time I purchased this, that combo kit was $70 more and i opted to save the bucks. Otherwise I have absolutely have no regrets about my purchase. - Impact Driver - Great Tool - 18v - Lithium-ion'

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Starter Sets - yoga blocks, starter sets

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Mat is great for yoga, as well as the blocks and strap. I am using it for a multipurpose mat and I am finding that it is wearing out. If you need a yoga mat only, this will do, if you are looking for a mat to use for cardio and other work outs, you may want a heavier duty one. I was using this mat for p90x and after 60 days it's beginning to show signs of wearing. So, to sum up, great yoga only mat, not so durable for more intense workouts. Sunny Health & Fitness Yoga Kit

My wife is pregnant and her workouts now have to be pretty limited. She bought a yoga DVD but without some basic equipment it was difficult to complete the workouts. Now that she has this starter kit, she is able to complete her workouts and she feels much better when she's finished. She couldn't believe how much of a difference the blocks can make.

The foam yoga blocks, strap and mat are okay. This kit is really for beginners that aren't going to be practicing yoga a lot or a person that need props to travel with. If you are going to be doing yoga a lot you will need better props.

This is probably the least expensive yoga kit you can find on Amazon (at the moment) but the strap is a bit too short, and the mat not as thick as some alternatives; not that it's unusable. The foam blocks are fine and the kit comes with two (instead of one as most other kits are set up with.) Overall, I think it's a good starter kit. The only upgrade that would be truly worthwhile, in my opinion, is a longer strap. This said, the only thing that's essential in yoga practice is a mat and having blocks is a strap is a bit of a plus.

So far I have enjoyed this purchase. Mostly I use the mat which is holding up just fine. It's a bit smelly at first, which is unfortunate, but once it has been opened up and used a few times the new smell diminishes.

pretty great yoga mat. it is your typical mat, just like the mats that are offered at the place i do yoga. also comes with two blocks and a strap, both pretty standard. i recommend this kit for anyone who needs it for yoga. i have seen other people with thicker mats but i honestly feel like this one does the trick.

I am new to yoga. I started it because it was suggested by my MS doctor as a way to strengthen muscles and improve my balance. I'm certainly not a study in grace and doubt that I ever will be. The mat, strap and wedges is what is suggested by the gentleman who leads the sessions. This kit has everything in it that I need. It was reasonably priced and fits the bill. Over all, I'm satisfied. - Yoga - Yoga Mat - Yoga Blocks - Starter Sets'

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Ryobi 12 Volt Battery Charger

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My old charger died on me so I looked to Amazon for a replacement. Not only did the item arrive much faster than I expected, the replacement charger weighs next to nothing compared to the old one with the same model number. They have somehow eliminated the bulky transformer. One of the best features of this charger is that it actually tests each battery before charging it. There is an LED lighting system that shows if the battery is too hot to charge, in too poor a condition for further use, or ready to accept a quick charge. It then shows a green LED to let you know it is fully charged and in maintenance mode. (trickle charging) All in all a great charging system for anybody as addicted to their Ryobi products as I am. Ryobi 140237023 18-Volt Class 2 Single Port Battery Charger

This battery charger works well, but there may be a bit of a design flaw. If you don't push the battery in just right, it might bend one or more of the contacts in the bottom of the receptacle. I would recommend the product, but be careful when you insert the battery.

MY HUSBAND AND I LOVE TO ORDER FROM AMAZON.COM.WE HAVENT PURCHASED ANY THING WE HAVENT BEEN PLEASED WITH.AND IT IS PACKAGED RIGHT AND WE GET IT SO FAST.WE FIND THINGS THAT YOU CAN,T FIND IN STORES.AND IF YOU DO FIND THEM THEY ARE USUALLY HIGHER.WE HAD LOOKED FOR A PORT BATTERY AND COULD NOT FIND ONE.HE LOVES IT.WE ARE VERY HAPPY WITH AMAZON.COM'

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Beautiful Music

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I first heard of Foster the People early one morning while laying in bed half asleep listening to an NPR interview with Mark Foster, founder of the group. The interviewer peppered the piece with clips of songs from the "Torches" album, which was just about to be released. I remember finding the tunes very catchy even in my half-dazed slumber. I made a mental note to listen to the album tracks more thoroughly on iTunes before making a decision to buy "Torches". I loved what I heard and quickly purchased the album here on Amazon. I've listened to it nonstop ever since it arrived several days ago. I'm really amazed that I'm so taken with this work particularly in light of the obvious fact that it is somewhere between shameless bubble gum and light pop. Some have called it "alternative", but I honestly don't see it. Anyway, I think my attraction to "Torches" is it's infectiously upbeat Southern California sunniness. It just makes me happy (even the relatively disturbing subject matter of "Pumped Up Kicks"). I think this band is going to be immensely popular for pretty much the same reason someone like Katie Perry is much loved - they put big smiles on the faces of their followers. They're not for everyone, but they're definitely for me! Torches

Five stars. Ten stars. A hundred stars. I regret giving five stars to anything in the past, because none of it approaches how mind-blowingly awesome this album is.

As others have said, Foster the People are masters of alternative/indie dance rock. I've seen the comparisons to MGMT and Passion Pit, but this is so much more. Those bands are midgets compared to this giant. Every single song on this album is a hit, better than any hit by any band of this nature in recent memory. Every. Single. Song. The beats and hooks are simply unbelievable.

This album will make you dance until you pass out. It will cheer you up when you are having the worst day of your life. It will make you drive fast and scream along in public, embarrassing yourself. If you listen to this in bed with headphones on, you will dance in your bed and wake up your significant other.

I am honestly grateful that this band exists and that I have found them. I have not felt this way about music in a long time - possibly ever. Buy this, and buy a copy for everyone you care about in the world.

This is a highly anticipated CD release by the trio of Mark Foster, Cubbie Fink & Mark Ponitus since forming the band Foster The People in the late 2009. This great effort CD release (10 tracks), titled 'Torches' opens with a solid track/gem/stand-out track "Helena Beat" : a techno-pop track with wonderful high pitched vocals & melody. This is my favourite track from this CD & hence the title of my review. "Pumped Up Kicks" is a great 'altered voiced' second track. Other great tracks include "Call It What You Want" (up-tempo track with great vocals & melody), "Waste", "I Would Do Anything For You" (beautiful vocals/keyboard combination) & "Houdini" (a techno-pop-dance track with some interesting whistling sounds). Okay tracks include "Don't Stop (Color On The Walls)", "Life On The Nickel", "Miss You" (rather 'noisy' music track with good vocals) & "Warrant" (up-tempo track with drum/techno sound/bass combination). The band is heavily influenced by alternative greats & dance/techno sounds producing interesting pop/dance sound. Foster The People debuts here with the CD 'Torches' to light up the way to a successful career from here henceforth, a recommended CD listening.

the music on this album is consistently good throughout. I'm sure most people will buy this album for "pumped up kicks", but I can't stop listening to "Helena Beat". It's all very atmospheric, but has a good beat; Perfect for listening in a relaxed setting or at a get-together. Why are you reading this? just buy it already.

Foster the People burst on to the alternative music scene when their first single, Pumped Up Kicks, began receiving heavy airplay in the latter months of 2010. The band's eerie take on the distorted reality of a latchkey kid and his subsequent attempt to command attention by wielding a weapon and delivering the ominous warning, "better run, better run faster than my bullet," piqued the interest of listeners and earned Foster the People instant notoriety. Their EP album was simply a tease, and it left their newfound devotees clamouring for more. The release of their first full length album, Torches, is the antidote to the feverish pleadings of their trip hop-craved following.

The group's global sound alludes to something like a fusion of MGMT and Passion Pit's signature electronica stylings, with a hint of Two Door Cinema Club thrown in the mix. The heavy hooks and infectious rhythms are practically begging to be absorbed with the car windows rolled down and the volume jacked up, whilst head bobbing and steering wheel tapping ensue. A combination of reverb-heavy synths and sleek instrumentation, in addition to the laconic delivery of alluring, intentionally repetitive lyrics, create dance-worthy tracks that are both accessible and instantly endearing.

Despite the fact that it is a debut album, Torches is certain to leave Foster the People deeply entrenched in the alternative landscape. Not all of the songs contain the magical elements that garnered the attention of "Pumped up Kicks," but they do coalesce to form a uniquely satisfying auditory experience. Furthermore, although there is a notable lack of diversity amongst tracks, they have established a formula that doesn't eagerly invite tampering. This is certainly a group worth following, as their raw potential is largely uncharted in an industry that seems preoccupied with providing easily digestible, ubiquitous pop to the masses.

The album is FULL of fun, danceable tracks, but the overall sound and tone falls in line with recent pop trends (Passion Pit). Since the album does not do anything revolutionary, I am only giving it 3/5 stars. I'd also like to make a correction. Many people and the band's Wikipedia page categorize them as "Indie". Unfortunately, if your songs are used in movies, on TV shows, commercials, video games, and you are on Columbia Records, you are NOT Indie. I'm sure this is a mislabeling case by the press or individuals online. I'm not sure if the band labeled themselves as "Indie". Regardless, I am in LOVE with this album and the band itself. Get the album and see them live.I saw them at the Austin City Limits Festival and they know how to put on a good show! :)'

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Rhythm And Blues - five star, 80s freestyle

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I have the original AAD recording that I purchased as a closeout CD in 1987. The updated, remastered CD surely renewed my interest in listening to "Silk & Steel" once again, especially with the bonus tracks and new liner notes included. Though the extended version of "If I Say Yes" is not the same version found on the domestic 12-inch single, I am pleased with the extended version as-is. My motivation for buying this remastered CD was for the third domestic single, "Are You Man Enough," an underrated song that should have done better on the charts. I don't usually repurchase titles I already bought on CD, but the inclusion of the rare Shep Pettibone remix was reason enough to fork out my money. I know for sure that "Can't Wait Another Minute" registered on the dance charts and that there was a 12-inch version of this song. Though I don't care much for "Can't Wait Another Minute," I was surprised that the 12-inch version was not included on this remastered CD. "Silk & Steel" was definitely one of the group's most popular albums. Silk & Steel

stedman,doris, delroy, lorraine, & denise (also known as five star) have made thier mark in the states w/ this lp! thanks to the

hits "can't wait another minute"' and "are you man enough"...possibly "if i say yes". This band of cousins and brothers and sisters released this little treasure in the innocent time of 1986,at least for me. To me this was one of the best r/b acts out there then, this lp just solidified it! one of the strongest tracks is a full-of-energy-uptempo-dance hit that was unfortunatelly only released in the uk called "the slightest touch", so put on your dance shoes and prepare to sweat! but don't get the wrong imperssion many songs on here will catch your ear let me just give a few of my favs: "rain or shine", "find the time", "can't wait another minute", "the slightest touch", "are you man enough?", and "show me what you got for me" which was also only released in the uk. so here's the close, i've named 6 out of 10 tracks on this lp so that's got to say something to you, and that's not mentioning the other 2 tracks "please don't say goodnight" & "don't you know I love it." - Five Star - 80s Freestyle - 80s Music - Disco'

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Woodworking - saw, woodworking

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Having own cheap-quality saws in the past, I was a bit skeptical when I saw this one, but for such a low price I decided it was worth a try. I was very pleasantly surprised with how quick and smoothly it cuts. I would almost say that it cut a little too fast, but that's just because I was so used to how slow my older saws cut. It took some getting used to, but now it is one of my favorite "sawdust makers"! :) Great Neck N2610 26-Inch Hand Saw-Wood Handle and Chrome Nickel Steel Blade - Saw - Woodworking - Hand Tools'

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Hitachi Brad Nailer

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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.'

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Portable Grill

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I bought my grill on (Saturday) 7 Aug 10, and I was so proud to get the grill on sale (I thought they were all sold out, because this was a limited production model). I brought it home and assembled the grill the same day. I hooked up the Coleman gas and checked it for leeks. None were found, so while the grill was heating up, I went indoors to get some hot dogs to cook on it. I went back outside the grill and heard a popping sound like popcorn popping. I opened up the grill and the exterior coating was flaking off. I was really disappointed that I could not even cook anything on a brand new grill. I called Coleman Company on Monday morning, and the grates are on back order, so I have no idea when I can use the grill. It was funny the operator never asked me what model I had, and she already knew it was the Paul Jr. Design model. I wanted this product, because it does have better quality parts (pull out side plates, chrome nobs, chrome hooks, better wheels, and a nice temperature gauge). I still think this will be a decent product, and at least I did get good customer service, without any type of a hassle about getting new grades. I've had a good experience in the past with Coleman customer service, so this was another reason why I purchased this grill.

I just got the new grades in from Coleman today (16 Aug 10), and they have a much thicker coating to the grates, almost a powder coating to the cast iron. I will start using the new grill grates this weekend, and update my review. Paul Jr. Designs Coleman RoadTrip Grill

This grill is AWESOME! I can even look past the defective grills that come with it. It folds out and folds up perfectly, better than any other portable grill I've seen. It has more cooking power and cooking surface than any portable grill I've seen, and it actually folds out to regular grilling height without purchasing expensive extra accessories or stands. And it does all this in one piece without other pieces to lose or forget at home.

Perfect for tailgating, car/tent camping, picnics, etc.! And this model specifically is a better look with the black and chrome. Other campers will seriously envy you.

I even use this outside the garage of my apartment, it's that easy to set up and take down.

I'll be adding the full size griddle grate, and grill cover. I've already added the high-pressure adapter hose for use with a regular propane tank. I'd highly suggest this if you'll be using it at home also.

IMPORTANT: As soon as you buy this grill, contact customer support and report the defective grills to get better replacement grills in the mail under warranty. The original grill grates are defective and the enamel will flake off instantly with heat. Even worse if you use the instructions to "condition" the grill like it says to do first.

I'd read a lot of the reviews and some of the issues with the grill that people had experienced. I went ahead and bought it given all of the concerns. Set up is a snap. As far as the concern over the grill material popping when you're "conditioning" the grill per the instructions.... I did it a little differently than they mentioned. I lit both burners, set on high, closed the top and watched the temp gauge. When it got to 200, I opened the top for a few seconds and let it cool down. Closed the lid and let it heat up to 300 and opened it again. Repeated this at 100 degree increments until it got up to 500 degrees and then shut it off, letting it cool with the top closed. I don't know if I would have had problems otherwise, but it worked perfectly and everything has been fine. The latch issue is a VERY simple $2 fix. I agree that the closing latch is cheesy. They really should have done something different with it. That said, I went to Ace Hdwe, picked up a spring that was about 2 inches long, very fine wire, quarter inch diameter with the hook style ends. Very light pressure....just enough to keep the latch in the closed position. Drill a hole 1/8" or less in the lifting handle, just across from the latch (to the right, at the same level as the latch). Put one end of the spring around the latch and wind it around so it stays on, stretch the other end into the hole that you drilled (just far enough away to keep a very slight amount of pressure on the latch and the spring). It stays in place perfectly and no more worries about the top coming open during transport, etc. It literally took me 5 minutes and now I just pull the latch over every time I open and close the lid. This was so easy that I'm a little surprised that Coleman didn't design it in. Wish I could post a picture so give a visual on it for clarity (a picture would be worth WAY more than all those words above!). The grill cooks like a champ and I think it cleans up easily too. In all this is a great grill and for the price it's really great.

The product arrived within a reasonably quick time and the assembly was easy. The one glaring and frustrating design flaw is the flimsy, useless latch for the top for transporting. As soon as I lifted the unit to roll it into storage the top came open and the grates slid out. The latch actually slides open when you lift the unit. I tried to figure a way to have it latch better but to no avail. A bungee cord is now holding it closed, but the latch is a colossal design failure, especially since this is touted as a "portable" grill. This flaw should have been detected and rectified early on in the production of these units. As an engineer, I see the need for a much heftier, "snapping" or locking closure to give this unit a feeling of quality and durability. Actually, it's a "no-brainer," and you don't have to be en engineer to figure this out. Coleman and Paul Jr. dropped the ball on this one.

Sept. 7, 2011 follow-up. We used the grill as a portable and at home this summer and it worked very well. Buy an adapter hose for a large tank for economical home use and you have a very nice product. The bungee cord is still necessary for transport - a minor inconvenience. I hope Coleman has changed the latch design.

Amazon continues to be the first site I go to when looking for something on the Internet.'

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