Tuesday, 28 June 2011

Cordless Screwdrivers - power tools, cordless screwdriver


I own numerous cordless drills and cordless screwdrivers. This one really fills the gap. Light weight and strong power, for its size. I do a lot of electrical work, which entails drywall repair amongst other things. It has enough power to drive drywall screws in, yet small enough to get into those small places. I wouldn't sheet rock a room but it's great for small jobs. Attaching cabinet hinges, electrical work and driving hex nuts, it works great in all applications. Really beats the pants off of the B&D 3 volt screw drivers. The clutch has excellent range. At the 1 setting you can drive screws into a switch face plate without breaking the plate. The higher numbers correspond almost exactly to the release pressure of my other DeWALT drills.



I knocked off one star due to the poor quick release design. By the way, it hasn't been fixed. When you push the sleeve back, towards the screw driver, it releases the bit. Like others have said, when you bump it or put it in your tool belt the bit can release. It hasn't been a huge problem, just an annoying issue. The problem is that there is a small spring that helps release the bit. So it shoots it across the room. It really doesn't make any sense, since their impact drivers have the release mechanism going in the opposite direction. That said, I would buy this again and recommend it to anyone. Hopefully, some day, DeWALT will act on these reviews. For the price this is a great deal. The batteries have long run times and the charger is the latest 3 mode version which allows you to leave the battery in the charger all the time without damaging the battery. In fact that is what they recommend, keep one in the charger at all times. It charges, conditions and then maintains a trickle charge after that. I wish that I would have purchase this item long ago. Have fun.



Update: I have now been using this tool for about 6 months. It still works flawlessly. I would like to add a note on the quick release. I think that DeWALT's thinking on the way the bit releases is for ease of use and quick action. Typically if you are using this tool, you will be changing from flat head to phillips again and again. By tapping the release the bit quickly pops out and to attach a new one you just shove it in. If, like on their impact driver, you had a locking mechanism it would be more difficult to release and install the bit. This is supposed to be for light duty work. This cordless screwdriver is now the first tool into my bag for any project. I can't imagine leaving home without it. DEWALT DW920K-2 1/4-Inch 7.2-Volt Cordless Two-Position Screwdriver Kit

I'm remodeling my garage. One of the many tasks is putting up sturdy wall shelving to hold heavy tools and tool boxes, and putting up drop down ceiling racks to hold 4x8 sheets of plywood, sheet rock, etc. I have been using the DeWalt Cordless Screwdriver to attach the shelving to my garage studs and rafters with 3 inch wood screws.I am more than impressed with the power this little screwdriver has. Screwing 3 inch screws into a pair of 2x4's by hand or by using a drill and Phillips bit is not an easy task. The DeWalt however, has the power to get the job done easily. I don't have to soap the screws either, a task that was necessary with my old Craftsman cordless screwdriver. I set the clutch to 15 for these tough jobs. When the clutch engages, the DeWalt sounds like an air ratchet. The thing just oozes power.The 1 hour charger works as advertised. My depleted battery packs are completely recharged in under an hour. The DeWalt two position handle is a welcome enhancement from my inline Craftsman cordless screwdriver. I find that I am using the pistol grip postion almost exclusively.One feature that took some getting used to is the location of the forward, lock, reverse switch. Its location is more suitable for a left handed person than for a right handed person.To say the very minimum, I am very satisfied with my DeWalt. Next to my table saw I would rank my cordless screwdriver as my most important and useful tool.

This is simply the best cordless screwdriver around. With a drill you either have too much torque, speed and size. Having a power screwdriver is a necessary piece of equipment for any homeowner. I had always suffered with stripped screw heads or insufficient torque. No more - not with this baby. Balance is perfect, controls are terrific. I was really (pleasantly) surprised to find the chuck is a rapid load self ejecting chuck. This is really a necessity in a screwdriver (and probably in drills too - DeWalt hope you are reading this....).The torque adjustment is really great. Adjustment steps are very nicely spaced throughout the torque range. I.e. you don't have to worry about one setting being too much and the next being too little. You get a nice range throughout 15 settings. I have used this for light jobs like wall switch trim plates with no problem where I used to routinely crack them with other drivers. Also with tough driving into thick oak etc.. with no problem and no stripping.My only complaint is that the battery shape makes the tools somewhat awkward to use in the straight position. However, this is the only problem and nothing that I believe detracts from the tool overall. Having owned several black and decker cordless ones and having looked at the skil, panasonic and others. This tool leaves them in the dust ... and at a discount too! (Panasonic I have seen here for $139 or so).Get it. You won't regret it.

Bought mine here from Amazon.com about a month ago and have used and tested it with much satisfaction ever since. I reviewed all 57 reviews for this tool here before buying and I rely heavily on these reviews before buying. I was concerned about the shaft wobble and the easy releaseability of the bit when the chuck is bumped or put into a tool bucket. These were so well written up by earlier reviewers. I am pleased to say that it appears as if both situations have been resolved. The chuck release spring has been stiffened and the shaft turns true. Tested it with the collar pulled back and there is no wobble. A 6 inch bit spins true. And, the collar needs a firm pull back to release the bit now. The case has ample room for all sorts of accessories. The charger is very light to lug around. The tool brakes when you release the "trigger" which is undocumented and allows you to stop with one thread left connected on screws instead of coasting to a stop and the screw stopping where it may. The slider release to change from a straight to a pistol is spring loaded so you don't have to remember to make sure the tool is locked into its new position. It clicks into a locked positon when the tool arrives at the new configuration. The previous tool I purchased from Amazon using the reviews as decision making was for the Porter-Cable 548P Bayonet Saw.(...) I have been so thankful I did. - Gift Idea - Cordless Screwdriver - Power Tools - Dewalt'


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Great Camera - digital camera, great camera


I purchased this camera as a replacement for my Panasonic FZ-35. After having taken a few hundred pictures - including some side-by-side comparisons with the FZ35, here is my impression.



The canon image processor is much better at color balance and overall image capture than the FZ35 - images are brighter and so capture more details otherwise lost in shadow or just a tendency the FZ35 has towards gray-scale processing in order to get the excellent sharpness the FZ35 is known for.



Having said that - I would not recommend using the Auto setting on the Canon. Its choice of focal point within an image tends towards creating images where the background is just as likely to be more in focus than the subject. Typically the camera tries to focus around the edge of the subject rather than the subject itself. Sometimes this can work to improve clarity by improving depth of focus a bit, sometimes it creates an image where nothing is in focus and sometimes it causes the camera to focus on "edgy" subjects that may not really be the subject at all - like a lamp post in the background, tree trunks in the background, etc. In the playback mode you can select a display which shows you the cameras focal point - which can help explain why some of your images look they way they do in Auto. Auto mode will also adjust the color of an entire image when it senses facial recognition to improve skin tones, but honestly the color balance of the Canon is so good anyway this is almost unnecessary and sometimes tends towards overcompensation so your entire image takes on a sickly green/brown hue.



However, if you switch from auto to P - or in fact any other of the SCN or mode selections on the dial, these annoying Auto features are disabled and you can get some really great photos. At this point the camera uses a single center focus frame (the size and position of which can easily be manually adjusted to fit your subject if you like) and you start getting pictures more like you expect. In addition, the customization options of the Canon such as magnifying the focal frame, color options, easy adjustment of just about any shooting function, combined with the superb zoom range still make this camera best in class. My only complaint for SCN settings is I wish they had a "sunset" but that is easily created in the color menu where you can select to emphasize reds.



The canon normally produces very clear images, however Canon generally processes to keep color balance as opposed to edge distinction at higher ISO speeds so sometimes the images become a bit more fuzzy than what those of us used the the FZ35 might like - on the other hand red stays red rather than turning black. You can manually limit the ISO to whatever maximum you prefer with the easy to use ISO button.



If you want to add a lens filter protector, polarizer, etc. you will need to purchase the 67MM adapter to do so (Canon FA-DC67A) - and good luck finding one!



This camera, like all of the others in this class, struggle with poor light conditions due to their small sensor. However unlike the competition, canon allows you to mount an external flash and that pretty much clears up this issue if you're willing to pay the expense. The way I look at it its a cheaper option than a $1,000-$3,000 DSLR which can go up to ISO 6,000 for low light conditions.



Overall the Canon is definitely a step up from anything else that was out there - but it does have its quirks you need to be aware of and work around. The opportunity for creativity on one camera/lens is really unrivaled by anything else out there. The ability to go from 1 cm away macro to 35x superzoom at the pull of a switch just can't be found on any other camera, combined with the scene options such as fisheye not normally found on other such cameras, and wide range of color options also not found on the Canon competitors in this class, you have a great tool for creative photography. So while the SX30 is certainly not perfect and image quality will sometimes be less than your $3,000 DSLR+lens (although for some pictures you'd need large magnification/blow-up to tell the difference) - on the whole it's worth putting up with the limitations for the other factors. One caution - if you're looking for a simple to use point-and-shoot this may not be your best choice due to the often poor intelligence in Auto setting. If not for this it would have gotten 5 stars. Canon SX30IS 14.1MP Digital Camera with 35x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 Inch Wide LCD

I scouted the camera's release back in September and have been waiting impatiently for it's arrival in early October! I finally got it last week and couldn't be more pleased! I've taken well over 2000 pics and at least 20 videos so far. Can't seem to put it down (literally- i've yet to use a tripod, even at 35 and 140x zooms)! I have shaky hands, so I was pleasantly surprised at the quality in any shooting situation! The zoom seems to be the most reviewed feature, but this thing is far from done there! It has a million features from fully automated shooting to complete manual functionality! Tons of effects and modes (check Canon's site). I had looked at several DSLR cameras, and even tested a few out, and for beginner to intermediate usage this camera is gonna be tough to beat! Especially with that price tag. Here are some of the features that appealed to me: 14.1 MP, 35x wide angle zoom, 720p HD video, TV, AV , Manual mode (especially this- complete control of aperture, shutter, and focus), all the common photo effects, 4.5 stop Image Stabilization. If you're looking for a professional quality camera, but aren't ready for DSLR pricing this is the camera to own! You won't be disappointed!!



UPDATE 10/26/10:

I have taken well over 4000 pics now. Still loving the overall performance and quality. I don't own previous versions of this camera so I can't compare it to the other models.

I sent about 50 shots in to be printed turned out amazing on 4x6 and 5x7. 8x10's to follow soon!

Anybody interested in lens accessories, i found a link on another review for this site:

[...]

They have some great options for all three versions of this camera (as well as some other brands). I just ordered the 58mm filter adapter and the Hoya HMC Circular Polarizer (6 coats) 58mm. should be here this week. i'll update on those. should help a lot with my landscape shots! - Ultrazoom - Great Camera - Canon - Digital Camera'


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Exercise Stretch Bands - ea sports active, exercise bands


This purple heavy resistance band is good for users who want a more intense workout from EA Sports Active for the Wii. The black wrist straps that come with EA Sports Active work just fine with this band. DYNA-BAND 6ft Purple Heavy Resistance Band

I was very satisfied with this product, - it was even more than I expected. The quality of the material and the length of the band makes it's use very easy. And the cost was far less than any other on the market. Thanks! Gail McHenry

This band is definitely heavy resistance, and a good length for a variety of exercises or stretches. I'm very happy with the purchase and would order this item again. It is very durable, and I see that it will be long lasting when cared for properly. (A little trick I learned to preserve resistance bands: fold it and store it in a self-sealing plastic bag, like a sandwhich bag, when you are not using the band. It will prevent air from breaking it down and deteriorating it.)

I bought this to replace the band that came with EA Sports Active. It really does the job. The length is perfect for tieing onto the handles and the resistance is at least double than what came with the fitness program. When it comes time to get more, I will reorder this product.

It is a good item. The reason why I gave stars is because it is a little bit wider than what I am used to and at the end it is expensive if you think it is only a piece of plastic. But all in all a piece of equipment that come handy - Stretch Band - Exercise Bands - Exercise Stretch Bands - Ea Sports Active'


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Mp3 Accessories - adapter, ipod


Received an MP3 player for Christmas but had no way of listening to the music on it in our vehicle. Purchased this item to fill that void. Works great and the stereo sound is actually quite impressive. Car Stereo Audio Cassette Tape Adapter for MP3, iPod, Nano, Touch, CDs, Nomad, Sansa, Zune & More

I've been using this for almost a month now, and it has worked perfectly first time, every time. I'm using it in a cassette player in a '92 Honda Accord. What a great tool! And for just a little over two dollars!!

This is an inexpensive cassette tape adapter, however it easily worked on my car and the quality is not bad. I am very happy with the purchase, have been using it for a week now and there has been no issue. The good think is one does not need to do any re-wiring to be able to use his/her mp3 player.

Great Product. Cost less than $3.00 and shipping was fast. Product exactly as described. Does the job. Seems like it'll last. I bought another company's car stereo adapter for $15 and it lasted less than 3 months and this one is at least as good as that if not better.



Thanks, great buy.

You only need to give this product time. Most people say it doesn't adapt to their stereos. They just didn't try hard enough. Give it a few tries pushing it in and out pushing a few buttons. Try ejecting it before it automatically does it itself. Make sure your iPod, CD player, or Mp3 is playing the music. Straighten the wire out while it's trying to read the tape. Do this about ten times. It will work. I was amazed by how well it worked after I got it to play. I enjoy this product very much. - Mp3 Accessories - Mp3 Cassette Adapter - Adapter - Ipod'


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Fiber Optic Cables - optical cable, audio cables


I had not been satisfied with the sound quality from my surround sound system, until I decided to purchase this optical cable. The quality of construction and audio it delivers totally rejuvenates my 9 year old system. I suppose any optical cable would do, but I trust the Monster brand. I have purchased Monster products in the past, whenever I could afford it, so I had expectations of high performance and longevity and it delivered. I installed the cable and played a DVD through my system and for the first time it was like being in the theater. An additional plus was the combined low price and quick delivery of the cable. Thanks to Monster and Amazon I'm thoroughly enjoying my home theater experiences again. Monster THXI100-FO4NF THX Certified Toslink Fiber Optic Audio Cable (4 feet)

I don't like to spend more than necessary for quality cables, but the less expensive (and better selling) models on Amazon were prone to slipping out of my Yamaha receiver. The monster cable provides a nice, snug fit.

Whether you're running a complete THX system or not, why chance the use of inferior products? To make certain you are getting all of the audio you can muster from your surround sound you should use this cable. Optic cable has very little loss, I know, I utilize fiber optics for a career. Sure Monster cables typically cost more than most (if not all), but I've always been a firm believer in getting what you pay for. Sure, I can't afford high end vehicles. However, I can afford this cable and you can't afford not to buy one too.

For some reason, this optical cable cannot plug into my Samsung TV snugly, however it plugs in properly into my receiver. I tried to push it in and I made sure it's turn the correct way , but it will not stay in. Before I bought it, I read all the reviews which were good and someone complained about the same problem. I went out and bought a cheap optical cable from Kmart and it did not have that problem. What gives??



Update: I had to try this cable again, I wasn't satisfied with the sound from the replacement I bought. I am glad I did. This time it took some more pushing and wiggling to get it into my tv. The sound that the Monster THX sends to my receiver is a much better quality than the replacement cable I got - the sound is crisper and rounder. I've upgraded my overall review to 4 star - (-1 star because of the fat end of the cable that prevents it from being plugged in easily into certain systems like mine) The sound quality gets 5 star. I would give it ten if possible. - Optical Cable - Cable - Digital Audio - Audio Cables'


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Lactose Free - vitamins, lactose free


I learned long ago that 'food-based' multivitamins absorb better than typical synthetics because their sources are real. Real food. Our bodies know how to extract nutrients from food. (Not so much from nutrients made in a lab.) All Rainbow Light supplements and multivitamin formulas are food-based and vegetarian. Although I'm not a vegetarian, I've been taking RL Complete Nutritional System formula for about 10 years. Before taking them, I averaged two or three colds per year. Once on them, I've averaged one or none per year. Also, there is no cup of coffee or chocolate bar that delivers the sustained all day energy that these vitamins provide. There's no jolt, no jitters or drop off. You just 'have' both mental and physical energy while taking this mutli. Note: Your urine will turn 'pickle water' green. The vitamins themselves are green. Get it? :-) No worries, this is perfectly natural. I am currently switching to RL's RejuvenAge 40+ Multivitamins. I'll write a review of that as well, but I promise not to wait 10 years to do it. Rainbow Light Complete Nutritional System Food Based Tablets 180 tablets

I have been using the Rainbow Complete Nutrition System supplement for 2 years now. It was recommended to me by my doctor and I am glad she told me about it! I am a busy working mother of 2 young kids and I have tried many different vitamin supplements and tried drinking Mona Vie for a year and nothing seemed to help keep my energy up and help keep my immune system strong so I wouldn't catch everything my little ones bring home from school. Rainbow complete has been great! Most of the time I take one pill in the morning and another at night instead of the 4 pills a day recommendation but this is because I eat a pretty healthy diet of fruits and veggies and other vitamin rich foods. I would recommend this multi vitamin to anyone.

This is a mostly food based vitamin. I have relied upon it for years. And this brand is a very trusted brand. I just wished this was part of Amazon's subscribe and save program. Vitamins are a perfect candidate for the program because you know exactly when you are going to run out.

I was referred to this brand and type of supplement by my acupuncturist/herbalist. She recommended these as they have the green foods added in addition to a complete blend of vitamins and minerals. It also includes the 'Engergizing Herbal Blend' which I thought would be very subtle. I am in my late twenties and am working full time and finishing grad school. However, the vitamins are clearly improving my energy level (when I remember to take them:) I would recommend these to anyone who needs a basic vitamin for their general needs and could use an extra boost of steady energy. The only struggle I have found is remembering to take them as you must take 3 a day..I take 2 in the morning and one in the afternoon on my good days of remembering. They still have kept me healthy and full of energy even though I teach young children who get sick often. Oh and one more tip...Amazon sells the big bottle for much cheaper than the health food stores and you can sign up for a 'subscription' so that they deliver it every month or two depending on your needs, with free shipping of course.

This prenatal made me feel like a 100 bucks after a week of taking it! My second semester is rocking and I will continue to take these probably after I give birth to my little one. Highly recommend them!

I have been taking these for several months now. I am hypothyroid, which makes me feel very tired, so I take them for nutritional support and an energy boost. I notice that I feel much healthier than I did before when I was just taking my thyroid medicine and no vitamin or a lesser vitamin. It took awhile to notice the difference, but now my energy level feels back to normal. You have to swallow three large green pills, which some days is difficult! But I find that it is worth that effort.



The price on these vitamins is also very good. You must take 3 per day which means the 240 count bottle lasts for 80 days. That's about $12 per month. If you buy these at the health food store you will pay way more.

We were delighted when we found out we were expecting, and I went right out and got prenatal vitamins from the local health food store. These came highly recommended. For most of the time I was taking these, I experienced a low grade nausea throughout the day and horrible constipation. I thought it was related to the pregnancy, but after reading a few opinions on the internet, I tried 2 days without these vitamins. I felt great! 2 more days with the vitamins and the nausea was back again. I am now at the beginning of 10th week and am searching for new vitamins. - Wheat Free - Lactose Free - Vitamins - Sugar Free'


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Outdoor Clothing - hiking pants, convertible pants


I purchased these pants for the Machu Picchu trek and boy am I glad. With weather that swung from hot to cold to wet in a matter of minutes, having pants which are light in weight, comfortable, dry quickly and and can be converted to shorts was invaluable. This will now be my stock choice for treks going forward and I highly recommend it. Columbia Men's Silver Ridge II Convertible Pant,Breen,XX-Large 32-Inch

Got these for half price at 6pm.com, and am very happy with them so far. I am hard to fit and the wide variety of sizes made it possible for me to find some that fit me well. Have used them on an overnight hike; they convert to shorts easily when it warms up and keep you warm when it cools off. Roomy enough to add layers underneath when it really cools off. They dry quickly, haven't had a chance to see how comfortable they are when wet. Plenty of pockets, zipper pocket in front for your keys and in back for your wallet (wish it was on the left side, since I'm a lefty, but you can't have everything). The belt that comes with it is pretty minimalist but works fine and adjusts easily.

Very light (good), breathable, strong material (all good). Has a weak front zipper and the belt loops are better than none. Pockets all over and zippered which I like. They are deep which I love as well. You can wear these anywhere. Come out of the wash just fine. Highly recommended. I bought two. Not disappointed.

I love these pants! I live in Florida and it is great to be able to have long pants during the buggy hours at the beginning/end of a day and shorts in between. These are even lighter weight than I expected, yet they've proven to be sturdy enough for me, too.

I love these pants! I bought these to help me travel light. The duo function helps me to bring less and the material is so light and dries very easily. I do wish that the front pockets could have been made from a solid material as it would prevent the contents in the pocket from poking or chaffing the wearer's legs. For the price, it is a great convertible pant. - Convertible Pants - Snowpants - Survival Pants - Hiking Pants'


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