Tools - Review - Bostich - Skilsaw - Black & Decker

Some of the most useful hand tools we use. We thought we would give you a heads up on some the hand tools we are using for all those beams.  These tools have proven to be the best for us.

Clamps – Where would we be without these locking clamps? We use a set of these “The Original” locking vise grip C-clamps with swivel pads that don’t put gouges in the the wood.  Using the turn screw, the clamp can easily be adjusted and then used repeatedly for many applications. We have been using them to hold our beams together during installation of a reinforcement plate and any other time we need to firmly and confidently hold something in place.  The release is easy to use and makes handling the clamps a breeze. No time consuming winding tight like a traditional C clamp. Even the wife can use them. These are “The Original” C-clamps and worth the extra dollars.

Square/ level – Who doesn’t want to be square?  This Swanson square TS151, borrowed from the Mrs toolbox, is a great little square. For all those repetitive cutting marks, this tool is the one. No adjusting, no moving parts, just a straight edge with you need it and a bonus level.

Saw – We saw a lot!  This circular Skilsaw does the trick. Whether we are cutting plywood, 2 x 4, 2 x 6 or 2 x 10 this portable circular saw handles the job. This is a easy to use, fairly lightweight, saw with enough power to handle most any cut. Precision is the goal and with the saw that is easy to accomplish.

Nail gun – If we didn’t have this gem we would not be ¼ of the way through what we have built. This Bostitch F21PL 21 degree  nail gun is supreme. We use this air powered nail gun, well I will say we have gone through 1 ½ boxes of 3 1/4” nails, with count of 4000, and we have a lot more to do.  Not a lightweight tool but powerful and pretty consistent. Only seems to hiccup when I am atop the scaffolding and want a quick nail set. But that isn’t too often. We have used with 3 1/4” and 2” strip nails that are easy to load and exchange. This is a sturdy piece of equipment. Even a drop from about 6’ to cement floor didn’t compromise the utility of this nailer. Highly recommended. 

Air drill – A great go to drill when you need extra power.  This generic drill is lightweight, easy to use and only draw back is it only has one speed, fast!

Drill – Handy dandy battery powered 12V cordless hand drill by Black & Decker. Thanks again to the wife.. I see a pattern here. This handy light weight rechargeable hand drill – screw gun is great for portability. With a full charge we are good for about 2 hrs of pretty steady use. Changing out the bit is quick and easy. There is enough power to use this drill with our self drilling screws through 2” wood and into ¼” metal.  Small, comfortable grip and easy to use.  

 Compact circular saw – This borrowed, from wife, circular saw is quite the little gem. We are using this to cut excess from our over head ceiling beams once lifted in place. Lightweight, powerful, easy to use, this saw is a must have. It is under 6lbs and has quick and easy adjustable angle and blade depths. Slim grip is great for comfort and reliability. The rip fence is just right for when the cut needs to be precise.

12/18/16 no working today. It's 30 degrees!