What’s the best gas and water shut-off tool?

When confronted with a water or gas emergency, knowing the location of your gas and water shut-off valve locations and how to safely shut them off is paramount.

Although a simple wrench or pliers may turn on or off most water and gas supplies, the 4-in-1 shut-off tool is designed specifically to quickly and safely shut off water supplies and gas meters valves.

This on duty emergency gas and water shutoff tool for earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, floods, disasters or other emergency can also pry open doors, and is excellent for digging through debris. Plus, it won’t rust or spark!

For convenience and easy access in an emergency, buy two and attach one to your water shut off and one to the gas meter. The five year warranty assures reliably service for years to come.

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For DIY or professional electricians, the best digital multimeter is one that’s easy to understand, easy to read, and safe to use.

When you’re tackling any DIY electrical project, safety is the key. In order to protect yourself and your electrical system you’ll need one basic tool. A multimeter.

The multimeter will tell you, one, if there is voltage/current present where you intend on working, and second, how much voltage is present. Having this information will help you keep safe and facilitate a successful conclusion to your project.

There are many multimeters to choose from, but what’s important is that you have a quality meter that’s easy to read and safe to use.And, I always recommend reading the manual, just to be sure you really know how to use the multimeter on hand.

I’ve owned several multimeters, but have found the Craftsman digital multimeter an excellent choice because it’s so easy to use. It has an easy to read display, and an AC voltage detector pen, for checking voltage with one hand.

This multimeter measures all the basics — AC voltage, DC voltage, continuity, plus resistance, and diode and continuity. Having this tools in hand will give you all confidence you’ll need to safely succeed with speed.

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The best DIY sawhorses around. Finally, all the features you’ve dreamed of in a sawhorse, light weight, super strong, durable, versatile, and easy to store.

As far as sawhorses go I’ve owned many types. The ones you build with metal brackets, the metal fold up types, and many custom ones I’ve built myself, and they all had three things in common. They were all heavy, difficult to store, and cumbersome to transport.

The Stanley FatMax sawhorses had caught my eye in the home center several times before, mostly because they folded up so neatly, and they were very light weight, but the price always seemed a bit high.

After a while I finally got fed up with my old wooden horses and decide to splurge and buy a pair of Stanley’s FatMax sawhorses. As it turns out, that was a very wise decision.

These Stanley sawhorses are just the best. They fold up to only 2 inches wide, are very light, and easy to transport.

The individually telescoping legs make setting up on uneven ground a snap. The legs individually adjust about 8 inches each. From 31 inches to a total height of 39 inches.

They are also rated to hold up to 2500 lbs per pair, so they make a great scaffold base.

Plus, they have two 1 1/2 inch wide notches in the top of each horse to accommodate 2x4s to support planks for scaffolding, or your favorite work surface. I use a 24“X 60″ oak cabinet door as a portable work surface (also light weight and easy to store).

The built-in v-grooves are great for working with pipes and lumber, and the rubber feet prevent sliding on most surfaces. One often overlooked feature are the rubber pads built into the top of each sawhorse. These rubber pads help prevent your work surface or project from sliding on the sawhorses. An excellent touch by the designers.

And don’t forget the built in shelf for storing various tools while you work.

Believe me, these will be the last pair of sawhorse you buy, well except if you decide to buy a second pair, as I did.

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How to easily convert your impact driver to a standard drill in seconds.

This amazing impact driver accessory easily converts an impact driver’s 1/4 inch hex drive to a 3/8 inch keyless chuck, allowing it to accept round shanked drill bits.

Makita’s keyless chuck is built with an all metal housing for durability and strength. An efficient way to give your impact flexibility and convenience for any job.

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Sometime when you’re working alone, you just need an extra hand. Irwin’s quick grip clamps work with just one hand so you don’t have to stop in the middle of your project.

I’ve had a pair of these handy clamps for years, and never stop finding more uses for them. In fact I just bought another 6″ pair just for my compound miter saw. They’re excellent for holding the saw in place, or anything else for that matter.

The clamps are made of high strength steel for durability, and the soft pads protect your project from damage. Plus you can adjust and clamp all with one hand.

Oh, and did I mention that you can reverse the ends to turn the clamp into a spreader? That little trick has that helped me out of a few jams.

These useful clamps are an extra pair of hands at your command. They come in various sizes to fit all you DIY project needs.
Irwin Clamp details.

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A great DIY tool to help you easily clamp large projects, as well as layout and cut plywood and other sheet goods accurately every time.

If you’ve ever needed a large clamp, or a useful straight edge, but didn’t want to spend a bundle, then this is the tool for you.

Not only does it function as an easily adjustable clamp, but also as a straight edge, and tool guide.

Many DIY’ers struggle with cutting sheet goods, like plywood. You know, you carefully measure, draw your line and then try to cut a straight line. Sometimes it works out and other times, well not so much.

With the Rockler All-in-one clamp-straight edge you just measure, clamp the straight edge in place, and run you saw along the guide. You’ll get accurate cuts every time. Really, it’s that easy.

The full-color measuring scale, with large numbers, makes for easy layout and accurate cuts. Once you’ve used this DIY cool tool you’ll wonder how you got along without it.

Router and saw guide accessories are also available for this great tool.

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The gardener’s new best gardening tool is the Hori-Hori knife.

This Japanese gardening knife is great for weeding, planting and even cutting sod. It has a very sharp 6–1/2 inch stainless steel blade (an improvement over the original carbon blade) that’s serrated on one side making it an excellent tool for cutting and slicing through heavy roots and garden weeds. And it’s concave shape serves as a trowel for scooping soil and other materials.

The Hori Hori knife is light-weight, durable, and its hardwood handle is sturdy and feels great in the palm of your hand. As you can tell, it’s an indispensable tool for digging in the garden — which is why Master gardener’s love it.

I’ve all but given up all my trowels and weeders and I couldn’t be happier. This is the one tool that will surely make your gardening life easier.

Beware of impostors, GrowTech makes the best quality gardening knife.

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The real truth about tools and their uses.

With the help of almost the entire DIY population here are the seldom revealed, but well know real uses of our common DIY tools. Enjoy!

PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER

Normally used to stab a hole in oil cans thus splashing oil on your shirt; but can also be used to strip out Phillips screws, while blistering your palm.

STRAIGHT SCREWDRIVER

A tool for opening paint cans. Sometimes used to convert common slotted screws into non-removable screws, and butchering or slotting your palms.

PLIERS

Used to round off bolt heads. Sometimes used in the creation of blood-blisters.

SIDE CUTTERS

Most often used to cut electrical wires resulting in a flash of light, followed by smoke and a breaker being tripped.

VISE-GRIPS

Generally used after pliers to completely round off bolt heads. If nothing else is available, they can also be used to transfer intense welding heat to the palm of your hand.

CHISEL

The best tool to create a huge splinter of wood where you only wanted to remove a bit.

HAMMER

Originally employed as a weapon of war. Nowadays the hammer is often used to bend nails, flatten fingers and sometimes destroy anything close to what we are trying to hit.

UTILITY KNIFE

Used to slice through the contents of cardboard packages delivered to your front door; such as seats, clothes, liquids in plastic bottles, books, refund checks, and rubber or plastic parts. Also useful in sharpening pencils from 6″ down to 2″ in a matter of seconds.

PRY BAR

Most effective in destroying the wooden trim that you are trying to remove, or putting a hole in the drywall as you try to remove that wooden trim. Also a great to crumple that metal clip or bracket you needed to remove in order to replace a 50 cent part.

HOSE CUTTER

Simply a tool used to make hoses too short.

THE NAIL SET

By far the best tool for setting nails and splitting trim at the same time.

HACKSAW

One of a family of cutting tools built on the Ouija board principle… It transforms human energy into a crooked, unpredictable motion, and the more you attempt to influence its course, the more dismal your future becomes.

SKILL SAW

A portable cutting tool used to cut studs too short, make incomprehensible miter cuts, and make weaving cuts down the length of a sheet of plywood.

RECIPROCATING SAW

The perfect power tool for breaking blades as soon as you pull the trigger.

BELT SANDER

An electric sanding tool commonly used to convert minor touch-up jobs into major refinishing jobs.

THE 1/2″ DRILL with two handles

First off, go ahead and remove that side handle. Now proceed with breaking your wrist. Told you so.

JIG SAW

The best power tool for cutting weavy lines on some bizarre angle.

TABLE SAW

A large stationary power tool commonly used to launch wood projectiles for testing wall integrity, as well as shortening digits.

PALM SANDER

Excellent for sanding the little scratches out of that table top, but resulting in burning through the veneer.

THE COMPOUND MITER SAW

Yes, you guessed it, for cutting those compound miters on crown molding that are always just a bit to short.

HYDRAULIC FLOOR JACK

Used for lifting your car of the ground, but not keeping it there. Also used to test the strength of parts not made for lifting you car off the ground.

DRILL PRESS

A tall upright machine useful for suddenly snatching whatever you’re drilling out of your hands, so that it smacks you in the chest, flings your beer across the room, and ultimately dents the freshly-painted project you had carefully set in the corner.

WIRE WHEEL

Cleans paint off bolts and then throws them somewhere under the workbench with the speed of light. Also removes fingerprints from fingers in about the time it takes you to say, ‘Oh sh –’

OXYACETYLENE TORCH

Used almost exclusively for lighting almost anything in your shop on fire. Also handy for igniting the grease inside the wheel hub out of which you want to remove a bearing race.

BAND SAW

A large stationary power saw primarily used to cut most types of material into smaller pieces that fit more easily into the trash can, due to cutting on the wrong side of the line.

TWO-TON ENGINE HOIST

A tool for testing the maximum tensile strength of everything you forgot to disconnect.

THE SON of a B****’ TOOL

The closest tool you grab and throw across the garage while yelling ‘Son of a B****’ at the top of your lungs, just after having used any of the above. It usually turns out to be the next tool you’ll need right after you let it fly.

This is a collection of articles about the greatest tool box I’ve ever owned, the Stanley Workforce Tool Box/Organizer.

If you’ve been following along over the past year, then you’re familiar with my quest for the best DIY toolbox. And during this journey, the best tool box was found, lost, replaced, re-replaced with a different box, replaced again, and then finally returned home to once again to take it’s place as the best tool box.

To make it easier for you to find the exact information you’re looking for, I’ve laid out the story of the Stanley tool boxes in four sections. You can choose to either read this in its entirety or simply click on the specific article title listed in the Table of Contents below.

• The original article: “Quest for the Best” is about the original Stanley’s Workforce tool box organizer.
• The second: “Quest for the Best Part II” is about Stanley’s changes to the box, it being discontinued, and then it being replaced with something totally different.
• The third: “Sighted and Captured” is about the three replacements boxes I offered as a substitute for the discontinued original Stanley tool boxes.
• The Bottom Line is the latest news on the re-release of the original Stanley Workforce Tool Box/Organizer.

Once gain thanks for your input and patience throughout.

And a big thanks to Stanley for continuing to provide us with great DIY tools.

Tool Boxes, Quest for the Best.

Here’s the problem. We all have a tool box or two around the house, right? But no matter which cool tool box we buy, it only ends up as a pile of tools in a box. You know, totally disorganized, heavy, taking up too much space and you can’t see what’s at the bottom of the pile. Well, a cardboard box could do just as well.

You may even own one of these popular tool box styles.

Even if you have a multi-drawer tool box that’s well organized, it’s too big and heavy to lug around. Anyway, the fact remains that for the majority of do it yourself projects you only need the essential tools, not every tool you own.

I’ll bet, like me, you hardly ever take your tool box to your project, you just try taking the tools you think you’ll need. Inevitably, you end up running back and forth. What a waste of time!

Here’s the simple solution that will make it easier to; carry your tools to your project, find your tools, and save space and money. I know, sounds like a pie-in-the-sky dream right?

It’s not. And I’m going to reveal to you an amazing tool box you’ll love forever.

So here we go.

One day I was strolling through my local home center looking for a divided box to store my fasteners when I spotted a multi-section plastic organizer.

It was different from others I’d seen before. It was made of heavy duty plastic, had adjustable sections, a locking clear lid, a good strong handle and the lid closed tight against the dividers so nothing can not jump from one section to another — even if dropped.

This tool box is only 18″ W x 12.5″ D x 3″ H, which makes it’s easy to store just about anywhere.

Sensing I found buried treasure, I immediately grabbed the case and started playing with it right then and there on the floor. You may laugh, but hey, I’m a tool guy! So, I bought it and headed home.

When I got home I started thinking, “Hey, I wonder if my hand tools will fit in this case?”

So I got the hand tools I use most often (the same ones in the (Essential Hand Tools PDF) plus a few others, and began arranging them in the case.

I was totally amazed, everything fit (even the extra tools I carry)!

This tool box makes it so easy to actually carry your tools to your project and quickly find the tools you need.

And get this, they’re even stackable! I can’t begin to tell you how much space you’ll save.

But the big bonus is the incredibly low price. This tool box costs only $10 bucks! What an amazing deal.

I can’t imagine how much I would have saved if I’d only found this tool box earlier. I’ll bet I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on tool boxes over the years and none of them have been as good as this one.

Take my advise, the next time you’re at Home Depot, go to the tool organizing isle (generally located next to the power tool section) and buy the Stanley Workforce compartment organizer. You won’t be disappointed.

By the way, I went back and bought two more of these incredibly useful tool boxes, one for my fasteners and a second for my electrical gear.

It’s amazing how much less space these three new tool boxes take up versus just one of my old tool boxes.

Just one more do-it-yourself solution to help you succeed with speed!

Important Update.
The Work Force 26 has been replaced with the Stanley 25 Compartment Organizer. It’s the same exact box, only now branded with the Stanley name. See below photo.

Product Information:
Description from Home Depot: Workforce 25 Adjustable Deep Compartment Small Parts Organizer. Built-In Handle With 2 Locking Tabs And Lid Lock So Parts Stay In Place. Ideal Tool And Small Parts Storage And Organizer For Carpenters, Mechanics, Handyman, Toys And Hobbies.

• Stanley 25 Adjustable Deep Compartment Storage Organizer 199-Gray/Yellow
• 25 Deep Adjustable Compartments
• 3 Locking Mechanisms To Prevent Spills
• Removable dividers allow customization
• Extra wide, built-in handle designed for gloved hands
• Dimensions: 18–1/8 x 13–3/16 x 3–7/8 inches
• MFG Brand Name : Stanley
• MFG Model # : 14005
• MFG Part # : 14005
• SKU: 542047
• UPC: 076174932737
• Price: $9.98 (+ shipping)
• Available from Home Depot.

I recommend calling ahead to make sure they have this in stock (they sell very quickly). If not, you can have them order it for you.

Update: 03/10/09

Stanley has discontinued this tool box and it is no longer available at Home Depot.

Home Depot has assigned the SKU# from this old box to a new Stanley box. IT IS NOT THE SAME AS THE OLD BOX, so beware.

I’m currently investigating a new, available, tool box and will post my finding soon.

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Update: 03/26/09

Good news! After weeks of searching, I believe I have found a replacement tool/parts box. In fact, I found a set of three different size boxes (small, medium and large). I have ordered the boxes and will be testing them shortly.

Update: 04/04/09

I have finally received, and am currently testing three new tool boxes, similar to the Stanley. They look and work great so far.

Quest for the Best Part II

The quest for the best tool box continues. But with a happy ending.

If you’ve visited the site before, you may have read my article “Tool Boxes, Quest for the Best” about a great DIY tool box and it’s untimely demise.

If not, here’s the scoop.

I had been using this great Workforce 26 tool box for a long time,
and started recommending it to friends and family as well as all my readers and clients. Then, out of nowhere, I began receiving emails that no one could find or buy these tool boxes anywhere.

Sure enough, I went to Home Depot’s website and attempted to order the Stanley tool box. When I got to the checkout portion of the process, a pop-up message said, “this Stanley tool box is no longer available”.

I contacted Stanley directly and was told,

“Unfortunately, this item has been discontinued and is no longer available.”

I wrote Stanley back and asked if the tool box was going to be replaced with a new item and their response was,

“There are comparable items on our website, please look under organizers.”

As I had already reviewed their website for available products and found none, this was of no help.

So I went to Home Depot (the only vendor that sold the Workforce 26 and attempted to locate the tool box. And sure enough, the plastic Workforce 26 organizers were no longer available—and there was no replacement.

The Search Continues

Over the next few weeks, I kept searching for a replacement box online and whenever I was at Home Depot. Then one lucky day, a new tool box showed up on the shelves.

As it turns out, this new tool box, from Stanley, was the same design as the Workforce 26 tool box. The only real difference was the black color and a slight change in size (the new box was larger).

Compared Dimensions:

Original Workforce 26: 18″ W x 12.5″ D x 3″ H

New Stanley: 18–1/8″ W x 13–3/16″ D x 3–7/8″ H

The other (and much bigger) problem was that even though this “new” box wasn’t exactly the same, Home Depot gave it the same SKU (product ID number) as the old tool box. So, even if you wanted to track down any of the remaining older boxes, you couldn’t because they both have the same SKU number. Genius!

OK, stay with me on this because what happened next was unbelievable. Stanley discontinued the new box even before they stocked the shelves!

So the “quest for the best continued once again.”

Not The Same Tool Box

So once again I returned to Home Depot. I wanted to see if I could find any of the old Stanley tool boxes they might have left in stock. When I inquired at the counter I was told they had plenty. Plenty?

Well they did have lots of boxes, but it wasn’t the same tool box!

This new organizer has fixed center compartments, making it unsuitable as a tool box or as a truly customizable parts organizer.

Dead end.

So, the mission for the last six weeks or so has been to find a suitable replacement for the original Workforce 26 tool box/organizer, and great news, I’ve succeeded! You can find my full recommendation and a direct link to order your DIY tool box or organizers here at DIY Best Tool Boxes

If you have a minute, please let me know what questions, problems or suggestions you might have, as well as your DIY successes.

Continuing to help you succeed with speed.

New DIY Tool Box Sighted and Captured

After months of searching, the hunt is for the best tool box is over.

After an exhaustive search and thorough testing here are the tool box organizers I’ve found to replace the Stanley Workforce tool boxes.
These new toolbox/organizers come in three sizes to accommodate all your storage needs.

They’re made of heavy duty plastic, have adjustable sections for easy customizing, a clear lid to see all your tools or parts, a good strong, wide handle, and the lid closes tight against the dividers so nothing can not jump from one section to another–even if dropped.

And, they’re stackable, so you save tons of space.

Large Tool Box / Organizer

This large tool box will easily hold all the hand tools you use most often, plus a few others. Now it’ll be easy to carry your tools to your project and quickly find the tools you need.

20″ W x 12–5/8″ D x 2–5/8″ H // Cost: $22.99 each Order Here

Here are the same tools from The Absolute Essential Tools Every Do-It-Yourselfer Must Own PDF laid out here, plus a few more.

Check out the PDF for a full list of the essential tools every DIY’er should own.

Now, here’s all those tools neatly stored and ready for easy transport.

It’s just amazing how many tools can be stored and easily accessed from one tool box.

You can stack three of these boxes in the same space as one regular tool box. Definitely one of the best do-it-yourself tool box/organizers you’ll find, buy, and happily use.

Medium Tool Box / Parts Organizer

The medium organizer is great for holding fasteners, electrical gear, technician tools, or whatever you need to keep sorted and transport securely. Great size!

Note: All the yellow dividers are removable.

15–1/2″ W x 11–5/8″ D x 2–1/2″ H // Cost: $17.99 each Order Here

Small Tool Box / Parts Organizer

I use this smaller organizer to hold my stainless fasteners, and other specialty items. Perfect fit!
Note: 9 total compartments-1 full, 2 lg, 2 md, 4 sm.
12–7/8″ W x 9–3/8″ D x 2″ H // Cost: $9.99 each Order Here

You can order your DIY tool box organizers through this Direct Link

And Yes, I did talk to the manufacturer and they reassured me that these boxes will not be discontinued anytime soon. So get organized and you too will succeed with speed.

Update: 05/05/09

The new DIY Best Tool Box and Organizers have been tested and are ready for your approval and purchase at DIY Best Tool Boxes. Thank you once again for your patience.

Update: 09/20/09

Stanley has been in contact in the last couple of months and told me that the Workforce toolbox/organizer with be re-released in October of this year. I’ll let you all know when and where just a soon as Stanley let me know. Hang in there, and thanks for your patience.

THE BOTTOM LINE 10/21/09

Great news! I have just been advised, by the Stanley product manager, that the original Workforce tool box/organizers (14006) have been re-released and will be available at Target stores to start. Stanley promised to advise me of other locations that the box will be available at ASAP.

Update 5/20/10

I have been informed by many of my readers that they have been unable to find these boxes at Target, except at a couple of Super Targets. I have searched the cities around where I live and haven’t found any either. I contacted Stanley and Target again and they are of little help. So, I guess we’re out of luck again. Maybe if Stanley gets enough request for this box they might “really” bring it back, but don’t hold your breath.

Note that the boxes you see on Lowes and Home Depots site are not the original boxes. They are the new ones with the fixed center section.

For more details about the newly released Stanley DIY Collection 14006 Tool Box/Organizer, read this review sent in by one of my readers.

If you have questions about your DIY projects, just ask your personal DIY consultant. I’m here to help you succeed with speed.

Store: Great Deals on Replacement Saw Blades

After months of searching, the hunt is for the best tool box is over.

You can read about the whole story in my Tool Boxes, Quest for the Best and Quest for the Best Tool Box Part II.

But here’s what you’ve been waiting for, The Best DIY Tool Box Organizers!

These new toolbox/organizers come in three sizes to accommodate all your storage needs.

They’re made of heavy duty plastic, have adjustable sections for easy customizing, a clear lid to see all your tools or parts, a good strong, wide handle, and the lid closes tight against the dividers so nothing can not jump from one section to another—even if dropped.

And, they’re stackable, so you save tons of space.

Large Tool Box / Organizer

This large tool box will easily hold all the hand tools you use most often, plus a few others. Now it’ll be easy to carry your tools to your project and quickly find the tools you need.

20″ W x 12–5/8″ D x 2–5/8″ H // Cost: $22.99 each Order Here

Here are the same tools from The Absolute Essential Tools Every Do-It-Yourselfer Must Own PDF laid out here, plus a few more.

Download your free DIY Essential Tools PDF for a full list of the essential tools every DIY’er should own.

Now, here’s all those tools neatly stored and ready for easy transport.

It’s just amazing how many tools can be stored and easily accessed from one tool box.

You can stack three of these boxes in the same space as one regular tool box. Definitely one of the best do-it-yourself tool box/organizers you’ll find, buy, and happily use.

Medium Tool Box / Parts Organizer

The medium organizer is great for holding fasteners, electrical gear, technician tools, or whatever you need to keep sorted and transport securely. Great size!

Note: All the yellow dividers are removable.

15–1/2″ W x 11–5/8″ D x 2–1/2″ H // Cost: $17.99 each Order Here

Small Tool Box / Parts Organizer

I use this smaller organizer to hold my stainless fasteners, and other specialty items. Perfect fit!
Note: 9 total compartments-1 full, 2 lg, 2 md, 4 sm.
12–7/8″ W x 9–3/8″ D x 2″ H // Cost: $9.99 each Order Here

You can order your DIY tool box organizers through this Direct Link. When you reach the site just type in “parts organizers” in the search bar and there you go.

And Yes, I did talk to the manufacturer and they reassured me that these boxes will not be discontinued anytime soon. So get organized and you too will succeed with speed.

10/21/09 UPDATE

If you are interested in the original Stanley Workforce tool box/organizer then here is the newest info.
I have just been advised, by the Stanley product manager, that the original Workforce tool box/organizers (14006) have been re-released and will be available at Target stores to start. Stanley promised to advise me of other locations that the box will be available at ASAP.
Note that the boxes you see on Lowes and Home Depots site are not the original boxes. They are the new ones with the fixed center section.
Thanks for your patience and please let me know if you have any questions.

The quest for the best tool box continues. But with a happy ending.

If you’ve visited the site before, you may have read my article “Tool Boxes, Quest for the Best” about a great DIY tool box and it’s untimely demise.

If not, here’s the scoop.

I had been using this great Workforce 26 tool box for a long time,
and started recommending it to friends and family as well as all my readers and clients. Then, out of nowhere, I began receiving emails that no one could find or buy these tool boxes anywhere.

Sure enough, I went to Home Depot’s website and attempted to order the Stanley tool box. When I got to the checkout portion of the process, a pop-up message said, “this Stanley tool box is no longer available”.

I contacted Stanley directly and was told,

“Unfortunately, this item has been discontinued and is no longer available.”

I wrote Stanley back and asked if the tool box was going to be replaced with a new item and their response was,

“There are comparable items on our website, please look under organizers.”

As I had already reviewed their website for available products and found none, this was of no help.

So I went to Home Depot (the only vendor that sold the Workforce 26 and attempted to locate the tool box. And sure enough, the plastic Workforce 26 organizers were no longer available—and there was no replacement.

The Search Continued

Over the next few weeks, I kept searching for a replacement box online and whenever I was at Home Depot. Then one lucky day, a new tool box showed up on the shelves.

As it turns out, this new tool box, from Stanley, was the same design as the Workforce 26 tool box. The only real difference was the black color and a slight change in size (the new box was larger).

Compared Dimensions:

Original Workforce 26: 18″ W x 12.5″ D x 3″ H

New Stanley: 18–1/8″ W x 13–3/16″ D x 3–7/8″ H

The other (and much bigger) problem was that even though this “new” box wasn’t exactly the same, Home Depot gave it the same SKU (product ID number) as the old tool box. So, even if you wanted to track down any of the remaining older boxes, you couldn’t because they both have the same SKU number. Genius!

OK, stay with me on this because what happened next was unbelievable. Stanley discontinued the new box even before they stocked the shelves!
So the “quest for the best continued once again.”

Not The Same Tool Box

So once again I returned to Home Depot. I wanted to see if I could find any of the old Stanley tool boxes they might have left in stock. When I inquired at the counter I was told they had plenty. Plenty?

Well they did have lots of boxes, but it wasn’t the same tool box!

This new organizer has fixed center compartments, making it unsuitable as a tool box or as a truly customizable parts organizer.
Dead end.

So, the mission for the last six weeks or so has been to find a suitable replacement for the original Workforce 26 tool box/organizer, and

Great news, I’ve succeeded!
You can find my full recommendation and a direct link to order your DIY tool box or organizers here at New-DIY-Tool-Box-Sighted-and-Captured

If you have a minute, please let me know what questions, problems or suggestions you might have, as well as your DIY successes.

Continuing to help you succeed with speed.

Just a quick 9/20/09 UPDATE:
Stanley has been in contact in the last couple of months and told me that the Workforce toolbox/organizer with be re-released in October of this year. I’ll let you all know when and
where just a soon as Stanley let me know.
Hang in there, and thanks for your patience.

,

10/21/09 UPDATE

I have just been advised, by the Stanley product manager, that the original Workforce tool box/organizers (14006) have been re-released and will be available at Target stores to start. Stanley promised to advise me of other locations that the box will be available at ASAP.
Note that the boxes you see on Lowes and Home Depots site are not the original boxes. They are the new ones with the fixed center section.
Thanks for your patience and please let me know if you have any questions.

Ten excellent (yet affordable) DIY Gift Ideas for $10 or less.

Let’s face it, finding a great gift for the do-it-yourselfer in your life is not easy — specially when the hole in your pocket seems to be getting bigger and bigger.

Well, I’d like to help make your gift finding (and buying) a little easier and a whole lot more affordable with this list of 10 useful DIY gifts.

That’s right, each of the following DIY tools cost ten dollars or less. And since most come with Craftsman’s Lifetime Replacement Guarantee, you buy once and own for life. So, no matter what’s happens to the tool, Craftsman (Sears) will replace it for free.

So here we go. Great gift ideas for your Mom, Dad, Grad, Brother, Sister, Aunt or Uncle — even yourself.

10 Incredible DIY Gift Ideas

Stanley’s New DIY Collection:
Plastic Tool box/organizer

18 1/8″ X 13 1/16″ X 3 1/8″


Available at selected Target and Home Depot Stores, about $9

Also, pickup your FREE PDF “The Absolute Essential Tools Every Do-It-Yourselfer Must Own” Free PDF Download. 
This comprehensive 26-page PDF gives you detailed information and prices on 45 of the most versatile do-it-yourself tools — the essential tools you will use the most. Having these tools on-hand can save you time, money and frustration so you too can succeed with speed.

Oh and by the way, these essential hand tools will all fit in the tool box above for easy access and transport.

Craftsman 2 Piece Socket Adapter Set

Connects your drill to your sockets. Great for driving lags and loosening nuts — about $4. Sears.

Craftsman 5–1/2 in. Mini Flat Bar

The mini bar is a great demo tool for getting into small spaces, removing trim and tiles and other breakable items — about $5 at Sears.

Craftsman Torpedo Level

Handy pocket level that you’ll use far more often than your 4 foot level and it fits in your tool box — about $6 at Sears.

Craftsman T-Handle Screwdriver with 2 Double Sided Bits

Indispensable, compact and does it all. Great for the car, boat, motorcycle, bike or with your camping gear — about $8 at Sears.

Craftsman Flat Profile Utility Knife

A must for marking, cutting and most importantly, sharpening your pencil. Easy switch blades and storage — about $8 at Sears.

Craftsman 1/4 in. Speed-Lok^™ Quick Connector

Attach this to your drill to change screwdrivers and drill bits in a snap — about $9 at Sears.

Swanson 7 in. Speed^® Square

Besides being an excellent square, it is a great saw guide, angle finder and so much more. Learn More

Craftsman Professional Wire Cutter-Strippers

A must for tackling any electrical job — about $10 at Sears.

Stanley 100 Pack Replacement Blades

Convenient 100 blade dispenser. A far less expensive way to buy blades — about $8.

Bonus Gift Ideas

If you have a couple extra dollars to spend, here’s three bonus DIY gift ideas for less that $20 bucks.

Craftsman Aluminum Strap Wrench

The most versatile wrench around. Great for opening/closing big and small containers, pipe fittings and pool filters — about $15 at Sears.

Craftsman Linemans Pliers

These pliers are must for any electrical job. They easily twist wires together, cut most electrical wire, are great for mending fences. Also they’re excellent for pulling small nails and staples–about $20 at Sears.

Craftsman Stud Finder

No more knocking, drilling, poking or searching. Find it now with a stud finder. Locates pipes and electrical too — about $20 at Sears.

Ten smart and inexpensive ways to succeed with speed.

Remember, if you have questions about your DIY projects, just ask your just ask Personal DIY Consultant. I’m here to help you succeed with speed.

The Best Socket and Wrench Set you’ll probably ever buy.

I’m back with another fantastic DIY tip for you today.

If you’re anything like me I’ll bet you’ve come across a stripped nut or bolt or even stripped a few yourself. It doesn’t get much more frustrating than being stopped by a lousy nut or bolt.

But what’s even worse, you guessed it, banging up your knuckles too. Remember how that felt? Well I sure do.

It usually starts when you try to loosen a nut and ended up stripping it with a lousy or wrong size wrench. Or by trying to tighten a metric nut with a standard socket (or vise-versa).

Like me, you probably have a bunch of various size sockets and wrenches and a tool box or two to store them, and still never seem to have the right tool for the job.

Your collection may even look something like this.

You’ve probably noticed that there are many different sockets and wrenches sets to choose from; 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, standard, and metric sockets. Open end wrenches, box end wrenches, and ratchet type wrenches. SIx piece sets to 3000+ piece sets, and the list goes on and on.

With so many socket and wrench sets out there, you might ask yourself, “Why so many choices?” The answer is, they sell! Why? Because everyone is looking for the perfect tool set to suit their specific needs.

Believe me, there was a time when I had hundreds of sockets and wrenches, and three tool boxes to store them. Between their cost, the space they took up, the weight to transport them, and the time it took to find the right tool… ARGG!! What a hassle.
But I’m happy to say those days are over!

The solution is this 62 piece socket and wrench set, by Metrinch. Believe me, this is going to be the last socket and wrench set you’ll probably ever buy.

For starters, both the sockets and wrenches grip the flat sides of the nuts and bolts instead of the corners, so no more stripped nuts! Second, since they do grip the flat sides, the sockets and wrenches fit both standard and metric nuts and bolts!
Now it only takes one set of tools to do the job!

Third, and best of all, they also work on damaged nuts and bolts!
Check out this Metrinch video to see them in action.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AXs_8hetE8

This incredible 62-piece socket and wrench set does it all, and comes in it’s own custom case for convenient transport and storage. And if that not enough they come with a Lifetime International replacement warranty..

Once I tried these sockets and wrenches, I sold my three tool boxes full of sockets and wrenches, and made enough money to buy a Metrinch set, and pocket a few bucks. Now that’s a deal!
I’ve owned my Metrinch set now for about 15 years and they’re still as good as new. Believe me, you’ll love these tools!

Here’s what you get

• No slipping means better safety and no more banged up knuckles.
• Fewer tools means less space and a lighter tool box.
• Less tools makes it a easier to find the tool you need.
• Save money by not having to buy two sets of tools or pay ER bills.
• Works on metric, standard and damaged fasteners.
• Includes a cool little two finger ratchet for those small hard to reach jobs.
• Metrinch offers different size sets for the home owner to the professional.
• And if that’s not enough, they have a Lifetime International Replacement Warranty.

This is definitely the last combination tool set you’ll probably ever buy, and for the price, you can’t go wrong.
Also, if you’re looking for a great gift for your special DIY’er, this will surely do the trick.

Learn More

NOTE: Individual and combination sets are available in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 inch drive, as well as impact sets.

If you have questions about your DIY projects or what tool to buy, just ask your DIY Consultant.

Tool Boxes — the quest for the best.

Here’s the problem. We all have a tool box or two around the house, right? But no matter which cool tool box we buy, it only ends up as a pile of tools in a box. You know, totally disorganized, heavy, taking up too much space and you can’t see what’s at the bottom of the pile. Well, a cardboard box could do just as well.

You may even own one of these popular tool box styles.

Even if you have a multi-drawer tool box that’s well organized, it’s too big and heavy to lug around. Anyway, the fact remains that for the majority of do it yourself projects you only need the essential tools, not every tool you own.

I’ll bet, like me, you hardly ever take your tool box to your project, you just try taking the tools you think you’ll need. Inevitably, you end up running back and forth. What a waste of time!

Here’s the simple solution that will make it easier to; carry your tools to your project, find your tools, and save space and money. I know, sounds like a pie-in-the-sky dream right?

It’s not. And I’m going to reveal to you an amazing tool box you’ll love forever.

So here we go.

One day I was strolling through my local home center looking for a divided box to store my fasteners when I spotted a multi-section plastic organizer.

It was different from others I’d seen before. It was made of heavy duty plastic, had adjustable sections, a locking clear lid, a good strong handle and the lid closed tight against the dividers so nothing can not jump from one section to another — even if dropped.

This tool box is only 18″ W x 12.5″ D x 3″ H, which makes it’s easy to store just about anywhere.

Sensing I found buried treasure, I immediately grabbed the case and started playing with it right then and there on the floor. You may laugh, but hey, I’m a tool guy! So, I bought it and headed home.

When I got home I started thinking, “Hey, I wonder if my hand tools will fit in this case?”

So I got the hand tools I use most often (the same ones in the (Essential Hand Tools PDF) plus a few others, and began arranging them in the case.

I was totally amazed, everything fit (even the extra tools I carry)!

This tool box makes it so easy to actually carry your tools to your project and quickly find the tools you need.

And get this, they’re even stackable! I can’t begin to tell you how much space you’ll save.

But the big bonus is the incredibly low price. This tool box costs only $10 bucks! What an amazing deal.

I can’t imagine how much I would have saved if I’d only found this tool box earlier. I’ll bet I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on tool boxes over the years and none of them have been as good as this one.

Take my advise, the next time you’re at Home Depot, go to the tool organizing isle (generally located next to the power tool section) and buy the Work Force 26 compartment organizer. You won’t be disappointed.

By the way, I went back and bought two more of these incredibly useful tool boxes, one for my fasteners and a second for my electrical gear.

It’s amazing how much less space these three new tool boxes take up versus just one of my old tool boxes.

Just one more do-it-yourself solution to help you succeed with speed!

Important Update

Please see Special Note at the bottom of this post
The Work Force 26 has been replaced with the Stanley 25 Compartment Organizer. It’s the same exact box, only now branded with the Stanley name. See below photo.

Product Information:
Description from Home Depot: Workforce 25 Adjustable Deep Compartment Small Parts Organizer. Built-In Handle With 2 Locking Tabs And Lid Lock So Parts Stay In Place. Ideal Tool And Small Parts Storage And Organizer For Carpenters, Mechanics, Handyman, Toys And Hobbies.

• Stanley 25 Adjustable Deep Compartment Storage Organizer 199-Gray/Yellow
• 25 Deep Adjustable Compartments
• 3 Locking Mechanisms To Prevent Spills
• Removable dividers allow customization
• Extra wide, built-in handle designed for gloved hands
• Dimensions: 18–1/8 x 13–3/16 x 3–7/8 inches
• MFG Brand Name : Stanley
• MFG Model # : 14005
• MFG Part # : 14005
• SKU: 542047
• UPC: 076174932737
• Price: $9.98 (+ shipping)
• Available from Home Depot.

I recommend calling ahead to make sure they have this in stock (they sell very quickly). If not, you can have them order it for you.

I have attempted to locate this online but, so far, have only found it through a Canadian Home Depot for $16.

This is now available through Home Depot website.

SPECIAL NOTICE: As of 3/10/09 Stanley has discontinued this tool box and it is no longer available at Home Depot.

Home Depot has assigned the SKU# from this old box to a new Stanley box. IT IS NOT THE SAME AS THE OLD BOX, so beware.

I’m currently  investigating a new, available, tool box and will post my finding soon.

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Tool Box Update 3/26/09

Good news! After weeks of searching, I believe I have found a replacement tool/parts box. In fact, I found a set of three different size boxes (small, medium and large). I have ordered the boxes and will be testing them shortly.

4/4/09 UPDATE: I have finally received, and am currently testing three new tool boxes, similar to the Stanley. They look and work great so far. I’ll be posting my findings in the DIY Answer Guy newsletter, followed by a new article with all the details and where to purchase, so hang in there, it’ll be worth the wait.
5/5/09 UPDATE:
The new DIY Best Tool Box and Organizers have been tested and are ready for your approval and purchase at DIY Tool Box SIghted and Captured. Thank you once again for your patience.

9/20/09 UPDATE:
Stanley has been in contact in the last couple of months and told me that the Workforce toolbox/organizer with be re-released in October of this year. I’ll let you all know when and
where just a soon as Stanley let me know.
Hang in there, and thanks for your patience.

10/21/09 UPDATE

I have just been advised, by the Stanley product manager, that the original Workforce tool box/organizers (14006) have been re-released and will be available at Target stores to start. Stanley promised to advise me of other locations that the box will be available at ASAP.
Note that the boxes you see on Lowes and Home Depots site are not the original boxes. They are the new ones with the fixed center section.
Thanks for your patience and please let me know if you have any questions.