tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-349426 2011-11-08T13:02:00-05:00 What's new in tools and home products from the editors at TOH magazine TypePad Like Us On Facebook to See Deals of the Day tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef015392e5a6da970b 2011-11-08T13:02:00-05:00 2011-11-08T13:02:00-05:00

This is it, readers -- the end of an era. The Hardware Aisle is finally closing shop, clearing the shelves, pulling down the gates for the last time. It's been a great run: More than 3,000 posts and millions of pageviews, as you learned about tools we love, techniques we've perfected, products we recommend, and deals we've shared. The good news is that if you're a fan of our Deal of the Day posts, you can continue getting them. They're just moving to Facebook. Like our page there and you'll get them in your news feed every day.

Alex Bandon Two handy tools in one tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef0153924de0c1970b 2011-10-29T00:01:00-04:00 2011-10-29T00:01:00-04:00

Here's a handy new power tool from Skil that combines two often-used, much-needed household tools into one compact, cordless package. The Skil Model 2350-01 is a combination cordless in-line screwdriver and flashlight. The 4-volt, rechargeable unit has a screwdriving bit on one end (above) and an integral LED flashlight (below) on the other. This is an ideal tool to keep in a kitchen junk drawer, in a desk drawer, or on a workbench. The Skil 2-in-1 Cordless Screwdriver & Flashlight comes with two screwdriving bits and a battery charger; it's available on-line for about $34.

Joseph Truini Deal of the Day: Save over $200 on a Kenmore Dishwasher tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef015392a766fd970b 2011-10-28T18:01:14-04:00 2011-10-28T18:01:14-04:00

Are your kitchen appliances up to snuff for the upcoming holiday cooking season? One of our tips to prepare for a stress-free holiday feast is to replace appliances that aren't working right because of age. If your dishwasher is over...

Karen Ziga Easy-stack bike rack tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef014e8c41ab70970d 2011-10-27T00:01:00-04:00 2011-10-27T00:01:00-04:00

Looking for an easy, space-saving way to store away bicycles for the winter? Then check out the Racor Pro Freestanding Bike Stand. Simply lean the 79-inch-tall stand against a wall, then slip one or two bikes onto the vinyl-coated arms. There are no holes to drill or anchors to install; the weight of the bikes keep the stand in place. And the stand's four arms are independently adjustable, making it easy to store the bikes level and balanced. The Racor Pro PLB-2R Freestanding Bike Stand typically costs about $97, but is available on-line for only $52.

Joseph Truini Deal of the Day: Save $20 on a Digital Angle Protractor tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef0153929a5c0a970b 2011-10-26T10:00:00-04:00 2011-10-26T16:01:00-04:00

Measure all the angles on your next project with precise accuracy by using this Digital Angle Protractor from Rockler.com. It measures the entire 360-degree range, reading the angle between its two overlapping steel blades. Get the 8-inch blade model today...

Karen Ziga Insulation information tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef015435d2aa75970c 2011-10-25T00:01:00-04:00 2011-10-25T00:01:00-04:00

With the heating season just around the corner, now is the time to evaluate the energy efficiency of your home's insulation. But where to start, and how to get the most bang for your buck? One great place to begin is at www.EnergySavers.gov, the official website of the U.S. Department of Energy. There, you'll find a wide range of energy saving tips, strategies and products, including a very comprehensive section on fiberglass insulation. With just a few mouse clicks, you can get detailed information on how insulation works, where to insulate, recommended R-values, dealing with moisture, the importance of ventilation, installation techniques, and differences between fiberglass batts, rolls and loose-fill. The site also has energy-saving information on space heating, cooling, windows, doors, water heating, kitchen appliances, even landscaping. Log on today and start clicking your way to a warmer, more energy-efficient home.

Joseph Truini Deal of the Day: Save 10-50% at Lamps Plus! tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef0153928cfdbe970b 2011-10-24T12:44:46-04:00 2011-10-24T12:44:46-04:00

Need more incentive to get your home primped for the upcoming holidays? How about a big sale? Now through November 6, save 10-50% on the Get Ready for the Holidays Sale on Lampsplus.com. You can get great deals on bathroom...

Karen Ziga Portable fire pit tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef014e8c1e3e57970d 2011-10-22T00:01:00-04:00 2011-10-22T00:01:00-04:00

Wood-burning fire pits provide a warm and cozy way to extend the outdoor living season. The only problem is that most steel fire pits are rather large and heavy, measuring typically about 30 to 40 inches in diameter. The Mini Fire Pit shown here is only 18 inches in diameter, making it perfect for balconies, apartment courtyards and small patios. And it weighs just 10 pounds so you can easily take it along to the beach or lake. Made of stainless steel, the Mini Fire Pit comes with an attractive steel base, spark-arresting screen and steel poker. It's available on-line for $110.

Joseph Truini Deal of the Day: Get Prepped for Holiday Cooking tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef015436503762970c 2011-10-21T15:32:00-04:00 2011-10-21T15:32:00-04:00

Sears wants to help you get ready for a house full of guests and busy kitchens during the holidays. Right now through October 31st you can enter the Sears Holiday Preheat Event for a chance to win a $1000 or...

Karen Ziga One tough tool tote tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef014e8c362df1970d 2011-10-20T00:01:00-04:00 2011-10-20T00:01:00-04:00

Lugging around a bunch of tool boxes is no fun, so I was very excited to learn about the new ToughSystem storage products by DeWalt. This smartly designed system might just provide the easiest, best and safest way to store,...

Joseph Truini Deal of the Day: Save 21% on a Canvas Log Carrier tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef0153926ee7ae970b 2011-10-19T09:00:00-04:00 2011-10-19T15:05:02-04:00

'Tis soon the season to get cozy by the fireplace—and you will need to transport the firewood indoors. Use a convenient and durable log carrier like this one by Custom Leathercraft. It transports about 6 average-sized logs per load and...

Karen Ziga High-speed pumpkin cleaner tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef0153924d2677970b 2011-10-18T00:01:00-04:00 2011-10-18T06:49:59-04:00

The one part of pumpkin carving that no one seems to enjoy is scraping out the seeds, fleshy pulp and stringy, gooey guts from inside the soon-to-be Jack O'Lantern. Now I'm not sure the tool shown here, called the Pumpkin Gutter, will make gourd evisceration any more enjoyable, but anytime you can introduce a power tool, you pique my interest. The Pumpkin Gutter resembles a mixing wand from an electric hand mixer, except that fitted onto the end of its shaft is a completely round cage of steel cutting bars. To use the tool, simply chuck it into any power drill, then run it at high speed around the inside of the pumpkin. The spinning steel blades will rip free the seeds and soggy strings, and even remove some of the flesh, if you'd like to thin the pumpkin walls to make them a bit more translucent. The Pumpkin Gutter is available on-line for less than $10

Joseph Truini Deal of the Day: Save 22% on a Electric Toro Leaf Blower tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef01543630b267970c 2011-10-17T11:12:49-04:00 2011-10-17T11:13:17-04:00

Leaves starting to pile up? They fall soon, if they haven't already! If you don't own a leaf blower, now is a great time to save on one. The Toro Ultra 12-Amp, Electric Blower/Vacuum is a 3-in-1 blower, vacuum, and...

Karen Ziga Compact compressor, uncompromising quality tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef0153924b3f77970b 2011-10-15T00:11:00-04:00 2011-10-16T08:37:05-04:00

Unless you're a professional contractor, you might not be familiar with Emglo Air Compressors, but the company has been designing and manufacturing high-quality, industrial-duty air compressors for nearly 60 years. And throughout its long history, Emglo has introduced many innovative, industry-first designs, including the world's first low-profile wheelbarrow-style compressor; the first electric stacked-tank, hand-carry model; the first hand-carry, gas-powered model; and the first compressor with an integrated control panel. Not content to rest on its laurels, Emglo recently introduced the Model EM810-4V, a compact, stacked-tank compressor that's powerful enough to simulataneously run four pneumatic trim nailers, or two framing nailers, or two roofing nailers, or flooring nailers. It has a four-gallon tank and features a heavy-duty, oil-lubricated pump with cast-iron cylinders; 125 maximum air-pressure output; dual soft-start valves, which enhance quick start-up in cold weather; sight-glass vial for easily checking the oil level; universal push-to-connect coupler for hassle-free hose attachment; and a quick-turn ball drain valve that provides a fast, thorough way to drain condensation from the tank. The Model EM810-4V (shown above) sells for about $259. It's also offered with an easy-roll attached dolly (Model EM810-4M; below) for $349.

Joseph Truini Deal of the Day: Save on Small Appliances, Support a Good Cause tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef015436159507970c 2011-10-13T09:00:00-04:00 2011-10-12T17:59:57-04:00

Did you know October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Cuisinart is offering their support by donationing to the Breast Cancer Research Fund and with their Pink Series, which is all on sale right now at Amazon.com! If your kitchen...

Karen Ziga