tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-349426 2009-11-20T11:46:53-05:00 What's new in tools and home products from the editors at TOH magazine TypePad Peep hole helper tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef0120a6bb7177970b 2009-11-20T11:46:53-05:00 2009-11-20T11:46:53-05:00

Anyone topping off under 5'5" (like myself) can tell you, most peep holes can be quite a bother. You've got to get on your tippy-toes to see through the fun-house glass. I've got height-challenged relatives in my family that just say "Who?" without bothering to check. Scary thought, I know. Which is why I think I would invest in this nifty Peephole Viewer from Brinno Inc.

Natalie Rodriguez Mouse season tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef012875b874f2970c 2009-11-19T12:00:28-05:00 2009-11-19T12:00:28-05:00

If you’ve got mice, you know the six stages of grief: Acceptance ("it's one of god’s creatures —live and let live”), concern (“that’s the same mouse I’m seeing every day —right?”), anxiety (“I’m not so sure I could be happy living with many, many mice”), anger (“who’s paying the rent here, anyway?”), frustration (“hey—they ate my camembert—and got away!”), and fury (“it’s settled: I am buying a gun”). And you also know the attractions and limitations of many mouse controls. At one time you could count on a tinker-inventor to make a better mousetrap. Today you get your innovation from a product design and packaging company (Group 4), working for a lawn-care company (Scotts). And they aren’t just researching the behavior of mice—they are also plumbing the psychology of the rodent world’s unwilling landlords, aka the consumer. It's “a human-centered design approach," as a press release puts it, "addressing the fears, emotions and usability concerns of end-users.” The result?

Deborah Baldwin No more excuses: Pro tool belt for all tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef012875707dc0970c 2009-11-19T00:01:00-05:00 2009-11-19T00:01:00-05:00

My most prized tool accessory by far is my carpenter's tool belt. I've owned it for over 15 years, and it fits me like a glove. I keep the belt fully loaded with a wide assortment of hand tools and fasteners, so it's always ready when I am. Many of the DIYers I know use cloth nail aprons, which is fine I guess for small repair jobs, but a two-pouch cotton apron can't compete with the overall capacity and versatility of a true carpenter's tool belt. When I asked around I discovered that most of my friends use cloth nail aprons because carpenter's tool belts cost too much. And they're right. Most high-quality nylon or leather tool belts start at around $80 and go as high as $150 and more. Well, here's some good news: If you've been waiting to find an affordable, professional-duty tool belt, then your patience has finally paid off.

Joseph Truini Deal of the Day: Leather task chair for $29.99 tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef012875b23b61970c 2009-11-18T11:28:16-05:00 2009-11-18T11:29:05-05:00

This leather-upholstered home office chair is on sale for just $29.99 at Reliable Office Supplies. 1-year limited manufacturer's warranty included.

Tabitha Sukhai Draft a foolproof game plan for Black Friday bargain hunting tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef0120a6aba4b7970b 2009-11-18T08:00:00-05:00 2009-11-18T08:00:00-05:00

If you're braving Black Friday—the day of blowout shopping on November 27; not the 1940 movie...although they both stir the same fright within me, and the movie tagline up there could easily apply to some Black Friday shoppers—it couldn't possibly...

Tabitha Sukhai No more unwrapping mishaps tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef0120a67ac4dd970b 2009-11-18T08:00:00-05:00 2009-11-18T08:00:00-05:00

To give is better than to receive...no seriously, have you tried opening up one of those hard plastic shells encasing a new gadget? No, thank you. I'd much rather prettily pack something up than unwrap it (particularly when the "it" in question happens to cost less than the manicure I end up ruining). That's why this holiday season, I think might be gifting myself the Open It! from Zibra.

Natalie Rodriguez Deal of the Day: TOH Exclusive Deals and Discounts tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef012875ad40e2970c 2009-11-17T11:54:37-05:00 2009-11-17T11:54:37-05:00

Check out exclusive Deals & Discounts at thisoldhouse.com. Get 15% to 25% off of home products and holidays gifts for your favorite DIYers. Deals include 25% off a modular tool belt from Quick Belt Systems, 20% off Balsam Hill's Noble...

Tabitha Sukhai Triple-play tripod flashlight tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef0128756c2795970c 2009-11-17T00:01:00-05:00 2009-11-17T00:01:00-05:00

I'm not sure what's going on in the flashlight industry, but for most of my adult life the common, everyday flashlight remained virtually unchanged. And now, it seems as if a brand-new flashlight hits the market every month or so. The good news is that in almost every case, these newer, flashier flashlights are much better and brighter than the old clunkers. And that's especially true of the latest flashlight from Stanley. The 3-in-1 Tripod LED Flashlight is a 10 1/2-inch-long, ruggedly built flashlight that you can use like any other handheld flashlight, but that's only the beginning.

Joseph Truini Are you prepared for a Thanksgiving mishap? tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef0120a6a7d5e7970b 2009-11-16T16:32:51-05:00 2009-11-16T16:32:51-05:00

It may be more than a week away, but I've already got Thanksgiving on the brain. The family arguments talks about who's hosting the big event and what's getting cooked where are in full gear. And now, on top of what kind of mashed potatoes to cook and how many chairs can fit around the second fold-out table, it seems there's another detail I'm supposed to be concerned about: the likelihood of my sink or toilet backing up right in the middle of that big day.

Natalie Rodriguez Deal of the Day: Save 10% at Tractor Supply Co. tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef0120a6a79660970b 2009-11-16T15:50:47-05:00 2009-11-16T15:52:55-05:00

Save 10% on all portable heating for a limited time; online only. Also, save 10% on any purchase by entering NOVDEAL at tractorsupply.com checkout

Tabitha Sukhai Big S-Biner! tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef0128759a5791970c 2009-11-14T08:53:00-05:00 2009-11-14T08:53:00-05:00

One of my favorite hardware accessories of the moment is the new Big S-Biner from NiteIze. S-biners (basically an s-hook and carabiner hybrid) come in a variety of materials and sizes, but NiteIze’s #10 Big S-Biner is the largest, and therefore the coolest I’ve ever seen. At just over 10” from end to end, use of a Big S-Biner is really limited only by your creativity and imagination. Have some super long extension cords that need organizing? No problem. Feel like hanging your bike from some exposed pipe? Easy. This handy little $10 investment has a weight rating of 100 pounds, impressive for something so lightweight. Recently, I had the opportunity to excitedly show one off to a fellow TOH blogger. “It’s just a clip” she said to me, “what can you really say about it?” My reply, “Maybe, but look how BIG it is!” was an argument ender. If you see some of these beauties at your local hardware store, I highly recommend picking one up…just don’t use it for mountain climbing.

Nathaniel Garber Schoen Go green with graywater tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef0120a6928481970c 2009-11-14T00:01:00-05:00 2009-11-14T00:01:00-05:00

Next time you pay your water and sewage bill, consider this: Approximately 40 percent of all the water used in your home gets flushed down the toilet. That's a staggering amount, and water is becoming an increasingly precious and costly commodity in most parts of the country. To help homeowners reduce water consumption and save money, Sloan Valve--in association with WaterSaver Technologies--recently introduced the Aqus Greywater System, an ingeniously designed device that diverts drain water from the bathroom sink to the toilet. Here's how it works:

Joseph Truini Deal of the Day: EARLY Black Friday bargains at circuitcity.com tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef0120a69cf284970b 2009-11-13T20:00:00-05:00 2009-11-14T00:28:27-05:00

Can't wait for Black Friday? Neither can Circuit City. They're bringing you a full weekend of Black Friday-style savings on home electronics, including deep discounts on laptops and LCD HDTVs. View the full circuitcity.com Early Black Friday Sale flyer for...

Tabitha Sukhai Red, hot kettle from Hamilton Beach tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef012875997f74970c 2009-11-13T15:18:07-05:00 2009-11-13T15:18:07-05:00

It's the kind of day, here in New York, where I'm craving a hot tea to combat the dreary, gray, cold outside (we're expecting our first Nor'easter, according to the local weatherpeople). I kind of wish I had this electric kettle from Hamilton Beach. You don't need to turn on the stove to get a steaming cup of lemony tea or chamomile with this cute-as-a-button appliance. I love that you can just plug it in and heat a little over a quart of water in just a few minutes. Plus, it's my favorite color: red!

Natalie Rodriguez Deal of the Day: 500-thread-count down comforter, $50 tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cae1553ef012875896d8e970c 2009-11-12T12:38:39-05:00 2009-11-12T13:26:50-05:00

There's a bedding clearance at overstock.com! Get this oversize 500-thread-count white down comforter for just $49.99—that's 88% off the MSRP. While supplies last.

Tabitha Sukhai