Sanding off a piece of furniture is a great way to improve the finish and to prevent splinters and imperfections. It ensure that your surfaces are level and gives everything a professional sheen that makes it look like it came from IKEA. A belt sander is a highly powerful sanding tool that will allow you to create curved edges and perform a range of other applications. But for hobbyists and casual DIY fans, that’s going to be overkill. Instead, an orbital sander might prove to be more appropriate and in that case, you can do a lot worse than the PORTER-CABLE 382. We decided to put the PORTER-CABLE 382 through its paces for a few days to see how it would measure up to other products and whether or not we could recommend it. We’ve found that it’s a great tool for a lot of reasons and can recommend with only a few reservations. Product Description: A Good Design All RoundThe PORTER-CABLE 382 isn’t terribly attractive to look at in all grey and does have a couple of design faux-pas in our opinion. Other than the color choices, the off putting thing for us is that the wire comes from the top of the device. This means that it’s going to get in the way more than it would in another location and that can be slightly problematic when you’re using a tool that requires manual dexterity. There’s also no handle as such, just an area to grab around the top of the device. That’s not a deal breaker though and actually, during our review process, we found it to be satisfying to hold and relatively easy to operate for the most part. The sanding speed meanwhile is very good and there is dust collection here too, which will allow you to collect dust as you go and then throw it out. Pros and Cons: Very Good but Not the BestThe best thing about the machine is the decent performance and high RPMs. This really does sand things down quickly for the size and cost and is very enjoyable to use on the whole. If you have been using belt sanders until now, then you might find that this makes certain jobs a whole lot easier. Of course it’s still not as powerful as a belt sander and you can’t use it to create rounded edges etc. It will just about remove paint but this can take a while. It does what it sets out to, is light and easy to use and comes in at a very fair price. But as mentioned, there are a few design mistakes here too though and it’s certainly not perfect. We don’t love the wire positioning for example and we also find the color a little off-putting. Something else we noticed is that during extended use it can get a little hot and unfortunately the majority of that heat seems to be just where you hold it… Another issue is the dust collection attachment which is a bit loose, drops a lot of dust and fills up very quickly indeed. So, there are a few cons here as well… Conclusion: Consider the RestThis isn’t a bad orbital sander and it will certainly make sanding quick, easy and a little more fun. But as mentioned, it’s also not the best. If you’re in the market for an orbital sander, then you might want to shop around. And that’s really the most damning thing we can say about the PORTER-CABLE 38: it’s just not as good as some of the competition. Take the BDERO100 from Black and Decker for example. That comes in a little bit cheaper, it doesn’t get hot, the wire comes out the bottom and it has a much nicer looking design that is actually appealing to use. When there are clearly better options on the market, it’s hard to recommend this and especially as the Black and Decker model is a little more powerful. Some people also say that the last PORTER model was also superior. So, shop around and look for something better. But if you do end up getting the PORTER-CABLE 382, it will still do a good job. Make sure to read this review to find the best random orbit sander. source http://www.toolerant.com/porter-cable-382-5-inch-random-orbit-sander-review/ from http://toolerant.blogspot.com/2017/10/porter-cable-382-5-inch-random-orbit.html
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The garage door remote is often called by many names. It can be called a transmitter, clicker, or button. However, it is important to note that this little device is very much connected to the garage door opener. It activates and signals the opener to lift open or push close your garage door. When it doesn’t do what it’s supposed to do, what do you think is the issue? Before you throw your garage door remote and run, you need to check it out first. There are different reasons as to why your remote is not working properly. Here are the top for reasons:• Dead battery. This is probably the simplest reason for when your garage door remote has stopped working. We often overthink about the technical issues when it can only be the batteries that need to be changed. To replace your batteries, just open the remote cover and grab some fresh ones. Test out the remote to see if the garage door opener will respond after you’ve changed batteries. If it does, then you just needed a new set of batteries for your remote. If it doesn’t, then you need to check the remote for other issues. • Dirty eyes. There is an IR unit on both the remote and the opener that allows the two to communicate. This unit has a plastic covering called the eye. As the years pass by, these eyes can become dirty and scratched. Dirty eyes can hamper the communication between the remote and the opener so it doesn’t respond. Just clean the eyes with a damp cloth. Avoid using an abrasive fiber on it as this will scratch the eye and cause more problems. If you have a badly scratched eye on your remote, then you might have to replace it with a new remote. • Physical damage to the remote. Physical damages on the remote will eventually lead it to stop working. Obvious situations might be when you dropped your remote or got it soaked in water. When this happens, you have to replace your remote. However, there are also not-so-obvious signs of physical damage to the remote that can happen. For example, the battery contacts can also get dirty or worn-out in the long run. This will prevent the remote from working as it should. Check if your contacts look pitted or discolored. These have to polished and dried for it to work. Use a fine-grit sandpaper to polish the contacts. Then, test the remote to ensure that it’s already working properly. • Programming problems. This issue can occur when homeowners add devices to their garage door opener and accidentally un-program another device in the process. This will drop a remote or two from the program, which is why the remote is not working. However, this case can be rare. If this happens, just follow the programming instructions on the garage door opener manual. Test it out to see if it’s already working. When you’ve checked your remote and it’s still not working, then you might be having problems with the circuit board that’s on the motor. This can be serviced by a trained professional. This is usually caused by power surges or when lightning strikes. Changing your remotes When you’ve gone through the lengths in inspecting your remote and there is no troubleshooting solution in sight for you, then maybe it’s high time that you get up and change your remote. Purchase one that matches with your garage door opener. Make sure that you’ve checked the compatibility before your purchase. You can always go for remotes that have the same make as your garage door opener or opt for universal ones. The post Top 4 Reasons Your Garage Door Remote Stopped Working appeared first on A Click Away Remotes. from http://blog.aclickawayremotes.com/garage-door-remote-stopped-working Technology has come a long way. In today’s world, most of our daily activities have something to do with technology. It’s not just in our jobs that most tasks are digitized. Even at home, the usual home processes are already automatic and can be done digitally.
One of the items at home that have gone automatic and even smarter is the garage door opener. Before, an automatic garage door opener would open or close the garage door with a push of the button. These buttons can be in remotes or in-wall switches. However, most of the garage door openers today can do so much more than just automatically open and close your garage door. The History and Discovery The first garage door opener was invented in 1926 by CG Johnson. He started the Overhead Door Company to sell the electric garage door openers to pair with his other invention, the overhead sectional garage door that came out five years prior. The electric motor of the garage door opener does not have the power to move the garage door. The weight was mostly offset by the counterbalance spring. Back then, the electric garage door openers were operated through a switch that was wired to the device. There were two switches, one placed inside the garage and the other placed outside. Although the invention of the electric garage door was done in the early 20th century, it wasn’t all that popular until the later years. Types of Garage Door Openers Today, there are already different types of garage door openers available in the market. Each type has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages that work depending on the kind of home that you have and the lifestyle that you lead. • Chain-drive garage door opener. – This has a metal chain that drives the trolley, which raises or lowers the garage door. This type of garage door opener is one of the most popular options among homeowners and is widely available. It is cost-effective and durable. However, it can be noisy during operation. The chain-drive opener is best for heavy garage doors, like wooden doors, insulated doors, or oversized doors. Because it is noisy, it works for homes with detached garages so the sound won’t be an issue. • Belt-drive garage door opener. – This type of opener works like the chain-drive opener. Instead of a chain, this has a rubber belt that allows the trolley to move. Thus, it has a smoother and quieter operation. Since it is quiet, it can suit homes with an attached garage especially those with living spaces above it. The belt-drive garage door also has a few moving parts, which makes maintenance a breeze. Unfortunately, this garage door opener can be a bit expensive. • Screw-drive garage door opener. – This opener has a threaded steel rod in order to move the door. While the rod rotates, this drives the trolley in order to open or close the garage door. The screw-drive opener is usually quieter compared to the belt-drive opener. It also requires less maintenance because of its few moving parts. This opener can be a reliable option for single-car garage doors that are attached to the home. It tends to operate faster compared to the other types of garage door openers. • Direct-drive garage door opener. – This has a quiet mechanism with the motor operating as the trolley. It travels along the track, which opens and closes the garage door. With just a single moving part, this reduces the noise, vibration, and the maintenance requirement of the garage door opener. This type of opener usually comes with a lifetime warranty and are durable. However, this tends to be pricey. The Power With varying garage door opener types, there are also varying horsepower ratings depending on the opener. The horsepower rating refers to the lifting power of the different garage door opener models. These ratings range from ½ horsepower to 1-1/2 horsepower. • 1/2 horsepower model. – Consider this opener for standard garage doors. When paired with the right drive, it can lift most of the garage doors. However, keep in mind that heavier doors like wooden or insulated ones can strain it. It can work for smaller single-car garages. • 3/4 horsepower model. – This is the higher rating from 1/2. This model works for wooden or insulated garage doors. It also works for two-car garages. It is more powerful so it can lift heavier doors without wearing out the motor. Its motor is more durable and can be long-lasting. Unfortunately, this durability can also mean that it’s more expensive. • 1 or 1-1/2 horsepower model. – This opener is perfect for heavier and more industrial doors. It comes with maximum power and efficiency that is great for oversized garage doors and even for commercial or industrial ones. Having more power definitely adds to its price tag. However, this garage door opener can also be used for regular residential garage doors so that it’ll have less wear and tear during the operation. Features Garage door openers do not just open doors today. In fact, they already come with various features that add value to the homes and to the homeowners as well. • Home automation. – Some garage door openers allow you certain connectivity to the home. There are those that have lights control so you can turn on and off the lights in your home through your garage door opener system. • Auto-close function. – This security feature automatically closes the garage door after a certain period of time. It is usually pre-programmed by the owner. • Battery backup. – Having this extra feature is handy, especially during a power outage. This lets you operate your garage door without using it manually. • Wi-Fi connectivity. – This lets you connect to your home’s network so you can operate and connect to your opener through your device. • Smartphone compatibility. –This can be built-in with your garage door opener kit or it can be an extra feature to be purchased. With this feature, you can control and monitor your garage door opener through your mobile device. You can get real-time updates about its status and you can allow access any-time wherever you are. • Automatic lights. – These are courtesy lights that turn on as the door opens or through the opener’s motion sensors. This will automatically turn off after a set period of time. • Vehicle compatibility. – For some garage door openers, vehicle compatibility allows you to operate your garage door through your car. The controls can be built into the vehicle. There are still many features that a garage door opener can come with. This depends on the make and brand of the garage door opener. Some features are extra and have to be purchased and installed while others are already included in the garage door opener kit. The price of the opener will also vary depending on the features that it comes with. Maintenance The garage door opener also requires regular maintenance to make sure that it is safe to use and it operates accordingly. This is especially important since the garage door is the largest moving part of the home. • Check the garage door.– First, you need to check the garage door itself. Inspect the moving parts for some rusting and lubricate the moving parts once a year. Check for some wear and fraying on the metal parts, rollers, rail, bearings, hinges, and springs. Make sure that nothing is broken and there are no weird sounds. • Test the alignment and balance.– Disconnect the garage door opener from the door by pulling the emergency cord. This should allow you to pull up and down your garage door easily. Your door should be light and should operate smoothly. If it doesn’t, then the door is misaligned. Open your garage door halfway and release it. It should remain in place. If it falls down or rises up, then it is out of balance. You need to contact a professional if this happens. • Test the safety reversal system.– Garage door openers need to have a safety system that will reverse the door once it comes in contact with an object. This feature can save you your properties or your family’s lives. This is an essential feature that should always be working. To do this, open the garage door and place a board on the floor that’s centered under the door. Close the garage door through your remote or wall switch and it should reverse back once it makes contact with the object. You then have to make adjustments if the door didn’t travel far enough. Do this test at least once a month. In maintaining your garage door, make sure that you do not attempt to tighten or loosen any bolts as this should be left to the professionals. If you encounter any problems or issues with your garage door opener’s safety system, then you should contact a professional to help. In addition to that, it is important to never let your kids play under the garage door. Remotes and switches should be kept out of a child’s reach in order to prevent any unwanted incidents. The post Garage Door Openers appeared first on A Click Away Remotes. from http://blog.aclickawayremotes.com/garage-dooropeners The Hitachi NP35A Gauge Micro Pin Nailer is a versatile micro pinner that is perfect for cabinetry, furniture, carpentry or a range of other home improvement applications. In case you’re unsure precisely what a micro pinner is, it is essentially a tool that is well suited to letting you attach small 23-gauge headless pins into light, delicate materials. It works well on baseboards, crown molding, chair rails and more – whereas something more powerful or a bigger nail might look unsightly or cause damage. Why not use a hammer you cry! Well, you can of course use a hammer and if you’re going to very gently tap away, then you can usually do this without any risk of causing damage. But with a micro pinner, you’ll get the same job done much quicker (often these applications require a lot of nails to be added) and you’ll reduce the likelihood of causing damage to the material. That’s because a micropinner will insert the nail in a single, short, sharp burst of pneumatic pressure which will come from a separate air compressor. If you find yourself doing this a lot, then this can improve your end products, save you time and make your woodwork that much more enjoyable. It can also be useful for holding things together during glue ups and has various other applications too. With all that said, let’s take a closer look at the Hitachi NP35A Gauge Micro Pin Nailer and see if it is a good fit. Product Description: Quality, Durable Product With Useful Design FeaturesIn short, the Hitachi NP35A Gauge Micro Pin Nailer knocks it out the park and should offer everything you need it to. The Hitachi NP35A Gauge Micro Pin Nailer is a well put together micro pinner/23 gauge micro pinner. It looks good quality, feels very durable but is also light and comfortable to use over long periods. There are many useful design features as mentioned and in short, it has everything you could ask for. That includes a soft nose tip to ensure you don’t mark your softer material. This is especially important for a pinner, seeing as you will be working with soft woods! It’s quiet too and pleasant to use with no powerful jolt and the low pin indicator is easy to see. The minimum specified pin length is 5/8” but actually while we were testing it, we found that it worked just fine with 3/8” pins too – so it overdelivers in that regard! Pros and Cons: Affordable But ReliableThere are few cons worth noting here. The only thing is that it isn’t as big a brand as some of the competition and this can be off-putting for some people. It is made in Taiwan and it seems that the company didn’t invest in an English writer. But the good news is that Hitachi hasn’t cut corners where it matters. The product feels surprisingly high quality and as mentioned, it is very good to use. Most importantly is that during our review period, we didn’t have any jams or misfires. Other than that, the pros include the easy access to the magazines which slide in and out very nicely, the automatic adjustment to different pin sizes and of couse the price. Conclusion: Quality Where it MattersThe Hitachi NP35A Gauge Micro Pin Nailer is not the most expensive nailer but there’s no reason to buy the most expensive nailer when it comes to pinners. You don’t need that much power and there’s ample here on offer. Operation is smooth and reliable and the tool is light and pleasant to use. When buying cheaper products, it can sometimes be worrying as you wonder if the company has cut corners resulting in inferior performance. The good news is that any corners cut here are not essential and this tool works well at the lower price point and is a handy thing to have around. In short, we can recommend the Hitachi NP35A Gauge Micro Pin Nailer – buy with confidence! And if you’re on the fence about whether or not to get a pinner, just wait until the next time you have to hammer in hundreds of tiny pins and then ask yourself how much more quickly you could have finished that job… source http://www.toolerant.com/hitachi-np35a-gauge-micro-pin-nailer-review/ from http://toolerant.blogspot.com/2017/10/hitachi-np35a-gauge-micro-pin-nailer.html post coming soon… The post The Garage Door Controller appeared first on A Click Away Remotes. from http://blog.aclickawayremotes.com/garage-door-controller Professional carpenters, woodworkers, and other crafts people understand just how important it is to invest in power tools that offer the most amount of versatility and adaptability on a jobsite, but all of these experts also know that every now and again you need a specialist tool capable of handling a certain set of tasks better than anything else every now and again. The Rockwell RK3441K is absolutely one of those specialist tools, the kind of 4 ½ inch compact circular saw that you may not find yourself reaching for anywhere near as often as your tradition also cordless or corded circular saw, but a specialty device that comes in handy in a pinch when you need to make precision cuts in small spaces or on smaller pieces of material. Not sure if you need – or should – add the Rockwell RK3441K to your toolbox just yet? Is it the best compact cirular saw for the money ? Check out this quick guide and in-depth review to determine whether or not this is the kind of power tool worth investing in. Initial ImpressionsPretty much everything about this subcompact circular saw looks and feels completely different than most every other traditional circular saw out there, but that’s by design! With just 4 ½ inch diameter blades capable of being used in this circular saw, we are talking about a unit that can fit in much smaller and much more compact spaces. This is going to open up a lot of utility that wouldn’t have been possible with a larger saw, making difficult cuts almost effortless. Sure, the 5 AMP motor is only going to spin this saw blade at speeds of 3500 RPM when it’s at load, but that’s plenty enough to work through most pieces of plywood and finish material and trim. You’ll be able to make quick work of baseboard, crown moldings, and other pieces of furniture of finish work with this saw – cuts that would have been a lot rougher with a more powerful tool. But how does the Rockwell RK3441K stack up against more full size units when it comes to cutting through material like 2x12s, for example? Well, according to independent comparisons the only real difference between this 4 ½ inch circular saw and full-size circulars going all the way through a 2×12 is about a half a second of speed – though you do lose a little bit of control because of the lightweight material used to construct this saw and the lack of heft to keep you on line. Standout FeaturesThe absolute biggest standout feature that the Rockwell RK3441K brings to the table has to be the fact that it is tremendously smaller and tremendously lighter (not to mention a lot cheaper) than the overwhelming majority of other circular saw options that are currently available on the market today. By making the choice to invest in this particular unit you’re abandoning a lot of extra bulk and a lot of extra weight that just isn’t necessary for all but the most challenging of cuts and heaviest duty material. Sure, you probably won’t be able to comfortably cruise right through thick panels of oak with this circular saw the way you would with a more traditional unit, but if you are tackling lighter weight material and softwoods this is going to cut right through them like a knife through butter. Other standout features include the ergonomic design of this unit, the effortless every dexterous operation that it offers, and the dust collection system that helps you more effortlessly manage and keep your workspace clean. Pros
Cons
Who’s going to be able to get the most out of this tool?Professionals, carpenters, and woodworkers will be able to use the Rockwell RK3441K on a routine basis for sure, but the folks that will probably be able to get the very most utility out of this compact circular saw have to be homeowners, DIYers, and those that are going to be slapping together the occasional construction project and will not have to depend on this circular saw every day for hours at a time. Final VerdictWhen you get right down to it, specialty tools and niche devices usually fall into two different and distinct camps – the ones that are incredibly useful in a pinch and the ones that are almost never handy in any situation, including the one that they have been designed for. The Rockwell RK3441K isn’t a novelty saw by any stretch of the imagination, but instead a capable, powerful, and impressively compact saw that you can trust to get specific tasks done without any difficulty. source http://www.toolerant.com/rockwell-rk3441k-review-the-best-compact-circular-saw/ from http://toolerant.blogspot.com/2017/10/rockwell-rk3441k-review-best-compact.html post coming soon… The post Pros and Cons of Connecting the Garage Door to the Internet appeared first on A Click Away Remotes. from http://blog.aclickawayremotes.com/connecting-the-garage-door-to-the-internet post coming soon… The post Garage Door Remotes appeared first on A Click Away Remotes. from http://blog.aclickawayremotes.com/garage-door-remotes The CST/Berger TLM100 is a hand-held laser distance measurer that is well-suited for use around the home, for basic DIY tasks and for hobbyists. Like other laser measures, it allows you to quickly get a highly accurate reading when measuring distance and works by using a laser. Here, the laser is projected from the front of the device and will then travel in a straight line to your chosen end point. Once it makes contact with the wall, the pillar or whatever else you are trying to measure, it will be reflected and bounce directly straight back. The device will time how long this process takes and that way, you’ll be given an accurate measure of the distance! This can be useful for tiling estimations, for making window fittings considerably easier, for painting, for hanging wallpaper, for laying carpets and for measuring gaps for furniture. There are plenty more options and applications for laser measures too, but is the CST/Berger TLM100 a good pick? Product Description: Basic Specs With Good PerformanceThe CST/Berger TLM100 has a range of 100 feet, meaning that you can use it to measure distances 100 feet long and no larger. This in turn means it is really best for indoor applications. The minimum distance is 2 foot, meaning that it may not be precise enough for some woodworking applications. Within that range, it has a good accuracy of 6mm (meaning that it will be accurate to within 6mm). This is not industry leading but it is a good number for the price. The device does have some other decent bells and whistles. For instance, it comes with a graphical LCD screen and has a decent case with rubber grip to ensure that a) you don’t drop it and b) it won’t break if you do drop it. The device is light at 12.8 ounces and small enough to be slung in a bag or even to slip into a pocket (with definite, noticeable bulge). Pros and Cons: Not the Most Powerful or Functional but Good for What it Does
Conclusion: What do You Want From a Laser Measure?As is always the case, the suitability of this device for you is going to depend entirely on your intended use case scenario and the kind of work you do. It ultimately comes down to what you expect to get from a laser measure and what you’re using right now. If you’re comparing this to a top of the range laser measure, then of course it’s going to lack advanced functionality. But if you’re currently using a tape measure and a pencil, then this will be a huge step up that will improve your accuracy and your productivity. It saves time and makes more accurate measurements. It’s not over-designed and it really is the bare minimum in terms of what you can expect to get from a laser measure. But for the right kind of user, that’s going to be perfectly fine and possibly even desirable. A great choice in 2017 and 2018! source http://www.toolerant.com/cstberger-tlm100-review-handheld-laser-distance-measure/ from http://toolerant.blogspot.com/2017/09/cstberger-tlm100-review-handheld-laser.html Garage door maintenance is essential in making sure that your garage door is working through the years. This is a must to keep your door in good shape. Since your garage door is a big investment, you wouldn’t want to spend money on a nice garage door only to have it broken in less than five years after your purchase. In addition to that, the garage door is the largest moving part of your home. It can be dangerous once your garage door is faulty. It can pose a safety threat to you and your family. Here are some of the garage door parts that need regular maintenance:1. Springs. Both torsion springs and the extension springs are necessary for correct operation. The torsion spring is mounted above the garage door while tension spring is stretched horizontally above the roller tracks. Usually, a garage door that does not open or close is caused by a faulty torsion spring. So, regularly inspect its condition and ensure it is not frayed.The springs may either just need a readjustment or a complete replacement.However, this should be done by professionals and not be attempted by inexperienced homeowners. In addition to that, don’t forget to lubricate the springs regularly with WD-40. Avoid wiping the excess lubricant to prevent corrosion. Make sure that the springs are lightly lubricated at all time to prevent it from clumping. 2. Rollers. These have to be checked twice a year and replaced every seven years. Rollers that are chipped, cracked or worn have to be replaced right away. To do this, you just have to remove and reinstall the roller brackets. If these are stuck, just soak them in kerosene using a small brush. Wipe off the parts and apply a non-silicon lubricant for metal rollers. If you have a nylon roller, just lubricate the bearings. 3. Weatherstripping. The rubber seal that’s located at the bottom of your door helps keep flood water out from your garage. Through time this can become cracked or brittle. Check this every now and then to see if it can still perform its role. If you need to replace it, just purchase weatherstripping from your local hardware store and cut it to the right size. Insert it through the grooves inside the door. 4. Cables. Check the condition of the high-tension cables that lift your garage door. Look for broken strands and damage near the roller bracket. If these signs are present, you might need to hire a professional to fix the problems. 5. Tracks. Check the tracks on both sides of the garage door for some dirt and debris. This usually builds up over time and might affect the efficiency of your garage door. Just use a brake cleaner on a washcloth. You can also use a vacuum to clean it out. To maintain its condition, lubricate it regularly with a penetrating solvent. 6. All moving parts. Every moving part of the garage door should be oiled. Only lubricate the metal parts and not the plastic bearings. Check every nook on your garage door and see if the metal parts are not rusting and are in good condition. The nuts and bolts should be tight and secured, as well. Regularly maintaining your garage door will ensure that it works through the years and is safe to use all year round. Knowing which parts to keep an eye out for will allow you to save money and prevent any accidents. You are able to address issues before they become serious and costly. You can easily contact professionals to fix the problems right away. This will make sure that your garage door is working properly. The post What are the Common Garage Door Parts That Need Maintenance? appeared first on A Click Away Remotes. from http://blog.aclickawayremotes.com/garage-door-parts-that-need-maintenance |