Mexico Lumber
Advice on How to Choose the Best Cordless Tools in Todays Crowded Marketplace
The indispensable cordless tools, how did we ever get along without them? If your cordless tools are more than a few years old maybe it is time to take a look at the new breed of tools available.
The most noticeable advancements have been in the battery life, charging time, ergonomics, and torque. If your cordless tools are more than a few years old, maybe you should consider taking a look at what's new in the market. Over the years it's been my experience that when it comes to cordless tools, you actually get what you pay for! This does not mean you need to purchase the most expensive tool on the shelf.
So maybe you have decided to take a look for yourself? There are many factors to consider when it comes to cordless tools. Will it be used all day long or only once in a blue moon? If you are a homeowner and only use cordless tools around the house
for minor projects and repairs, there is no need to buy the top of the line tools. However as I stated before you actually get what you pay for, with this in mind I would strongly recommend staying away from the cheaper tools.
Let's just pretend you are driving past the local Mega-lumber/roofing/tool store when you suddenly remember you have been wanting to stop in and check out a new cordless drill. You arrive in the tool aisle and you see a 25 ft. long shelf, three levels deep, with nothing but cordless drills. Aqua blue, black, bright orange, light green, putrid green, red, yellow, amongst others which I can not identify. Where does a person start?
Here are a few ideas to help get you started. Ask your dad, brother, brother-in-law, co-worker, father-in-law, or local handyman. Still do not have an answer, then please read on.
Battery strength is one of the most important factors when choosing any cordless tool. Be wary when evaluating battery strength, higher voltage batteries are not always the best. The type of battery plays a big factor in how the drill will perform over a period of time Nick-Cad (Good), Lithium-Ion (Best). Amp/hr is where the cheaper tools fall on their face 1.4 (bad)
2.4 (good).
Chuck size is another factor in determining the purchase of a cordless drill. For the average homeowner a 3/8" should be fine, however for heavier work a 1/2" drill should be considered.
Torque means how hard can the drill twist, the higher the better.
Weight of the drill can actually give you a good idea of how well its built, after all, steel gears are heavier than plastic ones.
Color can also tell you quite a bit about a drill, specifically, where it is manufactured. Aqua blue (Switzerland), red (Czech), yellow (Mexico), and sometimes the name will even give it away, Nissan etc.
Aqua blue is my color of choice. I realize there is no comparison between a watch and a cordless drill, but by the same token, there is no comparison between a Swiss watch and a Chinese watch either.
I purchased a cordless tool combo-kit of the 18-volt aqua blue variety in the late summer of 2006. The bag contained a quick 30 minute charger, two 2.4 amp/hr batteries, sawzall, circular saw, flashlight, drill, and a jigsaw. I took it home and fully charged the batteries as the manufacturer recommended. Within a couple of days I had to drive approximately 1,500 3" screws in treated lumber. My new aqua blue drill performed this task with room to spare, something that would have sucked the blood out of my yellow drill. As of this writing I have no complaints about my aqua blue tools, and would recommend them to everyone.
As far as I know there are no longer any cordless tools manufactured in America and until such a time my hat is off to the Swiss and aqua blue!
http://www.carpentry-pro-framer.com
About the Author
The author of this article has 28 years experience working in the highly competitive housing market of the west and southwest suburbs of Chicago as a carpenter. His job titles have included Master Roof Cutter, Apprentice, and everything in between. Most of his experience is in the high end custom home marketplace, including all aspects of fine homebuilding, from footings to ridge cap. More information is available at this website.
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Should I stay in Canada , or move to the Tropics?
Ive lived in Canada my whole life, travelled around,
but now I am thinking about moving to the Tropics.
If i moved there I would take up surfing, enjoy the beauty of different culture and the landscapes, as well as finding a job (I would think of a tropical destination that includes surfing, but not Hawaii due to the high cost of everything).
If I stayed here in Canada, I would continue to live in the mountains, hunting and camping on holidays, as well as frequent snowboarding (I have about 10 years experience), as well as keeping my current job at a lumber mill. I think Canada is unbeleivably beautiful, but I was wondering if anyone with personal experience of living in the tropics would recommend it. I wouldnt be able to afford living in both destinations, and yes, I have travelled to Belize and Mexico before. Any advice? Thanks. No negative comments are wanted/needed.
Many people thing about living in warmer climates, its great when you are on holidays there but would you be able to survive the heat all year round?. The only seasons you have there are wet and dry. Not like in Canada where you are able to do different sports and activities depending on the season. You may like surfing but would you find it a bit tiresome after many months. If you do camping and snowboarding now would you miss those activities?. I know Mexico at the moment is hardly considered a safe place to go to. Canada is far safer and has far less bugs!.
If you feel you want a total change of scenery and would be fine with heat, heat and more heat go for it, you only live once, but remember its not like a holiday when you move somewhere to live.