by Helpful Hank | Aug 7, 2020 | Hardware
You would think an everyday tool like a hammer would be simple. Yes and no. There are all kinds of features you might need to know about. Choose a tool that’s too heavy for you and you’ll pay the price with a sore arm. But a tool that’s too light might not get the job done, so choose wisely. (more…)
by Helpful Hank | Sep 13, 2017 | Hardware
Like most homeowners, I found out a long time ago I can’t get by with just one ladder. Especially not that rickety old aluminum stepladder I found in my garage—though I tried for awhile. You’re likely going to need at least two ladders to get your basic DIY stuff done (unless you go with a multipurpose ladder: more on that later). (more…)
by Helpful Hank | Sep 13, 2017 | Hardware
When my front door’s regular mechanical deadbolt lock started seizing up, I wasn’t even considering keyless locks until I saw them at Home Depot.
You know, the electronic kind with a keypad like in office buildings. My first reaction was ‘oh hell no,’ … but I decided to at least read up on them. After all, I’m hoping I won’t have to do this again for at least another 10 years. (more…)
by Helpful Hank | Sep 11, 2017 | Hardware
Shopping for a wet-dry vac will suck the life out of you if you let it. There are SO many models and options to choose from, and so much competition.
Not only are there a lot of features to weigh against each other, there are several models for every need and price point you can imagine, from $50 to $1000 and everything in between. Literally dozens of models overall to choose from, and—because of the intense competition—many of them quite good for the money. (more…)
by Helpful Hank | Jul 2, 2017 | Hardware
I never thought about buying a pressure washer until I looked into renting one to blast some mildew off my brick walls. For about $50, I could rent one for 4 hours, or—much to my surprise—I could buy an electric pressure washer in the $100-$200 range. Electric? I’ve always seen gas-powered models before; wasn’t really familiar with electrics. (more…)