Can I use 20w50 oil in my lawn mower?

Can I use 20w50 motor engine oil in my lawn mower?

The short answer is yes, you can use 20w50 oil in a lawnmower but results may vary.

That's not the end of it though.

This kind of oil is not designed specifically to be used in a lawnmower. 20W50 is actually a fairly specialized petrol engine oil formulated for use in engines made generally before 1980.

The starting point for considering what kind of oil to add is the characteristic of the oil known as viscosity. This is the thickness of the oil and that has a direct effect on how well the engine is lubricated during use, especially when temperatures change.

Typically, '30 weight oil' (often referred to as SAE30) is used in lawn mowers as it is designed with the engines of lawn mower in mind - temperature factors are a key player here - both of the engine (which obviously heats differently from a car) and also the local weather conditions play a part in determining engine performance. The thicker viscosity of 30 weight oil assists air-cooled engines to keep them running... cooler!

SAE30 is very suitable for older, aged engines to use.

20w50 will work in engines for what could be described as the summer weather period. If you live in colder climes then you should really consider using 30 weight.

If you live in a region that has large temperature swings between summer and winter then a blended oil such as 10w30 may be suitable - the 10w reflects the winter use protection and the 30 reflects the warm temp.

If you've spotted a trend in those numbers, good on you - the colder weather in which you use your engine, the lower your W for winter number can go.

One thing to bear in mind is while winter oils can help improve cold weather starting they may contribute to an increase in oil consumption by the engine. You just want to get your grass cut though eh?
When in doubt, you should always refer to the user manual of the lawn mower. If you do not have it, then google it - the manufacturers place them online because they know their users will benefit from them - a happy user is a happy brand whisper naturally!

Another factor to consider in your oil choice is will it help keep the engine clean internally?

Will the detergents contained in the oil help prevent sludge build up?

Most quality engine oils will have such detergents added - and for this reason alone, we recommend you avoid using cheap engine oil if you can!

There is an argument that you see creeping in every so often that the modern mower engine, is still basically the same kind of engine that has been around for 60 years since the end of the second World War. Those original engines ran on the crudest, rudest kind of oils around. The modern oils, including synthetics, are clearly superior oils and probably do over and above what is required for many engines.  This train of thought probably underlies why many users report using certain oils in certain engines and never having any issues with the oil's performance.

Take that how you will!

Leave a Comment lawn mowers, lawnmower maintenance, oil, SAE30

Best Dewalt Brushless Grinder

DEWALT DCG413B 20V Brushless Cut Off Tool/Grinder Review

The DEWALT DCG413B 20V XR Brushless 4.5-Inch angle grinder features a brushless motor which delivers up to 57% more run time over brushed engines.  This is because brushless motors have vastly reduced friction and much less voltage drop that brushes create by dragging against the spinning commutator. The result is Dewalt's cutting tool works with greater efficiency offers a more durable motor.

This single speed motor actually translates into 9,000 max RPMs which means it can handle the same kinds of jobs as corded grinders.

The Dewalt has a paddle switch to operate; the brake is engaged as soon as the Paddle switch is released, bringing the wheel quickly to a safe stop.

This tool also offers a 2-Position side handle for user comfort and convenience. It weighs 3 and 3/4 pounds so it's very easy to operate.

If you've been in the game long enough, you might think a grinder is a grinder but these reviews from actual users who have bought the grinder through Amazon and put them through their paces.

"I have several angle grinders, all electric. Hesitated to purchase a battery powered but my other DeWalt tools do so well and the reviews were so good I thought I would go for it.

GLAD I DID! This angle grinder is the boss. No more do I need to find an extension cord to grind, cut off or sand some simple project!"

"It’s so easy to operate and has all the power I need for 70% of my projects."

"I will never buy anything else. This grinder has since February of this year already had a hard life. Then last Friday it got ran through my entire rock quarry plant. Which consisted of getting hit with rock and submersed under water and pushed out by a large auger and found in a rock pile before it was shipped out to be used in concrete. Let it sit for a few days and it still works. And that’s the battery that was on it when it happened. All still work. Impressive. The trigger is a little sticky for turning it on but still works."

Now that is a sure sign of durability!

"An incredible angle grinder and it’s cordless! Very pleased with this grinder. I upgraded to a 6.0 battery and it will grind for a good while before needing to be recharged. More power than I imagined and much quieter than other corded angle grinders. It’s worth every penny."

If you think these guys have made the right call, make the same and check out the price on Amazon We recommend you wear battle tested safety gloves when using this grinder and of course, a safety visor or glasses. These units are lethal if used incorrectly or if a blade snaps and flies of into your face. Google for some pictures of grinder accidents and you'll see what we mean!

Here at TheToolYard, we just love recommending Dewalt products as they are durable, they work and are quite reasonably priced in the DIY market.

Here's some Dewalt products we've recommended in the past - job site fan, nail gun cordless lawn mower, the best drill bet set and handy safety glasses to protect your eyes.

Leave a Comment dewalt, grinder

Best adjustable wrench for home maintenance

When I was a wee lad, we had a fantastic garage that my dad worked in.

It was huge. It had couches, a rocking horse, a clothes dryer and unbelievably old radio (made of wood) that he would play horses races on and a pool table.

All of that and the tools. There were tools for chainsaws, the lawnmower, and so many rusted hand saws.

But that crescent wrench of his! It was a shiny tool of wonder. He had painted the end blue so he would know it was his.

Even as a child, I knew it was something special. It was adjustable so as a kid, it meant I could use it for all kinds of mischief and later on, maintaining my bicycle.

And now as an adult, I miss that wrench.

So, dear reader, I'm in the market for a new spanner.

It's got to be a quality one.

One that won't rust if MY son leaves it outside in the grass for a week.

One that's easy to adjust and one that feels just right in the hand like my dad's did.

It's got to have a sense of weight about it that just says, yep, I can get this nut undone, piece of cake, just put some elbow into it mate!

So what's the best adjustable wrench on the market for me to have a look at then? Are they any popular brands or newer kinds of material I should be thinking about? I have no idea, so let's find out on my journey to get a new wrench.

The first thing to ask ourselves is what size wrench do we need? Are we fixing car engines, adjusting wheel alignment on a bicycle or what?

If you want a stock standard, no fuss wrench, then, by all means, grab a cheap steel wrench that will do the job but it might make you work a little bit harder than you need:

This kind of spanner will set you back less than 10 bucks on Amazon. It's the classic style, drop forged and made of steel with a chrome plated finish and it will do the job but it might not be the kind of tool you keep in the shed for thirty years.

We reckon though you should insist on a quality wrench, and we think Ares have just the tool for you.


The Ares15-Inch adjustable wrench boasts a 2-inch (50.8mm) jaw capacity and a precision machined 4-thread knurled non-protruding jaw adjustment worm, making it perfect for jobs requiring exacting precision in tight spaces.

Both the handle and jaws have an HRC 40-50 hardness rating, so it’s tough enough for stubborn jobs. It's tough as it is made of durable, heat-treated Chrome Vanadium Steel with a corrosion-resistant Manganese Phosphate coating.

Its handle grip features an anti-slip design which delivers the user more gripping power to help reduce fastener damage and provide more torque while preventing hand stress and fatigue during prolonged use. 

The wrench is a wrench for all jobs. DIY around the home, plumbing, working on the farm or doing automotive work. 

Here's the specs:

• Size: 6-inch
• Jaw capacity: 15/16-inch (23.8125mm)
• Constructed of Chrome Vanadium Steel
• Corrosion-resistant Manganese Phosphate coating
• Unique jaw and neck design increases steel hardness (HRC) by 3 degrees and reduces the wrenches’ overall weight by 10%
• Ergonomic TPR handle grip
• Anti-slip design 
• Precision milled 4-thread knurled non-protruding jaw adjustment worm
• Metric and SAE measurement markings
• Special jaw design protects nuts during use for increased torque

But you want to know if the Ares spanner is the real deal. Well, buyers on Amazon have road tested it and given their review feedback:

"I use this wrench almost daily. The grip is nice, fitment of the adjuster is excellent, the small teeth on the jaws are a nice for a little additional bite. Well worth the price for quality tools."

"Good quality and very small for very tight spaces"

So check out the price on Amazon:

Ares also do a pretty handy set of wrenches:

This sets wrenches features up to a 1 5/16-inch jaw capacity and metric and SAE measurements, eliminating guesswork when doing precision jobs.

The 8-inch wrench also features a V-jaw with aggressively angled teeth perfect for gripping pipes and rounded fasteners.

Coilover spanners

There are also plenty of other kinds of wrenches that have specific design features to help with particular tasks such as the coil-over.

Coilovers can be used to tighten side slot nuts on collars, lock nuts and bearings.

Because of the action when using them, they can give great leverage when turning stubborn bolts.

These kinds of spanners are very popular for motorcycle maintenance as they can fit shocks, steering columns, and all kinds of nuts.

Top five facts about spanners and wrenches

1. Crescent wrenches are actually a trademarked brand all of their own!
2. English engineer Richard Clyburn is widely credited with inventing an adjustable spanner in 1842.
3. The first patent for a spanner was granted to Enoch Harris in 1885. This featured an adjustable jaw. Since then many different patents for differing forms of spanners have been accepted over the years.
4. No one knows how the term "monkey wrench" came about
5. The expression "spanner in the works" came about from employees deliberately sabotaging factory production lines with tools such as wrenches. Or not...

Leave a Comment adjustable wrench set, crescent wrench, spanner, wrench

Best drill bit sets

If you're anything like me, you'll find you keep breaking your drill bits and need to replace them with a new set.

So what are the best drill bit sets to choose from?

There are all kinds of drill bits and some suit various tasks better than others. For example, you're would never use a bit designed for wood when drilling into masonry, concrete or metal or even glass or porcelain. Well, if you're again like me, you may have tried and learned the hard way...

On that basis, let's consider the best bits for wood and the best bits for metal.

As always, we'd recommend that you don't cheap out with your tool purchases - if the issue is that you keep breaking bits, maybe it's because the parts are too cheap? Or maybe you just need to be a bit more gentle when drilling?

Drill bit sets for wood

When selecting the right drill bit for using with wood, it's important to understand that while soft low-carbon steel bits are inexpensive to buy, the con is that they do do not hold an 'edge' well and require frequent sharpening.

Such bits are only ideal for drilling wood; even working with hardwoods rather than softwoods can noticeably shorten their lifespan.

So with that in mind, we'd recommend that titanium drill bits are the order of the day if you intend to regularly use them, say if you are into joinery or carpentry as a hobby or profession.

So here are two great quality products:

Dewalt

You already know the brand stands for quality. Their set's titanium drill bits have a titanium coating that provides longer life when drilling.

These bits are very suitable for drilling in wood and plastic and are ideal for commercial and most home based applications. 

The set includes sizes from 1/6-inch to 1/2-inch in a plastic tough case.

• Titanium pilot point for longer bit life
• Starts on contact for cleaner holes
• No spin shanks
• Tapered web provides greater durability to reduce breaking
• Includes sizes from 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch in a plastic tough case

Check out the price on Amazon.

Fisch FSF-364757 Imperial Brad Point Drill Bit Set

The Fisch chrome vanadium Imperial 29 piece brad point drill bit set is fantastic for normal drilling operations in soft and hardwood using cordless drills or drill press machines.

This 29 piece set is the perfect place to start when you need a quality drill set that will get the job done and give you years of service, which is what you expect when paying for quality.

This handy set includes common Imperial (Inch/fractions) sizes from 1/16” to ½” in 1/64” increments.

The drill bits have full diameter shanks on bits that are 3/8” diameter and smaller. The set sits in a quality plastic stand case that protects your drills and puts them at arm’s reach with a handy 'flip out' when it is time to get drillin'.

Here's a handy list of the specifications:

• Chrome-vanadium steel lasts longer between sharpening
• Less tear-out in hardwood, softwood and laminated materials which means less frustration when materials get ripped by bits.
• Optimized outer spurs insure fast and easy cutting of the wood, scoring the outer rim of the hole before the main part of the drill begins to do its work
• For use in soft, hard, exotic, veneered and laminated wood, as well as MDF board and even acrylic such as plexiglas!
• Beveled cutting edge leads to clean drilling without any deviation while feeding the bit into the material which is handy when it's hard enough to get the bit centered!

Check out the price on Amazon!

Drill bit sets for metal drilling

If you are looking to drill holes in metal or stainless steel, then you need to consider using drills of a different composite from those designed for use with wood.

Drill bits composed of cobalt steel alloys are variations on high-speed steel that contain more cobalt. These kinds of bits hold their hardness at much higher temperatures - which is just what you need when grinding into metal!

Drill bits that are designed to cut through strong metals will also usually have a blunt tip, whereas a drill bit that is made for cutting through wood will have a pointed tip. So now you know the difference!

Given such drill bits are able to withstand the heat fairly well, they will endure, giving you a longer life span.

Meet the Drill Hogg for metal drilling

There's a reason Drill Hog steel bits come with a lifetime guarantee for the original owner. It's because these bits are tough cobalt bastards! These bits are made from Cobalt M42 Steel (HSS) which has a melting point of 2,853 degrees Fahrenheit! Wrap your head around that Ray Bradbury!

These bits will drill through the toughest steel like truck frames, stainless steel, farm implements, spring steel, grade 8 bolts, and more! Boss Hog is very proud their product is made State Side in the USA.

• Premium Solid Cobalt M42 Super High Speed Steel
• 1/16" to 1/2" in 1/64th Increments (Does not Skip any Sizes)
• High Heat Treated Hardness 68-70 HRC (Rockwell Hardness Scale)
• 135 Degree Split Point Prevents "Walking"
• Tri-Flat Shank Prevents "Spinning" in Chuck

Check out the price on Amazon:

Handy hint for using a drill bit:

If you are able to, place a thick piece of wood under the metal you are drilling so that your bits won’t be dulled or damaged by your work surface when the bit goes through the metal and comes into contact with the surface.

Best drill bit set for concrete drilling

Last winter I was trying to install fire guard at my place and I needed to drill the screws into the brick around the fireplace. Having no idea about such things, I foolishly used my standard drill set and ended up getting nowhere. And that's when I learned about masonry drills bits for cutting into brick and concrete!

Yep, it turns out you do need specialized drill bits to make holes in concrete. These are commonly referred to as masonry bits. They often will often be composed of a steel body and a tungsten carbide tip to ensure they are tough enough the manage the effort required to cut through concrete. It is also best practice to use these bits with a hammer or percussion drill.

So what are the best sets for concrete drilling? As usual, let's avoid cheap 10 dollar kits and focus on branded quality:

Makita!

Designed for the US market, these drills bits are ideal for drilling for medium depths of about 4 inches. Made with carbide tips that maximize carbide surface contact for longer bit life.

The special flute design clearing out debris for fast, efficient drilling. These bits are heat forged for strength and longevity with a sharp maximum impact on masonry/concrete material. Makita pride themselves that general contractors and many players in the construction industry use these tools.

Check out the price on Amazon:

Another great option for cutting concrete is yet again Dewalt's 7-Piece Premium Percussion Masonry Drill Bit Set:

• Manufactured in Germany, so you know this is the real deal
• Rock carbide tip maximizes carbide surface contact in the drill hole which results in longer bit life
• The 'Four-flute' design assists in cleaning out debris out for quick and efficient drilling
• Three flats on shank eliminate bit slipping in the chuck

Check on the price on Amazon

What is high speed steel?

Known as HSS, high-speed steel is a material that can withstand incredibly high temperatures before it fails by losing its form or effectiveness. Thus, it's ideal for drilling in hard materials like metal.

Leave a Comment brad point, carpentry, drill bits, lip and spur, masonry, oxide, titanium

What is the best bar and chain oil to use for a chainsaw?

Just like a car or lawnmower needs its oil to be regularly changed, so does a chainsaw

What's the best to use? 

It's actually a double task for a chainsaw as both the engine oil and bar oils need to be replaced.

It's part of a good chainsaw maintenance regime.

We don't need to teach you to suck eggs on how important it is for the bar and chain to be well oiled, you just want to know what are the best oil brands out there to use.

Let's start with the best bar and chain oils

If you want to take our word for, here are three options which will serve your chainsaw well:

• Husqvarna's Bar and Chain Oil
• Oregon's Premium Bar and Chain Oil
• Poulan Pro

If you want to do things right and by the book in terms of good maintenance, you would do well to consider an oil product that has been specifically designed to be used with a chainsaw.

Choosing the best kind of oil can mean the difference in having a chain that does its job well and for a long period or a chain that is battered and bruised and refuses to cut properly.

There are a few variables to think about.

• Will the weather conditions dictate what kind of oil is used?
• How often will the chainsaw be used?
• What is the temperature at which the saw will operate?
• How environmentally conscious are you?
• Price per gallon because let's face it, money talks. 

Do not use engine oil as it is not designed to 'stick' to a chain.

Do not use recycled motor engine oil as it is a used product which will have metal pieces in it.

Many famous chainsaw brands (and lawnmower manufacturers too) have their own branded oil and bar products and generally speaking those products will do the job for most chainsaws, let alone the branded item.

If you want to go for a trusted brand name, then Husqvarna's Bar and Chain Oil is what you are looking for:

Husqvarna Company is known for making the most reliable and durable products to take care of a multitude of your outdoor needs.

• Designed for use with all Husqvarna chainsaw models
• Premium blend of base stocks and tackifier additives, which reduces high speed throw-off
• Extends bar, chain and sprocket life by protecting against wear
• Optimizes cutting performance by reducing heat and friction
• Is good for all year round use, including winter

Some players who used the product left some sweet reviews on Amazon about this oil:

"Great oil for chainsaw chain, sticks to chain very well"

"Top grade Husqvarna bar oil. I bought a new Husky450 and wanted the best for it. Good price for a top-shelf product as well. Will buy again"

"Does an excellent lubrication job without throwing oil off like some inferior brands. Well worth the price to protect your chain and your saw."

"Really does the job. Stays on the saw bar and chain a lot better than just motor oil."

So if this sounds like Husqvarna's oil is for you, check out the price on Amazon.

It's not a state, it's Oregon oil

Another popular oil is produced by Oregon.

As far as we're concerned Oregon as a brand is up there with Stihl and Husqvarna as a word that means 'quality product'.

Oregon state that their bar and chain oil is specifically compounded to provide extra high tackiness and prevent "throw off" even under adverse weather conditions.

Which is just a polite way of saying they make good oil.

Oregon also claims that their oil's high film-strength prevents wear or scuffing of chain links and bars while protecting metal parts against corrosion and rust.

They also say that it resists build-up of deposits such as pitch, sap or gum.

Here's some reviews from machinists who've bought and used Oregon oil:

"Great for keeping your bar lubed, terrible for making salad dressing."

This makes perfect sense eh? What about a more serious review:

"Saw runs perfectly with this oil. No smoking or anything. Definitely has smooth cuts in the trees I was cutting. No complaints and I'll buy this again when I run out."

"It's Oregon bar oil. Does exactly what it's supposed to. No complaints.

If there was a complaint to be made by users of this product is that it can seem thinner than other oils and this can be off-putting if you are expecting a syrupy goo. 

Whatever, it's Oregon!

Poulan Bar and Oil

The Poulan brand name is used primarily for outdoor power equipment, such as chainsaws, lawn mowers, and leaf blowers, aimed at the mid-level consumer market. Which probably means you, dear reader!

And since you are a dear reader, I'm going to let in on an industry secret. The Poulan brand is owned by Husqvarna!

Howabout that eh?

This means that you can trust the Poulan brand because Husqvarna trusted it enough to buy the whole damn company.

Here's Poulan's Bar and Chain oil offering:

By now, you know the drill of what benefits bar and chain oil will give your chainsaw but Poulan want you to know that their product is "formulated for use by the logging industry, this oil helps prevent rust, resists high-temperatures, flows freely at low temperatures and has the ability to resist the extreme pressures bars and chains."

Which sounds like marketing really so what do actual users of the oil have to say in their reviews about its performance in their machines?

"I use this on my Stihl ms280 chainsaw and it works great. Better than Stihl bar and chain oil it seems. With the Stihl oil I would always notice the chain-smoking after a heavy cutting session. I have yet to see anything like that with this oil. This oil is also tackier and appears a little heavier than the Stihl oil."

"Just what my chainsaws needed a bit of a lube job. Easy poring and tight seal on the container. No mess. great quality."

"What can you say, it's oil, the viscosity is formulated correctly so it stays on the chain and bar and doesn't run off during operation. It does the function it was designed for."

So there you have it, Poulan's product does the job you need. Check out the price on Amazon.

Look mate, I've read all this guff, I just want some cheap oil!

Well here you go friend:

Do I need a thick oil for my chainsaw?

We're talking about the viscosity of your chain oil here. Generally speaking, the thicker the oil, the better it will be at staying on the chain. A key point at play here is that weathers' temperature will have an effect on the oil.

The warmer the oil, the more fluid it will become.

Should I use a 'green' oil on my bar?

In this modern era of environmental practices, one could consider using a substitute biodegradable oil.

This is especially so if cutting near waterways or environments of special significance. We would suggest that if you use a vegetable based oil, you don't mix it with a petroleum-based oil as the mixing can cause gunk to build up.

Can you put motor oil on a chain?

You can do this and your chain will benefit somewhat from the lubrication but in the long term, it's not an ideal solution as it is not designed to be sticky.

Motor oil has not been designed to work on such a chainsaw so you could impede the efficiency of the chain in the long term.

Some keen cost savers even go as far as using used motor engine oil. Again, you will get the effect of lubrication but be warned used motor engine oil can contain fragments of metal which will damage your bar and chain over time, rendering their effectiveness low.

We suspect used motor engine oil will make your chain blunt - leading you to need to sharpen the chain more regularly.

If you do want to save money (and fair enough too!) then some woodsman like to steal their wife's pantyhose and strain the oil through them to help remove any metal parts!

If your lawn mower is thirsty, check out the best small engine oils.

Leave a Comment bar and chain oil, husqvarna, maintenance, oregon, poulan

How to use hydrochloric acid to remove rust from metal

Rust never sleeps but hydrochloric acid sure can put it to bed!

Sometimes it happens because your tools get wet or rust slowly creeps along and then bam!

Rust attack!!

It's suddenly covered all your drill bits, Allen keys, and screwdrivers.

I was tidying the shed one morning and I found two things.

A massive jar of rusting drill bits and screwdriver heads and also some hydrochloric acid which I had stored for 8 years since I moved into our house and never used.

It seemed like the time had arrived.

A sample of what the screws looked like before the HCL

I placed all the bits and items in a plastic container, put on my safety glasses and added some of the hydrochloric acid to it. I then added the same amount of water.

Immediately small bubbles began to rise from the bits, the reaction was obvious.

I then placed the stuff high on a shelf in the shed so the kids couldn't get at it. I went and had a look about 6 hours later and could some pretty shiny items in the container!

Well, I then promptly forgot all about my experiment until I got home from work the next day - so everything had 24 hours to soak in the solution!

I carefully drained the solution and placed the bits and pieces on some an old cloth. 

As I did this, I was wearing long sleeves and protective eyewear. A more seasoned pro may have worn plastic gloves (and not your good chainsawing gloves!). 

I then sprayed a thick coat of CRC on the items to form a protective barrier for the short term and to dilute the acid. I don't know if this was the best move, just something that I did as I'd read acids can strip away protective layers on tools. 

So how did they come out?

Black!

Many of the drill bits came out coated black, some worse than others. They were originally coated silver!

The acid also ate through this bit extender tool so the lesson is maybe don't buy cheap parts and don't leave the metal in the acid too long!

The rusty screws came out silver, so all good there - so what is this black residue?

I've done some research and there appears to be two chemical reactions at play here. The first is the HCL reacting with the rust, and the second is the HCL with the iron of the bit itself:

Fe (s) + 2 HCl (aq) ---> FeCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)

So the bubbles we see are hydrogen and the black seems to be iron chloride.

So what I should have done is not used such a strong dilution (50:50) and not left it to react for 24 hours.

My also research tells me that while I may have cleaned off all the rust, I have also potentially opened up my items to suffering a complete secondary rust action. This is because there is probably not going to be an oxide covering the metal surface (an oxide layer can prevent rust from occurring).

I suspect some of the higher quality components were a bit more impervious to the acid.

So without doing any real research, I cleaned the bits with a towel and then sprayed them with CRC!

That's definitely a short-term solution.

It sounds like what I should have done is used a different acid instead of HCL, such as phosphoric acid (found in Cocoa Cola!).

Phosphoric acid is readily available from your hardware store (or try Amazon) and is apparently a proven rust remover.

Well. kinda it seems.

It will turn the rust (iron oxide) into iron phosphate which can be a black substance that forms on the items you are removing the rust from. This then needs to be scrubbed off, often with a wire brush.

If you are looking for a more commercial rust remover then there are many products that you can try which is Rust911 is a concentrated rust remover. When mixed with water (necessary) 16 oz makes 2-gallons which you can immerse your rusty item in.

Free All Deep Penetrating Oil by Gasoila Chemicals features a rust eating agent that not only penetrates rust but helps to loosen and dissolve it away meaning it's great for helping unscrew tough nuts and screws.

As a spray on, this Free All will help to free stuck threaded pipe connections, rusted machine screws, rusted bolts, rusted or frozen nuts, automotive clamps, pillow blocks, universal joints, locks and the like. Check out the price on Amazon.

Evapo-Rust Gel combines the rust removing power of Evapo-Rust with the ability to cling to vertical, rusted surfaces. Simply brush on and allow an hour for the gel to work its magic, then rinse away the rust with water. 

This gel appears to be safer than other gelled rust removers. Evapo-Rust get does not harm copper, brass, or aluminum so has a variety of applications. 

The only complaint about this product is that the gel can be tricky to apply and for that reason, many users tend to prefer Naval Jelly.

Leave a Comment hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, rust removal, rust remover

Best chainsaw for cutting firewood

While chainsaws used to be the sole domain of hardened lumberjacks, farmers and very keen woodsmen, chainsaws are now almost ubiquitous in the family home.

This is often due to the need to feel trees but the main reason why is to cut wood for firewood.

Given the varieties of machinery available, it's important that the user has the right chainsaw to do the job. There's no point in having a power saw that's designed to cut down California Pine all day when you simply need a reasonably powered saw to cut some limbs of a tree.

Here then is our guide to identifying the best chainsaws to use for cutting firewood. 

There are two factors to first consider. 

How proficient and experienced are you at using a chainsaw?

If you are a bit green (nothing wrong with that, we all started at the same place) then you will want a chainsaw that is not too heavy as holding and working with these units can quickly tire your arms - which reduces productivity and increases the risk chance of an accident occurring. 

If you are well practiced and in a fit state, then you can consider using a chainsaw with more power. 

One of the pros of using a small chainsaw is that you can be a bit more nimble and maneuver them more easily. 

What kind of tree and wood will you be cutting? 

If you are felling large trees, then you may want to consider a chainsaw which has a lot of engine strength. If the tree is hardwood, then you will want the power. 

A chainsaw that is not designed to cut large hardwood trees will find its engine is placed under a fair bit of strain - this will lead to unnecessary wear and inefficient cutting time. 

So what am I really looking for?

The way we see it, if you are cutting firewood, you can go two ways.

Buy an all-around saw

They are usually designed and built in the same way as professional saws, but have a lesser performance rating. They are not intended for use as an 'all day tool' but for part-time use, such as cutting firewood!

To that end, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher might be the chainsaw for you:

Purchase a general consumer saw 

Smaller and easy-to-use saws designed for home use by people who will use the saw every so often. If this sounds like you, we suggest an electric chainsaw like the Dewalt DCCS620B:


The real benefit other than it being lightweight is that the electric saw requires less maintenance. It's also less than half the price of your standard gas-powered equivalent. 

The Husqvarna 460 Rancher is a robust all round saw, ideal for demanding cutting jobs where more power is required for a longer guide bar.

Equipped with a X-Torq engine with high torque over a wide RPM range. The saw's body is ergonomically designed allowing for easy handling of the saw's power.

Further features include Smart Start, Air Injection, LowVib and combined choke/stop control.

The real value though is checking in what real users of the Rancher have to say about its performance. Here's what buyers from Amazon have said in their reviews after putting cutting bar to wood:

"I'm not a professional arborist or somebody who cuts wood all the time. But I do cut down trees from family and friends and cut some for a wood burner I have in my woodshop. Ultimately as I said I would love to be able to mail my own lumber. So for a normal everyday person I just wanted a good strong chainsaw that will hopefully be one of the last ones I buy for a very long time this chainsaws absolutely excellent !! I would even recommend this to experts as well because I believe they would love it too."

"The build quality is outstanding... contrasting it w/ my cheaper Ryobi chain saw, EVERYTHING (from the housing, to the bar chain oil and gas tank lids, to the chain tensioner, the bar itself, etc.) is made and assembled with much higher quality materials and attention. After all the trees I've already dropped and broken down with this Husqvarna saw, I see myself using this saw for years (probably decades) to come"

If that sells you, check out this pricing:

We would be remiss if we didn't remind you that if you are new to using a chainsaw, you may wish to take lessons on how to correctly use a chainsaw (at the least, learn what a kick back is). You'll also do well to have safety equipment such as gloves, chaps, and eyewear.

Leave a Comment firewood, husqvarna

Choosing the best ph strips for Kombucha

Kombucha is the health drink of this generation

It seems that everywhere you look, some punter is trying to sell you Kombucha.

Look at the supermarket shelves and they are full of cider, raspberry and lime flavored Kombucha drinks.

Craft brewed or factory made, you can guarantee that each batch was tested to the correct pH level before it was canned and shipped off to the health conscious.

But at three bucks a bottle in my supermarket, many drinkers are choosing to make their own Kombucha and part of getting it to taste right, you need to test the pH level, and for the average brewer, this means using pH test strips on a sample of Kombucha to ensure the level is just right.

You test the kombucha for two reasons, one to past the taste test and the second to ensure the level is sufficient enough to prevent any nasty microbes from taking the brew. A lower pH will also give the kombucha a chance to grow its own cells - which is exactly what you want for a healthy brew.

So, what are the best pH indicator strips for testing your homemade Kombucha?

You want to use any food grade pH strips you can get your hands on. This ensures there's no chance of spoiling your batch (if you are testing directly) but even then, we'd recommend you always isolate a small sample for pH testing.

A popular pH test indicator kit made for Kombucha is the Kombucha Chemistry range:
Featuring 100 pieces, the Kombucha Chemistry strips are ready to use straight out of the box.

✅ No tricky scraps of test paper to cut to length or tear-off
✅ No finger or bench staining to worry about
✅ Just test your batch and place the used strip in the waste

If you want to know a cool trick on how to double the number of strips, simply cut one down the middle with a pair of sharp scissors and you suddenly have two strips!

Great if you intend on making many batches! But frankly, 100 strips is probably enough to last most brewers a couple of years if you are making a batch of kombucha a week!

Check out the price on Amazon:

How to use Ph strips for testing Kombucha

It’s important to test the pH level of your kombucha both at the start and end of the 1st ferment

Testing before ensures that it will be free of harmful microbes. So aim for the starting pH of your kombucha first fermentation to be 4.5 or below.

After fermentation is complete, the target pH level for your kombucha is between 2.5-3.5 - this means your brew ready to bottle or drink.

So take a small sample from your batch and place it in a clean container - such as a washed shot glass. Add you strip and note which color it changes to. Compare this color with the guide that comes with your strips to determine what the level is. The closest matching color is the approximate level.

Leave a Comment brewing, fermentation, homebrew, kombucha, ph strips, ph tester

Best battery powered lawn mower for yard work in 2019

Choosing a battery powered push lawn mower

Just as there are many ways to skin a cat, there are many ways to cut grass.

• You've got your standard push mower that runs on gas
• You've got manual mowers where you gotta push them along
• You've got electric mowers that plug into the mains

And in this modern world, you've got battery powered lawnmowers.

A battery powered lawn mower? Really?

Yep, today's technologies mean there are batteries powerful enough to turn the blades to cut grass.

Here's our top three picks which are Amazon best sellers:

• Greenworks PRO 21-Inch 80V Cordless Lawn Mower featuring a 4.0 AH battery
• Snapper Electric Cordless 19-Inch Lawnmower Kit with two batteries & a rapid Charger
• Dewalt DCMW290H1 40V MAX 3-in-1 Cordless Lawn Mower

While petrolheads might love maintaining their engines by adding oil and replacing spark plugs, there's many a person out there who simply wants to mow the lawns as quickly and without any stress or maintenance fuss.

An electric mower is ideal for those who are slowing down in life and don't want to have to pull start a mower 15 times before it kicks into life or run over the cable and cutting it!

With an electric lawn mower, you charge the battery, turn the mower on, and you are cutting your grass in no time.

A cordless electric mower is ideal for mowing small and medium-sized yards and lawns. With no petrol or cords to worry about, they are very portable due to their lightness. A self-propelled mower also makes this chore even easier.

How long does cordless lawn mower battery last?

While you might be able to mow your lawns in 30 minutes, a quality battery should last up at least an hour, ideally 90 minutes.

Such a range should give you enough time to do the front and back and maybe your neighbor's lawns too!

What is the best battery powered lawn mower in 2019?

As you might have suspected, the major brands such as Dewalt, Black and Dekker, Ego and Ryobi have done their best to capitalize on the battery innovation and so there is a fairly broad range of product to choose from.

You can cast your purchase decision into price and performance meaning you'll be able to find a mower to suit your budget.

That said, battery performance is the key measure on which you should make your purchase decision. At a bare minimum, you will want to consider a battery that when fully charged will last at least an hour. If you have a larger lawn, you'll probably want 90 minutes (usually a 7.5 Ah battery will reach perform at this level).

You'll also want to consider the kind of battery and to cut to the chase, you'll want to make sure your mower features a lithium-ion battery. They are lighter than traditional lead-based batteries meaning they are easier to push about. They also charge quickly and efficiently and will also have a longer life span. 

While batteries that are quick to charge are ideal, I reason that if you mow your lawn and then charge the battery, you'll be ready to cut next time you need to - and if that's the case, it doesn't matter how long it takes to charge the battery. Unless of course, you forget to charge it... but wait, most mowers will come with two batteries...

So with that in mind, here are some options that you may wish to consider:

Greenworks PRO 21-Inch 80V Cordless Lawn Mower featuring a 4.0 AH battery 

A stylish looking mower, this sharp cutter from Greenworks has the following specifications:

• Up to 60 minutes of run time with a fully charged 4.0AH Battery
• 4.0AH battery and charger included. 
• Has a maximum cutting height 1-3/8 inches and a minimum cutting height of 3-1/4 inches
• Greenworks brushless motor provides your tool with longer run-time, more torque and more power. This has the benefit of less wear and tear, extending the life-time of the mower.
• Smart Cut Load sensing technology. Versatile 3-in-1 discharge capabilities allow for rear discharge, mulching and side discharge

Greenworks boast that this 21-inch cordless lawn mower features a durable steel deck, large 10-inch rear wheels, and Smart Cut(TM) load sensing technology. Load sensing tech means the lawn mower can tell when it's got to do some hard work (longer grass) and will amp up the power from the battery to the engine. Even though it's a handy feature, all practiced lawn mowers know you just need to simply slow down your pushing rate when tasked with tall or thick overgrown grass to minimize the chance of an engine cut out. 

Lightweight and easy to use (heck, it's a lawn mower), it has a single lever height adjustment and 3-in-1 operation for mulching, bagging, and discharging. It's so light, you can easily store this vertically, meaning more floor space in your shed!

Designed for durability and heavy-duty jobs, it features a brushless motor that delivers the power and performance of a 160cc gas engine. 

A real con perhaps is that this machine is not self-propelled. 

Don't take the manufacturer's word on this, however.

Here are some genuine reviews from buyers on Amazon who have bought and used this mower. This is the real test of judgment, people with skin in the game:

'Mower was light enough to lug it down alone to the basement for Winter and back up for Spring. Absolutely no preparation needed (no gas burn off, stabilizer, spark plugs, filters, etc.), aside from blowing off old grass clippings and covering for dust (cover interchanged with snow blower).'

'No messy, smelly gas or oil needed. No nauseating exhaust! The electric motor is far quieter than a gas engine; my toddlers fell asleep fine during my mowing. There are none of the headaches of maintaining a gasoline engine: buy/store/pour jugs of gasoline, buy and keep engine oil topped off, buy fuel stabilizers, deal with spills, clean/replace spark plugs, burn off excess gasoline for off-season storage, etc.'

'The mower is very easy to push (note it’s not self-powered), so I speed-walked most of the time. It’s easy to turn 180-degrees for parallel mowing. The blades cut very near to the outer edge of the wheels (see attached picture), so there’s minimal need for overlap. There’s a rubber rear skirt to protect you from any rock or debris projectiles, which is a godsend for my yard, full of landscape stones and sweet gum tree spike-balls.'

'The GreenWorks is superior quality in every respect, I don't even know where to begin. The single lever height adjustment is something I didn't consider that important when comparing alternatives, but something you really appreciate once you have it. The variable speed on the mower is really an awesome feature. When going through light grass you save energy, and when going through heavy grass it makes the mower not stall. The gasoline-powered mower would stall almost every lap on the lower part of our property, where the grass seems to grow thicker. The electric mower has not stalled even once, ever. By the same token, starting the mower with a button instead of pulling the cord is a dream too.'

'My experience with the mower and the blower which I purchased together has been just great. They mow and blow just like my old gas powered tools. I'm never going back to gas!!'

'Cuts grass as tall as the motor housing. Be prepared to go slow though. When I did manage to kill it in thick grass nearly as tall as the motor (well above the front wheels), it likes to wait a few seconds before starting again. Starts right up (until the battery is out of juice).'

'To turn on, you push and hold the green button on the upper-right of the handle, then grasp the green lever arm together with the handle bar, then let go of the button. When you release lever, the mower turns off completely; there is no idle. To restart, you’ll need to repeat the hold-button and grasp-lever routine. There is no cord-yanking involved.'

'I purchased the mower with the 4ah 80v battery. This is the best lawn mower I have had. We live in Costa Rica and mow the lawn year round, our property is about 1/4 acre and has a steep hill. The battery lasts as long or as longer as a tank of gas on the mower it replaces, that was a Poulan Pro 6.25 hp with California compliant emissions.'

If those reviews, float your boat, check out the price on Amazon.

Snapper Electric Cordless 19-Inch Lawnmower Kit with two batteries & a rapid Charger

A popular seller on Amazon, the beauty of this mower is it features a Briggs and Stratton lithium ion battery!

The Snapper XD 82V Max* 19” Cordless walk mower is built for durability and ease of use. The 19” and 21” walk models feature a steel 3-in-1 mowing deck, providing mulch, side discharge or bagging options.

You can get the job done efficiently by being able to mow up to 45-minutes** off a single charge of a 2 Ah battery. If you desire long run times, you'll need to swap out with a with separate 4Ah or 5Ah battery).

The Snapper is a very quiet, efficiently operating machine making it a good choice for anyone that just wants to get the lawns done with little fuss. 

Powered by a Briggs & Stratton 82V Max Lithium-Ion 2Ah, 4Ah, or 5Ah battery.

3-in-1 steel mowing deck is ready to mulch, bag or side discharge. The included large grass bagger fits about 2.1 cubic feet of grass clippings.

Compact vertical storage capability allows you to store your mower out of the way.

Features easy push button starting mode and a brush less motor meaning less maintenance for you.

Single lever height-of-cut adjustment allowing you to choose from 7 different cutting heights.

Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 82-volts. Nominal voltage is 72.

Again, those specs look solid enough and merit consideration for purchase, but what about the road testers, the weekend warriors who have walked many miles behind the Snapper?

Here's some Amazon reviews from actual users of the grass cutter.

'First off, everything about this mower SCREAMS quality, and durability. Batteries??? OMG. I am wondering if they're not actually ZPMs from Stargate Atlantis! For those of you who cannot appreciate the reference, suffice to say, they are a very good size, and have a real good quality heft to them- along with a little button to show you how much power is left. There are two of them, and they charge in less than 30 mins. Use one up, charge it while you use the other, or weed whack, or take a break. The choice is yours. And btw, the battery does not slowly lose power and then slowly taper off to a barely spinning blade: It goes full strength until it's depleted. I really like that.'

'This mower cut like a champ. One pass was enough. there was NOTHING left standing. Not a blade of grass, not a weed.'

'I was using the rear bagger, which functioned superbly. Why the bagger? Because I was certain the mulching mode would be a joke. I mean, an electric mower that mulches? Sure. When pigs fly.
Well, the pigs have flown the coop. This thing also mulches very well.'

'Did the whole front yard and part of the backyard on the first battery, and I am particular. I should have taken pictures of my backyard...lotta weeds, thick stalks, and weed bushes. The Snapper absolutely DESTROYED them. Keep in mind that the low setting IS pretty low. You might want to start off at the second or third lowest setting and see what your cut looks like.'

'The batteries charge extremely fast and last the whole 45 minutes each, when they're dead, they're dead. No power loss toward the end.'

'It effortlessly cuts my thick grass, is very easy to push and maneuver, and I'm really enjoying how quiet it is compared to my previous gas mower. I couldn't be happier with all aspects of this mower and its performance.'

So, see for yourself how impressive it is on Amazon.

DEWALT DCMW290H1 40V MAX 3-in-1 Cordless Lawn Mower

We love Dewalt. It's a tried and true brand. Have you tried their work site fan? Mint. 

Anyways, the DEWALT DCMW290H1 40V MAX 3-in-1 Cordless Lawn Mower features a powerful 40V MAX brushless motor that can cut up to 1/4 acre. 

The mower is a 3-in-1 battery powered lawn mower which means you can mulch, bag, and discharge clippings out the back. 

Its metal deck gives it durability which is great for those wary of the trend to plastic models. 

This lawn mower also features a single-lever height-adjust system so you can easily change blade height. The handle also folds to allow for compact storage.

As you would expect from the Dewalt system, the battery is compatible with their line of 40V MAX DEWALT outdoor power equipment.

Here are the specifications:

• Powerful Brushless motor for high power output
• 3-IN-1: mulching, bagging, and rear discharging all-in-one
• Heavy duty 20 in. Metal deck
• Single lever Height adjust ranging from 1.5 - 3.4 in
• Folding handle and lift handles make for easy transport and compact storage

The battery is very simply able to be taken out for charging:

Here's some reviews from people who have pushed the Dewalt across their yard:

'I really like this mower. I have generally been skeptical of battery-powered large appliances, having never owned anything rechargeable larger than a cordless hammer drill. A weed whacker and leaf blower converted me enough to risk buying my first electric mower. It worked like a charm right out of the box.'

'I charged the battery overnight and mowed the front and back of my modest quarter acre block *just* before the battery died. I've since mowed again twice with the same result and it handled it well both times. very easy to stop and start light and with small rubber wheels so it's easy to push and turn, it has several simple but effective safety features, all controls are large, robust and easy to operate even with gloves on. No more hard starts, strenuous cord pulling, cans of gas in the shed or oil dripping on the floor.'

'Able to mow my back yard on a single charge easily. Lightweight mower folds up for easy storage and transport. Built-in safety features is a nice bonus.'

'This is an amazing piece of equipment. Couldn’t be happier. Hardly any setup right out of the box. Cuts better than my past gas mowers. Runs smooth and quiet. I’ll never go back to gas. I also have string trimmer, chainsaw, and hand held blower. The whole line is awesome. What's the best lawn mower battery charger?'

If those honest reviews sound like you could be onto a winner, check out the options on Amazon.

Battery powered lawn mower maintenance tips

• Given these items are light, they can be stored vertically on a hook.
• When not in use, remove the batteries. 
• When sharpening the blade, remove the battery!
• Keep it free of dust with a handy water proof cover.

Leave a Comment battery, charger, lawn mowers

Choosing the best cordless nail gun

Have you ever seen the Netflix show 'Nailed It'?

It's a cooking show where 'young gun' contestants try their hand at making their best versions of professionally made cakes and candies.

They usually completely suck it's usually a case of 'failed it' than nailed it.

And when you're putting up power frames, making fences and nailing wood into place, a quality nail gun will ensure you don't end up looking like a wannabe chef with egg on their face on some Netflix show.

It doesn't matter if you are a seasoned builder making a fence or a weekend 'DIY' warrior doing woodworking or a pallet project, a good nail gun will serve you well.

But what kind of nail gun to use?

There's plenty of brands out there and they all have ranges of quality but the when choosing a cordless nail gun, it comes done to the job you need it to do and how you are going to go about it.

But if you are in a hurry, here are our three recommendations:

• Dewalt DCN692B 20V Max XR Brushless Dual Speed Nailer
• Paslode 905600 Cordless XP Framing Nailer
• Makita TP03Z 12V Max CXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Pin Nailer

Dewalt DCN692B 20V Max XR Brushless Dual Speed Nailer

The Dewalt Brushless 2 Speed Nailer uses the power of a brushless motor to drive in nails anywhere from 2 inches to 3-1/2 inches long. 

With two operating modes, you can use your tool in sequential mode, for precision in placement, or bump mode, which provides speed for finishing quickly, which can be pretty handy when you have a day's work to get through. 

The dual speed option on this cordless nailer also allows for the use of different nail lengths which is handy when different projects have different needs. 

For user safety, there is a trigger lock to disable the trigger when the tool is not in use. 

The top cap of this Dewalt nailer is impact resistant, for your peace of mind, and removable, for easy machine troubleshooting. The nose cap is similarly easy to access to remove jammed nails safely and simply. 

This unit weighs 7.7 pounds so is a heavy duty tool that will be fine to use on tough job sites. 

• Brushless Motor and engine design provides the power to drive 3-1/2" nails
• Sequential or bump operating modes
• Dual Speed optimizes the motor for different nail lengths
• Accepts 30-34 degree paper tape nails, clipped and offset round head
• Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. Nominal voltage is 18.

Here are some honest reviews from actual users of the Dewalt nail gun, where they have used it out in the wild.

"All in all, this is a very solid unit, and more than capable of DIY use, and I suspect it would be good for construction also. I’ve got the 6 AH battery loaded and haven’t recharged it yet, and am about 2 weeks into using it. It is MUCH more convenient than having to lug the compressor upstairs and deal with the hose, and waiting for the compressor to recharge. It is a tad heavy when working over your head though.

All in all, I find this to be a very solid unit, that is more than capable of delivering on its promises. At the risk of sounding like a DeWalt fanboy...I HIGHLY recommend this nail gun."

"This nail gun is extremely picky about what nails you use. Paslode, and Bostitch work the best, I sink every nail perfectly with thosenail, grip right nails, on the other hand, don't shot worth a darn.

This nail gun has a learning curve like most tools, take some time to learn what your gun likes and dislikes. However you have to remember this is a cordless framing nailer not pneumatic, it shoots quick for what it is.

It has served me very well when I don't feel like dragging out the airlines and fire up the ole air compressor. For the most part, come to think of it I haven't used my pneumatic nail gun since I got this nail gun."

Paslode 905600 Cordless XP Framing Nailer

The  Paslode cordless framing nailer system is designed to deliver 15% more power to increase productivity.

Less standing nails and better drive performance into harder woods means you can put your hammer away and let this cordless nailer do it all.  Designed with an 'all season formula' that lets you keep working in temperatures down to 14⁰ Fahrenheit when compressor hoses are probably freezing.

Paslode Framing Nailer specifications:

• Drives nails flush, even in Laminated veneer lumber and hard woods.
• Ready to work when you are. Works in All-Seasons down to 14° fareinheit.
• It's a lightweight unit at 7.2lbs which allows for comfort and control while working overhead or in tight spaces.
• Shoots 2-3 nails per second at a consistent rate
• Limited downtime. Paslode provides non-stop nailing with fuel that will last a full day.

Here are reviews from users who have brought this unit from Amazon and put it through its paces.

"I wanted a nail gun for years but waited because of the price. I'm glad I did. This was not only the best price ANYWHERE I could find on the entire internet but this gun does what it is supposed to do, drive nails without problems and that is what it does.

Fits ergonomically in my hands with no cramping during usage. The balance on this gun/drive is awesome. Its new design with the depth setter without tools is great. Battery keeps a long charge but is a little difficult to pull out of the gun. I can live with that.

There are so many pluses with this nail gun. I did months of research and tens of hours on the internet before I purchased this gun and before I purchased it here. Do your self a favor and just buy it here!"

"Love this thing! Wow, if you, like me, are concerned about this thing having enough power to drive 16's, don't be! This thing drives the living sh_t out of nails. You need to back it off a bit actually! Ex-contractor here so I get it. This thing is nice. Been through about 5,000 nails into mostly douglas fir and some hardwood (with a mix of 8's and 16,s) and NO jams but plenty of misfires.

Not sure what that's about but it does misfire once in a while. Runs on fuel and battery. Battery for spark and cooling fan I guess. Claims are 1,000 nails per fuel cell. I'm not getting anywhere near that (maybe 500-600) but I'm OK with it because this thing is so dang convenient! I charge the battery every day or two since most of the power comes from the fuel. I saw somewhere that you can get 9,000 nails per battery charge which, if true, would require around 15 fuel canisters."

Makita TP03Z 12V Max CXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Pin Nailer

The Makita 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Pin Nailer is a hose-free solution for finish and trim work.

The TP03Z is compact and powerful and drives up to 1,250 pins on a single charge of a 12V CXT 2.0Ah battery (which is sold separately).

It will drive six different lengths of 23 gauge pins (5/8", 11/16”, ¾”, 1", 1-3/16", 1-3/8") with a magazine capacity of up to 120 pins.

The nailer sports an anti-dry fire mechanism engineered to prevent driving blanks, tool-less depth adjustment for precise flush and countersink finish and a contact trigger for improved accuracy and precision.

With Makita 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion slide-style batteries users get improved balance and ergonomics over pod-style batteries. 

For added convenience, the batteries include an on-board L.E.D. charge level indicator.

• Refined firing mechanism reduces recoil; reduces force required on the work surface when driving pins
• Drives 6 different lengths of 23 gauge pins (5/8", 11/16", 3/4", 1", 1-3/16" and 1-3/8"); Magazine capacity up to 120 pins
• Anti-dry Fire mechanism engineered to prevent driving blanks and damage to work surface
• "Tool-less" depth adjustment for precise flush and Countersink finish
• Cordless for increased convenience; eliminates the need for a compressor and air hose

Nail Gun user Safety tips:

Always remember, that like a chainsaw, nail guns and be pretty lethal objects if misused, even with the best of intentions.

Here are some user tips that will help you prevent getting a nail through a metacarpal or worse:

1. The full sequential trigger model is the safest trigger mechanism for all jobs because it will only fire a nail when the controls are activated in a certain order.
2.  Never ever, ever, attempt to bypass or disable your nail gun's safety features. They are there for a damn reason eh?
3. Get some training before first using the tool. At the least properly read the manufacturer's user instructions. If you don't like to read, watch a  safety lesson video on Youtube.
4. Check your target lumber for knots, nails, straps, hangers and the like that could cause recoil or ricochet before nailing
5. Wear safety gear such as eye googles and gloves.
6. If using a pneumatic, always disconnect the gun before performing maintenance and move to a safe work area.
7. Do not carry the nail gun hugged close to your body in case of misfire. To that end, we feel we need to state the obvious, don't point your tool at anybody!
8. Watch out for co-workers or other parties in your workspace.

Leave a Comment bostich, dewalt, makita, nail gun, paslode