sparky603

Back alley

The 2 massive-output M18 lights - the Dual-Pack Rocket Tower and the Radius Site lights - are probably the things that I've got the most use out of. I really didn't need much this year. How about you, @BMack37?

I have an entire room full of Milwaukee cordless stuff (well, close to), yet a Bosch FL12 is what I carry in my main bag. It's the only cordless outside of the M12 and M18 lines that I own. I still may end up trying the rechargeable Rover pocket light.

Package from Klein just showed up, bunch of their fiberglass fish rods and related accessories - some in development, to try out for a bit and provide feedback. Tool companies are often looking for the opinions of actual trade professionals on products in development, and signing up for their newsletters and following them on social media can sometimes get you an invite.

Walmart clearance?

My 50-pound box of US-made, contractor-grade hole saws just came. 78 hole saws, mostly 3"+ and at least half of them carbide-tipped, for ~$140, and free shipping! I probably couldn't have gotten more than 6 of the largest ones for that at HD. As much as I detest traditional bi-metal holes saws, there's just some things that 3-tooth TCT ones won't do. This is my 2nd order, got 35 pounds of them last time. Closeout at sawbladeexpress.com, if you're interested.

Wiring what's going to be something called an "escape room" - some city fad where they lock you in and you need to find clues to "escape", I guess. Not sure folks'll come way out here for such, but maybe during the lake season. Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

The Surge doesn't have near the peak torque that the regular Fuel does, but there's more to it than just that. It drives screws up to 4" just as well as my M18 One-Key, and with its sustained torque, will try to drive smaller ones right through 2x framing, head and all, if you let it. As much as anything, I use my M18 for boring framing with Bosch Daredevils, and the Surge would go out on overload with them over 1/2" when I tried it for giggles. For that reason, my Surge doesn't come out much, but if I were primarily driving fasteners, it would see much more use.

My HD BF purchase included the 300-lb Gorilla platform and the 22 ft Gorilla type-1AA multi-position. They already had some of the BF prices slashed further, so couldn't pass up a DeWalt twist drill set for $7.99 from $14, and 3 more Avanti framing blade 2-packs at $6 each. And, although I'm stocked deep in the Bosch Daredevils, I grabbed the last 3 6+2 bonus packs for $4.99 each.

Was waiting for me when I got home for lunch early just now.

Do yourself a favor, and get a pair designed specifically for stripping 12/2 and 14/2 NM-B (Romex). Milwaukee sent me a pair of the 48-22-3070's that I ended up loving, and use daily professionally. The Ideal 45-621's are also excellent, and would be the general consensus choice on the electrical contractor forums. Sure, there are other ways to do it, but none easier - especially for a novice. I prefer the Milwaukee's because they are forged, as opposed to stamped, making them much more stout for looping 12awg, but many pro's avoid Chinese whenever possible.

UPS guy just came with some fall arrest stuff and mechanic gloves I found cheap on Amazon. Running late this evening, but I live out the end of the Earth, so just glad they come out here at all.

Sounds like carnival barking to me. I detest salesmen.

I can't see anyone not happy with the quality of Klein US-made pliers being happy with Irwin or Gearwrench.

I buy at least a half a dozen sets every time that deal comes around, even though I have almost no use for the smaller diameters. A nail strike or two and just chuck them.