The Handyguys start out discussing some tools for Fathers Day. Instead of doing a gift guide we decided to ask our twitter followers ( follow @handyguys ) what they would like us to discuss as a great fathers day gift for a handyguy. One follower said that her husband was eying up the Fein Multimaster 250Q in our store so we decided to devote a segment to this handy tool.

The Multimaster is one of those multipurpose tools that can make you ponder how useful it will be for regular handyguy tasks. Unlike other “space-aged tools” advertised on late night infomercials, this tool is actually a quality product. The multimaster, made in Germany, is extremely well built and solid.  Handyguy Brian used it for his kitchen project to undercut door jambs, plunge cut drywall for electrical boxes, detail sand trim, remove thinset, scrape paint and cut nails.  Believe us, it is a useful tool!

The Fein Multimaster may not be for everyone, its a little expensive at first glance (thankfully Brian’s Dad purchased one for the kitchen work!). Once you find the many uses for it you wont know how you ever did projects without one.

The Handyguys recommend that you get the “Top” kit. The Top kit comes with a nice case to hold all the accessories and a bunch of blades to keep you in business for lots of projects. If you bought all those blades and case separately you would ultimately spend more money them getting them all up front. The case alone makes this kit worth it. My only gripe is that Fein used to provide a steel case and current case is plastic. It appears sturdy and I am sure it will withstand most abuse, still, I would have preferred the steel case. Below is a chart that compares what is in each set.

Purchases made through our Amazon Affiliate store will help keep The Handyguys Podcast on the air. The links in the table below go to the details in our store. Take the plunge, get one for someone special for Fathers Day.

Compare Fein MultiMaster Sets
	FMM 250 Start	FMM 250Q Select	FMM 250Q Top
MULTIMASTER UNIT
MultiMaster FMM250
MultiMaster FMM250Q (w/ QuickIN system)
ACCESSORIES	Accessories with checks are included in respective sets; most accessories can be purchased separately (click on accessory)
Universal 29mm E-CUT saw blade
5 each: sanding sheets (60, 80, 120, 180)
5 each: perforated sanding sheets (60, 80, 120, 180)
Rigid scraper blade
Key and mounting bolts
Sanding pad
Perforated sanding pad
Carbide-tip segment saw blade
HSS segment saw blade
sanding set
Dust extraction device
Carbide rasp (triangular)
Carrying case

The Smart Power Grid

Once the Handyguys got over discussing the Multimaster, we discussed an article in Computerworld magazine about Smart Grid technology. What is a smart grid? The general idea is that your electric meter can act as a gateway for bi-directional data transfer to and from the power company.  What advantages does this have? How about variable electric rates depending on the efficency of a device? How about if the power company sent you details on how much your AC cost to run that hot August day? How about real-time monitoring of usage? The smart grid will be years away if it ever happens. For now, consider the Power Cost Monitor from Blue Line. We discuses the Power Cost Monitor in Episode 42 of The Handyguys Podcast.

Related shows:

1. New Innovative Tools
2. Buying Reconditioned Tools
3. Top 10 Essential Tools For DIY And Duct Tape Uses

Can Brian succinctly answer 10 unrelated questions in a single episode?

Did you know you can click on any of our pictures for a full size view?

Listen to the podcast to find out!

In this episode, Paul pulls 10 questions from our listeners and forums around the Internet.   It is Brian’s job to provide brilliant answers in the space of one episode.  Some of these questions are from the Yahoo Answers site which features lots of Q&A forums.  These are questions that Brian has answered previously, but now Brian must regurgitate these answers again “live” on the podcast.  Paul will not allow any stalling.

Perhaps some of these questions pertain to issues you have around the house.

Here our the 10 Questions for Handyguy Brian.  Listen to the Podcast for the answers.

Q1  Steve has a problem with a corner kitchen cabinet where the supply water lines leaked.  It ruined the bottom/floor of the cabinet and caused the particle board to swell up making an uneven surface.  The bottles of dishwasher soap keep falling over.  What is the solution?

Listen to the podcast for some solutions!

Q2  What to do about household smells?  Matt asks the Handyguys about a strange smell that awakes him 2-3 times per year at around 2AM.  It smells like burning rubber.  Matt checked all the appliances and can’t figure out where the smell is coming from.  The smell eventually dissipates on its own.  How can Matt determine the cause of this smell?

Any suggestions from our listeners? Listen to the show for some ideas.

Q3  Upon flushing the toilet, the commode shoots water up on the seat!  The toilet is 10-15 years old.  What is causing this?

Yikes – Paul chimes in on this one.

Q4  How do I get red clay stains off of a concrete bench?

You can click the play button for an answer. Better yet, subscribe to the show so you don’t mis an episode.

The Handyguys will take your questions via the phone at (615) 676-0877. Leave an email address if you want an immediate and direct response.

Q5  How many rolls of wallpaper would it take to cover one wall that is 20 feet long and of average height?

Math questions – we hate math questions but do have an answer..

Q6  Is there a big window sticker that I can stick on a clear window to make it blur?

Hint:  Check out our episode #7.

Q7  We laid Pergo laminate flooring a couple years ago but now it is buckling in a few places because we did not leave enough space around the outside to allow for expansion.  How can we cut around the edge of the floor that is already laid?

Tools – you need the right tool for the job. Listen to find out why a Fien Multimaster may be your best bet.

Q8  What should I do about condensation on the inside of the refrigerator?  It is not very old.  What could be causing this?

Answer to the question in the podcast.

Q9  How do I get started in wood working?

Hint:  Check out the Wood Whisperer at www.thewoodwhisperer.com

Q10  Could someone help me choose a good power screwdriver?  It will be used mainly for drywall and some light wood use.  Cost should be between $40-$80.

Lots of good choices. Maybe the Bosch mentioned on our drill comparison show.

Paul then asks a bonus question at the end of the show.  Check out the podcast for details.

On next week’s show, the Handyguys finally get around to installing their new faucets!  Brian and Paul video their respective installations. Brian installed a Price Pfister faucet on his powder room sink.  Paul plans to install his new Grohe faucet on his master bathroom sink.  Every step of this process will be detailed in next week’s episode.

Related shows:

1. Fall Home Improvement Checklist
2. Summer Home Improvement
3. DIY And Home Improvement Book Recommendations