The Handyguys did a bit of virtual perusing of the isles of our local True Value. Each of us made a Christmas shopping list and then compared our choices in this entertaining podcast.  We selected some excellent practical gift ideas for the handyguy, handygirl or anyone else. You must listen to the full podcast for our  explanation of why these items belong on your Christmas list.  And Merry Christmas!

• Alan wrench set
• Leatherman
• LED Christmas lights
• Porter Cable Oscillating Multitool
• Frost King electric heat cable
• Grill/Smoker/Fryer
• Lodge Cookware
• screwdrivers/all in one screw driver
• Fire pit
• Mouse traps
• Carbon-monoxide  detector

Listen to the podcast for all the discussion and why we selected these items.

We were one of the bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. We have been compensated for our time commitment to the program as well as our writing about our experience. We have also been compensated for the materials needed for our DIY project. However, our opinions are entirely our own and we have not been paid to publish positive comments.

Related shows:

1. LED Christmas Lights for Energy Savings
2. Merry Christmas
3. Does a 5 minute fan take 5 minutes to install?

The Handyguys Discuss the “Leatherman” for your yard.

Handyguy Paul wonders if there is an all-in-one tool that can edge, trim, prune, blow leaves and shovel your snow.  Well, with the exception of the snow, there is such a tool.  In fact several manufacturers make such a tool.  Stihl calls theirs the “Kombi” because it is truly a master combination tool for  your yard.

But first, the Handyguys answer a listener question about cedar siding:

I just bought a house with Cedar siding.  I live in Northern IL.  According to the pre-purchase inspector the siding is in fair condition.  It needs some sealant and to be retreated or painted.  What kind of sealant and paint or treatment would you recommend? I want to keep the current color of the wood as best as possible.
Thanks
Jas

Thanks for the question Jas.  Brian used to have Cedar siding on his old house so he has a definite opinion on the matter.  Listen to the podcast for his response.

Combination yard tools

Now on to the combination yard tools.  Brian owns and operates one of the Stihl Kombi tools and has found it very useful.  The main benefit is that you only have to maintain one engine for several different yard tools

But Paul is not convinced.  Can this single tool really do a good job with each task or does it have to make compromises?  And are there other manufacturers of these tools?

Brian explains why he likes his Stihl KombiSystem, but there are certainly other comparable tools: Ryobi, Echo, Husqvarna, Troybilt, John Deere.

Listen to the full podcast for Brian’s opinion on the tool and for the Handyguy’s overall opinions on this tool category.

Related shows:

1. Controls, Maintenance And Cutting Techniques Of A John Deere La115 Lawn Tractor
2. Labor Day Lawn Care Do’s and Don’ts
3. Selecting a John Deere Lawn Tractor 100 series 300 series

The Handyguys Podcast discuss some unique stocking stuffer gift ideas for this Christmas season.

So you want to purchase some nice gifts for the handyguy in your life but you don’t want to break the bank.  You could go to your local big box store and pick up some screw drivers or duct tape, but that’s kind of boring and what kind of message are you sending?   This sort of handyguy gift giving is inefficient and thoughtless.  You need to be more intentional about your gift giving while concentrating on the neglected items on the honey-do-list.

For instance,  your kitchen counter back splash has some cracked caulk… why not stick a tube of caulk in the stocking?  It’s not an exciting gift, but it will surely send your handyguy a hint!

If your handyguy is often working without proper safety glasses, put some Eye Armor safety glasses in the stocking.  They are comfortable, fit over prescription glasses, and will preserve his eyes for all the other honey-do list items!

How about that unfinished basement that you would love to have finished.  Stick a copy of Roger German’s Remodeling a Basement (Build Like A Pro) book in the stocking.

If you’re hoping to finally have a green lawn, you will need a soil test kit.

You want some shelves hung, how about a stud finder.

You get the idea.

10 Handyguys stocking stuffer ideas!

These 10 items are discussed in detail during the podcast. This list is not complete, there are many interesting and unique items in our store. Feel free to browse. Purchases through our store help keep The Handyguys Podcast on the air. If you need any specific recommendations for a particular handyguy in your life feel free to contact us and we will help you out. Thank you for your support.

Related shows:

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

In this show we introduce ourselves, the Handyguys (or Brian and Paul). We take the role of household handyman to an extreme. We have lots of experience with our hands and our power tools! For a full biography, check out the “About Us” tab at the top of this website. If you would like to submit a question to the Handyguys, click on the contact link. Please note that this first show does not have the best audio as we are just getting to know our podcast gear. We expect some improvements on the second show.

SHOW CONTENTS ABOUT HOME IMPROVEMENT

The Handyguys discuss why this podcast could be useful for the household handyman or handywoman. We plan to provide more detailed answers to questions than the typical call-in commercial radio show. We hope to benefit those folks who are don’t quite have the experience but do have the initiative to do it himself or herself.

In this episode we talk about Amazon’s best of 2007 list of top products in the home improvement category. The best selling product is the Black and Decker Handy Wrench. Brian is not too sure of this wrench. Is it a product waiting for a solution? Is it really better than the classic adjustable wrench? Paul notes that this tool gets good reviews. Check out their full comments on the podcast.

In the most loved category, the Toro Ultra 12 Amp Electric Blower gets Amazon’s top award. This category is given to products with the highest ratings. Neither Brian or Paul have used this particular model but Toro’s generally make good products.

In the most wished for category is the Leatherman. Both Brian and Paul are big fans of Leatherman products. Paul comments on the Leatherman Wave he pulled out of his pocket and the guys compare it to the new Leatherman Skeletool CX. Brian also highly recommends Spyderco Knives.

We provide a summary of future shows and discuss some of our personal honey-do lists. Of course, our lists are long, but if you want to get a sampling, check out the podcast. As a hint, make sure you purchase a good toilet, such as a Kohler! (see our store)

One last thing – In a future show, we will do a head-to-head comparison of two reciprocating saws. You don’t want to miss it.

Related shows:

1. Home Show Strategies
2. Philadelphia Home Show
3. The Handyguys Rant