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. Episode #26 – Sharp Dressed Handyguy
2. Episode #3 – The Cut-up show
3. Fixing a Kenmore Elite Dishwasher that is not Cleaning Dishes

The Handyguys address carpet padding removal and  dangerous household Tools

Happy 2009!  The Handyguys are back from hiatus and ready to address another year of handyman Handyguy topics.  We have new voice-over talent, new music and a new look to the website.  We also have a clean studio (thanks Brian!) and we are ready to go.  So pour another single malt and let’s get started.

Listener Questions

A  question came from David:

I was wondering if you had any advice for removing carpet padding from Hardwood floors.  I recently bought a home with carpet over nice oak floors.  Pulled up carpet to find green carpet pad had solidified into a rock hard plastic and was fused to the hardwood floor.  In some areas where it was more of a dry Styrofoam consistency and was easily scraped up. However, the majority is rock hard, and scraping is not an easy task. Any advice would be helpful. I have scoured the Internet, and most advice I have found has not worked.  I think that most advice has been geared toward people who have carpet padding that has turned into a gooey mess.  Mine is rock hard. I tried a power sander with 80 grit, and that worked, but at such slow pace that it would take weeks to remove it all.

Handyguys Answer

Why did our parents cover up those beautiful Oak floors anyway?  I guess there are benefits to carpet but it sure is nice to see some wood.

Handyguy Brian suggests that David try some power sanders  meant for refinishing floors with various levels of grit.  Perhaps a heavy orbital edging sander or a larger drum sander could remove the padding which became attached to the wood flooring.  Listen to the Podcast for more details.

Most people have different sorts problems when removing carpet padding.  Typically, the the most difficult problems are removing the tack strips and all the staples used to attach the pad to the floor.  If you have harder floors such as oak, you can typically remove the protruding staples with pliers or vice grips.  If your flooring is pine or some other softer variety, the staples often penetrate the flooring leaving nothing to grab with the pliers.  People often try to dig out each staple with a screw driver, but this can take all day, especially if you have hundreds of staples to remove.  Listen to the Podcast for a better suggestion by Handyguy Paul.

A Discussion of the Dangers of Everyday Handyguy Tools

Brian and Paul have spilled some blood when working around the house.  You might think that they were injured on large and powerful tools like a chainsaw or tablesaw.  While these tools are very dangerous, it is sometimes the more common tools around the house that will draw the most blood.  Check out this discussion in the podcast and stay safe in your home!

If you have any suggestions of dangerous tools around the house not mentioned in the podcast, please leave a comment.

We will be back next week with another a follow-up to our basement finishing series.

Related shows:

1. Episode #63 – Handyguy Hardwood Floors
2. Episode #51 – 10 Handyguy Questions…Rapid Fire!
3. Episode #81 – Handyguy Vehicles, Air Conditioning and Mower Repair