Reviews by BlueCrewGuyInMA

BlueCrewGuyInMA says "Light shovel with a big appetite" about Craftsman 20 in. Combo Shovel

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:33:47 GMT

I purchased this shovel last winter (December 2008) because one of our old ones had been stolen. What a great replacement!

The D handle is big enough for a gloved hand to easily fit, but with a rubberized grip for extra control. The shaft has a cushioned collar to eliminate the ice-cold shaft freezing your hands. The shaft itself is crafted of lightweight aluminum, and the blade is a lightweight transparent polycarbonate, which combine to reduce the weight of the shovel and make shoveling easier. After all, the snow is heavy enough! It also has a pretty durable ice-breaking blade on the edge, which came in handy when breaking apart sheets of compacted snow from the driveway.

Rumor has it there's a new ergonomic version of this shovel coming out. The traditional straight shaft is the only thing keeping this shovel from 5 stars. This basic design is functional but not as comfortable to use. However, it's still worthwhile for anyone looking to lighten their shoveling load. And, of course,...

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BlueCrewGuyInMA says "Big Bang for the Buck" about Craftsman C3 19.2 volt DRILL/DRIVER

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:59:19 GMT

I actually purchased this drill three years ago, just before the batteries were rebranded "Die Hard," but the drill is the same and the batteries are the same. I used to have a cheap corded drill with a single-speed motor, and a cordless drill that used two versa-pack batteries and didn't have any power. I got this to replace both, giving me power and portability.

The 410 in/lb of torque is enough for anything I, or almost anyone, needs to do with a drill. The batteries are great, as their run time is respectable and they can be used with a bunch of other 19.2 volt devices. I've used this drill to strip paint off of metal railings, drill holes into stumps for stump destroying chemicals, making holes in trash cans for water drainage, and probably a billion other things around the house.

Having spent a couple years in the Home Improvement section of Sears, I got to play with lots of tools, and few drills that are widely available can exceed this one's capabilities. I've even had professionals...

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BlueCrewGuyInMA says "Looks great, fits great, warranty's great!" about Lands' End Men's Regular Banded Short Sleeve Pima Mesh Polo Shirt

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:16:27 GMT

How much do I love these shirts? The colors are vivid, the cut is traditional, the fit is fantastic, and the Lands' End warranty is tops. I bought three of these shirts (red, orange, and yellow) and when you get three, you save extra off each shirt. Lands' End shirts are famous for not shrinking and not fading, so I should be able to have these shirts for a long time. And, if anything happens, I can exchange them for new ones. How can you go wrong? If you want good-looking, comfortable, long-wearing clothes with a satisfaction guaranteed (no matter what) warranty, get Lands' End!

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BlueCrewGuyInMA says "Great price for a great fan" about Essential Home 16 in. Oscillating Fan

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:00:56 GMT

Need a fan at home? Look no further, this fan is all just about anybody needs.

This fan has been providing us with plenty of comfortable airflow for the last couple years. Three speeds, adjustable height, and quiet operation. It was simple to assemble (I actually followed the instructions). And, Its head oscillates, so it covers the whole room rather than just creating one comfortable spot in the room.

I'd definitely recommend this fan to anyone looking for a stand fan for just about any size room.

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BlueCrewGuyInMA says "Small, lightweight, effective" about Kenmore 5,000 BTU Single Room Air Conditioner

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Thu, 21 May 2009 22:01:03 GMT

I actually own two of these air conditioners, and they work great for rooms that are 10'x10' or thereabouts. They are compact, which makes them easy to store. They're also lightweight, weighing considerably less than even the 5300 BTU model, which allows them to be installed by one person. The controls are simple, with a dial for how cold you want it to be, and a fan control for high/low speed. Finally, the price is great at $99.99, making it affordable, too.

The only possible downside is that it's not Energy Star rated, but we can't have everything! If you're looking for something to cool down a small room and don't want the hassle of a bulky, heavy air conditioner, this model is an excellent choice. Just clean the filter every couple weeks and enjoy the cool air!

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BlueCrewGuyInMA says "It's lightweight but it's no lightweight!" about Craftsman Utility Knife

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Sun, 10 May 2009 05:02:20 GMT

This utility knife is one of my favorite tool purchases ever. The knife is easy to use, by opening and closing like a jack-knife. The blades change easily in three steps, and it uses standard utility blades, making it easy to keep stocked with fresh blades. The anodized aluminum body makes it very light but strong, and the knurled surface ensures a good grip even when your hands are a bit on the slippery side.

I actually purchased a second one during a rebate special, so it ended up being free. I probably use these knives once a week, for opening packages, or prying small things (not recommended), or cutting apart cardboard for recycling. I have yet to have any problems with either one, and even if I did have a problem, it's backed up by the Craftsman forever guarantee.

The only thing I think could be improved is the holster, which is nylon mesh. A leather holster would be nice as a separate item. If Sears sold the holster from the wood-handled version of this knife separately, it would...

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BlueCrewGuyInMA says "Good value for traditional pipe wrench" about Craftsman 10 in. Pipe Wrench, Steel

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:46:43 GMT

When doing some household plumbing jobs, like working on the water heater, I find myself using this and an arc joint pliers constantly. This is a traditional 10" pipe wrench, with a cast iron handle and steel jaws.

For some reason, the picture shows it as a dark gray, almost blackish gunmetal color. Mine is red, and all of these that I've seen are red. I'm not sure why there's a color discrepancy, but don't be surprised if the wrench is red when you find/receive it.

Be sure to keep the wrench protected with WD-40 after use, because rust is the enemy of your tools, and keeping them clean and free of rust will extend their useful life. Of course, if you ever have a problem, the forever warranty certainly comes in handy.

For those of you seeking a good, sturdy, traditional pipe wrench for around the house, this one fits the bill.

NOTE: For professionals, I recommend aluminum handled models like the Rothenbergers. They're lighter, which is good for people using these tools all the time...

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BlueCrewGuyInMA says "The only tool for the job it's designed for" about Empire 9-1/2 to 17 in. Basin Wrench

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:26:42 GMT

You know how some sinks make it almost impossible to get at the underside of the faucets? We've got one of those in our bathroom, and I tried everything I could imagine before I gave in and bought the tool designed specifically for that task. And, am I glad I did!

This tool makes quick work of hard-to-reach faucet fasteners, reaching into narrow spaces and turning them with relative ease. The head swivels and grips on its own with a spring-action jaw that clamps against the fastener. The handle also telescopes from 9.5" to 17", giving plenty of flexibility and extra reach when it's needed.

If you're going to be working on sinks, you need this tool. To go without it would be like being without a screwdriver. Sure, technically it's possible to get by without it, but why bother, when there's something that does the job so easily?

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BlueCrewGuyInMA says "Handiest screwdriver in the whole house" about Craftsman 6-in-1 Flip Driver

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:15:55 GMT

You know how everyone has a few screwdrivers in the junk drawer in the kitchen? Well, this is ours. Technically, it's the one from a few years ago (solid red acetate handle), but it's every bit the same as far as versatility, usefulness, and convenience!

This driver has two reversible bits that lock into a reversible shaft. The bits are P1 + small slotted, and P2 + large slotted. The shaft also offers two different sized nutdriver openings (though I've never needed that feature as of yet).

When you might need a couple different screwdrivers, but don't want to lug around 3 or 4 different tools, and you still want the durability and feel that a quality tool has, this is the way to go. This new version, with the rubberized handle, allows for better gripping and better torque, which is always a plus. And, it carries the Craftsman forever warranty, so no worries if it breaks!

And, with a regular price of only about $8, how can you go wrong? Do yourself a favor and pick up this incredibly...

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BlueCrewGuyInMA says "Essential set for specialty tasks" about Craftsman 4 pc. Screwdriver Set

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:06:29 GMT

This set is a supplement to my 18 piece set (41608). I first sought it out because I had to work on a toilet, and the bolts have very large slotted heads that a regular screwdriver just isn't going to be able to handle.

Since then, they've proven useful for toilet repairs, prying (NOT recommended, but people do it), opening paint cans, and a zillion other tasks that require long screwdrivers to reach, or large heads to fit the slots.

For the average homeowner, this set plus the 18 piece set (41608) and a set of microdrivers should be adequate for most household tasks. And, with the lifetime warranty, there's no worries if there's ever a problem; just get a new one, no questions asked!

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BlueCrewGuyInMA says "A great first screwdriver set" about Craftsman 18 pc. Screwdriver Set

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:50:26 GMT

This is my first set of screwdrivers from about 7 years ago. I wanted a set around $20 that would give me lots of bang for my buck, and this set certainly does that.

There are slotted and Phillips in all the most commonly-needed sizes, including those tiny sizes that the batteries in toys are held in with. I've used these screwdrivers for assembling furniture and bedding, fixing plumbing fixtures, and who knows what else. A good set of screwdrivers will always serve you well. And, with the lifetime warranty, I never have to worry about their tips getting ruined (which has happened after mistakenly using the wrong size, or having an especially tough screw to loosen).

I would recommend supplementing this set with a set of micro-drivers and the four-piece extra-large screwdriver set. That would give the average homeowner a complete set of screwdrivers for most any household need.

Oh, and the keychain screwdriver is pretty handy, too!

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BlueCrewGuyInMA says "Don't let its size fool you!" about Craftsman Clean N Carry 2 gal. Wet-Dry Vac, Portable Tank Style, 1.5 Peak hp

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:44:04 GMT

This was my first wet-dry vac, purchased about 7 years ago. I originally purchased it because of a clogged drain in a sink that needed to be emptied. However, I've used it for so much more since then!

First, it's a champ for cleaning the car. It's small, lightweight, and powerful enough to clean most any mess your car's got. Second, it's handy for around-the-house messes that don't need a big vac and would harm your regular vacuum, like gravel-laced dirt or wood and metal scraps. Third, it's convenient for spills, overflows, and other household water messes that sometimes happen.

If I had to say anything negative, I guess it would be that the clasps could be a little more secure, so when it's full of water you can hold it by the handle, but it's small enough that it's not really an issue.

As a convenient around-the-house wet-dry vac for small jobs, this is tops.

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BlueCrewGuyInMA says "Tough little tyke" about Craftsman 9 gal. Wet-Dry Vac, Tank Style, 4.0 Peak hp

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:37:53 GMT

I purchased this wet-dry vac to clear water out of our basement following a massive flood we had here in 2006. We had about 3" of water on the floor, and this was the very last vac available at our store (and we were the last ones in the region to still have any!). It worked like a charm, sucking water quickly and effortlessly.

I do recommend a few things: the hepa filter that's treated with teflon is a must. It's got great filtration and doesn't have to be removed for wet pick-up. Also, the noise/air diffuser that goes on the exhaust port makes a big difference with noise and keeping dust from flying everywhere for dry pick-up. The extensions and hose handle also make using the vac much more comfortable, which is no small thing, especially when cleaning up large jobs.

If you're going to be doing a lot of wet pick-up, I also recommend the optional pump (16592) that can attach to the opening at the bottom. It can keep you from having to constantly empty the tank.

I whole-heartedly recommend...

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BlueCrewGuyInMA says "Excellent detergent at an excellent price" about Ultra Plus Ultra Plus 100 oz. Laundry Detergent, Free of Dyes and Perfumes

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:02:16 GMT

Before we got our front-load washer, we always used Tide detergent. Now that we're a high-efficiency household, we needed HE detergent. While we'd been happy enough with Tide, I had read a lot of really positive reviews of the Ultra Plus detergents, and decided to give them a try. We purchased the Dye/Perfume-free and the Oxi-Clean versions in powder and liquid.

For anyone who's of the mind that price determines quality, think again! This detergent cleans every bit as well as Tide ever did, at a much more reasonable price. And, there are powder and liquid versions for HE machines (Tide only has liquid).

Stain removal/prevention has been great, the clothes come out smelling, well, clean. Since this detergent is perfume-free, it doesn't smell like a mountain breeze or a flower garden. It just smells fresh and clean.

With 66 loads worth of detergent in one bottle, and with a sale price of around $10, this is a hard bargain to beat. I recommend it to everyone!

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BlueCrewGuyInMA says "Excellent detergent at an excellent price" about Ultra Plus Ultra Plus 11.5 lb. Powder Laundry Detergent

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:53:11 GMT

Stain removal/prevention has been great, the clothes come out smelling, well, clean. Since this detergent has Oxi-Clean, it's great at getting everything extra clean, especially if it's got hard-to-clean stains like tomato or ink.

With 120 loads worth of detergent in one box, and with a sale price of around $15 (sometimes even $13), this...

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BlueCrewGuyInMA says "Excellent detergent at an excellent price" about Ultra Plus Ultra Plus Ultra Plus 12.0 lb. Powder Laundry Detergent, Free of Dyes & Perfumes

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:44:59 GMT

Not only has it been doing a great job with our laundry, but I even used it to wash a pair of sneakers that had gotten grass stained from mowing over the last summer. Those sneakers came out looking brand new!

Stain removal/prevention has been great, the clothes come out smelling, well, clean. Since this detergent is perfume-free, it doesn't smell like a mountain breeze or a flower garden....

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BlueCrewGuyInMA says "Excellent value in a small package" about Kenmore 0.7 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave with Quick Touch Controls

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 05:00:59 GMT

When my wife's ancient microwave kicked the bucket, we went to Sears to get a new one. It had to fit in a particular space, so the external dimensions played a large role in our choice. However, we did not have to compromise quality or ease of use to do so.

This microwave will accommodate most large plates, and heats quickly. The controls are very simple, and offers some special features that, while we don't use them often (and, thus, sometimes forget how to use them), have proven useful.

I can definitely recommend this microwave, and have found it to be a great addition to our kitchen.

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BlueCrewGuyInMA says "Best hose ever, bar none." about Craftsman 5/8 in. x 50 ft. All Rubber Garden Hose

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 04:54:30 GMT

I've had several hoses, and I had usually paid around $15 for them. Inevitably, I'd leave it outside over the winter, or it would get a kink and it would leak at the kink, or the ends would get damaged and the hose would be rendered useless. This hose eliminates all those worries, and then some.

It's made of rubber, so it's very resistant to damage from friction, which is good, because I have slate edging in front of the bushes that hide the spigot. The hose body is also hexagonal, allowing for easy looping over the hose holder, and preventing kinks. It's also tolerant of low temperatures, so the winter I left it outside didn't harm it any. The ends are thick, strong, and the female end is hexagonal, allowing for a tight fit.

On sale, and with my Craftsman Club card, I ended up getting this hose for around $18. I've had it for 3 years, and am quite sure it will last me a very long time. If it does have any problems, I can always just bring it back and get a brand new one to replace it,...

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BlueCrewGuyInMA says "Most comfortable shoes I've ever owned" about Streetcars Scottsdale

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 02:29:39 GMT

I spend all day at work on my feet, and I had previously owned a pair of shoes that looked nice but ended up giving me cramps in my right foot to the point that my calf and foot were in constant pain. I tried all sorts of insoles and arch supports, but nothing helped until I got these shoes.

The first thing that you'll notice about them is they've got a traditional look, but with the nice rubber soles, making them a little more casual, with better traction, more comfort, and less walking noise. Then, when you slip them on, you feel it: the insoles! The insoles in these shoes are unlike anything I've ever felt before. They're thick, cushiony, and supportive. And it's no wonder that the American Podiatric Association endorses the Arch Support Cushion (ASC) system in these shoes. They are, quite simply, the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned!

I purchased my first pair about a year ago, and when the first pair was worn in 4" deep water, I purchased two more pairs. Now, I'm set for shoes...

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BlueCrewGuyInMA says "A little disappointed" about Kenmore 70 pint Dehumidifier w/Electronic Touch Controls

BlueCrewGuyInMA — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 02:15:18 GMT

This was my first dehumidifier purchase, so I figured since I have a basement that gets water pretty regularly, I should get something that will really suck the moisture out of the air. And, it did, until the fan got wonky. I took it in to get fixed, under warranty, and it ran really loud, so I took it back to have that fixed. When I got it back, it seemed ok, and it continues to run, but as with just about any dehumidifier that sees a lot of action, the bushings will need to be replaced regularly. So, while it does run, I did have some problems with it. Fortunately, this model has been replaced with a Kenmore Elite model (99701) which has more air intake and a built-in pump for emptying the bucket into a sink or out a window instead of just down into a floor drain. When it comes time to scrap one of my two dehumidifiers (my basement gets pretty wet), that will be my replacement. Overall, not a bad machine, but no great shakes, either.

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