> > >I have some new corded equipment coming in, and until I know where its permanent placement will be in my workshop, it will be connected via an extension cord. But, there’s a problem – what size extension cord will I need?Short Answer: consult with your user manual.AdvertisementMedium Answer:For an extension cord that will be used with a 110V power tool or high-powered device, I prefer full 15A-rated extension cords of the following sizes:25-foot extension cord: 14 AWG (or 12 AWG)50-foot extension cord: 12 AWG (or 10 AWG)For up to 12A, I could go with 14 AWG or 12 AWG for a...…> > >I have some new corded equipment coming in, and until I know where its permanent placement will be in my workshop, it will be connected via an extension cord. But, there’s a problem – what size extension cord will I need?Short Answer: consult with your user manual.AdvertisementMedium Answer:For an extension cord that will be used with a 110V power tool or high-powered device, I prefer full 15A-rated extension cords of the following sizes:25-foot extension cord: 14 AWG (or 12 AWG)50-foot extension cord: 12 AWG (or 10 AWG)For up to 12A, I could go with 14 AWG or 12 AWG for a...WW…

> >I have been doing some spring cleanup here at ToolGuyd, and part of that involves tidying up past posts, to help with our on-site search results.Over the past 5 years I have occasionally posted a few hand-picked tool recommendations as part of a “ToolGuyd Top Tool Picks” series of posts.Most of the recommendations have held up over time, I continue to stand by them.AdvertisementI have consolidated the 8 Top Tool Picks posts here. A few of the oldest mentions were left out due to pricing or availability changes.These are among the best tool kit upgrades I’ve made over the...…> >I have been doing some spring cleanup here at ToolGuyd, and part of that involves tidying up past posts, to help with our on-site search results.Over the past 5 years I have occasionally posted a few hand-picked tool recommendations as part of a “ToolGuyd Top Tool Picks” series of posts.Most of the recommendations have held up over time, I continue to stand by them.AdvertisementI have consolidated the 8 Top Tool Picks posts here. A few of the oldest mentions were left out due to pricing or availability changes.These are among the best tool kit upgrades I’ve made over the...WW…

> >Following are ToolGuyd’s favorite places to shop for tools, workshop supplies, and related products.There are of course many places where you can buy new tools, with different retailers offering benefits over others.As a tool user, I’m usually looking for lower prices, better customer service, and an overall easy and satisfactory customer experience. I still haven’t found the best-overall retailer – have you?AdvertisementHere’s how I break down the different types of retailers:The following tool store recommendations were last updated in August 2022.Acme Tools – Great selection of...…> >Following are ToolGuyd’s favorite places to shop for tools, workshop supplies, and related products.There are of course many places where you can buy new tools, with different retailers offering benefits over others.As a tool user, I’m usually looking for lower prices, better customer service, and an overall easy and satisfactory customer experience. I still haven’t found the best-overall retailer – have you?AdvertisementHere’s how I break down the different types of retailers:The following tool store recommendations were last updated in August 2022.Acme Tools – Great selection of...WW…

> > >Which is the best cordless drill you can buy in 2021?I have been putting off answering this question for the same reason as with prior updates – there’s really no right answer. If you take ten different people, there could be ten different cordless drills that best suit each user’s individual needs and preferences.The following recommendations reflect my current opinions and preferences based on all of the different models I have tested and used.AdvertisementSections:Best Cordless Drill for Most UsersBest Compact Cordless DrillBest Value 18V Cordless DrillBest Cordless Drill...…> > >Which is the best cordless drill you can buy in 2021?I have been putting off answering this question for the same reason as with prior updates – there’s really no right answer. If you take ten different people, there could be ten different cordless drills that best suit each user’s individual needs and preferences.The following recommendations reflect my current opinions and preferences based on all of the different models I have tested and used.AdvertisementSections:Best Cordless Drill for Most UsersBest Compact Cordless DrillBest Value 18V Cordless DrillBest Cordless Drill...WW…

> > >Which is the BEST cordless power tool brand? Dewalt? Milwaukee? Ryobi? This seems like a simple question, but the answer isn’t.I last attempted to tackle this question in early 2021, and there have been enough developments and changes in the 2-1/2 years since then to justify an update.Here is the question that started it all:AdvertisementIf you had to stick to one brand for most of your tools which would it be? Taking into consideration tool reliability, power, ergonomics, batteries and number of cordless tools.Just one brand?! Dewalt. Wait, no – Milwaukee. Metabo HPT?Most...…> > >Which is the BEST cordless power tool brand? Dewalt? Milwaukee? Ryobi? This seems like a simple question, but the answer isn’t.I last attempted to tackle this question in early 2021, and there have been enough developments and changes in the 2-1/2 years since then to justify an update.Here is the question that started it all:AdvertisementIf you had to stick to one brand for most of your tools which would it be? Taking into consideration tool reliability, power, ergonomics, batteries and number of cordless tools.Just one brand?! Dewalt. Wait, no – Milwaukee. Metabo HPT?Most...WW…

Sign inWelcome! Log into your accountForgot your password? Get helpCreate an accountCreate an accountWelcome! Register for an accountA password will be e-mailed to you.Password recoveryRecover your passwordA password will be e-mailed to you.NewsFacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsAppThe recently finalized Virginia budget makes significant investments in mental health services across the state, according to mental health advocates. Many components of the funding for mental health services reflect the values of Youngkin’s “Right Help, Right Now” behavioral health plan, which emphasizes...…Sign inWelcome! Log into your accountForgot your password? Get helpCreate an accountCreate an accountWelcome! Register for an accountA password will be e-mailed to you.Password recoveryRecover your passwordA password will be e-mailed to you.NewsFacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsAppThe recently finalized Virginia budget makes significant investments in mental health services across the state, according to mental health advocates. Many components of the funding for mental health services reflect the values of Youngkin’s “Right Help, Right Now” behavioral health plan, which emphasizes...WW…

Sign inWelcome! Log into your accountForgot your password? Get helpCreate an accountCreate an accountWelcome! Register for an accountA password will be e-mailed to you.Password recoveryRecover your passwordA password will be e-mailed to you.NewsFacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsAppThe City of Roanoke has announced that the Parks and Recreation department has received a $250,000 grant to fund trailhead reconstruction at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve. The Recreational Trails Grant was awarded by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) for Bennett Springs trailhead...…Sign inWelcome! Log into your accountForgot your password? Get helpCreate an accountCreate an accountWelcome! Register for an accountA password will be e-mailed to you.Password recoveryRecover your passwordA password will be e-mailed to you.NewsFacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsAppThe City of Roanoke has announced that the Parks and Recreation department has received a $250,000 grant to fund trailhead reconstruction at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve. The Recreational Trails Grant was awarded by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) for Bennett Springs trailhead...WW…

Sign inWelcome! Log into your accountForgot your password? Get helpCreate an accountCreate an accountWelcome! Register for an accountA password will be e-mailed to you.Password recoveryRecover your passwordA password will be e-mailed to you.NewsFacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsAppVirginia schools will be able to hire more support staff positions, something educators say is desperately needed amid a continued teacher shortage.State lawmakers last month approved an amended budget that will direct $152 million toward these school support positions. The appropriations help boost the ratio of...…Sign inWelcome! Log into your accountForgot your password? Get helpCreate an accountCreate an accountWelcome! Register for an accountA password will be e-mailed to you.Password recoveryRecover your passwordA password will be e-mailed to you.NewsFacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsAppVirginia schools will be able to hire more support staff positions, something educators say is desperately needed amid a continued teacher shortage.State lawmakers last month approved an amended budget that will direct $152 million toward these school support positions. The appropriations help boost the ratio of...WW…

NewsFacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsAppAverage Animal Strike in Virginia Costs More than $5,500This is the time of year when drivers are most likely to strike a deer, which can be both dangerous and now, significantly more expensive than in years past. October through December marks deer-mating season, so the animals are more active and therefore, more likely to dart into the roadway, increasing the risk of a costly and potentially deadly collision.While the vast majority of deer strikes do not involve serious injury, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in the...…NewsFacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsAppAverage Animal Strike in Virginia Costs More than $5,500This is the time of year when drivers are most likely to strike a deer, which can be both dangerous and now, significantly more expensive than in years past. October through December marks deer-mating season, so the animals are more active and therefore, more likely to dart into the roadway, increasing the risk of a costly and potentially deadly collision.While the vast majority of deer strikes do not involve serious injury, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in the...WW…

Skip to contentNo Australia does not have bears. Bears do not live in the wild in Australia. There are many zoos which have bears in Australia, however they are all imported from countries which have bears.Australia is home to many beautiful animals; however, bears are not one of them. Australian mammal fauna is very unique. Many of the animals in Australia are marsupials, who have been there since the continent split off from Gondwana (the original supercontinent) over 140 million years ago.What You Will LearnNo, Australia has never had native bears. Bears originated in North America and...…Skip to contentNo Australia does not have bears. Bears do not live in the wild in Australia. There are many zoos which have bears in Australia, however they are all imported from countries which have bears.Australia is home to many beautiful animals; however, bears are not one of them. Australian mammal fauna is very unique. Many of the animals in Australia are marsupials, who have been there since the continent split off from Gondwana (the original supercontinent) over 140 million years ago.What You Will LearnNo, Australia has never had native bears. Bears originated in North America and...WW…