Little Giant

Description
For years I withstood it’s charms. So simple, so versatile, so strong. But NO, I will not I said to myself over and over. But eventually I gave in, I could not resist. I, a full blown infomercial addict once again have succumb. Curse you Little Giant and your cunning infomercial.

But in my own defense, who can resist a ladder that can fold and contort into 24 different configurations???? Now there are different sizes and options for this ladder so the price will change (i.e. increase) as you decide what options you want.

As so perfectly described..... "The most versatile adjustable ladder on the market.
No other ladder compares to the Little Giant Ladder when it comes to the ease of use, usable ladder positions, safety and quality workmanship.

Don't confuse the Little Giant's patented telescopic design with the cheaper 6-hinged folding ladders. The heavy duty Little Giant Ladder replaces several sizes of conventional and telescoping ladders and stepladders. Adjusts to fit safely on stairs and other uneven surfaces. Think of the space you'll save with only one versatile ladder to use and store instead of 3 or 4 ordinary ones. The Little Giant stores in only one forth of its fully extended height, comes complete with skid resistant feet, flared legs for improved stability and a 5 year manufacturers warranty.The Little Giant Ladder meets or exceed ANSI and OSHA standards, as well as complying with UL code.

· Replaces need for multiple ladders
· Telescopically adjustable in one foot increments, both in the stepladder position and extension position
· Heavy duty aluminum construction
· Pinched fingers are not a problem due to design and engineering.
· Tested at 1200 lbs. in every recommended ladder position.
· In the stepladder position, there are rungs on both sides of the ladder, so it can be used as a 2-man ladder.
Meets or exceeds OSHA's Type 1A, 300 lb rating for ladders,
Meets ANSI 14.2 requirements for ladders
Saves storage space
Five year warranty.
Made in the USA."

What It Costs $320 – 440 depending on the size.

I paid $359.95 for the Model 17. You can also break out the payments into 4 easy payments to lessen the bite of the cost. (FREE SHIPPING). Note that www,asseenontv.com charges almost $40, so do like I did.

I got mine from Amazon.com (You can click on the Amazon ad at the top of my website for free shipping!!!!)

Ease of use 5 Stars
Sometimes there are areas where a normal ladder just wont due. The Little Giant is all that it claims to be and more. A straight ladder to lean onto a home to clean gutters, a normal A frame ladder to be used to change high light bulbs. The ladder has numerous options for use on stairs and un level ground. It even can be broken out to become two supports for scaffolding (sold separately of course).

The hardest part of using the Little Giant is its weight. At 35 lbs it is not the easiest thing to lug around. Fortunately it has a tip and glide feature to help (little wheels that you and maneuver the ladder on (on size ladders 17, 22 and 26)).

Configuring my ladder is a breeze. The problem I have is wasting time trying to origami the ladder into the coolest configuration when a more simple setup would suffice.

Actual performance 5 Stars
This might be too much of a ladder for some and at the cost, it is on the high end. However if you have to paint a stairway with high ceilings, this is the way to go. Like I said earlier, it’s a bit hard to lug around and the glider won’t help with lifting the ladder up a few flights of stairs.

Final thoughts on practicality
Unlike some of my smaller asseenontv purchases, this is not one that you can hide from the spouse. They will see the ladder in the garage. So its best to be upfront about it and purchase it, then when it comes, set it up to do a job that they want done. This way it’s a win win situation for all.

Heavy to haul up stairs, and with additions to the basic ladder, costly. But it does exactly what claimed. Probably the last ladder you will ever need. Be sure to select the correct size as an undersized ladder is an unsafe ladder.

Now I just need to figure out what to do with my old multi folding ladder......

Final Score

5 out of 5 stars

Laser Level

Product Description

Tools, now here is a subject I have a fair bit of knowledge about. The only thing better then low tech smashing tools like my sledge hammer are high tech laser tools. From the http://www.asseenontv.com/ people. Now you can affordably harness the benefits of laser assisted leveling!

The Laser Level allows you to project a powerful laser beam over 1500 feet to hit a specific point. You can tell immediately if floor tiles or wall hangings are lined up straight. 12 inch laser level has large vertical and horizontal indicator bubbles, handy lens refractor shows line or dot image, two rulers.

Anytime you need to level or line something up you’ll reach for this tool. A fantastic value on a tool every handyman will want. This is the original product not a cheap imitation. Meets all FDA Laser standards. Beware imitations. Has 2 rulers: inches and metric (centimeters) This quality machined aluminum straight line level is 16 inches long.

USE THE LASER "LINE" TO:
Install Ceiling Tile
Align Shelves
USE THE LASER "DOT" TO:
Hang Pictures
Build A Level Wall
Install Flooring
PERFECT FOR:
Contractors
Home Inspectors
Plumbers
Engineers
Interior Designers
Do-It-Yourselfers

Ease of assembly 5 Stars

You need to insert a battery into the level.

What It Costs $9.95 + shipping and handling ($7.43 for express shipping /$4.95 for regular shipping) (you get a bonus gift if you order online but have to pay shipping and handling on the gift)

Ease of use 4 Stars

Normally I don’t care if my projects turn out level. Well that’s not true….. I do care and already have a big 4ft level, some small torpedo levels, a water bubble level and a super laser level with tripod and cool red glasses. But one can never have enough tools. As a result, I was given this level as a gift. For ease of use, it’s a level, put it on a surface, check the bubble (not rocket science).

Actual performance 4 1/2 Stars

This level has its nich in the tool world. It works in places where you can’t use your larger level. It’s a perfect size for shelves and pictures. As with most levels, there is a vertical and horizontal bubble for reference.

Now Dr. Evil was not able to get his laser on the shark heads but the folks over at www.asseenontv.com have managed to place a small led laser in the front of this level. This allows you to project a dot onto a surface or if positioned correctly, a red level mark along a wall.

Final thoughts on practicality

A good level for hanging shelves or pictures. As for the laser, caution must be taken as it can pose a danger if shined directly into a persons eyes. Naturally my 2 little cavemen love to turn it on and try to look at it. So this is defiantly not a tool that kids should play with. Then again, kids should not be playing with any tools. As for practicality, I have not found the laser particularly useful. Lets say you wanted to transfer the level of a surface of a cabinet across the room. You place the level on the cabinet and turn on the light. A dot appears across the room. You would think you are done but you are not. Is the cabinet completely level? If it's off even the slightest bit, the dot projected location will deviate from the true height when shown on the wall. As a regular bubble level, it works perfect. It also makes a good straight edge for drawing on wood and tile and has a ruler on the side in both standard and metric.

Another problem with this level is that there is no practical way to raise or lower the level in a horizontal position. Most dedicated laser levels have a tripod that allow you to do this.

So for the person that needs a small level for the shelf or picture handing project, this tool might be right for you.

Final Score

4 stars out of 5

Gator Grip Universal Socket

Product Description
I received the Gator Grip as a Christmas gift last year. From the www.asseenontv.com website,
GATOR-GRIP Does The Work Of Many Tools, sets of sockets (both english and metric), standard and locking pliers, and an entire range of open end wrenches.

Why waste time searching for the correct tool when one socket can do the work of a whole set? The ingenious Gator Grip makes half of your toolbox obsolete! It fits virtually anything. The one socket fits fasteners of almost any shape - square, hex, wing nuts, cup hooks, eye screws and even broken, stripped and rusted nuts other wrenches can't move.

No more reaching into your tool box, grabbing socket after socket until you find one that fits. The Gator Grip instantly conforms and locks onto any shape nut, bolt or fastener. It won't slip off nuts or strip them. With Gator Grip, you get the job done fast with no hassle and little effort.
The revolutionary socket design automatically adjusts to fit any nut or bolt from 1/4" to 3/4" , 7-19 mm! Works great on metric, standard, wing nuts, broken nuts, stripped nuts, eye bolts, square nuts, hexes and more! Save Time! Save Work! Save Hassles with GATOR GRIP!
Includes:
Gator Grip Socket
Ratchet Wrench

What it costs $17.95 (plus $7.95 shipping and handling)

Amazon.com has it for $16.49

Ease of assembly 5 Stars
You need to put the Gator Grip Socket onto the Ratchet Wrench.

Ease of use 5 Stars
The Gator Grip fits on top of nuts and conforms to their shape. That means you don’t have to search for the correct wrench.

Actual performance 4 Stars
There are a few short comings with the Gator Grip. First, if you are trying to remove a nut that is deep on a bolt (i.e. the bolt sticks out above the nut), the Gator Grip might not work. The bolt can stop the Gator Grip from seating down onto the nut. The Second issue I found with the Gator Grip was the strength that I was able to apply to a nut. If the nut was really tight or rusted on solid, the Gator Grip would slip. That happens because the pins are spring mounted. For the average do it your self person, this would be good for tightening a bolt on a fence lock, or setting the bolts on a swing set (which I have done both with the Gator Grip). I also can see a practical use for this with bicycle repairs.

For automotive repairs, the Gator Grip comes up short and I depend upon my crescent wrenches. Much of this review has been toward the socket portion of the Gator Grip. The ratched wrench is the other part of this tool. I found it to be smooth and worked well. Not better then a Snap On or Craftsman ratchet wrench but they are in a higher price bracket.

Final thoughts on practicality
Is the Gator Grip worth $25??? No. Will it replace all your other wrenches??? No. Is it a handy tool when you need to quickly snug down or loosen a nut??? Yes. You won’t be repairing your car with the Gator Grip but if you don't have much space to store tools, the Gator Grip might be the one wrench to add to your toolbox to get your house hold jobs done.

Again I have a problem with the Shipping and Handling from the folks at www.asseenontv.com website. ($7.95 is too much for shipping and handling). If you want the Gator Grip, check around as I have seen it around in stores from time to time.

Final Score
4 stars out of 5

Rotozip Spiral Saw

Product Description

This is one of my favorite infomercials. From the Home Depot website… The Rotozip spiral saw kit includes RZ5 spiral saw, Zipmate ZM2 Cutting attachment, bit accessory pack, bit case, masonry cut-off wheel, metal cut-off wheel, dry diamond cut-off wheel, and tool bag. Features include a dust sealed switch for long life; wrenchless bit change for fast and easy bit changes; Improved body design with soft grip & detachable handle. Manufactured by the Bosch company (a name well respected in the tool industry)

What they claim it does
Easily cut through brick, concrete, metal, sheetrock, tile, wood, and anything else you can think of.

What it costs $99.97

Ease of assembly 3 Stars
You need to be familiar with power tools to really use this. There is an instruction manual that explains how to use each accessory. It is important to thoroughly read and understand the instructions. Eye protections is mandatory. Ear protection would also be a something to consider.

Ease of use 5 Stars
This is not your ordinary cordless screwdriver. This is one kick but tool. You need a firm grip as the tork from this tool is strong. (kind of like holding a gyroscope). This tool slices through steel (any anything else you put in front of it) without batting an eye. You definitely need eye protection as the grinding wheels throw up quite a light show from the sparks when cutting steel (as any grinding attachment would). I have used this tool more times then I can recall. Cleaning out old grout, cutting off locks, sanding and cutting wood. Making electrical box openings in sheetrock, etc.

Actual performance 4.5 Stars
This is a great specialty tool. As with most spiral bit cutters, making a straight line is difficult. The power of this tool is a bit intimidating and my wife won’t use it. I mostly use the cutting tool (grinder attachment) to cut through tile, metal, and sand wood. As with most spiral bits, they snap often wich is not much of a problem since they are really inexpensive. So you should stock up on them so you have them when needed. Replacement grinding, and sanding wheels also are quite affordable. This is nice since many products soak you on additional parts. You can also find the bits and grinding wheels at most hardware stores.

A neet little feature is the sanding wheel. It has 3 holes in the pads that line up with 3 hole where the pads attach. I did not know why they did that until I turned it on. When spinning the holes provide a perfect view of what you are sanding (don't ask me how).

Final thoughts on practicality

The Rotozip will be forever on my must have tool list. This is a handy tool that can do those little jobs that frustrate the weekend warrior. Broken tile, no problem, rusted on lock, no problem. Sheetrock, “forgetaboutit”. Cutting access panels into you car floor bed, done deal. Cutting cooper pipes, easy. But extreme caution needs to be used. Treat this tool with the up most respect and it won’t let you down. I used this to clear out old grout in my kitchen floor during a recent renovation. Did a great job but WOW the dust storm caused was quite a site. This would get a 5 out of 5 rating if not for the intimidation factor of it. It is not for the faint of heart. Also cutting with the spiral bit can be frustrating if you need an exact straight line.

Final Score

4 1/2 stars out of 5