Q&A / 

Buying tools online or via mail order is convenient and often price savvy. My tool buying experiences have always been positive in these forums. Check this list of companies to buy tools with the nifty quick release drill bits that will save you time and frustration.

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Sadly, most of us can't afford every tool we'd like to own. When starting your own set of tools, decide what you really need, not just want. Buy quality power and hand tools, and you also buy reliability. Check the return policy, warranty and the feel of the tools you will bring home to your tool boxes.

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What power tools / hand tools do the professionals keep in their tool boxes? Here are some of my power and hand tools, and a tool or two that are favorites. If assembling your own dream tool set, start here for some ideas.

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Looking to buy one tool or several tools? Want professional grade power tools? Try these mail order outlets for savings and great service. Check a local store for the "feel" of the hand tools, and perhaps even negotiate a better deal while there by knowing what is available online.

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CCA for residential use as a wood preservative was banned after the end of 2003. Regularly sealing structures already built with CCA treated wood helps contain the leaching of chemicals. The EPA presents advisories for safe handling of CCA treated lumber that need to be heeded and taught to your children as well.

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Chromated copper arsenate, or CCA, has been used to preserve wood since the 1940's. The use of CCA in residential applications was banned after 12/31/2003. Cca treated wood chemicals were found to dissolve in water and leach out of the wood, causing potential harm. Sealing cca treated lumber will reduce leaching of the chemicals. Be sure to use a synthetic resin to keep the lumber from becoming a mildew and algae smorgasbord and read these advisories for safe handling!

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If plywood is not dealt with properly, it can swell and create major problems with roofing, flooring or siding. Correction to this wood product problem can clean your wallet. These tips cover plywood characteristics and proper installation of plywood. Read, be informed, and extract maximum useful life from your plywood project.

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Attic ventilation is very important, yet often inadequate. Proper attic ventilation will save you from moisture accumulation that can create huge problems with your roofing and plywood sheathing. Read this basic primer to understand the importance of ventilation and how to properly manage the exchange of air needed to prevent damage to your home.

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