Kobalt Extreme Access Socket Set

Posted on December 5, 2015 by Tim Carter

Kobalt Socket Set - Gives You Extreme Access

I can't think of anyone who can survive without a set of sockets and a ratchet.

Well, maybe if you live in a cave with no nuts and bolts around.

I was able to test the Kobalt Extreme Access sockets and ratchet and they're not bad.

How Many Pieces are in the Set?

There are 25 pieces in the set. That's like a little over a dollar per piece.

Is the Kobalt Socket Set a Good Gift Idea?

It's a great gift idea, even if that person getting it has a set of sockets.

CLICK THE PHOTO now to BUY these Bad Boys.

The Extreme Access are ones that are best suited for CLOSE clearance situations where you don't have lots of room to operate.

What more can you say about sockets? They're shiny!

CLICK HERE TO BUY these tools now.

December 4, 2015 AsktheBuilder Newsletter

Posted on December 4, 2015 by Tim Carter

I've got some exciting stuff to share today.

I URGE you to read below about a very very cool website / app you should sign up for - UpThere.

I've also got late-breaking news about my DEFECTIVE Roof Shingles.

Let's get started.

UpThere

First and foremost this is a home improvement newsletter. I often share all sorts of stuff here that I discover that HELPS me save, time, money and now MEMORIES.

I need you to stick with me here, as I GUARANTEE you I'm about to help you - but it's a little bit of a story.

I'm about to show you how you can PRESERVE and PROTECT all of the data about your home, your house photos, etc. All automagically as you create them.

Your also going to discover a new, and possibly better way, to AVOID running out of precious memory on your smart phone if you have one.

Look at my current memory problem on my own phone. I'm constantly battling this. Are you?

This is a before shot of my phone's storage fuel meter.

The light gray bar is all I had left of free memory space.

I now don't have to ever worry that I'm running out of space.

One of my very good friends is Leo Notenboom. He's an expert about computers - and about backing up data.

Just like I can tell you countless HORROR stories about people who have serious problems in their homes, Leo can tell you HORROR stories about people who have LOST FOREVER important data, files, thousands of hours of work, photos, videos, etc. because they FAILED to back up their hard drives.

All sorts of companies and products have tried to solve this problem taking YOU out of the equation because you are often too busy, you forget, or ???? to do the important backups.

UpThere is one of the latest things that can help you back up IMPORTANT things automagically.

Any important photos, videos, etc.

Yes, I know there are other ways to do this.

UpThere is VERY DIFFERENT and deserves your attention. A SECRET SIGNUP LINK to it is just below.

Fast Forward to my son-in-law, Brent.

I introduced Brent to the world of websites, HTML and javascript. One day when he was home from college with my daughter Meghan, he came into my office and saw me doing some minor HTML coding.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm changing some stuff on my AsktheBuilder website."

I then proceeded to show him how to view the source code of a webpage and how all that "jibberish" was made to look good and pretty by the magic of a web browser.

Brent immediately was entranced and he started to teach himself how to do all things HTML, javascript, etc.

Eight years later, he's now completely in charge of the entire front end website of a MASSIVE new start up in Silicon Valley - UpThere.

His story - being self-taught how to do it all - is simply astonishing. To see him get to where he is now in LESS THAN THREE YEARS of being in the workforce is unbelievable.

But I digress.

Brent recently told me that I'm allowed to share with you a secret link that allows you to be one of the first in the world to use this amazing new website and technology.

It's FREE and there is NO COST to you to sign up and test drive this during the Beta.

You can CLICK HERE NOW if you want to sign up for their Beta.

It's completely safe and nothing will happen to you or your computer.

I know, you're asking, "What's in it for ME, Tim?"

Easy.

Once you're signed up and you do a few very easy things, UpThere starts to put all of your important data, files, photos, videos, etc. up in the "Cloud".

What's the "Cloud"?

The "Cloud" is a giant collection of remote hard drives that store data. It's not really new, but most people are not aware of it.

Apple offers it, Google has 'Drive', Amazon has it - my Shed Video series is stored in Amazon's Cloud.

There are many others.

But UpThere is the Cloud on steroids and HGH.

I could go on and on and on about it, but the EASY thing is for you to just SIGN UP at NO COST and see what it's all about.

I already know you may be one who's going to reply, "NO! I don't want my data up in the Cloud! It's a SECURITY issue! Blah blah blah...."

You get to control WHAT you put up in the Cloud, it doesn't come in and move all your most sensitive data up into the ether, so you can stop worrying now.

I'm having a BLAST with the UpThere app on my smart phone and it's helped me big time to avoid running out of memory on my phone.

That's just ONE of the many uses of UpThere.

Go ahead. Sign up and start to SAVE and PROTECT all your construction photos, house files, house data, important emails, etc.

When you sign up, would you let me know? I'm interested to see if you're having as much fun as I am.

Your DEFECTIVE Roof Shingles Book

Did I tell you that I decided to write a book about WHY your roof is failing and what you can do about it?

Twelve days ago, I sat down and in 48 hours I wrote about 98 percent of it. You're not going to believe what's in it.

This book reveals things many within the asphalt roofing industry do NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT.

But there was a problem.

Much of what was in the book needed to be verified by someone other than me.

In other words, I knew I was RIGHT about what was going on, but I needed someone on the INSIDE of the asphalt roofing industry to be my Deep Throat contact.

Less than 48 hours ago, that person stepped forward and I conducted a 90-minute interview with him yesterday.

The exciting thing is he verified that all of what I had in the book so far was completely accurate.

He also provided some incredible data I didn't have and that only someone with a rich history in the industry would know.

Oh, and the best part?

I discovered yesterday that there's HOPE for you.

You don't have to put up with CRAPPY shingles that are going to fall apart.

Yes, there's a product that will not FALL APART in 10 or 12 years!!!!!

I hope to be finished with the short-to-medium-sized book by the end of the month.

I'm shooting for a January 2016 release.

Because you're a subscriber to this newsletter, you'll be given a special offer to get the book.

BE SURE TO OPEN all upcoming issues so you don't miss the release.

If you're getting ready to put on new asphalt shingles WAIT!!!!!

Do NOT BUY any shingles until you read this book so you know what product to get.

It's so very exciting!

Bosch Jig Saw Review

I just reviewed this wonderful jig saw that would make a GREAT GIFT.

There's a great BUY NOW link at the bottom of the review.

CLICK HERE to see why I gave this saw 5 hammers out of 5.

That's enough for a Friday. GO NOW and SIGN UP for UpThere.

I can't wait to hear what you think about it.

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com

Do It Right, Not Over!

Bosch JS120 12V Barrel Handle Jigsaw Review

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Tim Carter

How many jigsaws do you think I've used over the years?

Three, five, seven or more?

I've lost count.

One thing I can attest to is the radical change in the design of these tools.

Oh, and the features too!

Let's go back in time. My first jigsaw had an on and off switch. You needed an Allen wrench to change the blades. It vibrated so much I thought it would jump from my hand.

Fast Forward to 2015

Take a look at this sleek barrel handle Bosch JS120. If you order it, be sure you get the battery and charger. It normally does not come with one.

First of all did you notice there's no power cord? It's a 12-volt cordless tool.

12v

It's got six speeds that range from 1500 to 2800 strokes per minute. That gives you lots of options and control with what your cutting be it plastic, metal, wood or ????

You'll love how the blade just slides in an automagically locks into place. No need for a wrench!

blade

It's got a dandy LED light to help you see the cut line.

led

You'll love the three settings that control how aggressive the cut is.

three

How about the battery life indicators? That's helpful!

batt

You can rotate the saw to cut from 0 - 45 degrees either direction.

adjust

I loved how it felt in my hand. There was minimal vibration.

I give this bad boy five hammers out of five! hammer-5-5

CLICK HERE to BUY this dandy jig saw.

This was the feature Tool Review in my December 4, 2015 AsktheBuilder Newsletter.

December 2, 2015 AsktheBuilder Newsletter

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Tim Carter

Christmas is coming! Yippee!

It's a magical time here at the Carter house, and I hope so at your home.

Now that the train conductor season is over and my roof is complete, I've got time to start selling more of my stuff on eBay.

I'm in this giant PURGE mode to sell stuff I no longer want nor need to then get stuff I do want. You might consider doing the same.

My very good friend Chuck Eglinton wrote an authoritative eBook about selling and buying stuff online and much of the advice is still very relevant.

CLICK HERE to view what's in it.

I listed three things yesterday and the auction ends this Sunday night.

Gold-plated Craftsman Socket Set

75th Anniversary RIDGID Pipe Wrenches

RARE EMT / Paramedic Boston Marathon Hat

All of these things are somewhat rare, but the hat is the most rare. Click above to see how few there are and how I got the one I'm selling.

If you know an EMT or Paramedic that likes to jog, then this may be the perfect one-of-a-kind Christmas gift.

Standby Generator Follow Up

On Sunday, I shared the story about Rebecca's standby generator woes.

I linked to a video I taped several years ago that shows my standby generator. CLICK HERE to see it if you didn't.

You may have been one who objected to my harsh treatment of the Generac generator that Rebecca has had problems with at her home.

What I failed to do was to tell you that I get complaints from folks about this brand on a routine basis.

You can also read all sorts of problems by doing a search using this phrase:

generac complaints

My advice to you is simple.

You and I are so lucky to have the Internet. Use it before you buy.

Go do searches about the brand / model of the thing you're thinking of buying. Look for complaints and nightmare stories.

Fantastic PR Person

Over the past twenty-two years, I've interacted with hundreds of PR (public relations) people. They constantly pound me with pitches trying to get me to mention their client's products and services.

Some of these people are deplorable, many are not too bad, and a tiny handful are real pros.

The media landscape has changed dramatically in the past twenty years and some PR people I deal with haven't kept up.

If you work for a company, large or small, and you need PR help, I want to connect you with a person who I feel is the best of the best.

She's the first PR person I met when I started AsktheBuilder.com and many other PR reps I deal with now can't even lace her boots.

If you're a new subscriber to this newsletter, you may think this is an odd thing to share. It's not.

I try, as often as possible, to share with you all sorts of things to help make your life easier, better, more profitable. This is one of those times.

Reply to me if you want me to connect you with this professional PR woman who gets results.

GREAT Stocking Stuffer

Are you looking for a really affordable gift that just about EVERY homeowner needs?

Get her / him the new True Blue Square.

I urge you to go read my review about this tool and see how much it's improved over the OLD model.

CLICK HERE to read the review.

My Finished Roof

You may not have been keeping up with my roof saga.

My asphalt roof #FAILED in just twelve years. It was supposed to last 30.

In fact, is your roof in trouble?

You MUST fill out my Defective Roof Shingles survey.

Each person that does is going to receive a FREE copy of my report that I'm working on right now.

I desperately need great photos of your failing shingles.

CLICK the following links to watch all five of the videos about my failed roof.

It's important that you watch them in order to get the full story.

Video #5 is the payoff one. It's got lots of footage and photos of my completed roof.

Thanks! Remember, fill out the Defective Roof Shingles survey now. Send photos!!!!

Latest Columns for You

Tile Fireplace Hearth

Flex Firehose Pants Review

NANOspikes Review

That's quite enough for today. I'll have MORE Gift Ideas for you on Friday.

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com

Do It Right, Not Over!

True Blue Rafter Square Review

Posted on December 1, 2015 by Tim Carter

You wouldn't think that you could improve a stalwart product like the Empire 7-inch pivoting rafter square would you?

I've had one for decades.

You can see a photo of mine below. It's rustier than an old nail.

You can't even see the numbers any longer.

Sure, I could have kept it oiled and rust-free, but that's just not practical.

It was announced on June 2, 2014 that Milwaukee Tool purchased the Empire Level company. They didn't waste a moment injecting their innovation philosophy into the esteemed Empire Level company.

Milwaukee is on a tear creating new products and expanding the craftsmen they want to sell to.

Carpenters are in their sights.

Look what Milwaukee did with the 7-inch rafter square.

It's a handsome blue aluminum (never rust!) with crisp laser etched markings.

Look at this handsome square. It's almost too pretty to put to work. Photo credit: Tim Carter

It's an awesome tool.

If you want the 12-inch size, it's available to. CLICK HERE to see it.

The laser markings make for much greater accuracy. Can you imagine trying to figure out where you are using this old model?

I can still barely read the word EMPIRE on the side of this tool. Its days are done. It needs to be sent to the Museum of Tired Tools. Photo credit: Tim Carter

Gone are the days of rust!

Look at how crisp the markings are on this gorgeous tool:

Yep, markings as crisp as fresh lettuce. Photo credit: Tim Carter

One of the best features is the wider heel on each side of the square. This ensures the tool will not move out of place on the rounded edges of the rough lumber you're trying to mark.

Look at the difference in thickness and the heel width. WOWZA! Way to go Milwaukee. Photo credit: Tim Carter

CLICK HERE to BUY this wonderful tool now!

Tile Fireplace Hearth

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Tim Carter

DEAR TIM: My wife and I wanted to remodel the dated fireplace in our living room. We recently put down hardwood floor around a raised brick hearth. I’ve since removed the raised hearth and we’re putting down ceramic tile. The trouble is there’s now a recess in the floor where the hearth was and how do I build it up to install the tile? We were thinking of putting it flush with the new hardwood floor. Do you have any design tips? What are the top mistakes I could make as I’ve never really done this type of work before? Chuck E., Farmington Hills, MI

DEAR CHUCK: I’ve taken out a raised hearth before on more than one occasion. One was a fireplace I had installed at my own home. My wife told me when we built the home the fireplace was in the wrong place and that the resulting family room would be too small. Twelve years later, I was up on the roof tearing out the chimney. It took me ten days to get down to the hearth level. Your job compared to mine is really pretty easy.

Before we start to work, let’s talk about the final look. You can install the tile in many ways, including another raised hearth. I know you thought about putting it flush with the new wood floor, but how about this idea?

No one part of installing tile on this hearth is hard. You just have to take your time and think about each step. Photo Credit: Chuck Eglinton

I suggest you drop the hearth down so it’s not flush. A three-quarter’s-inch drop would give a nice relief line and you can almost always get a decorative transition molding that is that same thickness as what you decide to drop the hearth. Architects use this trick all the time to create interest in what we look at.

Think about simple trim around windows and doors. In most cases the wood has some sort of profile instead of just being flat. The profile, or different levels and contour, produce shadow lines and reflect light differently. Just about every older home I worked on early in my career had a tile hearth that was lower than the surrounding flooring.

The other advantage of doing it this way is you’ll have less trouble at the grout-tile-wood interface. If you decide to put the tile flush with the floor, you’ll have to make perfect cuts of the tile to keep the grout line the same width. The grout itself could crack over time where it contacts the wood floor leaving a blemish. Putting the tile lower and covering this contact point with a molding solves the problem.

The first step in the process, and it’s the most important one, is to pour a lowered platform that the ceramic tile will rest upon. It needs to be solid so the tile doesn’t crack. Based on the photo you sent, it appears this foundation only needs to be a little over 1 inch thick.

You can use coarse sand and Portland cement to make this mud. Mix three parts sand to 1.5 parts Portland cement. If it’s too much trouble to get these ingredients, you can purchase bags of mortar mix at a hardware store. Add just enough water to make the mixture the consistency of a stiff applesauce. To extend work time get the mortar mix cold before mixing and use cold water. Chilling the mix slows the hydration reaction that turns the wet mortar into hard stone giving you extra work time.

You need to make sure this mortar bed is in the same plane and it’s at the right height so the finished tile surface is 3/4 of an inch below the wood floor. Add 7/8 of an inch to the thickness of the tile and that’s the distance the finished mud floor must be down from the surface of the wood. This gives you the requisite 1/8 inch you need for the thinset that will be used to bond the tile to the cured mortar mud base.

To create this recess, you’ll smooth the wet mortar with a wood rod you make. Use a very straight piece of 1 x 4 to make this. Cut the wood one foot longer than the width of the recess. Cut an 9-inch-long L-shaped notch at each end that’s the same depth as you need to drop the mortar base. The thinner ends of the wood rod sit on top of the wood floor and the rest of the wood rod drops down into the hole.

When you shovel in the wet mortar and start to slide the wood rod sideways and pull it towards you at the same time, you’ll create a very uniform surface that’s going to support the tile. Triple check your math before you do this because it’s imperative the mortar bed is not too high or low. If it ends up either, it will just require you to custom fit the transition molding so it’s smooth and flush with your wood floor.

As you pull the wood rod across the wet mortar, constantly check to make sure it’s the right height. After you feel you’re finished, pull it across again to strike off any excess mortar that may have mounded up behind the wood screed. Check for excess along the edges where it abuts the wood floor.

Give the fresh mortar a day to harden and you can then install the tile. Use a 1/4 by 1/4 notched trowel to spread the thinset mortar you’ll use to bond the tile to the new mortar. Spread it evenly and press the tile lightly into the thinset. It will compress to the 1/8-inch thickness we calculated before we started.

Be sure you watch the entire series of videos at my AsktheBuilder.com website on how to grout the tile. If you make a mistake, and most do, you’ll ruin everything. The key is managing water as you work with the grout. Please send me a photo of the completed job!

Column 1120

November 29, 2015 AsktheBuilder Newsletter

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Tim Carter

I'm going to make this a fairly short eblast because you're probably worn out from the long Thanksgiving weekend.

I want to thank you for the kind Thanksgiving wishes you sent to me and my family. It's much appreciated.

We had a feast here. Kathy outdid herself. It's my favorite meal of the year and the dry brine technique we used did a marvelous job on the bird.

For the past fifteen years or so, we've wet brined the turkey and it makes it juicier than a perfectly ripe orange.

I had a piece of Kathy's pecan pie last night. I hope that what Ray Kinsella's father John said in this Field of Dreams movie clip is true, because if it is I'm going to be having pumpkin and pecan pie every day after I die.

Did you ever read the book Shoeless Joe that was adapted to make the movie screenplay? WOW, it's a good one.

CLICK HERE to watch the profound video clip.

Be SURE you have a tissue handy. You'll need it.

Steven's FLOODED House

Ninety minutes before typing this, I received an email from Steven Kegley who lives in Colorado.

He was having his roof done and guess what happened? You probably know from the headline.

Let Steven tell you in his words:

"Contractors stripped down my roof to where only old paper and wood slats remained. Approximately 1.5 inches of rain soaked the entire roof.

The ceilings were entirely saturated. Water was running down the trusses into the outside walls like a river. all attic insulation, both blown in and matting R-13 were drenched. The matting felt like a water bed. interior walls were wet through to the crawl space.

This is a ranch style home 1,500 sq. feet. I turned off the power at the main breaker. As soon as possible. It was three days before a restoration company could start drying process. Which took eleven days to dry to 90%."

I replied with some tough love asking him if he had contacted both his home insurance company AND immediately called the insurance company that sold the contractor's General Liability policy.

Steven replied just moments ago:

"I want everything that got wet replaced. The ceilings, walls, electrical controls switches, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and of course personal belongings.

I am being told this is unreasonable. They only have to repair the ceilings with texture and paint. The new roof and gutters failed home inspection!

If this were your home. What would you just cover and paint. Verses replace?"

I replied that it didn't matter what I thought or anyone else, including Steven.

All that matters is what it says on the insurance policy.

WHAT'S the LESSON HERE?

Don't be in Steven's shoes.

Don't hire a LOSER contractor that doesn't protect your home.

ALWAYS get a copy of the contractor's Certificate of Insurance and CALL YOUR insurance agent to discover if it's valid and if you're completely covered in case of a catastrophic loss.

Do this BEFORE you sign the contract, not AFTER you have a problem on your job.

CLICK HERE to use my Contractor Hiring Guides so you avoid the LOSERS.

Rebecca's Generator Mistake

Rebecca has been a subscriber to this newsletter for years.

She lives in Kansas City.

She offered to do me a favor.

Read what she sent overnight:

Dear Tim,

If you are ever interested in installing a permanent backup generator, I would be willing to share our story with you.

We spent over $15K for a Generac 60kw generator and have had nothing but trouble and very poor customer service. It has been a huge disappointment.

I would be VERY desperate before I would ever purchase another Generac product again.

Sincerely,

Rebecca

P.S. I've enjoyed your emails for years! Would love to meet you if you ever come near Kansas City.....:)

I replied to Rebecca that I felt her pain.

I tried to be as gentle as possible, but I mentioned that she could have avoided the pain and suffering had she spent just 90 seconds at my website using my search engine.

If she would have typed just this simple word into it:

generator

This is what she would have discovered in just SECONDS in the results that came back:

CLICK HERE to discover the brand of stand by generator I have in my home.

I can tell you right now it's NOT a Generac.

Rebecca, you can bet the next time I'm in KC, I WILL let you know as rumor has it there are some delicious ribs to be had there.

What's the LESSON?

Please, please, please come back here to my website and use my search engine to see the things I use in my own home before you sign a contract.

Or you have the following option.

Since it was a LARGE purchase, $15,000, do you think it would have been worth $50 to find out in just a few MINUTES what generator I'd buy and WHY?

Rebecca could have had me call her on the phone to offer my advice.

Yes, I've offered that SERVICE for years but I recently have become aware that I'm doing a very BAD job of letting you know about this product in my shopping cart.

Just yesterday I solved Greg's sewer odor problem that had been plaguing his family for over a year.

CLICK HERE to discover how I can call you if you need HELP.

MYSTERY LINK! Did you want to see what my finished roof looks like? I thought so!!!

That's enough for today.

Remember, have me CALL YOU or come to my website and find what products I love BEFORE you buy.

Get those insurance certificates from contractors when they're bidding your job, not after!

Have a great rest of the day. I'll be finishing up cleaning out my garage so Kathy and Kelly's cars are snow-free the rest of the winter!

Yes, my truck has to stay outdoors......

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com

Do It Right, Not Over!

Field of Dreams Is There a Heaven

Posted on November 29, 2015 by Tim Carter

Did you read the book Shoeless Joe?

You should. It's the basis for the Field of Dreams movie.

It's very close to the movie - or should I say the movie stays very close to the book.

One of the tearjerker scenes in the movie is when Ray is talking with the ghost or image of his father, John.

His father answers his question about whether there is a Heaven.

It's profound.

WATCH this clip.

November 24, 2015 AsktheBuilder Alert

Posted on November 25, 2015 by Tim Carter

I FORGOT to share something with you earlier today!

Do you plan to deep fry a turkey? Do you know someone, a co-worker, a friend, a neighbor, relative, etc. that plans to?

PLEASE share this ALERT with them so nothing bad happens.

Watch this video NOW!

Have a SAFE and Happy Thanksgiving.

Tim Carter
Founder - www.AsktheBuilder.com

Do It Right, Not Over!

Deep Fry Turkey Danger

Posted on November 24, 2015 by Tim Carter

You may not be aware of the extreme danger in deep frying a turkey. This message was sent out to Tim's Newsletter Readers in his November 24, 2015 AsktheBuilder Alert.

Watch this video and don't make the mistakes you see here.

Here's the short list:

Do NOT overfill the kettle.
Do NOT fry next to a building.
Do NOT fry in a building, garage or shed.
Do NOT try to put a fire out with water.
Do NOT put a frozen turkey in hot oil.

Be SURE to look at the photos below the video of the aftermath of a REAL hot oil fire.

This could be your home if you make a mistake.

I'm very fortunate to have some good, no, great, virtual friends that are subscribers to my newsletter.

One of them is Mike Cyr, who lives in Presque Isle, Maine. Mike and I have never met, but that's going to change the summer of 2016.

Mike saw my newsletter announcement and sent me the following photos of one of his apartment buildings.

A tenant on a lower floor decided to fry FROZEN chicken nuggets in very HOT oil. Here's the mistakes she made in order:

Dropping FROZEN nuggets in hot oil. The ice immediately melts, expands and causes an instantaneous oil EXPLOSION.
She PANICKED, grabbed the pan and took it to the kitchen sink.
She THREW it in the kitchen sink where the hot oil SPLASHED on the wall and the fire spread.
A running air conditioner in the window FANNED the flames.
The air conditioner fell out of the window, the flames spread up the wall to the soffit and entered the attic where there are RARELY fire breaks.

You see what happened next.....

This could be your home next. For the same reason, NEVER grill out next to a wall where there is a roof overhang. If the grill catches on fire and the soffit is GREASE-COATED from lots of previous cooking, your attic will explode with fire.

Thanks Mike for sharing these photos.