Ryobi Corded Drill/Driver

Muahahahaha power tools!

Back in May when we were going through the home buying process I had visions of all the projects I’d have to do around the house. Having to install this, hang that, and assemble such-n-such. “What a perfect excuse to get a new drill!” I thought. Besides, the rechargeable batteries for my cordless screwdriver had gone out on me; very sad. The idea of rechargeable batteries and power tools never really sat well with me in the first place. Call me old school. Gimme old fashioned electricity and a 100 foot extension cord please. I don’t want to run out of juice halfway through a project. Plus forget about the cost of replacing the batteries once they go bad. Unfortunately most drills that can do dual duty as a screwdriver are of the cordless type.

…I said most. What you see here is the Ryobi Corded Variable Speed Clutch Drill/Driver. Whew, quite a long name. Well that’s only because it’s got lots of features for traditional corded unit. At the time that I purchased mine it was billed as the only unit of its kind. I won’t go too in depth on it…it’s not like it’s rocket science. If your favorite cordless drill/driver and favorite corded drill had a kid, this is what’d it’d look like. The variable clutch (torque) is what allows this corded drill to do dual duty as a screwdriver, allowing you to dial down the torque so you don’t snap the heads off your screws. At a regular retail price of $40 this thing is a steal (Home Depot) considering the feautres. Even better I got mine on sale for $30. It comes in it’s own storage case and two driver bits. Sure, it may not have the burly image of a DeWalt or the fancy/schmancy image of a BOSCH power tool, but with its more than reasonable price tag and only another $4.99 for the 2 year extended warranty through Home Depot who cares? For the average DIY-er this Ryobi is plenty of unit for most of your home project needs. With the money you save on initial purchase and on going costs (no replacing/extra batteries) you can go buy yourself that nice 100ft extension cord.

Conclusion: Highly Thumbed Up

Rustoleum’s American Accents Paint

I came upon Rustoleum’s American Accents paint while at Lowe’s a few weeks ago. My Dad graciously gave Sherine and I his old solid oak, four drawer, vertical file cabinet. It was in terrific shape, the only problem was it was “oak” colored (imagine that). No problem, sand, prime, and paint it. What color? Why…like Mick Jagger said; “Paint it black,” of course. It’d blend in with the rest of our decor perfectly.

Well, I’ll tell ya right now. Avoid this stuff. When I was talking to the woman at the paint counter I asked if they had cans of premixed black paint; figured it be basic enough. At first she said no, but that she could mix up some of their Valspar brand for me no problem. After some chit chat about basic techniques to refinishing furniture she remembered they did have this Rustoleum product down by they spray paint. Now, I’ve used Valspar paint before for the accent wall in my computer/den/music room; seemed like descent stuff. But I thought I’d check out this premixed stuff. The price for a quart of the premixed Rustoleum and a quart of a custom mixed Valspar were about the same. I decided to opt for the convenience and grabbed a can of premixed stuff.

What didn’t I like about the Rustoleum American Accents paint? It’s thin…thin, thin, thin. I know I was covering white primer but still. Even after 2 coats I was contemplating a 3rd. It was almost like black water….like if non-fat milk were black…that’s what this paint is like.

As thin as this paint is it’s durability is slim to none. While putting the drawers back in the cabinet I lightly struck the bottom of one of the drawers on the frame, so lightly I didn’t feel it, but I must have because low and behold a chip in the paint appeared. Ridiculous.

To tell you the truth I was pretty disappointed with this product. With a brand name like Rustoleum I expected more. American Accents comes in a handful of other colors than black, but learn from my experience and steer clear. Good things to those who wait…and have a custom can mixed for them.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a paint chip to go fix.

Conclusion: Not Recommended

Quickrete Wet Look High Gloss Sealer

With 360 sq/ft of unspoiled garage floor I was eager to seal it from water and DIY oil change stains. It would be my first time sealing a garage floor. A little research and you quickly discover the plethora of options for protecting your garage floor. In my case I wasn’t looking for any fancy or decorative floor protection. Time and money would play key factors in what solution I would choose.

After what seemed like sufficient due diligence I opted to give Quickrete Wet Look High Gloss Sealer a go. What attracted me to this product was that it was the only one that did not specifically state in its instructions that I had to clean my garage floor with a special concrete cleaner and/or etch prior to applying it. Translated; less time and less money. All it asked is that the surface be clean; free of loose dirt, etc. I accomplished this with a garden hose and stiff bristled shop broom.

Once the floor was dry, I used a paint roller and specific concrete roller pad to apply it. Out of the jug the sealer looks like non-fat milk and goes on with ease. It dries clear and dry time is short. With a warm enough morning you could start early and be able to park on your newly sealed garage floor by the same night.

Coverage per gallon will vary based on the porousness of your surface. Most garage floors are finished (smooth) and I was able to get two coats on my 360 sq/ft two car garage from a single gallon jug of sealant.

As for long term durability of the sealant we’ll have to wait and see. Inside of a garage, protected from the elements, I have a feeling it will last many, many years. I probably could have gotten away with just a single coat and been fine, but since I had enough left in my jug after the first coat I decided to go for another. Why not double it up? Maybe it’ll last longer? My garage floor now looks like the floors in Lowes, Home Depot, and Costco; but perhaps with a little more shine.

This Quickrete sealer met my requirements for cost, of both time and money, and the results have so far exceeded my expectations. If you’re looking for an inexpensive and easy way to keep stains off of your concrete I’d definitely recommend this product to you.

Conclusion: Highly Thumbed Up