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Christmas time is tool time
By Compiled from staff and wire reports Santa is not the only one who makes a list at this time of year. Do-it-yourselfers and hobbyists regard the gift-giving season as prime time to suggest additions to their collections of tools and gadgets. We also have a couple of suggestions of gifts for the home and office. Black & Decker introduces a three-position cordless screwdriver. The 2.4-volt rechargeable tool's handle can be locked into middle, right or in-line positions. The extended narrow bit holder reaches into tight areas. Price: $19.99. Black & Decker also offers its first cordless drill with a light, the 7.2-volt VersaPak. The light is handy in dark areas such as under a sink. Price: $39.99. The MaxStick Straight Edge measuring tool from Stanley has a laminated steel tape rule adhered to the aluminum body, which comes in two sizes: 48-inch ($16.99) and 24-inch ($11.99). The straightedges are useful for measuring, corner cutting, wallpaper hanging and scribing. The MaxStick also includes measurements for standard heights for light switches, dead bolts, door locks and electrical outlets. Stanley's FatMax 35-foot tape rule comes with an industrial thermoplastic coating to reduce breakage when it snaps back. It's 5 feet longer than most tape rules and comes in metric and metric/English versions. Price: $34.99. Skil has a new table saw line with 15 amp, 3 horsepower motors that won't bog down in heavy materials. The 3400 10-inch saw has a self-aligning rip fence for accurate rip-cutting; miter gauge, blade and wrench storage, a 28-tooth carbide blade, and a die-cast miter gauge. It weighs only 38 pounds. A metal stand, a side extension and rear outfeed support for larger cutting space are the extras available. Price: $179. Information: www.skil.com. The RotoZip plunge router attachment lets you turn your RotoZip spiral saw into another tool -- which is the purpose of RotoZip anyway. The attachment comes with a cam-lock lever for each attachment; a stable zinc aluminum base; a plunge release button that allows a clean and easy finish at the end of the rout; and wheels and stops that allow you to adjust height and depth. Price: $59.99 Information: 1-888-387-9724. The 18-volt SuperCombo kit from Ryobi has three cordless tools: a drill/driver, circular saw, and reciprocating saw, plus an 18-volt flashlight. They come with two battery packs and a one-hour charger for $199, at Home Depot. Stick the Computer Documentation Clip & Utility Cup from Zelco on the side of your computer. Slip papers in the clip for transcribing; stick pencils, paper clips, even a flower in water in the cup. Adjust the flexible arm to a convenient position. They come in translucent blue, green or purple for about $20. Information: 1-800-431-2486. Dremel goes cordless with the 9.6-volt MultiPro Cordless rotary tool, which accepts all 150 Dremel attachments and accessories. Cut, shape, sand, route, grind and polish to your heart's content at speeds from 5,000 rpm to 25,000 rpm. It comes with a battery charger for $69.99. The Revolution showerhead from Moen simultaneously spins oversized water droplets and twirls the entire stream of water. Turn the dial for a gentle rainlike shower or a deep, therapeutic massage. The showerhead installs easily and comes in glacier ($60) or chrome ($66) with blue, purple, green or pebble accents. Available at Lowe's and Target stores. Visit www.moen.com for a virtual shower and video clip demonstration. First Alert has come up with a nuisance-resistant smoke alarm with a "smart sensing" system that can read smoke conditions. It uses two sensors. One involves ionization technology and is more sensitive to flaming fires; the other, a photoelectric sensor, is more sensitive to smoldering fires. If cooking smoke sets off the alarm, the homeowner just points a TV remote control at the detector and holds down any key for 5 seconds. The unit will be silenced while the smoke dissipates. Price: $29.99. Information: www.firstalert.com.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
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