Homebuyer's Guide

POSTED: Sunday, Jul. 13, 2008

Try these helpful tools for homeowners

Whether you're taking down a tree or cleaning up weeds, here are five helpful tools for homeowners.

POWER TO THE PEOPLE

Honda EU 6500 generator, $3,599

Al's Honda

2336 James St., 733-1000

Ever notice how our infamous winter storms always knock out the power right after you've made a Costco run? Next time, fire up your own generator to avoid spoiled food, provide heat and keep some lamps going in emergency situations. Able to power an entire house with quiet efficiency, this Honda can run up to 14 hours on a single tank of fuel. Hopefully by then the lights are back on.

LIGHTEN THE LOAD

Bucket Boss Pro Rolling Tool Organizer, $46.95

Amazon.com and most home/hardware stores

They put wheels on kids' sneakers — why not your tool box? Loaded with 58 pockets of varying size, this rolling tool organizer tack-les tough tasks with reinforced corners and edges, rubber wheels and rugged 1,800-denier fabric. Grab the collapsible handle (it extends up to 39 inches) and give your back a break.

CHOP TALK

Black and Decker LP1000 lopper, $100

Ace Hardware

Fairway Shopping Center, Lynden, 354-2291

The Black and Decker alligator lopper chews through heavy branches that are too big for manual pruners and loppers. Plug in the 4.5-amp motor to make quick work of limbs up to 4 inches in diameter. Its clamping-jaw design grabs and cuts in one motion. An easy-to-use alternative to a small chain saw, it makes short work of pruning and storm cleanup.

KNEEL DIAMOND

D. Allegro Gel Kneepads No. 6896, $9.99

Hardware Sales

2034 James St., 734-6140, www.hardwaresales.net

There's no avoiding scraped and bruised knees after brute work like laying down insulation or clambering around in crawl spaces. Weekend warriors in the know suggest pulling on kneepads over bare knees or work pants. With extra cushioning from gel inserts, these aren't just for skateboarders anymore.

BLOWN AWAY

Stihl BR 600 blower, $479.95

Carl's Mower and Saw

6209 Portal Way, Ferndale, 384-0799

Free up your hands with Stihl's ergonomically designed gas-powered backpack blower. Easily started with a pull starter, its 4-horsepower engine generates blowing speeds of up to 200 mph so clearing grass clippings, leaves and debris from yards, patios and driveways is a breeze.