2x4 Basics, the company that brought us the simple 2x4 shelving system, is ready to prepare us for a season full of fireplace use. They make a number of systems that make use of easily accessible 2x4s, and one of those systems turns 2x4s into a handy firewood rack.

Oddly enough, or maybe just showing smart business practices, the 2x4 Basics fireplace rack components appear to be the same as those used in their shelving system. The components are made of durable structural resin and come with a lifetime warranty. Assembly of the fireplace rack looks as simple as simple could be. 2x4s in the system require only 90 degree cuts, and besides a saw, the only other tool needed is a screwdriver. All the hardware you need to build a complete rack is included.

The length of the rack can be customized to fit your needs, and can be stretched up to 8-feet. If you feel the need to separate your wood, a second kit can be added on top to add additional wood stacking space. The basic kit costs around $13, but $30 gets you the ShelfLinks system which can be used to make up to three firewood racks.

2x4 Basics
2x4 Basics Firewood Rack 2pc - Amazon
2X4 Basics ShelfLinks 6pc - Amazon

How would you like to win a $200 Tyler Tool store credit? Yes, I like to ask questions with easy answers. Just scroll back and look at some of my past new tool articles, because I know there have been a few tools that you have seen that have somehow got a hold on you. Wouldn't it be nice if you could just shop, without having to worry about whether you should have spent the money on something else, possibly more important? Well, that is what is so great about a store credit from Tyler Tool, you have no other choice but to by awesome new tools. You could purchase one of the new tools that the manufacturers have released this year.

You could win a $200 Tyler Tool store credit just by heading over to our friends over at HomeFixated and entering their giveaway. Entry is simple, just subscribe to their “awesomely-handy weekly newsletter” (their words, they are modest), or post a comment on their website. And since you are in a giveaway entering mood, be sure to enter the Tool-Rank Coast Flashlight Giveaway going on right now.

Usually when you need some extra heat, it is because you are in a cold remote area. Sometimes there is power nearby, but if their isn't, your forced air heater is pretty useless. Mr. Heater wants you to have a truly portable forced air heater, and has accomplished it with their HERO model.

HERO delivers 35,000 BTU's of propane burning heat and can be used an entire workday (8 hours) on a single charge of its built in battery. While the battery does make the unit more portable, it can also be charged and run off of the power adapter at the same time. Using a 20 lb tank of propane, the HERO can be run for a total of 12 hours, can heat up to 800 square feet of space, and remains cool to the touch on the outside. Besides being portable, Mr Heater also designed the HERO to be quieter than other heaters on the market. Their Quiet Burner Technology claims to be half as loud as traditional forced air heaters. I would say the only downside I can see is the long 5.5 hour charge time.

The MH35CLP HERO heater retails for about $170, and includes a 10-foot hose and regulator. If you have this model or plan on getting one, let us know how it works out.

Mr Heater HERO
Mr Heater HERO - Amazon

When we are looking for accurate and repeatable measurements, we often turn to the trusty story pole. Though, our story pole usually consists of just a scrap piece of wood that is either cut to the right length or has measurement markings drawn on it. After all, being able to use the scraps we already have on hand, is what makes the story pole great. But what if you are doing a lot of measuring, and you need something that is going to be able to handle the abuse that goes along with production work?

While I think most of us would be just fine with using a scrap wood story pole, Woodpeckers has a new telescoping Bar Gauge that can do everything a story pole can do, plus more. The Bar Gauge is made out of stainless steel, aluminum, and a bit of brass, so it should last you a lifetime. One of the coolest features is the special replaceable screw-on brass tips which allows the gauge to measure inside corners, or fit into dados. Woodpeckers is offering four sizes of Bar Gauges - 12", 24", 36" and 48" max lengths - priced between $29.99 - $44.99. The Bar Gauge are a special one-time-run, so you must order before Monday 11/7/11.

Woodpeckers