I just happened to notice on the Legacy website that they are now selling a Pro version of their Flexzilla hose. Legacy likes to use the line, "If it's not ZillaGreen, it's not Flexzilla", and you might have seen these green air hoses in catalogs or online; but what makes these hoses so special? Well according to Legacy, these hoses will remain flexible at -40 degrees to 150 degrees, and have zero memory which allows them to lay flat right where they fall.

These hoses sound to good to be true, so what could Legacy have done to account for the need for a Pro version. The change is as simple as the hose fittings. Legacy took a page from their competitor's Flexeel hoses and upgraded to using field repairable compression style fittings. These fitting allow the user to repair a cut hose with only a couple of wrenches. These fittings can also be used with the non-pro hoses. I can not be 100% on this, but the Flexeel compression fittings might also work, and they should be easier to find right now.

The Pro version seems to cost right around the same as the regular version at $30 for 1/4"x50', so there is no reason not to go Pro, if you can find it.

Flexzilla Pro
[:cicn:] Flexzilla Pro - NailZone

This might be a little late in the season for some people, but Scotch has some duct tapes that they say will help keep you dry, warm, and help keep the elements out in the elements. Sure Scotch is trying to sell you some tape, but I know a storm is hitting the west coast, and these tapes might be what you need to help prevent some unwanted issues.

• Repair outdoor items
• Secure plastic coverings to outdoor furniture for protection during the winter months

Scotch Tough Duct Tape – Extreme Hold features rugged woven material and a double-thick adhesive layer – making it ideal for demanding repairs. Its waterproof barrier helps it adhere securely under the most extreme winter weather conditions for tough projects and repairs. Use it to:

• Bundle loads of wood during the winter months

Scotch Tough Duct Tape – Outdoor Painter's Clean Removal sticks to rough surfaces like brick and stucco. It features a waterproof backing and removes cleanly for up to 14 days from most surfaces. Use it to:

• Moisture-proof doors & windows
• Seal a variety of exterior surfaces during the winter months – including glass, vinyl, metal, concrete and finished wood.

If the tapes above aren't enough for your needs, the full Scotch line includes No Residue, Transparent, Extreme Hold, Heavy Duty All-Weather, Poly Hanging & Tarps and Outdoor Painter's Clean Removal.

[:cicn:] Scotch Tough Duct Tape - Amazon

Cincinnati, OH (February 9, 2011) – Kett Tool, leading producer of electric and pneumatic portable power saws, shears and nibblers, introduces the KD-200 double-cut shears. The KD-200 cut C.R. mild steel up to 18 gauge in straight or contour lines at over 300 inches per minute and stainless steel up to 20 gauge at over 180 inches per minute. The swiping action of the KD-200 blades seals the edge of coated metals, and the 7/32" waste strip leaves a clean cut.

The KD-200 are ideal for fabricating and general manufacturing work. Portable and weighing in at only four pounds, the KD-200 permit fast cutting of C.R., sheet pipe and corrugated mild steel and aluminum. Maintenance and repair shops also use them for fast, burr-free cutting of sheet steel, pipe and aluminum. The KD-200's minimum cutting radius is six inches.

The KD-200 shears are also available with a contour cutting blade KD-200C for those wanting to cut together curves and with the HS blade KD-200HS for cutting foam filled doors.

ABOUT KETT TOOL COMPANY: Formed in 1940, Kett Tool Company produces electric and pneumatic portable power saws, shears and nibblers to cut a wide range of sheet material used in various applications. Kett Tool has dealers located in every state in the USA. To learn more about Kett, please visit www.kett-tool.com or call (513) 271-0333.

Timberland has built something of an oxymoron with something they call the ultimate "light heavyweight" boot. The Timberland PRO Helix 85594 boot uses a lightweight safety toe that is made of alloy instead of steel, thus giving users the protection they need without all of the weight. Part of this heavyweight status can also be attributed to their use of a rugged full-grain waterproof leather shell.

While the Helix is technically classified as a work boot, Timberland also took a few cues from their outdoor boots and incorporated an anti-fatigue energy boosting technology that is designed to absorb shock and return energy to key areas of the foot. The sole of the boot also looks a bit like something you would find on a hiker, yet it still has the slip, oil, and abrasion resistance of a work boot. Since I use my current work boots as hikers, these features sound like a plus.

The 85594 PRO Helix Boot has an MSRP of $160 and is available online and in stores now.