Ridgid has just announced their partnership with Dell to offer a series of rugged laptop designed with the tradesman in mind. These new laptops in conjunction with Ridgid's SeeSnake LT1000 Interface will allow SeeSnake users to monitor, record, and save everything the SeeSnake camera picks up. This is a smarts move for Ridgid, which allows them to offer the complete inspection package.

The three Dell Laptops range in their amounts of ruggedness, from Fully Rugged to Everyday Use (which is basically just a standard laptop). The Fully Rugged Latitude E6400 XFR is not cheap, and comes with a starting price of $4754. But at that price you get Dell's Ballistic Armor protection system that can withstand falls from heights up to 4 feet. The body of the laptop uses PrimoSeal technology that allows for the highest level of water and dust resistance. To keep things cool, the QuadCool thermal management system allows the XFR to operate in temperature extremes without compromising performance. Besides the laptops, also available is a Semi-Rugged Multi-Touch Tablet PC that can withstand drops of up to 3 feet.

Included with all models is some Ridgid specific software: SeeSnake HQ, a 6 month subscription of RidgidConnect, Ridgid Electronic Resources, and additional Ridgid Software.

Interested? Check out Ridgid.com/Dell

I have a pair of Redwing boots that I absolutely love. They are the most comfortable boots I have ever owned, however there is one small problem. I have worn through the leather on the toes of both boots. I have had the boots for around three years, so they have pretty much paid for themselves, but if it wasn't for the holes, I could probably get another year or two out of them.

This problem lead me on a search for a toe protecting solution. Redwing does sell a rubber toe cap that is designed to prevent such problems, but to be honest, they look dorky. After a little bit of searching I came across a product called Tuff Toe. Tuff Toe is a two-part colored epoxy that when mixed and cured acts as a durable yet flexible protective layer. You can use it on your old warn-out boots, or you can protect your shiny new boots. Tuff Toe has been around since the 70's and was originally intended for baseball pitchers. If the product is good enough for the Major League, it is probably good enough for us little guys. A new pair of Redwings will cost me upwards of $120, or I can get the Tuff Toe for $20.

Application video after the Read More.

[:cicn:]Tuff Toe – Working Person's

On Tuesdays I wrote about Man vs. Tool, the new video series from ToolBarn.com. In the first episode, 7th degree Tae Kwan Do black belt, Master Kassebaum, goes on a head to head race against the Makita 5377MG 7-1/4” magnesium hypoid circular saw. It was a close race, but Tool ended up winning. Tool - 1, Man - 0.

As a way to kick off the new series, Man Vs. Tool will be giving away the proud and victorious Makita 5377MG used in the video (slightly used). Also included will be a certificate of authenticity that will be signed by the blackbelt - Master Kassebaum and the saw’s operator - Chris Hughes. This is the real deal. MVT is also hinting at a couple surprises as well, but we will have to wait and see.

To enter the giveaway you must head on over to the Man Vs Tool Facebook page and click on their “Like” button. Second, you must leave a comment on the Man vs. Tool Facebook wall post that starts with the words “Official Man vs. Tool Saw Giveaway” between 11am CST August 13th, 2010 and 5pm CST August 25th, 2010. Simple enough. One winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entrants.

Since you are in the area, make sure you Like the Tool-Rank Facebook page as well.

Man vs Tool Contest Page

Sharpie is the go-to brand when it comes to permanent markers, but they might not be your first thought when it comes to pencils. Sharpie is looking to change all that with their new permanent pencil. The new pencil uses a new liquid graphite ink that turns this pen into a liquid pencil. The liquid graphite is erasable for three days, after which the “ink” becomes permanent.

I am a fan of using pens for my cabinet scribes. They allow me to leave a nice dark line that is easy to see against white or even blue masking tape. They also allow me to use less pressure during the scribing process so I don't have to worry about pressing lines into soft woods. I like the idea of using a liquid pencil on my scribes because it offers all the benefits of a pen, but is also erasable like a pencil for those oops moments. However, I am not much of a fan of the permanent aspect of the new pencil. I hope they will come out with a non-permanent liquid pencil as well. Check out the video from Engadget after the Read More

Sharpie Blog Via Engadget