Spring is in the air and the time to go enjoy the outdoors again is here. For many families this means a trip to the local park or ball field for some memory making. Unfortunately, because of the economy some local parks have all but shut down because of budget cuts, and poor maintenance.

Sears Blue Lawn & Garden Crew wants to bring new life to some local parks with their new makeover giveaway called More Green Across America. You can nominate your local park to win the grand prize of a complete lawn and garden giveaway worth $30,000. In addition, 10 first prize winners will receive $3,140 worth of Lawn and Garden equipment for their local park.

To nominate your park, submit up to 4 photos and a 250 word or less essay explaining why your park or ball field deserves the makeover. Nominations will be accepted through April 16 after which Judges will narrow the submissions to 10 finalists. Starting April 21 America will be able to vote for the Grand Prize winner.

If you know of a park in need, take a couple minutes to add your nomination; I am sure the local kids would thank you.

More Green Across America

Cordless impacts become stronger, smaller, lighter, and better in just about every way with each new release. Because of this, Manufactures are looking for new ways to make their impact bits and accessories strong enough to be able to handle all the extra torque.

Bosch has just announced their brand new line of accessories specifically designed with the power of impacts in mind. The Impact Tough Line includes Insert Bits (Phillips, Square, and Torx), Power Bits (Phillips, Square, and Torx), Nut Setters ( 1/4” to 7/16”) and Sockets & Socket Adapters (5/16” to 15/16” socket outputs, 3/8” and 1/2” square drives).

The Impact Tough screw driving bits are not only built with stronger tips, but also include something called torsion zone, which helps absorbs some of the torque during high loads. The new Nut Setters feature a larger brass N43 neodymium magnet that is said to last longer and offer better holding power then traditional nut drivers. Bosch will also introduce a family of Impact Tough Hole Saws that are designed for fast clean cuts through metal.

The new Impact Tough accessories will first hit stores in two bulk sets. The first being a 30-piece General Purpose Impact Screw Driving Set (18 insert bits, 7 power bits, 1 bit holder, 3 nut setters and 1 socket adapter) and the second a 21-piece Insert Bit Set (20 insert bits and a bit holder). The hole saws are set to be released in various sizes early this summer.

I have found that regular Bosch bits are one of the few that can last day after day in an impact driver, so these new bits should be something to look forward to.

ChannelLock has kicked off a great way to celebrate the USA and the great tools made in the USA, with their Red White & ChannelLock Blue Sweepstakes. From now until the 4th of July ChannelLock will be giving away a 5-piece ChannelLock Tool Roll every other week to one winner. I am sure you will be able to find tons on uses for the tools, as I have with the latest ChannelLock 6” V Jaw Pliers.

You can enter the contest by filling out the online entry form. The contest is open to all legal residents of the US, D.C. and Canada (except Quebec) who are 18 years of age as of March 15, 2010.

The prize consists of:

• 526 – 6” Slip Joint Plier
• 430 – 10” Tongue & Groove Plier
• 337 – 7” Diagonal Cutting Plier
• 420 – 9.5” Tongue & Groove Plier
• 3017 – 8” Long-Nose Plier
• and a Tool Roll

Red White & ChannelLock Blue Sweepstakes

We have all been in situations where we start working in one area only to realize that we have left an important tool on the other side of the jobsite. The best way to avoid problems like this is to always have your tools on yourself at all times. Of coarse this is not always possible because of size and weight limitations.

Say bye bye to this problem forever with the new DogBoss tool transport system. Now all those extra tools that you just don't have room for, can be kept on mans best co-worker. The DogBoss can be easily adjusted to fit most larger dog comfortably, allowing them to carry up to 40 lbs. of tools. Keep one of your tool bags full of dog treats and you will have one loyal happy co-worker.

The DogBoss is available exclusively at [:cicn:]Duluth Trading for $49.95, and comes with a training manual and DVD.