HITACHI DB3DL Automatic Screw Driver
Hitachi – the huge global company that makes everything from earth moving equipment to plasma TV’s also happens to offer an automatic screwdriver that functions like it was made specifically to be used during the course of a home inspection. Let me be clear – I bet the designers and execs at Hitachi spend about as much time considering the needs of a home inspector as you and I spend considering the needs of, well, Hitachi. That being said, they flat hit one out of the park when they designed the new DB3DL. I use an automatic screwdriver to remove panels every day– electrical panels, air handler panels, side attic panels, whatever. I have used auto driver products from Black and Decker, Skill, and Panasonic. Never have I employed a driver that works so well on a home inspection. It has a high speed that makes those old high thread count panel screws look like pushpins and a low speed with enough torque to motivate even the most stubborn of fasteners, even rusted crawl space door hinge screws. One button for forward and reverse keeps it simple. In addition, a clever lock-out button prevents the driver from being turned on in your tool bag and spinning its charge out. A well placed LED light on the business end helps you to line up the holes without having to pull out your flashlight. The handle has two positions – straight and 60 degrees and it comes with 2 Li-ion batteries that will last about a week each on a single charge. The only draw back is the two position handle that does not lock out. If you push too hard to keep the driver point in contact with the screw head, the handle can buckle into the 60 degree position.
The total cost for mine was about $85 – and worth every penny. I highly recommend the HitachiDB3DL auto screwdriver. Click Here To Hitachi Page

HOME
HELP DESK
TOOL REVIEWS
CONTACT US
MARKETING MEDIA

After years of searching for a dust mask that would not fog my glasses, I came across the 3M face mask. I never considered a full face mask. After all, there is no comparison with the light weight of a M92 fiber dust mask. The full face mask is heavy, bulky and expensive. However, the protection a full face mask offers is worth every penny. Visibility is very good. The mask does not fog. Maneuvering in an even tight crawl space is surprisingly easy with the mask on. You know what I mean when you pull back fiberglass insulation and get a mouth or eye full of debris? With the full face mask on, you don’t even flinch, you just keep on inspecting. The mask has static fit disposable lens so the mask always stays fresh. One package of lens will last over a year.  I use the asbestos rated cartridges. They are $20.00 compared to $8.00 for the standard cartridges. The cartridges seem to last a good while (4 to 6 months depending on the dust). I get my mask and supplies for the mask at Grainger for $129.00. The only drawback is replacing the rubber strap. If you wear glasses, you have to pull the mask in very tight. After many tugs, the tips of the rubber head band break. A replacement headband only comes in a pack of 4 straps and they cost $70.00. But again, the safety advantages of the 3M 6898 are worth the expense. You can find other vendors of 3M full face masks by Googleing 3m 6898. NOTE: The mask comes in large, medium and small. Click here to Grainger Mask.