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In addition to items that help the energy efficiency of fireplaces are those that are necessary to its operation or that add to its decorative value. Fire screens, andirons, grates, fire tools and gas logs fall into this category. With the exception of gas logs, there...

As environmental issues continue to pick up steam, many consumers are turning to fans as a lower cost and environmentally safe cooling alternative. Fans, as a whole, use little energy compared to other cooling methods, and their low price point attracts cost conscious...

Excessive dampness in a home can cause damage to walls, floors, carpets and even plumbing. It is especially prevalent in basements, basement apartments and storage areas. A dehumidifier takes excessive moisture out of the air by blowing humid air over cold evaporator...

Window air conditioners cool, circulate, filter and dehumidify air in the house. They range in size from small units with a cooling capacity of 5,000 BTUs (enough to cool a small room) to as high as 32,000 BTUs (sufficient to cool a small house with adequate airflow)....

An electronic air cleaner cuts household cleaning chores by substantially reducing dust buildup. It can provide personal relief from pollen, dust and other airborne irritants. According to some manufacturers, air cleaners can prevent circulation of up to 95 percent of...

Top quality wrenches are forged from fine-grade tool steel, machined to close tolerances, hardened and tempered for long service life. Types include open-end, box- end, combination box/open end, adjustable, socket and locking grip styles. Because most imported...

Steel sawhorse bracket kits convert five pieces of square-cut lumber into a sturdy sawhorse; the assembly is secured with nails or wing-nuts. Those that require wing-nuts allow disassembly with no damage to the wood. The other type provides flanged nail holes for easy...

TOOLBOXES Steel toolboxes are most popular. Their prices vary according to gauge of steel used, number of trays and whether the box is reinforced in the corners. Some precision tool users use hardwood chests because the wood absorbs rust-producing condensation....

Quality screwdrivers are judged by the kind of metal in the blade, finish and amount of grinding on the tip. Material used in the handle and bar attachment to the handle are other quality indicators. If blade metal is poor quality, it will chip and crumble under...

STANDARD HANDSAWS Handsaws have 14" to 26" blades. Fineness of cut depends on the number of cutting teeth per inch and tooth shape. A coarse crosscut saw with seven or eight teeth per inch is best for fast, rough work or for use on green wood. A fine-tooth crosscut...