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The design and shape of cordless power tools makes then fit into areas where corded power tools will not. In many cases, this leads to a sacrifice of turning strength from the motor. Dewalt power tools makes larger voltage cordless power tools to deliver more power for your job. Dewalt cordless power tools are the ones most often selected by professionals. Their dependability and ability to perform heavier work than most of the other lines of cordless tools is the reason for this. When doing repetitive work like hanging sheet rock, drill bits for driving the screws holding the sheet rock in place, tend to wear out and need replacement often. The quick-change heads of Dewalt power tools make this an easy task to accomplish with minimum slowing of the work being performed. Dewalt power tools offers a nice line of cordless screwdrivers and variable speed drills. The power ratings range from 7.2-volt motors up to 24-volt motors delivering the type of power you need. A variable speed drill is used to make a variety of different size holes from very tiny ones used to enable nails and screws to be driven without splitting the wood to large ones used for installing door knob assemblies. When using a variable speed drill, start your drilling slowly to allow the bit time enough to get firmly seated in the hole. This will lessen the chance of the bit jumping when higher speeds are applied which might cause you to drill something you did not want to have drilled. Dewalt power tools offer a full range of both corded and cordless tools. Their durability and easy ability to change accessories makes them highly desired for professionals. Dewalt power tools deliver in work conditions where other power tools fail. The only drawback I can see to this magnificent line of cordless tools is their weight. Having larger voltages to deliver more power means larger battery packs and larger motors as well. If you have to use one of these heavy cordless power tools all day, you will feel like you have done an intensive workout. Because this is a superior product, you can expect to pay a superior price for it as well. While you will see sales for the combo packs available in store ads, you may notice that these are the lighter weight tools. They will perform the work desired in most situation, but for the really heavy duty applications the heavy duty power tools will command a heavy duty price tag. Chuck Fitzgerald is the President of Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online store providing backcountry specialty gear and educational information for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit www.BackCountryToys.com to receive the free newsletter "FreshAir” or call Every time I leave the pavement, I take along my trusty hiking pack – even if I have no intention of hiking. Doing this has become a habit rather than a conscious decision. My pack goes with me when a hike, camp, hunt, fish, bird watch and even when I drive out of town. I've been a boy scout and a United States Marine so I suppose I have learned to be prepared for almost anything. My pack is full of items I hope I will never need. What's In Your Hiking Pack? As an outdoor enthusiast, you have complete control over what you carry or what stays in the car – such as a cell phone, do you carry one? I wouldn't dare go in the backcountry without all of the items listed below as “Highly Recommend.” What's In My Hiking Pack? Here is my list split into two categories with the weight of each item in ounces: Highly Recommend: Cell Phone (5 ounces), First-Aid Kit (9), Flashlight (4), Food - Beef Jerky (4), Insect Repellent (3), Map & Compass (4), Multi-Tool (9), Pack (24), Signal Mirror (1), Spare Vehicle Key (1), Sunglasses & Sunscreen (2), Water, Waterproof matches (1), Waterproof windbreaker (24), Whistle (1). Total weight: 5 pounds 12 ounces, not including water. Nice to Have: Bandana (1), Binoculars (12), Cash & ID (1), Disposable Camera (4), Emergency Blanket (1), Extra Batteries (4), GPS Unit (10), Hand warmers (1), Hunting knife (8), Lighter (1), Lip Balm (1), Mini-Umbrella (10), Paper & Pen (1), Rangefinder (8), Road Flare (4), 12 feet of rope (2), Saw (7), Toilet Paper (1), Two-Way Radio (7), Work Gloves (2). Total weight: 5 pounds 2 ounces. The total weight of my hiking pack not counting water, is 10 pounds 14 ounces. My pack has a shoulder harness system that takes the weight off of my lower back and distributes it evenly across my shoulders and upper back. I hardly notice my pack when I'm wearing it. One last point, if you carry something – make sure you know how to use it. We've all heard quotes about being prepared, such as “Chance favors the prepared mind.” – Louis Pasteur and “The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital.” – Joe Paterno and “Chance fights ever on the side of the prudent.” – Euripides. I suggest carrying a well thought out pack is a good habit and a good outdoor life-skill. One day it may save a family member, an outdoor companion or even you. Plan ahead before you venture into our backcountry, even if you plan to be gone only an hour or two. It makes good sense. With just this small amount of planning you'll get the most out of your backcountry experiences. Use this information and you'll Get It Right The First Time. Get Outdoors! About the AuthorChuck Fitzgerald is the President of Arizona based BackCountry Toys, an online store providing backcountry specialty gear and educational information for outdoor enthusiasts. Visit www.BackCountryToys.com to receive the free newsletter FreshAir” or call (800) 316-9055. http://www.aaarticles.com/article.php?id=20928 | ||||||||||||||||||||