dewalt tools : Just the ticket for trashing the place

There are those who will never acquire the carpentry skills needed to cut a perfect dovetail joint.

But that doesn't mean they can't help with home renovation projects. They can always be put to work ripping out the old stuff before the upgrades go in. It's actually an extremely satisfying job, and one that just got easier with a new multi-functional demolition tool from Stanley.

The FatMax Xtreme Fubar (functional utility bar) is a one-person wrecking tool, combining the functions of sledgehammer, pry bar, ripping chisel, wood splitter, board bender and nail puller.

Made from one piece of heavy-duty steel, it has an extra-large striking face for bashing and breaking drywall and other materials. The two-tiered extracting claw can be used to grab and pull lumber, or as a board bender, and the chiselled blade at the other end of the claw is great for splitting wood or metal strapping. The bevelled nail slot and pry bar deals handily with nails.

The only drawback to this nifty tool is that it may tempt users to look for parts of the home to demolish, thereby giving those who do have sophisticated building skills even more work to do.

The Stanley FatMax Xtreme Fubar is one of several new tools the company is launching in its Xtreme line, which hits the stores this weekend. It will retail for about $50 and will be available at home centres, mass merchants and hardware stores.
Choosing tools that multi-task is one way to trim the costs of being a toolhead. But there are others. Home Depot has a new section on its website that tool lovers should keep an eye on. Called Hammer Drop, this online feature highlights one item every day at 8 a.m. at a bargain-basement price. Frequently, the items are housewares and furniture, but there are also some deals on tools. This week, for example, a DeWalt 18-volt hammer drill that normally retails for $499 was going for $299.

byVICKY SANDERSON