Tools & toys

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Generac LP5500 Portable Generator

Generac LP5500 Portable Generator

What’s to love: It never hurts to have a back-up power source. This new propane-powered generator has a dial that integrates all controls into one easy-to-use mechanism for quick start-up.

What does it do: The start-up control, which Generac calls the Power Dial, has three positions, one used to prime the engine, another to start and the last to stop the unit. The priming bulb is also integrated into the dial. The generator has a dolly-style handle, which aids in ease of use and mobility and it folds down for storage. The unit can be fueled by either a 20- or 30- gallon tank. List price is $899.

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Sugru

Sugru

What’s to love: It is a clay-like material that bonds to almost anything and, when cured overnight, is a strong flexible silicone rubber that can be used for all kinds of things.

What does it do: For $10 you can buy three foil-wrapped packages of Sugru that will keep for about 6 months, or 18 months if kept in the refrigerator. You can hand form the material, which will bond with aluminium, steel, ceramics, glass, wood, some plastics and silicone. The company says it will help you fix, modify and improve your stuff.

It comes in different colors and once cured withstands heat, cold and moisture. It stays flexible and electrically insulating, making it useful in repairing wires, but there are many more uses on the website Sugru.com.

HomeStyle, Pages 33 on 04/27/2013

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