Home Improvement Resources - ELFA Closet Organizers: An Alternative To Custom Closet Storage Systems

Saturday October 11, 2008

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10/10/2008

Q&A: Should I buy a lithium-ion-powered cordless drill?
I’m considering finally replacing my trusty corded drill with a new cordless model. Does it pay to spend more for a lithium-ion tool? We’ve seen more makers of cordless drills and cordless tool kits abandoning nickel-cadmium batteries for lithium-ion, or Li-Ion, cells, which promise lighter weight and/or longer run times. How you plan on using the tool would play a critical role in that decision. If you’re an infrequent, light-duty user, it probably wouldn’t make sense to pay a premium for a Li-Ion-powered drill. If you use the tool frequently for heavy-duty tasks, it might make sense to buy a Li-Ion drill. But our latest tests, in the November 2008 issue of Consumer Reports, reveal that you might need to follow different charging and use patterns with Li-Ion batteries; otherwise they might not last as long as you’d expect. What’s more, Li-Ion replacement batteries are more expensive than the nickel-cadmium ones and can cost more than $100 apiece. Read our new review of cordless tools to drill down to the details on lithium-ion tools, use our buying advice to find the right model, and use our tips for better drilling. Essential information: Watch our exclusive videos on cordless tools, including pieces on how we test drills (right), basic shopping advice, and a tool kit with a problematic saw.

10/08/2008

Pest Patrol: How to control moles in your yard
Moles, common in backyards throughout most of the United States, are a frequently cited problem in our Pest Patrol forum. The two most common mole varieties—star-nosed and eastern—measure about 7 inches long from nose to tail. They have broad, outward-facing pads on their front feet, small and narrow hind feet, and tiny pinholes for eyes; their ears are not visible. Moles are voracious, high-metabolism feeders who use their large front paws to tunnel through the ground searching for ants, earthworms, and grubs; some species consume more than their weight in food daily. "They are pretty well adapted to life underground," says Craig Riekena, a compliance manager for Bell Laboratories, which makes the mole poison Talpirid. "Their fur lies and flexes against their skin in a way that lets them tunnel as if they're swimming." You'll know you have a mole problem if you spot visible trenches and dug-up soil in your lawn and garden. Look for the raised ridges that characterize mole feeding burrows, along with molehills, which look like miniature volcanoes with plugged holes in the center. These are often located close to the deep permanent burrows where moles nest and reproduce. Some molehills can be substantial enough to damage mower blades and housings. Flower beds are also at risk. "Since grubs gather around the roots of shrubs and flowers, moles scrape that dirt away and remove the plant's foundation and depriving the flowers of nourishment," says Stephanie VanSyckle, a spokeswoman for mole-trap manufacturer Victor. Whether you take action against moles will depend on the extent of the damage they cause and your personal threshold for how it looks. Consumers Union Senior Scientist Michael Hansen notes that the ridges and molehills are mainly an aesthetic problem; you can tamp down the ridges and water them to repair damage. Hansen points out that moles' preferred foods include several soil pests, especially grubs, so getting rid of moles could exacerbate other problems. To prevent moles from burrowing under or climbing into specific sections of your garden, experts recommend burying metal mesh hardware cloth 2 feet vertically below ground with another 6 inches showing above ground. Moles tend to tunnel closer to the surface in spring when soil is moist and go deeper in the summer. "Since moles have trouble burrowing through dense soil, arranging stones or dense claylike soil around a garden to a depth of 2 feet can also help," says Hansen. Another natural defense—using a castor-oil mixture—has been touted by a poster in the Pest Patrol forum who says he hit on the idea after hearing that moles sometimes avoid fields where castor beans are planted. There's more than a bean of truth to that idea—a series of studies by three Michigan State University researchers revealed that one castor-oil-based spray repellent did keep moles at bay for periods ranging from 30 to 60 days. Peter Sawchuk, a program leader in our Technical Department, reports good results using Spectracide's Mole Stop and Bonide's Mole & Gopher Repellent. "Both of these have worked well for me," Sawchuk says, "but keep in mind that you'll be driving the moles into the adjoining property, which might not endear you to your neighbor." Other posters are recommending cats as another natural way to control moles.

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ELFA Closet Organizers: An Alternative To Custom Closet Storage Systems

Date Added: November 16, 2007 08:31:56 AM

Elfa closet organizers are an inexpensive alternative to custom closet storage systems. Each of the elfa components are made of durable steel. This steel has an epoxy coating of either platinum or white. There are solid wood accessories also available. Elfa has veneer or melamine shelving units as well.

You can use the elfa system in any area of your home or office. The elfa closet organizers use a simple top track system. The components hang from this top track. Installation is quick and easy. Leveling the track and drilling to anchor it to the wall is what most of the work consists of. With the top track system, you do not have to worry too much about leveling elsewhere. Should you not feel comfortable installing the system yourself, certain areas are covered so have an installer come in to do the work.

The simple tracking design means flexibility. You can adjust the dowels for hanging. You can raise or lower shelves. Drawers can be moved. This is a system you can truly make work for you. It can grow as your needs grow. Versatility in a storage unit is always a good thing.

The shelves offered by Elfa come in ventilated styles. The wires are close enough so nothing falls through. Light and air can pass through with ease. The shelves can be ordered in a variety of lengths and depths. You can custom design the system based on your personal needs.

The drawers are available in a variety of depths and widths. The slider system keeps the drawers sliding quietly in their track. Liners can be added for a more personal touch. The drawer units are available as cabinet units or free standing.

The Elfa design system allows you to customize your closet organizers. It goes through the entire process by asking the size of your closet, what you would like, even gender and height of the person using the system. You can plan the space you want with suggestions from their designers. They will customize your order for you.

Elfa offers assembly guides for all their components online in English and Spanish. You have the option to enter into live chat with a representative. They are a one of a kind service. You have versatility with elfa closet organizers. You can decide what you want and how you want it. It is a great alternative to other closet organizer systems.

Not sure which closet organizer is the right one for your closet? No problem, explore custom closet organizers built to fit your closet by visiting http://www.bestclosetorganizerguide.com a popular closet organizing site that provides tips, advice and resources.

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