Today I have a guest post from a group that does something quite unique for the products they sell.

Handing off to Amanda from WisconsinMade.com:

I’m Amanda and I blog for the online gift store, Wisconsinmade.com.  When Ryan asked me to do a guest blog post, he mentioned that he likes how Wisconsinmade.com has information about the people who make all of the products and he thinks every website should share that information. The Artisan Info, as we call it, gives shopper the opportunity to read the story about the people who make each gift.  From the cheesemaker who pampers his cows like princesses to the craftsman who designs gifts from a variety of Wisconsin woods, every artisan has a story, and Firl Industries, our log carrier manufacturer, is no exception.

In a world where labor is outsourced or done by robots, Firl Industries is unique. The company has been manufacturing canvas products since 1965. The log carriers featured on Wisconsinmade.comare made, not by foreign laborers or machines, but by a qualified sewing staff in Fond du Lac,Wisconsin.  Most of the Firl Industries staff has been employed at the company for more than 20 years. Not only can you feel good about supporting an American company that takes care of its workers, but the functionality of the bag itself is exceptional. The design keeps dirt and wood off the floor, distributes weight evenly for easy lifting, and folds neatly and compactly for convenient storage. With two sizes and six colors to choose from, you are sure to find the log carrier that fits the décor of your home or cabin.  From functional to fun, Wisconsinmade.com is always adding new USA made products, so stop by often to see what else is new.

I hope you enjoyed the guest post, Leave a comment and Let Amanda know what you think! At the very least, Stop by the WisconsinMade.com site and pickup some goodies.

Where the tools at?

I have a detached garage, so it’s a bit of a pain when there is a foot of snow on the ground, or I need a screw driver or hammer for a single fastener and it’s pouring down rain. Solution: new House Toolbox.

So I set out to list some things I’d need for the toolbox. First off, the toolbox.

So I hit my local Hardware store to see what they had in stock.  The selection was between some small tool boxes that were made “somewhere” (no label). And a couple Stack-On Tool Boxes; I went with the 23″ pro model.

The Stack-On box is really sturdily built.  No Joke! It feels more sturdy than my older Craftsman metal toolbox.  The hinges are super strong, four or five inch wide hinge barrel with a heavy gauge pin (I grab and move it around by the lid with little flex.) and when it’s latched shut, it’s very solid.

I have decided to fill it with Items made in the USA only. Seemed like the thing to do… since I have this site. Mostly, I will pickup tools from the flea markets but if the need arises; I’ll likely buy what I have mentioned below.

Screwdriver set:

• Enderes 6 in 1 Screwdriver – Enderes Tools
• JH Williams 5-piece – JH Williams Tool Group
• Channellock Code Blue 7-piece Screwdriver Set – Channellock

Plier set:

• Channellock 6-Inch Long Nose Plier
• Channellock 6.5-Inch Slip Joint Plier
• Channellock Griplock Set

Adjustable wrench

• Channellock 8″ adjustable Wrench

Sockets

• Craftsman Std/Met Socket Wrench Set – Craftsman
• Gator Grip Socket- Endeavor Tool Company- Great multifunctional tool

Tape

• Gorilla Glue and Tape – Gorilla Glue

zip ties

• 500-Pack of zip ties – Gardner Bender

Hammer

• Estwing Hammer – Estwing

Level

• Klein Tool Aluminum Level – Klein Tools

Any suggestions?

I had an “incident” this year that could have resulted in my house burning down. It was a windy day, a dumpster near my home had caught on fire and it spread into my yard and was licking at my home. I only had to replace siding. I was very lucky.

It was time to protect some of my necessary items with a fire proof safe.

In looking around for a safe I really only had one criteria. Save my stuff inside if it’s in a fire. I had looked at Honeywell safes. They were less expensive, but they didn’t have the right wording on the box(Made in xxxxx, and no “FireProof” wording until you get to $80-100). I’m sure they are fine safes, Just not a Fire-Safe in my price range.  I needed to make sure I was getting something that would survive a house fire. Anything else would be pretty much useless.

I ran across this on Sentry Safe’s Blog. It’s an independent test of a Sentry safe and Honeywell safe.

If you are still skeptical, Here is a CNN video.

SentrySafe is Family owned and Operated by the Brush Family out of new york.

I ended up going with the KS2100. It had the right price(under $50), right size, Waterproof seal, and Fire protection for up to an hour for documents and Media.

After opening it, I filled it up with as much gold as would fit (I wish) and started messing around with the lock and lid. I wanted to make sure I could get my documents out once in.  There was a minor problem with the latch on the lid, it was catching on something and not allowing the lid to latch properly. It must have been stuck from the factory or in shipping.  Once I tried it a few more times the latch began functioning properly, so it was only a minor glitch. I have opened and closed it multiple times now without issue.

Best part is, aside from it being made in the US, if you do have a fire they replace your safe for free.

My PSA: If you get anything bigger than the kr2100, Have someone help you lift it. These things are not lite.
SentrySafe on Amazon
SentrySafe website