Ask IRWIN

I just bought a chalk reel and the very first marks were hard to see. What happened?

You need to prepare your new chalk reel. Do so by pulling out the line several feet, and rewinding it. Repeat this step a few times. It will help the line absorb the chalk and produce darker, sharper strikes from the start.

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Chisels

Can IRWIN chisels be re-sharpened? If so, what's the best angle to re-sharpen at?

Circular Saw Blades

I am crosscutting oak veneer plywood on a table saw, and the veneer is chipping on the backside. What type of blade would you recommend to cleanly cut across plywood?

Drill Bits

Extractors

What is the difference between a nutsetter that has a standard hex design vs. one that has a lobular design?

Fastener Drives

I recently purchased a cargo trailer. There are 2 screws that hold the license plate bracket on. I cannot identify the screw drive type. At first glance I thought it was a Torx head, but upon closer examination and trial I noticed that the star has 8 points instead of 6. The points are not as prominent as a Torx. Can you identify it?

Hand Saws

Levels

Marking Chalk

Pliers and Wrenches

Are the GrooveLock and ProTouch pliers tested?

Snips

Tape Measures

Taps, Dies, & Sets

Utility Knives & Blades

What does the 'Bi-Metal' mean when referring to a utility blade?

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