Product review: Cord Connect Water-Tight Cord Lock - Green

I purchased this cord lock to protect an extension cord which I need to power my heated outdoor mat. I used it all last winter and it stayed dry inside through rain and snow.   I took inside for the summer and just put it out again.

This lock is adjustable in size, I can adjust its size to fit a variety of plugs and make it larger or smaller as needed. It is made out of heavy duty plastic and looks as good as it did before spending the winter outdoors.



You can find it on Amazon by following this link.



Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: 26" Rolling Snow Pusher With 6" Rubber Wheels

I bought this shovel last winter after seeing a similar roller pusher being used to clean snow in front of restaurant. I've never seen one these before and asked a guy to let me try it and I loved how easy it was on my back.  Our local stores did not carry it but Amazon had a few choices. I I selected this one because of the 6" wheel and 26" wide shovel (many are wider).  The large wheels let me handle 5" inches in one pass and the 26" width makes it easier to maneuver and store. 

Overall I am quite pleased! Over the last year I used it on wet and dry snow and both were easy on my back.  It is best on snow under 5". When we got more than 5 inches (or dealing with snow banks left by a snow plow) I am able to do push the top layer by pivoting the scoop up and then picking up the lower layer on the second sweep. After I push all the snow to form a hill on the edge of the lawn I am able to push the snow hill onto the lawn by pivoting the shovel up and rolling forward. This lets me drive the snow onto the lawn without damaging the grass thus making room for the next snow storm.

This shovel is works well for doing straight lines on well paved paths without cracks.  We have a crack at the end of the walkway and it always gets a bit hung up on it, but a slight pivot up allows me to get by without losing the snow pile. The empty pusher weight 11 pounds, so I find it easier to use than Toro Power shovel.



A note on assembly - each type of a bolt and fastener were in a plastic bag with a label.  They were easy to match up to the assembly instructions.



This is  my second winter with the snow pusher and it is holding up well. I like how easy it is on my back.





You can find it on Amazon by following this link.





Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: HeatTrak HCM24-3 Carpeted Snow-Melting Door Mat, 24 Inch by 36 Inch, 120 Volt

I purchased HeatTrak in the fall of 2015 and used it all last winter. It did not work as fast as I expected but it did work. So I just pulled it out to get ready for this winter.



Here is what I learned based on my last year experience.  The mat works slowly, so it is best to turn it on before the storm prior to any snow fall.  I normally keep the mat unplugged and plug in only when the storm is predicted.  I am using it on a wood deck. The mat did not cause discoloration under the mat. I see no signs that the wood stain under the mat has aged faster compared to other parts of the deck. The mat never felt hot to touch, only somewhat warm.  Note that it only gets warm when the temperature is cold, keep that in mind if you are trying to test in the fall when it is not cold enough.  The mat is less than 1/2" thick but has a thicker bump where the cord is connected to the mat.



The size of the map is 24" x 36" and feels quite heavy.  It does not get lifted even by heavy winds.  The "carpeted" side should face up, the smooth side should face down.

I also used the mat to melt icy patches on the deck. It took a long time to do the entire deck by moving the mat from spot to spot, but it was easier and caused less damage to the deck compared to trying to chip the ice off. I am using a 30 foot cord outdoor power cord and water-tight cord lock from Farm Innovators to protect the connection between the extension cord and the mat cord. Follow this link to find the cord lock I purchased. I like the green version because its size can be adjusted for different size plugs.



I wish it was a bit larger and a bit cheaper, but overall satisfied with how it worked last winter.





You can find it on Amazon by following this link.



Ali Julia review ★★★★☆