u/Marvel5123

10yr I-90 renewal. It has been close to a year and using the timeframe tool, we are past the point we can inquire about the case. We submitted a request to check the status of the case and got a confirmation number.

What typically happens after this? Will USCIS contact us or update the myUSCIS account?

If you purchase a tool in Japan and have it shipped to the US, do you have to pay a tariff on arrival/delivery from FedEx? I do not seen an option to "pre-pay" so was curious if tariffs were still in effect. Total order was $180 and was for a electric/battery tool.

Are there any good property tax protest company recommendations? What is a reasonable commission (25-50% of taxes saved)?

If you do protest by the 5/15 deadline, do you have to have all your evidence (pictures etc) submitted by then or can you do it after the 15th? thank you.

Have an item currently out of stock in US but the international locations have it in stock. Are there reputable shipping forward services? How does this work? They just get the package and then mail it on?

get bad allergies a couple times of year but self manage with OTC medications

have ability to do allergy testing for about $50 since I’ve met deductible.

my allergies while annoying are tolerable and I don’t want to be on Rx or long term medication because it doesn’t bother me that much.

is it still worth getting allergy tested? Is the information obtained for awareness worth the effort?

Sometimes, THD offers a 'free item' promotion.

Example: A two pack of batteries is $300 + free item

You choose a free item that is normally $300.

They pro-rate in cart to $150 per item.

You return the un-wanted item and get the batteries for $150.

They do this so you can't return the batteries for $300 and keep the free item.

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This is commonly found on Slickdeals but is there anything actually against THD policy for this?

Sometimes, THD offers a 'free item' promotion.

Example: A two pack of batteries is $300 + free item

You choose a free item that is normally $300.

They pro-rate in cart to $150 per item.

You return the un-wanted item and get the batteries for $150.

They do this so you can't return the batteries for $300 and keep the free item.

-

This is commonly found on Slickdeals but is there anything actually against THD policy for this?

I know when using non-Japanese bits in the Made in Japan impact drivers, there will be more give/movement with the bit relative to a Japanese bit.

Will the impact driver still physically hold the bit (albeit with more slop) or can the bit fall out?

I do know they make a (tiny) adapter bit (A-44672) but was just curious if using a non-Japanese bit would still work perfectly fine without it or if it would likely just fall out, etc.

I’m curious, how popular is Makita outside the United States?

I feel that the brand, despite it‘s amazing quality and performance, isn‘t as popular as some of the other “colors”/brands.

Are there countries (besides presumably Japan 🇯🇵) where Makita products are the standard and most widely used by DIY and pros?

For some reason, Australia and New Zealand come to mind but maybe it’s the accent from some of the YouTube channels that review Makita tools, haha.

Bought a new Honda HRX (200cc) mower about a year ago for a very good deal (under $600).

I admit it's very nice and powerful. Have taken good care of it and only used ethanol-free from day one.

I want to get an electric mower (specifically Makita XGT 40v with the 8.0Ah batteries). We use electric for everything else and I am seriously considering the transition, not because the Honda isn't good (I know it's world class), but the fact I know I can probably get what I paid for if not more is appealing.

I really don't have a need for two lawnmowers. Just wanted some thoughts. Thank you!

Bought a new Honda HRX (200cc) mower about a year ago for a very good deal (under $600).

I admit it's very nice and powerful. Have taken good care of it and only used ethanol-free from day one.

I want to get an electric mower (specifically Makita XGT 40v with the 8.0Ah batteries). We use electric for everything else and I am seriously considering the transition, not because the Honda isn't good (I know it's world class), but the fact I know I can probably get what I paid for if not more is appealing.

I really don't have a need for two lawnmowers. Just wanted some thoughts. Thank you!

I know this may seem like a ELI5 question but how do the pros effectively/efficiently blow a lawn after mowing/weed eating?

I find myself walking down the sidewalk with the blower (handheld) and making a "U" motion.

1. Are you suppose to try to blow the clippings out of the edging you just did?

After blowing the sidewalk (which is next to a street) clean, I go to the street and try to blow the grass clippings there so they're not just laying in the road. I find oftentimes it gets blown back into/onto the sidewalk I just did.

What about blowing leaves/debris from the front porch area? I've tried to blow the material away by pointing the blower nozzle directly at it but it just seems to make a vortex of debris. Have tried recently to blow the actual house (vertical surface) to try to create a "cushion" of air blowing backwards which seems to work well.

Any tips on blowing leaves/grass from flower beds without moving/disrupting mulch?

Have an (LXT) XBU03 that was part of a kit that we've been using for a while. It is very nice and works well but was just curious if the XGT line's blowers are significantly more powerful. Not too familiar with blowers as far as whether its CFM or MPH that's more important for blowing grass clippings off of sidewalks, etc.

XBU03: 459 CFM, 116 MPH

GBU01: 565 CFM, 143 MPH

Is this an actually noticeable and meaningful difference?

edit: thank you all