tired of dead batteries in your cordless tools? me too! so let's hack away!!

ok this is my 1st instructable so please be kind.
Are you like me when it comes to cordless tools? I get so frustrated with half finished projects and hours of wait time while those "convenient" cordless tools charge. so, i wanted to add wall power to them but, the key for me was to achieve this and not make a permanent mod to the tool itself,. now the real question is.. HOW result do i get that result? surprisingly it's really simple, minimal soldering required and again not a permanent modification to the tool. the best part is that i can change from tool to tool for flexibility, i can still use battery packs when an outlet isn't available and it cost me no money.  OH and it only took about 30 minutes. OK let's get hacking!!1) cordless tool(s).  I had a 24v firestorm drill/ jig saw/ reciprocating saw combo i had rescued from someones curbside trash (YaY free!!)
2) suitable voltage converter w/ power cord (IE laptop charger or such), works best if it also is small enough to fit inside the old battery pack (this one was in with a bunch of electronics i rescued from a dumpster (YaY free again!! sensing a theme yet?) You could build your own if you have that skill, or a wall wart will work fine too, i didn't have a wall wart capable of the 24v needed for these tools.
3) 22-24 AWG wire 
4) soldering iron w/solder
5)   shrink tubes, sandpaper or small files, pliers, screwdrivers, a dremel is very handy, hot glue gun and glue (or if you're like me and don't have one...improvise) 
6) and MOST IMPORTANT....a little common sense

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Custom Bias Tape Without Special Tools

You can buy bias tape in any retail craftyplace for $2 and change (plus gas).  You can also order bias tape online, paying a ridiculous shipping cost (or waiting FOREVER for it to arrive).  However, commercial bias tape is typically solid in color, comes in 3 yd. packages, and is sometimes difficult to coordinate with your sewing project.  With $3 in fabric*, some thread, and a couple hours, you can make continuous miles** of your very own.

* full retail.  I picked up this piece for $0.72, including tax.  It can be done for free if you have discarded clothing or sheets you are willing to cut into.
** ok, yards, but an easy 4-5x more!

woven fabric, laundered (the piece I am working with is cotton, 25 in. L x 44 in. W.)
iron + ironing board
fabric scissors
pins
needle + thread -OR- sewing machine + thread
ruler -OR- measuring tape + a straight edge
washable marker (rinses out) -OR- chalk, depending on light or dark fabric

Optional:
cutting mat, rotary cutter, poster board for strip template (not pictured), hat pin (for wider bias tape)

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Storing garden tools with style (aka Zombiewall)

Storing shovels, rakes, and all the other tools used in the garden can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. An artistic flare is often missing. We built a shed in the corner of our yard to replace the ugly tin shed that was poorly placed.

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