It’s that time of year again, where everyone lump Dads and Grads together so they can make snappy sounding sales promotions. Power tools, hand tools & accessory kits are no exception and they do make very popular gift ideas for Father’s Day or a Graduation. Power tools are probably more appropriate for college graduation or trade school graduation but a compact tool kit could provide useful for a high schooler headed to the dorms as well. Here are some inexpensive gift ideas you may want to checkout for your dad or graduating child, brother, sister, cousin, neighbor, friend, etc.

Father's Day & Graduation Gift Ideas

 
Milwaukee 20 Piece Thunderbolt Black & Bronze Bit Set
list price: $45.00 Sale Price: $19.95

 
Milwaukee 38 Piece Quik-loc Drill & Driver Bit Set
List Price: $47.00  Sale Price: $19.95

Wright 21 Piece 3/8" Socket Set
List Price: $99.84  Sale Price: $59.90

Dremel Cordless Tool Kit 10.8V
List Price: $183.59  Sale Price: $110.15

Bosch 10.8V Cordless Tool Kit (plus 2nd free Mail-in tool)
List Price: $235.00  Sale Price: $119.00

Milwaukee 14.4V Drill & Flashlight Tool Kit
List Price: $326.00  Sale Price: $137.60

Bosch 36 volt Cordless 4 Piece Combo Kit (+ Free 3rd Battery)
List Price: $1,156.00  Sales Price: $497.00

There are hundreds of other great gift ideas at Ohio Power Tool. If you have any questions or would like specific gift idea suggestions within a certain budget price range call 800-242-4424 and ask the pros.    

Posted by Jay A. at 02:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

   
In today’s global market many power tool & equipment manufacturers are selling around the world in many different markets. In each market you will find slightly difference products based on market demand, competition, patent laws and power voltage along with many other criteria. Normally when something is successful in one market they will want to bring the tool to more markets. This is why you can often get an idea of new tools that might be headed to the US by looking at power tool sites from other countries. We like to think we are always the first to get new products but often times that just isn’t the case.

Bosch Power Tools is one of the largest international companies which make power tools as well as so many other products from kitchen appliances to windshield wipers. On their Australian page we found an interesting product that will probably make its way to the US. The PMF 180 E is a multipurpose tool which very closely resembles the incredibly successful Fein Multimaster. I would be surprised if we don’t see this Bosch in US tool form by Christmas.     

In addition to the Bosch Power Tool line Ohio Power Tool has recently added the Fein Power Tool line to it’s list of manufacturers. The company produces many high quality tools professionals have come to depend on. Expect the full line of tools to be added to our website shortly. In the mean time fell free to call 800-242-4424 for pricing or with any questions about Fein tools.

Posted by Jay A. at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

It’s hard to get any work done headed into the memorial weekend. I think everyone else has the same idea because not too many people are buying power tools today. Probably won’t get many readers on the blog either but there maybe a few people trapped at there desk for another few hours bored to tears searching the internet for entertainment.

I just spent some time checking out some of the sites dedicated to Power Tool Drag Racing. The Seattle guys http://www.powertoolracer.com/ (or http://hazardfactory.org/ think it’s the same people) and the guys in San Francisco http://www.powertooldragraces.com/. It looks like there are some events coming up in the next few months if you are in those areas.   

Unfortunately there are no brilliantly insane people in Ohio who have annual power tool races otherwise I would love to build some kind of fire breathing monster and race it. Probably unfair as there are pallets of used tools and several tool mechanics a few hundred feet away from me who would probably get a kick out of turning Sawzalls into drag racers.     

Posted by Jay A. at 02:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Tanaka Power Equipment is commonly known for their high quality gas powered landscaping equipment such as edgers, weed wackers, chain saws, pole saws, hedgers and backpack leaf blowers. The real secret is their ability to build extremely tough lightweight gas motors that just don’t quit. In fact they sell just their engines by themselves which make it into all sorts of RC cars, planes, high powered blenders and all sorts of other weird projects you can find around the internet.

At Ohio Power Tool you won’t find much in the way of lawn care products (…yet) but you will find several models of the Tanaka Equipment line of Portable Gas Drills. The TED-262R and TED262L are almost identical except the 262R featured a powered reversing switch that allows you to automatically back the drill out. These are used heavily by pole workers for drilling through utility poles with up to a 1” bit. The TED-262HS is designed more specifically as a concrete coring drill. Sold separately is a coring drill wet kit 29898 that helps reduce friction, dust and heat. This drill is ideal for road work, bridge installation, sewer, HVAC, plumbing, steel work and so much more.

All the Tanaka drills are real work horses and include a 2 year commercial warranty which is even good on rental tools. Ohio Power Tool also services these gas drills when they need repair. If you have any questions about the Tanaka Gas Drills or accessories, as always, call 800-242-4424 to talk to the pros at Ohio Power Tool.

Below is a Tanaka Drill demo video which I though was a pretty good sample of the different jobs these drills are built.     

Posted by Jay A. at 08:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you didn’t know Ridgid has been holding a video contest for some time for faithful Ridgid fans. The contest entry deadline was April 30^th so unfortunately you can no longer submit videos. However the winner has not been selected and you still have an opportunity to vote on your favorite video at www.teamridgid.com. You can watch the 5 finalists YouTube Video below and I think there are even some Videos that didn’t make the cut floating around YouTube in addition to the 5 finalists.

These guys are all winners already because they get an all expenses paid trip to Cleveland, Ohio (Only 2 hours away from Columbus & Ohio Power Tool) for the final judging where the winner will get $2,500 in Ridgid Tools.   

5 Finalist Videos 

Ode' to the American Plumber

Posted by Jay A. at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by Jay A. at 07:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you haven’t picked up one of the Bosch 10.8V tools yet, now is the perfect time because you will get a free tool! Purchase any of the driver kits PS10-2, PS20-2 or PS40-2 and you can mail-in to receive a FREE PS20. The free tool is a bare tool only so you don’t get batteries, charger or carrying case but it’s still a great deal. It’s a tough decision between the i-drive PS10-2 or Impactor PS40-2 they are both great tools but I would probably go with the Impactor. Bosch is planning to release additional tools expected to hit shelves soon which will work on the same battery system. I would expect to see some new cutting tools, drills and probably some different woodworking or craft type tools. The 10.8V battery is great but probably won’t be powering a 6.5” circular saws anytime in the future.

If you have any questions call the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424.  

Posted by Jay A. at 03:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There are two new Milwaukee Tool offers worth highlighting, good until the inventory is gone.

The first offer is for Milwaukee Accessories. Purchase one of these three kits: Big Hawg Hole Saw 7 Piece Kit, Bi-Metal Hole Saw 15 Piece Kit & Sawzall Blades 14 Piece Kit. And you receive a second of the same kit FREE instantly. This is not a Mail-in rebate and these are in stock so the free kit can be shipped or picked up at the same time. All 3 kits feature the new ice hardened blades, which is the new technique of manufacturing that significantly improves the strength and life of the blades. This is a great deal and if you don’t think you will need both kits these would make great gifts and Father’s Day is not to far away.

The second Milwaukee offer is for Free Tools. Buy 2 tools and receive 1 tool free. This is a mail-in rebate form so you will be waiting a few weeks on the free tool. Ohio Power Tool is stocked up on the following tools and the prices are really great already. Tools included in the offer Milwaukee Drill 0299-20 ($119.94), Drill 0302-20 ($149.04), Hole Hawg Drill 1675-6 ($321.00), Super Hawg Drill 1680-21 ($359.40), Right Angle Drill 3107-6 ($255.00) & New 15 amp Super Sawzall 6538-21 ($187.50). The free tool options include 0299-20 Drill, 6148-6 Grinder & 0621-21 Sander. There is also no limit on the number of free tools and you can order any combination of tools to receive the free tools. View the PDF for full details on this offer.

Obviously these two deals work together very well so if you are in the market for hole saws / drills or a few of the new Super Sawzalls this deal should make your day. If you have any questions on either of these Milwaukee Tool offers call the pros at Ohio Power Tool (800-242-4424) and they should be able to answer you might have.       

Posted by Jay A. at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

There are advantages and disadvantages for each type of breaking tool with a large variety of tools in each category. We wanted to do an overview of the main differences between these types of systems as well as highlight a few recommended products in each category.

Pneumatic Breakers are very common among commercial demolition. Common Pneumatic breaker sizes are 35 lb, 60 lb and 90 lb. We recommend Chicago Pneumatic for the air breakers themselves.  

PROS: These air tools are lightweight and relatively inexpensive for the tools themselves. Tools can last a long time and are fairly easy to repair.  

CONS: Pneumatic Breakers require a fairly large air compressor power source. They are loud to operate, inoperable at low temperatures and complete system can be pricy. Air tools also require a fair amount of up keep due to need to be oiled and fear of moisture buildup in the lines.      

Power Source: The recommended compressor would be a Chicago Pneumatic screw compressor or Ingersoll Rand Gas Compressor if you are going to be working away from an electric power source. Breakers require much larger compressors than that portable one you use to power your nail gun. You will need a large tank and serious power. The screw compressors are recommended because they provide more continuous air flow, last longer, run quieter and are more compact.     

Hydraulic Breakers work similar to the pneumatic systems where there is a power source completely separate from the operating tool. Our recommendation for a Portable Hydraulic System would defiantly be the Atlas Copco Power Pack (picture shown above) with the associated tools.

PROS: Hydraulic tools provide the most power and torque as the fluid can not compress like air, the tools will not freeze at low temperatures, hydraulic tools can work underwater, life span of the tool is very long, low maintenance as the parts are continuously lubricated and the tools are quieter than other options.

CONS: The main problem with the hydraulic system is the initial costs are more than other options and if the line ever breaks you have a big mess.

Power Source: The Atlas Copco Power Pack is fairly compact with wheels and handle for easy maneuverability. It can easily be lifted into a truck bed and is far more portable than an air compressor with comparable output. The Atlas Copco sytem is powered by a Honda 13 hp gas engine and works with a wide range of tools which can all work simultaneously off one unit.

Electric Breakers are probably the easiest out of the box breakers to use. Simply plug into an electrical outlet and the tool is ready to use. These are the most common for rental to take out the back patio or other one time jobs. Our Recommendations would be for the Bosch Breakers, specifically the Bosch Brute 11304 or new lighter Bosch 11335K (shown above).

PROS: Easy to use, no expensive external power source required, can use in cold temperatures, quieter to operate than other options, less expensive for complete system.

CONS: Not as powerful as pneumatic or hydraulic tools, lower power/weight, need to be near source of electrical power, shorter life of tool, more costly repairs and should not be operated around water.

Power Source: The most versatile as it can work with any electric power source with a plug. For mobile use they work with any heavy duty jobsite generator such as the Milwaukee Generators powered by Honda Engines, available in 4300, 5000, 6000 & 7000 watts.  

Gas Breakers (self contained) are the only completely independent breakers that don’t have a cord or hose which could easily be cut or broken. Chicago Pneumatic makes the Red Hawk Gas Powered Breaker, our recommendation for gas breaker.

PROS: Completely self contained, quick easy set up, no hoses or electric cords to be damaged and more versatile single unit.

CONS: Noisier, poisonous exhaust fumes, heavy unit, continuous maintenance, costly repairs, lowest power/weight ratio.

Power Source: Self contained gas engine makes this ideal for small jobs and remote locations.

   
Overall our recommendation for any serious demolition jobs done by hand is for the Power Pack from Atlas Copco. In addition to the several options of breakers this unit works with available core drills, large saws and many other tools. Hydraulic power is the most powerful, can be used underwater or in the cold and the Power Pack unit is portable enough for almost all jobs.       

Posted by Jay A. at 02:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Some of you may have noticed that OhioPowerTool.com received a much needed update earlier this week. At first glance the visual changes seem modest which was the intention so current customers wouldn’t need to relearn the site. Some of the functional improvements include an easier to use navigation system, related products, international checkout, order tracking, a Top Deals section and many other features which shoppers are looking for from a professional ecommerce site. You may also notice the expanded product lines including Makita Power Tools, Simplex Hydraulic, Atlas Copco Construction, Tanaka Gas Drills among others. For the current lines such as Bosch, Milwaukee, Ingersoll Rand there have been significant increases to the number of products and accessories in-stock and sold online. If you have a minute I would encourage you to take a look.

What is in the future for Coptool.com? Any Blog is only as good as its last post and if the last post was a week ago you’ve got a problem. Coptool is committed to daily posts during the week and if you have any suggestions for posts please let us know. We are happy to have readers participate; send us questions to answer, ideas for tool comparison tests, post information about new tools, deals you found, projects you worked on or perhaps some other topic that might be relevant.

Posted by Jay A. at 01:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Titan Milwaukee Work Carts came out well over a year ago and has served many of us very well. Around the internet you will see these selling for $300-600+ depending on the model. The main difference in the two models is the 48-60-5015 has a lockable cabinet on the bottom shelf while the 48-60-5010 is open on the bottom. Both carts have a lockable drawer and work with the same add-on accessories. Milwaukee made an entire site to showcase how these carts can be configured and videos to show how well these carts are built.
See the Milwaukee Titan Site.

Ohio Power Tool is selling the 48-60-5010 cart for $175.00, which I can’t find anything for even double that on any site across the internet. These are brand new in the box from the factory and Made in the USA. Checkout the Google Shopping search on this product  for our everyone's prices. These will move fast at this price. If you have any questions call Ohio Power Tool at 800-242-4424.

Posted by Jay A. at 09:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)