The Bosch PS50-2A and Bosch PS50-2B have been available for several months now but for if you haven’t picked one up yet for a limited time these include a FREE 3^RD Battery. The FREE battery is actually included with any of the Bosch 12V Max Tools and exclusively from Ohio Power Tool while supplies last. Certain applications of these multi-purpose tools are more battery intensive such as grout removal or sanding and the 3^rd battery will definitely come in handy.

For those of you that are lucky enough to already own a Bosch Multi-X or are looking for some cheaper accessories for your Fein Multi-Master here is a list of all the available Accessories:

Wood Cutting Blades – Perfect for cutting molding, trim, sub floor, cabinets & more.
     
OSC38 – 3/8” Strait Cut - $7.69
OSC34 – ¾” Strait Cut - $8.39
OSC112 – 1-1/2” Strait Cut - $18.89

Bi-Metal Cutting Blades – Great for cutting wood, aluminum, copper, PVC, drywall & more.

OSC38F – 3/8” Strait Cut - $8.39
OSC34F – ¾” Strait Cut - $9.10
OSC312F – 3-1/2” Round Cut - $36.69

Grout Removal Blades – Replace a cracked tile very easily with this accessory. Simply cut out the grout around it and it becomes much easier to remove all at once.
 
OSC312RF – 3-1/2” RIFF Grit - $34.99

Wood & Paint Sanding Paper

There are a wide range of different sand paper grit options please visit the Bosch Multi-X Accessory page to select what you need. Each pack includes either 5 or 6 sheets and range from $2.09 - $2.40.

Posted by Jay A. at 04:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Central Ohio Chapter of Engineers Without Borders is currently working on a project in San Pedro Puxtla, El Salvador where the goal is to build a road in the El Amel neighborhood. Currently the path where the road will go has some issues it is littered with large boulders, on a steep grade and is constantly flooded during the rainy season cutting off access to the rest of the city. A very basic road would improve the lives of these people tremendously.

The problem however is in this remote location it is pretty much impossible to get the large construction equipment to the construction site. Explosives are out of the questions with peoples homes as close as 6 feet away from some of these large boulders.

Working with Ohio Power Tool on the problem, the best option would be to drill holes in the rocks along a strait line and split the pieces off using several techniques depending on boulders size. Typically a pneumatic rock drill would be used for such an application but would require a large trailer type compressor which again would not be able to reach the job site, even if one could be found to rent in the surrounding area. A much better solution is the Atlas Copco Power Pack hydraulic unit which is more reliable, more powerful and significantly more compact. The unit is small enough to fit in the bed of any truck or SUV and the cart design makes it easy to maneuver around any obstacles. The Atlas Copco LHD 23 M rock drill works perfectly with the Ajax Carbide Drill Bits used in the testing.

Step one was to test the different tools and techniques on smaller rocks here in Columbus. The local Channel 10 CBS Station (see video) and Columbus Dispatch were both on hand for the testing. The next step will be to get all the equipment and people to El Salvador and remove all these boulders within one week’s time. If you are interested in supporting the project in any way please contact Amanda with EWB.

Posted by Jay A. at 01:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Milwaukee M18 Cordless ½” Impact Driver 2652-22
- 1/2" Detent Type Anvil
- Torque of 2200 in.-lbs.
- Fastest speed - 0-2200 RPM, 0-3200 impacts/minute
- Compact - 5-3/4" length, 4.1 lbs. weight w/ battery
- Milwaukee 4-Pole Frameless Motor-Maximum Efficiency and Run-time
- Powered by 18V lithium ion batteries
- Comes with: 2652 Impact Driver, (2) XC Batteries, Charger, Carrying Case

Milwaukee M18 Cordless 3/8” Impact Driver 2651-22
- 3/8" Ring Type Anvil
- Torque of 2000 in.-lbs.
- Fastest speed - 0-2200 RPM, 0-3200 impacts/minute
- Compact - 5-3/4" length, 4.1 lbs. weight w/ battery
- Milwaukee 4-Pole Frameless Motor-Maximum Efficiency and Run-time
- Powered by 18V lithium ion batteries
- Comes with: 2651 Impact Driver, (2) XC Batteries, Charger, Carrying Case

Posted by Jay A. at 02:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A recent CNN story makes it all legitimate with real doctors, university studies and everything. I think The Ridgid Tool Company did a similar study back in 1935 when they started their first pinup calendar with “scantily clad women” (the definition may have changed over the years) to showcase their tools. I would guess there probably were not any scientists, doctors or brain scans going on at the time but the concept that pretty girls might help sell product has been pretty well understood for a many years. I originally read about this article on Tool Crib post.

In related news if you would like a Free Ridgid Calendar simply purchase any item on Ohio Power Tool and email sales@ohiopowertool.com provide your order number and we will send you a free 2009-2010 calendar. We still have a few left. 

Posted by Jay A. at 05:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you are shopping around for 14” Diamond Saw Blades, now is the time to buy, while supplies last you can pick up a 14” SpeediCut Gas Saw for Free just by purchasing a few blades. If you purchase 10 Cut-All Multi-Purpose Blades 14” x .125 which sell for $334.10 each, then you get a Free 14” SpeediCut Jr Saw SC6514 (Sale Price $629.10) instantly. You could also purchase 15 of the Heavy Duty Orange Blades 14” x .125 which sell for $364.65 each and get a Free 14” SpeediCut SC7314 (Sale Price $1032.40) instantly. Either way both of these deals are instant rebates so the saw will be delivered with the blades in a few days. No mail-in rebates or any of that nonsense, just a high quality gas saw to your door for free.

If you have any questions about this deal, Diamond Products or any concrete sawing applications please feel free to contact Ohio Power Tool at 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com. With some many different style blades and applications if you would need a different style blade or 16” saw or any other kind of substitution please contact us and Ohio Power Tool, there probably is a way to accommodate you.

Posted by Jay A. at 02:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Both of these new M18 tools are available now at Ohio Power Tool for pre-order and should be arriving in stores in the near future. Video demos on both of these tools are already in the works, so stay tuned.     

Posted by Jay A. at 09:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Recently I have begun to see many other power tool retailers online add the WinBuyer comparison shopping plug-in to their sites. This tool displays the price of other competitors so shoppers will feel more comfortable making a purchase right then. I looked into this feature and there are a few different ways to run the program. It can be run to show a cross section of all the competition with the lowest prices. However I have not yet seen any power tool retailers running it in this fashion. Another way to run the program is to only display competitors that are more expensive; basically misleading customers into thinking they are getting the lowest price in hopes of an instant sale. I’m sure this works and may drive a little higher conversion but at what cost? At Ohio Power Tool we try really hard to build good customer relationships and have people trust us; I look at this as basically a less hands on way to lie directly to customers. I think if you want to show competitor’s prices than show them all.

Please comment and let us know what you think about this.  

Posted by Jay A. at 08:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Recently Ridgid revealed a new SeeSnake monitor which is more compact and has the option to power your complete system with 1 or 2 Ridgid 18V Li-ion batteries or a standard AC plug. I think the monitor makes a lot of sense if you could use a cordless system but don’t really need to record every time. There is a video out function on the unit which could be used with a DVD recorder or Laptop but would be more cumbersome than one of the other all-in-one units. There will most likely be add-on recording devices coming soon.

Ohio Power Tool is currently selling the LCDPak Monitor Only for $2635.08 available now and LCDPak Monitor with 2 batteries & charger for $2968.73 available in March. Important to know the monitor will not charge the batteries when plugged in, you will still need to use the charger separately. If you need a new monitor right away but still want the battery option you can order the LCDPak monitor only 31763 now and get the 2 batteries & charger kit (32648 available in March) separately for $333.66 when available; almost the exact difference in price anyway. As always you can call 800-242-4424 with any questions.  

Checkout the video below for more details.

- Lithium-ion Battery Power allows you to run your complete system for up to 4 hours. (including Seesnake reel) 
- Reduced Size frees up truck space and makes it easier to transport to the job. 
- New Integrated Line Trace Feature allows you to trace the push cable with your RIDGID® locator (requires transmitter) 
- Display: 10.4" Color LCD (26.4 cm)
- Resolution: 640 x 480
- Power Source: 1 or 2 RIDGID® 18V Li-ion Batteries or AC Plug  
- Output: Composite Video Out
- Weight: 16.2 lbs. (7.3 kg.) (without batteries)
- Length: 14.3 inches (36.3 cm)
- Width: 11.9 inches (30.2 cm)
- Height: 12.4 inches (31.5 cm)
- Lighting: 10 Level Adjustable LED Control 

Posted by Jay A. at 03:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Recently Bosch introduced the new Edge Reciprocating Saw blades specifically for Metal applications. You may have already heard about the blades because of their interesting free custom guitar sweepstakes. The guitar was created incorporating the shape of new saw blades. In the launch kit sent to dealers and press they also included a 10” toy version of the guitar. A very weird promotion in my mind however it has gotten a lot of people talking so I guess it worked. Personally I’d prefer more free samples to give to people to use but that’s just me.

Putting the Heavy Metal Free Guitar promotion out of the way, how good do the new blades actually work. Is there a real compelling reason to try these new blades? Several features defiantly make it look like it could be worth testing. You can read the official press release below for more details but these blades have a nice substantial feel not at all flimsy and the few cuts I made they seemed very fast. Their third party testing suggests 65% faster and 2x longer lasting than the Lenox Gold.

You can purchase the new Bosch Edge Blades at Ohio Power Tool.

Bosch Edge for Metal Recip Blades Last Longer, Cut Faster & Cleaner Than Competition

Posted by Jay A. at 11:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last year around this time we did a post; Women vs Men comparing gifts we typically get ladies to what an equal gift for a guy would be. This year I though a simple unisex list would work because I know there are lots of girls out there that really want power tools just as much as guys… I just don’t happen to be with one.

1. Dremel Multi-Max $99 – I am mostly convinced that everyone on the planet wants one of these tools. Guy, girl, grandpa, your neighbors, everyone, the good news is a such a low price it’s within reach for almost everyone. If they already have one a few additional accessories would be a great idea.
   
2. Bosch PS30 3/8” Drill/Driver $147 – This drill is small lightweight and comfortable enough for my grandmother to use. At the same time it is an incredibly powerful drill, with good battery life and recently held its own when compared with other brand’s 18-20 volt drills in a Popular Mechanics test.  
   
3. Milwaukee M12 Hackzall $179 – This new “mini Sawzall” is incredibly versatile and great tool to have in almost any situation. Perfect for use with drywall, pvc, wood, metal, plastic and so much else. Around the house or on the jobsite this compact tool does an amazing job. Plus it has a FREE battery or flashlight deal.
   
4. Milwaukee M18 4+1 Tool Combo Kit $459 – Some of the most powerful 18 volt tools on the market today the new M18 cordless tools either match or beat almost all other competition tool by tool. Lightweight and extremely powerful this is the ultimate tool kit. Includes: Hammer Drill, Circular Saw, Sawzall, Flashlight and bonus Impact Driver while supplies last.  

These are just a few general ideas maybe your sweetheart really wants a Tanaka Gas Drill? We are no responsible for ill suited gifts for your particular valentine. Really I just saw that picture of Cupid and laughed so hard I had to find a reason to post it on the site. If you have any questions about power tools feel free to email Ohio Power Tool at sale@ohiopowertool.com.   

Posted by Jay A. at 02:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This year surrounding the world of concrete there was lots of talk about how the show size shrunk and how the economy is affecting the construction industry. This Las Vegas Review Journal article looks at those aspects of the show and managed to sneak in some key buzzwords like Obama, stimulus packages and unemployment. Not the most positive spin I’ve ever read.

In the area of power tools, new laws and regulations are requiring silica dust to be handled in specific ways; lawsuits have already popped up on the subject and are an area of concern for many people. Bosch has been one of the companies leading the way in creating new tools and accessories to combat the silica dust problem. Bosch has a new Dust Collecting ¾” Rotary Hammer 11250VSRD ($299) available now that is light weight and features a micro filter system that dramatically reduces any type of dust in the air. Bosch also has introduced a line of dust extraction grinder covers that work with almost all grinders from 4.5” to 9” and cover the work area and suck all the dust and debris out into the Bosch Airsweep vacuum or other wet/dry vacuums.

The World of Concrete website has a full list of all the 2009 MIP (Most Innovative Products) which you can see on the MIP page. You can’t find this page from their regular web page because WOC waisted no time and is now already planning from 2010.      

New technologies and techniques are making so much more possible with concrete. Checkout this short video I found on Youtube which highlights some of the different new processes.

Posted by Jay A. at 08:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

If you are constantly working with metal sheets up to 1/2” thick and using traditional twist drill bits, you need to try out the Hougen RotoCut. These bits work in either a hand held drill or drill press, last 10x longer and cut 3x faster than traditional twist drill bits. The design of these bits is similar to a hole saw where the inside of the bit leaves a slug helping the bits cut faster and last longer. RotoCuts are available in Kits or individually sizes up to 1-1/2” diameter.  

For larger holes in sheet metal up to 1/8” Hougen also has the Holcutter line of bits. These are not your traditional metal hole saws, they are 3x faster and leave a much cleaner hole. The cutting action is much smoother preventing tool jerk and extending the life of the tool and your wrist. Each bit also has a lip around the cutting edge stopping the bit from pushing through, very useful when working with electrical boxes or any tight spaces. These are available as Holcutter or Carbide Holcutter with individual sizes up to 3” on each.

Don’t forget to also get some Hougen Slick-Stik lubricant to extend the life of the bits and ensure a smooth cut. These bits are ideal for: Electrical, Piping, Conduit Work, Sheetmetal Fabrication, Spotweld Removal, Maintenance Installations, HVAC, PHCC, Automotive Aftermarket and many others...

Posted by Jay A. at 08:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here a short video we put together on the second generation SeeSnake Micro to highlight some of new features over the first generation. Includes a nice demo of the Micro hooked up to a 27" LCD screen with the new video out feature. In the video we also do a side by side comparison with the Micro vs Micro Explorer. It was also our first attempt with the Green Screen.

Posted by Jay A. at 10:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This year, 2009, marks Hougen Manufacturing’s 50^th year in business. Dr. Douglas Hougen founded the company in February 1959 to develop his new concept in metal hole cutting that would revolutionize the business. Eventually this lead to the patented Rotabroach Annular Cutter which changed hole cutting forever.

He saw a lot of potential in his new cutter outside the industrial market place and later invented the first light-weight portable magnetic drill press that would use his cutters. He used the new mag drills to go after the fabrication and construction industries with tremendous success that continues today.

Ohio Power Tool would like to honor Dr. Douglas Hougen and his incredible inventions as well as congratulate Hougen on celebrating their 50^th anniversary; a great accomplishment. For the month of February Ohio Power Tool will offer additional discounts up to 20% off already low prices for all Hougen Mag Drills and Rotabroach Cutters. Below you will find links to some of the video demos for these great machines.

Posted by Jay A. at 12:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From now until April 30^th if you purchase any individual M12 tool kit you will receive either a 48-11-2401 M12 Battery or a 49-24-0145 M12 Flash light for free. If you purchase 3 of the individual M12 tool kits you can get a free M12 Hackzall tool kit 2420-22 for free. The 2420-22 includes 2 batteries, case and charger; it currently sells for $179.00 which is a pretty nice bonus to get for free. Maybe get together with a friend or get someone a gift but it’s pretty hard not to take advantage of a free Hackzall kit. View full details on the Mail-in Rebate

This offer is not valid on the combo kits such as the 2490-22 (Hackzall & Screwdriver) or the 2490-24 (4 tool combo kit) but it is valid with the M-spector 2310-21 which includes a free M12 Screwdriver. If you have any questions about any of the tools or which ones qualify for the promotion, do not hesitate to email or call Ohio Power Tool at 800-242-4424.

View the full line of Milwaukee M12 cordless tools at OhioPowerTool.com.

Posted by Jay A. at 09:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)