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Day 2 of the Bosch/Coptool 12 Days of Bits & Blades Giveaway and we are on to the DareDevil Spade Bits. It seems like just yesterday we were announcing the launch of this revolutionary change to the spade bit but that was over 2 years ago. In that time these bits have proven themselves time and time again.
Today’s Featured Product & Giveaway – 13 Piece DareDevil Spade Bit Set DSB5013P ($27, Ohio Power Tool)
We were lucky enough to get one of the M12 Heated Jackets 2331-XL ($169, Ohio Power Tool) just in time for what we saw as the perfect testing grounds. The Ohio State vs Michigan football game and while not the rival it once was (because of the obvious overwhelming talent we see from the Buckeyes each year) never the less a few hundred thousand nice folks still show up each year to participate in game and merriment that accompanies just such an occasion.
The Milwaukee M12 Heated Jacket, Kit 2331 or as a standalone without battery & charger 2330 ($119, Ohio Power Tool) comes in 4 sizes (M-2X) but only offered in the one color, Milwaukee Red. A great choice for OSU tailgating. The jacket has 3 “heating zones”, one on each side of the chest and another across the back. This keeps the core of the body warm which in turn warms the arms and other extremities. The jacket is constructed of a 95% polyester, 5% spandex mix and is wind and water resistant. The heating elements are actually sewn in carbon fiber strips and the whole jacket is hand washable if you remove the battery holder.
The jacket is very simple to operate, there are 3 heat levels and all of this is controlled by 1 button on the left chest. Hold it down for 4 seconds and it lights up in “warm up” mode for about a minute them kicks down to medium unless you hit the button again, to stay on high heat. A few more taps and you can select medium or low, it’s really very easy. For serious cold weather the M12 jacket works best with a shell over it, maximizing the heat generated keeping it close to the body. At the Milwaukee press event when we first saw this jacket several months back they had a manikin wearing one with a shell over it that was at a toasty 144 degrees in a 68 degree room.
The tailgate last Saturday never got above 39 degrees and with a strong breeze it was pretty chilly. The jacket first got turned on right at 11am before our walk over (yes we live about a mile and half south of the shoe) and it was just after 2pm before the first battery died. We switched out the battery for the spare and we were warm again for another few hours. The exact time the second battery dies is not clear thanks to another product from the Milwaukee region that was providing some warmth internally. Both times we had it on the medium (white) setting, we would have tested it on low to see if it got the full 6 hours they claim but we couldn’t in good taste have a bright blue light on our chest when playing against Michigan. On medium we were very toasty, even though the jacket is pretty light weight it definitely lived up to our expectations, while warming up on high heat is was almost too warm.
A few important things to consider when managing your M12 batteries for this jacket, the battery pocket in the back cannot fit a M12 XC battery however there is enough room for 2 standard size batteries (1 in the battery holder, other loose). If you want to stay extra warm on medium or high heat you will need to plan accordingly. Also we were using Red Lithium batteries which provide an 30%+ better runtime vs regular M12 batteries.
The M12 Jacket unfortunately is not yet on store shelves but they are expected in any day now, definitely before Christmas. Check out all the new Milwaukee M12 tools which are now in-stock at Ohio Power Tool including the brand new M12 Oscillating Tool 2426-22, M12 Palm Nailer 2458-21, M12 Hammer Drill 2411-22 as well as all your other classic favorites.
Starting today, through next Friday Coptool.com will be featuring 1 Bosch accessory each day. There will also be daily giveaways on that accessory as well as other Bosch gear giveaways. On the last day we will select a grand prize winner of the CLPK41-120 ($374, Ohio Power Tool). We have teamed up with our friends at Joe the Pro to make this possible, to enter simply register on the 12 Days of Bits & Blades page (as often as once each day) and check back here for the daily winners.
Today’s Featured Product & Giveaway – Quick Change Hole Saw Kit HBUSKIT ($39, Ohio Power Tool)
The Bosch Universal Quick Change System can fit into any 3/8” or larger chuck and then quickly allows for changing between hole saw sizes. The connection adaptors work with most other brands of hole saws so this is a great way to get more from the accessories you might already have even if they are not Bosch. The kit also includes 4 popular sizes of hole saws: 1”, 1-1/2”, 2-1/8” and 2-1/2”. This would make a great stocking stuffer idea for just about anyone this holiday season no matter what their skill levels or how large or small their tool collection. Visit OhioPowerTool.com for more variety of Bosch Hole Saw Kits or if you have any hole saw questions give the guys a call at 800-242-4424. Also take advantage of their Free Shipping deal on all Bosch items through the end of the year for orders over $99.
Right off the bat we were a little wary, as this new tool shares the name with one of our favorite 80’s Scy-Fi movies BladeRunner (1982, imdb). Our thought is if you are going to share the name with an awesome movie you better have an equally awesome power tool. We saw it in person at the recent STAFDA show but have not yet had a chance to test it out. The good news is it looks like it does have all the makings of a pretty sweet machine.
1. The Track Record - Rockwell JawHorse – After having about a year with the JawHorse we couldn’t be happier with its performance (included in 2010 holiday gift guide) and overall construction. Rockwell built, marketed and sold these units the same way with cheesy infomercials so they have our attention.
2. Accessory Compatibility – Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for realizing people want stuff to work with other stuff they already have and that is easy to find additional accessories. The BladeRunner works with any brand of T shank Jig Saw Blades. Feel free to use the new Bosch Xtra-Clean Curved Cut or Diamond Grit Blades or another 1000+ other accessories, they all fit!
3. The Numbers – We would have possibly liked to see a little more juice for this unit at 5.5A, no-load speeds of 800-2800/min & 15/16” stroke, it isn’t the most powerful jig saw motor on the market but still pretty respectable numbers.
4. The Work Surface - The stainless steel work surface is 15-3/4” x 15-3/4” and easily set up for miter cuts, rip cuts, inside cuts and any number of scroll cuts. At only 13.2 lbs this would be super easy to take to any jobsite or use around the house where a solid work surface like this would be very handy.
All in all it has a lot of potential and could make a very nice Holiday Gift this season. It looks like these are currently sold mainly through infomercials which makes us a little nervous but for only 4 easy payments of $39 how could you go wrong… You can also purchase it here Rockwell RK7321 BladeRunner with Wall Mount ($179, Amazon) but before that check out the actual infomercial below. Hopefully we will get to demo one at some point for a full review.
Recently we did a comparison of 5 Utility Knives in the first Utility Knife Showdown. We had several utility knives in our possession and wanted to highlight some of the newer features that were available on a few different knives. By no means did this cover all knives on the market just a sampling to highlight a few new features. It did however get some attention from the Irwin folks, who are one of the predominant players in the utility knife world. They made a special point to invite us to their booth at STAFDA to show us a “few new things” coming very soon. These will all be available under the Utility Knives page on OhioPowerTool.com once released.
So what is Irwin’s answer to combat some of the newer knives on the market? How about 4+ new knives specific to individual jobs of the utility knives. Obviously these knives have been in development for some time but seem to really hit one the high points of our first Utility Knife Showdown (where Irwin did not fare so well) including: On Board Blade Storage, Ease of Blade Change, Blade Play, Comfort and Grip Saftey.
The new Irwin ProTouch will probably be the most popular as well as the most universal of their new knives. The blade storage on this unit is much better than the previous model. You no longer need to open the tool up, potentially loosing springs and messing up the inner workings. Now the storage in nice and neat in the handle with a much more user friendly clamp that holds up to 10 blades. The knife is also much safer with a more pronounced bend keeping your fingers away from the blade and a 3rd position on the blade release locks in the middle for "quick release" blade changing, ensuring the button is never accidentally released while using.
The Classic Retract Knife (middle knife pictured above) does open up in a traditional style exposing the inner workings but does so with a simple button and slide mechanism that many it very easy to open. We were really not sure why someone might opt for this model over the clearly more advanced New ProTouch but it’s another option if you don't want a quick release style knife.
The New Drywall Knife will also be a very nice addition to the line. A fix blade offers almost zero blade play (better than everything in our 1st showdown) and the knife is very easy to open, without a tool for blade changes. Another feature we thought was well engineered is the finger grips at the top of the knife by the blade. It is very thin allowing the user to pinch the knife right by the blade. Drywall installers use their knives like this when measuring a certain distance in on a sheet, then holding the tape measure against the knife to score the full 8ft length of drywall. Well played Irwin.
The New Carpet Knife shares several of the same features of the Drywall Knife but custom made to take the carpet blades. The blade storage on these units is very simple and the opening mechanism is strait forward with few moving parts to fail. Plus it just looks cool when you open it real fast.
Last but not least Irwin has introduced two new Utility Knife Blades (Bi-Metal & Carbon Steel) that feature “4-Point” technology. Basically once the blade is dull you can snap off a small piece of the blade exposing a fresh point. This allows for longer life per blade, less overall blade expense, less waste and less down time.
Overall it looks like Irwin has addressed many of the potential short comings in their pervious offerings and look to again be one of the leaders in innovations in this category. Look for these new knives very soon.
Right off the bat we’re going to say we are not going to include certain items (which could be wildly successful Christmas gifts) without knowing if they will be in-stock, as we can’t in good faith get you pumped up without actually seeing it on the shelf today. We have learned not to trust manufacturer estimates on product launches. We will do a follow up in early/mid December for those last minute tools that will hopefully come in soon, so stay posted. Items we are keeping our eyes on: Bosch MRC23 Routers, M12 Oscillating Tools, M12 Heated Jackets, M28 Hammer Drills, among others.
We will also be featuring 12 days of Bits & Blades Give Aways, perfect for stocking stuff gift ideas, coming November 29th – December 10th. Also keep in mind Ohio Power Tool is offering Free Shipping until the end of the year on most: Bosch – Dremel – Rotozip – CST/Berger.
Ridgid Pin-up Calendar 2011-2012 ($14, Ohio Power Tool) Next year will mark the 75th anniversary of the famous Ridgid Calendars, a long standing tradition and still a very popular item when they are available. Get one for free with any Ridgid purchase or purchase several as gifts for your co-workers, family and friends.
Bosch LED 12V Flashlight FL11A ($Holiday Special, Ohio Power Tool) This little LED flashlight is extremely bright and long lasting. Works with any of the Bosch 10.8v or 12V Max batteries. Great present and currently a really great price while limited supplies last.
Milwaukee Folding Sawzall Jab Saw 48-22-0305 ($19, Ohio Power Tool) A perfect companion for anyone who uses reciprocating saw blades. This saw is very versatile because you have so many blades to chose from. Metal cutting, PVC or tree limbs this tool can do it all.
Cordless Dremel Multi-Max 8300-01 ($138, Ohio Power Tool) This is the cordless version of the most popular power tool of last year. With millions of these accessories already out there is would make sense people might also like a cordless version for situations where they can’t easily plug into the wall.
Bosch 18V Drill Driver 36618-02 ($159, Ohio Power Tool) Brand new, never any refurbished items; this is a great drill/driver, lightweight but still 500 in/lbs torque. This is also a very nice price for the holidays.
Rotozip RZ2000 Rotary Cutting Tool ($167, Ohio Power Tool) This kit is very versatile because it can use the traditional rotary tools as well as the new Zip Wheel cutters. This is a great gift idea for the handyman who already has a lot of toys. If they already have a Rotozip a better gift might be the ZipMate Attachment Kit ($57, Ohio Power Tool).
Rockwell RK9000 Jawhorse ($171, Amazon) This has become a very popular accessory because it is so handy and durable. On a professional jobsite or in any garage in America the Jawhorse will be right at home. A true testament to this product was at the recent STAFDA trade show dozens of competing tool manufacturers used the Jawhorse in their booths for demos simply because “we have too, nothing else works nearly as good”
Milwaukee M12 Red Lithium 3 Tool Combo Kit 2490-22 ($199, Ohio Power Tool) This tool kit features the brand new longer lasting, more powerful Red Lithium batteries, also the 3 most popular Milwaukee M12 tools include the Hackzall, pocket driver & 3/8” drill.
Bosch Power Box 360 Deluxe Jobsite Radio PB360D ($259, Ohio Power Tool) You probably have already seen these radios thrown in the air and/or bashed with baseball bats. The Deluxe model features a remote, GFCI plugs, satellite hookups and louder speakers.
Ingersoll Rand ½” impact Gun 2135tiMAX ($259, Ohio Power Tool) For the mechanic or serious garage tinkerer this is the ultimate in impact guns. Super lightweight with a ton of torque this gun boasts the best power-to-weight in the ½” impact market.
Milwaukee M18 Combo Kit, Hammer Drill & Hackzall 2695-22 ($299, Ohio Power Tool) A great combo kit which includes the brand new M18 Hackzall 1 handed recip saw. This is a great tool kit as a starter kit or replacement for an older set.
Milwaukee M18 Combo Kit, 4 Tool 2694-24 ($399, Ohio Power Tool) Another great Milwaukee Combo kit at a great price. Quantity is limited for this unit as well but would make a great gift.
Ridgid microEXPLORER Inspection Camera 30063 ($690, Ohio Power Tool) This is the best handheld inspection camera on the market featuring SD recording and digital self leveling. It is also compatible with 30, 65 & 100ft reels making it ideal for professionals as well as curious homeowners who want to look into the dark recesses of their homes.
Bosch GCM12SD Axial-Glide Saw ($799,Ohio Power Tool) This is pretty much the crown jewel of the 2010 tool gifts, if papa has been a really really good this year, saving children and puppies from burning buildings this is what you should probably get him.
Obviously there are hundreds of great gift ideas you will find for the Tool Lover, these are just a few. If you need more help do not hesitate to give the pros at Ohio Power Tool a call 800-242-4424. They know their tools and are happy to help you find that perfect gift.
Thinking about ordering some tools before the end of the year? Ohio Power Tool is offering FREE SHIPPING on all Bosch, Dremel, CST/Berger & Rotozip until the end of 2010. The Free Shipping applies to all Tools & Accessories simply use coupon code “HOLIDAYS” in step 1 of the checkout process. There are a few limitations such as order must be over $99.00, individual items cannot weigh over 70lbs, and promo does not apply to shipments outside the continental US. The FREE SHIPPING will travel by UPS Ground and will often ship the same day if item is in-stock.
The best part is if you have any questions at all; the super knowledgeable pros at Ohio Power Tool (call 800-242-4424) are able to help you out whether you are looking for a gift for Uncle Tom, Cousin Tyler or maybe looking for a full hydraulic system to raise a bridge while cars continue to travel across it. Yes they are seriously talented guys.
Of course there are many applications for the Ridgid SeeSnake Video Inspection cameras well beyond basic plumbing work but one of the newer professions that have really jumped on the latest camera system are swimming pool maintenance guys. Because the new microDRAIN cameras were designed to fit into P-traps they are also ideal for small pool lines, which the regular size cameras simply could never fit into. The 65’ microDRAIN 37478 ($2874, Ohio Power Tool) is the most recent SeeSnake system to launch and features a sonde in the head making it easy to not only seeing the problem in the line but also locating the problem on the surface with a Ridgid Scout 19238 ($1316, Ohio Power Tool).
Currently the most popular way pool systems are checked for leaks is by pressure testing the various pool lines, at no more than 20psi, to see if they retain pressure. Once an area is determined to have a pressure leak the technique of “sonic location” or following the sound of the bubbles is often used. The problem is at this point you have little idea what the problem might be. The Ridgid microDRAIN system on the other hand is very good at identifying cracks from freezing or stress fractures, Joint Displacements, Flow Restrictions, Blockages, Punctures in pipe, cuts, etc. It would not be as good at finding glue leaks as the sonic technique but for most other problems it would probably add a level of certainty and save a fair amount of time. There is also a level of professionalism customers can appreciate when they can view the actual problem and see it again anytime if you store them on RidgidConnect.com.
If you have any questions on any Ridgid SeeSnake Cameras give the Pros at Ohio Power Tool a call at 800-242-4424. They will help you configure the right system based on your needs and applicants for sewer drains to pool lines and much more.
As you know from all of last week’s posts we were at the STAFDA trades show stopping in on each Manufacturer to see what was new. DeWalt had some exciting stuff although you loyal coptool.com readers may already be familiar with some of it. The new DeWalt 12 volt line of tools was their big push which you can read about in this link DeWalt 12V Max. Another big product launch was the compact router Dw611PK which we had also covered previously, but this was our first opportunity to actually see it in person.
They did have some new accessories to show off as well including a 4.5” cut-off with threads, flap disc with wearable backing, Impact Clutch but what we thought was really impressive was the 14” Diamond Metal Cut-Off Wheel. This first of its kind diamond wheel can last up to 100x as long as using typical abrasive discs. Even at $249 retail it means you are still going to save a fair amount of money not to mention the time involved in 100 Blade Changes. We did not get the model number other than "Diamond Chop Saw Blade" or the exact launch date but it should be very soon.
As for what is coming next year, we did get a sneak peak at this cordless band saw as well as some high end hand tools but no specifics will be available on those until sometime in early 2011.
The folks at Milwaukee have been very busy over the past few years; currently it looks like they have as many as 30 different tools in the M12 line that didn’t exist at all 3 years ago. We have already talked about many of these new products after our recent trip to Milwaukee a few months ago. A few to mention again which are either just now out or coming very soon (before the holidays I'm told) would include: M12 ProPex Expansion Tools, M12 Palm Nailer, M12 Hammer Drill, M12 Oscillating Multi-tool & M12 heated Jacket all of which you can order from Ohio Power Tool at Milwaukee M12.
The newest items we got to see for the first time at the show from Milwaukee were from their full line of rotary hammer drills. A few years ago Milwaukee discontinued many of their older SDS-Plus, SDS-Max and Spline drills. Currently there are really only a few models and no spline drive hammers to speak of, which is pretty funny because they are apparently the second most popular brand of Hammer Drill Bits & Accessories. In 2011 it looks like Milwaukee will correct this by adding a Spline, 1-9/16” (most popular size), SDS-Max 1-9/16”, SDS-Plus D Handle 7/8” (think Bosch Bulldog), SDS-Plus 5/8” as well as an M18 cordless SDS-Plus 7/8” hammer. We haven’t seen any specs yet but we were told to expect these tools to be category leaders with anti-vibration integrated on all of these units.
Milwaukee Tool also had a nice get together at the hotel after the show where we got to meet the UFC champion Cain Velasquez who seemed like a really nice guy for someone who could end your life in a matter of seconds. The only thing that might have been more popular than him at the party was the 20+ M12 Heated Jackets they raffled off, as the event was on an outside patio and it got cold later on in the night. Personally we can’t wait to give it a thorough testing/review at the upcoming OSU vs Michigan football game the week after next, so keep an eye out for that post.
The STAFDA (Specialty Tool and Fastener Distributor Association) is a great show for super tool junkies because more than other shows they really like to show off the products that are still several months away (because it’s aimed at distributors who need to pre-order them). Bosch had some very exciting new stuff in their booth on display which will be coming out later this year and early next.
Oscillating Multi-Tool MX25EVS
Compact More Portable Table Saw
Cordless Tools 12 & 18 Volt
Some exciting new Bosch cordless tools were on a large rotating “Innovation Pyramid” which including a Bosch 12V inspection camera, Bosch 18V nail gun, Bosch 18V jig saw, New 18V Drills & Hammer Drills, 18V LED light as well as a few other. We will follow up with individual posts on these as more info and specs become available but some really great products we are very happy to see coming.
Lasers Beams
The new GLL3-80 ($495, Ohio Power Tool) was out front and center, which you can actually order now. There were also several other new compact line lasers and inexpensive rotary lasers which are scheduled to launch within the next few months. It is impressive to see all the new innovative Bosch lasers given they have only been in the market for 2 years now.It was a pretty nice showing all around for the Blue Team. There was an interactive display with the oscillating tools where we spent most of our time cutting some large framing nails with the new multi-tool MX25EVS, pretty cool. Can’t wait to see it can go head-to-head with the Fein Multi-Master… We also got an update on the long awaited Router Kits MRF23EVS and MRC23EVSK now scheduled for a December 1 launch and we really hope it sticks because I already sat on Santa’s lap and asked for one for this Christmas (2010 not 2011).
When we got back and saw this Bosch video and had to put it up.
We love going to any kind of tool related trade show because there are always so many new products to see. One of our favorite things is to see smaller companies with cool new product ideas trying to make big things happen. If you are one of those companies or know of a good product we would love to hear about it so we can feature it on www.coptool.com. We wish we had more time at this year’s STAFDA show to really talk to everyone but unfortunately that was a bit of a challenge. Here are just a few new products (new to us at least) we saw at the STAFDA 2010 tradeshow. Also check out our fellow tool blogger’s website www.homefixated.com as he was also there and spend most of his time scouting out the newest, most unique and all things bizarre.
SkatePlate for Circular Saws
This item is a replacement skid plate that works with several models of circular saws. A simple idea but very well constructed (in the USA none the less) which ads Polyurethane rollers to the front and back. Great for roofers, remodelers and a wide range of others this makes those long rips much easier and more accurate. The unit also comes with the SkateGuide which also has rollers on it and is available on its own to replace most current guides. See www.woodmantools.com
Magnum EZ Shears
It looks like there are about 8 shears in this line ranging from 9” to 40” in width. These tools are basically small guillotines which can cut products up to an inch thick including various types of siding, tongue & groove wood floors, engineered wood, vinyl, carpet, VCT, roofing shingles and much more. The advantage of this system of cutting is it eliminates dust, it’s quiet, it doesn’t require electrical, is cost effective, very portable and easy to maintain the blade sharpness. Also this is another product manufactured in the USA. See www.bullettools.com
GoCool Air Conditioner
We saw this item in a booth along with the Cool Cart Worker Bee and though it was a “cool” new product for camping or recreation more than the jobsite. It is a portable air conditioner unit that draws less than 2 amps of power. How it works is it pulls air in, then uses ice and water to cool the air temperature, runs it through a dehumidifier and blows it out again. The unit can fit 4 frozen one gallon jugs of water and cool for 6-10 hours before the ice melts. It would be ideal for camping, tailgating, sidelines of a sporting events, jobsite, boating or anywhere you want to get cool. Obviously the smaller, more closed off the space the better the unit will work to lower the temperature. The Cool Cart is a much larger unit which they currently use on the sidelines of the LSU football games. This also is another product made in the USA. Visit www.getgocool.com
We have many other products to talk about from more well known manufacturers but these were just a few which caught our eye from brands we had not heard of previously. We were also happy to see they were all manufactured in America which we didn’t plan but delighted to hear as we learned more about each product. Check out this Facebook photo album with 106 pics for all the show highlights.
Last year at the 2009 STAFDA (Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association) tradeshow we were pretty amazed to hear the news that Sarah Palin would be the 2010 keynote speaker. Speakers in the past have been notable but not nationally recognized $100k per appearance type of speakers but we didn’t give it too much though at the time. Several months later it was announced that registration for the 2010 show was up dramatically, so clearly Mama Grizzly was doing a good job of helping bring some more distributors out.
We still didn’t know what the connection was until yesterday as the 2011 incoming STAFDA president Mike Kangas was speaking and apparently was long time neighbors of the former Governor in the very small town of Wasilla, AK (only 7,000 total population). You can read the full cover story of Mike Kangas and his interesting company Alaskan Industrial Hardware (AIH) in the recent issue of Contractor Supply, Top of the World. He seems like a great guy from our very brief meeting so we felt a little bad when we still had the though; I wonder if his pull with a big time keynote speaker swayed some votes his way for the 2011 STAFDA presidency?
One thing was clear when it came to Sarah Palin, whether people loved her or thought she was over the top everyone wanted to hear her speak. It was pretty much standing room only in the huge Phoenix Convention Center auditorium. There was probably the most applause when she said “A president from Alaska, imagine that” referring to Mike the new STAFDA president but obviously making light of the prospect of her running in 2012.
No word yet on who the 2011 keynote speaker will be when the STAFDA show goes to San Antonio, Texas. Most likely not anyone famous enough to get their own reality show and have a daughter on Dancing with the Stars but hopefully the economy will have come back a little by then and attendance will be up on its own, you know to see the tools.
At the STAFDA (Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association) tradeshow this week Hougen is launching a new 18V cordless Metal Punch with a capacity up to ¼” steel plate. The Hougen 76000 ($2248, Ohio Power Tool) weighs only 16.5lbs and will be a real blessing for many folks on the job site. As you can see from the picture above this unit will use the Makita 18V Lithium Ion 3.0Ah batteries which charge to full strength in under 30 minutes and is readily available throughout the country.
The video link above goes over some applications and usage of the new Punch. Maximum size punches you can use are 19/32” round and 7/16” x 5/8” oblong. Throat depth is 1.02” which isn’t a lot compared to some of the other corded electric metal hole punches but for a cordless unit still pretty impressive.
The Bosch Brute Breaker has been the most popular Jack Hammer since the late 70’s but unfortunately hasn’t really changed that much in the past 30 years. That all changed today as the new Brute model BH2760VCD ($1599, Ohio Power Tool) is officially launched (we are calling it Brute 2 to keep things clear). This next generation breaker brings an incredible 60% more impact energy at the same time reducing the vibration by 50% in addition to several added features to improve service.
Unfortunately what happened while the Bosch Brute 11304 was sitting on top of the hill as king Demolition Breaker, DeWalt and Makita have produced similar breakers with newer technology reduced vibration while increasing force and Bosch found themselves with an out of date product. The Bosch Brute 2 of course reclaims the thrown beating out all the competition in nearly every possible way. Below is a rough breakdown of the stats.
Bosch Brute 11304KD $1480
Weight: 64lbs
Impact Force: 43 ft lbs
Length: 29.5”
BPM: 1400
Vibrations: 18 m/s2
Vibration Control: None
Makita HM1810X3 $1597
Weight: 71.3lbs
Impact Force: 46 ft lbs (63J) ***Updated 1/14/11***
Length: 32.5”
BPM: 1100
Vibrations: 8 m/s2
Vibration Control: Counter Balance
Bosch Brute 2 BH2760VCD $1599
Weight: 65lbs
Impact Force: 49.5 ft lbs (68J) ***Updated 1/14/11***
Length: 30.5”
BPM: 1000
Vibrations: 8 m/s2
Vibration Controls: Air Chamber & Handles
The Makita HM1810X3 ($1597, Ohio Power Tool) has been gaining in popularity in the past few years with the innovation of their Anti Vibration Technology (AVT). This unit has stepped out as the best performer in the breaker world but what AVT does is add size and weight to support the counter balance mechanism. Another negative side effect is more moving parts, which increases the likelihood of breakdown, longer downtime and more costly repairs.
As you can see from the numbers, the Brute 2 really does put up the most impressive overall performance but in addition (and possibly most important) it needs to continue to be the most dependable "rental house" breaker that made the original Brute top dog for so many years. To help keep maintenance simple and prolong the tools life the Brute 2 will feature the Service Minder Brush System, which will actually shut the tool off when it needs new brushes, lubricant or other maintenance. Additional features that should prevent wear and tear include a fluted hammer tube to keep the tool from overheating, more rugged bolts and spring dampening system and rubberized non-slip cap on top. The most common repair we’ve seen on the Brute 11304 would be replacing handles after this tool falls over so that non-slip cap is actually a much bigger improvement than you might guess.
We have had several opportunities to test all 4 of these models out including the 2010 World of Concrete and during a recent trip to Bosch headquarters. Although Bosch toyed around with the idea of making the Brute 2 blue, as seen in the picture above, it looks like they stuck with the caution yellow everyone associates with the Bosch Brute. In our experience there really was a very noticeable difference with the Brute in ease of use and performance. Lighter, shorter length, less vibration, more power and rubber end cap cushion all work together when you are repositioning and actually using this unit, making it the clear winner. Also don't forget to check out Ohio Power Tool for all your 1-1/8" hex steel chisels and points.
Read the Bosch Press Release Below:
Mount Prospect, Ill., – Bosch’s new Brute Breaker Hammer BH2760VC has surpassed its predecessor, the venerable 11304 Brute, achieving the best overall performance with the lowest vibration levels. The new Brute’s hammer mechanism provides up to 60 percent more impact energy than the 11304, while reducing vibration levels by up to 50 percent. Weighing in at a svelte 65 lbs., the BH2760VC boasts the category’s best power-to-weight ratio, delivering up to 68 ft. lbs. of impact energy.
The secret to Bosch’s latest “crushing” innovation lies in the ability to improve the Brute’s performance and lower vibration levels at the same time. Over the years, competitive products have used counter balance technology to reduce vibration levels, which adds size and weight to the tool. Using its patented Active Vibration Control™ technology, Bosch has created a longer air cushion which is actually built-in to the hammer mechanism and substantially reduces vibration levels at the source. This, combined with ergonomically-designed shock absorbing handles, helps provide the lowest vibration levels in its class for maximum user comfort in all day applications.
The increased impact energy not only improves performance but does not have an off-setting effect on jobsite durability. The BH2760VC was engineered from the bottom up to deliver a more efficient motor, less energy loss in the seals, heavier duty springs and bolts and a larger, more rugged spring dampening system. Bosch’s Service Minder™ Brush System shuts the tool off when brush replacement, lubrication or preventative maintenance is needed and a grease-packed gear box and hammer mechanism eliminate the uncertainty of jobsite lubrication. All of these enhancements were made with one goal in mind: exceed today’s already high standard for the Brute’s durability and lifetime.The Brute legend dates back to 1966 when the first production of the high-frequency GSH 27 (model 12308) was built in Leinfelden, Germany. In 1977, the universal motor was introduced in the Bosch 11304 Brute Breaker hammer. To date, a 1978 model of the 11304 remains one of the longest-rented tool in history – a total of 2076 times over 21 years – before it was donated back to Bosch still-operational.
Recently we have seen some new features in the different Utility Knives out there so we thought we would take a look at what style of knives are available with different features. We had these 5 models on hand which we felt did a good job of representing a good number of the options out there. The several year old bulky orange box cutter will act as the base line for our tests but has already proven itself.
The Irwin Protouch Utility Knife ($11, Ohio Power Tool) has up until recently been our go to knife, this particular one is fairly new, but we have been using this model for several years. It is a very nice durable utility knife with a quick change case which opens without a screw driver. Inside the case is a clamp which holds several additional blades and a fairly easy blade changing setup with a magnet to help keep the blade from falling out every time you open the case.
Milwaukee FastBack 48-22-1901 ($15, Ohio Power Tool) this is a newer knife, very well constructed with a great grip. The flip-out style utility knife has been increasing in popularity over the past few years and Irwin & Lenox both have similar models with belt clips. The Milwaukee is the only to feature the wire stripping tool while closed however we will give props to Lenox for the built in bottle opener.
CH Hanson Flip Knife ($13, Amazon) is designed more as a specialty tool but we could see it being very handy in a wide range of situations. The two sided knife features a strait and hooked blade, one on each end and a safety feature which prevents them from being extended simultaneously. Quick release blade buttons means you never need to open the knife at all, but if you did want too it's very easy.
Milwaukee Slide Utility Knife 48-22-1910 ($7, Ohio Power Tool) is another new knife which rearranges the classic knife design very cleverly. The slide is on the side preventing the release from getting caught on a pocket or tool belt and cutting yourself. The blade storage is also very nicely situated in the handle with a magnet holding the blades in place. The blade is removed with a quick release button so the actual case on the knife is never opened. The thumb pad also improves the comfort for long periods of use.
Ease of Blade Changing
Here we have pretty much a 3 way tie between the two Milwaukee knives and the CH Hanson. All three feature quick release buttons on the sides which make blade exchange a snap. We tried to find a scenario this feature could prove a safety hazard but with the button placements it would be pretty unlikely to accidentally hit any of these buttons while the blade was out. - Milwaukee & CH Hanson Winners
Blade Play
All the utility knives in our sample had some blade movement; the only way to prevent it would be to more securely fasten the blade in place which would make the quick change blade releases and sliding features nearly impossible. From most play to least here is the order: Orange box cutter, Irwin, CH Hanson, Milwaukee Slide, Milwaukee FastBack. It made sense the FastBack would win here because the design was the only one without a sliding system which definitely adds wiggle. The winner still had nearly 1 cm of travel where the pretty loose box cutter was only at 2 cm so they were all pretty close. - Milwaukee FastBack Winner
Comfort & Grip Safety
Normally we don’t give too much credit to features like a “contoured grip” but with a utility knife it really can be a safety feature, a good grip might save you from a trip to the ER and several stitches so we are giving it some credit here. Ranked from worst to best: Box Cutter, CH Hanson, Milwaukee Slide, Irwin, Milwaukee FastBack. While the Milwaukee Slide does have a nice thumb pad which is way more comfortable than the slide triggers on other models this unit really is pretty strait. There is little keeping your fingers from sliding forward to the blade, at least the Irwin has some angle on the grip. On the other hand Milwaukee does a great job with the FastBack which really hold in place well. - Milwaukee FastBack Winner
Final Results
We have several different styles of Utility Knives here so it is pretty hard to name one overall winner. Our real goal was to highlight some of the different styles and features out there but if we had to name one it would be the Milwaukee FastBack. We have been using this one pretty much exclusively the past month or two letting our Irwin hangout with the mop from the Swiffer commercials. But that is for our low-medium use, if you go through lots of blades and need on-board storage the Milwaukee Slide might be your choice, also the least expensive of the group. On the other hand if you use lots of hooked blades you probably won’t have even read this far down the page and are halfway through ordering the CH Hanson knife. We are just happy to see so much innovation in a tool category we would have guessed didn’t have much innovation left. Check out this Facebook photo album for more pictures of all the knives.
Delwyn Thornton received his new Mustang GT car for winning the Irwin Tools Ultimate Tradesman Challenge after beating 22 tradesmen from across the US. Attached are some photos of Delwyn celebrating in Brandon, MS yesterday with friends and family after he received his new Mustang GT from IRWIN Tools. Mississippi Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant presented Delwyn with a state certificate recognizing his national championship title.
Delwyn will be competing for the world title of the Irwin Tools Ultimate Tradesman Challenge in March. more info - www.irwin.com/challenge
Starting today and going all week long we will be celebrating the opening of the Bosch System Specialist (BSS) store at Ohio Power Tool. This means we will be giving away FREE Bosch Tools and Accessories through the Coptool.com news site, our Facebook page and our Twitter feed several times each day all week long!
To kick this off we will be giving away a PS41-2A ($145, Ohio Power Tool), simply comment on this post starting with a 3-5 digit price ($0.00 - $999.99) from one of any of the Bosch Tools on OhioPowerTool.com then a short sentence or two about your favorite Bosch Tools. Winner will be whoever is the first to pick the exact price of the randomly selected item or closest to the dollar amount. The winner for this contest will be announced Friday at 12:00 Noon! Comments can take a few hours to post live to the site, so don’t worry if it doesn’t show up right away. Must include valid email so we can contact you.
Make sure to follow us on twitter and facebook and keep an eye out all week as some contests will be first to respond!
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