The tool box system in simply the way it is done in Europe and all around the world. An organized system where you grab the right tool boxes snap them together and you have everything you need for the job and nothing extra to lug around. Here in the US we have big trucks, vans and garages to store our junk but that is still no reason to take extra tools to the jobsite. If we are going to switch all out tools and accessories to a tool box system it better be tough, like throw it off the roof and not only is the box fine all the small bits inside stay in their places.

When the folks at DEWALT were picking the product manager for this task they needed someone obviously tough to represent it, to our surprise it was Naama in the picture at the top. After only a few minutes with her it was clear this 5 foot nothing gal meant business, was knowledgable about her product and knew how to keep a bunch of blogger/magazine writers inline.

The system itself is very smart, sturdy and customizable. Within the different size boxes there are many ways to customize each with small sorting compartments that stay in place thanks to groves on the lid but move freely when box is opened. Each box is also weather proof with sealed lids that actually have an air vent which can be opened, important when going from a cold van to warm house and the pressure change vacuum seals tight the box.

The cart itself is also very impressive and customizable. The rails can be configured to have many different box arrangements but also work well as a hauler for large tools or materials up to 260 lbs. Nice big wheels make it easy to move around the jobsite. Construction is very solid and boxes can be locked onto the cart if desired. For more details read the full DEWALT press release below.

TOWSON, Md. – DEWALT announced today the introduction of its TOUGHSYSTEM storage solution. The unique system is comprised of three modular storage units DWST08201 ($45), DWST08203 ($55) and DWST08204 ($65) and metal carrier DWST08210 ($165) for ultimate jobsite organization. The TOUGHSYSTEM allows any professional to build the storage option that fits their needs. Technicians, electricians and contractors can all use different combinations, eliminating the need for multiple storage boxes spread throughout the jobsite or workshop.

“Our new storage solution offers contractors a means of organizing, sorting and transporting their tools and materials from one jobsite to the next,” said Naama Eylon, storage commercialization manager. “We designed this system to save contractors time by allowing them to customize their storage options and only pull out the tools they need for each application.”

Constructed of four-millimeter structural foam for jobsite durability, three stand alone units make-up the TOUGHSYSTEM. The DWST08201 is a robust briefcase with carry handle that fits both power tools and accessories. The unit is designed to hold an entire set of tools. The DWST08204 provides removable vertical storage for easy access and organization.

Professionals can efficiently store their screwdrivers, chisels, etc. in an upright format for stress-free searching. The unit can also fit power tool chargers and other large accessories. The DWST08203 comes equipped with a deep removable tray which is designed to fit a cordless tool battery and charger.

The three storage cases are stackable using side latches, enabling a contractor to lift two or three cases at once. Each of the units is also furnished with an integrated water seal for tool and material protection from rain, snow and other weather elements.

For trouble-free transportation around the jobsite, the DWST08201 L-cart carrier assists professionals in moving heavy materials and storage cases. The carrier can handle materials up to 260 lbs. and features adjustable, foldable brackets for tailored configuration. Contractors can even work directly from the carrier, without having to detach all storage.

A central locking mechanism allows the stand-alone storage cases to securely attach to the carrier for easy transport. For jobsite security, padlock eyes permit locking of the stand-alone units.

Complete with a limited lifetime warranty, the TOUGHSYSTEM will be available through independent distributors and two-step distribution beginning in July 2011.
  

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 09:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

IRWIN Tools has been a long-time sponsor of the SkillsUSA National Championship held last week in Kansas City. To celebrate the success of 2011 SkillsUSA Automotive Service Technology competition high school and college winners, IRWIN HANSON has awarded Michael Mullin of San Luis Obispo, Calif. and Adam Minihan of Laconia, N.H. with the Ultimate NASCAR Race Experience. Both students will have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to work with legendary NASCAR crew chief, Jeff Hammond, as well as a NASCAR pit crew August 25-28 during the 2011 IRWIN Tools Night Race weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway.

To hear Jeff Hammond discuss the SkillsUSA success in Kansas City check out the YouTube video below.

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 11:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We have been seeing a recent trend, which we are really happy about, of finding new ways to improve how concrete fasteners are installed. Not only does this make the job easier on the installers it actually makes the installation more to spec in most cases. This could potentially save tens of thousands of dollars if an inspector decided they didn’t like the way a job was done. While DEWALT is launching this installation tool for Pin Anchors in concrete; Bosch has also introduced a Stop Bit for installing Drop-In Anchors. Two completely different applications but we are happy the big companies are using their R&D muscle to improve these applications. The more the merrier is our thought when it comes to improved methods, reducing expense and saving time.

The DEWALT pin anchor system is a 2 part tool; one is the SDS-Plus bit itself which has to be a DEWALT brand bit because of the ring at the base. The second part is the installation tool itself DW5517PAD ($30, Retail) which slides over the SDS-Plus bit and locks into that ring at the base. It is important to remember this tool will not work with any other brand of SDS-Plus bits. Once the hole is drilled simple slide the installation tool over bit and the Nail-in can be hammered in. The SDS-Plus drill can stay in hammer drill mode the entire time so it is a very quick and easy process. Check out the DEWALT press release below for more information on this system. 

TOWSON, Md. – Today, DEWALT announces the launch of its new Pin Anchor Drive System (DW5517PAD), which has been engineered to reduce contractors’ frustrations associated with attaching anchors to concrete, including hammering overhead to set an anchor, bending an anchor while hammering or damaging the surface when installing into brick. The new Pin Anchor System—proprietary with DEWALT SDS Plus 3/16 inch and ¼ inch drill bits—is ideal for mechanical, masonry, concrete, electrical and general contractors who commonly use pin anchors to fasten PVC pipe, conduit, unistrut and other light loads requiring 3/16 inch and ¼ inch holes.  This is also ideal for tight areas where a contractor cannot always fit a hammer into the space.

“Contractors rely on us to develop solutions that address their concerns and ultimately lead to increased productivity on the jobsite,” explained Maurice LaPointe, product manager, DEWALT. “After talking to professionals about the issues they face when it comes to attaching anchors to concrete during rough in, we saw an opportunity to develop our new Pin Anchor System, which reduces the number of steps required to set an anchor and eliminates the need for additional hammering by the contractor.”

By using a rotary hammer to drive an anchor into the hole, the innovative DW5517PAD eliminates several steps, including users having to put their rotary hammer down and locate their hammer in order to finish the application.

Once users have drilled a hole into concrete using their DEWALT rotary hammer, the pin anchor sleeve slides over the SDS Plus bit and locks into place. When the sleeve is locked and the pin anchor is in place, the rotary hammer drives the anchor into the hole, eliminating the need for any additional hammering.

The Pin Anchor System will be available at all DEWALT retailers beginning in June 2011, and it is expected to retail for approximately $30.
  

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 12:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Very recently Chicago Pneumatic launched a pair of new high end impact guns to accompany their ½” CP7749 (previous post) which competes well against the Ingersoll Rand ½” 2135TiMAX. The 2 new CP impact guns are very similar however one is a 3/8” CP7729 ($191, Ohio Power Tool) while the other is a ½” CP7739 ($217, Ohio Power Tool). Both tools are very compact at 6.4” and only 2.78lbs but pack a good amount of power at 415 ft lbs for CP7729 and 450 ft lbs for the CP7739. While that is not much torque for a ½” impact it is a tremendous amount for a 3/8” and all 3 of these units feature the side2side technology for forward and reverse.

Ingersoll Rand 2115TiMAX vs CP7729

The Ingersoll titanium impact 2115TiMAX ($238, Ohio Power Tool) has been the top dog for several years now. As you can see in the picture it’s slightly smaller than the CP7729, weighs only 2.5lbs, is “assembled” in the USA and includes a 2 year warranty. However when it comes to power, max torque is only 300 ft lbs a far cry from the new CP at 415 ft lbs. In practice both tools feel very similar in size and weight. It’s hard to say if 415 ft lbs might be almost too much power for a 3/8” impact but at almost $50 cheaper the CP makes a very strong argument.

Overall we have been very happy with the direction Chicago Pneumatic seems to be moving. We are seeing more new innovative tools, better support and stylistically we like the new red & black color scheme on their regular tools. The CP7749 have been holding up very well in the field and with the similar design we would expect the CP7729 & CP7739 will also hold up just as well for professionals. For all the current CP Impact Guns check out Ohio Power Tool or give the pros a call at 800-242-4424 with any CP questions .       
         

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 09:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We were lucky enough to be one of the first to get to test Milwaukee M12 Heated Jackets last year, early in the season. Unfortunately not everyone was as lucky; many of the jackets did not make it to stores in time for the holidays… or even by the end of winter. Heated jackets don’t do a lot of good in March or April when the last of the back orders were finally cleared. It seemed that the small size was really popular and perhaps unexpected that women might really like a heat jacket as well?  

Next winter this will not be the case as the Milwaukee Jackets 2331 ($169, Ohio Power Tool) will be in plentiful supply as well as in a new color, Camo. This makes sense to us because the most benefit we found with this jacket last year was when we were sitting outside not moving around, like you would be when you are hunting. But what about a BLACK jacket fellas? (UPDATE: Realtree AP Camouflage Jacket ready to order 2332 Jacket Only or 2333 Jacket Kit with battery)

The new jackets also gets a few upgrades including larger battery pocket that can accommodate the XC battery (although we did find 2 regular M12 fit in original) also the blinking controls moved to the inside which after the 40th time someone asks, why is your jacket glowing probably isn’t a bad idea. Read more on the new Realtree AP camouflage jacket launch below the Youtube video in the Milwaukee Press Release.

MILWAUKEE, WI – Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation continues to expand the industry’s largest sub-compact battery system with the introduction of the new M12™ Realtree AP™ Heated Jacket. The new addition to the M12™ family follows the Fall 2010 launch of the very popular red M12™ Heated Jacket to satisfy mounting user requests to expand the jacket line to include gear for activities off the jobsite like hunting and fishing. This fall Milwaukee will offer the M12™ Heated Jacket in the most popular and versatile camouflage pattern, Realtree AP™. Coupled with Milwaukee innovation and powered by RED LITHIUM™ battery technology, the new jacket provides unmatched performance for the outdoorsmen.

 
Recently Greenlee announced they would be launching several new cordless tools in their lineup of PROVL lithium ion tools. Greenlee is one of the most respected names for specialty electrician tools and have one of the largest book of products, everything from hand tools to knockouts to large cable pullers. These new cordless tools are among the most common which they surprisingly did not have previously including several varieties of drills and a metal cutting circular saw. Greenlee has made many cordless tools before for their specialty crimping and punch tools however those tools have all used the Makita 18V Lithium Ion platform batteries.

Power and speed were right on, the Makita die grinders spin at 25,000 RPM and this new cordless model one is no exception. When we really pushed on the material it just kept on digging, certainly no lack of power in the die grinding applications. Brand new titanium coated burs certainly help get the job done but we were very impressed how similar the cordless die grinder performed to our other corded version.

In runtime it is obviously going to vary greatly on how hard you run the tool but with pretty constant use the battery made it over 30 minutes, or enough time for the other battery to be done charging. Vents on the top of the tool help keep the motor cool but also blow heat and debris away from the user. While this probably isn’t the ideal tool for constant all day use, it is well built and certainly would be very handy in small-midsized prep jobs. 

One complaint we had, more so with the majority of die grinders cordless or corded, why no variable speed controls? Sure most of the time it would stay on full throttle anyway but why not give a little more control options. To see it in action watch the youtube video or read the full press release on new Makita Cordless Die Grinders below that.

La Mirada, Calif. – Makita, a worldwide manufacturer of technologically advanced power tools that are more compact with less weight yet deliver industrial strength power and results, has added to its groundbreaking line-up of 18V LXT Lithium-Ion tools which now includes over 40 cordless solutions. The new 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless ¼" Die Grinder (model LXDG01) combines speed and portability in a compact size for a range of metalworking applications.

Here is just another fun way the guys at Bosch are showing off their new Power Box PB360S ($199, Ohio Power Tool) by playing Corn Hole with a working unit and giving away Free Radios to anyone who gets it in. Now to actually sink the radio on the first try is not easily done, it’s kind of like a carnival game really but we did see 2 first try winners of brand new Power Boxes that afternoon and we actually landed one ourselves at the end of the day… on try twenty something.

The real point is to show how durable this radio is and have a little fun doing it which this certainly did. This radio went all day on a single Bosch 18V battery without skipping a beat once. Really there should be no worries of a fall off a lift gate or couple knocks in the van, these radios are going to be able to handle the abuse and still charge your cordless batteries while doing it. Check out the short video from the event!

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 01:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We first learned about the DEWALT’s diamond blade DW8500 ($249, Amazon) for cutting metal at last year’s STAFDA trade show and instantly it seemed like a no brainer. Using a standard cutting abrasive disc just has so many flaws. For one they don’t last very long, they get smaller as they are used so it makes cutting large diameter pipe very inconsistent, applying to much pressure binds up the blade, blades can break fairly easily sending shrapnel everywhere and the list goes on. We had a chance to test out the DEWALT Diamond Edge blade a few weeks ago and we were really impressed. Similar speed to an abrasive but no blade binding and no disc shrinkage.  

 
People have used the abrasive type blades for years just as they were previously very common in concrete cutting as well however in concrete cutting the majority of the work today has shifted over to using manufactured diamond concrete blades. As the prices of manufactured diamonds become more cost effective we are now starting to see the shift in metal cutting as well. We had previously looked at the Diamond Products A to Z Blade which also has a 14” option however is slightly less expensive at $189. These two blades are not really the same as the A to Z blade is rated for RPMs of a gas saw while the DEWALT is rated for the RPMs of a chop saw. The DEWALT is also promising 100x the life of a standard abrasive which the A to Z is not making that claim.

It is our prediction we are going to see a big shift over the next few years to diamond blades for metal cutting but going from $7 for an abrasive to $250 diamond blade, even with a 100x life is still going to take some guys a little getting used to. For more information on the DEWALT Diamond Edge blade checkout the full DEWALT press release below.

Here is an interesting contest that seems to literally separate the men from the boys. You can either submit the best or worst DIY projects you have seen on the Facebook page Be The Pro Challenge. Each week a winner will be selected to win a new Bosch Power Box PS360S. There are only a few entries so far so that power box is as good as your!     

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 06:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We got our first look at some of the new hammers at the Milwaukee 2010 STAFDA Booth Visit back in November. Now we are finally getting our first real info on the 3 that will launch first. It looks like they are starting with the smallest in the lineup but these new hammers look to offer some very nice features in compact SDS Plus hammer drills. Milwaukee has not been a player in Rotary Hammer Drills for sometime but with their solid engineering and focus on professional tradesmen we have pretty high hopes for these new drills.

1. The Milwaukee 5263-21 SDS Plus 5/8” Compact Rotary Hammer is probably the smallest we have seen in an SDS Plus hammer, claiming 40% lighter than the competition. At the same time it provides up to 65% faster drilling with 1.5 ft-lbs of impact energy and 0-3,700 RPM.  The Anti-Vibration System (AVS™) should make it one of the most comfortable compact hammers on the market. Ideal if you are driving Tappers all day.

5263-21 5/8” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer
5.5 Amps
1.5 ft-lbs
0-3,700 RPM
0-4,400 BPM
5/8” Max Capacity
10.9” Long
4.6 lbs
Includes: 5263-21 5/8” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer, Side Handle, Depth Rod and Carrying Case

2. The Milwaukee 5262-21 SDS Plus 7/8” D-Handle Rotary Hammer is probably the most popular style of SDS Plus hammers but will have some serious competition going up against the 7/8”, 1” and (coming soon) 1-1/8” Bosch Bulldogs which have been the industry standard. The Milwaukee is claiming lighter weight and 40% faster drilling time so we will have to see when it is available. We would also have liked to see the Anti-Vibration System incorporated into this drill but our bet is this is going to be a low cost tool. 5262-21 5/8” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer
7.0 Amps
2.4 ft-lbs
0-1,100 RPM
0-5,625 BPM
7/8” Max Capacity
10.9” Long
5.8 lbs
Includes: 5262-21 5/8” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer, Side Handle, Depth Rod and Carrying Case

 
The Ridgid SeeSnake Explorer has been one of the most successful handheld inspection camera. It was one of the first handheld units to record onto a SD card and it offered digital self leveling which was accurate and very handy. When the units launched originally they seemed to be very well priced just below $700 however as technology progressed many of the competitors were able to launch similar products that also had recording function but for several hundred less.

Where the Ridgid Explorer cannot be matched is when it is used in conjunction with the large number of reel attachments from the 30’ microDrain up to the 100’ microReel. As part of the system the Explorer can record inspections and do many of the jobs that would have required a much larger $10,000+ SeeSnake system previously.

The new Ridgid SeeSnake CA-300 ($382, Ohio Power Tool) will be able to record video, capture stills, has a large 3.5” monitor, compatible with all the Ridgid microReels & microDrains but now is more aggressively priced under $400. When compared to the CA-100 ($224, Ohio Power Tool) the new unit with recording seems like it would be a pretty easy choice. Both units share the new 4 LED 17mm head which is much tougher imager head than anything else we have seen in this price range.

If you have any questions about the Ridgid Inspection Equipment contact the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424 and they will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
       

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 07:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For the past few days we have been visiting the US Bosch Tools home office to see many of the tools that will be launching later this year and into 2012. The “biggest” launch of the event was their new line of Drills and Hammer Drills which consisted of 4 models: Brute Tough Hammer HDH181-01 ($319), Brute Tough Drill DDH181-01 ($299), Compact Tough Hammer HDS181-02 ($239) and finally Compact Tough Drill DDS181-02 ($199). These 4 models will replace the existing Brute Tough and Compact Tough models but join their Super Compact Drill DDB180-02 ($169, Ohio Power Tool) and Super Compact Hammer HDB180-02 ($199, Ohio Power Tool) for a total of 6 drill options in the Bosch 18v line up. This line up seems to make sense because it pretty much eliminates the need for a separate 14.4v offering keeping all batteries and chargers compatible. The new Bosch 18V Drills will be available soon shipping now.

Power to Weight
All the new drills see a good reduction in size and weight while losing the tilted tool angle which was not very popular in the last versions. On the power side there is a pretty nice increase there as well with torque rating up to 600 in-lbs for the Compact Tough and 700 in-lbs for Brute Tough models. This is due in part to the new 4 pole, 4 brush motors that not only make the tools more powerful but also more efficient in operation leading to more efficient battery usage. All in all this definitely puts the new Bosch Drills at the highest power to weight of any 18V units on the market today including the new DEWALT 20V Max tools. 

 
Last week we did a hands-on with the new DEWALT 12” slide miter saw DWS780 ($599) and the whole time we were thinking how does this compare with the new Bosch 12” Glide Saw GCM12SD (previous post)? Apparently this was not an uncommon though as we received several more questions after posting some images on the twitter feed @coptool.

Got this in and watched the whole think, pretty entertaining I have to say.

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 05:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well its official DEWALT has announced its new line of 20V Max Tools. Although unlike the name might suggest there is no more voltage available to these tools than their current 18V line or any competitors 18V for that matter. These will be the first tools DEWALT has ever made in the 18V category that will not be compatible with all the previous tools dating back to 1996. That selling point has been a big one for the yellow team and could be hard to overcome. Currently there are roughly 63 million Ni-Cd or Lithium DEWALT batteries in use worldwide on this 18V platform. So why is DEWALT moving toward this new 18V 2.0 platform?

The Tools Themselves

The new line of DEWALT 18V (20V Max) consist of a core group of 10 products: compact drill/driver - DCD780C2 ($219, Amazon), compact hammer drill - DCD785C2 ($239, Amazon), premium drill/driver - DCD980L2 ($279, Amazon), premium hammer drill - DCD985L2 ($299, Amazon), impact drivers - DCF885C2 ($219, Amazon - 1.5Ah batteries) & DCF885L2 ($269, Amazon - 3.0Ah batteries), reciprocating saw - DCS380L1, circular saw - DCS391L1, SDS rotary hammer - DCH213L2 ($469, Amazon), right angle drill/driver - DCD740C1 ($199, Amazon) and LED pivoting head worklight - DCL040 ($49, Amazon). Most of these tools are based off their old 18V counterparts with modest speed & power improvements.  All of the tools did get improved ergonomics because the 20V slide batteries allow for a more comfortable handle now that the battery stem is not in the handle of the tool. The new 20V tools also move the electronics to the tool (lithium XRP 18V are in batteries) which will cut down on the problems & costs of the lithium battery. Currently the 20V Max 3.0Ah are targeted at $99, 1.5Ah at $69-79. The new 20V batteries will also share the same charger as the DEWALT 12V Max making for 1 less charger on the jobsite.

The New 20V Battery

The simple fact is that all tool batteries are made up of lithium ion cells that when fully charge “Max” out at 4 volts, however on first trigger pull voltage drops to 3.6 usable volts. At that point they produce a fairly consistent power output until the battery is near drained. These new “20 volt” batteries contain the same number of cells (5) as do all other 18 volt tools. These new DEWALT cells do have a higher Amp Hour rating than their current 18V XRP batteries with ratings of 1.5Ah & 3.0Ah (most commonly others rated at 1.3Ah or 2.6Ah). This high Amp hour is not necessarily unique to DEWALT as Milwaukee also switch to a high Amp hour cell with their new Red Lithium batteries as well as Bosch’s current European batteries, coming to US soon.    

The Marketing Juice

Just like any car company, tool companies launch new versions of their products every few years. This gives them opportunity to make improvements but also to get some new customer interest and press coverage… like you are reading right now. DEWALT creating a new line of 18V tools that is not compatible with their 15 year tradition of 100% compatibility is big news but it goes beyond that! Recently we watch a great movie called Beer Wars (IMDB, watch full movie online) where beer manufacturing juggernaut Budweiser actually worked to deliberately create many more varieties of beer to fill up the premium spots on grocery store shelves with more of their own products. Since they have the largest market share, they also have the most product reps who actually stock store shelves for the stores making it easy for them to place their products prominently at eye level.

Perhaps the folks at DEWALT watched the same movie we did and might not think it such a bad idea to have a full line of 18V & a full line of 20V tools on the shelves at say Home Depot for the next several years. DEWALT certainly has the most reps setting up their own displays in the stores perhaps they wouldn’t exactly view that as a bad thing pushing the red, blue and green tools to the side. The good news is we really do believe them when they say, there will be no rush to push customers to convert to the new 20V tools on their side.

But How Does this Help DEWALT Faithful?

The DEWALT faithful with their 63 million batteries floating around out there may not take this departure of compatibility as good news. In using the new 20V tools along with the old 18V and several other competitors in each case the differences were certainly not earth shattering, maybe a few ounces lighter or milliseconds faster but nothing game changing in terms of speed or performance. No question the 3.0Ah will add more runtime to each charge but this seems to be the trend right now for several main tool companies, we will have to wait to see which of these new 3.0Ah batteries really lasts the longest. 

No matter how long DEWALT claims they will continue to support the 18V line the inevitability of the situation is at some point all the new yellow tools will be developed exclusively on the 20V Max line and users who want the most up-to-date tools will need to switch. While DEWALT dealers will probably carry the 18V Ni-Cd batteries for another decade or so, we can promise you none of them are going to be too thrilled to stock twice as many yellow tool SKUs for very long. DEWALT even has the transition charger (see above) for that period where you still have old tools but want to move into some of the new ones. Eventually dealers and users will all switch over and at that point we can see the master plan unfold. It will be very convenient to have cross over between the 12V & 20V “MAX systems”. Currently the shared MAX platform is just on the charger but there is no reason that might not apply to radios, lights and other accessories as well.

Only time will tell if the DEWALT fans embrace the change or revolt in the streets.
     

Posted by Jay Amstutz at 08:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)