This year on August 21st Irwin Tools is sponsoring possibly the greatest event in the 2010 racing season  Ohio Tool Racing Championship … on that same day they are also sponsoring another great event in racing the Bristol Night Race. One event will probably have 160,000 people more than the other but very impressive to see Irwin Tools involved in two world class events on the same day.

As if that wasn’t enough, Irwin will be holding their annual Ultimate Tradesman Competition the day before, August 20th, at the Bristol Speedway. This year the event will be televised so if you are not going to be there you can still watch Live on Speed Channel’s NASCAR trackside starting at 7:00pm EST.

You can also vote right now for your favorite Tradesman and automatically enter to win a $250 irwin prize pack. It looks like we got 2 of the top 4 times from the Buckeye State: Jonathan Smith (Delaware, Ohio) & Mark Martin (Ostrander, Ohio) so our state is well represented. Maybe Ohio just makes a better tradesman?

Posted by Jay A. at 05:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We have mentioned the Milwaukee M12 XC Battery before which is more than just a battery with longer runtime. The M12 XC Battery 48-11-2402 ($79, Ohio Power Tool) actually adds power & speed to many tools as well as runtime. In lab testing with the 3/8” Drill/Driver 2410-22 ($149, Ohio Power Tool) the time it took to drill a 1” hole went from 16 seconds to 9 seconds. The Stall Torque went from 250 in.lbs to 310 in.lbs, just by switching to the XC battery. Similar gains are reported for the M12 Impact Drivers, Hackzall, Screwdrivers and other tools. The flat rubber over-molded base also makes the tool much more stable in the upright position as well as protects finished surfaces from marring. *Note the M12 plumb laser and M12 sub-scanner are the only 2 tools that cannot fit the larger battery.   

During the month of August, Ohio Power Tool is running a Free UPS Ground Shipping special for all Milwaukee Tool, simply use Coupon Code “MILWAUKEE” in the check out or call 800-242-4424. In addition to that cost savings you will also for a very limited time be able to get a FREE M12 XC Battery 48-11-2402 with the purchase of any Milwaukee M12 Tool Kit. That is an $80 value with most M12 Tools ranging from $99-$199, this is an incredible deal. The FREE battery ships with the tools, no waiting for a Mail-In Rebate to come. Supplies are very limited on this offer so place your order now; it may not be around tomorrow or even when you get home from work.

Continue reading "Free Milwaukee M12 XC Battery 48-11-2402 & Free Shipping" »

Posted by Jay A. at 03:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A few weeks ago we took a look at the Ingersoll Rand 3/8” Ratchet 1207MAX-D3, which one of the tool repair technicians tested out and gave his thoughts on. At the same time we gave a 1105MAX-D2 ($129, Ohio Power Tool) to another one of the tool techs for them to run through the paces. The 1105MAX again carries the MAX name which means it also has some high expectations in the performance department.

Continue reading "Ingersoll Rand ¼” Ratchet 1105MAX-D2 Review" »

Posted by Jay A. at 05:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

At first glance of the above marketing photos you might be thinking big whoop another 4.5” grinder with 7.5 Amps. Without feeling the grinder it's hard to tell the body of this tool is significantly Slimmer than anything else on the market, providing for more control in cutting and grinding applications. We recently had a chance to test out the Bosch against similar DeWalt & Makita models and performance wise they are all solid well build entry level grinders. However once you pick up the 1380 Bosch then go back to the others it really makes them just feel awkward, including even the other Bosch models. The Bosch 1380SLIM ($69, Ohio Power Tool) is priced to move as an entry level grinder for professionals. 

These types of small 4.5” grinders are ideal for metals shops, construction and a wide range of other applications, it’s good to see the Bosch team working to reengineer the basic products. With different accessories such as Grinding Discs, Flap wheels & Small Diamond Blades these can be very versatile tools. The 1380 grinders are expected to hit shelves this week at Ohio Power Tool and if you have any questions on any Bosch Tools feel free to give the guys a call at 800-242-4424.   

Posted by Jay A. at 05:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

 
In the Air Impact Wrench world the term “MAX” by Ingersoll Rand have been associated with the top performing tools for many years now. The introduction of a brand new “MAX” 3/8” ratchet 1207MAX-D3 ($138, Ohio Power Tool) carried with it some big expectations. We had a chance to demo this tool recently and decided to put it into the hands of someone who could really get some mileage out of it in very short order.

Continue reading "Ingersoll Rand 3/8” Ratchet – 1207MAX-D3 - Tool Review" »

Posted by Jay A. at 07:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

What type of tool is the new IR Hammerhead? Significantly more powerful than any ratchet with more than 10x the free RPM speed, it must be an Impact. On the other hand at 13.1”, 3.4lbs and under 2” head height it fits into tight spaces better than any impact could. The 3/8” 2015MAX ($293, Ohio Power Tool) and the ½” 2025MAX ($299, Ohio Power Tool) will be available in July and these hybrid tools should make a pretty big splash. Here is the official info from Ingersoll Rand.    

From Ingersoll Rand, the company that invented the Impactool in 1934, comes a revolutionary product that is unlike any other on the market today. The Hammerhead Low Profile Impactool offers the power and speed of an impact with the reach of a ratchet, and it’s going to change the way you work. The combination of MAX power, MAX control, and MAX access now allows you to use an Ingersoll Rand Impactool for virtually any application. Say goodbye to awkward extensions and swivel sockets, and watch your productivity soar as you conquer tasks in minutes that once took you hours.

MAX Power - With 180 ft-lb max torque and 7,000 rpm, Hammerhead offers more than twice the power of the leading competitor’s ratchet

MAX Control - A feather-touch trigger, two-position forward power regulator, and conveniently located forward/reverse ring provide precise control.

MAX Access - A head height of under 2" and reactionless torque allow you to safely use this powerful tool in tight spaces.

Posted by Jay A. at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

 
Nobody is going to accuse DeWalt of jumping the gun and rushing to market with their new line for 12V Max* Tools. There are some advantages to being the last kid into the pool however in that you get to see what has worked for the competition and try to improve upon it. From what we have seem it looks like the Yellow Team has done their homework dissecting the competition and researching customers’ needs. The launch of the DeWalt 12V tools will feature 7 tools (+ 2 additional combo kits) and should hit shelves in October just before the Holiday Season.

Our initial reaction to the entire line as a whole was positive but nothing super surprising or that would inspire someone to drop their current 12V tools and say “Wow I have to have that”! Price seemed in line with comps for the most part, size was a little larger for most items but with some advantages, weight was in line and power seemed to top the first generation tools from Bosch, Milwaukee & Makita but it was unclear if they were less than, equal or better than the 2^nd generation 12V tools that we have been seeing. DeWalt unfortunately does not provide power measurements in torque to compare with the other tools; instead they use UWO (Unit Watts Output) which doesn’t translate to torque directly. Head to head tests planned soon, stay tuned.

The biggest difference when looking at the whole line collectively would probably be moving the battery below the handle which allows for thinner more ergonomic handle. This seems like it would be a personal preference thing of comfort, either way seems fine if speed/power/features can back it up. This does make the tool a little larger but it also allows for a belt hook which you will not find on most other compact tools which use holsters. It also makes it more stable when standing upright. This configuration may be more familiar to some professional and may get easier adoption for those not currently using any 12V tools.

Continue reading "DeWalt Finally Arrives at the 12V Cordless Party" »

Posted by Jay A. at 05:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

 
The CP7600 is aimed at buses and trucks maintenance companies sensitive to best practices in terms of E3Q (Ergonomics, Efficiency, Environment and Quality). It offers a torque controlled solution to tighten nuts on trucks and buses to a precise specification without impacting force.

The Chicago Pneumatic BlueTork is a pistol grip pneumatic nut runner assists mechanics for tightening lug nuts according to specifications. The shut off valve prevents over-tightening while the torque reaction is taken by mean of a blade. The tool uses a dual motor setup to spine initially at 100rpm (50 ft.lbs) to quickly set the nut while the second motor spins at 8 rpm (650 ft.lbs) to finish the nut at exact specs. Because the tool uses continuous driving force instead of impact force the result is a significantly quieter tool, with much lower vibration. At only 79dB(A) OSHA does not require hear protection vs a typical 1” impact at 95dB(A) hear protection would be required under OSHA regulation 1910.95. The vibration levels for the non-impact wrench are almost vibration free at >2.5m/s. In Europe a typical impact gun with 9.1m/s would require mandatory limited daily exposure, while the US doesn’t yet have these standards you can expect to see something soon.

Continue reading "Chicago Pneumatic BlueTork 1” Non-Impact Wrench CP7600" »

Posted by Jay A. at 04:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Since 1901 Chicago Pneumatic has been delivering quality air tools for automotive, industrial and construction applications. New this year is a lot of exciting new products in addition to a full line overhaul, well at least the appearance. Many of their tools are getting a fresh coat of red as part of their “new look”. Some of their most popular tools will remain unchanged and become the “Classic” line. Here is a link to the Full 2010 Chicago Pneumatic Industrial & Vehicle Service Catalog which will show all the tools as they will be moving forward.

Continue reading "Chicago Pneumatic New 2010 Catalog & New Look" »

Posted by Jay A. at 10:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Garage Journal is a great blog/forum site we were introduced to several months ago by the guys from The Garage Slab Magazine. Who knew there was so much interest in garages right, to have dedicated magazines and forums? Once you dive on in however my guess is, if you are like me, you will find far too much of it extremely interesting. The “garage” encompasses so much from cars, tools, woodworking, gadgets, beer making, construction and you could probably relate anything else you are interested in without stretching too far. Here was one interesting post that caught my eye, The Bunker Garage, which goes through the whole process of building this unique garage. In the blog they always seem to have lots of posts on tools and work bench designs (see Mega Bench). Check it out it’s worth a visit!   

Posted by Jay A. at 04:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It seemed like not too long ago all electric impact tools were square drive and there were few cordless tools even available. Now everything has changed and there are many options including cordless tools all the way up to ¾” square drives with an impressive 525 ft-lbs torque. In addition to square drives for sockets we now also want to use these tools as impact drivers for screws and other fastening applications. This is exactly why Milwaukee has created a full line of Shockwave impact adaptors specifically designed to better handle the high stress points these tools can create. You can easily go from hex to square or square to hex depending on your needs.  

Just within Milwaukee Tools there are a wide range of Impact Tools:  

M12
2450-22 – ¼” hex – 850 in-lbs - $159
2451-22 – 3/8” Square – 1000 in-lbs - $179

If you are shopping for some new Lincoln Lube or Mityvac tools it’s that time of the year again for the gift card promotion. Mail-in this Rebate Form with any amount of the selected items and get up to $250 in gift cards. This year some of the gift card options have changed to include Home Depot, Bass Pro Shops, Target, Best Buy, Applebee’s & Starbuck’s. Also some of the products included in the promotion have changed, the new & very popular PowerLuber 1844 ($276, Ohio Power Tool) is included. The promotion runs until June 30^th 2010 so there is still plenty of time to get your orders in.  

Posted by Jay A. at 08:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Ingersoll Rand DD2T2 has been a very popular twin tank portable air compressor for years. It was recently upgraded/replaced by the P1IU-A9 ($312 w/Free Shipping, Ohio Power Tool) which produces about equal numbers to the previous model, 4.3cfm, for the same price. The design of the new unit is a little more user friendly with controls and two connections (previous model only had 1) on the front of the unit. The air filter is also more efficient and easier to service, right on the front of the unit. The overall dimensions changed slightly from 21”x17”x15” to 18.5”x18.5”x17” which isn’t a big deal unless you plan to install the unit in an existing enclosure.

Continue reading "Ingersoll Rand Twin Tank Air Compressors: P1IU-A9 vs DD2T2" »

Posted by Jay A. at 01:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

New to the Ingersoll Rand Max family is the 3445MAX ($227, Ohio Power Tool) 4.5” air grinder. The Max family of tools indicates the top of the line in terms of Power & Comfort (power/weight). It looks as though IR is really expanding the Max line to include not only impact wrenches, but also ratchets and now grinders. Checkout the video below for full stats on the new 3445MAX.

Posted by Jay A. at 02:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Recently IR Tools announced 4 new air ratchet models. I haven’t had a chance to test them out but the numbers look pretty impressive, especially for the MAX Series ratchets. Check out the YouTube video and full IR press release below. These ratchets and many others are also available now from Ohio Power Tool, see Air Ratchets.

Posted by Jay A. at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Announced officially today Milwaukee Tool has come out with a M12 Grease Gun 2446-21XC (Ohio Power Tool, $199). This is a new category for Milwaukee and will go up directly against the Lincoln Lube 12V PowerLuber 1244 (Ohio Power Tool, $199) which has been the most popular cordless grease gun for several years. When compared head to head, Milwaukee vs Lincoln Lube the 12 volt Milwaukee has several advantages. The two kits cost about the same however M12 2446-21XC offers higher pressure with 8,000psi, a battery that can dispense 7 tubes, almost double the lincoln (although 1244 includes 2 batteries vs 2446-21XC kit with 1) and possibly most significantly the Milwaukee M12 battery is shares with 20+ other tools while the Lincoln 12V battery can only be used on the one tool.

The Milwaukee grease gun also offers many innovative new features right down to the basic design of the tool, which has a base and more supportive tube enclosure. Hopefully this new design will prevent some of the damage we see every day with cracked handles and housings. Lincoln does offer an 18 volt PowerLuber 1844 (Ohio Power Tool, $267) which can pump 8-10 tubes per battery and has 2 speed transmission, high volume & high pressure but even their high pressure option is only 7,500psi. The higher pressure is required for some applications, also very useful in cold weather or clearing clogged zerk fittings.        

Overall I think the Milwaukee Grease Gun 2446-21XC Kit (also available as tool only 2446-20XC, $129) will be a very popular item if for no other reason than there are already so many Milwaukee M12 tools and batteries out there. As the M12 line grows it makes the case stronger for all the other existing tools, also this is the first tool we have seen a kit include the M12 XC high capacity battery but it gives me hope on expanding the line further in the future. Read the full Milwaukee press release below:

Continue reading "Milwaukee M12 Grease Gun 2446-21XC – New Kid on the Block" »

Posted by Jay A. at 03:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The new IR 259 essentially replaces the 258 as their mid-level ¾” gun for Ingersoll Rand. However there is nothing mid-level about this tool. It’s smaller and lighter than any other gun in its class. The gun delivers an impressive 1,050 ft lbs torque in both forward and reverse and only requires a 3/8” air inlet hose, unlike many others which require ½” inlets hose. The new design has better weight distribution, easier to switch from forward and reverse and I imagine easier to service and repair from the looks of the large bolts on the front.

The new Ingersoll Rand 259 ($299.99, Ohio Power Tool) is very competitively priced, offers variable control trigger and is assembled in the US. Although, is assembled in the US what we really get excited for these days? All around this is a great gun at a great price and it looks pretty cool as well.      

Posted by Jay A. at 09:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Why would you need to wait in line at 5am, uphill both ways in 10 feet of snow just to fight Pit Bulls with lipstick (aka Hockey Moms) to try and save a few bucks? Ohio Power Tool is already putting out lots of awesome power tools at special discounted pricing and not refurbished or last year’s leftovers but the new good stuff. Check out the Top Tool Deals page to get some great gift ideas. Remember these prices also work with any other deals for Free Tools, Mail-in Rebates and/or Free Shipping.

The Free Shipping Deal is good until Monday December 7^th, a week after Cyber Monday on many major brands including Bosch, Milwaukee, Dremel, Ingersoll Rand, CST/berger & Ridgid. Simply use Coupon Code TURKEY at checkout for free UPS ground shipping.

Visit Ohio Power Tool for a wide selection of tools at everyday discount prices. There are also a variety of mail-in rebates and other deals you can check out on the home page. You can also call 800-242-4424 during business hours to place any order, just mention the Free Shipping special.  

Posted by Jay A. at 04:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Tired of your Flashlight dying while on the job? How about 3 times the run time. Bulbs are a pain to replace; how about 250 times the life span (50,000 hours). Ever dropped your flashlight and the bulb broke; how about a bulb that won’t break (or that is at least as strong as or stronger than the plastic housing it). One bulb (the last bulb you'll ever need) to work with all M12, M18, V18, V28 & all 9.6-28V Milwaukee incandescent flashlights. Also works with most DeWalt, Bosch, Makita, Hitachi, Ridgid, Ryobi and other brands as well!  

It’s all true for your current flashlight if you get the new LED upgrade kit from Milwaukee 49-81-0090. The cost for the upgraded LED bulb kit will be around $33 but could be worth it for all benefits it provides. With all the advantages and continuously cheaper LED bulbs hopefully it won’t be long until all work lights are LED. Probably never guessed your flashlight bulb would out live your children’s children did you?

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

A new addition to the cordless Lincoln PowerLuber line is the 18V Grease Gun 1844. Currently the 14.4V and 12V PowerLubers are considered the top guns on the market and starting under $200, very reasonably priced. The new 18V will also use the current 14.4V chargers which could be a very nice feature for those that use multiple grease guns. Here is a quick comparison of the 3 cordless models:

PowerLuber 12 Volt – 1244 ($199)
- (2) 1201 Batteries
- Single Speed – High Pressure (2.9 oz/min)
- 6,000 PSI
- 3-5 Tubes per Battery

PowerLuber 14.4 Volt – 1444 ($248)
- (2) 1401 Batteries
- 2 Speed – High Pressure (3 oz/min) High Volume (8.5 oz/min)
- 7,500 PSI
- 5-7 Tubes per Battery

PowerLuber 18 Volt – 1844 ($267)
- (2) 1801 Batteries
- 2 Speed – High Pressure (3 oz/min) High Volume (9 oz/min)
- 7,500 PSI
- 8-10 Tubes per Battery

When looking at the stats it’s clear the 18V is similar to the already very popular 14.4V model but does improve the work time for each battery 30-60%. Which gun is right for you will depend on your specific application. The PowerLubers are used in a wide range of industries including automotive, farm equipment, heavy construction equipment, factory machinery, wind turbines, general maintenance & much more. It is recommended to use the Lincoln Lube Guardian Grease Tubes ($1.99) with the PowerLuber guns but there are many other brands and specialty grease that could work as well.

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

The SEMA Automotive Show is the premier aftermarket car show in the world, which appeals to a very wide range of people. The show itself covers 2 million sq. ft. with such a wide range of products and industries including car parts, stereo & electronics, restoration parts, power sports, car care, accessories, paint supplies and of course Tools & Equipment. Some of our favorite brands will be on hand including Chicago Pneumatic tools who will be on hand with Rich Evans and his H20 Knight car. For more details on that checkout CP’s latest issue of the Cranked Up Newsletter.  

Unfortunately the SEMA show is not open to the general public, but with such a wide audience from car deals, tool suppliers, collision repair, electronic installers and so many more it shouldn’t be hard to go if you really want. Checkout the SEMA 2009 Car Show website for more info and details on this year’s festivity.  

Posted by Jay A. at 10:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Many of you took advantage of the Ingersoll Rand air tool stimulus plan rebate program that ran back in April, well guess what we are doing it again from Now until December 31^st. The deal applies to many of the most popular Ingersoll Rand Air Tools. Get up to 15% off current deals and other promotions. Check out the mail-in rebate for full details and the complete list of tools that apply. If you have any questions, the pros at Ohio Power Tool (800-242-4424) are happy to help, also you can email any questions to sales@ohiopowertool.com for a quick answer.   

Posted by Jay A. at 04:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Air hammers have a wide range of uses in many different industries from automotive service to construction to foundry use. Coupled with a wide variety of air hammer chisels and different attachments these are incredibly versatile tools. An interesting fact, Air Hammers are also called Zip Guns and if you search on that term, you will get a whole other list of results in Google. Apparently “Zip Guns” are also a term used for homemade guns, typically fashioned to look inconspicuous, like a cell phone or ball point pen, not what we are talking about here although it would be a fun post to write.

Some Air Hammer basics; there are 2 common sizes for air hammer chisels the .401 shank and more heavy duty .498 shank. There are also 2 styles for each size, turn type and non-turn type chisels. The turn types are far more common and have a collar to hold the bit in the tool. The non-turn type, do not allow the bit to rotate by locking the bit in with 4 ball grooves; it also requires an Ajax Kwik Connect Retain (both chisel types work with kwik connect retainers).

Continue reading "Air Hammers, Scalers & Needler Basics" »

Posted by Jay A. at 03:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

All month long you can get great deals and Free Shipping on Ingersoll Rand and Chicago Pneumatic power tools from Ohio Power Tool. Discounts and special sale pricing have already been applied to many of the most popular IR & CP tools however to take advantage of FREE SHIPPING simple use coupon code: SEPTEMBER in the checkout. If you don’t want to mess with the coupon code or have any questions at all please feel free to call the pros at Ohio Power Tool directly 800-242-4424.

Posted by Jay A. at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From now till the end of October you can use this M12 Rebate to get either a free M12 Battery or Free1 M12 Tool, depending on the M12 tool you order. This is a great deal which can be used in addition to other great deals such as a M12 Pocket Driver 2401-22 ($99 Ohio Power Tool) or the new M12 3/8” drill/driver 2410-22 with Free M12 Power Port 2349-20 ($149 Ohio Power Tool). Total orders over $199 are also eligible for Free Shipping from Ohio Power Tool just use coupon code: AUGUST (expires at the end of the month). Check out the complete line of Milwaukee M12 Tools including several new items with more on the way.

Posted by Jay A. at 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

No matter how you think this gun stacks up to the Ingersoll Rand the new Chicago Pneumatic is an awesome gun with some cool new features. “You’re going to sell a million of these!” – Rich Evans, builder, designer and owner of Huntington Beach Bodyworks, immediately following his first application test with the CP7749.The gun will be available soon and you can pre-order yours now. If you would like more info on the CP7749 checkout this Spec Flyer or contact the pros at Ohio Power Tool, 800-242-4424 or sales@ohiopowertool.com.

Posted by Jay A. at 04:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Here is a pretty good deal on the Ingersoll Rand IQv tools. If you pick up one of the Ingersoll Rand IQv 2 battery kits as well as a TL10 flash light you can send in this IQv Mail-In Rebate to get your money back on the TL10. Ohio Power Tool stocks the ½” impact W360-KL2 ($399), 3/8” impact W150-KL2 ($320) & ¼” hex impact W040-KL2 ($268) as well as the worklight TL10 ($67). The Ingersoll Rand IQv line also features several grinders, ratchets, drills and other tools which have become extremely popular among mechanicals and service professionals. If you have any questions about the promotion or any Ingersoll Rand IQv cordless tools, talk to the IR pros at Ohio Power Tool.  

Posted by Jay A. at 07:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I imagine most plumbers will stick with the Ridgid product for the digital self leveling and the fact that it works with the Ridgid MicroDrain to go through toilet traps. That being said the reason the Ridgid Explorer has been so successful is that it has opened up so many new markets. From HVAC, remodelers, electricians, mechanics, inspection, safety, maintenance staff to Biologists studying prairie dogs in Wyoming, the audience is wide open for these new borescope cameras.    

Posted by Jay A. at 09:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A new program available from Ohio Power Tool on select Ingersoll Rand Air Compressors promises to ship them within 48 business hours. This includes configuration for different electrical voltages. In addition these select Compressors, noted on the website with “Quick Ship” in the title, will also include a free start-up kit and an Ingersoll Rand Impactool of your choice. The Ingersoll Rand start up kits should always be purchased with the units as the purchase alone takes your 1 year warranty to a 2 year warranty on the units. The free Impactool options are different for each compressor but can include popular models like the 2115TiMAX, 2135TiMAX, 261, among others.

The 6 models of compressors, 4 electric & 2 gas, included in the Quick Ship promotion are: 2340L5, 2475n7.5, 2475N7.5-FP, 2545E10V-FP, Kohler 2475F12.5G & Honda 2475F13GH. As always with any Air Compressors from Ohio Power Tool there is free shipping on the compressor units. It is highly recommended that you talk to an expert about selecting and configuring any air compressor. Ohio Power Tool has several experts on hand able to help you make the right decision. Feel free to contact them with any questions by email sales@ohiopowertool.com or phone 800-242-4424.    

Posted by Jay A. at 01:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Check out the CHcompressors micro-site for the new Campbell Hausfeld compressors, looks like a great option for the garage and around the house. Some very cool features including on-board tool storage and no tilt rolling for the larger model. The smaller unit is perfect for wall mounting out of the way and also works with the take-away 8 gallon unit perfect for small jobs such as inflating car tires. Both units feature nice large knobs and gauges. Read the full Press Release information below.

Continue reading "Campbell Hausfeld Introduces New Portable Compressors" »

Posted by Jay A. at 02:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

M12 line
- M12 AC/DC Charger: charges Milwaukee M12 batteries in the car or through a traditional outlet
- M12 M-Spector AV: the next generation of the m-spector records video, photo and audio on a 2BG memory card
- M12 Tool Holster: tool belt portability for your M12 tools
- M12 High Capacity Battery: fits all M12 tools to increase runtime and power
- M12 Radio: exclusive digital processor and weather sealed MP3 compartment
- M12 Right Angle Drill: 3.75" head for drilling and fastening in tight spaces
- M12 PVC Shear: cuts 2" schedule 40 PVC in 3 seconds
- Digital Contractor Radio: powered by 120VAC, M12, M18, V18, V28, and slide pack Ni-CAd batteries 

M18 line
- M18 AC/DC charger: charges Milwaukee M18 batteries in the car or through a traditional outlet
- M18 Compact Band Saw: only 9.5lbs and 16" long, compact and light weight design for cutting overhead and in tight spaces
- M18 Flex Light: convenient hands free use 

The Bosch Impact Driver was recently just released and if you would like to get your hands on one for free, here is your chance. Simply purchase the Bosch 4-Tool combo kit CLPK40-180 and send in the Mail-in rebate. To get the promotion moving Ohio Power Tool is taking an additional $50 off the price of the kit until this Monday ($475 price until 5/18/09).

If you have any questions on any of the Bosch Power Tool, give the experts at Ohio Power Tool a call at 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com.    

Posted by Jay A. at 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Recently Milwaukee Tool announced they would be coming out with two new The Torch Sawzall Blades with diamond grit cutting edges. These diamond blades are intended to cut material such as cast iron, hard tile (up to grade 5), ceramic tile, plaster, masonry, brick, pavers, fiberglass and lots of other abrasive materials. The cutting edge is a nickel alloy braze with embedded industrial diamond grit. The marketing from Milwaukee suggests these blades will last 30x longer and cut 2x as fast. Both the 6” & 9” blades feature .042” width and 1” height. Cost on the 6” 48-00-1440 will be around $12 and the 9” 48-00-1450 will be around $15, an amazing deal if these live up the 30x longer and 2x faster claims.

You will soon be able to get the new Milwaukee Torch Diamond Grit Sawzall blades along with all your other Milwaukee Sawzall Blades online at Ohio Power Tool. Checkout the video below to get excited about these new blades and everything they can do.     

Posted by Jay A. at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Chicago Pneumatic has recently introduced two brand new pneumatic belt sanders for getting into the tightest spots. The CP7858 uses a 3/8” x 13” belt while the CP7859 uses a ¾” x 20.5” belt. Both units feature higher RPM (20,000-22,000), 180 degree arm and belt pivot, compact design, powerful motors as well as quick and easy belt changing features.

Along with these impressive features and benefits, perhaps the most important is the quality and durability built into these new CP belt sanders. These new sanders are built to withstand the most demanding tasks and environments. In addition, these new sanders boast a value and price point well within the reach of professional technicians looking for the right tool for difficult applications.

Ohio Power Tool carries the CP7858 3/8” and CP7859 ¾” pneumatic belt sanders as well as a wide range on United Abrasive (SAIT) belts for these models and many others ranging from ¼” to 1” width. If you have any questions about the Chicago Pneumatic tools or sanding belts please do not hesitate to call 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com.   

Posted by Jay A. at 08:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Selected from more than 170 applications nominating more than 80 schools, the four finalists are Ohio Technical College, Cleveland; Piedmont Technical College, Greenwood, S.C.; Shoreline Community College, Seattle; and Smoky Hill High School, Aurora, Colo.

 “We’re looking forward to announcing our winner next month, and we want to thank all of the schools that took the time to submit their nominations for School of the Year,” said Jay Lewis, business line and general manager for Chicago Pneumatic, North America. “The quality of the applications from high schools, colleges and career centers teaching automotive instruction were excellent, making it difficult to determine this year’s four finalists.”

Applications from instructors, principals, department chairs, and students touted a variety of specialized training programs and even a green initiative that was unique among entries. These distinctive programs and specialized training opportunities provide students with defining skills as they enter the workforce following graduation.

“It’s exciting that a company like Chicago Pneumatic has partnered with us to recognize these top automotive schools,” said Beth Skove, associate publisher of Tomorrow’s Technician. “Many of these schools incorporate innovative training programs to prepare their students to be the future leaders of the industry; these young men and women will be influencers in the shop and will help take the automotive aftermarket to the next level.”

The 2009 School of the Year will be chosen from the four finalists and will be featured in the May issue of Tomorrow’s Technician. The four finalists will receive a share of a total prize package of Chicago Pneumatic tools worth $25,000. The winning school will receive $10,000 worth of Chicago Pneumatic tools and a special award presentation event at their school, including an appearance by Rich Evans of Huntington Beach Bodyworks. The three other finalists will each receive $5,000 worth of Chicago Pneumatic tools.

Chicago Pneumatic (CP) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of high-performance tools, hydraulic attachments, industrial and portable compressors and associated accessories and workshop equipment. Since 1901, The CP brand has served the Vehicle Service, Construction and Industrial marketplace.

Posted by Jay A. at 02:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Milwaukee has really gotten serious about the cordless impact market. I think they may now the most complete line of cordless impact wrenches on the market, even surpassing automotive giants like Ingersoll Rand IQv and Chicago Pneumatic.

Available May 1 there are two new ½” cordless Milwaukee M18 high torque impact drivers. The two new models are the 2662-22 & 2663-22 which are almost identical tools with the only different in the anvil. The anvil on the M18 2662-22 features a Pin Detent, while the 2663-22 uses a Friction Ring. Personally I would say get the friction ring version, as the new rings are like $1.20 and very easy to get and replace.

Both of the new Milwaukee versions feature 450 ft-lbs torque, highest of any cordless impacts on the market. The Milwaukee M18 line currently features several other impacts including ¼” hex, 3/8” square as well as the current ½” impact 2652-22 which also features the pin detent type anvil. The current ½” impact is has a higher RPM & IPM speed but lower torque, below 200 ft-lbs. In addition to these 5 models of M18 impacts there will also be a ¾” square and 7/16” hex available later this summer. The ¾” will have tons of juice for a cordless at 525 ft-lbs but a good ¾” pneumatic would be around 1,200 ft-lbs so keep that in mind.  

Similar to the promotion Lincoln Lube & Mityvac have run before, after you purchase one of the selected products simply fill out the rebate form and presto gift cards. The choices for the gift cards include: Applebee’s, Best Buy, Bass Pro Shop, Starbucks, Land’s End and Darden’s (Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Longhorn, etc).

The rebate is good for $5-50 depending on the item. See the full PDF Rebate for specific models and amounts. Ohio Power Tool stocks a wide range of Lincoln lube and Mityvac equipment. If you have specific questions call Ohio Power Tool at 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com.

Posted by Jay A. at 02:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You have probably heard about the new Bosch Edge reciprocating saw blades by now. Perhaps you registered to win the Bosch Ax and Stub Hub gift card. If you haven’t, it’s free, do it. Hopefully you read about the launch on Coptool.com or another blog like ToolSnob.com who did a pretty good test against the Lenox Gold Blades, Lenox got smoked.

Ohio Power Tool and Bosch Tools would like to do more than tell you about them, we would like to get these in your hands so you can try them for yourself. Ohio Power Tool will give you a 5 pack of 6” Edge Blades of your choice for free, with any Bosch order over $129. If your order is over $199 you have a choice of any 6” or 9” blades. Simply email your name, order number and requested Edge Blade part number to sales@ohiopowertool.com and these will be shipped with your order for free. The only request is that you use them and if possible, email us a line or two about what your thoughts are on them.

Posted by Jay A. at 10:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

To celebrate Ingersoll Rand’s 75^th anniversary in 2009 they will launch several special edition tools in limited quantities. The first of these tools is the 2135TiMax which receives new graphics and a custom handle. The tool also comes with a FREE 75^th anniversary metal clip-on pocket knife, display and 5 piece socket set (1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8"). Even if you are not going to display the tool for all to see, it’s still the best ½” with extra free goodies.

You will currently find some other great Ingersoll Rand deals at Ohio Power Tool including a FREE SK6H8L (currently $92.98) socket set with the 2141 ¾” air impact. Also the IQv cordless W360-LSP, ½” impact, has been replaced by the W360-KL1P (same tool & includes a hard case) but for a limited time also includes a FREE second battery! Also the IR Cash Stimulus Deal is still in effect until the end of April and is good for up to 15% cash back on the most popular air tools from Ingersoll Rand.

Posted by Jay A. at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Renting vs Buying

It can be difficult to predict the future and determine what is going to be best for your needs in the long run. There are a few basic things to look at which will help guide you in making the right financial decision for what is right for you personally or your business.

Frequency – How often will you need this item, what is the likelihood the usage could change in the future?
Urgency – When you need this item is it for something urgent or can usage be planned and therefore group projects together.
Versatility – Can this equipment do multiple jobs; are there different options that you might want down the road?
Availability – Is this item even available in your area to rent? It might answer your question real quick if you can’t even rent it.
Maintenance – Do you have someone to maintain/repair the equipment, what are the typical repair costs; could there be problems if the item sat dormant for the winter?
New Business – Is there additional business you could do if you had this new equipment? Are you missing opportunity on current jobs where you refer business to others?
Technology – How quickly does the technology change? In 2-4 years will something better be available and you will need to upgrade?

Using Rentals to Grow Your Business

Renting is a great way to expand your business without the costs of additional equipment. For instance if a plumber who owns his own business wants to do pipe and drain inspections he might look at adding a Ridgid SeeSnake for a cost of $4000-$10,000. Then the risk is the equipment might go unused for weeks at a time until he builds that part of his business. On the other hand he could offer these services and simply rent a SeeSnake (from $125) as needed until the frequency goes up and buying becomes more attractive. Additionally rental equipment is a great way to supplement your current inventory. You may already own a mag drill but an upcoming job requires a few hundred holes drilled. It might make sense to rent a second or third drill for the job and speed up that step of the process. Often times this will more than pay for itself when consider man hours and project bottle necks.

Financing & Economic Slow Downs

During slower economic times it can become harder to secure financing and/or justify purchasing new equipment but the absolute worst thing you could do is turn away business. Shop your local rental house and know what inventory is available and what the rates are so you can speak confidently about your capabilities and build those rates right into any quotes. Also most places will offer discounts if you are planning to rent the tools several times per month.

March Rental Madness Deal – Ohio Power Tool

If you are near the Columbus, Ohio area and looking to rent any tools or equipment in the near future you might want to check out rental tools & equipment from Ohio Power Tool before the end of the month. Any rental items checked out before the last day of the month will be eligible for 25% back in free good which can be used on any new tools or accessories. At minimum it should cover the costs of any accessories you might need, such as saw blades or drill bits but the savings can add up quickly into free tools.

Outside Central Ohio you can still rent from Ohio Power Tool on a weekly and monthly basis if you would like to take advantage of the 25% in free goods offer. Shipping rates will apply so some items may not be cost effective but on weekly or monthly rental there are defiantly items which can be pretty reasonable to have shipped direct to your jobsite. If you have any questions call 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com.    

Posted by Jay A. at 01:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Ingersoll Rand is arguably the strongest name in automotive air tools. Obviously there are cheaper tools in the market place that discount suppliers will push on you but how long does it last with regular use and can you even get simple maintenance parts for it? That being said everyone wants to save some cash on anything they are buying!

Currently you can get Ingersoll Rand Air Tools at some of the lowest prices online from Ohio Power Tool. After you get a great price you will get up to an additional 15% of the purchase price of the tools, back to you in cash money. This is part of the IR Stimulus Plan, not that we haven’t seen enough “Stimulus Package Sales Promotions” but anytime you can get a great deal and then get a check on top of that I’m happy.

The Deal is good on most of the IR air tools (see all included models below): Impact Wrenches, Ratchets, Sanding & Polishing, Drills & Drivers, Grinders, Hammers & Scalers, Saws & Shears. If you have any questions on any IR air tools, uses, specs, repairs, parts, etc call the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com and you will have the answers!     

Download a PDF of this Ingersoll Rand Rebate

Posted by Jay A. at 12:56 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)

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)

A short time ago Ingersoll Rand released the 2115TiMAX an updated version to the incredibly popular 2115Ti. In the tradition of the 2135TiMAX, market leader ½” impact, the new 2115TiMAX redefined the 3/8” impact category by setting the bar even higher for “power-to-weight” and “power-to-size”. With 300 ft-lbs of torque in a titanium body weighing less than 2.5 lbs and shorter than 6” it will be near impossible for any other impact to improve upon this design.  

Posted by Jay A. at 08:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

48-32-1500 Milwaukee 38 Piece Quik-Loc Kit - $30.94
This Milwaukee Bit Set is critical to get the most out of your hex shank driver. Many of the new 10.8V-12V compact tools use the hex bit system which can limit the tools use without the right accessories. This kit not only has a wide range of driver bits but also several sizes of drills and impact bits.   

1.      PS50 Bosch Multi-X
Oscillating tools are the most popular tool gift for 2008 holidays. Fein owned the market for several years with their MultiMaster but at $300-400 outside of most people’s budget. Bosch’s new cordless Multi-X expands nicely on their 12v Max line up and is available in 2 models :PS50-2A ($179) & PS50-2B ($199).

2. 2420-22 Milwaukee M12 Hackzall
The new Hackzall is a very cool new tool. Basically a mini version of the popular Sawzall reciprocating saw this tool is great for pros and DIY guys alike. The Milwaukee M12 tool line up has been expanded tremendously and there are combo kits and free tool promotions that make the Hackzall very attractive. Price is $179 on Ohio Power Tool.  

3. 30063 Seesanke MicroExplorer
Probably outside more people’s gift giving price range at $690 the MicroExplorer is an investment. For pros it’s probably one of the best gifts you could give yourself. The inspection camera can record images and videos along with many other features including digital self-leveling.   

4. T308B Bosch Jigsaw
At under $10 per 5 pack these saw blades might make a great stocking stuffer for any woodworker or handyman. Unlike typical jigsaw blades these extra clean cut saw blades leave you wood cuts burr free and practically a finished edge. At only a few cents more per blade who wouldn’t get the T308B jigsaw blades?  

5. 2611-24 M18 2 Tool Combo Kit (free battery)
Milwaukee has long been known for some of the best cordless tools in the market. The new M18 hammer drill puts them well above the competition with 650 lb. torque. For a limited time the hammer drill includes the M18 Impact tool for free ($179 value)! To make the deal even better until Dec 31 Milwaukee is giving a free 3^rd battery (mail-in rebate) with many of the M18 tools, this kit included. Sale price $349.

6. IQv144K IR Cordless Impact, drill, light (free socket set)
Ingersoll Rand, one of the top brands among mechanics, has been known for their air impact tools for quite some time. IR has proven they can also be one of the top brands for cordless tools. The new 14.4v IQv kit includes 2 batteries, 3/8” impact, drill, charger and LED flash light which will run for hours. Price on the kit is $398, for a limited time that also includes a free 3/8” socket set.  

7. 36614-02 Bosch 14.4v Drill (free battery)
Recently Bosch introduced all new 18v and 14.4v lithium tools. These have all been really great performers but the 14.4v Compact Tough drill for $199 has been a real standout light weight drill/driver. These new tools are high quality, made in Switzerland and come with a free 3^rd battery (mail-in rebate) until December 31^st. If you are looking at light weight compact drills it would be hard to look past this one.

Milwaukee has recently introduced 7 new 4.5" grinders aimed at the metalworking grinder market. These new grinders will compete directly with other top names currently dominating metalworking grinders such as Bosch, Makita and Metabo.

Some of the connivance and safety features include: Tool Free Adjustable Guard allowing the user to quickly adjust the guard without the use of a tool. Burst Resistant Guard Positive detents lock the guard in place so if a wheel burst, the guard is more secure and less likely to rotate. Finally the Soft Grip 3-Position Side Handle provides optimal control for any application.  Top position is ideal for cutting.

The reason there are 7 models is because for each version there are locking and non-locking triggers, for compliance reasons. Ohio Power Tool sells all 7 models call 800-242-4424 if you need any help determining which would be right for you.

Models Include: 6122-30 10AMP Rat Tail w/Lock, 6122-31 10AMP Rat Tail no Lock, 6148-30 10AMP Paddle w/Lock, 6148-31 10AMP Paddle no Lock, 6148-33 10AMP Slide Trigger w/lock, 6140-30 7.5AMP Paddle w/Lock, 6140-33 7AMP Slide Trigger w/lock

See YouTube Videos: Debris Baffles & Milwaukee Rat Tail Grinder

Posted by Jay A. at 04:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Everyone is aware of the tough economic times we are currently in and there is no need to beat on that dead horse. We are all hoping things will get better and doing what we can to get by. On a positive note I did just filled the gas tank up for $1.69/gallon.

Like everything else new tool and equipment sales are down and most companies are running tight, trying to make do with what they have. When it is time to invest in new tools obviously we all still need professional grade tools but perhaps are doing a little more price shopping to find the best deals. Ohio Power Tool is doing what we can to help our customers in anyway possible. We sell new tools and try to get the best price out there we can. We are not the biggest so we limit the number of brands we carry which allows us to get the very best pricing on those lines we do stock and pass the savings on to the customers.

Ohio Power Tool also Repairs Tools and equipment in-house because sometimes tools don’t actually need replaced they just need a new switch and some other part to get them working again. Another service Ohio Power Tool offers customers is rental tools and equipment which we are currently in the process of expanding our inventory. Some customer will rent while their equipment is being repaired, while other customers will rent for specific jobs or until it makes sense for their business to buy a new piece of equipment. Checkout the New Rental Pages to see some of what we offer from Seesnakes to core drills to full hydraulic systems. Outside of Ohio you can rent this equipment on a weekly or monthly basis and have it shipped directly to you.

The good news is there is still a lot of work out there that needs to be done and things are going to improve. Whether you need new tools, repairs on your old ones or just need to rent something for a specific job Ohio Power Tool can help. Most of our staff has 10-20 years in the business and can answer all your questions so call us 800-242-4424.

Posted by Jay A. at 08:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Earlier this week a few of us from Ohio Power Tool went to the STAFDA ( Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association) trade show in Denver, CO. We had a chance to talk with the guys from Ridgid Tool and get some video of the new Ridgid Seesnake Micro Explorer. It would be nice if they would actually ship these and then we could all get a first hand look at it but in the mean time hopefully this video will give you a little better idea of how the menus work and some of the new features.

We are accepting pre-orders for the Micro Explorers 30036 at Ohio Power Tool. I am confident these are going to be in any day now. Apparently there were some software errors that caused the most recent delay but the word on the street is these have been resolved and are shipping shortly.

More videos and info on the STAFDA show will be coming shortly.

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

Ingersoll Rand is one of the most popular brands of choice when it comes to Air Impact Wrenches. The IR tools are built to stand up to professional daily duty and if you depend on these tools everyday I would think it might be hard to look past the Ingersoll Rand tools for a second rate product off the back of a truck. Ohio Power Tool is making the decision easy to buy the best by offering extremely low prices in addition to giving a full socket set away with some of the most popular IR impact tools.

1” Impact 285B-6 – $449 - Free Socket Set: SK8C5T ($76)
¾” Impact 2141 – $419 - Free Socket Set: SK6H8 ($61)
½” Impact 2135TiMax - $249 – Free Socket Set: SK4H13 ($30)
3/8” Impact 2115TiMax - $219 – Free Socket Set: SK3H8 ($14)

19.2V IQv – ½” Impact W360-LSP - $359 – Free Socket Set: SK4H13 ($30)
14.4V IQv – 3/8” Impact IQV144K – 398 – Free Socket Set: SK3H8 ($14)   

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

The Ingersoll Rand IQv Cordless power tool line has found a serious following among the automotive crowds and many others. These tools are engineered for use in professional shop and manufacturing facilities. The whole system is very intelligently designed with cheaper NiCd and Lithium batteries that work with each voltage of tools, all which share the single charger and flashlight that work with all of them.  

I’m sure most people are fully aware of the new compact tools being launched by both Milwaukee and Bosch, and possibly tired of hearing about them. Apparently I can’t shut about it but there is a lot happening all at once after what seems like a long drought of no new tools. Obviously these tools have a huge potential for gifts around the holidays so it’s no wonder they delayed the launch until October just in time to get the word out and all the products on the shelves for holiday shopping season.

Finally I think we have the full picture of what tools are available for each of these lines at least until first quarter 2009. At this point I think it’s probably more important to look at the full lines vs. simply comparing tool for tool as we did previously with Bosch Pocket Driver vs. Milwaukee Micro Driver. When it comes down to it most people are probably going to assume the drivers, impacts and flashlights will work fairly similar with both lines. These will probably not drive the buying decisions but the two lines do have some different tools available that are very unique.

They match up fairly evenly with 6 tools each but some big differences in what they do. In just looking at the unique tools Milwaukee has the M-Spector, Pipe Cutter & Hackzall while Bosch has the i-Drive, 3/8” Drill & Multi-X. My first reaction is that the Bosch products have more broad appeal, if we are talking about the regular user or DIY guy I think these might make more sense. The Milwaukee products however are focused on professionals and do a good job of using the small size to create great new supplemental tools for someone who already has an 18 volt drill and other tools. The ace in the hole for Bosch is really the Multi-X PS50, there has been a lot of buzz about this one. The tool has so many uses and really can do jobs no other tool can. If you are already committed to the Milwaukee M12 line you can always pick up the Dremel Multi-Max for $99 which can tackle the same basic jobs but it has also got a cord.     

Milwaukee has some nice multiple tool kits which make a lot of sense as the tool only versions of most of these new tools will not be available until later (I am assuming after the end of the year) and how many batteries and chargers do you really need. Also I hate to discredit the Hackzall, I think this thing has a ton of use for everyone; it’s very powerful, incredibly easy to use, part jigsaw, part Rotozip, part Sawzall and very small. The 2490-22 kit with Micro Driver and Hackzall for $249 will be extremely popular for Pros and DIY guys alike.   

It’s a very tough call. I don’t think the decision would be that easy for anyone. For plumbers, HVAC, electricians and other tradesman I would have to give an advantage to the Milwaukee M12 line for some of their specialty tools. For everyone else I think it’s going to be hard to pass up the PS50 Multi-X tool. This thing is going to be all over those “Top 10 Gifts for a Guy” lists this holiday.

Posted by Jay A. at 02:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Back in July we posted on these tools in their European versions (see here). Finally the Bosch Brute Tough Lithium Tools are here, well soon at least. These have been long anticipated and probably not a coincidence these tools will be released almost exactly at the same time as the new Milwaukee M18 line of tools. The Bosch Brute Drills have been the preferred cordless drill of choice by many for some time. The delay in coming to market with a Brute 18V may have caused some to switch brands but hopefully not too many. Bosch is making up for lost time with one of the most powerful 18 volt tools we have seen. The new hammer drill has 650 in/lbs and 0-475/2,050 RPM well above the current competition. The battery system will be similar to the 36 volt tools with SlimPacks and FatPack options.

The only down side of the release of new Bosch 14.4 and 18 volt tools is this means no more amazing deals on Bosch 36 volt which we have seen all summer long. Since Bosch didn’t have an equivalent 18 volt product they rewarded all their loyal users with 36 volt tools at 18 volt prices. A hammer drill kit for instance can still be picked up for $249 while a 4 tool combo is still only $497. These prices are part of a limited time promo and will go back up in September before the new tools are released.    

The new 14.4 & 18V tools both Brute Tough and Compact Tough can be pre-ordered at Ohio Power Tool and will be shipped in early October. We will all patiently wait for the different saws, lights and other tools that will work with these systems to be released.          

Read The Full Bosch Press Release Below:

Mount Prospect, Ill., August 25, 2008 – Building on the success of its award-winning 36-volt and 12V-Max Litheon cordless tool platforms, Bosch Power Tools and Accessories today unveiled its first Litheon-powered offerings in the popular 18V and 14.4V size ranges. The core of Bosch’s mid-range Litheon™ launch is a full range of cordless drill/drivers and hammer drill/drivers purpose-built to offer the best runtime, battery life, durability and performance in the industry.

At first glance it appears that there are many Kett Saws that all look very similar and it can be difficult to know which is right for you. Hopefully we can give a brief description that will make the process much easier.

The first thing to look at is the basic motors and for the saws there are basically 4 types: 2 pistol grips, a D-handle and a pneumatic model. From there you will select the head which there are 7 different types. Each of the heads work with multiple blades and there are 36+ different blades to choose from. The easiest thing I’ve found to do is work backwards. What type of material do you need to cut?

A. Mild Steel 14 to 15 Gauge
B. Mild Steel 16 to 23 Gauge
C. Mild Steel 24 Gauge and Lighter
D. Hard Aluminum
E. Soft Aluminum
F. Brass
G. Copper and Lead
H. Fiberglass
L. Plywood, Hardboard, Pressed Board, etc.
J. Alliance Wall, Color Wall, Mirawal and similar single faced metal laminated panels
K. Plastics, plain as Lucite, Plexiglas and decorative laminates as Consoweld, Formica, Micarta, Texolite and Panelyte

Once you have an ideal of the different material you will need to cut you can determine how deep would your deepest cuts need to be? From the chart below you can see all the different size Kett Saw Blades and if you look on the right you can match the letters with the materials from the above list.

Once you have a good idea which blades will work you can use the below chart to see which models of Kett saws the blades will work.

There are some obvious features hopefully you already know such as pneumatic vs. electric or if you need a vacuum attachment head or not. If you know you need to cut fiberglass up to ½” this is a much easier way to narrow it down to which tools are your best options.

On the Ohio Power Tool website you can see the Kett Saws with the blades that come with each saw as well as links to the different size saw blades that work with the tool.

Posted by Jay A. at 11:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

It has been rumored Bosch was going to change from 10.8V to 12V for some time. Yesterday Bosch officially announced the launch the second generation of the PS20 which is a 12V Max tool, the new model number is PS20-2A. The upgrade for the originator of the ultra compact tool market features a 25% increase in power and speed to 100 inch-pound of torque and 500 RPM operating speed. Below is the explanation of the name switch from Bosch’s recent press release:

Posted by Jay A. at 08:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It’s no secret there has been some very big success in the Pocket/Micro tool market. It started with the Bosch 10.8v tools, then the Milwaukee 12v (newly named the M12 tools) and now almost every tools company has some form of these compact lithium ion tools. One of the common complaints for most of these tools is that they don’t have a standard chuck but instead a ¼” hex. This means you can’t use standard drill bits for pilots or any other form of drilling and if you need to carry two tools around that pretty much defeats the purpose. Obviously if you are going to do some serious drilling you may want to look at a slightly larger tool. Perhaps something like the new Milwaukee compact 18V Lithium 2601-22 ($199), still lightweight just over 3.5 lbs but it is built for heavy use. That being said you should still be able to do some occasional drilling and detail work with the 10.8v and 12v tool.
  

The internet is an amazing place to shop, compare and learn about products but I do feel there is something that maybe hasn’t been completely figured out when it comes to recommendations and accessories the way you get when you come into a store, hold the tools and talk to the guys behind the counter. A great instance of this is with the Milwaukee 38 Piece Quik-Lok 48-32-1500 set which sells incredibly well with any brand of the Micro & Pocket Drivers in the store because it just makes sense. The kit comes with 7 different sized ¼” hex drill bits, ¼” & 3/8” square socket adapters, Quik-Loc connectors and all sorts of different size driver bits. This is way more than just another driver bits which you already have but some however that gets lost online. With so much “upselling” going on it’s really hard to tell if this is really a recommendation from someone who know what they are talking about or simple a computer program matching compatible accessories, trying to add a few extra bucks on the sale.

Posted by Jay A. at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Ingersoll Rand impact socket sets are extremely well built sockets and can handle the toughest abuse. Each set comes in a hard plastic case which holds the individual socket into place. The cases feature strong metal latches and an easy grip handle for carrying. These socket sets are ideal for service vehicles or any mechanic. Price competitively against even the cheapest knockoffs you might as well spend the extra few bucks and get the Ingersoll Rand quality. Select from the standard sizes 3/8”, ½”, ¾” and 1” available in American (SAE) or Metric. You also have a choice of regular or deep sockets and even a few 1” sets specific to truck maintenance that feature both such as the SK8C5T & SK8H9T.  

Currently there are two great specials on Ohio Power Tool for free SK4H13 ½” socket sets with the purchase of either the 1/2" air 2135TiMAX ($249) or the 1/2" Cordless IQv Impact Set W360-LSP ($359). Each great deals on their own but with a $30+ socket set these are some of the best deals on the internet. If you would rather have the ½” metric set SK4M14 you can also place the order by phone and ask to switch for that set instead.  

Posted by Jay A. at 04:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In today’s global market and with the help of the internet, consumers are equipped with more knowledge and purchasing options than ever before. In the quest for the best power tools at the lowest prices many people from around the world have found that a weak American dollar and the highest amount of online price competition, the United States is a great place to buy tools and equipment. Even with a higher shipping cost and a few days longer wait for shipping it is often still much cheaper to purchase from the US. A big problem many international consumers face however is that most US companies will not ship outside the US or the company will only accept wire transfer payments and not foreign credit cards or paypal. From the retail side even if they take the order many companies even the largest ones are not familiar with proper international shipping practices to every country and many mistakes are made.

For years customers from around the world have used the company International Checkout to purchase a wide variety of products such as shoes, clothing, electronics, musical instruments, house ware and more from well known US based companies. The company has built a strong reputation over the years and received very favorable press, including being named on a list of the 50 Great Ideas of the 21st Century. Recently International Checkout has partnered with Ohio Power Tool as their one and only source for name brand Power Tools such as Milwaukee, Bosch, Ingersoll Rand Makita, Ridgid, Power Team and many more.

The ordering process couldn’t be easier. Simply find the item you would like to purchase at www.OhioPowerTool.com and click the “Add to Cart” button. Once you are in the shopping cart choose the “International Checkout” button at the top or bottom of the page. This will import your entire Ohio Power Tool shopping cart to International Checkout. They allow for a wide range of shipping options at the lowest rates available and will accept almost any form of payment known to man.              

Posted by Jay A. at 01:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Recently Bosch Tools added several products to their Dust Extraction line which should make many peoples lives easier and healthier. Working with concrete specifically can create Crystalline Silica or Silica Dust. When this substance enters the lungs it can cause the lung disease Silicosis. Silicosis can be disabling or even fatal as it blocks the lungs from absorbing oxygen when inhaling. There is no cure at this time for Silicosis but there are many ways to prevent breathing in the Silica Dust in the first place. Simply keep it out of the air as much as possible and that is just what Bosch has made much easier and cheaper.

Bosch’s SG-Series (18SG-5E & 18SG-7) attachments are designed for concrete surfacing applications where aggressive dust removal is a must. Optimized for use with Bosch’s AirSweep vacuum system, the SG-Series attachments keep concrete dust out of the air and off of the work surface. A removable nose piece enables up-to-wall surfacing, while a replaceable brush ring maximizes the attachment’s lifespan in grueling environments. The SG-Series attachments are ideal for concrete restoration work and other surfacing applications.

Bosch’s DC-Series (18DC-5E & 18DC-6E) attachments are designed for efficient dust removal in masonry cutting applications and keep worksites dust-free without sacrificing performance. Featuring a large, stable footplate and fast single-screw depth adjustment, the DC-Series attachments allow for a full depth of cut and outstanding line-of-sight in precision concrete cutting applications. Like the SG-Series attachments, the DC-Series attachments are optimized for use with Bosch’s AirSweep system.

The new lines of grinder attachments feature vacuum outlets that are made to work with the Bosch Airsweep Vacuum 3931A. This system previously has worked amazingly well with the Bosch Tuckpointer Grinder 1775E and the 5” Concrete Surfacing Grinder 1773AK. These tools are both great to have on the job site but neither one is cheap or multipurpose. The new grinder attachments simply add function to your existing tools and for relatively little cost. If you don’t currently use Bosch Grinders they start at $75 at Ohio Power Tool.

Posted by Jay A. at 10:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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)

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)

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)

Recently Bosch drastically reduced their price on the 36 volt Litheon tools to the point they are actually cheaper than some of their own 18 volt NiCd tools. In addition to these new low prices they have also supplied Ohio Power Tool with an additional FatPack 36 volt battery for every drill/driver kit and 4 piece combo kit sold. (Get the battery with kits, no mail-in rebates) I am having a tough time finding comparable brands that have a better deal on 18 volt NiCd Drill/Driver kit with three batteries.

My assumption is they are basically giving these tools away at little profit or most likely a lose. This is a common practice in other industries such as video game consoles where they lose money to get you into the system but then make up for it over the next few years with video game sales. Bosch makes exceptional power tools and the 36 volt Litheon tools are probably their most impressive line up. These tools have not however made their way into most peoples hands. People tend to be loyal to one brand until compelled to make a switch. I think Bosch is trying to make that compelling argument, a 36 volt drill/driver kit with 3 lithium ion batteries priced at $229.00 is pretty compelling. A full 4 tool combo kit with 3 lithium ion batteries is only $499.

Clearly the goal here is to get more 36V tools and more importantly batteries into the hands of as many consumers as possible. Bosch is looks to the future and plans to expand their Litheon tool line up. Future success with any cordless line is very much dependant on how many users currently have the batteries. Lose some money upfront, gain more users for years to come.

Bottom line is if you are looking to upgrade some older tools or looking for a completely new cordless combo kit, now is the time to take advantage. These tools give you the same power as if you were plugging strait into the wall and with 3 batteries there is essentially zero down time. The Bosch 10.8v tools also get a price drop PS20-2 to $119 and PS40-2 to $169.

If you have any questions about Bosch Tools or any other tools call the experts at Ohio Power Tool, 800-242-4424.  

Posted by Jay A. at 11:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There are a small number of people that use a mag drill on a daily basis and you are well aware if you are one of them. These tools are becoming more popular for much more than just working on I-beams. If you are considering a mag drill or an upgrade there are several important things to consider.

Hougen and Milwaukee are probably the two best known and most reliable makers of mag drills. Magnetic drills vary greatly in their size, weight, height, depth of cut (d.o.c.), amp power, RPMs and several other features. Hougen makes the smallest mag drills available, HMD115 & HMD150, which have an extremely low profile. The small sizes makes these incredibly useful for working in tight spaces such as with automotive and trucking applications.

One of the most popular mag drills and a real work horse is the Hougen HMD 904. This model is light weight at 27.5 lbs, powerful with 450 RPM and d.o.c. of 2”. It has a height of 16” and easy to work with if not in a tight spot. This model is also available as the HMD904S which features a swivel base. The swivel base allows you to get the drill close to the hole and then do a more precise line up with the tool in position. This is an especially huge advantage when using a mag drill in the horizontal or overhead position.

For more heavy duty applications consider the Hougen HMD925 with Powerfeed or the HMD505 that has a d.o.c. of 3” and 2 RPM speed options. The Milwaukee mag drills on OhioPowerTool.com are larger machines ranging from 57-72 lbs. heavier than any of the Hougen drills available although they do have some good features. These Milwaukee units feature adjustable bases for lining up your hole exactly. Also the Milwaukee drills feature keyed chucks which can use regular drill bits, hole saws or the Milwaukee Steel Hawg Cutters up to 6”. Milwaukee does have a smaller Hougen style mag drill 4270-20 but there are many reasons why the Hougen outperforms it. Please comment if you disagree, this will probably be a future article.

When considering drilling into solid metal the drill bit itself is a large considerations. Hougen features several varieties of Rotabroach Annular Cutters engineered to be one of the best metal cutters on the market. The Rotabroach cutters will work with other mag drills but will not work with chuck type mag drills. The smaller Hougen drills use different cutters all together which are more compact the Rotaloc (HMD115) and Rotaloc Plus (HMD150). If you are looking for cutters that work with a 3/8" chuck, the Milwaukee Steel Hawg Cutters work with traditional chucks and range in size from 7/8” to 6”. For cutting thin metal, such as sheet metal, Hougen makes several kits (RotaCut & Holcutter) which work in a traditional chuck style hand drills.    

Deciding which type of mag drill and cutters you will need is not an easy decision and not something you can determine easily by reading a quick blog post. I would recommend calling the professionals at Ohio Power Tool (800-242-4424) if you have any questions.

Posted by Jay A. at 10:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In a recent post we briefly compared the Bosch 10.8V Pocket Driver PS20-2 and the Milwaukee 12V Micro Driver 2401-22. At the time we had not receive the Milwaukee 12V tools so it was more of an on paper comparison. Now that a few months have past and we have some customers using them it is time to take another look.

I would like to start off by saying both these tool lines have been incredibly successful and I really feel these are professional tools that just happen to be very small. The Sub Compact Tool category has a very legitimate place in many professional tool boxes. An estimated 80-90% of our customers are professionals who come to us for their tools and repairs and we wouldn’t sell any products we don’t stand behind.

The Bosch PS20-2 claims to be able to drive 100 3” screws on a single charge and I though a good comparison would be to see if that was true and then see if the Milwaukee 2401-22 could match it… then though about screwing in 200 3” screws and decided against that particular comparison.  

On paper it looks like the Milwaukee Micro Driver has a serious advantage over the Bosch Pocket Driver.

Milwaukee 2401-22 Micro Driver   –   12 Volt   –   120 ft lb

Bosch PS20-2 Pocket Driver   -   10.8 Volt   -   80 ft lb

Some interesting information on the PS20-2, the rating is actually on their “average power” not the “initial power”. The claim from Bosch is that their starting power rating is actually above 12 Volts and the initial ft lb torque is also higher, presumably around 120 ft lb like the Milwaukee 2401-22. The entire line of 10.8V Bosch tools will actually get a name change to “Bosch 12 Volt Max” at some point in the near future. This explanation leads me to believe their will be no real changes to the components only the name will change to reflect their “Max” power rating. This information is from Bosch so you should consider the source; Milwaukee probably has a completely different view on comparing the two products.

If this is the case essentially these two tools are even more similar than they appear. When you look at the batteries they look almost identical in shape and size. It is not hard to believe the power output would be very similar as well. The chargers and cases are also very similar as you can see in the picture below. I did test these both out on a few screws and from that basic test I couldn’t feel any real difference in power although I wasn’t exactly testing the limits.

Currently Bosch has 4 tools in their line-up while Milwaukee only has the 1 but both companies are planning to have 20-30 tools out for each line in the next year or two. It will be very interesting to see what new tools we will see in the sub compact tool market. Milwaukee for instance has plans to create a product that will compete with the Ridgid Seesnake Micro 25643 so we are going to see all sorts of new tools outside traditional saws, drivers and drills. This makes the comparison much more difficult because you always want to choose the line that will have the most versatility using the same battery system.

Bosch does currently have a special for a free ESPN fleece with all 10.8v purchases until April 11th if that might effect your buying decision.

So who wins the ultra compact driver comparison between the Bosch vs. Milwaukee? I personally would have to give a slight advantage to the Milwaukee 2401-22 and this is under the assumption the power output and torque are more similar than the numbers say, which I can believe. The Milwaukee had a few features over the Bosch that makes it stand out. First, the quick bit-loading 1/4” hex chuck is really nice and easier to use than the Bosch. Second the Milwaukee has a battery gauge, where the Bosch doesn’t. Finally the Milwaukee 12V Driver just looks cooler. Now the Milwaukee did come out 6 months later so they had time to really make more improvements. Both tools have build in light, weight about the same and feel very similar in hand. What would really make the decision much easier is if I knew what 20+ products were going to be added to each company’s line up. These are just the drivers; I can’t wait to see how competitive this gets in the next year.

If you have any opinions about either of these tools or any other sub compact tools feel free to post a comment.  

Posted by Jay A. at 07:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

The Seesnake Micro 25643 has been an incredibly successful product. The price is affordable, it’s easy to carry around, extremely useful and just a lot of fun. There have been a few complaints. It is after all a brand new product. Specifically customers have had problems with the heads breaking during heavy use. Also the neck is not always flexible enough for different plumbing jobs. Many of our customers have used the regular Seesnakes for years and know the Seesnakes are durable machines. I think perhaps some users got a little aggressive with their micros and had it doing jobs they maybe should have used something like a Seesnake Compact 95542 instead.   

If you have found yourself in this situation there is good news. Ridgid has come out with a new 3’ camera head that is more flexible and the head is 9.5mm (current model is 17mm). Another big advantage is the new camera head will be made of aluminum, instead of plastic, so it can take more abuse without cracking. There is no immediate plan to replace the heads on all new Seesnake Micros so everyone will still need to buy the regular Micro 25643 and then also buy the 9.5mm 3’ camera head 30068.

Good news is you can pre-order the 30068 Camera Head for $99.95 at Ohio Power Tool. The bad news is it won’t arrive until May and there will only be a limited supply so if you don’t pre-order you could be waiting until mid summer before you get your hands on one.    

Posted by Jay A. at 11:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We love to see Milwaukee adding more tools to the V28 Line. Earlier this week we had mentioned the Cordless V28 toolbox Vacuum which just came out as well. The great part about the V28 system is that it actually has the power to run tools like an angle grinder. It seems like there are a lot of other tool brands that will make tools that are for all intensive purposes useless but the idea is cool. If you start loosing power within the first minutes of use, should they really even be making the tool. The V28 on the other hand has the power to get the job done when an outlet isn’t around. Will a single charge run all day…no of course not but with a extra battery alternating on the charger (and a 5000 charge V28 guarantee) you should be able to get some serious grinding done.

V28 Grinder / Cut-off Kit 0725-21 (includes battery & charger) - $348.21
V28 Grinder / Cut-off Tool Only 0725-20 - $199.20

• V28 Motor delivers 8,000 RPM for fast cutting and grinding
• V28 Li-Ion Battery 75 Cuts of 1/2" Threaded Rod.
• Fuel Gauge indicates remaining run time.
• Overload Protection prevents overheating and extends tool life.
• Soft start reduces start-up torque and improves gear life.
• Slide on switch reduces user fatigue
• Spindle: 5/8" - 11
• Kit includes:  One battery, charger, side handle, grinding guard, cut-off guard, flanges, wrench, grinding wheel, cut-off wheel.

Visit our Milwaukee Tools home page for all the latest tools and accessories.    

Posted by Jay A. at 04:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Milwaukee tool has developed two portable tool box style wet/dry vacuums, 0880-20 (V18) & 0780-20 (V28). These vacuums are battery operated using the V28 and V18 series lithium ion batteries. Suction is 20% higher than the competition with 40% higher air flow. Battery life is 11 minutes with V18 and 16 minutes with V28 for continuous operation. The 1-1/4” hose and accessories are housed on board the vacuum. Total capacity is 2 gallons in this compact, stackable design. Both models are priced at $97.20 at Ohio Power Tool.

This is a great design for all sorts of technicians and service professionals. It works with existing cordless tools and along with the Milwaukee name it’s backed by a 5 year warranty. If you don’t already have batteries and a charger you can pick up a 48-11-1833 kit for $179 which includes 2 V18 batteries and a universal charger (charges 18v, V18 & V28). Let us know what you think.       

Ohio Power Tool has a wide range of Milwaukee Tools in stock every day. Visit our Milwaukee Page or give us a call at 800-242-4424.

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

Recently I was visiting with a friend of mine at Turbo Charging Dynamics who manufactures BMW turbos and other performance accessories, mostly for BMWs from the 80’s and 90’s. He has a great job basically playing with cars all day and make insane horsepower with turbo systems they designs. He had an interesting project in the shop, a customer with an older M3 that was getting it striped and putting in a GM LS motor (corvette engine). TCD wasn’t actually putting the motor in, just doing some of the other BMW specific performance work but it seemed like an odd paring to have a GM motor replace a BMW motor. I wonder if this is probably fround upon by other hardcore BMW enthusiasts (TCD forum). However if you are going to put a new engine in an older vehicle of any kind these aluminum small block LS series motors seem to be a very viable option. They are relatively small, light weight, easy to install and rather cheap. They even make plastic engine templates the exact size of the motor so you can fit everything in place without constantly using an engine crane and knocking around any other components. (more on this project soon)

This was the best Crate Motor site I found with LS2 engines 400hp under $6,000 and a LS7 engines 505hp just over $13,000. These engines are used in everything including some planes because they are so light weight and compact. Hopefully in the not to distant future we can put together a project car using one of these engines which will give us plenty of opportunity to demonstrate some of our Automotive Power Tools and I can play mechanic on company time. Let me know if you have any links to interesting project car sites.   

Posted by Jay A. at 06:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

During the month of February if you order over $1300 of any Hein-Werner equipment you will receive free shipping to anywhere in the continental US. At first glance that might seem like only a modest deal. Then you realize some of the larger floor jacks weight in at 400+ lbs while the larger shop presses can weight almost as much as a small compact car. Freight would differ by location but this could probably be several hundred dollars in savings.

Hein-Werner is a well known name in automotive equipment from floor jacks, air lifts, engine lifts, transmission jacks, shop presses, jack stands and many more. In additional to being top of the line equipment, all our Hein Werner products are manufactured right here in the United States of America. If you have any questions about any of the Hein-Werner equipment contact the professionals at Ohio Power Tool and we would be more than happy to help.

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

Over the last year Ridgid has come out with several great new products that take some fairly advance technology and make them cheap enough for use by anyone. Three good examples of these are the IR Thermometer, Micro Seesnake and the Gas Sniffer.

The IR-100 infrared thermometer is probably my new favorite toy around the shop. This is a great technology with an extremely convenient application and after using it for only a few times you’ll think, how did I get along without this before. There are many obvious applications for HVAC, plumbing, mechanic, electrician, home inspectors and the list goes on and on. Then of course there are those age old questions man has struggled with for years which can now be answered such as… how hot is this McDonalds coffee really?   

The Micro Seesnake, which hopefully everyone is pretty familiar with by now as we have mentioned it several times is another gret new hi-tech gadget. Really there was nothing around before this for the price that was so versatile. Great for plumbing, HVAC, home inspection, electrician, mechanics and everyone else, it has a million uses. For plumbing it can’t really replace the larger Seesnakes for most plumbing work but with up to 30’ of extensions and at a fraction of the cost it does save lots of lugging around the big equipment for the smaller jobs.  

The CG-100 Gas Sniffer is another great new Ridgid product. This tool makes finding combustible gas leaks very simple with an easy to read LED meter and audio or vibrate modes. Again this is a great technology with a very simple application to making many people’s job not only easier but also much safer. And at the price of only $242 it should be an obvious choice for many toolboxes.  

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

Posted by Jay A. at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

What do you really want for the holidays? Here are some ideas for dream gifts for those who want to do a little more around the house… or perhaps build another house. Personally I’m obsessed with tools and I’ll look for any excuse to get all the new tools. The Micro Seesnake is a good example of that. How did anyone ever live without this thing? Some of the things on the list are defiantly overkill but for the most part pretty reasonable, in my mind.

First off everyone needs a good set of cordless power tools. The Bosch Litheon 36 volt 4 tool combo kit CPK40-36 should work nicely. At $642.50 with the $100 off tool trade-in deal, these tools are within reach. The Bosch 36 volt Litheon tools are some of the most powerful on the market today and with 2 FatPack batteries you’ll be able to work all day long without waiting for batteries to recharge.

In addition to a good set of cordless tools you’re going to need a really good saw that is portable enough to travel but still make extremely accurate cuts. Most likely you will already have a circular saw and reciprocating saw so the next step would be to get a miter saw and/or table saw. If you have a nice big work shop you might as well get both. On the other hand if you do need to do some work away from home base it’s great to have something that travels easily. In the past a table saw was not a good option for portability.  This is not the case today, check out the Bosch 4100-09 10 inch table saw. It is extremely portable and sets up in about 5 seconds. Bosch also makes several amazing 12 inch miter saws checkout the 4212L and 5412L models.

For working at home an item many of us would like to have in their garage is a lift. Is that really out of the question? Not with the Norco 2.5 ton air lift jack. These fine lifts have wheels so you can store them away when not in use and move them into position when you are ready to turn your garage into a full blown mechanic shop. For $865.33 each these are a great investment for any garage.

Once you got that hot rod up on the lift you are going to need to get some work done. Ohio Power Tool sells a wide variety of other automotive tools and everything you might need to really make a lot of noise in the garage. Obviously the first place to start is a good air compressor to run all your new pneumatic tools. No need to mess around with a wimpy little compressor for the garage that can barely keep up. Ingersoll Rand makes a nice 5 HP, 80 gallon, two stage compressor that will ensure you never run out of juice. For only $1807.20 this monster will power your home workshop all day long. 

For those people that really what to get serious the perfect gift to have under the tree would be a Power Team shop press. I don’t know if Santa can haul the 600 lb unit into my garage or shell out $3936 but it would make for one sweet Christmas morning. This unit is a 25 ton press with a 6.25 inch travel and provides plenty of punch for any home or shop.

These are just a few suggestions for under my dream Christmas tree. I’m sure I’m missing something obvious like a light weight portable magnetic drill and new 35lb jack hammer which I would easily find some uses. See some more reasonable gift ideas on Ohio Power Tool where they have a list of 12 more reasonable items and thousands of other tools that will make great gifts.      

Posted by Jay A. at 05:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by Jay A. at 08:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Below are the top 7 new tools of the year. Obviously everyone will have their own opinions but this is an overall composition of our opinions with customer reviews and insight.    

1. Ridgid SeeSnake Micro – The SeeSnake Micro is not like any other tool you have in your garage. It’s a 3 foot long waterproof snaking camera with a light on the end. With it you can look into walls, ducts, heating & cooling units, engines, pipes, drains and any other confined space. Additional 3 foot extensions are also available. It would be nice if in the future you could take some kind of picture with this but that’s about my biggest complaint. This is a very handy tool and has a wide variety of uses. More than anything it is really just lots of fun to play with. 

 

2. Bosch Breaker 11335K – The 11335K Breaker Hammer is the newest Bosch electric demolition tool. This is a great addition to the existing arsenal of SDS-Max hammer drills & Bosch Brute tools. At only 35 lbs. this jack hammer is very versatile with vertical, angled or horizontal positioning. I had to make this one of the top tools of the year because who doesn’t feel like a bad ass using a jack hammer horizontally? Like Arnold Schwarzenegger in Total Recall.    

 

3. IR Mini Air Tools – Ok so this is really a whole line of air tools but I was having trouble picking just one of these new Ingersoll Rand tools and they are pretty cheap so buying the whole line is still very reasonable. These are great tools all around, perfect for home user or professionals looking for compact tools to fit into those hard to reach places. Mini Grinder - Mini Drill/Driver - Mini Sander - Mini Polisher 
     

4. Milwaukee V18 Battery – How can a Battery be one of the top new tools for 2007? It is because the V18 Lithium Ion battery works with all your previous Milwaukee 18 volt Ni-Cad tools. If you already have several 18 volt tools or a combo kit you can upgrade to Lithium Ion for $179 (see previous article). Additionally the charger still charges your old batteries so you can use them as back ups.  

 

5. IQv Cordless Impact – Ingersoll Rand’s new line of IQv cordless tools is pretty impressive. Everyone knows IR as the trusted name for air tools and especially impact wrenches but not necessarily electric or cordless tools. The IQv line really had some big shoes to fill and I think they did an excellent job. You have a wide selection of IQv impacts powered by Lithium or NiCd in either 14.4V or 19.2V. The IQv line also includes other tools common to IR users such as grinders, drills and ratchets which can use the same batteries and chargers.    

 

6. Bosch 36V Circular Saw 1671K – Obviously everyone has seem a cordless circular saw before so why would I include the 1671K? Simply put this is the first cordless circular saw I would actually want to bring to a job site. In my mind cordless circular saws are still not an alternative to a good corded saw because saws need lots of juice. Previous cordless saws were good for 4-5 cuts which is a joke if you are building anything larger than a door stop. The 36 volt Bosch is good for at least 20 which if you have a few extra batteries and a good corded miter saw or portable table saw should be extremely useful on any jobsite. Around the house with an extra battery the 1671K by itself would get most jobs done without any down time.

 

7. Milwaukee 12V Micro Driver – There seems to be a theme here with the micro & mini tools. Everything gets smaller but at the same time more powerful and the 2401-22 is no exception. It’s not a secret Milwaukee created the Micro driver to compete directly with the very successful Bosch PS20-2 & PS40-2 (I’m sure we’ll see a micro impact shortly) and with good reason. The Lithium Ion tools have added seriously power and battery life making it possible to have small tools that can do big jobs. Plus I think this thing just looks cool. 

 

Posted by Jay A. at 10:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Have you been waiting to upgrade your old NiCad tools but don't want to shell out a bunch of money to replace everything. How about $179? If you are currently using Milwaukee's 18 volt NiCad tools which have been leading the industry for years now you can upgrade for cheap. $179 will get you two new V18 Milwaukee batteries and a universal charger which can charge either a new V18 battery or your old 18 volt NiCad battery in less than an hour. V18 Milwaukee Upgrade Package

Why upgrade to the Milwaukee V18 Lithium Ion Battery?

View all our Milwaukee Tools. If you have any questions feel free to contact the trained professionals at Ohio Power Tool.

Posted by Jay A. at 08:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Choosing a stationary air compressor for your facility can be a difficult decision. Some common questions you will need to answer are: Where will the compressor be located? How much room is required? What is the total budget? How much maintenance is required? How much air is used throughout the day? How much does that air requirement fluctuate? How much pressure or PSI is required? How much horsepower is needed? What are the electrical requirements? Are there any noise restrictions?  
 
The basic things to look at when comparing compressors are:

Horsepower – This is directly proportional to Cubic Feet per Minute CFM.
CFM - Cubic Feet Per Minute
PSI – Pounds per Square Inch must not exceed the requirements of pneumatic tools and equipment.
Tank Size – Size of the air reservoir is important for continuous operation and also determines the size of the overall compressor.
Dryers & After Coolers – Air treatment is important for removing moisture from compressors under heavy use.
Electrical Requirements – It is important to make sure your facility can handle the electrical requirements of the selected Compressor.   

When comparing reciprocal air compressors with rotary screw compressors you will see many advantages to choosing the screw compressor. They are more compact, operate quietly, built for continuous operation and typically see less maintenance. The down side is the initial costs are higher. When you compare a 5 HP reciprocating air compressor at $1807 with a 5 HP rotary screw compressor at $3688 do the advantages out weight the initial cost?

Reciprocation Air Compressors
Ingersoll Rand 2475N5 - 5 HP – 175 PSI – 16.8 CFM - $1807 – With Air Cooler $2337
Ingersoll Rand 2545E10V – 10 HP – 175 PSI – 35 CFM - $2410 – With Air Cooler $3519
Ingersoll Rand 7100E15V – 15 HP – 175 PSI – 50 CFM - $3217 – With Air Cooler $4792

Rotary Screw Air Compressor  
Chicago Pneumatic QRS5HP – 5 HP – 155 PSI – 16.6 CFM - $3688 With Dryer $4824
Chicago Pneumatic QRS10HP – 10 HP – 155 PSI – 30 CFM - $5732 With Dryer $7170
Chicago Pneumatic QRS15HP – 15 HP – 155 PSI – 45 CFM - $6684 With Dryer $8352

Each application is different, if you have any questions it is best to call or email one of our trained professionals and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have. View more industrial air compressors and pneumatic tools at Ohio Power Tool.

Posted by Jay A. at 10:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Later this month Milwaukee will release the new sub-compact 12V Lithium Ion Micro Driver (2401-22) which will compete directly with the extremely successful Bosch PS20 10.8V Lithium Ion Pocket Driver. How does the Milwaukee vs. Bosch comparison stack up? On paper the Milwaukee looks to have the advantage with 1.2V more power with equal price and charge time but we won’t know for sure until it comes out. Expect additional 12V lithium Ion tools from Milwaukee to follow hopefully in time for Christmas. The 12V Micro Driver 2401-22 should be available for sale on Ohio Power Tool within a week or two along with a new compact drill/driver V18 2601-22 which will weight only 3.5 lbs.

For more Bosch and Milwaukee tools visit Ohio Power Tool and let us help you find the right tool for the job.

Posted by Jay A. at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

About a year ago Bosch Tools released their line of Litheon™ cordless tools.  The new line of power tools used lithium ion batteries which offer several advantages over traditional BLUECORE NiCad including more power, longer run time and consistent power during battery use. The 36v Bosch Brute tools were a no brainer, these were professional tools that addressed many issues for those who depended on their cordless tools to be working all day everyday.

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

The Ingersoll Rand family of mini air tools perfectly complements its existing lineup of full-size automotive maintenance and repair tools to provide you with a complete solution for all your jobs, big and small. Whether you’re working in tight spaces or doing finely detailed finish work, our mini tools deliver the power, versatility, and durability you want, in a conveniently smaller size.

This new line of tools is perfect addition for any garage whether a professional mechanic or working in your garage at home. There is a full line of these small but powerful new tools including:

3103K Mini Surface Prep Grinder Kit - Ideal for removing rust, surface deposits and welds in areas it may be hard to reach with a traditional grinder
3128K Mini Random Orbital Sander Kit - Works as good as any normal orbital sander but in a more compact design
3129K Mini Polisher Kit - Buff and polish metal, paint or plastic to a high gloss finish
2101K Mini 1/4" Impact Wrench Kit - Powerful Impact Wrench able to deliver 50 ft-lb of torque, this tool packs a lot of punch for its size.
7804K Mini 1/4" Drill/Driver Kit - Five vane motor delivers smooth but robust power to where you need it most.   

These mini air tools are exactly what you are looking for and each come with a complete kit which include all necessary attachments to get started. To learn more about any Ingersoll Rand Tools visit Ohio Power Tool and talk to the experts.

Posted by Jay A. at 04:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lincoln recently completed the acquisition of the Mityvac line of vacuum/pressure pumps, specialty tools and accessories for the automotive industry. The product line was acquired from San Antonio, Texas-based Prism Enterprises LP.

Mityvac products are used to diagnose problems and measure the effectiveness of many of the systems in automobiles and other engine-driven devices. Products acquired by Lincoln include: Mityvac Vacuum Pump; Silverlineñ and Silverline Plus Automotive Kits and Vacuum Pump; Universal Cooling System Test and Retrofit Kits and Radiator Adapter; AirEvac; and Ignition Trak.

Other products are: the Fluid Evacuator and Fluid Evacuator Brake Bleeding Accessories Kit; Fluid Transfer Pump Kit; Hydraulic Injection System Shooter; Brake Hose Clamp; Vacuum Gauge/Fuel Pump Tester; Fuel Injection Pressure Test Kit; Compression Test Kit; and Stem Compression Tester.

"Lincoln is pleased to add the Mityvac product line to our extensive product offering," said Lincoln President Mark Schroepfer. "These unique products are a natural fit with our existing products for the professional mechanic, auto repair shops and the skilled do-it-yourself individual. With this acquisition, two well-regarded brands ø Lincoln and Mityvac ø have been brought together under one management team."

Specials on Mityvac & Lincoln Lube Products

Select items from both lines of products will feature free gift card of $5-50 with purchase. The gift cards can be selected from any of the following stores: Applebee's, Starbucks, Best Buy, Bass Pro Shop and several others. This deal is good thru June 30, 2007. For more information please visit www.ohiopowertool.com.

Posted by Jay A. at 06:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

 

Posted by Jay A. at 09:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)