Continue reading "International Woodworkers Fair (IWF) 2010 Review & Videos" »

Posted by Jay A. at 02:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Each Month the Bosch Accessories website for “Joe the Pro” does a prize drawing. It’s a simple way for them to gather your contact information and receive emails, only if you so choose the checkbox. This time around however you will get a FREE DareDevil Spade Bit as well as getting registered for the prize giveaway. Hurry up though it’s only good for the first 100 registrants.

If you are interested in simply picking up additional DareDevil Spade Bits visit OhioPowerTool.com for a wide selection on complete bit sets and individual sizes in 4”, 6” & 16” spade bit lengths.

Register at BoschJoeThePro.com  

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

It seems to be the trend in power tools these days that any tool can be improved with an LED light. Unlike the trend of putting lasers beams on every power or hand tool out there we are actually a big fan of LED lights on many tools. On the jobsite, shop, backyard or garage you are not always going to have the greatest lighting and seeing that dull pencil line through the blade guard isn’t always the easiest task.

The Bosch Reciprocating Saw RS7 ($99, Ohio Power Tool) replaces the RS5 and increases power to 11amps. This is the light weight, medium duty model but it still has some serious power so for most plumbers, electricians and homeowners it will perform very well. Unless you are doing a lot of demolition work in most cases the larger 15amp reciprocating saws or Sawzalls are just going to be added weight. Also check out the new Saw Blades including Milwaukee Sawzall diamond grit and Bosch Edge for Metal Cutting.      
     

Posted by Jay A. at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You may have read our review on the Bosch PS21-2A which was very favorable for the 3^rd generation Bosch 12V Max Pocket Driver. The PS41-2A Impactor ($169, Ohio Power Tool), which was also recently updated (now in its 2^nd generation) while not as big of a leap as the PS21, still saw a solid improvements in performance. We received one of these for testing and tried to push the Impactor to its limits. We also compared it to a popular Drill/Driver model to highlight some of the benefits of the Impact Driver.

Continue reading "Bosch 12V Max PS41-2A Impactor – The Review" »

Posted by Jay A. at 02:43 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)

Oscillating multi-tools are rapidly becoming a toolbox staple for remodelers, finish carpenters, electricians, plumbers and even DIYers. Why? These users are discovering that the wide range of accessories gives these tools the functionality of multiple tools, and even helps them tackle a few tasks they couldn’t accomplish before. To help oscillating multi-tool users get the most out of their tools, Bosch Power Tools introduced an expanded lineup of blades, scrapers, rasps and sanding sheets designed specifically to improve the function and versatility of popular multi-tools. See the full line of Bosch Oscillating Accessories compatible with Bosch Multi-X, Fein MultiMaster 636 & many more.

Because users spend approximately 65 percent of their time with oscillating multi-tools performing cutting applications, Bosch concentrated first on developing accessories that deliver great performance when cutting wood, metal and other materials. Included in the new cutting accessory range are:

Knives
OSC214C – 2-1/4” Caulk Removal Knife - $9.55
OSC4K – 4” Serrated Segment Knife - $20.52

Scrapers
OSC2FSC – 2” Flexible Scraper Blade - $9.91
OSC2RFS – 2” Rigid Scraper Blade - $10.85

Wood Blades
OSC138JF – 1-3/8” Japanese Tooth Hard Wood Blade - $14.48
OSC312 – 3-1/2” Round Wood Blade - $11.59

Bi-Metal Blades
OSC118F – 1-1/8” BIM Plunge Cut Blade - $12.80
OSC4F – 4” BIM Round Blade - $28.99

Specialty Tools
OSC312DG – 3-1/2” Round Diamond Grit Blade - $47.37
OSC3DRF – Delta 3” Carbide Grit Rasp - $34.57

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

According to Dremel there are more than 17 million rotary tools in use today, of which many carry their name plate. The new 8200 Dremel is the latest of the cordless rotary tools variety and is similar in look and feel to the new corded Dremel 4000. Often the first question many people land on will be; how is this any different from the older ones?

When comparing tools, electronics, cars or anything it’s always good to have some baseline stats, even if you don’t always know what they measure. Unfortunately when trying to compare rotary tools it feels like we are missing some vital stats. Really the only number crunching there is to do is on RPM and whether there are set speeds or variable from 5,000 up to 35,000 RPM. On the 8200 the range only goes to 30,000 RPM, while the previous cordless model went all the way to 35,000 RPM. Does that mean the older version had more power? Absolutely not the case here but there is no stat for power/torque. The best we can say is the 8200 is clearly more powerful with significantly less slowdown or drag while working. This can be a very important factor more in cutting and grinding applications.

Continue reading "Dremel 8200 Cordless Rotary Tool 12V Max - The Review" »

Posted by Jay A. at 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

At the recent Bosch event we got a chance to see many of the current and new innovative accessories from Bosch as well as a new Bosch Accessories website for “Joe the Pro” (www.BoschJoeThePro.com). This new website is aimed to provide more information on innovative Bosch accessories as well as provide insight directly from Joe (the Pro) Sainz as he travels around the country talking to folks on real jobsites. Joe is an actual licensed electrician and union carpenter who definitely comes across as a regular guy who has been in the field and used a lot of tools; not a corporate suit at all. Check out this video, from the event & Joe using the new NailKiller Auger bits.

Currently Joe is scheduled to be at the International Woodworking Show in August and STAFDA Show in November with plenty of stops in between. And what new Website would be complete without something to win. On “Joe the Pro” website you can also register to win a Free Bosch PowerBox PB360S ($199, Ohio Power Tool) good until 6/30/2010.     

Posted by Jay A. at 10:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Already in the last week we’ve posted on the new Bosch Glide Miter Saw as well as the new Bosch 2.3HP Routers but there are still many more products to go. Another innovative product from the Bosch Media Event was the new L-Boxx container system Bosch will be selling and integrating with their existing tool line. The L-Boxx system has 4 container sizes with a variety of inserts for sorting and accessory storage. Pricing on these hard case looks to be in the $50-70+ range however the good news, we just heard today officially, these will be available with some of the most popular Bosch Tools as early as this fall. Even better news the target retail pricing looks to be right in line with current street pricing. Bosch 12V drill PS31-2AL (target $159), Multi-X oscillating PS50-2BL (target $199) & a new Jig Saw (more info to follow) will be the first 3 items to launch in addition to standard storage case.

Continue reading "Bosch & Sortimo Join Forces On L-Boxx Tool Storage" »

Posted by Jay A. at 01:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Another exciting product launch from the Recent Bosch Media Event was the new line of Routers. The MR23 routers are available in 3 different configurations: Fixed-Base Router MRF23EVS ($227, Ohio Power Tool), Plunge Base Router MRP23EVS ($244, Ohio Power Tool) & the Combo Router Kit MRC23EVSK ($309, Ohio Power Tool). These are expected to be in stores sometime in July but you can pre-order now on Ohio Power Tool to make sure you are the first kid on the block with the new toy. 

Continue reading "Bosch New Line of 2.3HP Routers – MRC23EVSK " »

Posted by Jay A. at 06:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

After a 2 day adventure to Bosch Tools North American home office in Mount Prospect, Il it is hard not to still be excited about all the cool new stuff coming. So many new products to such a wide range of fields from woodworking to concrete to metal working to cordless and so on. Maybe they put something in the water but it was very impressive to see so much innovation from just 1 year ago. We will work hard to get several posts up over the next few weeks, in the mean time we will do our best to focus on thing at a time.

Starting at the top, the Crown Jewel of the event would have to be the new Axial-Glide 12” Miter Saw GCM12SD. Available shortly at Ohio Power Tool with a current target price of $699; although no official dates on when these will hit the shelves... we are hoping soon! Of course the new Bosch GCM12SD will share/improve upon some of the great features on the current Bosch 12” Miter 5312 ($590, Ohio Power Tool) including upfront controls and built-in material support extensions.

As you can see in the pictures (more in this 32 Pic Album) the slide arm is the biggest innovation here but if you look close it is actually 2 arms working together, one on X and other on the Y axis. This mechanism is an extremely sturdy feat of engineering, and my last reservations were cleared away when the Bosch product manager started swinging a 2x4” at it like Mark McGwire in ‘98. The bearings are also sealed so no matter how much saw dust or debris gets on the arm, the travel will not become jerky unlike other slide saws where the rails are exposed.

Another great benefit an event like this offers is to have all the competitors’ latest & greatest models in one place to inspect and test alongside the Bosch. It takes great confidence in your products to set up a demo like that and while there were no price tags on the units it was pretty obvious the Bosch offered a clear advantage over the competition in terms of depth of work area used. For more details on the new Axial-Glide Miter Saw GCM12SD read the full Bosch Press Release below.

Continue reading "Bosch 12” Axial-Glide Miter Saw GCM12SD" »

Posted by Jay A. at 01:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Here are just a few good ideas for the Handyman on Father’s day. We know everyone is on a different budget so we wanted to cover lots of different price ranges and interests. Is Dad more of a Mechanic, Woodworker, Plumber, Gadget Guy or just all around Mr. Fix-it? Hopefully you will find something on this list.

Under $30
Bosch DareDevil Spade 13pc Kit ($27) - Coptool Post
Edge Polarized Safety Glasses ($24) – Coptool Post
Ridgid P-Tec PVC Pipe Cutter ($18) – Coptool Post

Under $200
Milwaukee M18 Hackzall ($199) – Coptool Post
Bosch PS31 Drill/Driver ($143) – Coptool Post
Hougen Metal Hole Cutters ($196) - Coptool Post

The Really Good Dad
Ridgid SeeSnake Explorer ($690) - Coptool Post
Bosch 5 Tool 18V Combo ($589)

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

Earlier this year we got a first look at the new Bosch Power Box PB360S, during the World of Concrete (See earlier PB360S Post), these are now out and the user reviews are coming in. We were lucky enough to get one of these units to demo and as luck would have it, the unit was just in time for the perfect testing ground. Some 200+ Co-eds in their 20’s & 30’s playing an all day kickball tournament; yep the game you played in 3rd grade gym class is now Columbus, Ohio’s “Premier Social Experience”.

How Long Does a Battery Last on the PS360S?

One of the big questions I keep getting is, how long do the batteries? Unfortunately it depends somewhat on how you use it so you aren’t going to get an exact answer but we tested it as loud as you would want to push it, 18 of 20 volume, with custom set equalizer (bass & treble at 8 of 10). The first 18V FatPack BAT618 ($99, Ohio Power Tool) lasted 2:43 of continuous use. The second battery lasted about the same however on the second battery I then turned it back on and got approximately another 12 minutes and a third time for an addition 10 minutes before calling it a day. We would assume the first battery still had some life left but didn’t try that one again as at this point the sun was setting and the day was done. If you are thinking 3 hours isn’t going to be long enough we were really playing this thing loud in an open field which entertained everyone with 30-40 ft earshot. We tried it again at home on level 6 (about right for a workshop) with an FM station and default EQ, this time it ran for somewhere just north of 7 hours.

Continue reading "Bosch Power Box PB360S – The Full Review" »

Posted by Jay A. at 08:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Several months ago the Bosch 5 point GPL5C ($299, Ohio Power Tool) hit the shelves and has been fairly popular. However since people are not used to using dot lasers with cross lines it can be hard to justify the price difference from the Bosch 5 point GPL5 ($199, Ohio Power Tool). A few days ago Bosch released the view below which should help determine if the cross line is going to be a time saver for you or not but in most cases it should be well worth it. See the full line of Bosch Laser Levels at OhioPowerTool.com.

Posted by Jay A. at 07:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Everyone needs a good driver bit set in the arsenal even if you aren’t a professional or serious DIYer it’s always a good idea to have a few extra bits handy. When you start looking at bits sets however you’ll realize pretty quick they all fairly different as far as what’s included. First you have several types of screwdriver bits Phillips, Slotted, Square & Torx. Then you have 1”, 2” & 2 sided 2”. There are also “Impact Bits” for all these options as well. In addition to just the screwdriver bits some kits include nutsetters, socket adaptors, hex drill bits and quick change adaptors.

Continue reading "Quick Guide to Selecting a Driver Bit Set" »

Posted by Jay A. at 05:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So when the M18 Hackzall 2625-21 ($199, Ohio Power Tool) was first mentioned the stats looked fairly similar to the M12 Hackzall with a slightly larger stroke ½” vs ¾” with M18. Even when comparing them side by side (see pictures here) they looked similar in size, not counting the larger M18 battery. When it came time to test them out however the Milwaukee M18 Hackzall was clearly a different animal than its M12 little brother.

Out of The Box

The Hackzall has a very low price point; with the “Tool Only” version 2625-20 at only $109 it is far less expensive than the M18 Sawzall $199 price. The tool is very light and well balanced in the hand as well as claims the lowest vibration levels “in its class”. The 2625-21 kit also has a pretty low price but only includes (1) M18 XC battery and a work bag instead of a plastic case, some people prefer. These units will also work with the compact M18 batteries for ultra light weight although personally I would recommend using the larger XC batteries as any saw is going limit your battery life.

Continue reading "M18 Hackzall 2625-21 vs M12 Hackzall Vs Bosch 18V Recip" »

Posted by Jay A. at 02:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

While supplies last you can get a FREE Bosch 1375A ($69, Ohio Power Tool) grinder instantly when you order a 11224VSR ($218, Ohio Power Tool) 7/8” rotary hammer drill. If you are interested in learning more on the difference between a hammer drill & rotary hammer drill there is a nice article up on toolsnob, written for Popular Mechanics, check it out.

Posted by Jay A. at 05:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bosch is very well known for their high quality benchtop table & miter saws however the higher quality often times warrants a higher price. The new Bosch 5312 ($590, Ohio Power Tool) aims to be the exception by providing the same high quality saw but at a reduced cost. This new unit is very similar to the Bosch 5412 ($699, Ohio Power Tool) but without some of the non-essential features. In comparing the 5312 vs 5412 you will find the same great 15amp motor, upfront controls, 40” extended length, same large cut capacity, same quality manufacturing, double fence slide and same overall tool weight. The only notable differences in the two models are that the 5312 does not have the rotating handle, no softgrip, slightly shorter cord, no repetitive stop, the blade wrench is "basic" not a combination socket and the clamp is a vertical quick clamp not a “quick-action” clamp.

All these changes sound ok if it adds up to over $100 in savings and you still get basically the same legendary performance of the Bosch 5412. The new model 5312 puts the Bosch 12” slide miter back in the competition mix with a price point below the new 4-Pole Slide Makita 12” Miter LS1216L ($692, Ohio Power Tool) which has made a big splash here recently.

If you have any questions on Bosch Tools contact the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424 or sales@ohiopowertool.com and they will be happy to assist you with any Power Tools, Parts or Accessories you may have questions about.

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

While the limited supplies last Ohio Power Tool is giving away some pretty nice Bosch gear. The holsters for the Bosch 12V Tools have been pretty popular and fit the PS21-2A, PS31-2A & PS40-2A very nicely. The minimum order for the Holster is $199 so if you pickup one of these kits you will also need to purchase some drill or driver accessories or additional tools to get over the hump. Any of the combo kits will get you there no problem. Yes, the holster comes instantly with the tool so you can also take advantage of the really nice Mail-In Rebate for the 12Vs to get a free tool, 12V battery or LED flashlight. Remember you must use the Coupon code at checkout: HOLSTER or call in and mention the special to the nice folks at Ohio Power Tool.

If that wasn’t enough there is also a FREE Tool Belt for Bosch 18V Tools for any order over $399. This should be an easy mark to hit because the new Power Box PB360S ($209, Ohio Power Tool) is available for pre-sale and would be a nice addition to any 18V Tool Kit. There is also a free MP3 player (similar to iPod Shuffle) which comes instantly with the Power Box, don’t hesitate to double dip. For this offer you must use Coupon Code: TOOLBELT at checkout or call in.

If you want to quadruple dip and do an order over $599 and take advantage of all the free goods you might need to call the order in, but it’s definitely possible.  

Posted by Jay A. at 08:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It is always good to see a new manufacturer’s full line catalog, these days the old annual prints has become semi-annual and some have even gone a few years now without anything. Sure as we all get more web enabled it’s easy to get the same info in other ways. Customers can go into any store scan a barcode with an iphone app to get the specs, compare it to similar products and even get pricing comparisons from other stores. At the same time it’s still really nice to have those catalogs in printed form, hopefully this isn’t the last of them.

The Bosch catalogs are available at select retailers, like Ohio Power Tool, but if you don’t have such an awesome power tool store near you to visit, there are downloadable pdf versions. The full catalog is 272 pages (50mb) but they are also broken down into several sub-sections. Visit the Boschtools.com site to view & download.       

Posted by Jay A. at 11:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Several years back a funny little 10.8v cordless drill hit the market from Bosch and at first people were not sure what to make or it (see our 2007 post Ain’t No Kids Toys). Fast forward to 2010 and the compact cordless tool category has exploded with tons of exciting new tools in the 10-12 volt range for home owners and professionals alike.

The new PS21-2A ($129, Ohio Power Tool) is the 3^rd version of the Bosch Pocket Driver and is available now, along with the 3/8” chuck drill/driver PS31-2A ($143, Ohio Power Tool). These next generation tools are built solid and no longer looked at as the “small tool” additions to the arsenal but more as replacements for some tried and true 14.4v and 18v tools. Both of these tools have plenty of torque to hang cabinets or even help build the occasional deck. At the same time the light weight design and 20+ clutch settings make it a nice tool for delicate jobs like working on computer boxes or assembling different items which can definitely be awkward with an 18v drill.

Testing the PS21-2A

When I pulled the PS21-2A out of the box the first reaction was honesty, did they really need to redesign the whole tool just to shave an inch or so off the nose. It turns out the smaller compact design is just a nice bonus but the real reason it got an overhaul is the guts. The new Pocket Driver has 265 in lbs of torque where the first generation had 80; it also now has 2 speeds like a real driver should. This new generation also gets new batteries which “pack a little more punch” (BAT412 instead of BAT411) but either battery works on new or older tools. See this photo album for 20+ pictures from the test.

To test out the tool, that was provided for us, we simply stacked (3) 2”x4” and started screwing them together. First drove 10 large exterior 3.5” screws, then 50 standard 3” screws, then another 30 2” square drive (used the Bosch P2R2 bit which works splendidly with both square & phillips). After 90 screws the entire board was full and still plenty or juice left so to really test the torque and clutch went back over all 90 screws to see how far into the wood the screws could be driven. Basically hitting max torque 90 times in a few minutes, at which point you might expect some overheating but was not a problem for this tiny tool even with my other hand basically covering the entire tool. It finished that task and still had a little juice left but was pretty much fading out. With a few breaks to snaps pictures and find some more loose nails it took about 30 minutes to kill the battery at which point the 2^nd battery was fully charged ready to roll again. I am pretty confident in most real life situations the battery would be good for an hour or more of constant use and easily last all day with occasional use.

It is safe to say the new PS21-2A blows away the competition in the 12V compact driver category. However the short fall with the Bosch 12V Max line of tools does not come from any one of their tools but more with the depth of the line. With a head start as the creators of the category you would expect they would have the most tools in their lineup but that is definitely not the case. The Milwaukee M12 line for instance now sports over 20+ tools, many specific to professionals but lots of versatility throughout the line. If that is not a concern in your world and you are just looking for the best possible driver or 3/8” drill, Bosch may very well be your choice.        

Currently if you purchase the PS21-2A you can get a Free PS20B (Gen 2 Pocket Driver tool only), battery (BAT411 not the BAT412 it comes with) or LED flashlight, with a mail in rebate. Also you can still take advantage of the Free Shipping deal from Ohio Power Tool until the end of March by using the coupon code MARCH at checkout or calling in and mentioning the Free Shipping promotion.

Posted by Jay A. at 02:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We mentioned the Bosch Power Box PB360S previously in a post however the official launch dates and exact pricing were still unclear. At this point it looks like the PB360S ($209, Ohio Power Tool) will be hitting store shelves within the next week or two according to Bosch officials. To kick off the launch there is a limited number of FREE 2GB Bosch MP3 players (sent with your purchase, not a mail-in rebate) from Ohio Power Tool exclusively, available if you Pre-Order the Power Box PB360S from them. If you order by the end of this month and use the promo code MARCH at checkout you will also get Free Shipping on the order, even though the power boxes won’t ship till the first week of April.

The Power Box is one of the most complete jobsite radios we have seen out there. Many great features include 360 degree of sounds with a built in subwoofer, rugged enough to take multiple 5 ft drops (see video below), (x4) 120v power outlets for use when radio is plugged in, (x1) 12V DC car outlets, USB power outlet & SD/MMC card reader. There are also (x2) audio auxiliary ports for use with ipods, Mp3 players, satellite radio and other devices. The Power Box also runs off & charges Bosch 14.4v & 18v Litheon batteries. Typically you will see these in use with other DeWalt, Milwaukee & Makita chargers plugged into them; essentially they charge all of your power tool batteries if you don’t mind the octopus look.

There is also a PB360D “Power Box Deluxe” coming later this year which adds some nice features including GFCI on the 120V outlets, more juice to the speakers, built in satellite radio features, remote & backlight on the controls.   

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

The Bosch NailKiller Auger Bits (In-stock now at ohiopowertool.com) newly developed auger bits claim a 900% better lifespan than what is currently in the market today. It also offers a 61% reduction in torque response, vastly improving the user experience. I had a chance to see these bits in action at the 2009 STAFDA show, see video below, and they went through nail after nail with no problems. Also it eliminates the need for separate Ship Augers and Spur Augers, available in short 7.5” and Long 17” lengths. Checkout the full Bosch Press Release below.

Continue reading "Bosch NailKiller Augers "Kill" Ship & Spur Auger Bits" »

Posted by Jay A. at 04:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you have ordered anything online in 2010 you may have noticed your shipping charges have probably gone up. Ohio Power Tool is looking to provide some relief on several of their popular brands including Bosch, Dremel, CST/berger & Rotozip for the month of March. The order must meet minimal criteria (over $99, under 70lbs) and you have to use Coupon Code in checkout “MARCH”, very important. You can also call in the order 800-242-4424 and let the nice people know you want the free shipping deal.

Bosch 12V MAX Free Goodies

In addition to the free shipping from OhioPowerTool.com you can also take advantage of this Mail-In rebate deal on most of the Bosch 12V Max kits. Get yourself a free Driver PS20, 12V Battery BAT411 or LED Flashlight FL11A. All are pretty sweet deals. You may also notice it says PS21-2A and if you view the PDF form you will get a first look at the new Pocket Driver which according to this rebate will be out before May!

Bosch 18V Free Goodies

Still good until the end of March is this Mail-In Rebate for a Free 18V battery or 18V flashlight. This deal is also a very nice one and good on almost every kit available including the compact drill/driver & Impactor. Checkout the Bosch 18V tools available from Ohiopowertool.com. Of course all these deals can be used together so take advantage for the free shipping in addition to the free tool mail-in rebates.

Posted by Jay A. at 09:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

At the World of Concrete this year Bosch had several impressive displays inside, outside and even sponsored the tools competition. It was also a great opportunity to get a sneak peak at many of the new tools which will be coming out in the next few months. Some new things in cordless, lasers, detectors, new Power Boxes, innovative accessories and much more. Here are just a few of the highlights; as we get more info and get closer to the launch dates we will circle back and do full posts on each of these.

Litheon 18V Cordless – SDS & Grinder

There were 2 very interesting products I had the opportunity to try out for the Bosch 18v Litheon line. First was the cordless grinder which was set up along with the Makita, DeWalt & Milwaukee cordless grinders. All had cutting wheels and we were cutting a standard size metal pipe. The Bosch held up amazingly well compared to some of the competition, the Bosch was clearly more powerful and with their battery protection system I was assured would far outlast in heavy use. Bosch also had a SDS-Plus 18v cordless drill on hand to demo. I’m not sure how the power/battery compares to 36v 11536-2 ($522, Ohio Power Tool) but it felt very solid and would be ideal for setting tap cons or more heavy duty applications.

Continue reading "Bosch Power Box & Other New Products for 2010" »

Posted by Jay A. at 10:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

This was the first year anyone from coptool.com has had the opportunity to attend the World of Concrete. As a first timer I have to say it was a very impressive sign to see. Perhaps, down from last year but still just an amazing show with all the indoor and outdoor exhibits, vehicles, competitions and hands on demos. There is a true art to a trade show of this proportion, what kind of freebies you got, how you run the hands-on and demos, floor placement, how pretty the girls are if you have any and its probably important that you’ve got good tools as well. Just the shear effort alone that went into the setup and the volume of concrete poured just to destroy everyday… Checkout this time laps video of the effort it took to set up just one of the hundreds of outdoor exhibits.  

Competitions

All week long there were several competitions which were really interesting to watch and/or take part in. The Bricklayer 500 would have to be the main event where teams build brick walls in 60 minutes and get judged on speed as well as accuracy and precision. There was also a Bosch Tools skills challenge open to anyone and several truck & large equipment contests for anyone with a license. The artistry in Decorative Concrete was surely the most skillful competition. Some real head scratchers as to how they did some of this amazing work. (See some pictures here)

Exhibitors

Everyone in the concrete product business was here it felt like. Some personal highlights in tools; seeing Concrete Cutting Saws & Wall Saws in action from Diamond Products, Bosch had nice hands on demos for breakers, hammer drills as well as a few new products (post coming very shortly), Makita had some attractive girls I wasted some time talking with and alright Hilti’s booth was kinda impressive (which is saying a lot because Hilti is my mortal enemy). For the bigger equipment like the Ride on Trowels and smaller compaction, Wacker had a huge area (see video below) as well as Multiquip and a slew of others. Two days of 9 to 5 walking and I still didn't see close to all the booths.

All in all it was a great show and really could not even begin to do it justice in just one post. There are new videos popping up every minute on YouTube and www.ForConstructionPros.com. Also checkout all my photos in this facebook album.   

Posted by Jay A. at 04:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

New as of today you can now take advantage of this great Bosch Power Tool deal for either a Free 18V Battery BAT609 ($77 value) or 18v Flashlight. The deal is a Mail-In Rebate but it applies to almost all the kits even the inexpensive kits that are only $179 (like the 36618-02). The BAT609 is the SlimPak battery but unlike other systems the slim battery will work with any of the tools. There are also some new 18v tool coming down the pipe for Bosch so you can be confident this system will grow. Checkout all the Bosch 18 Volt Lithium Tools on OhioPowerTool.com.

Posted by Jay A. at 04:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I have been lucky enough to get to see this new router in action unfortunately the release date has been pushed back a few more months so don't run out and try and get one today. Chances are it might be the middle of 2010 before we can get our hands on the final product. They keep going back and tweeking it so it’ll be perfect when it does finally hit the shelves. The router has been completely rethought from the ground up, with 20+ new innovative features, many of the improvements carefully designed to give better control to the user.

Checkout this editors blog by Glen D. Huey from Popular Woodworking Magazine. This post does a great job of going through the most significant improvements.  

The MR23EVS was also mentioned in the latest issue of Wood Magazine as one of the “Top New Tools for 2010”.

Posted by Jay A. at 09:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The SpeedSand is the world’s first sanding disc applicator, which is design to hold up to 6 discs and perfectly align your hook and loop sand paper every time. In testing these out they worked very well, the whole package of sanding discs went right on the applicator and it was lined up perfect each time a new disc went on. To be honest up until this point I haven’t ever thought it was difficult to put on a hook and loop pad however they are not always perfectly aligned and I’m also not burning through sand paper packs at a time either.

The SpeedSand applicators are each $9.99 and come in 3 sizes: 5” - 8 hole hook & loop, 5” - 6 hole hook & loop and 6” - 6 hole hook & loop. You can order the SpeedSand directly from their website and visit Ohio Power Tool for all your other sand paper and sanding tools. See the video below to see how simple this product is to use.

Posted by Jay A. at 03:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The great guys over at ToolSnob.com helped us all out by making a handy little chart for the most popular models of oscillating tools and what accessories will work with which tools. The post looks at the adaptors and which tools lock in place vs simply “fit”. It also links to all their reviews on each of the tools which are all pretty comprehensive reviews. I would encourage everyone to take a minute and check it out.

Posted by Jay A. at 08:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Bosch just today announced a new Impactor for the 18V Litheon line which has 3 settings for a much wider range of applications in driving and drilling applications. I personally haven’t had a chance to test one of these units yet but obviously this would be a welcome improvement on an already great tool. In the meantime checkout the official Bosch Press Release below. Pre-order the 26618-01 on Ohio Power Tool for $398.

Mount Prospect, Ill., – The fastest growing segment within the professional cordless power tool category is impact drivers. Yet some users have been hesitant to adopt the tools because they still needed a second tool for drilling. Bosch Power Tools & Accessories is removing that barrier this week by introducing the 26618-01 18V Impact Drill/Driver. By combining typical drilling and driving capabilities with the added power of impact fastening, Bosch’s multi-function tool offers pro users the power and versatility to tackle any number of common jobsite applications.

Posted by Jay A. at 03:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Unfortunately I don’t have any celebrity friends like David Letterman to do my top 10 list but these are some good gift ideas on Ohio Power Tool for anyone who loves power tools, ranging from $20-$299. Also all of the following items are eligible for the Free Shipping if part of an order over $99. Just use coupon code: TURKEY before December 7^th. All these items are also currently in-stock but can’t promise they won’t run out by the holidays. Checkout the Holiday Specials Page for even more deals from Ohio Power Tool.

10. Hougen RotaCut Metal Drill Kit 11075 - $74

This hole cutter kit includes 7 different size metal drill bits from 5/16” – ¾” which are faster and last 10 times longer than standard twist drill bits. Ideal for any electrician, mechanic, HVAC, metal fabricator or anyone that does any work with metal. These bits work with standard chuck drills found in almost any toolbox.

9. Milwaukee Right Angle Drill Attachment 49-22-8510 - $49

This handy accessory can get you into very tight places and is compatible with any drill that can accept ¼” hex bits from 2.4V to 36V or corded drills. Ideal for driver bits, spade bits, ¼” hex drill bits and many other accessories.

8. Bosch DareDevil Spade Bit Set DSB5013P - $27

Every carpenter, remodeler, handyman or weekend warrior should have a good set of Spade Bits in the tool box but Bosch reinvented the spade bit with the new DareDevil bits. This is a great gift because even if they have some spade bits they will love to upgrade to these.

7. Ingersoll Rand Titanium ½” Impact Gun 2135TiMAX - $249

Probably the sexiest impact gun you could own. This titanium impact wrench is the lightest, toughest, most powerful tool on the market today. Any serious mechanic will love this gun.

6. Lincoln 18V PowerLuber Grease Gun 1844 - $267

Now a cordless grease gun is probably not going to be on most people’s wish lists however for many farmers, mechanics and other service pros this may be the ideal present to see under the tree. The brand spankin new 18V extends the battery life to be able to hand up to 8-10 tubes per battery. This alone can be a huge advantage when out in the field away from the charger.

Continue reading "Top 10 Power Tool Gift Ideas for 2009 Holiday Season" »

Posted by Jay A. at 04:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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)

From time to time I like to look at the top professional tools brands and see what they are up to. Typically I’ll go to their various social media outlets to get the updates and I had a though, why not have one place and make it easy to find them all or better yet pit them against each other in a virtual Battle Royal.

Why is social media important for a power tool company? Obviously it’s important for any company to be involved in the communication about their own products. Please make it as easy as possible for us to get info on your company, events, promos, new tools and accessories.  Probably one of the best examples of a power tool company using social media (although not part of the showdown) would be the Ridgid Forum, here you get real professionals, company reps and lots of others asking talking about new products, applications, issues, events, etc. Why can’t all of them just have awesome forums where we can talk tools.

Milwaukee Tools – FaceBook – YouTube – Twitter
For years it seemed like Milwaukee Tools was perhaps a little behind the times, they were first out with V28 tools with success but also had some misses. Over the past two years however I have been very impressed with what I have seen from the Red camp. With lots of very innovative new products and some real excitement all the way down the line these guys have good focus on professional customers and do a good job of getting info out in many different channels.

Makita Tools – FaceBook – YouTube – Twitter
Makita Tools I think has understood the idea of being involved directly with customers for some time. Not only do they do a good job online but they tie it all in very nicely with their direct promotions/sponsorships in motor sports, MLS Soccer, the 53’ Experience Makita semi-truck, contests, sweepstakes and of course Miss Makita 2010 & Senorita Makita 2010. If there were a high school for power tools, Makita would probably be the coolest kid in class.

DeWalt Tools – FaceBook – YouTube – Pro Blogs
The Yellow brand is by far the most popular of any tool brand and has been for years. They are focused on FaceBook and YouTube with plenty of good videos available on both. The Pro Blogs are a nice feature of their site. They also tie their online outreach in with DeWalt Racing & NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth which helps get more user/fans involved.

Bosch Tools – (Social What Now)
It is kind of surprising Bosch doesn’t do more with social media. I feel like they do a great job getting info out to magazines and other traditional media. They have innovative new products and build product specific sites like www.boschdaredevil.com so obviously not afraid of being online. They are also good about getting info to other bloggers for new products. The lack of social media has got to be by design and perhaps they just don’t like to toot their own horns but it sure would make it easier for the rest of us to stay up on their products, promos, events, etc.

Who wins… got to give credit to the DeWalt for this one, mainly for their Facebook Page which has a ton of user interaction (and better weapons, photo for the DeWalt M16 from the Facebook page). I’m going to call second place a tie between Makita & Milwaukee, which is kind of a coop-out but I really have trouble picking here. Both are doing some good things in different areas but how do I pick between innovative new products and Miss Makita. Bosch takes a back seat for this round. Social media obviously has zero impact on tool quality but if you use it I guess you expect everyone else to as well.

Posted by Jay A. at 02:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

We had a few more videos ready from the recent STAFDA show we thought that were pretty interesting.

The Bernzomatic Quickfire is a brand new compact soldering hand torch. It features 30% faster soldering time, on/off trigger, lockable, easy to change fuel tank and is perfect for getting into those hard to reach places.

Bosch NailKiller Ship/Spur Auger is another revolutionary development from the Bosch Accessories team. These guys love to take standard accessories we have all been using for years and find new innovative ways to improve performance and tool life.

Posted by Jay A. at 10:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The new Bosch GLL2-80 ($272) acts more like an interior rotary laser but still priced like a less expensive line laser. This compact laser provides 2 independent line lasers with full 360 degrees of continuous coverage. Each line, vertical and horizontal, can be operated independently and feature “Pulse” receiver mode for long distances or for use in bright light conditions. Accurate to 1/4" at 100' this laser ideal for all types of applications such as cabinet hanging, tile work, drop ceiling and much more.     

This laser is also very easy to use, with single button operation that requires little training. Included with the GLL2-80 is the WM1 ($46) laser mount with both ¼ & 5/8 tripod mounts, magnets for use on metal track and perfect for use with poles or attaching to a wall surface.

Check out Ohio Power Tool for a wide range of laser levels including line lasers, rotary lasers, tile lasers, dot lasers and more. If you would like more specific help finding exactly what you need feel free to email sales@ohiopowertool.com for a speedy response.   

Posted by Jay A. at 03:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

While supplies last, at Ohio Power Tool you can get a Free 3^rd Battery instantly with the purchase of the CLPK40-180 ($475) or the CLPK50-180 ($550) combo kits. The CLPK50-180 is actually the CLPK40-180 kit with the Impactor 25618B, but for only $75 more it’s one great deal. The free 3^rd battery ships right away with your tool (no mail-in rebates) and is the light weight slimpack BAT609 ($77) which is great for the light, impact, and many uses of the hammer drill. Bosch is also the only major tool brand that allows any of the 18V tools to work with both the slimpack or fatpack batteries.

Posted by Jay A. at 04:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Already well known for their electric shears and metal nibblers Bosch Power Tools now offers a cordless metal shear option. The new Bosch PS70-2A ($337) is 12V Max shear for 18 gauge metals; able to cut up to 12 gauge aluminum and other softer metals.

I had a chance to get my hands on the new PS70 and I was extremely impressed with how powerful it was given that it is such a lightweight cordless tool. It was also extremely easy to handle, with a very sharp turning radius and just 10” overall length (very similar to the PS50-2A size). The 12V Max battery platform is extremely efficient for drills/drivers however similar to the PS50 it can be lacking for certain applications that require continuous use. The new PS70-2A might be better suited for smaller jobs or intermittent cutting vs constant use. The cordless aspect does make it incredibly covenant so you will need to weigh the pros and cons for yourself.

The PS70-2A is on the shelves now, at least at Ohio Power Tool. Checkout more detailed pictures in this photo album. Let us know if you have any questions about any of the Bosch Power Tools.        

Posted by Jay A. at 12:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Consider this your official invitation to come out to the Ohio Power Tool Columbus location and have some fun at the Bosch Tailgate party. In addition to the full tailgate spread there will be Bosch representatives on hand to answer any questions and give tool & accessory demos. Lots of Bosch prizes including hats, tee shirts, accessories and tools. The event will be Thursday, October 22^nd from 10:00am – 2:00pm. It’s not just for the locals, checkout the great deals all month long online like Bosch Grinders $49, Bosch Bulldogs $222, 18V Impactors $99, 18V 4 Tool Combo & 3^rd Battery $475 and lots of other great Bosch Tool deals, prices just got lowered yesterday.

Above and beyond these online deals if you can make it to Ohio Power Tool for the event, there will be instant rebates on almost every Bosch tool in-stock good for up to an additional 20% off instantly. Give the guys at Ohio Power Tool a call 800-242-4424 for full details and to get your orders in early to guarantee stock but you are not going to do better buying Bosch Tools this year.         

Posted by Jay A. at 03:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Mount Prospect, Ill. – When it comes to simplicity, reliability and value, there is no substitute for a high quality corded drill. The new 1006VSR 3/8” Drill from Bosch Power Tools & Accessories delivers everything a great corded drill should and does it in a lighter, more ergonomic and more powerful package.

While the tough 6.3 Amp motor performs in even the most demanding applications, the variable-speed, two-finger trigger enables users to manage that power with authority. With the ability to dial in speed from 0-2,600 RPM, the result is precise control and incredible versatility.

Although the 1006VSR is a leader in the power department, users will also appreciate the tool’s light weight. At only 3.4 lbs, Bosch’s 1006VSR offers the best power-to-weight ratio in its class. The light weight, great balance, two-finger switch and a newly re-designed soft grip handle all add up to create a drill that offers users all-day comfort.

The 1006VSR features a 3/8” keyless chuck for quick and easy accessory changes and a recessed lock-on switch to prevent accidental lock-on. A durable belt clip frees up hands for other tasks. Inside the tool, upgraded components offer outstanding durability and reliability.

The 1006VSR will sell for $59 and will be available soon at www.OhioPowerTool.com.

Posted by Jay A. at 08:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Bosch like many other manufacturers offer Hole Saws in many sizes and varieties however Bosch offers their entire hole saw line with the Universal Quick Change System. The quick change system is a significant time saver when switch between hole saws; it only takes a few seconds to simply unlock the mandrel and replace it with a new hole saw.

Bi-Metal Hole Saws – These are you typical all purpose type hole saw, good for wood, metal and other construction materials. The Bosch Bi-Metal hole saws are available in several kits including 17, 19 & 25 piece. The kits have a high number of pieces because the quick change adaptors are separate and include 7-11 in each kit. The adaptors also work on most other brands of competitors hole saws.

Carbide Tip Hole Saws – These hole saws have serious diamond sharpened carbide teeth and are ideal for wood, laminate, cementboard, masonry, roof tiles and many other materials. Incredibly strong and long lasting the quick change adaptor is built into each bit. The Kits are available in 5 & 8 piece.

Diamond Grit Hole Saws – The newest line of hole saws for Bosch, the Diamond Grit saws are made to cut marble, granite, tile and other hard materials. These hole saws do require water to stay cool; typically provided by a spray bottle. The individual hole saws above ¾” work with Universal Quick Change System and have the adaptors build in. They use the AutoStart pin to ensure a perfectly centered hole, another unique feature for Bosch. The Mini Diamond Hole Saws (3/16”-5/8”) don’t require the Quick Change Mandrel and will work in any standard drill. The Kits are available in 7 & 11 piece.

Checkout the video below if you still have questions on the Bosch Quick Change System and if that doesn’t do the job feel free to give the pros at Ohio Power Tool a call 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com.      

Posted by Jay A. at 04:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I just got done reading a great review, up now on www.toolsnob.com, which spent 3+ months review the new Bosch 18v cordless Impactor. It looks and sounds like this tool was really put to the test including ladder drops and many other abuses.

My only complaint with the review was it states that the Impactor with (2) slimpacks starts at $250 (Amazon) but the ad on the top of their own site says you can get the Bosch 18v Impactor, Compact Drill/Driver & (2) slimpack batteries CLPK23-180 for $219 (Ohio Power Tool). Check out all the Bosch 18V Tools with some really great special pricing on Ohio Power Tool.    

Posted by Jay A. at 02:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Exactly one year ago today we did a simple comparison post on some new oscillating tools coming out from Dremel and Bosch that would compete directly with the Fein Multi-Master. See Some Fein Looking Tools – Bosch PS50 & Dremel Multi-Max 9/9/08. Since then this post has held strong as our most viewed post ever. I wanted to take a second to revisit the post and perhaps add some more related links, photos & insight now that these tools have been around the block a few times.

Since the original post we added several YouTube Videos (See Below) as well as some additional posts for Bosch PS50 Accessories and Dremel Multi-Max Accessories as well as found some great post on other blogs including this post on toolsnob, one of the best I’ve seen.

Just for good measure I snapped twenty or so more pictures of these two tools and put them in this Facebook Album. Some of the points I was trying to highlight in the added photos would include the difference in size and shape, often people think the Dremel is larger but in fact the Bosch is slightly longer. The difference in Cases, the Bosch is a clear winner here. Also a few pictures of the vents, both of these tools can get hot but the Dremel is often run continuous for longer amounts of time and can get really hot. The Bosch being cordless is less equipped to run continuously so it often has at least a minute or so to cool during battery changes. One guy I spoke with who runs the Dremels all day long actually uses two Multi-Max and puts different attachments on each and use each for 20-30 minutes then switches to the other which saves him time from switching blades but also give the tools time to cool.  

The accessories are also more substantial on the Bosch; in general the Dremel accessories are smaller, thinner metal but less expensive. The sanding pads do work interchangeably but you can see in this photo the Bosch sanding pads are slightly larger. Also you will see in this picture the Bosch adaptor which allows you to use Dremel or Fein blades as well. The Dremel is pictured with a simple washer because this is what we have found many of the tradesmen using so they could use the more substantial Bosch blades with the corded Dremel tool. Funny thing is I didn’t tell them to do this (legal disclaimer: nor would I ever suggest anyone ever alter a tool or make their own adaptors for any tool or accessory ever) but amazingly several different heavy users of these tools came up with the idea on their own. Obviously end users are going to figure out work arounds, manufacturers should accept that and make things easier on everyone.

If you are looking for Dremel Multi-Max ($99) or Bosch Multi-X PS50-2A ($179) PS50-2B ($199) or any of their oscillating tool accessories; Ohio Power Tool keeps all these tools and accessories in stock and able to handle quantity orders.

Posted by Jay A. at 01:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Posted by Jay A. at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The new Bosch GTL3 Laser ($173 Ohio Power Tool) is in-stock and available now. The laser comes with the very handy wall mount, target and a nice carrying case. The GTL3 has a few advantages over the currently very popular CST LM2 Laser ($128 Ohio Power Tool); for starters the Bosch features 3 lasers instead of 2 which gives a nice 45 degree line that can be very helpful. The Bosch is also much taller putting down line than can be seen at further distances. Having tested several of these layout laser tools personally I will say the pictures are a little deceiving, none of these put down a laser like you see in the pictures. Only a few feet out it becomes harder so see on a perfectly flat surface however the laser actually shows up better once you have material down such as grout, unlike a chalk line that obviously gets covered up. The tile being laid will also show the laser very clearly (even 30+ ft away) if in the path of the laser, so it’s fairly easy to line up against the laser. Checkout all the new Bosch Laser Tools and for more information on the GTL3 models see the Full Bosch Press Release below.   

Continue reading "Bosch GTL3 Floor & Wall Tile Layout Laser" »

Posted by Jay A. at 10:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Looking for a great deal on Power Tools, Ohio Power Tool is the place but in addition to great deals like a Bosch 18v Impactor & Drill combo kit - $219, for the month of AUGUST you can also get FREE SHIPPING on some of your favorite Power Tool brands including Milwaukee, Bosch and Ridgid! The deal is also good on accessories from these brands as well. Simply use coupon code AUGUST on the first page of the checkout and the UPS ground option will be FREE. If you would like to call your order in to 800-242-4424 and simply tell them you want the August Free Shipping Deal and they will be happy to accommodate you, but you need to mention the promotion.  

Milwaukee Tools - Bosch Tools - Ridgid Plumbing Tools

Posted by Jay A. at 03:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Check out all the latest Bosch 18V Lithium Ion Tools at Ohio Power Tool. Also the 18V line up is compatible with the cordless Rotozip tool (checkout the video on that tool on Youtube).  If you have any questions about these tools please call Ohio Power Tool ay 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com. Remember these are limited time specials, act fast to ensure current pricing.

Posted by Jay A. at 02:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bosch isn’t the first company to introduce a diamond grit hole saw however they are the industry’s first to have AutoStart. The AutoStart feature is basically a carbide tipped pilot that compresses just enough to start the hole. Once the hole is started the bit is removed and the hole saw can cut through the material be it porcelain, marble, granite, tile or glass. The competitors hole saws traditionally have problems walking when trying to start the hole, scratching up the surfaces and since the saw starts at an edge and not centered they potentially can move the hole. With the Bosch diamond hole saws there is much less likelihood of damaging high priced materials, potentially saving a fair amount of time & money.

These new Bosch Diamond Hole Saws will be available on Ohio Power Tool in individual sizes from 3/16” to 4-1/8” at very reasonable prices, ranging from $10-$65. There will also be complete kits available with 7 piece HDG7 ($161.65) & 11 piece HDG11 ($239.70). The new hole saws will of course work on the Bosch Quick Change System which has become incredibly popular and is the same system the Bosch Carbide & Bi-metal holes saws use. For more info read the full Bosch press release below.

Continue reading "Bosch Diamond Hole Saws with Autostart for Tile & Stone" »

Posted by Jay A. at 04:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Mount Prospect, Ill., July 14, 2009 – Bosch Power Tools & Accessories made a stir earlier this year when the company entered the pneumatic fastening category and introduced Full Force Technology, one of the most significant innovations in the category in 30 years. This month, finish carpenters, remodelers, woodworkers, cabinet makers and other users will get their first chance to test drive the new product lineup when three Bosch finish nailers and an 18-gauge stapler begin hitting retail shelves nationwide. Each of Bosch’s new finish tools also includes a tool-less selectable trigger, to enable users to switch between bump and sequential modes of operation. The convenient tool-less Quick Clear jam removal system is also standard. All of the tools come complete with a sturdy carrying case, safety glasses and the no-mar tip.

Bosch’s new finish tools are currently available through authorized Bosch retailers nationwide. Additional Bosch pneumatic fastening products are slated to become available in the next few weeks.

Posted by Jay A. at 05:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The new line of Bosch Litheon 18v tools recently added some great Impact Drivers with ½” and 3/8” square drivers on the way. For a limited time you can actually get the Impact Driver tool, 25618B for only $99 from Ohio Power Tool. The new Impactors are also available in several combo kits including CLPK22-180 which includes the Hammer Drill & Impactor for only $335. There is also a 4 tool combo kit which basically swaps out a circular saw for the Impactor CLPK41-180 which is $475 (same price as the CLPK40-180 with circular saw).

I really love the new line of Bosch 18v cordless tools, tons of power, built solid, great warranty, electronic cell & motor protection and growing list of cool new tools coming. At the same time I can’t figure out why keep the 14.4v line of tools? With the 12v Max tools & SlimPack & FatPack battery options for the 18V added to the fact that the 14.4v tools are basically the same size & weight as the 18v why keep both?  The higher powers at www.OhioPowerTool.com had even priced the 18v Litheon Tools less expensive and eventually stop listing/stocking the 14.4v tools all together. With less power, priced higher, same weight and less tools in the line-up it’s a tough sell to make to someone. Wouldn’t it make more sense to focus all the effort on new 18v tools, instead of trying to make both a 14.4v & 18v tool for every application?  We want more tools, less battery platforms.  

HAVE A HAPPY 4^th of JULY WEEKEND EVERYONE!!!!  

Posted by Jay A. at 05:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Milwaukee 2410-22 have been shipped and those that pre-ordered from Ohio Power Tool should be receiving their orders starting today. I thought it would be a good opportunity to take a few pictures and compare the sizes and some of the features verse the 12V Bosch PS30-2A, currently the most popular compact drill/driver.

The Milwaukee is only slightly smaller than the Bosch which I had actually thought it would be even smaller yet, side-by-side. I do like the feel of the metal chuck on the Milwaukee and it has a battery gauge, which the Bosch does not. Also I like the fact that the Milwaukee stands up on the base; for some reason the Bosch is just unbalanced enough that it can’t. The Milwaukee case is the traditional red hard plastic case while the Bosch uses a smaller soft case.  The batteries for these two lines are almost identical but obviously not compatible and the LED lights on the tools are about the same. The full spec comparison is on the previous 2410-22 vs PS30-2A post, I just though it would be nice to get some photo side-by-sides out there as well.

Posted by Jay A. at 10:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The 3/8” Drill/Driver has been a long awaited addition to the Milwaukee M12 line. The 2410-22 ($149) comes with 2410 tool, (2) M12 batteries, charger & case but the drill/driver tool is also available as 2410-20 ($98) which is just the tool by itself. The closest competition for the new drill/driver would be the Bosch 12V Max PS30-2A ($139) which has been out for over a year and is currently leading the 12V compact drill/driver market. Milwaukee is trying hard to improve upon the already successful PS30 design and create a compelling reason to pick their compact drill over anyone else.

Milwaukee M12 2410-22
No Load Speed (2 speed): 0-400/0-1,500 RPM
Torque: 250 in-lbs
Single Sleeve: Metal
Weight: 2.5 lbs
Length: 7-3/8”

Bosch 12V Max PS30-2A
No Load Speed (2 speed): 0-400/0-1,100 RPM
Torque: 220 in-lbs
Single Sleeve: Plastic
Weight: 2.4 lbs
Length: 8-1/2”

In comparing the stats you can see how Milwaukee has worked to build a better tool… at least when it comes to the numbers. Obviously with an extra year of development time they are going to make it faster with more torque. It is also awesome to see that the M12 is over an inch shorter than the Bosch, making it even easier to carry in the tool belt. Adding the metal sleeve on this tool also makes me happy and think back to the introduction of the first generation Bosch PS20 when the tough sell was convincing people such a small tool had a place among professional (see: These Ain’t No Kids Toys 8/23/2007). Clearly we have come a long way and with Milwaukee adding so many M12 tools aimed specifically at Plumbers & Electricians I think everyone has embraced the idea 12 volt tools defiantly have their place among the pros.

If you have any questions about any of the Milwaukee M12 or Bosch 12V Max tools feel free to email sales@ohiopowertool.com or call 800-242-4424. Once I get my hands on the Milwaukee M12 2410-22 we can do a more hands on comparison of the two different models and see if the Milwaukee stands out as much as the stats might indicate. Stay tuned.

Posted by Jay A. at 09:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)

I recently got the chance to test the Bosch 18v Impactor Driver along with the 2 leading competitors (Makita & DeWalt) cordless Impact Drivers. One feature that continues to stand out in my mind was the electronic cell & motor protection which we got to see in action during the stress test. The test went like this, several extremely large bolts were lined up that none of the drivers could possibly move; then we got to try and drive the bolts with each tool. None of them could move the bolts and after a few seconds one of the competitor’s impacts started smoking and almost caught on fire. Another which had “protection” simply turned off and would not come back on. It turns out you need to find the charger and recharge the battery to get it to work again. Not very convenient if you are on the jobsite. The Bosch Impactor turned off when the electronic protection kicked on but a few seconds later it was back, working great, no fussing around. Read the full press release on all 8 versions of the Impactors Drivers & Wrenches below.         

Continue reading "Bosch Mid-Range Litheon Cordless Impactors" »

Posted by Jay A. at 04:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I know you probably have not been waiting on the edge of your seats in anticipation for new driver bit technology to hit the street but the new Bosch P2R2 bit is a pretty nice addition. It works extremely well on both Phillips P2 and Robertson R2 (square drive) screws, saving the time and frustration of switching bits, loosing bits and/or digging in the tool box for the other bit. We have already put these bits to the test and the shop guys said they pass the test, which doesn’t always happen. The bits are a few pennies more but for the convenience and time savings very much worth it.  

We continue to be impressed with Bosch's constant innovation to simple accessories were you couldn't imagine seeing anything new. The P2R2 bits will be available around Mid June; you will be able to order them shortly on Ohio Power Tool in packs of 15, 1” bits for $4.43.

Posted by Jay A. at 02:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Milwaukee M12 Sub-Scanner 2290-21 is due out in July and will be able to detect wood studs, pipes, AC wires and rebar in concrete up to 6” deep. Currently the closest competing product would be the Bosch DMD4k Multi-Detector which can also detect various types of materials but only detect rebar in concrete 4” deep. The design of the Milwaukee is also much easier for scanning large areas with the 4 wheel design, it will role across a surface with ease, perfect for mapping out & drilling large areas of concrete.

Posted by Jay A. at 04:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I recently saw a demo of the new Rotozip Tile-Dock and CR18L Cordless Rotozip, which uses the Bosch 18v Litheon batteries. There were several things I though were interesting about the demo starting with the Tile-Dock TD1-10. I’ve never seen anything like it, although I’m not a professional floor guy, but the few tiling projects I’ve done this would have been big help. Lightweight easy to carry, stores all the accessories and has a dust collection hook-up which is becoming more and more a priority these days with new laws and regulations. Obviously the Tile Dock could be used with any tool cutting tile such as a diamond grit hole saw or diamond sawzall blade.

The Rotozip CR18L had some nice features as well. I love that it uses the Bosch 18v Lithium batteries because the last thing anyone wants is another battery system, this way you’ll always have extra batteries ready. Also the fact that the diamond X-bits don’t need to be cooled with water is very convenient with a lot less setup / cleanup. This is not the tool for making the full tile strait cuts but almost every job is going to require several curved cuts, notch outs and/or holes made. This is a great solution.

If you have any questions about any of the Rotozip tools or accessories you can contact Ohio Power Tool at 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com. Special thanks to Dave for doing the demo a second time so I could capture it for the YouTube Video below. Please give it a good rating so he’ll feel good about himself and come back to do more videos we can all enjoy.

Posted by Jay A. at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

How rock demolition with Bosch equipment helped residents and Engineers Without Borders volunteers clear the way for a street that will improve living conditions and unite the residents of a small community in El Salvador

The Need

Continue reading "PAVING THE WAY TO A BETTER LIFE" »

Posted by Jay A. at 03:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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)

For the month of May you can get FREE GROUND SHIPPING on all Bosch and Dremel accessories from Ohio Power Tool. This applies to all orders over $55 within the continental US. If you want to take part in the free shipping deal and meet the minimum order, simply use COUPON CODE "MAY" in the checkout and when you get to the shipping options Ground will be FREE and overnight, 2 day, etc will all still be available with pricing attached.

This is a great time to stock up on accessories like Dremel Multi-Max Blades, Dust Collection Guards, Brute Bits, Bosch Multi-X blades, T308B Jigsaw blades, Dare Devil Spade Bits, Multi-Construction Drill Bits, Speedwave Diamond Blades, Cup Wheels, Rebar Cutter, X5L full head carbide, etc. Visit the Bosch and/or Dremel pages on Ohio Power Tool for full list of all available accessories.

Don't Forget to use the COUPON CODE "MAY" or you won't get free shipping! Don't want to mess with using a coupon code... just call 800-242-4424 and say give me the Bosch accessory free shipping deal.

Posted by Jay A. at 07:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Bosch 36V ½” Hammer Drill is every bit as powerful as any corded model you are likely to have in your arsenal but with the obvious advantage of being cordless. Typically the Bosch 18636-02 kit which includes 2 FatPack batteries sells from around $400. Currently there is a very limited supply available from Ohio Power Tool for $199. These batteries alone are worth $150 each and supply seemingly endless power, in most cases 2 fully charged batteries will get you through almost any day.   

Posted by Jay A. at 05:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As mentioned in the last post, Bosch was nice enough to invite me to their US headquarters last week to check out the recently launched products and stuff being launched in the very near future. Some of the stuff was top secret so unfortunately I probably shouldn’t mention anything about time travel, teleportation or cold fusion power tools, I may or may not have seen. We did get a chance to play with a very interesting technology for powering cordless devices without a typical charger. The technology was launched at CES over a month ago but it was really impressive to see in action.

You may have seen a similar technology for powering cell phones and iPods which will likely become very common within the next year or so. Through a joint effort partnership with Fulton Innovations, Energizer, Motorola, Bosch and several other companies a stronger system has been developed for powering products that require a much higher amount of energy like kitchen appliances, laptops and Bosch Power Tools. Simply set an eCoupled device on the plate and it will automatically detect the device and power it with the correct amount of energy. Several completely different items with different power requirements can all be run/charged simultaneously without a problem.

The system for Bosch Power Tools would be built into the batteries, so the tools will most likely remain the same and while new tool kits may feature the technology it is likely an upgrade kit will be available for existing tools. So don’t worries, your new 18V Litheon tools are not going to be obsolete anytime soon. To see how the system works checkout this youtube video of working drill and combo kit units.    

Posted by Jay A. at 07:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For the past several days I had the opportunity to visit Bosch US headquarters and checkout some of the upcoming new products. It was really interesting to learn more about the company and the great lengths they go through to ensure the highest quality products. Many others attended the event as well so it was also a good opportunity to chat with some of the other power tool bloggers from Toolsnob, Toolmonger, Toologics as well as really great people from various magazines and other media outlets.      

One of the big product launches is the new line of Bosch Pneumatic Tools named Bosch Full Force. I got a chance to use these tools along with the competition and I was really impressed with the performance, smaller size and lighter weight. They also incorporated several new features including the strike plate on the back which is commonly used as a hammer to align beams. Also the nail cartridge is extremely easy to remove without any additional tools so clearing jams takes seconds. In development for several years these tools may have missed the high times of home building but with the Bosch long term strategy focus they are very optimistic they will own the market 3,5,10 years down the road. As new products do take some time to prove themselves once they are on the market it may actually work out to their advantage launching into a slower building cycle. By the time home building picks up again they will have a proven track record and be able to really have some strong sales. The Bosch units are compatible with any other brand of nails and don't plan on launching their own nails in the near future.

Units will be available on OhioPowerTool.com shortly with the framing nailers and several compressors available this month. The roofing, brad, narrow crown and finishing nailers will be available over the next few months. In total there will be 7 nailers and 5 compressors by the end of summer. Checkout the videos below for more details! Stay tuned, more new Bosch products coming next week on Coptool.          

Posted by Jay A. at 10:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

While supplies last, you can get a free set of Bosch Dare Devil Spade Bits with any Bosch Hole Saw kit purchased. The free set DSB5006P includes 6 of the most popular sizes (3/8”, ½”, 5/8”, ¾”, 7/8” & 1”) as well as a durable carry case. If you have not had the pleasure to use the new Dare Devil Spade Bits, these are unlike anything you have drilled with before. Checkout this Youtube video below for more info on the Bosch Dare Devil Bits.

The Bosch Hole Saw Kits all feature the Bosch Quick Change Universal System which makes switching sizes a tool free task that takes only a few seconds. Simply release the mandrel and the saw is quickly changed out. The system can use all major brands of current hole saws so if you already have several hole saws no problem they will work with the Bosch kits. The system also features an enlarger adaptor (sold separately) which allows for very precise enlarging of existing holes.  

In addition to the free Dare Devil bit set, all the hole saw kits on Ohio Power Tool are priced very competitively but for a limited time there is also special pricing on the Bi-Metal 25 piece Hole saw kit HB25M for $108, below all national competitors at the time of this post (according to Google Shopping). There are only a limited number of Free Dare Devils are available and special pricing on the 25 piece kit won’t last long.

The video below shows the Bosch Carbide and Milwaukee Big Hawg hole saws. These two look similar but are not intended for the same tasks. The Bosch Carbide can go through cement, wood, plastic and other materials while the Milwaukee is build specifically to go through wood. If you are looking for a wood only hole saw the Milwaukee is much cheaper and quicker. If you on the other hand are looking for the most versatile hole saw on the market today the Bosch Carbide Hole Saws might be right up your alley.  

Posted by Jay A. at 09:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

As you may remember from last year the CST/berger company was acquired by The Robert Bosch Tool Corporation. As one of the premier names in the industry there may have been some concern Bosch was just looking for the name however this is not the case. Almost all the employees and facilities have remained with the company and now work together with the teams from Bosch Laser & Measuring, David White and Rolatape to form one of the largest players in the laser and measuring tool industry. Working together and sharing engineers, resources, patents, designs, talent and backed by the innovative culture of Bosch, I expect really good things to come.

The Dot Laser Levels are primarily used for interior alignment and layout purposes. The dot or point laser makes it extremely simple to find level or plumb and set 90 degree angles. The easy to use features, low cost and compact size make it a easy choice for even a DIY user.

The Line Laser Levels are extremely versatile and primarily used indoors but also have many outdoor uses. These are the perfect choice for hanging cabinets and fixtures or aligning wires and pipes. The line laser also makes hanging a perfectly level drop ceiling so much easier than ever before. The LM2 model is ideal for flooring applications such as tile because it holds two perfectly 90 degree lines and unlike chalk lines you can never cover a laser with mortar and loose the line.

The Rotary Laser Levels are the most sophisticated of the laser levels with many interior and exterior uses. There are unfortunately many models and packages to choose from which can seem intimidating at first but if you know generally what your needs are, you will find it is very strait forward in determine the right rotary laser for you. Rotary lasers are perfect for ensuring a level floor throughout an area, doing interior or exterior building layouts and work up to 2800 ft. away with a detector. For interior use most models will work in lay-down mode with vertical self leveling but another great option is the Bosch Dual-Axis rotary laser, the only one on the market, which lays a horizontal and vertical laser.

Ohio Power Tool is proud to add the CST/berger lasers and measuring tools to its line-up. Bosch continues to show tremendous innovation in so many or its products and we are very excited to see what new and exciting products will be introduced from CST in the years to come, now that they have such a solid company behind them. If you have any questions about laser and measuring tools please call the experts at 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com.

Posted by Jay A. at 09:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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)

The chart above shows website traffic to each company’s main website. It doesn’t take into consideration tool sales, units sold, product specific websites (ie boschedge.com, boschdaredevil.com, etc) or any other outside factors. The graph simply measures web traffic reported from a 3^rd party source. In my mind this is a good measure of what is popular and the overall trend of how a company is doing. Overall I think it is pleasantly surprising that the lines weren’t all strait down. Watch the news or read the paper and all you hear is about how the sky is falling, the economy is in the tank and we are all going back to the dark ages but the year over year numbers are up for 3 out of 4 of the largest power tool companies. Again these are just web traffic numbers and not sales or profit numbers, but that’s still pretty positive I think. 

The obvious thing that jumps out is what’s going on with Dewalt? Historically it’s been arguably the most popular tool brand, with tons of very loyal customers however recently the talk in forums has been a little more on the sour side. Black & Decker now owns Dewalt as well as Porter Cable and the overall perception I have read from loyal users is that the quality has definitely come down. The die hard Porter Cable guys are possibly the most unhappy (unfortunately they don’t have their own website; it’s a shared site with Delta and other products so we can’t look at it in the chart). Years ago Porter Cable was considered one of the highest quality professional tool brands on the market, now they are comparable to Ryobi, better for a DIY occasional user.

The second thing that jumped out to me is that Bosch Tools is up 95% in web traffic from last year. That is awesome! There have been some exciting new products including a completely new 18V cordless line, new 12V Max tool and a wide array of new accessories but overall I don’t think this is what is driving the gains. The brand remains very strong, continues to make a high quality product, great innovations in their new products, good marketing and very few layoffs while other companies in general have seen cuts across the board.  

Milwaukee Tools also had some serious gains of 26% in web traffic from the previous 12 months. They had probably the biggest product launches with the new M18 lithium ion line and M12 lithium tool line. Both lines I would consider very successful launches.

Makita Tools also had modest gains but without a new complete line of tools to launches I think they did a good job in keeping traffic up with the new products they did have as well as strong promotions and relationships with MLS, Suzuki, Rockstar and sponsored events.     

Overall I think these numbers are pretty positive and sure lots of people are just window shopping but I think it’s a good look at the overall popularity of the brands and the trends. There are plenty of other tool brands to compare or you might want to see your site’s traffic compared to your competitors, I would strongly encourage anyone to do some comparisons of your own at www.compete.com.     

Posted by Jay A. at 04:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

 
These new light blue drill bits work in your standard ½” chuck hammer drill. I have been a fan of the Bosch Blue Granite bits which has a similar carbide tip and are great for going through not only concrete but also masonry, stone, tile and other similar materials. The new Bosch Multi-Construction Bits go even further, in addition to concrete, masonry, stone & tile the new bits also go through metal, plastic, wood and even glass! Basically all the materials you might want to drill it can handle it. Ideal for say attaching a wood stud to concrete, pre-drill a hole into both at once without switching the tool or bits, big time saver.

The Multi-Construction bit also steals some technology from the Bosch Tile & Glass Bits and will make perfect holes in ceramic tile or glass. The bits work in both rotary or hammer mode depending on the material you are going into. It might get ugly if you are in hammer mode when you try going into glass for the first time so make sure you check your tool.

Checkout Ohio Power Tool if you are interested ordering some of these new drill bits, they are in-stock and available to ship now! Read the full Bosch Press Release below.   
        

Continue reading "Bosch Multi-Construction Hammer Drill Bits Go through Everything!" »

Posted by Jay A. at 03:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The new rebar cutters from Bosch have 1 purpose, extending the life of your other concrete drill bits. Nothing wears out a concrete drill bit faster than rebar and how do you avoid it? With the Bosch Rebar Cutter it’s simple. Once you hit rebar simply switch out the bit in your SDS-Plus hammer drill, cut the rebar and switch back to your regular bit. Another option would be to use two tools and have one already ready with the Bosch Rebar Cutter. If you have an extra SDS drill this could save a few seconds on each cut but not really necessary.

The Rebar Cutters range in size from 3/8”-1.5” but for anything ½” or less you may want to also consider the new Bosch X5L Full Head Carbide. These carbide drill bits go strait through concrete and rebar no problem saving any time and extending drill bit life by have an all in one solution. Ohio Power Tool carries a wide range of SDS Concrete Bits and accessories. Read the full Bosch Press Release Below.     
   

Continue reading "Bosch SDS-Plus Rebar Cutting Bits" »

Posted by Jay A. at 03:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The new Bosch SDS Plus X5L drill bits are the ideal choice for drilling into concrete with rebar. Ranging in size from 3/16”-1/2” the tip is a full head of carbide with a diffusion bond, significantly stronger than brazing process used by the competition. For larger diameter holes it is suggested to use a standard SDS-Plus bit then use the Bosch Rebar Cutter (3/8”-1.5”) when you come in contact with any rebar, then continue with standard SDS-Plus bit once the rebar is removed. The X5L bits last much longer (up to 5x longer) than standard SDS-Plus bits especially when hitting rebar, these bits also save time drilling and no need for a separate rebar cutter bit. As you would expect the X5L bits are going to cost more up front than the standard SDS-Plus bits but when dealing with concrete & rebar will save time & money in the long run.

Ohio Power Tool has the new X5L bits in-stock now as well as many other SDS-Plus, SDS-Max & Spline Hammer Drill Bits and accessories. If you have additional questions about you application, what tools will work best or anything else about concrete drilling contact the pros at Ohio Power Tool at 800-242-4424 or by email sales@ohiopowertool.com. Read the full Bosch X5L press release below.

Continue reading "Bosch X5L SDS-Plus Full Head Carbide for Concrete & Rebar" »

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

Milwaukee M12 Tools – Mail-in Rebate (until 4/30/09)
M-Spector w/free MicroDriver - $249
M12 Micro Driver - $116
M12 Impact Driver - $179
M12 Copper Tube Cutter - $219
M12 Hackzall - $179

Bosch 12V Max Tools – Instant Rebate (While Supplies Last)
PS10 i-Driver - $139
PS20 Pocket Driver - $114
PS30 Drill/Driver - $147
PS40 Impactor - $159
PS50-2A Multi-X - $179
PS50-2B Multi-X - $199

Milwaukee V28 Tools: - Instant Rebate (While Supplies Last)
V28 4 Tool Combo Kit - $699
V28 3 Tool Combo Kit - $576
V28 Hammer Drill - $419
V28 Right Angle Drill - $389
V28 SDS Rotary Hammer - $728
V28 ½” Impact Wrench – 473
V28 Bandsaw - $451
V28 Sawzall - $419
V28 Circular Saw - $419
V28 Metal Circular Saw - $496
V28 Grinder – 348

Bosch 36V Litheon Tools - Instant Rebate (While Supplies Last)
4 Tool Combo Kit CPK42-36 - $549

If you are looking for 18V tools from Bosch or Milwaukee there are also special deals right now for them just not free batteries. Bosch 18V Tools have a trade-in deal which could save you up to $100. Milwaukee M18 Tools include a free Impact Drive tool, a $179 value, with some of the tools and combo kits.   

Posted by Jay A. at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Have you beaten up your old cordless tools to the point they are about to give out… or have they already quit working on you? No problem because until April 30^th, 2009 at Ohio Power Tool you can get up to $100 for that old tool simply by purchasing a new Bosch 18V Litheon Tool.

This promotion includes 3 stand alone tools including the 18V Compact Drill/Driver ($179 w/ discount), 18V Brute Drill/Driver ($239 w/ discount) & 18V Brute Hammer Drill/Driver ($255 w/ discount).   

If you have you eye on the Bosch 18V 4 Tool combo kit CLPK40-180 with Hammer Drill/Driver, Reciprocating Saw, Circular Saw and Flashlight you can save $100 simply by sending in your oldest most beat up 18V tool.

The Bosch 18V Litheon tools are some of the most powerful, well built cordless tools on the market today. The Hammer Drill is rated at 650 ft/lbs torque, more powerful than most other 24, 28 or 36 volt cordless hammer drills. They are backed by the industry-leading ProVantage warranty, good for 3 years of tool protection & 2 years battery replacement.

The Trade-In tool must be received before the new tool can be shipped. The trade-in tool must also be an 18V professional tool. The Trade-In tool is not required to operate correctly and does not need to include a working battery although we encourage you to send them in so we can recycle them through proper channels.

If you have any questions about how to ship the tools, how to use the coupon codes, questions about the tools themselves or any other question you can imagine please simply give us a call at 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com we are more than happy to help.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wood & Paint Sanding Paper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Dremel Multi-Max has received plenty of positive press from tool blogs, forums and national news sources and for good reason. This tool has been a huge success for Dremel, possibly bigger than they expected. It has been eating into Fein sales of the MutiMaster, I haven’t even seen the infomercials recently. One problem for the Dremel however is that it is not yet really compatible with Fein accessories. The Dremel tool does have a good selection of accessories at very affordable prices however they need to add many more and until these are released over the next year, Fein still has some nice specialty attachments not available from Dremel.

The Bosch PS50 Multi-X was smart enough to include an adaptor with every tool which allows them to work with Dremel & Fein accessories. The Bosch PS50, a very well built tool, has been less popular than the Dremel Multi-Max simply because the cordless oscillating market is much smaller than the corded version. Run times for sanding and scraping are pretty low however nothing beats the convenience of cordless for certain jobs. Bosch may also come out with its own corded version within the next year but I have not heard anything official yet.     

If you don’t want to wait until Dremel comes out with an official adaptor, which I’m sure is on the way, you can always make one. Recently I saw a post from a fellow Power Tool Blog on Tool-Rank.com where they make an adaptor from an old Dremel blade. From the pictures you can see the Fein blades fits perfectly over the Dremel mounts but with nothing to hold it in place it just won’t work. An additional washer of the right size could do the job but this keeps everything much more secure and what else are you going to do with a used Multi-Max blade?

Posted by Jay A. at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Recently I had the opportunity to work with Construction Distribution Magazine and report on some of the new products that were featured at the STAFDA trade show. In total there were 6 of us “Roving Reporters” and it was interesting to see the different products that were mentioned in the article. I personally could have gone on forever with so many new products, if only I had the time and patience, there were easily 100 products which should have been mentioned.

Some of the products highlighted in the article are: Milwaukee M12 Cordless Tools, Spyder Scraper, Recipro Tools, Ridgid MicroExplorer, Malco TurboShear FC, Bosch Laser Levels, Dremel Multi-Max, CP Hydraulic Power Pack, Wright University Online Courses, Bosch Laser Range Finder, Concrete Destroyer from DiTeq Diamond, Joy Jaw saw guards, Grill-N-Chill tailgate BBQ, Gear Keeper Tethered products, Bosch PS50 Multi-X and portable CO2 tank from JacPac.  

Read the full article with pictures now on the Construction Distribution website, also the article will be in the December/January issue of the magazine which should be available this week or next.

Posted by Jay A. at 10:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

How unfair… the Germans get all the cool toys before we do. I have no information on this as a US product yet and I’ve already seen everything from Bosch coming out for the first quarter. Hopefully we’ll see this gem at some point in 2009. I translated the stats below with BabelFish, which hopefully is pretty accurate. The blade is 12” (305mm) and at first glance it looks a little odd but the design is ingenious. The blade and motor can easily handle either job and with a few quick adjustments the tool transforms from miter saw to table saw.

Posted by Jay A. at 08:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Bosch has been on a shopping spree in 2008 buying up laser brands and accessories companies all over the globe. Hopefully they will find a way to manage all these brands as many of the new brands will stay intact under the new ownership. Read the full Press Release below: 

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.   

FREE SHIPPING ON ALL BOSCH TOOLS! Until December 31^st you can get free shipping on all Bosch Tool orders over $100 by simply using the coupon code BOSCH at checkout. You can also call 800-242-4424 and simply say you would like the free shipping on your Bosch Tools. Good for free UPS ground shipping anywhere in the continental US.

FREE PS20-2A & PS40-2A! Buy 3 PS20-2A or 3 PS40-2A and get 1 free instantly. These make great holiday gifts for anyone and at that price with the free shipping deal you will not find a better deal on the internet for these tools. These are all brand new tools with full manufacturer warranty, in the box with batteries, charger and case. Offer good until December 31^st or while supplies last, limit 1 of each tool per customer, applies to all orders worldwide.

FREE BATTERY ON 14.4V & 18V DRILLS! This is a Mail-in rebate good on all the new Bosch Lithium Ion Drills. The Compact Tough & Brute Tough tools have been incredible popular since their launch a month ago. At 650 lb torque the 18V Brute Hammer has highest torque of any 18v drill on the market today. These tools are all very high quality made in Switzerland and priced very competitively with the 14.4v compact at only $199.       

Posted by Jay A. at 12:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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.

Simply use the coupon code "EARLYBIRD" anytime between now and midnight on November 26th at Ohio Power Tool and get an additional 10% off all Milwaukee and Bosch tools and accessories. This is on top of other sale prices and free tool offers currently in place for Milwaukee and Bosch.

Posted by Jay A. at 08:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We previously reviewed these two tools and even did some comparisons in a YouTube video. My initial though was that they would probably sell pretty evenly as each tool has its advantages. So far however the Dremel has proven to be the favorite of the two selling out almost as quick as they are coming in. The accessories have also been hard to keep in stock. This will be one of the hottest guy gifts for the 2008 holiday season, no question.

The Dremel Multi-Max 6300-01 is the cheaper of the two by almost half at $99. I think that might be the ideal price for most people to make an impulse purchase even if they know little about these oscillating tools.

Posted by Jay A. at 09:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Until the end of the year you can get free tools from Bosch simply by ordering the accessories you would need anyway. Each $250 increment gets you to the next level of free tools. With a $1000 order you can even get a 4 tool 18v Combo Kit. Yea, a grand is a lot to spend on new Bosch DareDevil Spade Bits or T308B super clean jigsaw blades which have been very popular items recently. However there are lots of accessories that will get you at least to the $250 free grinder pretty quickly. Many of the concrete products such as the SDS Max attachments and Brute hex point chisels add up pretty quickly with any quantity. The Bosch Speedwave Diamond Abrasive Saw Blades are another product which range in price from $59-$114 for the larger 9” blade. These blades work on a worm drive saw or grinders and they do a terrific job of cutting cinder blocks and other hard materials. Bosch batteries of every variety are also included in this offer so if you need to pick up a few extra batteries it can all add up pretty quick.

Ohio Power Tool carries a wide range of Bosch Tools and Accessories. If you have any questions about what Bosch accessories are right for you or if they will work on other models etc, feel free to give us a call 800-242-4424.

Download the PDF Mail-in rebate form here: Bosch Zone Tool Bonus

Posted by Jay A. at 12:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Recently both Bosch and Milwaukee came out with new 18 volt lithium ion tools. Milwaukee Tools first 18v lithium line was one of the first to market with the V18 tools however after these tools were release other brands had a chance to copy their designs. Bosch Tools on the other hand stuck with the 18v NiCd tools and focused on thier 10.8v and 36v lithium tools. Both these new lines of 18v tools put them head and shoulders above the competition but which of the two is on top?

Today we are just looking at the 18v Cordless Hammer Drills, in this comparison specifically the Milwaukee M18 2611-24 and the Bosch 17618-01. Each product was laboratory tested against the other competition available at the time (a few months ago) so both tools are making the same claims of best in class torque, battery life and construction. Unfortunately I don’t have a lab in the back to redo all these tests comparing the two against each other but hopefully I can provide a little more insight.

Both units have 650 in/lbs torque (above any other brand on the market) although the Bosch unit has 2050 RPM rating vs. Milwaukee at 1700 RPM. Both units also have free battery mail-in rebate offers until the end of the year however Milwaukee is giving away the larger XC battery while Bosch is giving away their smaller Slim Pack battery. Both have a two battery system but on the M18 tools the smaller battery will not fit on the hammer drill or saws. On price, overall the Bosch 17618-01 is cheaper at $305 while the Milwaukee 2611-24 is $349. Milwaukee is including a free impact driver 2650-20 ($179) with the hammer drill, for a limited time, so big points there. Warranties are also pretty similar with 2 year battery replacement on each.

In size comparison the Milwaukee is slightly smaller which you can see in the pictures. The weight for the M18 is also lighter at 5.55 lbs vs Bosch at 5.75. If weight is a big factor the Bosch can use the slim pack batteries which will reduce the weight below the Milwaukee but battery life will be half. Both units feature a LED light but Bosch has the light on the base which illuminates the work surface a little better.

The biggest problem I discovered in looking at these two drills side by side was with the Bosch. There is no power gauge on their batteries. I’m not sure why this was left off, perhaps it makes the battery smaller but it is an extremely useful feature I can’t believe was left off. Bosch has the feature on their 36v tools so I am really baffled why they would leave it off the 18v. The charger is a 30 minute charge which works with 14.4v as well but even the charger only gives a simple charging or full indication not a power level.

For my money I am buying the Milwaukee M18 with free Impact and mail-in rebate for a 3rd XC battery. The deal is right and I just can’t see not having a power gauge on my lithium ion tools. If you have 3 batteries and 1 charger how are you going to keep track of which battery has power and which doesn’t? I really like the Bosch as well, it still has more power and longer run time than any other competitor but when they are so close like that a free M18 Impact Driver will make all the difference. 

Posted by Jay A. at 07:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

We continued to be amazed at the incredible amount of product development coming from Bosch Accessories. These guys are systematically reinventing all the basic accessories we use everyday and coming out with some really cool new products.

Recently the Bosch Big Blue Team spent the day at Ohio Power Tool and one of the new products that really impressed a lot of people were the DareDevil Spade Bits. Most people don’t think about their spade bits that much and just buy whatever is cheapest at the local big box. The new Bosch spade bits however are almost like a different tool. The DareDevil bit pulls itself through wood without any effort at all which really makes repetitive drilling significantly easier especially at an angle or overhead.

Another patented feature of the DareDevil is the contoured paddle.  This wave-like shape speeds up chip removal, adding to the speed of the bit.  The combination of these two features creates astonishing results.  In independent testing, the DareDevil was 2.4x faster and required 53% less force than the Irwin Blue Groove*. 

It doesn’t end there. While spade bits are not expected to produce anything beyond average hole quality, the DareDevil is not your average spade bit.  The patented spur and reamer design is unique in that it not only scores the wood for a clean entry hole, but also has angled cutting edges that ream the hole for reduced breakout, leaving a cleaner exit hole than any competitive bit.

Ohio Power Tool has the individual DareDevil Bits in-stock with full kits coming in the next few weeks. Watch the YouTube video below and see how much easier the DareDevil goes through wood than the Irwin Blue Groove, the most popular spade bit prior to the Bosch DareDevil launch.

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

Recently Bosch has introduced 2 new circular saw blades specifically designed for cutting fiber cement siding and backerboard. The CB704FC & CB706FC blades are specifically designed for cutting through this tough material and also to keep dust to a minimum. One of the most common problems working with fiber cement products is the large amount of dust produced when making cuts. To combat the problem other companies have actually produced saws with vacuum attachments. This is a good solution but pricy and you end up with more tools on the job.

The new Bosch Fiber Cement Blades are much more cost effective and do a significantly better job at reducing dust when compared to traditional blades. The new blades feature less contact points and deep gullets to divert the dust. You can see in the video below the dust in a well ventilated area is kept to a minimum.       

CB704FC - $50.40
4 Diamond Impregnated Carbide Teeth
Extra Long Life

CB706FC - $11.65
6 C4 Carbide Teeth
Long Life

“Professionals who cut single sheets have been looking for a cost-effective blade that can meet the rigorous demands of cutting these dense materials affordably and productively,” states Jon Howell, Product Manager, Bosch Power Tools and Accessories. “Almost everyone has a circular saw so users don’t have to buy any new equipment.”

Posted by Jay A. at 09:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For a limited time at Ohio Power Tool you will receive a free PS20-2A ($119) with any Bosch purchase over $1000. Yes these are brand new 12V Max PS20 tools with increased power, not the 10.8V version. All the tools are brand new, not reconditioned and will ship with the order, no mail-in rebates. The PS20-2A kit includes the 12V Pocket Driver, charger, 2 lithium batteries & carrying case. This offer is good for all US and international customers.

The PS20-2A is an incredibly handy and popular tool which has found a huge following in many different industries. The first generation PS20 was a revolutionary product when it was released (see Milwaukee vs Bosch). The tool could do many of the jobs of other 14.4v & 18v tools had done but with half the size and weight. The new second generation 12V Max version features even more power and improved design. The Bosch 12V Max tools can also use the 10.8V batteries and chargers. With the recent addition of the PS30 3/8” Drill/Driver & PS50 Multi-X tool the 12V line of tools is now much more complete.

Get shopping for your new Bosch Tools

Posted by Jay A. at 10:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For those of you that might be in or around Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday, October 22^nd I would like to invite you to Ohio Power Tool for the Annual Tent Sale & Tool Expo. This year it’s a little later than usual so it would correspond with the launch of so many new lines of tools including: Milwaukee M12, Milwaukee M18, Bosch 12V Max, Bosch 18V Lithium, Ridgid Explorer & New Seesnakes, plus many other exciting product. All of these new tools will be at the show ready for you to demo, so if you want to try out the new Dremel Multi-Max or anything else come on down. Each vendor will be there in full force including the Bosch Big Blue Trailer. Milwaukee, Ingersoll Rand, Ridgid, Chicago Pneumatic, Hougen, Power Team and many others will have tents and tables set up as well. The event runs from 10:00am – 5:00pm or when people finally leave.

This is a great event for any one buying tools or just wanting to test out the new tools! Ohio Power Tool, already known for low internet competitive pricing, really blows it out for the tent sale. Lots of existing products are discounted for that day in addition to overall discounts given on all in-store orders. On top of the Ohio Power Tool discounts the vendors on hand have even more discounts in the form of promotions, instant rebates, free tools, tool trade-ins, etc. For instance, Bosch is offering $75 trade-in on any 18 volt, working or not, to upgrade to their new 18v lithium. That would put the new Bosch 18V compact drill at $129 and on top of that you would still get off an additional discount from Ohio Power Tool.

I’m sounding like a used car salesman now but it is definitely worth checking out if you want to get some really good deals on power tools or just get your hands on some of the new tools.      

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

Typically I wouldn’t get that excited about a new jigsaw blade however the T308B is worth a little notoriety. Why? Basically it makes a really nice clean cut in wood. After you use them once it will seem so simple and you will wonder why all the jigsaw blades wouldn’t be made like the Bosch. For only a few cents per blade extra it’s far and away the obvious choice over any other jigsaw blade I’ve ever used on wood.  

Here is a quick YouTube video we had a chance to shoot when we got our hands on the new Bosch and Dremel multi purpose tools. Unfortunately we did not have a lot of time to go through all the features or test the grout remover which I had hoped to try. It will give you a pretty good idea of the size and what it can do. Obviously you can get the Dremel Multi-Max or the Bosch Multi-X (PS50-2A or PS50-2B) at Ohio Power Tool. Let us know if you have any questions about either tool.     

Posted by Jay A. at 09:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

In the world of reciprocating saw users, there are three groups - light-duty handymen, heavy duty contractors and then there are the extreme, cut-through-everything, demolition users. This is the user Bosch Power Tools & Accessories had in mind when it designed the powerful RS35 Demolition Reciprocating Saw. Featuring a robust motor, the fastest cutting action, and lowest vibration in its class, the RS35 is an impressive entry for Bosch into the heavy-duty demolition saw category.

Posted by Jay A. at 04:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As the new Bosch 18V Litheon tools hit the shelves over the next few weeks the prices of the Bosch 36V Litheon will be going back to normal. Some of the tools have already gone back such as the CPK41-36 4 tool kit at $781.00 or the Bosch Hammer Drill 18636-01 at $404. If you are still looking to get your hands on the best 36V tools for really cheap no fear there are still a few deals out there.

CPK42-36 – 4 Tool Combo Kit with free 3^rd Fat Pack Battery - $549

18363-02 – Bosch Hammer Drill with 2 Fat Pack Batteries - $199

A Bosch 36V Hammer Drill for $199, are you kidding? This is defiantly a contender for the best drill on the market, as far a heavy duty drills go. Each battery alone sells for $148. This is the final push to get people hooked on the 36V system once October hits this drill will be $450 again and you’ll be kicking yourself for not getting one.

Posted by Jay A. at 11:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Recently we have had some questions about the release of the Bosch 18V Litheon Drills and when the saws and other tools would be available. The answer is they will be available at the same time as the Drills in early October… sort of. The 4 tool combo kit with the hammer drill 17618, circular saw CCS180, reciprocating saw CRS180 and flashlight CFL180 will be here in October. The individual units will however not be available for sale until sometime later, probably next year. Below is the basic info on each tool:  

Hammer Drill 17618

• High torque mode produces over 650 in.-lbs.
  
• High speed mode produces 2,050 RPM, up to 30,750 BPM
  
• Durashield™ Housing & unibody powertrain provide optimum reinforcement to withstand real world conditions
  
• Bosch Litheon™ Batteries - State-of-art Lithium-ion battery technology coupled with Bosch's proprietary ECP (Electronic Cell Protection) system guarantees the optimal performance of tool and batteries even for tough work conditions.
  
• Bosch Litheon™ Batteries - Designed for maximum cyclelife, minimum self-discharge and no memory effect
  
• 1/2" Metal Chuck for increased durability
  
• High Strength Metal Collar enhances tool durability and protection when dropped on the chuck
  
• Newly Designed Powertrain and Gears increases tool life and durability
  
• LED Light is great for dark or enclosed areas
  
• Ergonomic two-tone soft grip handle - For extended comfort and control
  
• 25 Position Clutch
  
• Variable speed trigger for complete control
  

6-1/2” Circular Saw CCS180

• 6 1/2" Saw Blade can completely cut through 2x material even at full depth of cut
  
• Exclusive anti-snag lower guard for easing into the work piece
  
• Easy to read depth of cut gauge maximizes cutting performance
  
• 50 degree bevel gives you a wider range of applications
  
• Heavy-Duty Aluminum foot and upper guard for enhanced durability on the toughest jobsites
  
• Spindle Lock allows for faster and easier blade change
  
• No Load RPM: 3,900
  

Reciprocating Saw CRS180

• Compact size makes it easier to get into tight spaces
  
• Lightweight tool equals less fatigue
  
• 2-speed allows you to adjust to the material your up against
  
• Lock-Jaw™ blade holder is the easiest blade change system
  
• 1 1/8" stroke allows for more material to be removed per stroke
  
• Variable Speed Trigger helps you ease into the material without an kickback
  
• No Load RPM: 0-2,400/0-2,700
  

Flashlight CFL180

• Easy to fit into tight spaces with this compact flashlight
  
• Handle has 2 screw holes for mounting/positioning light from above - Easy to position to light your work space
  
• The wide angle beam allows you to cover more area
  
• Litheon technology enables up to 4 hours of continuous run time
  
• With 7 detents and 360° handle rotation you are able to place the light anywhere you want it
  
• Tool-less bulb change
  

The CLPK40-180 4 tool combo kit is $549, priced exactly the same as the new Milwaukee M18 kit 2690-24 which also has a hammer drill, circular saw, reciprocating saw and flashlight. The tools are very evenly matched in performance and both tool systems feature the 2 different size batteries (both kits have 2 larger batteries). We will do an in-depth head to head once the tools come in but from the numbers it looks like the decision would be some what based on brand loyalty. You can pre-order the CLPK40-180 from Ohio Power Tool as well as any of the other new Bosch 14.4V or 18V Litheon Drills. 

Posted by Jay A. at 01:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

 Bosch has recently launched a line of Glass & Tile drill bits which range in size from 1/8” to 1”. These bits are ideal for bathroom installations, fastening mirrors, setting screws in tile, relief holes in glass, holding signage and much more. The new Bosch bits feature carbide tips for long life, reinforced heads to prevent cracking, precision ground tips which prevents bit walking and they are the only company to offer up to 1” size. The 8 piece drill bit set ($38) is a no brainer even if you only need 2 or 3 sizes. Of course you can get the set or any individual bit from OhioPowerTool.com.    

 I though this might also be a great time to test the New Bosch PS30-2a 3/8” drill as these drills will ship within the next few days. The PS30 handled these glass and tile bits amazingly well as you can see in the above video. We also tested a ¾” Rapid Feed Spade bit and different size drill bits all with outstanding performance.   
 

Posted by Jay A. at 03:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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)

Now where have we seen tools that look like these before? It’s no secret that many companies have been waiting for the day they can legally bring products to market that can compete directly with the Fein MultiMaster. Fein has been unbelievably successful with these tools and if you have ever used one you will know exactly why. I even saw a MultiMaster Tool infomercial. Fein makes great professional quality tools however they are definitely on the pricier side which may keep these tools out of many people’s hands.

There are two new models that will compete directly with the Fein MultiMaster. Both Bosch & Dremel have new tools that will be significantly cheaper but do the same basic multi tool jobs. The Bosch will work with the existing cordless 12V max batteries while the Dremel Multi-Max will be a corded model.

Dremel Multi-Max vs. Fein MultiMaster

The Dremel Multi-Max will start at $99 vs. Fein MultiMaster Start at $245. Both are similar in size and have the same max oscillation per minute at 21,000 OPM. They both can use either brands attachments but the Dremel attachments will cost about half as much. Both feature quick change options. At 40% of the price I think the Dremel might be the choice for many people who have not picked up a Fein yet.

Bosch Multi-X PS50 vs. Fein MultiMaster ACCU Cordless

On Power rating the Fein is 9.6V vs. Bosch at 12V. On Speed the Fein has a Max 14,500 OPM vs. Bosch Max 20,000 OPM. On price the Fein Cordless in $481.50 and the Bosch PS50-2A is $179. The Bosch also works with a wide range of other great 12V Max tools, with more to come. The Bosch Accessories are about half the price of the Fein but work interchangably with Fein 636 model's accessories. I think we may have a new player in the field when the PS50 is actually available.  

Posted by Jay A. at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

First things First, this is not an equal comparison of two identical products. Looks are deceiving with these new hole saws because while they look very similar they function very differently and are also priced very differently. The only reason we even are comparing the two products is because a lot of people that are looking at these as equal products. Hopefully this post will help highlight some of the similarities and differences of these two products.  

The Milwaukee Big Hawg is primarily a wood hole saw. The pilot is a 3/8” spade like bit and the teeth are hardened steel. While an occasional nail will not damage the saw it is not intended for metal, concrete, fiber board or any other materials. The advantage over a bi-metal hole saw is that it is faster, longer lasting, much easier to get the wood core out as well as easier to sharpen. The advantage over self-feed bits it that they are much cleaner (far less shavings) and will last longer, up to 600 holes between sharpening.  

The Bosch Carbide Hole Saw has a drill bit pilot and is made to go through a wide range of materials including: cinder block, metal, cement board, wood and many other materials. The tips are diamond ground carbide and extremely tough.

At first glance the Bosch Carbide looks like the superiors product and it is but the price tag is also double that of the Milwaukee Big Hawgs. Comparison price on a 2-1/8” hole saw: Bosch $55.40 vs. Milwaukee $26.32. While both Hole Saws made it through the wood test in almost identical times the Milwaukee would obviously be the smarter choice at half the price. However if you want a hole saw that is going to do more than cut wood do not buy the Big Hawg. We tested the Milwaukee on all the other materials in the video but basically ruined the pilot bit and damaged the saw by doing so.

Hopefully this post and video will help you determine the right hole saw for you. There are also many hole saw kits from Bosch and Milwaukee listed on OhioPowerTool.com.

Posted by Jay A. at 04:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

 
Recently Bosch upgraded the 11304K to the 11304KD. The actual Brute Breaker 11304 unit remains the same however the tool carrier and the attachments get an upgrade. The new 11304KD comes with the same 2 narrow chisels but the new kit also includes 2 new Star Point Chisels HS2861. These new chisels are specially engineered with hardened star shape cross section which provides five fraction points when making contact. Each rib is worn down individually which acts to self sharpen the bit and removes 30% more material.

In addition to the upgraded chisels the cart itself is much more job site friendly. On the new cart there is actually a place for the power cord and can probably handle an extra extension cord as well which is customary when using the 11304 breaker. The tires are bigger and have better tread to handle typical jobsite conditions. Another big advantage is the tool holder can actually flip up and the cart can not be used as a dolly while the tool is not on it. That is a big advantage as you will always have an extra heavy duty hauler with you on the jobsite.      

You can buy the New Bosch 11304KD at OhioPowerTool.com for $1499.   

Posted by Jay A. at 01:55 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.

There is a new addition to the 12V Max Litheon line. The PS30-2A which is a drill/driver with a 3/8” three jawed chuck, instead of the hex type that is on most other models. The obvious advantage is that this will use any standard drill bit, hole saws in addition to all the standard driver bits. I am happy to see this option finally available in the line up. These ultra compact are certainly powerful enough to handle basic drilling and consumers having been waiting for a compact drill like this for some time. The advertising from Bosch last holiday season said “4 now, 12 models in 2008” with the flashlight FL11 and this new PS30 drill we now have a total of 5 by my count so hopefully we will see some additional tools periodically through the end of the year. Ohio Power Tool has the new 12V models available now: Pocket Driver PS20-2A, i-drive PS10-2A & Impactor PS40-2A. Read the full Bosch PS30 press release below.   
    

Bosch Press Release

The latest foray into ultra-compact tool design from Bosch Power Tools and Accessories has yielded what may well become the ideal do-it-all tool for users looking for maximum versatility in a small package. Bosch’s new PS30 12V Max Litheon™ Drill/Driver takes the company’s successful ultra-compact platform one step further with best-in-class speed and torque and a host of new features.

The most immediately noticeable feature is the PS30’s 3/8” three-jawed chuck. The new single sleeve chuck is designed to accommodate almost any need a typical user might encounter in a day’s work – simple drilling, drilling with spade bits, cutting with hole saws, socket fastening, screwdriving and more. To keep users moving in all of those applications, the PS30 delivers a robust 220 inch-pounds of torque, more than twice the torque of any other ultra-compact drill/driver on the market. And, to keep all of that torque under control, Bosch utilizes a 20+1 clutch.
Bosch’s PS30 also offers users the flexibility to choose between speed and precision based on their specific needs. The tool’s two-speed drivetrain delivers between 400-1,100 rpm. At full speed, the tool delivers 2.2 times the speed of any other drill/driver in its class.

With a weight of barely 2.4 pounds, an ergonomic soft grip and a profile that is 50 percent slimmer than a standard 12V drill/driver, the PS30 is both maneuverable and comfortable. The tool is small enough to reach into tight areas and corners with ease and light enough for all-day use and sustained overhead work. In cramped quarters, a robust built-in LED light offers outstanding visibility.

As with Bosch’s previous ultra-compact tools, users can count on quick 30-minute charge times and unparalleled battery life from the proven 12V Max* Litheon battery platform. Bosch’s 12V Max Litheon batteries are compatible with all other Bosch Ultra-Compact tools (PS10, PS20, PS40 and FL11).

The PS30 Two-Speed Ultra-Compact Drill/Driver comes with two 12V Max Litheon batteries, a 30-minute quick charger and a sturdy canvas carrying bag. The PS30 is covered by Bosch’s standard cordless power tool warranty and is eligible to be registered in the Bosch ProVantage Protection Plan. It will be available through authorized Bosch distributors nationwide this fall.

It has been a constant question for some time now. When is Bosch going to release 18 volt lithium ion tools? With the incredible success of the 10.8 (now 12 volt max) and 36 volt litheon tools it seems like a natural leap to add 14.4 and 18 volt lithium ion tools. Many people were surprised when the Bosch released a second generation of Blue Core (NiCd) tools were released but these tools are incredibly dependable in extreme conditions such as cold weather where the first round of lithium tools had some problems.

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

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)

Posted by Jay A. at 10:02 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)

Ohio Power Tool is having a Free Shipping special for the month of July on all Bosch Power Tools and Ridgid Plumbing Equipment. In addition to the free shipping there are many other deals that really make July a great time to get some new tools.
 

Bosch CPK42-36 – 36 volt Litheon 4 Tool Combo Kit with Free 3^rd Fatpack Battery (Good while supplies last) - $497.

Bosch PS40-2 10.8 volt Impactor with Free 10.8 volt PS20 (mail-in deal, good until July 15^th) - $169

Bosch 4405 Slide Miter Saw with the T4B Stand, Plus a Free Jigsaw JS5 (Good while supplies last) - $699  
   

Don't forget to use the Free Shipping Coupon Code - JULY31 or it won't show the free shipping price. If you have any problems using the code or would rather just call, no problem. Call 800-242-4424 and the nice people at Ohio Power Tool will take the order and give you the free shipping on Bosch and Ridgid tools.  

Posted by Jay A. at 09:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On June 11^th the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire CST/Berger from Stanley Works. The purchase price amounts to $205 Million for the tool division that had $80 million in sales for 2007 (excluding $10 million in certain European sales). The CST/Berger is primarily focused on laser leveling & measuring tools in the North American markets.

Posted by Jay A. at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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)