Several years ago we all lived in ignorance with NiCD batteries on our power tools. Then came Lithium Ion a new technology that promised better runtime and a more consistent power curve and the people rejoiced. But all was not well, on that first cold winter morning when you went to the truck and the new Lithium tools wouldn’t work because they were too cold.

In the northern part of the country this is obviously a bigger issue but we have contractors going back to NiCD tools in the winter time because NiCD currently performs better in the cold. We certainly aren’t the only ones who think this is completely ridiculous.

Continue reading "Milwaukee REDLITHIUM Batteries: What’s the Big Deal?" »

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

Potato patato what’s the different right? Well depending on the tool and what job you want to do there is going to be a lot of difference among these tools. We’ll go over some of the basics of how the different tools operate and some of the most common jobs for each. Hopefully we can clear up any confusion that might still be out there.

Traditional Drill/Driver

They’ve been around since the invention of power tools and my guess is if you are reading this blog you have several of these traditional drill/drivers in your possession already. Typically there tools will come with a 3/8” or ½” chuck and can vary greatly in speed, power and size. The traditional drill/driver is a very versatile tool because it can do two very common tasks drilling holes and driving fasteners. When you get to larger units like the very popular Milwaukee Hole Hawg ($279, Ohio Power Tool) and the torque rating starts to get pretty high the unit can become more difficult to control. Sometimes spinning the tool instead of the bit and people can get injured, because of this fact there is an upper limit on how much torque these tools can effectively have.  

Continue reading "Drill vs Impact Driver vs Hammer Drill vs Rotary Hammer Drill" »

Posted by Jay A. at 11:12 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)

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

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

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

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

You may be thinking, oh no I’m going to need either new tools, battery or chargers for my V28 Tools to work with the new ones… Nope that is not the case. The M28 platform will be “100% compatible” with the current Milwaukee V28 tools. In fact many of the M tools will basically stay the same, with same part numbers but will be getting the upgraded “M” batteries in the kits. The new batteries will feature Digital Power Management (DPM) and newer construction features that will extend the life of the batteries. Additionally the batteries will provide better overall performance and runtime for all your existing tools.

In addition to the upgraded battery technology we will also see the first of hopefully many new M28 tools with the M28 Hammer Drill 0726-22 ($419, Ohio Power Tool) & M28 LED Flashlight 49-24-0187 ($59, Ohio Power Tool) which should be on shelves very soon. The new ½” Hammer Drill features 750 in.lbs torque more than any other cordless drill on the market today in 18v, 24v, 28v or 36v categories. Check the Ohio Power Tool Milwaukee M28 website often for when exact each model will be in stock with the new M batteries. Items will switch as each tool transitions from V28 to M28. For more information read the official Milwaukee Tool Press Release Below. 

Continue reading "Milwaukee V28 Transitions to Milwaukee M28 Tools" »

Posted by Jay A. at 04:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It is a little confusing that a tool company with “Pneumatic” in their name would be in the Hydraulic Tool business. However, since the company is a part of Atlas Copco, one of the top names in Hydraulics worldwide and because these CP Hydraulic Tools are basically the red version of those Atlas tools we are very confident these tools will live up to the Chicago Pneumatic Construction name.

Continue reading "Chicago Pneumatic Portable Handheld Hydraulic Tools" »

Posted by Jay A. at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Just yesterday Milwaukee Tools held a very nice event for the Tool/Construction Media crowd and provided a lot of hands on for current products as well as some products which will be coming out in the next few months. Everett from Pro Tool Reviews did a nice job recapping the whole event so we aren’t going to bore you with our version. We were really happy to see so much focus from the Red Team on Plumbers, Electricians, HVAC & Maintenance as well as their growing relationships with many of the governing associations for those trades. Probably the best example of that, which we took away from the event was in the new ProPEX tools.

Continue reading "Milwaukee ProPEX Cordless Expansion Tools M12 & M18" »

Posted by Jay A. at 04:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Installing can lights can significantly improve the look and feel of any room but installing them in a remodel job can be a pain. Having used the compass style scoring tool and a drywall saw to do an entire basement not too long ago anything that makes this job quicker and more accurate is easy to get behind. Milwaukee Tools has recently introduced a full line of Carbide Grit Recessed Light Hole Saws ranging in size from 3-1/8” to 6-7/8”. These new hole saws are a remodelers dream because not only will they make short work of drywall but the carbide grit can cut through plaster, acoustical tile, wood and stucco with mesh as well. These hole saws also feature a continuous rim which means they will not tear or chip the material, leaving a very clean hole for the can light installation.

Continue reading "How to Install Recessed Lights – Milwaukee Carbide Hole Saws" »

Posted by Jay A. at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

This type of stuff is always interesting to us just to see how groups configure their hydraulic systems for large jobs like this one. We deal with Power Team Hydraulic Equipment on a daily basis, and whether the job is small or very large every situation brings different challenges. That being said if you ever need help configuring a hydraulic system do not hesitate to call Ohio Power Tool 888-242-4424; there are several guys who have decades of experience and will be happy to lend a hand. In the meantime check out the challenge/solution documented by Power Team below.

Situation: Considered a landmark building, a museum in the United Kingdom was undergoing a $67m renovation to transform the magnificent Victorian building and its facilities into a world-class, 21st century visitor experience for Scotland — and a showcase for international visitors. The project included the creation of 14 new galleries, two hands-on discovery centers, a larger gallery for international touring exhibitions, new facilities for education and a state-of-the-art learning center. A new floor was also to be created beneath the main hall, forming a new street level entrance, restaurant, shop, cloakroom and visitor reception area. During the renovation project, more than half of the museum property was to stay open to the public.

Continue reading "SPX PowerTeam Gives Museum Project A Lift" »

Posted by Jay A. at 02:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From now until September 30^th, 2010 when you buy (2) Milwaukee M18 XC Batteries 48-11-1828 ($129, Ohio Power Tool) you can also get your choice of a FREE M18 TOOL. This promotion is a great deal if you are already shopping for an additional M18 XC battery or if you are looking to expand on your current M18 Cordless Tools.

Bare Tools Available in this offer:
M18 Sawzall Recip Saw 2620-20 - $199
M18 Hackzall Recip Saw 2625-20 - $109
M18 Grinder 4.5” 2680-20 - $219
M18 Impact Driver 2650-20 - $99
M18 AC/DC Wall & Vehicle Charger 2710-20 - $99

Obviously the Sawzall & Grinder look to be the best dollar values here but only if those are going to be the tools you use most often. The new M18 Hackzall is a really nice handy one handed recip saw which in many cases might serve you better than a Sawzall. If you have any questions on any Milwaukee Tools or this rebate in particular call the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424 and they will be happy to help!

Download the Milwaukee Mail-In Rebate PDF for Full Details.

Posted by Jay A. at 04:24 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)

If you haven’t had a chance to hear the MyFixItUpLife radio show, it’s a great 1 hour weekly show about power tools, home improvement and much more. The show is on different local stations around the country but I prefer to listen through the free podcasts channel, which has all their episodes listed with short descriptions. Most of their episodes feature celebrities & expert guests so it’s easy to find the topics that are most interesting to you. Recent celebrity guests include Mike Holmes, Christopher Lowell, Chris Grundy and many other hosts of DIY shows.

Their website also has some great articles and a library of videos which cover a wide range of different home improvement projects. The site was recently updates and am a big fan of the new format which separates all this information by topic (ie Tools, Flooring, Bathrooms) so in each topic you get a nice mix of different media. For instance when you visit the Kitchen page you will get a video on kitchen drywalling, blog posts and recent audio podcast interviews about kichen products. Mixing up the media helps me stay interested and also makes it easy to skim through.

Posted by Jay A. at 06:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Recently we received one of Johnson’s 48" Magnetic BIG J Heavy Duty Aluminum Level 1501-4800 for review and our initial impressions were very positive. The construction is solid and very nice design with large viewing bubbles, rubberized end caps and even the comfortable center grips. The magnet along the side is a very nice feature, personally had never used a magnetic 48” level it’s like having 3 hands, I’ve seen the light. That being said we handed it off to one of our favorite contractor and long time Ohio Power Tool customer with a mission to try and break it. We will report back soon, in the meantime Johnson Levels has some other cool products like free Android Apps (Leveling Bubble & Visual Level) and just announced today a full line of measuring tapes and long tapes, check out the full press release below.  

Continue reading "Johnson Levels Adds 18 New Measurement Tools" »

Posted by Jay A. at 05:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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)

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

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

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

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

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

The Hougen Copperhead Carbide Rotabroach Bits have been available for some time however the new Hougen Mag Drill HMD508 ($1317, Ohio Power Tool) is the first drill designed to fully take advantage of the higher speed possible of the 18,000 series bits. Similar to the HMD505 ($1270, Ohio Power Tool) the unit features a build in gravity feed coolant tank and 2 speed options for different size cutters. The HMD508 is a little different in that it is rated at 450 & 750 RPM (vs HMD505 at 250 & 450 RPM) so for all the 12,000 series Rotabroaches you would use 450 RPM and for Copperhead Carbide Bits 750 RPM.

Continue reading "Hougen HMD508 High Speed Mag Drill with Free Carbide Kit" »

Posted by Jay A. at 02:56 PM | 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)

The Milwaukee M18 line of cordless tools has been very successful for several reasons including their focus on professionals and high performance as well as a very broad range of tools that is continuously growing. Milwaukee M18 Batteries are also the only power tool batteries on the market today that feature a power gauge to let you know exactly how much juice is left on the battery. Yet another reason for their success is the M18 line features a Digital Power Management System which will shut the batteries off when the tool becomes overloaded saving the tool from overheating. There is however one thing that has caused a little confusion within the M18 Line which is the 2 sizes of batteries and certain tools not working with the compact batteries.

Continue reading "Milwaukee M18 Batteries - Compact vs XC High Capacity" »

Posted by Jay A. at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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)

Both of these new Dremel Multi-Max Blades are similar in size with the 1-1/8” width & 1-1/4” depth making them the largest strait cutting blades Dremel offers. Both will work on wood but the MM463 has a much more aggressive “Japanese” tooth pattern which would probably be ruined by any metal cutting. The new metal & wood MM462 actually looks more like a metal blade than even the other ¾” wood & metal blade MM422 because of the slightly curved teeth. This would probably be your best bet for copper and non-ferrous metals but still not the right tool for serious metal work. In the package at the store or even the pictures online they look similar but will definitely have a different cutting behavior in your oscillating tool.    

Continue reading "Dremel Multi-Max Oscillating Blades MM462 & MM463" »

Posted by Jay A. at 04:04 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)

When using bi-metal Hole Saws it's easy to not follow the proper directions and become disappointed with the lack of performance. No matter what brand you are using there are some basic things you can do to extend the life of any Hole Saw. First have you ever looked at the proper RPM chart for your hole saws based on size & material? ...What Usage Chart?

All Hole Saw Kits or Individual pieces should come with a chart of some kind that gives the proper RPM for Wood, Aluminum, Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, Etc. Since that packaging is probably deep in a landfill somewhere just keep a few numbers in mind. For a 2” Hole Saw the recommended RPM for wood is 2000, the recommendation for Stainless Steel however is 85 RPM. For a 5” Hole Saw the numbers are even lower 800 RPM for wood, 30 RPM for Stainless Steel (or 1 revolution every 2 seconds). Obviously no big deal on wood but that's pretty slow for the steel and easy to way over do it. Other types of metals such as Aluminum or Mild Steel you can go a little faster but not like you are zippin through a 2x4 of pine. If you should fine that handy cutting guide you will also probably notice a disclaimer that says “Cutting Oil Recommended” and if you want to extend the life of your Hole Saw you should probably use cutting oil with any metal cutting.

The slow speed and cutting oil both help to keep the Hole Saw cooler, over heating will kill any Hole Saw no matter what the brand, price or fancy selling features. For serious cutting in metal you might also want to look at Annular Cutters that will work in standard drills and do a much better job.

If you have questions about any Hole Saws contact Ohio Power Tool at 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com they stock a wide range of bi-Metal, Carbide, Diamond and other specialty hole saws.    

Posted by Jay A. at 05:25 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)

It’s spring time here in Ohio, the weather is great, people are boating again and planning barbeques with family and friends. Unfortunately that deck in the backyard might need a little work before you want to have your father-in-law over for burgers. There is a great article on Extreme How To that covers a wide range of important deck information from type of woods, cleaning, assessing deck condition, repairs, colors, stains, waterproofing and much more. Read the opening for the article below or check out the whole “All Hands on Deck” story at www.ExtremeHowTo.com.    

Continue reading "All Hands on Deck - ExtremeHowTo.com" »

Posted by Jay A. at 09:25 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)

Over the past few years concrete countertops have become very popular for many different applications from your local dive bar to some of the nicest kitchens in America. The draw is the flexibility and for the DIYers the price. In terms of possibilities the options seem almost limitless color, finish, texture, durability, shape, even imbedded LED lights are not a problem. When done by a professional a new concrete countertop could cost even more than granite, depending on how elaborate the project. For the Do It Yourselfer however it can be a great way to save a few bucks… or a great way to really mess up you home if you don’t know what you are doing.

For concrete professionals or those looking to do more work with concrete countertops the Diamond Products DS301 ($1,942, Ohio Power Tool) is really the top of the line tool for the job. The unit features three 5” rotating orbital heads with a Fein variable speed motor powering the unit. To get a mirror finish a job could involve up to 9 steps of grinding and polishing and obviously a large powerful unit like the DS301 is going to save a significant amount of time in the process. The good news is with proper preparation in building the forms several steps can be eliminated.

Continue reading "Concrete Countertop Polishing Tool – Diamond Products DS301" »

Posted by Jay A. at 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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

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

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

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)

Here is some interesting information on the AngLevel which looks like a multi-tool for leveling, measuring and finding miter angles. There is a pretty Cool Tools video below which highlights some of the features. The price is $40 which seems pretty good although haven’t had my hands on one to see if it’s well made or junk. You can buy them direct from www.toplineinnovations.com.  More information and specs are below the video.

Continue reading "AngLevel Measuring, Leveling, Miter Finding Multi-Tool" »

Posted by Jay A. at 05:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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

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

Recently released from DeWalt are several versions of the new Magnetic ToughCase: ToughCase by itself ($13), 15pc ToughCase ($20) and 20pc Impact Ready ToughCase ($38). The name is pretty revealing on this one, it’s a really tough case with built in magnets on the lid. The magnets in the lid are very well placed allowing you to attach the ToughCase to any metal work surface and use it like a tray to hold drill bits and other accessories. The case also lives up to its name as you can see it getting run over by a car in the video below.

The DeWalt ToughCase is similar to the Milwaukee 20pc Magnetic Puck ($10, Ohio Power Tool) which has been available for some time however the Puck only holds driver bits and while built pretty solid not sure you could run your car over it.

If you are interested in getting a DeWalt ToughCase for FREE the nice folks at ToolGuyd.com are giving away 5 of them. You can either reply on their blog or use your twitter account to enter. Check out their site for all the details. For more info on the ToughCases checkout the full DeWalt Press Release below:

Continue reading "New DeWalt Magnetic ToughCase Kits " »

Posted by Jay A. at 11:00 AM | 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)

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

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

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

They say it’s important to know who your customers are and there is little doubt Milwaukee Tools has at least picked the customers they are going to aim new products at. Many of the new Milwaukee cordless tools have found very specific professional applications such as the PVC cutter, Grease Gun and No-Hub Coupling driver. These may never be huge sellers at the big box stores but for the pros who use them daily and see the benefits they are very happy to see this level of innovation. Milwaukee’s new partnership with Uponor and their ProPEX system has again put them in a place where they are the only kids in the sandbox. There will be a new tool for both the Milwaukee M12 & Milwaukee 18 tool lines although full specs, pricing and launch dates are not yet available. Read the full Milwaukee press release below.   

Continue reading "Milwaukee adds M12 & M18 ProPex Tools " »

Posted by Jay A. at 11:58 AM | 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)

Here in Ohio most of our homes have basements, depending on when the home was built this could be poured concrete, cinder block or like one of the homes I grew up in, a foundation made of stones. Yes rocks mortared together, which actually was very dry for a 100+ year old home. Unfortunately some basements do not hold up that well and many of us want to use that space to build our ultimate Man Caves. Before you go dropping $10K on plasmas & pool tables you are going to want to be sure the basement is watertight and mildew free.

Continue reading "Concrete Saw for Basement Waterproofing / Foundation Repair" »

Posted by Jay A. at 03:52 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)

Synthetic slings offer a number of advantages for rigging purposes, cost, convenience and strength.  We wanted to cover some of the basics by highlighting these 3 videos that do a really nice job of explaining Stren-Flex Synthetic Slings.

The most commonly used synthetic web slings are made of nylon or polyester; each performs better in regards to certain chemicals and stretching. Rated loads (capacities) for single-leg vertical, choker and basket hitches all vary greatly by width and ply. Here is the chart catalog to see all the options for the different types of slings. Also here is the link to the OSHA rules and regulations regarding synthetic web slings. If you have any questions on the topic give the pros at Ohio Power Tool a call 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com with any questions.     

Basics of Synthetic Slings

How Synthetic Slings are Made

Testing & Breaking Synthetic Slings

Posted by Jay A. at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Checkout the nice article in the recent Popular Mechanics on the new(er) Rockwell Jawhorse vs the older Black & Decker Workmate. Doug who also writes for ToolSnob, wrote the article and has a lot of field experience as his "real job" he does construction.

Posted by Jay A. at 04:27 PM | 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)

A friend of ours is in the business of sourcing wood and it definitely seems like an interesting job. Some of their wood comes from old barns in and around Ohio and gets repurposed into floors, furniture, raw stock, beams, whatever. A visit to a local Mexican restaurant, currently under construction, which is using a lot of their raw stock wood really gave us a good idea how unique some of their product is. If you have any projects coming up and you’re looking for say 16” wide floor planks or antique looking wood stock, get a hold of Tom at Old West Woods he’ll fix you up. It can also be a very environmentally friendly way to use real wood that's a good quality. If you want to see more pictures and projects you can also checkout their Facebook page, which some of you may have already done because they have 2,900+ fans.   

Posted by Jay A. at 02:25 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)

At the World of Concrete apparently we spent too much time talking to the Makita girls and totally missed the new addition to the Makita’s Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT) technology breaker line. The AVT line has been very successful in the construction world and as the US (aka California then maybe everyone else) starts to adopt 2005 European Vibration Laws or some form of them there is going to be an even bigger push in that direction. If you are currently looking to purchase a SDS-Max rotary hammer drill or hex shank demolition breakers it is possible a few years from now you may not be able to “legally” use the tool or at least have limited time per day, if it doesn’t meet new codes.  The new Makita AVT HM1317CB ($1,170, Ohio Power Tool) is the latest addition in their AVT line up with many exciting features in addition to the low vibration and ease of use. Checkout the full Makita Press Release below.   

Continue reading "New Makita 42lb AVT Demolition Hammer HM1317CB" »

Posted by Jay A. at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Posted by Jay A. at 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Safety equipment isn’t as fun to shop for and as a new table saw however for some people (more & more as OSHA regulations get tighter) it has become a daily part of life which means you are going to be spending plenty of hours each week in that harness. For this reason there are a wide range of styles and options available today. FallTech pretty much has whatever you are looking for in a Safety Harness, from the very basic (easy on the wallet) to meet OSHA requirements to Kevlar Harnesses with 10,000 lb webbing.

Above you will find the FallTech sizing chart, the “size fits most” section will work for 80-90% of the work force and are the harnesses you will find on www.ohiopowertool.com. Of course extra small and extra large sizes are no problem, simply call 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com and they can help you. Below is a quick rundown of the available FallTech Harnesses:

FT Basic -1D 7007 $29 – 6300lb webbing, 3 Point size adjustment, basically the new guy special...

Contractor – 1D 7016 $40, 3D 7018 $48 – 6300lb webbing, 5 point adjustments, 9 position leg straps, lanyard keepers

Tradesman – 1D 7008 $55, 3D 7010 $60 –compare to contractor but 6800lb webbing & forged alloy, 2 lanyard keepers for Ys

Foreman – 1D 7070SM $68, 3D 7073SM $80 –compare to contractor but with improved comfort, shoulder pads, waist support & functional work belt, 6300lb webbing

Journeyman – 3D 7027 $73, 3D 7035L $108, 5D 7034L $113 – compare to Foreman with even more comfort, 7000lb webbing & forged alloy, 2 lanyard keepers, retrieval options

WeldTech – 1D 7039 $188, 3D 7038 $188 – 10,000lb webbing made with Kevlar & Nomex, resistance to cuts and heat.

ComforTech – 1D 7080SM $112, 1D 7082SM $126, 7081SM $138, 7083SM $152 – 7300lb webbing, silicone gel, memory foam, lumbar support, Cordura fabric, Maximum Comfort

If you are buying the harness for yourself and looking for comfort obviously the ComfotTech is the way to go, you can wear it for 8 hours and hardly notice you are wearing anything. The Journeyman is also a very popular harness for people purchasing their own equipment and while it doesn’t have all the bells & whistles still a comfortable harness. If you are purchasing for a crew it is a good idea to consider the Contractor over the FT Basic as it have 5 point adjustment and will fit a variety of body types much better.

For lanyard, SRL, lifelines, anchors and other FallTech safety products, Ohio Power Tool carries a wide range of option for all your fall protection needs.     

Posted by Jay A. at 03:17 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)

The Milwaukee M12 hacksaw 2420-22 ($179, Ohio Power Tool) has been an incredibly popular seller, with the pistol grip it is far more user friendly for 1 hand cutting than your traditional reciprocating Sawzall. Milwaukee has also recently come out with high capacity M12 XC Battery ($79, Ohio Power Tool) which not only give the M12 hacksaw longer runtime but actually gives the tool more power.

Available soon you will have the option of an M18 Hacksaw which will come with either the M18 slim or XC battery. This will be a good addition for those that already have other Milwaukee M18 tools. For many professionals there will be plenty of justification to have both a Sawzall & Hacksaw on the jobsite.

The only difference I can see in the stats is that the M18 has a ¾” stroke vs M12 with a ½” stroke. Otherwise it looks to be the same 0-3000 SPM speed and Quik-Lok keyless blade holder. We will let you know more as these become available.  Checkout the youtube video below:

Posted by Jay A. at 02:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

If you have ever had to remove a bunch of large cores (up to 6”) before typically you will find it’s not a terribly pleasant job. Commonly guys will use two screwdrivers and pry the core up and then try to grab the lip and pull it out. This core extracting tool from Diamond Products Core Bore makes the job much easier and will save you a ton of time and energy. It’s such a simple design, why was this not invented years ago. The Core Extractor ($36, Ohio Power Tool) is a little pricy for what it is, but well worth it for the time it will save you.   

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

For anyone that does work with any of the Department of Transportation (DOT) across the country this may be a helpful list. The links are to copies of the approvals for your records. The list was provided by Powers Fasteners and you can order these products online from the Chemical Anchors & Fasteners page from OhioPowertool.com. Free freight and discount on pallet orders for all the epoxy, chemical anchors as well as Mechanical Anchors for Powers Fasteners. If you have additional questions call 800-242-4424.   

Continue reading "DOT Approved List for Anchoring Systems by State" »

Posted by Jay A. at 11:12 AM | 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)

I apologize in advance for the dry material but we get lots of questions about concrete core drilling and hopefully we can clear it up a few of the basics in this post. There are lots of options when it comes to coring drills & rigs in terms of price, quality, size, power source, etc. Each type of drill has its place and it’s not always easy to select the right one and not make the decision totally based on which is cheapest. Ohio Power Tool offers a wide range of different types of core drills to cover the majority of needs out there which we’ll look at but obvious there are dozens of other brands out there that could be matched up.

Continue reading "Selecting the Right Concrete Core Drill & Diamond Core Bits" »

Posted by Jay A. at 01:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Continue reading "New Milwaukee Sawzalls 6509-31 & 6519-31" »

Posted by Jay A. at 09:45 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)

It is pretty safe to say Rotozip has gone well beyond a handy tool for cutting out drywall at this point. The inventor of the spiral saw is still the best option for quick cutting in drywall but now the tools come standard with attachments to use the XWheel & ZipWheel saw blades. This changes the whole functionality of these tools and opens the gates to a wide range of cutting in metal, tile, masonry, stone, wood, grout removal and other materials. While these new Rotozip Accessories have been out over a year now, some of the trades they are best intended are just now adopting them.

The RZ2000 Spiral Saw Kit ($167 Ohio Power Tool) is the latest kit to come out and includes an even better saw attachment head with a handle. The saw is more powerful at 6.0amp, variable speed (15,000-30,000RPM), ideal for the growing range of applications. The kit also has a variety of saw blades and rotary bits all packed into a nice new case.

Checkout all the different options for Rotozip Spiral Saws and Accessories as well as the very popular Tile Dock ($69 Ohio Power Tool). You can see the Tile Dock and Diamond bit in the video below. Rotozip is a part of Bosch Tool so you know the quality is excellent, it also means the cordless Rotozip works with the Bosch 18v litheon batteries. If you have any questions about Rotozip tools email sales@ohiopowertool.com.   

Posted by Jay A. at 01:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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)

Armor Professional Work Wear makes work pants (mostly for painters) that have additional pockets for knee pads. Sounds like a simple gimmick that you might think, big deal, at first glance. I was lucky enough to demo a pair and was very impressed. The construction of the pants was very solid, material was a heavy weight but still comfortable. The knee pads are flexible squares that simply slide in and out of the knee pockets so it’s very easy to take them out for wearing them around the house and then put them in when it’s time to work. Not to say they are a problem to leave in because you really don’t notice the knee pads just walking around.

The knee pads will not replace a true knee pad for those laying flooring or other such work but for just doing projects around the house or general construction work you wouldn’t believe how they change the way you work. Our shop has concrete floors but when you are wearing these it changes the way you work by allowing you to get down under projects like second nature. I also showed them to a cable installer and he thought they were the greatest invention since sliced bread because in addition to added support, these would help keep his knees from getting muddy/wet outside.

The background story on these pants in also pretty interesting one. It is all about professional painters but I think they are ideal for anyone who has a favorite pair of work pants, which I would bet is everyone who reads coptool.com. Cost is $35 (white) & $40 (tan) per pair. Here is a YouTube on these:

Posted by Jay A. at 01:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I recently sat through an hour plus presentation on new building code compliance for “Cracked Concrete” and the different products available from Powers Fasteners. As you can imagine this was a thrilling endeavor but unlike the name might suggest, it had nothing to do with fixing cracks in concrete. Instead it was all about what different types of concrete fasteners that meet the new codes for use in buildings today (even more exciting than you thought right). Powers does however make a great product for fast setting crack repairs in concrete floors and roads called PowerPatch. Also World of Concrete 2010 is only a few days and I need to bone up on my product knowledge.

The Concrete PowerPatch Kit ($153, Ohio Power Tool) is a 3 step process where an equal part A & B are mixed together then 3 times part C (aggregate) is added. The mix is incredibly fast acting and can be ready for road traffic in as little as 15 minutes. This product is idea for repairing heavy traffic sprall, patching bridge deck, walk-in freezer floor (cures in 60 minutes at 10°f), airport runways or patch prior to coating applications. The area does need to be very clean and dry before applying. Checkout the video below for more information:

Posted by Jay A. at 02:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Hopefully this is the first of many new attachments for the Dremel Multi-Max, as oscillating tools become a staple among many of us and we are constantly looking to get new uses out of our tools for just another $5-$30. The new MM920 ($29, Ohio Power Tool) adds a more substantial grinding option, currently there is a MM900 ($33, Ohio Power Tool) diamond paper option but this is a 60 grit and uses the hook & loop pad MM11. The MM920 is an attachment that actually connects to the tool and the 24 grit Carbide can handle a little more abuse. Both attachments are better for different jobs and materials but it is nice to have the option.

Still waiting for a good strong metal bit that can cut harder metals...

Posted by Jay A. at 04:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You may remember the 10” Makita LS1016L we took a look at several months ago. This saw added cut capacity while cutting the actual overall tool profile, making it much friendlier to use. I was really impressed at the time and the obvious question was when does the 12” come out? Chris over at Tool-Rank.com  tipped us off today and has all the stats up on his site as well. It looks like it shares many of the innovative features of the 10” but the capacity is obviously larger, up to 8” crown molding (nested). I look forward to getting my grubby little paws on one of these soon because it could be a serious contender for my next miter saw.  

When setting this up there were several guys in and out of the workshop and I heard a couple of comments like, oh yeah I saw that on the infomercial. That was to be expect I suppose however one of the guy had actually said his mother asked if he wanted a Jawhorse for Christmas and if someone’s mom is asking about it for a Christmas present, I’m going to assume all the Coptool.com readers have at least heard about it. Also several other fellow bloggers have already done reviews on this: ToolSnob, HomeFixated (see their video below), Stu’s Shed, LumberJocks, Toolguyd, Toolmonger, etc.

Having seen the infomercial myself it seemed like the Jawhorse could potentially be a very handy piece of hardware however I don’t fully believe anything I see on TV. I just saw the movie Avatar and can no longer tell the difference between what’s real and what is CGI. So when this Jawhorse came in the mail I was pleasantly surprised that the box seemed to weigh a ton. Not so heavy you can’t carry it, but beefy metal construction (no plastic) with solid springs. The best way I can describe it would be to say it feels like if it fell off a moving truck I’m pretty confident it would still work fine. It was also fully assembled and set up in seconds, right out of the box. Because there are already so many other reviews on the Jawhorse itself I’m going to dive in on the 2 accessory kits I also had a chance to review. Checkout our 20+ review photos.

Continue reading "Rockwell Jawhorse RK9000 Review with Accessories" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

January & February means prime time for industry trade shows, up north things are a little colder, slower and people perhaps have a couple of days to see what’s new in their industry. Here is a quick list of just a few of the shows happening in the next two months.

International Builders Show – January 19-22, 2010

The largest building industry tradeshow in the country! More than 175 education sessions and great keynote speaker! All the top vendors will be there for building supplies, tools, etc with interactive booths and displays. Plus its Las Vegas.

AHR Expo – January 25-27, 2010

This is the world’s largest HVAC&R industry trade show. In Orlando, Fl for 2010 this show is not only a great place to see new products, attend education sessions, network but also has great deals on some of those expensive products from many vendors. This trade show is designed specific for those in the Heating, Cooling and Refrigeration industries. We mentioned the show earlier as the place where Ridgid is planning their 2010 World Premier Product Launch.      

World of Concrete – February 2-5, 2010

The industry's ONLY annual international event dedicated to the commercial concrete and masonry construction industries. Featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits with the industry's leading suppliers showcasing innovative products and technologies, exciting demonstrations and competitions, a world-class education program, and the information you need to help sustain and grow your business. This show is also another great Las Vegas show, maybe the only place big enough for the indoor/outdoor requirements in February.

The Rental Show – February 7-10, 2010

This show features a wide range of products from heavy construction, light construction/general tool and party/special event products together on one floor, in one continuous hall. The show is also in Orlando,Fl for 2010 and I am just curious who provides all the rental party/special event products for the show.

Pumper & Cleaner Show – February 24-27,2010

In Louisville, Ky for 2010 this show is specific for professionals in septic system installation & service contractors, drain and sewer cleaning & repair contractors, portable restroom operators, industrial maintenance & cleaning contractors, municipal water & sewer system maintenance managers and other related professional.

Obviously there are many more shows throughout the year worth attending however these are just a few in the next 2 months. If you can’t make it but are interested in a particular show I would encourage you to check out the websites. Many have interactive floor plans and a lot of details. Also specific trade publications will attend and do a good job covering the shows with articles and videos (see http://www.forconstructionpros.com/video/).  

Posted by Jay A. at 01:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I just had a chance to crack open the latest issue of Construction Distribution and it looks really nice. A recent shift in focus have made the publication a little more about the newest tools & applications and less about the “construction distribution” sales channel. Even for those in the tool sales channel I think this is a welcome shift and for all the readers of www.coptool.com most everyone can appreciate this magazine at this point.

Some of the articles this month include Designer Concrete, Pneumatic Nailing & New Technology in Diamond Hole Saws… , as well as lots of product features including a whole list of New Products.

Posted by Jay A. at 02:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

GloBugs are ideal for emergency lighting, night time road work, outdoor events, and movie/television production. Multiquip GloBugs provide the absolute whitest, brightest output with 360 degree glare-free light. These Balloon Lights come with collapsible stands that can easily be set up and taken down by 1 person in only a few minutes and plug into any 120v standard outlet.

For a more portable style light tower solution Multiquip also makes GloBug Carts which are easy to pull and maneuver with 1 person unlike a trailer light tower. The carts are also compact enough to fit several in the back of a pickup or trailer and can work with any standard generator (although are ideal for Multiquip Generators).

Posted by Jay A. at 03:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It’s getting cold outside all over the country and in many cases a portable heating solution is needed. If you are sipping Mai-tai on the beach somewhere I am jealous and you can probably skip this post all together. If not…  TPI carries a full range of portable electric heaters from the small 120V units to these much larger units. The Fostoria Hear Wave Salamanders are available ranging from 10 kW to 45 kW and are designed as a safer flameless alternative to propane or kerosene heaters. Below are some typical applications and a time to heat chart:

An insulated “up-to-code” 1800 sg ft building would only need 1 15kW heater to achieve up to 60 degrees temperature rise. Uninsulated, the same space could realize a 40 degree temperature rise. These temperatures would be reached in just over 2 hours.  

To heat an insulated 2000 sq ft (40’ x 50’) pole building with a 12’ ceiling – use two 15kW heaters. This would provide a 60 degree temperature increase within 2-3 hours.

The units are very simple to operate and push ambient air over multiple heat coils and recirculation the air within the room until the temperature on the unit’s thermostat is reached. The 10 & 15 kW units operate at 800 CFM while 30 & 45 kW units are able to do 1100 CFM. These units are extremely easy to move around or take to and from the jobsite.

Ohio Power Tool supplies a full range of ceramic, infrared, forced air and radiant electric heaters from TPI. If you have any questions about power requirements, square footage calculation or any other things related to these electric heaters contact the experts at Ohio Power Tool at sales@ohiopowertool.com or call 800-242-4424.

Posted by Jay A. at 05:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

New from Makita is the Autofeed Screwdriver 6844 ($267.60 Ohio Power Tool) some innovative new features have been combined into this screw gun. Tool-less screw depth adjustment and a capacity of 1-3/4” – 2-15/16” screws make this a very versatile tool. The D-handle and motor placement make the tool very comfortable for extended use and well balanced for working in any position. Dust proof construction and ridgid aluminum casting keep the slide working smooth for the life of the tool. Other features like lock-on trigger, belt clip and anti-tilt make this new Makita one to consider when looking for a new fastening tool. The extension handle 194500-1 ($84 Ohio Power Tool) would be the one accessory to consider which makes the tool even more versatile for many fastening applications.

Posted by Jay A. at 04:54 PM | 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)

Here is another tool we got to see in action at the STAFDA show. This Skil saw is specifically designed for use in installing hard wood, engineered & laminate flooring. I imagine it would also be pretty handy for ripping plywood and other sheet materials. Basically it is designed to take the place of a miter saw and table saw on flooring installations. It is also extremely compact and easy to carry around and use right where you are installing your flooring. For a price expected under $200 it’s an easy sell for professionals and DIYers alike. The new Skil Flooring Saw will be in stores soon.       

Posted by Jay A. at 01:22 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)

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 STAFDA trade show is traditionally where manufacturers come together and solicit current distributors to carry their products thus increasing their overall reach. This show does not have as many product launches as the larger and more end user focused show like the www.BuildersShow.com or www.WorldofConcrete.com but there were some cool new products that were launched or at least that were available to touch and feel for the first time. Many of the larger vendors also had private meetings to unveil future plans and products however those products weren’t ready to launch.

Some of the highlights (more to come):

The Senco Fusion was one of the bigger product launches of the show. They didn’t have any marketing material ready and currently nothing on their website but they did have several working models of the 15 gauge and 18 gauge finishing nailers which I got to try out. These should be available sometime in the first quarter 2010 with other finishers on the way shortly afterwards. The framing nailer they said was in the works but we would not see it anytime soon.        

The Milwaukee 2790-20 JobSite Radio for M12, M18, V18, V28 & NiCds was also at the show along with all the new Milwaukee Test & Measure tools. I have probably already had too many posts on these items already but it was nice to get chance to see them in action and answer a few questions like how can the radio take every kind of battery? Answer 3 different battery slots so probably not going to see any other universal tools coming.

Posted by Jay A. at 04:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The much anticipated M18 Jobsite Radio 2790-20 has officially been announced and they solved all the problems with compatibility.  Now all 12V-28V batteries from Milwaukee; M-series, V-series and NiCd will work to power this radio. But before you ask, no it doesn’t charge any of them.  The weather sealed MP3 compartment will hold your iPod or other devices and keep them out of the rain. If you are concerned about durability they are made to the same standards as the M12 Radio 2590-20, checkout this YouTube that’s been working its way around.

The M18 Radio 2790-20 will be available soon but for more information on all Milwaukee M18 tools and accessories visit Ohio Power Tool. Read the full official Milwaukee Press Release below.  

Continue reading "Milwaukee Jobsite Radio 2790-20 - M12, M18, V18, V28, NiCD" »

Posted by Jay A. at 04:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

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)

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)

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

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

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

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

You may remember the post a few weeks ago on the corded Compact Band Saw 6249-6 ($199), well the cordless M18 Band Saw 2629-22 ($399) shares the same basic sizes and dimensions. They also both use the 35-3/8” blade and feature the built-in LED work light however the corded version does have variable speed while the cordless does not.

The new compact M18 Band Saw is 45% lighter than the Deep Cut V28 Band Saw but still has a 3-1/4” capacity large enough to handle many common tasks. Th light weight compact size paired with the built in LED work light this is possibly the best band saw on the market for getting into tight spaces. The M18 also offers up to 3x faster cut time and 3x longer battery life when compared to other 18 volt cordless band saws. If you already have other M18 tools and batteries you can also pick up the tool only version M18 Band Saw 2629-20 ($219).  

If you have any questions about any of the Milwaukee portable band saws or any of the Milwaukee M18 tool feel free to call the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424 or email any questions to sales@ohiopowertool.com.

Posted by Jay A. at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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)

In stock now, the M12 Sub-Scanner 2290-21 was originally announced some time ago as part of the new M12 Test & Measurement tools (clamp-gun & temp-gun have been delayed). The Sub-Scanner is very very easy to use for finding studs, metal in concrete or live electrical wires. Without looking at any directions I’m pretty sure an 8 year old could operate this machine. Simply select stud or metal on the thumb control, hit CAL and you are in business. The Sub-Scanner has 4 wheels that easily glide over any surface. The only settings you can change are sound, units of measure (us/metric) and depth on stud finder. Checkout this Photo Album for more pictures.

On stud mode it shows a basic left, center, right which makes it almost idiot proof when finding studs. The “V” on the top of the tool lights up anytime you go over a live wire which is probably a pretty smart safety feature as well. You will feel very confident when you have found the center of the stud unlike some other stud detectors that simply beep or light up.

In metal mode the display is slightly more advanced but just as easy to use. It doesn’t give left or right indicators but does provide a depth reading and a Ferrous vs Non-Ferrous indicator. The tool is pretty accurate in metal mode; in the above picture you can see the rebar almost exactly 3.5” in the parking block.

Checkout all the Milwaukee M12 tools available on Ohio Power Tool. There are some very exciting things that have come out recently and more that will be launching soon. We will do our best to keep you up to date on all of it.  

Posted by Jay A. at 01:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Several months ago SPX Power Team announced a new line of Predator Torque Wrenches and Electric Hydraulic Pumps. These new torque wrenches are serious tools putting out up to 28,800 ft. lbs. of torque on hex bolts as large as 6-1/8”. Unless you plan on building you own roller coaster or 80ft wind turbine in your back yard these tools obviously aren’t for the DIYers.  

This new generation of electric torque wrench pump feature much higher flow and automatic cycle operation both of which result in higher productivity. The Predator pump can be operated continuously, and also features low amperage operation and low sound level. These pumps are not build for lifting as the valves are not set up for load holding. See the chart below to understand how these compact pumps can operate at up to twice the speed of typical 2 speed pump.

In addition to the Predator electric powered hydraulic pumps are the new and durable steel square drive and low clearance torque wrenches. This new generation torque wrench features more efficient and faster operation in an envelope size that is 2/3rds the size of aluminum wrenches, allowing the tool to be used in applications where space is limited, yet is still comparable in weight.

Ohio Power Tool sells a wide range of the new Predator Torque Wrenches, Electric Pumps as well as the necessary high torque sockets. Typically configuring a proper hydraulic system of any kind is going to take some professional expertice. As always if you have any questions on any hydraulic equipment feel free to give the pros at Ohio Power Tool at call 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com.  

Posted by Jay A. at 02:31 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)

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

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

Milwaukee Tool is very well known for their portable band saws. Earlier this year they announced a completely redesigned Deep Cut Band Saw 6232-6N that significantly increased power, speed & overall performance. Because one size does not always fit all, Milwaukee is now coming out with a Compact Band Saw 6242-6 with a more economically friendly price of $199 (Ohio Power Tool). The new smaller band saw will weigh only 9.5 lbs, 45% less than the Deep Cut but still have a fairly large capacity of 3-1/4” vs the Deep Cut at 4-7/8”. With the smaller size and light weight design it is natural to assume it will be used in tighter spaces, so it made sense that they also added an LED work light currently not available on the Deep Cut model. The Compact Band Saw will be the size as the new M18 band saw that will also be coming out soon, more on that later.

If you have any questions about any of the Milwaukee Portable Band Saws do not hesitate to contact the pros at Ohio Power Tool, 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com.

Posted by Jay A. at 03:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Currently (until the end of the month or while supplies last) at Ohio Power Tool you can pick up Milwaukee Hole Saw Kits for some significant discounts. These kits include Ice Hardened & Big Hawg Kits: 10 piece electrician ($55), 10 piece plumber ($54), 15 piece general purpose ($93), 7 piece Big Hawg ($70) & 15 piece Big Hawg ($123). Also if you purchased 2 kits before August 31^st you can also get a free 3^rd kit with this Milwaukee Mail-in Rebate. If you have any questions about the kits or any other holesaws as always feel free to call the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com.

Posted by Jay A. at 10:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I love it when a small simple change happens to an everyday item and then everyone thinks “Oh yea that’s pretty obvious, why didn’t I think of that”. Wordlock hasn’t reinvent the lock, they didn’t make it any more secure, they are the priced similar to the competition ($4 - $15) but they did make it easier to remember the passwords and that’s enough to make them a player. The locks all still use 10 digit wheels so the number of total combinations is the exact same as numbered locks and assuming most people will make real words it seems like these would be easier to guess combinations. In reality if someone really wants through a pad lock or cable lock bad enough there are plenty of power tools that will do the job.

I tested out 5 different models of Wordlock locks: a Brass Lock, a Utility Lock, 2 Cable Locks and a Padlock. The Padlock and large Cable Lock features easy to set/change passwords, while the Brass & Utility locks require a key to change the passwords and the small Cable Lock had a set password you couldn’t change. I use several different locks personally, it will be nice to have them all be the same and if I gave out the password for some reason, easy to reset them all.

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

Recently Milwaukee introduced a completely new line of accessories designed to work specifically with Impact tools. These funny looking bits are designed to take the abuse of that constant impact force and the shockwave bits are claiming up to 10x life. The whole line will be available shortly on the Milwaukee Tool page of OhioPowerTool.com. (29 piece kit 48-32-4401 $19, Ohio Power Tool) Also we will do a follow up post on some real world testing applications but in the meantime checkout the official Milwaukee Tool press release below.

MILWAUKEE, WI – Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation introduces over 80 new products in its new line of Shockwave™ Impact Duty accessories. Delivering high performance and functionality, the full range solution was designed to stand up to elevated and extreme torque applications. The line includes high performance drill bits, nut drivers, sockets, bit holders and adapters.

"Impact tools are one of the fastest growing tool segments in the market today, but many accessory linescannot hold up under  the high torque of  impact applications,” says Mike Kirby, Sr. Product Manager-Accessories of Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation. "The new Shockwave™ Impact Duty Accessories offer a wider range of solutions for every user, and are engineered to absorb the stress of higher torque applications."

Made from a custom engineered steel and heat treated for high shock resistance, the Shockwave™ Impact Duty driver bits feature an innovatively designed Shock Zone™ geometry to absorb impact. In addition, a compressed forged tip delivers an ideal fit and eliminates breakage. The combination of proprietary material, heat treatment, and geometry deliver up to 10X longer life than the competition.

The product offering also includes user friendly features such as color coding on the nut drivers for easy size identifications and a thin wall construction on the professional grade sockets for easy access in tight areas. Broadly targeting cordless users, the Shockwave™ Impact Duty accessory line is not only ideal for  heavy duty impact applications, but is a full system solution for all the user’s drilling and fastening needs.

Posted by Jay A. at 08:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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

Hougen, invented the Magnetic Drill many years ago and continues to improve upon their designs. The original swivel base unit, HMD904S ($929), has become a very popular addition to their lineup. Now Hougen has just launched the HMD925S ($1438) and HMD914S ($1345) swivel base models. These units are basically the same motors as their stationary base counterparts however the swivel base allows for 1-1/8”W x 1-3/8”L travel. The swivel base saves a great deal of time lining up the hole as well as improves accuracy with one stroke lock & unlock handle.    

For more information on Hougen Mag Drills or Rotabroach metal cutting bits, contact the professionals at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com.

Tips for Using a Portable Magnetic Drill Press:

• #1 cause of broken or prematurely dull cutters is too slow of feed rate. Slower feed rates will not add life to your cutter but actually reduce the cutter's life. Use firm steady feed pressure throughout cut.
• Always make sure to clear all chips from your cutter before starting the next hole.
• Make sure support system for drill arbor is in place and not worn out. If using on a drill press, a support system must be used.
• Make sure mag drill is on a clean work piece and securely attached. Uneven or large build up of debris can cause drill slippage. Material must be at least 3/8" thick. Painted material can also be troublesome if paint buildup does not allow magnet to hold securely.
• When slug ejection becomes unreliable or tool resists cutting, resharpen or replace your cutter.
• Always use coolant when drilling. For best results use Hougen's Slick-Stik^TM or RotaMagic^TM cutting lubrication.     

   

Posted by Jay A. at 01:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Yes that’s right Milwaukee has 2 M18 Hammer Drills the 2611-22 ($349) & 2602-22 ($299). The original M18 2611-22 is slightly larger with 650 in lbs torque while the new compact M18 2602-22 has 550 in lbs, still plenty of torque (in fact same as DeWalt’s 24V). So why 2 M18 ½” hammer drills and not say 1 SDS hammer? Milwaukee is covering all their bases with the M18 line so my guess is whatever you are looking for from a 18v cordless line is probably somewhere in the works. Personally I can’t feel the difference in weight, if there is any, the “compact” is only slightly shorter and virtually the same height, they use the same battery about the only difference I could tell beyond price & torque was the 2611 has dual led lights while the 2602 only has the 1 led light. The big advantage the new 2602-22 has currently beyond the lower price is the hot special currently from Ohio Power Tool which includes a FREE M18 Sawzall 2620-20 ($199). Obviously that deal is a limited time special, so I would take advantage now. All the Milwaukee Tools are also available for the current Free Shipping offer (Use Coupon Code: AUGUST) from Ohio Power Tool.

If you have any questions on any of the Milwaukee M18 Cordless tools, feel free to call the pros at Ohio Power Tool, 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com. Check back soon for more exciting products coming from the Milwaukee M18 line.   

Posted by Jay A. at 03:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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)

For a limited time at Ohio Power Tool you can pick up one of the new Milwaukee M12 2410-22 drill/drivers with the 3/8” metal chuck and get a free Power Port 2349-20 ($149 total). This is an instant promotion, no mail-in rebates but supplies are extremely limited. The Power Port is an incredibly convenient little device to have; it can charge a dead cell phone, camera, ipod or other small devices using a car charger or USB. Read reviews on the Power Port from ToolMonger & ToolSnob they both seem to really like it and everyone loves the 2410-22 drills. The reviews we have been getting back from users on these new M12 Drills have been really strong and that is from professional electricians, plumbers, contractors, etc.

The 2410-22 with free Power Port can also be applied towards the Free Shipping promotion which lasts all August and can be applied to any Milwaukee Tools. If you have any questions about any Milwaukee Tools contact the pros at Ohio Power Tool 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com they are happy to help.

Posted by Jay A. at 08:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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

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

The Drill Doctor has been around for several years and claim over 3 million units sold so even before I got my hands on the unit I was thinking this product was more than just a gimmick and that it would work as advertised. The unit I had to test was the Drill Doctor DD750X which is the top of the line “professional” model that you can buy online for $139-179. The company that makes the Drill Doctor also makes the WorkSharp, which we also reviewed several weeks ago.  

Getting Started

The unit comes with a nice hard plastic case which stores all the components of the drill doctor. I would imagine most of the time the drill doctor will stay in the workshop and not be something you need to take to a jobsite or transport around but it’s still a nice feature. Getting started was fairly simple and self explanatory. On the top of the Drill Doctor is a bit alignment tools. You put the drill bit in the chuck, loosely and then place the chuck in the alignment device. Open the bit clamps push the bit in and close the clamps. The clamps align the drill bit perfectly to your specifications, however the only slot for the chuck that is marked in 118 degrees. If you need 135 or some other angle for the bit there are multiple slots however none are marked. In the book it says each slot is about 10 degrees (left +, right-) which means you couldn’t hit 135 exactly anyway with the alignment tool. Once you align the bit, tighten the chuck down and the bit should be set. On the actual grinding port there is another adjustment gauge and this time there are 118 and 135 degree marked settings. I set it to 118 because that was the only way I knew the alignment and grinding would be the same. At that point you simple put the bit in and turn clockwise. Always use even number of half-turns with light pressing. A rough idea for how many passes it will take would be: 3/32” 2-4 turns, 1/8” 4-6 turns, 3/8” 16-20 turns. It’ll depend on how worn out the bits are but if you check the bit every few full passes you will see how much old material is left.

Working All the Angles       

I had a bunch of old bits to sharpen of all sizes. These were all sizes, angles and different types of bits including a few carbide masonry bits. The instruction manual did have some really good information on identifying bits & angles, checking for wear problems and understanding what to look for to know your bit has been correctly sharpened (i.e. undersplit & oversplit). The 118 degree bits were first and went very smoothly. I tested out the MTO (Material Take Off) control on the alignment guide and could see the difference of how aggressive the grinding was; a feature only on the 750X model. I tried a ½” bit which told 20+ passes to get sharp, if you are planning to mainly do larger bits I would recommend switching the grinding wheel to the 100 grit (sold separately). When trying to sharpen the 135 degree bits I ran into the problem of not being able to align the bits exactly. When sharpening I could tell I was charging the angle of the bit, to what I’m sure but when it was all done they were sharp and worked good. It is also ok to make a 135 degree into a 118 degree bit it just takes a few extra grinds and you may need to take it out to realign once or twice. I tried this on two different sized bits and it worked great as well. When it comes to the carbide masonry bits… don’t rotate. Just “plunge” the bit in once on each side, I ruined the first bit and probably took some life off the grinding wheel. The second masonry bit I did worked much better.

Keep it Clean

As you sharpen your bits there is a lot of metal dust created. This will wear down the grinding wheel. Every few bits you should clean out some of the metal particles. Another option is hooking up a standard 1” vacuum to the grit tube which will such out the dust, extending the life of the grinding wheel. The grinding wheel itself should last for about 200 sharpenings. It is also recommended to turn the grinding wheel around after 100 sharpenings to maximize grinding ability. New wheels are $20, not bad for $.10 a sharpening.

Overall

I was very happy with the Drill Doctor overall with the one frustration that I couldn’t align the 135 degree bits exactly. For my purposes not a big deal but for some craftsman out there, that might be very particular about this, it could be an issue. I found the 135 degrees that were made into 118 degree bits worked just fine. Considering these were all pretty dull and within an hour there were dozens of sharp bits that worked great I would say overall this product works great.      

More photos available in this Facebook Album   

Posted by Jay A. at 11:22 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)

It is a proven fact if you make safety equipment more attractive people will be more likely to wear it. If everyone is wearing their safety equipment all the time, you will see fewer injuries, saving time and money in the long run. Safety Glasses manufacturer Edge Eye Wear took this idea and ran with it. The Edge Safety Glasses look as good as many of the most popular sunglasses but protect the eyes from jobsite hazards as well as the sun’s rays. Edge was the first to offer safety glasses with features like polarized lens, anti-fog lens, blue light filter, aqua precision, high-definition lens and G-15 lens as options on their eyewear. They have also done extensive laboratory testing to ensure their eyewear meet and/or exceed all safety standards.

Each of the frame styles is also available in a wide range of lenses from clear to Welders IR 5.0, each with a specific task in mind. There are 15+ styles of frames to choose from so it should be fairly easy to match the right lenses with a frame you will want to wear on the job and after. Popular models include: Brazeau, Reclus, Khor, Baretti, Kazbek, Dakura, Delano & Kirova.

Lens Technology:
Clear Anti-Reflective – Designed to keep glare down. Allows 99% light pass through.
Yellow – Enhance available light in low light conditions or after dusk. Allows 80% light pass through.   
Polarized Yellow – Enhance available light in low light conditions or after dusk with added advantage of polarized lenses to eliminate glare and reflections. Allows 36% light pass through.
Amber – High contrast lens for overcast days. This lens also has blue filter properties. Excellent for activities where the light is flat of contrast is minimal, such as skiing. Allows 57% light pass through.
Copper - Filters out blue light of haze which can cause eye fatigue, tired, strained or sore eyes. Specifically engineered as a high contrast driving lens to give greater depth perception. Allows 8% light pass through.
Polarized Copper - Filters out blue light of haze which can cause eye fatigue, tired, strained or sore eyes. Specifically engineered as a high contrast driving lens to give greater depth perception with the added advantage of polarized lenses to eliminate glare and reflections. Allows 12% light pass through.  
Smoke – The perfect all around tint for standard shading in normal light conditions. Allows 16% light pass through.  
Polarized Smoke – The perfect all around tint for standard shading in normal light conditions with the added advantage of polarized lenses to eliminate glare and reflections. Allows 16% light pass through.  
Silver Mirror – Similar to smoke lens properties, but has the added Silver Mirror lens coating which reflects more light, making it ideal for bright light conditions. Allows 13% light pass through.  
Polarized G-15 Silver Mirror – The G-15 technology was designed by the US Air Force to maximize transmission of light at 555nm. Provides contrast and image definition while offering cooling sensation to the eyes. Allows 9% light pass through.  
Blue Mirror – Similar to Silver Mirror lens but more reflective power. Allows 12% light pass through.  
Polarized Aqua Precision Blue – The Aqua Precision lens technology was designed by NASA as a reflective coating for satellite portholes. The Aqua-based color of this lens maximizes clarity and contrast. Allows 9% light pass through.  
Rose Mirror – Reflects light in bright light situations. The Rose color base offers a warm color for the eyes and is coated with a Silver Mirror for additional light reflection. Details are enhanced in flat light. Allows 11% light pass through.  
Aqua Precision Red - The Aqua Precision lens technology was designed by NASA as a reflective coating for satellite portholes. The Aqua-based color of this lens maximizes clarity and contrast. Allows 13% light pass through.  
Welding IR 3.0 – Filters out low levels of intense Infra Red light, such as gas welding, brazing or torch cutting. Allows 12% light pass through.  
Welding IR 5.0 – Filters out medium levels of intense Infra Red light, such as gas welding, brazing or torch cutting. Allows 2% light pass through.  

 All the colored lenses provide 99.9% protection from UVA/UVB/UVC rays. For those with larger heads, like me, check out the oversized Kazbek XL models which have a 152mm front with 120mm at the temples. I’ve been wearing mine around for a few weeks now just as sunglasses when biking and they have been really awesome with better lenses than my old pair of more expensive glasses. Priced from $5.95 to $24.95 it’s not hard to imagine getting a few pairs with different styles and lenses. Contact Ohio Power Tool if you have any questions about the Edge Safety Eyewear.     

Posted by Jay A. at 02:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There are a lot of reasons to come checkout the Ridgid Road Show at anyone of the stops on their nationwide tour. There will be several knowledgeable Ridgid employees on hand to answer questions, train on equipment and demo the newest products. You will get free Ridgid products like tee shirts and hats with additional chances to win prizes such as a Micro SeeSnake. There will be a Ridgid Calendar Girl to meet and have sign your Ridgid Calendar, CJ Perry will be at the Ohio Power Tool Event, with different models at each stop. There will also be Free Lunch and who doesn’t love free food. I’ve seen two grown men put on dresses & wigs and race each other on ice in front of 10,000+ for free pizza, at a hockey game. All you need to do for this free food is stop by the Roadshow between 11am-2pm.

As if all this wasn’t good enough to get you to come to Ohio Power Tool in 3 weeks (Friday, August 14^th) there are also some amazing deals on all Ridgid Products. Ohio Power Tool is supporting this event with some really nice specials such as a limited number of FREE Wet/Dry vacs (model 96877 above) with any order over $250, nearly $80 in free goods, instantly. For larger orders the deals look just as good and leasing options are also available through 3^rd parties working with Ohio Power Tool specifically on the Ridgid Roadshow event. An example I saw for a short term lease payment was around $300/month for a Full Size SeeSnake & Scout Locator.   

These deals are only good the day of the event however it is highly recommended that you call Ohio Power Tool and pre-order your Ridgid Products now, so the products will actually be in-stock the day of the show. Even the $250 orders should be pre-ordered if you are hoping to get one of the FREE wet/dry vacs.  Lease options can take up to a week to setup so there is no time like the present. Call Ohio Power Tool at 800-242-4424 or email Sales@ohiopowertool.com for more information on the Ridgid Roadshow event and specials.

Posted by Jay A. at 07:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Recently Campbell Hausfeld introduced a new line of air nailers (www.chnailers.com) as well as a new line of air compressors (www.chcompressors.com) primarily aimed at the DIY market. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to test out the 15 gauge Finish Nailer CHN706000 which will retail for around $139 at your local home center.

Out of the Box

Well I was not terribly impressed by the packaging for this tool, there is a pikaboo window which is probably unnecessary and the inside was a thin plastic shell with twist ties holding the tool in place. It reminded me of opening a GI Joe toy when I was little which was kind of cool from a nostalgia point of view but didn’t give me super high hopes for the tool. Also the nailer requires 2 AAA batteries and **batteries not included, again another flash back to childhood but in this trip there was no childhood glee. Not that it's important, if the lower packaging costs are what keep the price down super, put it in a plain brown box I wouldn't care. Eventually I found some batteries and we were good to go.

New Technology

All the new CH nailers have some new/adapted technology incorporated into them. The CHN70600 finish nailer has the most added technology of the new nailers including laser pointer, low nail warnings and even a stud finder. This seemed like a lot of technology, before I ever got my hands on it and to be honest I’m still not convinced it is necessary. The laser pointer works great but when you line the nailer up it’s only about an inch away from the work surface. It’s right in the middle of the tiny window in the shoe and you can even push the nose against the wood before pulling the trigger to get it super lined up without the laser. The low nail warning also works fine but you can see the cartridge with the nails going down. The nailer also has Anti-Dry Fire feature which locks up when you are almost out of nails which is a much better feature and seems like it would neglect the need for the warning lights. Finally the stud finder, which is hanging on by a thin piece of plastic below the no-mar tip, was tested. At first I didn’t think it even worked and then read the directions to figure out how to calibrate it. Once calibrated the stud finder worked pretty accurately although since it hangs it wasn’t totally flat against the wall so I found myself pushing the stud finder plate against the wall with my free hand which made this job a two handed operation. Also I’m left handed and the stud finder trigger is set for right handers. I am still wondering about the speaker on the left side of the tool which beeps when it finds a stud. With sawdust, drywall and everything else on a jobsite is that speaker going to hold up?

Low Tech Improvements

If all the electronics weren’t enough there are some other technological improvements that don’t involve laser beams. There is a small level on the back on the nailer, and when I say small I mean tiny. I’m not really sure how necessary a level is on a finish nailer anyway but it is not easy to read. It was fine outdoors but inside it became much harder to read and typically you will be inside with a finish nailer. A low tech feature which I thought was a real good idea was the swivel air hose connector which seems obvious to put on a tool like this as it is more comfortable, convenient and allows the hose to hang in a more natural fashion which I think would result in less malfunctions with the air inlet in general.

Most Important – How Does It Work as a Nailer

Like when you get a new iPhone with all the bells and whistles where you can stream video from NASA astronauts but can’t make a phone call across the street. I think the most important question to answer is how does the Finish Nailer work as a Finish Nailer?  Overall I have to say I was very impressed with the how the tool works for what it is intended, and really isn’t that most important. The tool feels well constructed, the nail depth adjuster helps set the proper nail depth and loading the nails was very easy. I did find at 70 psi (minimum) I wasn’t getting the nail to get all the way through the wood and drywall every time however at 90 psi it worked beautifully every time. The tool can operate in “sequential mode” or “bump mode” which allows you to hold down the trigger and nails to fire when the nose is compressed. I didn’t have any nail jams while using the tool but clearing a jam seemed pretty strait forward to fix with the easy to open latch on top of the tool that exposes where you would have a jam.  

Overall

I think overall this is a real nice nail gun for the price. The swivel plug, adjustable exhaust, ADC nail depth adjuster and Anti-Dry Fire are all real nice features for any nailer. I personally don’t think some of the electronic features were necessary and could see running out of batteries, never replacing them and still think it’s a good tool. I get that a lot of the added electronic features on the tool give a less experienced user more confidence in what they are doing. The lasers and stud finders will sell more tools and probably will hold up fine to occasional use by a DIYer over the next several years. I will say I would look at these features completely different if this tool was going into stores like Ohio Power Tool to sell to professionals than I do knowing the tool is made for the DIY shoppers at the Depot Center. Can I see these features ever making it onto pro tools, nope. 

The tool has been donated to the www.ColumbusIdeaFoundry.com (thank you Campbell Hausfeld) where it has already begun taking abuse and will certainly get used for everything it was never intended. I will update down the road several months on the long term performance of this tool, stay tuned.      

Posted by Jay A. at 09:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

 

July 17, 2009 - Nationwide housing starts and permits posted substantial gains in June as home builders responded to improved market conditions and the impending expiration of the first-time buyer tax credit, according to data released by the U.S. Commerce Department today. Commerce reported a 3.6 percent gain in overall housing starts to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 582,000 units and an 8.7 percent gain in permit issuance to 563,000 units.

“The upcoming expiration of the first-time home buyer tax credit on December 1st is encouraging some builders to get homes started now so that they can be completed in time for clients to take advantage of this attractive buying incentive,” said NAHB Chairman Joe Robson, a home builder from Tulsa, Okla. “However, there is still much concern about the difficulty of financing new-home production and continuing weakness in the job market.”

“Today’s report was in keeping with our forecasts for some glimmers of improvement on the single-family side in the second quarter, and also with the results of our latest builder surveys,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “Many remain very cautious, however, in the face of the severe tightening of credit for acquisition, development and construction financing and increased instances of low appraisals tied to improper use of distressed properties as comps, both of which threaten to derail a housing and economic recovery going forward.”

Single-family housing starts rose for a fourth consecutive month in June, posting a 14.4 percent gain to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 470,000 units, while single-family permits rose for a third consecutive month, posting a 5.9 percent gain to 430,000 units. Meanwhile, the multifamily side, which characteristically displays greater month-to-month volatility, posted a 25.8 percent decline in starts following an unsustainably large gain in the previous month, to 112,000 units. Multifamily permits rose 18.8 percent to 133,000 units from an abnormal low in May.

Regionally, housing starts were mixed, with the Northeast and Midwest posting big gains of 28.6 percent and 33.3 percent, respectively, and the South and West posting declines of 1.4 percent and 14.8 percent, respectively. However, the declines in both the South and West were entirely driven by dips in multifamily production.

Permit issuance was up across the board in June, with the Northeast posting a 5.4 percent gain, the Midwest a 3.4 percent gain, the South a nearly 14 percent gain and the West a nearly 2 percent gain.

http://www.nahb.org/ 

Posted by Jay A. at 09:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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)

The New 10” Miter Saw from Makita LS1016L is now available and I was lucky enough to get a chance to demo this unit. I had seen different marketing and press information on this unit and to be honest I had pretty high expectations when I finally got my hands on it.

Freakin Laser Beams

The unit I had was the LS1016L, which I am assuming the L is for Laser. Makita did some nice things here where they put a micro adjust on the handle, so you can control if you want the laser on the cut edge or left or right. They also put an on/off switch so you can simply turn it off, brilliant. Let’s spend no more time debating lasers usefulness and simply turn it off if you don’t want to use it.

Sliding Rail System

By having 2 pairs of independent rails, this 4 rail slide system is incredibly compact and does not require a huge work area behind the saw. I tested this unit out on an outdoor workbench behind the shop which would be way to shallow for any other sliding miter saws. This also makes the saw much more compact for travel and easier to carry around. Total weight out of the box is only 52lbs, so that also helped make it easier to lug around. Also either set of rails can also be locked if you don’t need all that travel. Each rail features 6 linier ball bearing and while I’m not sure what other saws have I can tell you the sliding motion on the Makita is exceptional smooth and very sturdy. 

Working the Angles

The one touch miter locking system is very clever and easy to use. There are the standard set positions but it is also incredibly easy to lock the saw into any other measurement simply by letting up on the trigger once you have it in position. It does a real nice job of holding the angle, even before you tighten it down. The scale has also been moved to the front, where it should be. The bevel angle is also very easy to adjust using the large rear handle which is very accessible from either side of the saw. The 4-3/4” dual sliding fence features a top and bottom adjustment on either side to really get the perfect support when making beveled cuts.

Making the Cut

This is a of course a 10” saw but is has some features that make it work as good as or even better than a 12” in some cases. The clearance height allows for 4-3/4” vertical clearance or 6-5/8” nested, for crown moldings. The powerful 15 amp motor is angled and out of the way for a clear line of sight on the work surface. The slide action allows for the LS1016L to cut a full 12” wide cross cut at 90 degrees. The electronic speed control maintains the 3,200 RPM speed under load and the Soft Start feature made it very smooth to operate.

Added Touches

Some additional features that make the Makita saw easy to operate are the little extras like the vertical clamp. This clamp can easily be moved around to several fixed locations on the saw and you do not need to secure it to the saw in anyway. As you tighten the clamp to the material it automatically tightens itself to the saw. I could lift the whole saw by the clamp but the second you loosen the material, the clamp is again free to move to another location on the saw. Also I thought it was pretty cool that they made the work surface 4.5”, the exact height of 3 stacked 2”x4”. So for about $2 you can make yourself an extended work supports in a pinch.

Conclusion

Overall the Makita DXT 10" Miter Saw LS1016L lived up to my high hopes. I was really impressed by the quality of production with the heavy base and just an all around solidly built tool. This has got to be one of the best 10” miter saws on the market today and could hold its own against many 12” saws. Priced at $589 on OhioPowerTool.com, which is very reasonable for a professional quality miter saw like this.

Posted by Jay A. at 06:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

WINTON, CALIFORNIA- Stiletto Titanium Tools continues to expand its line of professional and innovative titanium tools with the introduction of a full line of flat bars and glazer bars. These new multifunctional and lightweight titanium bars provide numerous functions to the professional in various trades including carpentry, remodeling, finish work, window installation, demolition, and concrete work.

Featuring high leverage fulcrum points on each bar for maximum prying power (patent pending), as well as innovative and patent pending staple pullers, these tools truly set themselves apart from the competition. Check them out here: http://www.stiletto.com/coming-soon.php.

Additionally, these bars include numerous nail pullers including our 180 degree Top Nail Puller to allow users to pull all types of nails in a variety of difficult positions. These all titanium bars weigh 45 percent less than competitive steel equivalents. This means the user is taking weight out of his belt, bag and hands. Due to popular demand, we have also included a bottle opener so there is no delay in quenching your thirst at days end.With the addition of this full line of flat bars and glazer bars, Stiletto never ceases to set the standard for tools amongst skilled tradesman. Stiletto will continue to pursue new and innovative products in these professional categories in order to build an unmatched loyal user base and brand equity. 

NEW FLATBAR SPECS

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)

Here are the new mail-in rebates available from Milwaukee Tools for FREE Grinders & Accessories. These are can be pretty significant deals if you are in the need of several high quality grinders or use a lot of Sawzall blades or hole saws. Also the V28 Cordless free battery or impact tool deal is still available until the end of July if you want to take advantage of that mail-in rebate.

Milwaukee Grinders – Buy 2 Get 1 FREE

This promotion reduces your cost by 33% on quantity grinder orders. The promotion starts Wednesday July 15^th and goes through September 30^th. No mix & match, so the free grinder will be the same as the other two purchased. The promotion is redeemable for up to 5 grinders per customer. For complete details checkout the PDF - FREE MILWAUKEE GRINDER.

Milwaukee Sawzall Blades – Buy 3 Get 1 FREE

This promotion is good on 25 packs of Sawzall blades including popular models like “The Ax”, “The Wrecker” & “The Torch”. Milwaukee is the inventor of the Sawzall Reciprocating Saw and continues to be the name brand for Sawzalls and accessories. No mix & match on Sawzall blade packs. The offer is good for July & August. For complete details checkout the PDF – FREE SAWZALL BLADES.

Milwaukee Hole Saws – Buy 2 Get 1 FREE

This promotion is good on select Hole Saw Kits as well as bulk packs (9-25) for individual hole saw sizes. No mix & match on hole saw kits or packs. The offer is good for July & August. For complete details checkout the PDF – FREE HOLE SAWS.   

If you have any questions about any Milwaukee Tools and Accessories please contact the professionals at Ohio Power Tool at 800-242-4424 or sales@ohiopowertool.com. If you see a model number on the Mail-In Rebate form that is not on the website, you can simply place the order over the phone.  

Posted by Jay A. at 03:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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)

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

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

Posted by Jay A. at 04:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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)

You may have read about the new Campbell Hausfeld nailers in a recent post on http://www.toolsnob.com but I though we might touch on it as well because there are some interesting features with these new nailers. Here are some of the high points:

- Low Nail Indicator Light – A light on the gun turns yellow when there are less than 10 nails and red when there are less than 5 nails.
- Quick Clean Latch – An easy tool-free way to clear out gun jams.
- Bubble Level – Horizontal & vertical to eliminate blow-out and increase fastening strength and stability.
- Laser Pointer Placement – A laser dot indicates exactly where the nail is going to go.
- Built-in Stud Finder – The finish nailer (15 gauge) has a build in light that indicates when the gun is over a stud.

Some other features include oil-free operation, swivel air inlets, tethered no-mar tips and Anti-dry fire to keep from damaging wood. These all sound great and I know the CH pricing is going to be targeting the economically minded. How important are some of these “new technology” features to many professionals? My guess would be not a fraction as important as strait up durability and some of these features might be looked at as just another thing that’s going to break and take the gun out of commission for several days/weeks while its getting repaired. In general features like lasers and built-in stud finders, I think sometimes can actually hurt a product in the pro market.

Posted by Jay A. at 01:39 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)

Check out the latest contest from Skil Power Tools. One thing I really like about this contest is that there are lots of prizes to win if by chance you don’t get to drive off with the grand prize Big Dog Chopper. If you have a pretty good story and picture about using your Skil saw you stand a pretty decent shot at walking away with at least a $50 visa card or New Worm Drive SKILSAW, 35 total 2nd and 3rd place prizes. If you don’t have a good story, you still have until August 1st to come up with something. Also the website looks great, defiantly worth checking out even if you don’t have a Skil saw.   

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)

Typically Milwaukee will run a promotion for a free tool or battery deal a few times a year with a lot of success. Currently they are running this deal on all their cordless tools simultaneously as well as launching several new products.

The M12 deal applies to most tools and combo kits in the line up although I did not see the M-spector or Micro Driver on the list. This deal is available until June 30^th.  Milwaukee has also included 2 new products that work with this deal, the 2410-22 3/8” M12 drill/driver and 2320-21 M12 2-beam plumb laser level. More info to come on those...  There are 5 available FREE items to choose from including the new (available in a few days) M12 Power Port 2349-20. The most value for this deal would be the Hackzall 2420-20 ($110). – M12 Tools & Rebate PDF

This deal was available last month and runs through June 30^th along with the Milwaukee M12 Deal. This deal includes almost all the M18 tool kits and combos except the compact kits like the 2691-22 which is only $199 anyway. The 2680-20 Grinder ($219) is probably the best value in the deal but another tool maybe more useful in your situation. – M18 Tools & Rebate PDF

This deal is a little more limited than the M12 or M18 deals. It only applies to the 4-tool combo, 3-tool combo and V28 Hammer Drill. The free tool option is also more limited to the ½” square impact, V28 battery or V28 wet/dry vac. The best deal here is the Impact ($271) but with a new combo kit a 3^rd battery is also a good choice. I’m not sure who would choice the vacuum as they typically retail for under $100 but these are great add-ons in specific applications. – V28 Tools & Rebate PDF   

The reason these deals are so rich is simple. Statistically people don’t take the time to send in the mail-in rebate. Commonly 25% or less of mail-in rebates from tool vendors get used. Why??? I have no clue but if you take advantage you can potentially see up to 40% back in FREE TOOLS. Think of it this way, Milwaukee is putting 10% of all sales back into a rebate pot. If only 1 in 4 take advantage, that 1 guy gets a much bigger deal and their marketing teams get to field day. Be that guy, send in the rebate and get awesome stuff free.

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

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

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

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

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)

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.