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 (0)

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 Approval 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 (0)

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 (0)

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 (3)

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. 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 (0)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The month of April is a great time to pick up some new Milwaukee Tools. First off there is FREE GROUND SHIPPING on all orders over $50, for continental US customers. Simply use the coupon code – APRIL.

The second great deal is good on Milwaukee M18 Tools for April & May which is good for FREE M18 tools or batteries. See the rebate form or flyer below for more details. I was really surprised to see the new M18 grinder make the list of available free tools. This tool just came out within the last few weeks and has been very popular.

Please use both deals together, we are more than happy to get you free tools and shipping all month long. If you have any questions or would simply rather place an order over the phone call Ohio Power Tool at 800-242-4424.     

Posted by Jay A. at 08:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Recently the CP pull behind trailer air compressors have received an upgrade. A well known, well respected brand in the industry for years there are now 4 models which complete the line. The new models are the CPS 90, CPS 185, CPS 375 & CPS 750. As you might have already assumed the numbers indicate air delivered in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) and even the smallest unit at 90 CFM can power multiple tools at once. The CPS portable compressor series are all built for reliability, easy maintenance and flexibility in mind. Each unit features easy to operate curbside controls and noise reducing enclosures.

Each of the CPS pull behind compressors allow you to configure different options such as hose reels, after coolers, block heaters, tool boxes and much more. On OhioPowerTool.com the available options with pricing will be displayed with each unit.  

Chicago Pneumatic is also one of the world leaders in manufacturing a wide range of heavy duty construction equipment designed to run off these compressors including demolition breakers, concrete saws, chipping hammers & rock drills. If you have any questions about the portable trailer compressors, construction tools, hoses, connectors or anything else please give Ohio Power Tool a call at 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com.

Posted by Jay A. at 03:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Renting vs Buying

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

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

Using Rentals to Grow Your Business

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

Financing & Economic Slow Downs

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

March Rental Madness Deal – Ohio Power Tool

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this post we are just going to look at selecting portable wet/dry cutting Diamond Saw Blades which would typically go on a handheld gas saw such as the SpeediCut Core Cut 12”, 14” or 16” saws. One would think this would be very simple right, possibly 3 or 4 options but you would be very wrong. In a 14” x .125 size alone we are looking at over 50 options so with the different sizes there are hundreds of possibilities. Why so many options… it comes down to money, after all we are talking about real diamonds.

Diamond Quality - Just like gemstone diamonds there are quality grades to cutting diamonds. High quality solid diamonds are more expensive than “flawed” diamonds with lots of carbon imbedded; they also cut better, longer. Diamond Quality is the main factor in pricing any diamond blade, without the diamonds these are basically just big pieces of sheet metal.
 

Segment Height – The metal in the segments are used for one basic thing to control the cut rate of the diamonds. The segment metals are far less expensive than the diamonds baked into them and really play little significance in the price; often the taller segments are used with lower grade blades. This seems counter intuitive because there are more diamonds in a larger segment, but often these are lower quality diamonds. Since the lower quality diamonds have more flaws they will not last as long and the metal needs to wear quicker exposing fresh diamonds to make more cuts.

Material Being Cut – It is very important to match the right blade with the right material if you have any intention of preserving the blade and getting the most value for your dollar. The basic rule of thumb is you want a harder blade for softer material and softer blade for harder material. This of course has everything to do with controlling the rate the diamonds are exposed. Asphalt is very soft, a hard segment will hold the diamonds in place and allow them to cut much longer. Cured reinforced concrete would be much harder and in ture use a soft metal for the blade, if an hard blade was used it would hold the diamonds in place too long and you would end up trying to cut with very dull diamonds. Good news is if you went back to asphalt or other soft material the blade would eventually recover provided you hadn’t pushed it and burnt the blade up. A hard concrete blade on the other hand will work like butter in asphalt because the soft segment in the soft material wears away quickly exposing new diamonds constantly. The bad news is the blade will be used up very quickly.

Blade Size & RPM – Each size saw spins at different speeds, 12” have the highest RPM while the 16” spin the slowest. The 14” saws spin at 5400 RPM for instance so all the 14” blades are made for that speed. The 12” blades are will work on the 14” saw because they are being used at a slower speed which may not be ideal but work just fine. Never however use a blade above its max RPM rating. The blades have a concaved shape and spinning them faster will cause them to heat up and potentially be very unsafe.       

Wet vs. Dry – All the dry high speed blades can be run wet or dry for most applications. With large surface area and intermittent cutting the saw blades are constantly exposed to plenty of air cooling the blade. If the same saw blade however were used in a walk behind saw, half buried in concrete for continuous use water would need to be applied or the blade would over heat.    

Hopefully this will help when you make your next diamond blade selection. Typically if you are working with a knowledgeable company, like Ohio Power Tool and have a general idea what you will be cutting they will be able to help you select the right blade at the right price. Everyone’s situation is different if these blades are going to be used by new employees with little training the inexpensive Star Blue blade with high segment and low quality diamonds will ensure limit risk due to improper use. For the professional with many years of experience cutting the same material a Heavy Duty Orange or Premium Black blade will be a better value in the long run, lasting longer and cutting faster.  

Posted by Jay A. at 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Central Ohio Chapter of Engineers Without Borders is currently working on a project in San Pedro Puxtla, El Salvador where the goal is to build a road in the El Amel neighborhood. Currently the path where the road will go has some issues it is littered with large boulders, on a steep grade and is constantly flooded during the rainy season cutting off access to the rest of the city. A very basic road would improve the lives of these people tremendously.

The problem however is in this remote location it is pretty much impossible to get the large construction equipment to the construction site. Explosives are out of the questions with peoples homes as close as 6 feet away from some of these large boulders.

Working with Ohio Power Tool on the problem, the best option would be to drill holes in the rocks along a strait line and split the pieces off using several techniques depending on boulders size. Typically a pneumatic rock drill would be used for such an application but would require a large trailer type compressor which again would not be able to reach the job site, even if one could be found to rent in the surrounding area. A much better solution is the Atlas Copco Power Pack hydraulic unit which is more reliable, more powerful and significantly more compact. The unit is small enough to fit in the bed of any truck or SUV and the cart design makes it easy to maneuver around any obstacles. The Atlas Copco LHD 23 M rock drill works perfectly with the Ajax Carbide Drill Bits used in the testing.

Step one was to test the different tools and techniques on smaller rocks here in Columbus. The local Channel 10 CBS Station (see video) and Columbus Dispatch were both on hand for the testing. The next step will be to get all the equipment and people to El Salvador and remove all these boulders within one week’s time. If you are interested in supporting the project in any way please contact Amanda with EWB.

Posted by Jay A. at 01:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you are shopping around for 14” Diamond Saw Blades, now is the time to buy, while supplies last you can pick up a 14” SpeediCut Gas Saw for Free just by purchasing a few blades. If you purchase 10 Cut-All Multi-Purpose Blades 14” x .125 which sell for $334.10 each, then you get a Free 14” SpeediCut Jr Saw SC6514 (Sale Price $629.10) instantly. You could also purchase 15 of the Heavy Duty Orange Blades 14” x .125 which sell for $364.65 each and get a Free 14” SpeediCut SC7314 (Sale Price $1032.40) instantly. Either way both of these deals are instant rebates so the saw will be delivered with the blades in a few days. No mail-in rebates or any of that nonsense, just a high quality gas saw to your door for free.

If you have any questions about this deal, Diamond Products or any concrete sawing applications please feel free to contact Ohio Power Tool at 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com. With some many different style blades and applications if you would need a different style blade or 16” saw or any other kind of substitution please contact us and Ohio Power Tool, there probably is a way to accommodate you.

Posted by Jay A. at 02:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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

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

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

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

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

Milwaukee Tool just announced the next generation of portable band saws. The new Milwaukee Band Saw 6232-6N is 40% faster than the previous Milwaukee models and 20% faster than the closest competitor, the Dewalt DWM120K. The Milwaukee motor was updated from a 6 amp to a 10.5 amp motor and is now the most powerful on the market. The improvements don’t stop there, with aluminum motor housing, better saw balance, 2 finger trigger, variable speed dial, improved blade protection and new bearings this is a very solidly built band saw.

The band saw’s deep cutting capacity is 4-7/8” however it can cut up to 6” round pipe when rotating. The improved T handle grip not only allows for comfortable operation but also allows the tool to lock into a vise for stationary cutting. Another nice feature for those who maintain many of these units and are thinking about upgrading some of them, is that up to 80% of the parts are interchangeable. This means if you have brushings, pulleys or other parts they will work in the new & old models.

To properly introduce the new Milwaukee Band Saw 6232-6N Ohio Power Tool is giving away a brand new Milwaukee 4.5” rattail grinder 6122-30 ($119 sale price) with each band saw purchased however supply is extremely limited with 3 max per order. The grinders will be shipped with the units, no mail-in rebates to worry about. The Milwaukee 6232-2N is available now for pre-sale at $299 and should be in-store before Febuary 6^th.  

Posted by Jay A. at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

There is sometimes a little confusion as to what bits work with which tools and what the best bits to use with each job are. It is a little confusing, even for us who are constantly using these different acronyms. It was much simpler before when there was just SDS with smaller bits and Spline Drive for the larger heavy duty stuff. Later there was the introduction of the SDS-Plus which does work interchangeably with regular SDS bit and simply offered a stronger connection, so not much confusion there. Then however we got the SDS Max which is not compatible with anything else and is very similar to Spline Drive for strength and capacity.

Posted by Jay A. at 12:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you are looking for cordless tools with real power behind them a great choice would be the Milwaukee V28 line of tools. Now is a great time to get a real deal on the V28 line of tools because Ohio Power Tool is offering a free 3^rd battery with Any Tool Kit or Combo Kit. The high powered V28 battery’s current sale price is $150 but with good reason not only do they have superior power and capacity but they also carry a 5 year/ 5000 charge warranty, better than any other battery on the market. This deal is for an instant battery, NOT a mail-in rebate.

If you are looking for additional batteries for your existing V28 tools you may want to consider adding a new tool such as the ½” Impact, Grinder or Bandsaw which are all included in the FREE 3^rd battery deal.

If you have any questions about any Milwaukee Tools please feel free to contact Ohio Power Tool at 800-242-4424 or email sales@ohiopowertool.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Several months ago Bosch acquired CST/Berger from the Stanley Works. Bosch has been looking to get into the laser business for some time and CST/Berger is probably the best name in the business so the purchase couldn’t have been a better fit. Stanley at the time was looking to diversify away from the construction business so it looks like this worked out for everyone. 

In addition to continuing to build the CST/Berger line Bosch has also decided to add several new products under the Bosch name. These new items include dot lasers, line laser levels and rotary laser levels. The Bosch specific products are aimed more toward the contractors and they will most likely never have the specialty products or survey equipment similar to the CST/Berger line.

Below is a list of all the new Bosch Laser Tools you will see the first quarter 2009.

Bosch GPL3T 3-Point Torpedo Laser Alignment Kit – Features include: dot lasers, plumb, level & square, aluminum body, tripod mount, bubble levels & v-groove for pipes. List: $152, OPT: $91.20

Bosch GPL3 3-Point Laser Alignment, Self Leveling – Features include: dot lasers, smart pendulum self leveling, plumb, level, 90 degree & grade points. List: $257, OPT: $154.20

Bosch GPL5E 5-Point Laser Alignment with Fully Automatic Leveling – Features include: dot lasers, motorized self leveling, plumb, level, 90 degree & grade points. List: $406, OPT: $243.60

Bosch GLL2-50 Crossline Laser, Self Leveling w/ Pulse – line lasers, vertical, horizontal & cross line modes, pulse mode for use with LR2 laser receiver. List: $384, OPT: $230.40

Bosch GLR145HV Rotary Level with Automatic Leveling – horizontal, vertical, 3 lengths, 3 speeds, remote control. List: $1040, OPT: $624.00

Bosch GLR145HVCK Rotary Level with Automatic Leveling Kit – includes GLR145HV with RCR2 receiver, tripod, measuring rod and more. List: $1172, OPT: $703.20

Bosch GLR160DHV Dual Axis Rotary Level with Automatic Leveling – horizontal, vertical, both together, 6 lengths, 3 speeds, remote control, self level. List: $1371, OPT: $822.60

Bosch GLR160DHVCK Dual Axis Rotary Level with Automatic Leveling – includes GLR160DHV with RCR2 receiver, tripod, measuring rod and more. List: $1503, OPT: $822.60

Posted by Jay A. at 04:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Previously we had highlighted some of the advantages of the Atlas Copco hydraulic hand held power tools. These types of tools have been very popular in Europe and other countries for year but are just now gaining ground in the US and Canadian markets. Hydraulic tools have several advantages over electric or pneumatic including more power, longer life span, compact power source, less maintenance, ability to work in colder temperature or even underwater and the list goes on. The main downside is in the higher initial price tag for the tools however when taken over the life of the tool the total cost is significantly less.

A common misconception is that a company would have a large startup cost associated with using hydraulic power tools because they would need to invest in the power packs to run the tools. With the current state of the economy and tight lending from the banks none of us are eager to make any large capital investments. Good news is you may have already made the big capital investment for plentiful hydraulic power supplies if you own any skid steers, backhoes or any other hydraulic powered carriers. Now it is time to get the most out of those investments. You can connect auxiliary hydraulic equipment to almost all of these machines. Atlas Copco has released the LFD 20 & LFD 30 Oil Flow Dividers specifically designed to regulate oil flow to all their hydraulic breakers, chipping hammers, concrete saws, water pumps, core drills and other tools.

If you have any questions at all, of course you can contact Ohio Power Tool and talk to their expert staff to help you determine which tool is right for the job. If you want to get you hands on some of these tools for a few days to try out, you can rent them through the equipment rental page.    

Posted by Jay A. at 04:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The new SC6514 SpeediCut Jr. handheld gas saw is a great new product at an incredibly low price. The unit is powerful with a 4.8 HP “hemi” engine and a poly V-belt for maximum torque transfer. It is also versatile using 12” or 14” blades with 22mm or 1” arbor. These units are used to cut concrete, steel, masonry, stone, asphalt, wood and many other materials. Handling the SpeediCut Jr. is pretty easy thanks to the compact lightweight design at 22 lbs and enlarged protected trigger guard which allows the user to wear gloves. Emissions and noise concerns are a growing factor these days but with advanced exhaust features, digital ignition and fuel efficient gas tank this is one of the most efficient saws on the market.

Ohio Power Tool is currently selling the SpeediCut Jr. SC6514 for $629 which is a great price for such a versatile saw. The similar size Partner/Husqvarna saws are in the $900-1000 range. If you are looking to save some money this is defiantly a great saw. If you have any other questions about the CoreCut SpeediCut saws or any of our other Diamond Products please call 800-242-4424.   

Posted by Jay A. at 03:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The new Core Bore CB500-HH from Diamond Products is a hand held coring drill, capable of drilling up to 3” diameter holes in concrete and other material. This is not a revolutionary product idea however this new product is priced at $521.10 from Ohio Power Tool, which makes it much more economical for many companies consider purchasing.

Posted by Jay A. at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Recently we had several manufacturers visit Ohio Power Tool as part of the annual Tent Sale & Tool Expo. As you might assume this was a very interactive event and everyone had an opportunity to test out many of the new tools. Luckily it was terrific weather and all the vendors could set up tables and tent in the front parking lot. Below are a few short video clips of the new Milwaukee M12 tools that were on hand.

The M12 Copper Tubing Cutter - 2471-22 ($219)

This is a very innovative product and easy to use. There is a switch next to the trigger which locks the open end so you can put the tube in place. Once the copper tube is in the tool flip the switch and pull the trigger. The tool does have a slight tendency to want to pull itself down but with a firm grip it makes a very clean cut.

The M12 Hackzall – 2420-22 ($179)   

The new Hackzall is a very cool new product for the Milwaukee M12 line. At first glance it looks simply like a Sawzall with a little less power but really it is much more. It can do a wide range of different job where you might use a jigsaw or Rotozip. At the same time it’s good for cutting wood, metal and PVC pipe as well. The video below is just one of the examples of a different type of application for the Hackzall where it is simulating cutting a hole for an electrical box in drywall.

Until the end of the year there is also an offer for a free M12 impact (tool only) with the purchase of selected other M12 tools. Both of these are included in the offer as well as the Micro Driver, Impact and M-Spector Camera.  

Posted by Jay A. at 05:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The New line of Chicago Pneumatic Rivet Busters replaces the previous models of CP4181 Duler, Duser, Puler and Puser. Some of the key features of the new CP4608 & CP4611 models are listed below.

Posted by Jay A. at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CB706FC - $11.65
6 C4 Carbide Teeth
Long Life

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

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

Hougen was the first company to develop and patent the Magnetic Drill back in 1976. Since then there have been many improvements made to the original design but Hougen has remained a leader in the magnetic drill industry. The model HMD904 has been one of the most popular mag drills for many years because of its light weight design, significant power and durability. Not to long ago the HMD904S with swivel base was introduced which allowed for slight adjustments after the magnet had been activated.

Now you have two new options for the HMD904 which are the HMD904C ($899.95), which is the basic 904 model with the 16oz coolant tank and fittings. The second option is the Fabricators Kit HMD904K ($1,188) which includes the HMD904C, ½” Jacobs Chuck with adaptor and 12002 Rotabroach Cutter Kit. The fabricators kit provides the basic set up with several Rotabroach sizes to get started but with the chuck the mag drill can also use regular twist drill bits.

Posted by Jay A. at 09:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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

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

Get shopping for your new Bosch Tools

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

The wait is over on almost all the Milwaukee M12 & M18 tools. M12 Hackzall, M12 Copper Cutter, M18 Hammer Drill w/Free impact, M18 Combo Kits and most everything else has arrived in the past few days at Ohio Power Tool. If you had a pre-order you may have already received your tools as some of the new stuff went out as early as last week. For those of you who didn’t order from Ohio Power Tool I’m sure you won’t have to wait that much longer for your new Milwaukee Tools.   

Posted by Jay A. at 03:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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

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

We are continuing to be happily surprised with some of Milwaukee’s decisions for launching the new M12 & M18 tools. After launching several Pre-Launch kits which were really great deals and they have committed to start shipping these units next week, although none of us are going to have these in hand tomorrow waiting an extra few days still beats my initial expectations.

The whole deal has just been sweetened greatly, both the M12 & M18 tools receive extra bonus mail-in rebate for free stuff which is also good on all pre-orders that haven’t shipped yet.

Milwaukee M18 – Free XC Battery

View the M18 Mail-in Rebate for full details but basically any single tool kit or combo kit gets a free XC battery (48-11-1828). Models include Hammer Drill 2611-24 (already includes a free impact), ¼” Hex Impact 2650-22, Sawzall 2620-22, Circular Saw 2630-22, 2 Tool Combo 2690-22, 4 Tool Combo 2690-24 & 2691-20. These batteries are selling currently for $119 so it is a really good bonus.

Milwaukee M12 – Free Impact Driver

View the M12 Mail-in Rebate for full details. This deal is if you purchase 2 M12 tool kits you will get a free Impact driver 2450-20 (tool only) for free. These units currently sell for $99. You can mix and match any of the tools listed however the multiple tool combo kits are not apart of the deal. Tools include: Micro Driver 2401-22, M-Spector 2310-21, Hackzall 2420-22, Tube Cutter 2471-22 (or 2471-21) and Impact Driver 2450-22.

Again if you have pre-ordered any of these tools you will be automatically eligible to complete the Mail-in rebates and get your free stuff. If you need to make any adjustments to your order with Ohio Power Tool simply email them and they will be happy to make any adjustments.

Posted by Jay A. at 11:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hammer Drill 17618

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

6-1/2” Circular Saw CCS180

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

Reciprocating Saw CRS180

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

Flashlight CFL180

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

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

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

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

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

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

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