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

Continue reading "Chicago Pneumatic Portable Handheld Hydraulic Tools" »

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by Jay A. at 09:45 AM | 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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 

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Previously we had highlighted some of the advantages of the Atlas Copco CP 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)

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

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

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

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

See YouTube Videos: Debris Baffles & Milwaukee Rat Tail Grinder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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 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)

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)

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)

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

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

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

Posted by Jay A. at 01:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Popular Mechanic conducted the comparison below a few months ago which I though did a pretty good job creating real testing subjects with multiple materials. The two tests were named the “Nail Biter” and “PM House Sandwich”

PM House Sandwich – Smashed together 1/2-in. drywall, 2 x 6 lumber, 1 x 4 lumber, 1 1/4-in. PVC pipe, steel conduit, two 12-ga. cables, two pieces steel strapping, insulation.

Milwaukee 15 Amp Super Sawzall | $187.50, OhioPowerTool.com
Blade Damage: A /// Smoothness: A- /// Power: A- /// Overall: A-

Posted by Jay A. at 07:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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

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

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

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

Air tool systems have some significant advantages and disadvantages in comparison to electric tools. The main advantage of air tools is there is only 1 motor which is on the compressor where as with electric tools each tool has its own engine. What this means is the individual air tools last longer, are more durable, cost less, weigh less, have smaller size and can provide more torque. The disadvantage is they require a compressor to operate which can be very large in size and inconvenient to move around. Once you have decided to commit to buying an air compressor you need to pick the right one that will work for you.

There are many factors in selecting the right air compressor including horse power, tank size, pounds per square inch (PSI), cubic feet per minute (CFM), noise, portability and power source. In addition to the stats of the air compressor you also need to make sure you are buying a quality product. A good compressor should last you years and years so make sure you can get a quality machine from a known manufacturer and that it will be easy to find maintenance supplies and replacement parts.   

Horse Power is typically the first consideration when selecting a compressor but it is only part of the whole equation. In electric compressors it’s important to also look at voltage and amp ratings to see how much power the unit is truly able to produce. For instance, a 3 hp Ingersoll Rand compressor using 230 volts can probably out perform many import 5 hp compressors using standard 110 volt. In another case you are may be comparing two models of portable compressors each rated 2 hp 110 volt but if you look at the amp rating one may be 12 amp while the other is 15 amp.

Pounds per Square Inch (PSI) is also very important but again don’t over look the basics here. You only need enough PSI to power the tools you operate or plan to operate. If all your tools are 90 PSI a 110 or 135 PSI compressor is more than enough power and you don't need to purchase a 175 or 200 PSI compressor.

Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) perhaps is the most telling single stat for compressors as this measures how much air is flowing in a minute. CFM is used interchangeably with the terms Actual Cubic Feet per Minute (ACFM) or Inlet Cubic Feet per Minute (ICFM).  Check your tool owner's manual it should clearly provide your CPM for the tool. It is important to remember air pressure can change based on environmental variables such as temperature.

Tank Size is also an important factor however it is almost counter intuitive as a larger tank is actually more beneficial when using a smaller motor. The larger tank is used to store air so that the tool can actually use more air than the motor is able to produce for short periods. When a more powerful motor is used there is less need to store compressed air so the tank can actually be smaller in size. You would think the larger machines would need equally larger tank but that just is not the case.

Portability can be another big factor and often a disadvantage for air systems. The best environment for an air system is a shop or garage where there is room to permanently place a unit in a controlled environment. If you need a portable unit there are some options that do work well. A smaller electric unit such as the Ingersoll Rand DD2T2 works well with portable tools such as air nailers which typically have lower CFM. For a heavier user there are the air sled designs good for up to 14 CFM. For real power on the move the best solution is a truck mounted gas compressor which is capable of 25 CFM.

Hopefully this post will help you select the right air compressor for your needs. Ohio Power Tool carries a wide range of compressors from Ingersoll Rand and Chicago Pneumatic. Ohio Power Tool also offers free shipping on all compressors anywhere in the continental United States. If you have more specific questions about air compressors or air tools in general feel free to call the experts at 800-242-4424.

Posted by Jay A. at 02:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

There are advantages and disadvantages for each type of breaking tool with a large variety of tools in each category. We wanted to do an overview of the main differences between these types of systems as well as highlight a few recommended products in each category.

Pneumatic Breakers are very common among commercial demolition. Common Pneumatic breaker sizes are 35 lb, 60 lb and 90 lb. We recommend Chicago Pneumatic for the air breakers themselves.  

PROS: These air tools are lightweight and relatively inexpensive for the tools themselves. Tools can last a long time and are fairly easy to repair.  

CONS: Pneumatic Breakers require a fairly large air compressor power source. They are loud to operate, inoperable at low temperatures and complete system can be pricy. Air tools also require a fair amount of up keep due to need to be oiled and fear of moisture buildup in the lines.      

Power Source: The recommended compressor would be a Chicago Pneumatic screw compressor or Ingersoll Rand Gas Compressor if you are going to be working away from an electric power source. Breakers require much larger compressors than that portable one you use to power your nail gun. You will need a large tank and serious power. The screw compressors are recommended because they provide more continuous air flow, last longer, run quieter and are more compact.     

Hydraulic Breakers work similar to the pneumatic systems where there is a power source completely separate from the operating tool. Our recommendation for a Portable Hydraulic System would defiantly be the Atlas Copco Power Pack (picture shown above) with the associated tools.

PROS: Hydraulic tools provide the most power and torque as the fluid can not compress like air, the tools will not freeze at low temperatures, hydraulic tools can work underwater, life span of the tool is very long, low maintenance as the parts are continuously lubricated and the tools are quieter than other options.

CONS: The main problem with the hydraulic system is the initial costs are more than other options and if the line ever breaks you have a big mess.

Power Source: The Atlas Copco Power Pack is fairly compact with wheels and handle for easy maneuverability. It can easily be lifted into a truck bed and is far more portable than an air compressor with comparable output. The Atlas Copco sytem is powered by a Honda 13 hp gas engine and works with a wide range of tools which can all work simultaneously off one unit.

Electric Breakers are probably the easiest out of the box breakers to use. Simply plug into an electrical outlet and the tool is ready to use. These are the most common for rental to take out the back patio or other one time jobs. Our Recommendations would be for the Bosch Breakers, specifically the Bosch Brute 11304 or new lighter Bosch 11335K (shown above).

PROS: Easy to use, no expensive external power source required, can use in cold temperatures, quieter to operate than other options, less expensive for complete system.

CONS: Not as powerful as pneumatic or hydraulic tools, lower power/weight, need to be near source of electrical power, shorter life of tool, more costly repairs and should not be operated around water.

Power Source: The most versatile as it can work with any electric power source with a plug. For mobile use they work with any heavy duty jobsite generator such as the Milwaukee Generators powered by Honda Engines, available in 4300, 5000, 6000 & 7000 watts.  

Gas Breakers (self contained) are the only completely independent breakers that don’t have a cord or hose which could easily be cut or broken. Chicago Pneumatic makes the Red Hawk Gas Powered Breaker, our recommendation for gas breaker.

PROS: Completely self contained, quick easy set up, no hoses or electric cords to be damaged and more versatile single unit.

CONS: Noisier, poisonous exhaust fumes, heavy unit, continuous maintenance, costly repairs, lowest power/weight ratio.

Power Source: Self contained gas engine makes this ideal for small jobs and remote locations.

   
Overall our recommendation for any serious demolition jobs done by hand is for the Power Pack from Atlas Copco. In addition to the several options of breakers this unit works with available core drills, large saws and many other tools. Hydraulic power is the most powerful, can be used underwater or in the cold and the Power Pack unit is portable enough for almost all jobs.       

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

The relatively new Bosch Multi-Detector DMD4K at first glance looks like a glorified stud finder but this little gizmo does way more than allow you to point it at yourself and make bad jokes. It does detect wood studs however it also can detect metal and let you know if the metal is ferrous (magnetic) or non-ferrous (non-magnetic). In addition it has a zoom feature which allows you to detect material that is deeper in the material (up to 4”). Recently during a job site demo we used the DMD4K to find rebar in concrete barriers several inches deep in concrete. There is a gauge to tell you how strong the signal is and coupled with the zoom feature it is pretty easy to exactly pin point any pipe, wire or stud. Once the material is located it is easy to mark it through the illuminated hole in the center of the detector, large enough for any standard pencil. Note, don't use a mechanical pencil or metal pen as the metal next to the detector throws off your readings.  The detector also can detect live electric lines and has a separate gauge for the strength of line. This is a big convenience and an even bigger safety feature for demolition work.

The DMD4K is a great tool which you can get at Ohio Power Tool for $89.00. It is also available for free if you buy a Bulldog SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer 11255VSR ($239). It is shipped right with the tool smae day if ordered before 1:00pm EST, no mail-in rebate or anything like that. The DMD4K is very useful for any contractor, handyman, plumber, electrician, you name it.  

Posted by Jay A. at 08:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Bosch has recently released a new 35lb Breaking Hammer which adds to their extensive line of demolition tools. The Bosch 11335K looks like traditional jack hammers but is incredible versatile. At 35 lbs and with multiple grip positions this tool is easy to operate in angled, horizontal or vertical applications.  Powered by a 1750 W motor and 34 ft lbs of impact force the 11335K has the highest removal rate in its class, up to 50% faster than most competition. Shock absorbing top handles have been added to reduce vibration up to 40% vs. competitors, providing uncompromising control and comfort for users.
A few additional Bosch demolition tools to consider would be Bosch SDS-Max 11245EVS which offers incredible breaking power in a compact design for heavy duty angled and horizontal applications. Another great breaker is the Bosch Bulldog 11255VSR is a Rotary Hammer Drill that offers a lot of demo tool for the price. Finally the Bosch Brute 11304, the standard in electric jack hammer equipment. Although this unit is rather heavy at 60+ lbs, limiting it to mostly vertical use, it plugs into any standard socket or generator which means it does not require a compressor. View full line of Bosch demolition hammers and breaking tools at Ohio Power Tool.

Posted by Jay A. at 01:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)