Tool Reviews Archives

Black & Decker 4V Max Gyro Cordless Screwdriver Review

September 27, 2012 0

Black & Decker Gyro 4V Max Cordless Screwdriver Review

It’s rare that I see a tool that catches me off guard and presents something truly “new” or innovative. With the Black & Decker Gyro, innovation is at its core. The question is whether or not the new gyroscopic features are helpful or a hindrance. One thing is for certain, however, you’ll get more “play” time with this tool in terms of its effects as a party favor of attention-grabber than you will from any other powered screwdriver. And you can really use it thanks to some solid and simple thinking on the part of Black & Decker’s engineers.

September 26, 2012 0

Delta 23-199 8-inch Benchtop Grinder Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Delta Power Equipment Corporation introduced two new bench grinders this week. The larger of the two is the 8-inch Model 23-199, which features a patented tool-less quick change nut and tool-less wheel cover so you can swap out or change grinding or polishing wheels quickly and easily. The grinder runs at variable speed and has a front-mounted speed dial to dial the grinder in from 2,000 to 3,400 RPM. The Model 23-199 also features a cast iron base to give it more stability and holding power and which also serves to reduce vibration during use. Four rubber feet are also included to help prevent movement. The full-size clear safety shield utilizes thumb screws for easy adjustment.

Ryobi Debuts New 1.5Ah and 4.0Ah 18V Lithium+ Batteries

September 26, 2012 0

Ryobi 1.5Ah and 4.0Ah 18V Lithium+ Batteries

by Clint DeBoer

As we’ve now seen Milwaukee RedLithium batteries and Metabo 4.0Ah batteries (and overseas DeWalt) the newly updated higher power density […]

September 23, 2012 0

Automatic Self-Guiding Router a Reality?

by Clint DeBoer

We’re not sure who or what this tool will ultimately target, but Alec Rivers, a Ph.D. student at MIT, developed […]

September 22, 2012 0

DeWalt DWE4011 4-1/2″ Small Angle Grinder Preview

by Clint DeBoer

DeWalt has launched a bunch of new tools this year, but I don’t recall their angle grinders getting any attention in some time. Now, a new 4-1/2″ Small Angle Grinder has been deployed whose claim to fame (newest feature) is a One-Touch Guard that allows the user to simply turn the guard by hand to adjust its position into any of eight durable detents. There is no button to push and the process is completely tool-less. DeWalt observed a need for users to continually move the guard depending on the application, while in manufacturing shops and on jobsites. We’d have to agree, and this feature seems to address a pretty common problem, while at the same time encouraging the use of the guard in more applications. In addition to easy adjustability, the guard also pops on and off with a quick press of the release button.

September 13, 2012 0

Rockler Sawhorse Clips for Bench Cookie Plus 43624

by Clint DeBoer

Sometimes it seems as if Rockler releases new products every week – not a bad thing if you’re Rockler and […]

Rockwell Debuts New Sonicrafter and Sonictool Multi-tools

September 12, 2012 0

Rockwell Sonicrafter and Rockwell Sonictool Multi-tools

by Tim Mitchell

Rockwell has just thrown down the gauntlet in multi-tools by offering both a Universal Fit system to allow their three new Sonicrafters, and their new Shop Series Sonictool, to use other brands’ accessories without adapters. Three new Sonicrafters and a Sonictool? Yes. The company has completely revised its initial Sonicrafter Oscillating Multi-tool by adding a Hyperlock tool-less blade change and also increasing the motor power. And if that weren’t enough, the company has also released a new assortment of Rockwell universal accessories designed to fit not just their own tools, but also competitive multi-tools.

Makita LXRH011 Brushless 1" SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Preview

September 9, 2012 0

Makita LXRH011 Brushless 1-inch SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer

by Clint DeBoer

Makita has one of the widest ranges of 18V cordless tools, so you’d think they might want to sit back and relax for a while… Apparently not, as the company has just announced a new 18V LXT lithium-ion Brushless 1″ SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer (model LXRH011). What’s more, it includes a HEPA Dust Xtraction Vacuum Attachment. The LXRH011 is Makita’s latest tool using their LXT Brushless Motor Technology. The new Brushless tools can increase runtime by up to 50% and can increase power and speed as well as they are more efficient.

September 4, 2012 0

Spotlight Shifter 2.0 LED Flashlight Review

by Clint DeBoer

The Spotlight Shifter 2.0 has the makings of an exceptional and compact LED flashlight. Its narrow body, long run-time, and easy-to-adjust beam make for a product that will have decent appeal to the masses. The Shifter 2.0 uses a pair of standard AAA batteries to power its LED lamp at up to 110 lumens of output. It also features a Reflector Lens System (RLS) which lets you direct the light output in either spot or beam mode by simply twisting the front of the flashlight.

September 4, 2012 0

DeWalt DCH213L2 20V Max SDS Rotary Hammer Review

by Clint DeBoer

I remember when the cordless hammer drill was the new tool every contractor and pro was talking about. It revolutionized how quickly you could get a job done, and the cordless aspect of bringing that kind of power to tasks like pre-drilling Tapcons or performing other tasks really altered the industry. But jobs like overhead drilling in reinforced concrete or repetitive drilling of dozens of 3/8″ or larger holes really takes its toll. For that, DeWalt just upped the ante with its DCH213L2 20V Max Rotary Hammer. Not only does the tool take advantage of the new 20V Max battery technology (which is really built from the ground up to communicate with the new 20V Max tools), it brings a whole lot more power and versatility to the work of concrete drilling and penetration.