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Tool Reviews

You can access our tool reviews in many different ways. Here, we organize tool reviews by tool type. This includes power tool reviews and hand tool reviews as well as reviews of air tools and pneumatics. We also cover hardware, outdoor, and industry-specific products. All are organized by specific tool type. You can also check out our tool reviews by the tool brands or manufacturer, but if you’re looking for a circular saw, hammer drill, or other particular tool by tool type, then this section will get you to everything you need. Use the dropdown in the menu above to further refine your selection. With that you can get to a listing of exactly the right tools you’re interested in. Pro Tool Reviews covers and/or reviews over 400 tools each year, making this your one-stop shop for everything tool-related. If you want to know what the best tool in a particular category is, you’re in the right place.

Makita EK7301 14" Gas Power Cutter Concrete Saw Preview
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Makita EK7301 14-inch Gas Power Cutter Concrete Saw

by Clint DeBoer

I don’t know about you, but whenever I get to slice through concrete I get a Tim Allen-style rush that makes me giddy with adrenaline. Of course, I don’t do it 8 hours per day, day in and day out. For those who do, they might appreciate the new Makita EK7301 14″ Power Cutter. The new EK7301 gas power cutter was developed to blend the best aspects of both convenience and performance. It improves upon previous Makita offers by including faster starting, more power, and better fuel economy.

Makita LXDT04 18V LXT Cordless Impact Driver Preview
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Makita LXDT04 18V LXT Cordless Impact Driver Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Makita’s new LXDT04 Cordless Impact Driver uses the company’s variable speed 4-pole motor to deliver 1,420 in. lbs. of maximum torque. It does it with 0-3,200 impacts per minute and up to 2,300 RPMs. We love impact drivers, and Makita’s new model seems suited for a variety of tough-as-nails (or, as is the case, tough as lag bolts) fastening tasks. Since the LXDT04 only weighs 3.3 lbs, it’s also got an excellent power-to-weight ratio and measures just 5-7/16″ long – smaller and lighter than the BTD141 18V Impact Driver that it replaces.

Makita RT0700CX3 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit Preview
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Makita RT0700CX3 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Makita is on a roll this week, releasing several new tools to the market. This time it’s the new RT0700C 1-1/4 HP Compact Router. The new Compact Router is also available in a kit (RT0700CX3), which is the only way to buy a router like this as it comes with a plunge, tilt and an offset base for a wide range of routing applications. Compact routers serve a great need in the woodworking and carpentry business – proving a very portable and controllable way to do simple bevels, laminate jobs, etc that would be a bit more of a pain with a full-sized tool. Now, we don’t recommend compact routers for anything heavy-duty – the added weight and bulk of a serious router is always going to outperform when you’re doing some serious projects.

Hitachi DS18DBL 18V Li-ion Brushless Driver Drill Preview
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Hitachi DS18DBL 18V Li-ion Brushless Driver Drill Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Following up on Milwaukee Tool’s FUEL Brushless technology announcement, Hitachi Power Tools, just announced a new line of 18V Brushless Motor Lithium-ion cordless tools. The first new tool to be released is the DS18DBL 18V Lithium-ion Brushless Driver Drill. Why brushless? Well, besides the fact that it appears to be a new trend, Hitachi claims that their brushless technology, which they first delivered in their 14.4V WH14DBL, manages the tool’s motor and delivers up to 50% longer run time between charges. It should also increase power and extend durability since there is essentially no maintenance on the tool. Hitachi’s DS18DBL 18V Lithium Ion Brushless Driver Drill delivers 593 in-lbs of turning torque. That’s not quite up to what we’ve measured on Milwaukee’s new 18V Brushless FUEL drill, but it’s certainly respectable. Hitachi also added an electronic speed control switch to the DS18DBL. That means that you can push a button and select from 4 different speeds. It’s likely overkill for most, but professionals may appreciate the delicate options for control.

Hitachi DV18DBL Brushless Hammer Drill Preview
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Hitachi DV18DBL Brushless Hammer Drill Preview

by Clint DeBoer

First it was Milwaukee’s Brushless FUEL Drills, then Makita got into the game. Hitachi Power Tools wasn’t far behind that (and really, the orders get confusing, but let’s just congratulate all of the manufacturers for innovating here). Now, the company is announcing new additions to its line of 18V Brushless tools. In particular, they are adding a new DV18DBL Brushless Hammer Drill. The new DV18DBL ramps up the power from the DS18DBL, which had 593 in-lbs of torque, to an impressive 654 in-lbs of turning torque. It comes with a 1/2″ ratcheting keyless all-metal chuck which feature carbide inserts for secure bit retention. This is a great addition for a tool designed to hammer into concrete. The clutch is designed to actually deliver 22 different torque settings, plus a hammer setting and drill mode for maximum torque. The tool is a compact 8.1″ in length, which is about a 1/10″ shorter than Milwaukee’s new Hammer Drill. It’s also fairly lightweight for a hammer drill at 4.8 lbs. The DV18DBL is sold as a kit and comes with two 3.0Ah Lithium-ion Slide Type batteries, a quick charger, side handle, carrying case and double sided Phillips driver bit.

Makita 12V Max Lithium-Ion Recipro Saw Kit RJ01W Preview
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Makita RJ01W 12V Max Recipro Saw Kit Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Earlier this week we spied out some of Makita’s new 12V tools that had made it to the UK market and wondered how quickly, if ever, they would make it to our shores. Turns out the first product didn’t take very long. Makita just released its new Makita 12V Max Lithium-Ion Recipro Saw Kit (model RJ01W). This is a new one-handed reciprocating saw that gives you power in a compact package to accomplish all sorts of tasks. What’s more, Makita is also offering the new saw as part of a 2-piece combo kit (model LCT212W) where it’s bundled with a 12V max Lithium-Ion 3/8″ Driver-Drill.

ZipWall ZipDoor Dust Barrier Solution for Doorways
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ZipWall ZipDoor Dust Barrier Solution for Doorways

by Clint DeBoer

We attended the 2012 International Builders Show in Orlando, Florida and were making our rounds when our eye was caught by the ZipDoor. This is a dust barrier product that makes it super-easy to cover a doorway and seal off a room from dust ingress and/or egress. The ZipDoor kit comes with everything you need, including a roll of tape and plastic lining and is designed for use in residential or commercial applications. Featuring ZipWall’s new double-sided tape and heavy duty, glued-in zippers, the ZipDoor installs – literally – in under one minute to provide a complete dust barrier. The ZipDoor is made of 4 mil plastic sheeting and comes in both standard (doors up to 3’x7′) and commercial (doors up to 4’x8′) sizes. In addition to being larger, the commercial version of the ZipDoor is also fire retardant.

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