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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.

Maxtech 50204MX Spade-Max Pro Spade Bit Set
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Maxtech 50204MX Spade-Max Pro Spade Bit Set Review

by Matthias Gaige

On first glance the Maxtech 50204MX & 51643MX Spade-Max Pro Spade Bit Sets might appear to be run of the mill spade bits, but upon closer inspection there are some key differences. Using these bits makes drilling medium sized holes a breeze thanks to a steep rake angle on the leading cutting edge that provides a faster and cleaner cut. With the steep angle, the bit acts more like a chisel as it cuts its way into the wood, in fact it quickly chips out chunks of wood. Now the thing to notice is that with the outside tips cutting before the flat part of the cutting blades, when you get to the backside of your board, you get a cleaner hole and less splintering. The whole idea of spades bits is for quickly boring through wood so speed is definitely of the essence and these bits deliver that. The slightly less expensive 9-piece set includes a 1/4″ hex drive Load N’ Drive quick connect collet that is super compact and has a spring loaded bit-eject mechanism. With 1/4″ quick connect hex shanks and a rust resistant black oxide coating, we suspect that if you pick up a set of these you will not be disappointed.

Dymo Rhino 5200 Label Printer Review
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Dymo Rhino 5200 Label Printer Review

by Clint DeBoer

If you are a professional contractor, electrician, plumber, or like to keep your stuff organized and easy to find, by now you’ve likely heard of Dymo’s line of Rhino label printers. The Rhino labelers are one of few industrial quality products designed to serve the needs of journeymen and contracting professionals who need on-site labelers that can stand up to the tough elements and challenges faced on the jobsite. The company just released its Rhino 5200 to update and replace its already well-regarded RhinoPro 5000 label printer that has been an industry standard. The new product simplifies and augments an already impressive label printing tool. Dymo doesn’t just stop at the machines, however, they have an impressive and well-rounded line of label products that cover the gamut and function in almost any environment. This includes entry-level nylon tape, vinyl tape in multiple color choices and also permanent polyester labels which are hearty enough to work for outdoor use or application onto rough surfaces. We were happy to put our grubby hands on the new 5200 and, when we did, we were quite pleased with the results.

Black & Decker LDX112C 12V Max Lithium Drill/Driver Review
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Black and Decker LDX112C 12V Max Lithium Drill/Driver Review

by Thomas Gaige

Seeing how just about everyone else has a compact 12V lithium-ion powered line of power tools, Black & Decker jumped on board with their value-targeted LDX112C 12V Max Lithium Drill/Driver. Using what has become an industry standard format for the battery style, they opted for a slightly different approach to its integration into the handle of the tool. The front load style actually makes it so that the drill can stand on its own and offer pretty good balance. This little drill has most of what we have come to expect from this type of tool – like an integrated LED worklight, rubber over-molded grips, and variable speed trigger. What actually surprised us was the metal gear box and 3/8″ metal chuck which seemed like nice touches on a value priced tool. The Black & Decker LDX112C 12V Max Lithium Drill/Driver comes in a cardboard box that includes a battery, charger, and a bi-sided driving bit. Sorry, but only one battery is included and there is no nifty carry case. But given its pretty small size, it could easily live in the junk drawer in your kitchen. Come on, admit it, you might not call it a junk drawer, but everyone has one. Its that central drawer in your kitchen or office that houses all the odds and ends that don’t seem to belong or fit elsewhere. It is the first place you will look for masking tape, screws, tacks, candles and a host of other necessities (yes, I too have one) – and what better place than to store this handy little drill/driver.

C.H. Hanson Automatic Locking Pliers Review
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C.H. Hanson Automatic Locking Pliers Review

by Thomas Gaige

C.H. Hanson is a company that’s been around for a while, so we keep an eye out for innovations when their name pops up. This week the company announced they redesigned their locking jaw pliers to work faster and have a better grip. The new model is re-engineered to automatically lock onto your workpiece, without adjusting – regardless of size (provided it fits within the jaws, of course). Hone is the adjustment screw at the handle bottom. Now, a pressure setting screw is located within the mechanism features a Set & Forget method of operation. You just set the optimal clamping pressure (it can be very light to full force), and then the tool’s jaws will adjust on their own to whatever size object you need.

SOG GSP-21 Green Handle SOGzilla Knife Review
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SOG GSP-21 Green Handle SOGzilla Knife Review

by Matthias Gaige

The SOG GSP-21 Green Handle SOGzilla folding pocket knife has a quality stainless steel blade that won’t lose its edge very easily and it weighs only 4.8oz. While it is a large sized knife with a total open length a little more then 8-1/2 inches long, it managed to keep the weight off by having its widest section be only 3/8 of an inch thick. With its thin profile, it carries very well and discreetly with the bayonet style pocket clip making it perfect for every day carry. At 3.8″ long, the blade is a big-bodied modified sheepsfoot and curves in such a way that as to put the blade and handle in a nice arch shape when open. The SOGzilla is also available with a serrated edge or straight edge, of which we received the straight edge for this review. We actually prefer this style better for its long term use because of how easy it is to resharpen the blade (over the serrated style). While the SOG GSP-21 SOGzilla is a design that might not be for everyone, we found that even given its large size, it makes for a good choice for an everyday carry.

Bosch FNA250-15 15 ga Angled Finish Nailer Review
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Bosch FNA250-15 Angled Finish Nailer Review

by Clint DeBoer

The FNA250-15 15-ga finish nailer from Bosch is quite possibly the most convenient and lightweight finish nailers we’ve used to-date. With conveniences like a trigger that can easily change modes without having to be replaced, to an adjustable drive depth that can be activated with your fingers, this tool is taking construction and finishing to a new level of simplicity. Its small size and lightweight frame makes it easy to maneuver into tight spots and get that last corner shot. We actually brought it along to a few job sites and interviewed several pros, letting them handle and use the Bosch FNA250-15 Finish Nailer for themselves. Reactions, while different, were all quite positive. Most shared similar comments about how the tool was easy to hold, had little girth, and could be adjusted at will. Though we never encountered any jams, the business end of the tool can be taken apart so easily that it was easy to see that any difficulties or problems could be dealt with quickly and conveniently.

Timberland PRO Helix Waterproof Safety Toe Work Boots Review
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Timberland PRO Helix Waterproof Safety Toe Work Boots Review

by Thomas Gaige

Not all work boots are created equal and the Timberland PRO Helix 6″ Waterproof Safety Toe Work Boot might just change the way some folks think of work shoes thanks to their lightweight performance and features. Not only is the leather treated for shedding water but there is an additional waterproof membrane that lines the entire inside of the boot to make sure your feet stay dry. The Helix 6″ Waterproof Safety Toe Work Boot is what Timberland is calling a hybrid work boot because it really combines the best of materials to make it lightweight and comfortable yet meet the safety and performance needs of today’s workmen. To start, the uppers are made of full-grain leather that is treated to be waterproof. Just to ensure that your toes stay dry, there is an additional waterproof membrane inside the boot that completely surrounds your foot. With a watertight boot, there is the potential that your feet might perspire some so they treated the inside Mesh lining with an Agion antimicrobial treatment.

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