Tool Reviews Archives

October 22, 2010 0

Ridgid micro CD-100 Combustible Gas Detector Preview

The Ridgid micro CD-100 Combustible Gas Detector provides simple and quick readings to identify the presence of combustible gases. The micro CD-100 is designed to detect Methane, Propane, Butane, Ethanol, Ammonia, Hydrogen and many other combustible gases. With adjustable sensitivity, even low-levels of gases can be detected in seconds. The Ridgid micro CD-100 Gas Detector is the tool for ensuring proper gas line installations, checking for maintenance and repair needs or quickly pinpoint combustible gas leaks.

October 22, 2010 0

Ridgid micro LM-100 Laser Distance Meter Preview

by Clint DeBoer

The Ridgid micro LM-100 Laser Distance Meter provides simple, quick and accurate distance readings. Simply push the measurement button to turn on the Ultra-Sharp Class II lasers, point the device at at the spot to be measured to, and push the measurement button. The distance reading will appear on the easy to read LCD display. We’ve reviewed several other laser distance measures, and Ridgid’s version of this rugged, compact, portable instrument enables professional tradesman to quickly determine run distances in a variety of scenarios.

October 18, 2010 0

Kerry-All 4′ x 8′ Plywood Pouch Review

by Thomas Gaige

Have you ever showed up at your local building supply store, loaded up our truck with materials only to have it start to rain as you were driving home? Since most of us don’t have vehicles or trailers to be able to transport larger size materials without them being exposed to the elements, how do you get them home with no damage? That’s easy with the line of Kerry-All Pouches from Kerry Woodworking. These pouches come in many sizes that allow you to slip in your materials to keep the weather off of them for easy transport with any vehicle or trailer.

October 18, 2010 0

Makita GA4534 4-1/2″ Paddle Switch Angle Grinder Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Makita announced the new GA4534, engineered with non-protruding brush holders and an innovative motor housing that reduce the barrel diameter to a scant 2-3/16″. In addition, the GA4534 has an ergonomic grip for added comfort, and weighs only 4.2 lbs. for reduced operator fatigue. The side handle is positioned at an increased 20-degree angle for added comfort and control, and the paddle switch has a no lock-on mode for added user preference.

October 13, 2010 0

Milwaukee M12 Palm Nailer Kit 2458-21 Preview

by Clint DeBoer

It didn’t take long for us to be amazed at the power and efficiency of Milwaukee’s new M12 Palm Nailer when we saw it at the company’s 2010 Press Event. The tool is literally a 12V lithium-ion powered palm nailer that can drive 12D and 16D nails into 2×4 studs flush without any problems – we know because we demoed it and were just as surprised as anyone reading this article. The M12 Palm Nailer provides a portable solution to professional nailing applications without the hassle of an air compressor or hose. It also makes a joke out of those cordless 12V autohammers made by Craftsman and Ryobi. For whatever reason, this palm nailer hits hard, while those other tools come off feeling like they couldn’t do more than hang a picture with a finish nail.

October 12, 2010 0

Amprobe Electrical Test and Measurement Tools Now at Lowes

by Clint DeBoer

Electrical test and measurement tools from Amprobe, a leading brands of tools for professional electricians, contractors and facility maintenance technicians, […]

Little Giant SumoStance 16-foot Ladder Preview

October 12, 2010 0

Little Giant SumoStance Ladder Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Little Giant Ladder Systems just announced a new SumoStance extension ladder, a wide-stance extension ladder which they showed off at the National Safety Congress and Expo in San Diego, California last week. The SumoStance triples the base width of ordinary extension ladders and increases side-tip stability by over 500%, resulting in a new category of extension ladders that work on nearly any uneven surface.

October 11, 2010 0

Skil Octo Sander 7302 Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Skil Power Tools recently launched its new 7302 Octo Multi-Finishing Sander. The novel thing about this particular sander is the presence and inclusion of eight assorted attachments. The options make it uniquely suited to sand hard-to-reach areas and multi-task by hitting multiple surfaces at once, or more effectively sanding particular, or hard-to-reach places. Skil also added something it calls Pressure Control Technology to the 7302. The technology involves a series of pressure control lights that indicate when the user is pressing too hard, too light or just right. It’s a neat idea that is meant to help keep scars and marks off the wood and ensures optimal surface smoothness.

Bosch Straight Shank Rebar Cutters Preview

October 7, 2010 0

Bosch Rebar Cutters for SDS-Max and SDS-Plus

by Clint DeBoer

We got a chance to actually use the new Bosch Straight Shank Rebar Cutter while at the 2010 Bosch Press […]

October 5, 2010 0

Black & Decker CHV1510 15.6V Cordless Dustbuster Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Black & Decker launched a redesigned line of one of its most well-known products, the DustBuster. It was over 30 years ago when Black & Decker debuted the original cordless hand vac that has now become ubiquitous to homeowners across America. The redesigned Dustbuster line promises to be just as popular with five models in sizes, features and colors to fit every lifestyle. The one we’re looking at today is the 15.6V CHV1510 Cordless Hand Vac (CHV).