Rockwell RK2611K2 16V Max Impact Driver Preview
When we saw the new”Max” designation for Rockwell’s latest 16V line, we knew the drill (yes, pun intended). The DeWalt […]
Milwaukee M4 Screwdriver 2101-22 Preview
Milwaukee is apparently committed to developing a whole new line of 4V cordless tools that use the company’s brand new […]
Makita HRH01ZX2 18V X2 1-inch Rotary Hammer Preview
In a sense, the system reminds us of the battery belt pack we reviewed some time ago. The idea is […]
Panasonic EY75A1LS2G Cordless Impact Driver Kit Preview
Panasonic released some new tools this week, in particular a new 1/4″ Impact Driver that works with the company’s new 14.4V and 18V batteries. Both batteries also now come in 4.2Ah capacities, which begs the question: Are these tools going to win the award for longest run-time over all other Impact Drivers on the market? We think they just might, though as we’ve found in recent testing, run-time and torque are two completely different aspects of a tool and high accomplishments in one area do not necessarily yield the top results in the other. Still, the new EY75A1LS2G 1/4″ Hex Cordless Impact Driver Kit has a versatility about it that is new to the market. While many tool manufacturers have dropped down to more compact 12V products, Panasonic has lagged in this area, which perhaps explains the movement towards accepting dual voltage on their newest tools.
Makita LXDT08 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver Review
I was challenged by a recent project that involved re-roofing a jewelry store. Now, I can’t say specifically what was […]
Makita LXPH03 18V Cordless 1/2″ Hammer Drill-Driver Preview
Makita formally announced its newest 18V hammer drill this week, the LXT-powered LXPH03 1/2″ Hammer Driver-Drill. The new LXPH03 puts out 750 in.lbs. of (max) torque, but it’s more compact and lightweight than the previous model. The new LXPH03 is also engineered for increased resistance to water and dust, though we don’t see an IP certification on the tool as of yet. On this new hammer drill, Makita used a proprietary 4-pole motor to up the torque and speed. The new driver/drill puts out up to 30,000 BPM and 2,000 RPM. The new all-metal planetary gear system is more efficient so the LXPH03 ends up being more compact as well. In fact, it measures just 8-7/8†long and weighs 5.1 lbs. with the battery.
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.
Makita LXRH011 Brushless 1-inch SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer
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.
DeWalt DCH213L2 20V Max SDS Rotary Hammer Review
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.
Black & Decker MATRIX Quick Connect System Preview
In an effort to make their tools more adaptable to the different needs of consumers, Black & Decker launched its new MATRIX Quick Connect System tool. While this isn’t something we think we’ll be seeing on the jobsite anytime soon, it’s good to pay attention since Black & Decker, Porter-Cable and DeWalt are so closely interconnected through Stanley Black & Decker. So what is the MATRIX? (sorry, I couldn’t resist) It’s a new type of modular tool system that goes even farther than similar systems like Festool’s TI system with its FastFix Interchangeable Chucks.