Power Tool Reviews Archives

July 7, 2011 0

DeWalt DCD985L2 20V MAX Premium Hammer Drill Review

With almost 500 in-lbs of torque, a three-speed transmission, ratcheting chuck and a new level of ergonomics, the new DeWalt DCD985L2 20V MAX Lithium-ion Premium Hammer Drill kit is a must-have tool. This new five-pound drilling and driving machine can handle just about any fastener, drilling, and hammer drilling application you can think of. With the smart battery technology of the 20V MAX platform and the built-in electronics, you can be assured that your cordless DeWalt tools will last and preform better than the current 18V tools. We suspect that this drill will quickly become the tool of choice for many of the tradesmen and contractors that opt for the new 20V MAX lithium-ion battery platform.

June 24, 2011 0

DeWalt DCD740C1 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Compact Right Angle Drill Review

by Thomas Gaige

While not used everyday, the DeWalt DCD740C1 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Compact Right Angle Drill could prove to be a lifesaver for getting into super tight spaces thanks to its small head size. If you ever have to put in a screw or drill a hole in a place that is almost out of reach, then you know the value of a good right angle drill. The DeWalt looks like a good choice since it has a two-speed transmission, a compact head size and a more ergonomic handle which means better ease of use. Carpenters, cabinetmakers and installers, woodworkers, remodelers, electricians and plumbers will surly be the first in line to grab one of these once they start to show up in stores. The 20V MAX cordless tools combine smart tool and battery technology with the durability that many trade professionals have counted on for years.

DeWalt DCF885L2 Impact Driver Application

June 24, 2011 0

DeWalt DCF885L2 20V Impact Driver Review

by Thomas Gaige

With impact driver demand on the rise, the DeWalt DCF885L2 20V impact driver delivers the goods. This impact driver packs plenty of […]

June 24, 2011 0

DeWalt DCD780C2 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Compact Drill/Driver Review

by Thomas Gaige

The DeWalt DCD780C2 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Compact Drill/Driver shows off that bigger is not better by demonstrating that power, speed and features can be combined in a small package. This drill is ideally suited for anyone that has just about any kind of drilling and fastening requirements – within reason, that is. Equipped a 1/2″ ratcheting chuck, variable speed motor and a two speed transmission, you will have the flexibility you need to do many different drilling and driving tasks. Since it weighs in at a very manageable 3.4 pounds, even extended overhead work can be done with less fatigue.

June 14, 2011 0

Makita LXFD01 18V LXT Cordless 1/2″ Driver-Drill Kit Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Makita optimized their power-to-weight ratio with its new LXFD01 18V LXT Cordless 1/2″ Driver-Drill. This Li-ion powered drill is actually based on the company’s BDF452 18 volt Lithium-Ion driver-drill, except that they altered three things. They made it more powerful. Next, they cut off some weight. Lastly, they trimmed some off the length to make it shorter. How this worked out is that Makita was able to add 30 more in-lbs of torque, take off 0.2 pounds of weight, and reduce the length by 7/16 of an inch. Those numbers aren’t exactly stunning, but considering the popularity of its former tool, any improvement is going to be well-received by seasoned Makita users. 6WZV5TB6VEMN

June 14, 2011 0

Bosch GTS1031 10″ Jobsite Table Saw Review

by Clint DeBoer

We were impressed with the Bosch Axial Glide miter saw which revolutionized close-quarters cutting. Building on their solution-based approach to products, […]

June 13, 2011 0

Milwaukee 5263-21 5/8″ SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Preview

by Clint DeBoer

It’s the day of rotary hammers, as Milwaukee introduces a new 5/8″ SDS Plus Rotary Hammer in addition to an M18 model we covered previously and a 7/8″ rotary hammer drill that retails for just $199. With regard to the 5263-21 5/8″ model, Milwaukee claims it as the “lightest and most compact” rotary hammer in its class. The tool measures just 10.9″ long and looks like a corded version of the 2605-22 M18 Cordless 5/8″ Rotary Hammer Drill. But get this – it weighs only 4.6 lbs! This is a dream hammer for drilling overhead or when you happen to not have a lot of room to maneuver. Even with its compact form factor, however, this tool has a full 1.5 ft-lbs of impact energy and features an astoundingly fast 0-3700 RPM and 0-4400 bpm. With this kind of performance it’s going to be plenty powerful enough to drill the kind of holes required by professional electrticians, plumbers and other journeymen or professionals.

June 13, 2011 0

Milwaukee 5262-21 7/8″ SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Lightweight rotary hammers are fast becoming the new tool of choice among professionals who need to drop in some large anchors or drill through concrete or cinder block with a bit more performance than you get out of a cordless tool. Milwaukee has just revamped its rotary hammer platform with a new M18 Cordless rotary hammer, but their 5262-21 7/8″ SDS Plus Rotary Hammer is just the ticket when you’ve got enough work to warrant the extra power and versatility. At just 5.8 pounds, this D-handled tool is going to be able to be used overhead without causing your arms to fall off after the first 2 minutes of drilling. In fact, Milwaukee, in order to keep the price point where it is, opted out of active vibration reduction, relying instead on the low weight to help the user with any overhead work.