Power Tool Reviews Archives

May 31, 2011 0

Milwaukee 2460-21 M12 Cordless Lithium-Ion Rotary Tool Review

With only a few manufactures offering cordless rotary tools, the Milwaukee 2460-21 M12 Cordless Lithium-Ion Rotary Tool is a welcomed addition, especially if you have other M12 tools and batteries. The specifications of this new rotary tool are right in line, if not better than, some of the other offerings on the market. Combine this with the well-proven M12 RedLithium batteries and you will have a tool that can be used for your weekend hobbies as well as on the job site. The Milwaukee Rotary Tool comes with a standard 1/8″ collet which will make it easy to use with the plethora of bits and blades that are widely available.

May 18, 2011 0

Makita 12V Impact Driver WT01W Preview

by Clint DeBoer

A sneak peek of Makita 12V Impact Driver WT01W. Please see our full review of the Makita LCT307W Cordless Lithium-ion Combo […]

May 10, 2011 0

Panasonic EY7450LR2S 18V Li-ion Drill Driver Kit Preview

by Clint DeBoer

We got a sneak preview of Panasonic’s new IEC-rated EY7450LR2S 18V cordless drill driver at this year’s IBS Show in Vegas and were impressed by the company’s tough talk. Today, Panasonic announced the introduction of four of its new 18V Li-Ion cordless power tools. The new tools will be part of the company’s Tough IP line of professional-grade products. All feature IEC (International Electro Technical Commission) rated dust and water resistant technology and will be available this month. The four introduced models (which seem to be debuting overseas before they hit the US market) include a 1/2″ drill and driver kit, an impact wrench kit, an impact driver kit and a hammer drill/driver kit. All of the new 18V cordless models can be charged for use in 50 minutes with a full charge at 65 minutes, and feature Panasonic’s high capacity 3.3Ah Li-ion battery, LED work light, belt hook, and molded case.

May 10, 2011 0

Panasonic EY7950LR2S 18V Li-ion Hammer Drill Kit Preview

by Clint DeBoer

We got an advanced look at the new Panasonic IEC-rated EY7950LR2S 18V cordless hammer drill at this year’s IBS Show in Vegas and were impressed by the company’s tough talk. Today, Panasonic announced the introduction of four of its new 18V Li-Ion cordless power tools. The new tools will be part of the company’s Tough IP line of professional-grade products. All feature IEC (International Electro Technical Commission) rated dust and water resistant technology and will be available this month. The four introduced models (which seem to be debuting overseas before they hit the US market) include a 1/2″ drill and driver kit, an impact wrench kit, an impact driver kit and a hammer drill/driver kit. All of the new 18V cordless models can be charged for use in 50 minutes with a full charge at 65 minutes, and feature Panasonic’s high capacity 3.3Ah Li-ion battery, LED work light, belt hook, and molded case.

April 29, 2011 0

Makita LCT307W 12V Cordless Combo Kit Review

by Clint DeBoer

The Makita LCT307W 12V Cordless Combo Kit contains some very light and compact tools. Compared with typical competing portable drills, the included FD01W measures only 6 inches from hex chuck to back – and the DT01W Impact Driver is nearly the same. This really makes these Makita tools much more accessible to tight spaces. On both tools, the built-in LED light illuminates with just a touch of the trigger and proved to be very bright and helpful. Under our test conditions where we intentionally worked in tight (and thus dark) quarters, both the Makita Driver-Drill and Impact Driver were great tools.

April 26, 2011 0

DeWalt DW745 Table Saw Preview

by Clint DeBoer

We love table saws, and lawsuits notwithstanding, we like some of the new products that are finally starting to hit the market. We got our hands on the DeWalt DW745 – the company’s handy new 10-Inch Job site Table Saw. It comes with a new Site-Pro Modular Guarding System that adjusts the saw quickly for a variety of cuts. It really makes the job all that much more quick, with accurate cuts that don’t take long to set up. The saw is both portable and powerful. The motor pumps through 15 amps and it has a large 16″ rip capacity. This tool includes a split blade guard, adjustable miter gauge, and even a push stick – all of which secure to the side of the tool itself for easy portability. Also included is a 10-inch, 24-tooth carbide blade, which will get you started, but as we’ve found with most DeWalt blades – should be replaced as soon as possible. Regardless of what blade you put on it, it will spin up at 3,850 rpm (no-load) and should be quick enough to take all that 15-amp power and chew through even the hardest hardwood or pressure-treated lumber.

April 20, 2011 0

Skil Oscillating Multi-Tasker Tool Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Can anything good come out of Walmart? Skil seems to think so. Beginning in May they will release their new corded oscillating multi-tool, dubbed the Oscillating Multi-Tasker 1400-02. It’s a 2-amp tool that works with the new Bosch OIS line of accessories. The SKIL Power Tools 1400-02 Oscillating Multi-Tasker comes as part of an 11-piece multi-tool kit that is meant to be a go-to or catch-all tool for home improvement professionals as well as the casual user or do-it-yourselfer. All-in-all, Skil has positioned the tool at a price point and in a configuration that makes it very palatable and desirable for those who still haven’t jumped into the multi-tool revolution. If you haven’t yet used an oscillating multi-tool, this product may just sell you on its benefits.

April 19, 2011 0

Milwaukee 2458-21 M12 Cordless Palm Nailer Review

by Thomas Gaige

The Milwaukee 2458-21 M12 Cordless Palm Nailer is one of those types of tools that you probably won’t use every day, but it could prove to be a real asset when the occasion arises. We got a glimpse of this nailer at the 2010 Milwaukee Media Event where we were able to try out a few pre-production models – and they did prove very promising. We were slightly surprised that they were able to drive 16d common nails flush into 2×4 studs all day long. Finally a cordless, hand-held nailer that really drove nails. Up to now, the few battery powered nailers that we have seen, also known as auto hammers, have been more like gadgets than real working gear. The idea of being able to leave the air compressor, air hose, drop cords and nailers in the work trailer is rather compelling. Given its fairly compact size, you can drive nails in those difficult tight spots where you normally might not be able to fit a full size nailer or swing a hammer. To make it even better there is a LED work light built in that should make it easier to see what you are doing in a dim or dark work area.

April 18, 2011 0

Porter-Cable PC85TRSOK Tiger Saw Review

by Matthias Gaige

The Porter-Cable PC85TRSOK 8.5Amp Orbital Reciprocating Tiger Saw comes ready to cut or rip through just about anything thanks to its ability to switch from reciprocating to full orbital action. Many tradesman might remember the original Tiger-Saw and know that it was a tool to be reckoned with. The big question for us now is if this new lightweight model can live up to its predecessors. Things like an adjustable shoe and a powerful motor are a good start for sure. At first glance this tool seems to be a great bargain because it is high on features and low on price, but before we can recommend this new breed of Tiger Saw we have to spend a little quality time with it just to see how tamed (or rather untamed) it is.

Porter-Cable 450PK 1.25 HP Compact Router Combo Kit

April 12, 2011 0

Porter-Cable 450PK Compact Router Combo Kit Review

by Thomas Gaige

The Porter Cable 450PK 1.25 HP Compact Router Combo Kit brings a breath of fresh air to the compact router market with plenty of power, quality features and woodworking versatility built in. We were impressed that this pint sized router packs a punch and does a fantastic job at a wide variety of router tasks. Combined with an all machined aluminum body, aluminum fixed and plunge bases, and a very positive depth of adjustment system; we found that a high level of precision can be attained. Thanks to its lightweight construction, and compact size, many trimming, edge round-over and chamfer type cuts can be made with ease and control that can be more difficult to do with a full sized tool. Sure there are instances when a larger sized router is needed but we would bank on the fact that most casual woodworkers and even professionals would benefit from the compact size of this router. We find it pretty easy to recommend the Porter Cable 450PK 1.25 HP Compact Router Combo Kit to anyone.