Switch Lighting 3-Way LED Bulbs
Switch Lighting is one of the companies that’s been heading up the LED bulb revolution. While it may have been […]
Porter-Cable PCE201 4.3-amp Impact Driver Preview
Porter-Cable is addressing the problem of needing the power of a cordless impact drivers, but for extended-use applications. They launched the 1/4-inch Hex 4.3-Amp PCE201 specifically to give tradesmen an option in the workplace. This impact driver is designed for deck builders, steel roofing installers and other tradesmen who complete numerous fastening applications in challenging workplaces (but who have easy access to power).
Bosch GSL 2 Surface Laser Review
Bosch released a new tool this summer – one that wasn’t merely an improvement on an old idea or a tweak to some existing designs. It was revolutionary and it grabbed our attention. The GSL 2 Surface Laser is a new type of laser leveling device that uses dual angled self-leveling lasers to mark both peaks and valleys on floors, be they concrete or any other material. No, for concrete guys this is going to be a no-brainer purchase. We’ve used it and the tool is clearly going to appeal to anyone who has to deal with this common issue on a regular basis. In a sense I’m giving away our conclusion up front, but let’s explore the tool and see how it works and what exactly it does. By the end, whether you lay wood flooring, vinyl, tile or are a concrete guy, this a product you’ll want to pick up in order to save time and money.
OrkinTherm Blow-in Insulation with Pest Control – Genius!
Living in Florida, one of the termite capitals of the world, it gets old having to tent your home against […]
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.
Can Tin Anodes Make for Better Lithium-ion Batteries?
We keep following the news on Lithium-ion because, well, it’s an evolving technology. The thing with Li-ion batteries is that […]
Leviton SmartlockPro Slim Self-Testing GFCI
One of the most commonly frustrating things is the amount of room a standard GFCI takes up in a receptacle […]
Metabo MAG 28 LTX Cordless Magnetic Drill Press Preview
Lately, Metabo seems to be coming up with some pretty impressive products. Earlier this year they announced a 4.0 Ah Li-ion battery pack and now the portable electric power tool manufacturer has introduced the world’s first cordless magnetic drill press. Metabo is known for producing tools that are particularly suited for industrial, construction and welding applications and the new MAG 28 LTX fits right in. The new magnetic drill press uses a 25.2 V (others might call this a 24V) Li-ion battery to power the tool. For anchoring the drill to the surface, the tool uses a powerful rare earth magnet which requires no energy from the battery. This makes the mag drill suitable for use in remote and previously inaccessible environments.
USB Outlet Review – Newer Tech Power2U
It seems like every portable consumer device needs a USB power supply these days. So how does the rampant availability and use of iPads, smart phones, and Kindles affect how we build homes? Since it’s very likely that your own office, your kitchen – possibly even your bedroom – is littered with a myriad of power adapters, accommodating this new trend is something that would be convenient to you, and certainly beneficial to your clients. Newer Technology’s Power2U is an innovative device that combines two USB charging ports with a standard electrical outlet or receptacle. That means you eliminate those bulky power adapters and can, instead, plug in a USB cable directly to the outlet’s accessory ports. And the 2A (2000mA) rating means that it delivers enough power to charge even high-current devices like the new iPad.