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impact driver

Black & Decker MATRIX Quick Connect System Preview
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Black & Decker MATRIX Quick Connect System Preview

by Clint DeBoer

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.

Makita LXDT04 18V LXT Cordless Impact Driver Preview
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Makita LXDT04 18V LXT Cordless Impact Driver Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Makita’s new LXDT04 Cordless Impact Driver uses the company’s variable speed 4-pole motor to deliver 1,420 in. lbs. of maximum torque. It does it with 0-3,200 impacts per minute and up to 2,300 RPMs. We love impact drivers, and Makita’s new model seems suited for a variety of tough-as-nails (or, as is the case, tough as lag bolts) fastening tasks. Since the LXDT04 only weighs 3.3 lbs, it’s also got an excellent power-to-weight ratio and measures just 5-7/16″ long – smaller and lighter than the BTD141 18V Impact Driver that it replaces.

Kobalt 18V Li-ion 4-tool Combo Kit Review
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Kobalt 18V Li-ion 4-tool Combo Kit Review

by Clint DeBoer

When Kobalt Tools gets into the power tool business, it’s going to draw attention. This for a variety of reasons, but the most obvious is because Lowe’s already has some excellent value tools already within its walls (Porter-Cable comes to mind). On top of that, Kobalt is billing its new tools as being “tougher than dinner with your mother-in-law”. Now, I like my mother-in-law, so I probably would have went with “tougher than dinner with your soon-to-be-fiance’s father”, but you get the implication. By setting the bar high – and making “toughness” the primary focus, Kobalt’s new line of Lithium-ion power tools were something we really were looking forward to getting our hands on. Of course, the press event was scheduled and held at an art museum… so I guess what Lowe’s is communicating to the tool world is that their new power tools are tough AND pretty. In either case, just what can you expect from the new tools? Lots, if our hands-on experience with them has anything to do with it.

Makita 18V LXDT01 Brushless Motor Impact Driver Kit Preview
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Makita LXDT01 18V Brushless Impact Driver Kit Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Makita has just released its newest 18V LXT product, the Lithium-Ion Cordless 3-Speed Brushless Motor Impact Driver. That’s a mouthful, but the name is also incredible informative. First off, you know it’s a Makita, so it’s built by pros, for pros. On top of that, it utilizes a brushless motor – and that really brings the level of build quality and power capability to a new level. Brushless motor technology has proven to provide a ton more usable torque in tools like hammer drills and impact drivers and wrenches. While brushless technology isn’t new, even for Makita, the company’s new LXDT01 impact driver is built to be both powerful and efficient. So efficient, in fact, that it gets up to 20% longer battery life per charge.

Rockwell RK1001K2 12V Drill & Impact Driver Combo Kit Review
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Rockwell RK1001K2 12V Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit Review

by Thomas Gaige

In our testing and review of the Rockwell RK1001K2 12V Drill & Impact Driver Combo Kit, we found it to offer a good combination of both value and performance. With a myriad of different manufacturers coming out with 12V lithium-ion powered cordless tools it can be hard to determine what ones are the best to pick. If you are on the market for a 12V lithium-ion combo set, we think that the Rockwell RK1001K2 Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit is worth a look. These tools offer performance that is comparable to many leading brands and, as a bonus, they come with a full three year warranty and a program where they offer free replacement batteries for life if you register your tools.

Makita LCT307W 12V Cordless Combo Kit Review
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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.

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