Bosch has combined the best of a cordless impact driver with the things you need with a cordless drill to bring you their new 3-Mode Impact Drill/Driver. This new tool has the look and feel of a regular impact driver, and even uses the same 1/4” hex chuck, but the ability to turn off impacting with the flick of a switch is what makes the tool special.

Most people do not want to have to carry around both an impact and a drill and if you are running large screws, an impact is the way to go. The problem is when it comes to drilling. Impacts do an OK job at drilling, but the impacting really slows down the process and can leave you with some ugly holes. Flick over to drill/driver mode and you are all set. The drill/driver mode will also allow you to install soft metal screws without breaking off the heads. An added bonus, because this is an Impact at heart, is the extra amount of RPM's you will get for drilling, 2,800 RPM vs 1,800 with a standard drill.

Bosch offers both a 14.4 model 26614-01 and an 18 Volt model 26618-01 that are comparable with existing Lithion cordless tools. Kits include two batteries, 30 minute charger, double ended Phillips bit, belt clip and carrying case. MSRP for the 18 volt kit is $369

14V – 18V Bosch Tools

A man can never have enough screwdrivers, at least I don't think so, but how often do you actually have one on yourself when you need it? The Screwpop is just what you need to solve your screwdriver-less woes as well as make you the life of the party. It features both a #2 Phillips and a #2 Flat head screwdriver as well as a 1/4 hex nut driver and a party popping bottle opener. At just under $5 bucks, the Screwpop would make a great stocking stuffer, but unfortunately for us the Screwpop is sold out until the new year. If the Screwpop is on your must have list, you can sign up on the Screwpop website to be notified when they become available.

Screwpop

How often do you find yourself working on a project only to find out that you do not have the correct screwdriver to complete your task. It is not that you need a specialty screwdriver, but the simple fact that you cannot find your #1 Phillips head.

If only you owned the Scruzol with its on-board storage of 12 bit tips. The Scruzol is by no means the first screwdriver with on-board storage, but it is the first I have seen that can be used in your hand and in your powered drill/driver. Another nifty feature of the Scruzol is the large magnet, that not only keeps your bits secure throughout all your projects, but also allows you to stick it to a metal surface such as the inside lid of your toolbox. Our Canadian friends to the north can find the Scruzol at Canadian Tire, which will include 12 bit tips: Flat 1/4 3/16, Hex M4 M5, Phillips 1 2 3, Square 1 2 3, Torx 25 30. I am sure it wont be long until we get a US dealer.

Scruzol

You might not have known it, but 2009 marks the 120th year Stabila has been in business. Stabila was founded by the Ullrich brothers in 1889 as the “Meter Factory” whose claim to fame was the invention of the folding rule. It is pretty amazing that Stabila has not only been around for over 100 years, but that they were able to survive through both World Wars. Then again, for all I know the wars could have helped more then hurt them.

When people think of Stabila, we automatically think of levels. But even though Stabila didn't start making levels until 1979 they chose to honor their 120 year old history with some limited edition Black Anniversary Levels. In fact, these Black levels are so limited I could only find one store online that sells them. If you are in the mood to celebrate with Stabila, you can pick up a Black Edition 24” 48” or 78”/32” Jamber Set for a little more then your normal yellow Stabila.

[:cicn:] Stabila Black Edition - Amazon