It is not everyday that a webshow comes along that is actually entertaining, heck, it is hard enough coming across a real TV show that can capture us for a half hour. Backyard Games, on the other hand is so entertaining that I wanted more then what the 8 minute webshow gave me. As the name suggests, Backyard Games is indeed a game show, and it pits two real guys against each other with challenges using backyard Husqvarna tools. The challenges are put together in a fun manner, and the hosts do a good job of poking fun at everything.

Backyard Games is a fun way for Husqvarna to get brand recognition, and I can't wait for the next episode which comes out tomorrow.

I have been battling with the idea of purchasing a few Systainers so that I can use them with a hand truck to get my tools on and off the jobsite easier for a few years now, but the pricing always kept me away. Then out came the L-Boxx from Sortimo, and it popped into my mind as a possible solution. The L-Boxx then became the front runner when Bosch made them more readily available here in the States. However, now it looks like DeWalt's Tough System is the ideal storage/transport system for my needs.

The Tough System is similar to the Systainer system in the fact that both systems offer stack-ability, but to me the Tough Systems takes the lead with its great L-cart (hand-truck) integration. With the DWST08201 L-cart the three different size Tough System boxes don't just rest on the tongue, but they can actually float above the tongue by using brackets on the L-cart. This brackets will not only prevent you from accidentally dumping your boxes, but it also allows users to use the the L-cart to move jobsite materials and transport your tools at the same time. Imagine having your air compressor on the tongue, then a Tough System box above it housing your nail guns and hoses. The L-Cart can handle materials up to 260 Lbs, so you can really load it up. Most importantly the L-cart has the ability to lock all of the boxes to the cart with a single lock.

The Tough System boxes also offer a few great features that set them apart from their competition. The first is a water seal in the lid that protects you tools from the outside elements. This means you can keep the boxes in the back of your truck during a flood and not have to worry about messing up your electronics. The boxes themselves are also lockable, something the other brands are missing. Each one of the three boxes also offer something different. The Smallest DWST08201 offers a briefcase style handle which makes it perfect for hand tool storage. The midsized DWST08203 comes with a deep removable tray which is designed to fit a cordless tool, battery, and charger. The large DWST08204 provides removable vertical storage for easy access and organization.

The Toughtsystem boxes are priced a bit less then the Systainer or the L-Boxx, but the line is still covered by a limited lifetime warranty. The line will be available beginning in July 2011 and will cost $45 for the DWST08201, $55 for the 203, $65 for the 204, and $160 for the 210 L-cart.

I found a video made for DeWalt UK that better shows what the Tough System can do. Be aware that the UK version might have some differences.

Good news boys and girls, Delta has their new website up and running, and it looks great. The website is easy to navigate, the colors work well together, and there are a bunch of little delta symbols everywhere just in case you forgot where you were. Be sure to check it out and show your support for the newly owned company.

Delta Power Equipment

I predicted DeWalt would be announcing their 20 Volt line of tools in June, and here we are, I was right, and I am still not a fan of calling 18V tools 20V Max, but this is a battle I cannot win.

I always say that if you are going to buy a cordless tool, you are really buying into the whole manufacturers cordless system. Once you own one tool from a manufacturer you are more likely to stick with the same battery and charger, so you buy other tools. So when a manufacturers comes out with a new line of tools, it is always best to come out with a whole lot of tools for the same system. Thankfully for us, DeWalt is on the same page; their new line of 20V Max tools launched with a total of 11 new tools, which includes a compact drill/driver (DCD780C2), premium drill/driver (DCD980L2), two impact drivers (DCF885C2 and DCF885L2), compact hammer drill (DCD785C2), premium hammer drill (DCD985L2), reciprocating saw (DCS380L1), circular saw (DCS391L1), SDS rotary hammer (DCH213L2), right angle drill (DCD740C1) and work light (DCL040).

The new 20V Max line uses a slide style battery that is similar to the other 18V lithium-ion batteries on the market today, and similar to the DeWalt 12 Max batteries. In fact, the new charger for the 20V Max batteries can also charge the 12V Max batteries; this is a huge advantage that DeWalt has versus their competition. The 20VM tools can use either a compact 1.5Ah battery or the the regular 3.0Ah battery, and kits will be sold that offer both.

The tools in the 20VM system have been designed from the ground up and offer the same ergonomic features that DeWalt implemented in their 12VM line. The most notable changes are to the grip area and weight distribution. The 20VM system also has some great electronic features that helps to maintain consistent power throughout tool use, maximize battery life, and prevent overheating.

There is so much information on all of these new tools, that I have not even had a chance to go through it all. So in an effort to speed thigs up, I have posted the press releases for on the next pages. Happy reading.