It seems like more and more manufacturers are offering up longer warranties for their tools, and this is a move that I welcome. Duo-Fast is the latest to improve upon their warranty by giving their NEW 200-S and 200-C flooring staplers and nailers a 10-year warranty on all durable parts, and a 1-year warranty on parts that wear. Check the press release below for more details on the new warranties and the tools themselves.

I thought I would share with you some of the tools that I think are so great that they deserve to be placed on a separate list for extra recognition. These tools have become my personal favorites, and some I even use daily on the job. Not all of these tools have come out with a perfect score, but they are all great tools that fill a gap or solve a problem. Some tools might not even make the list until months down the road, until I have discovered or realized their greatness, and others I will know right away.

Each one of these special tools will get a cool little badge so that you can easily recognize their greatness, and next to the badge will be a little description explaining why they made the list. Getting on the list will not be easy, and as of now I can only recognize 5 tools.

Be sure to click on the links to see why I have chosen these tools. To see the list at any time you can use the ToolRank Pick link from the Categories column on the right.

• Bosch Axial-Glide Miter Saw
• Staedtler 771 Mechanical Pencil
• Porter-Cable 12-Volt ClampSaw
• LockJaw Clamp (now C.H. Hanson) 11-Inch Clamp
• Spring Tools 1/32 – 1/16-Inch Nail Set

*I have a few more in my head that may or may not make the list.

Note to manufacturers: Don't even bother asking to get your tools on this list. I pick what I like based on my own experiences using the tools. If you even want a chance, you have to make a really really great tool, something unique, or something that solves an everyday problem. Even then there is no guarantee.

One of the most requested tools I see talked about online is the cordless miter saw, and when Makita announced their first 36V lithium-ion tool I always expected them to come out with a 36V miter saw. Well I guess that for now I am still left waiting because Makita chose to go with 18V to power their new LXSL01 cordless miter saw. Though I can't say that I am disappointed with their decision, because their 18V line is super popular and already having 18V batteries will be a plus, if not a must.

A cordless miter saw would be used for much smaller duties given the power restrictions that go along with being cordless, so it is fitting that Makita chose to make this saw only 7-1/2". The LXSL01 is small, but it is still a dual-bevel sliding compound miter saw, so it still has a pretty good cutting capacity. The LXSL01 is powered by a Makita-built motor that delivers 2,200 RPM's driven by a direct-drive gear box. Additionally the saw features an electric brake to maximize productivity as well as safety.

The LXSL01 is a kit that includes the saw, 2 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries, 30 minute charger, 7-1/2" 40T saw blade, dust bag, socket wrench, triangular ruler, vertical vice, and 2 extension wings. The saw can be purchased as "Tool Only" as Model LXSL01Z. No word on pricing.

Makita

We didn't make it to the National Hardware Show, but the good thing about the tool blogging community is that we all share with each other. Lucky for us, and you, Homefixated and Tools In Action were both on hand to cover the latest tools to be announced and they have some of their greatest finds on their respective websites. For those of you that prefer the visuals, TIA has you covered with a bunch of videos. Those of you who prefer the written word with a bit of wit, Homfixated is your place. Just love tools? Visit both sites.

To wet your appetite, below is Tools In Action with the second generation line of Craftsman NEXTEC cordless tools.

Homefixated
Tools In Action