What happens if the power goes out while you are using a power tool? You probably set the tool down and head over to the power box to see what the problem is. You find that the breaker has been tripped so you reset it. There is one problem though, you forgot to turn off the tool you were using when the power went out. The tool powers on and cut into the project you have been working on for a week.

The scenario above is just one example of what could happen, with injury being the worst. We would never have this problem if our brains worked at 100%, but sadly science has yet to discovery the secret to unlocking our brains. The next option is to use the SafetyGate. Its design and function are simple enough, yet so very handy and useful. If the power goes out, the SafetyGate prevents power from reaching and turning on your tool. To get the tool working again all you have to do is turn off the tool, then turn it back on again.

The SafetyGate costs around $25. They have versions for both consumers and professionals.

[:cicn:] SafetyGate via FineWoodworking

Tis the season for giveaways? It sure looks like it. Just about everywhere you look you can find a giveaway of some kind on any one of the tool blogs. If you are not participating, you are missing out out some great toys.

Festool is also one taking part in the giving spree by giving away a Festool RO 125 Sander + CT 26 Dust Extractor, valued at $920.00. All you have to do to enter is to follow the link below that takes you to a simple name & email address entry form. Filling out the form will give you one entry into the giveaway. If you want an extra entry, you can fill out the second page which asks for your mailing address and a few basic questions. The giveaway expires on April 30, 2011

Festool Giveaway

Ultra compact drills are on everyone's wish list and Festool now has their fans covered with their very own 10.8-volt. Their new CXS drill has a special design that is said to offer better ergonomics and more comfort. Most other ultra compact drills use a battery-in-handle design because there is really no other place to put the battery. Festool chose to go with a D-handle design similar to their other drills, and moved the battery to the bottom of the drill. This allowed Festool to design the handle around comfort instead of the battery, and it also gave the tool better balance. Anther feature setting the Festool above the rest is its interchangeable chuck system. Torn between a hex chuck drill and a keyless chuck drill? The Festool CXS gives you both in one tool. The CXS battery is capable of driving over 200 screws on a single charge and can be fully recharged in under 45 minutes.

The CXS starts at $225 which includes 2 batteries, a charger, the drill, and both chucks. For $275 you get everything in the first kit plus a right angle chuck. Both kits also come with a Systainer T-Loc storage box. The CXS will launch on June 1st 2011

Festool CXS

When Black & Decker merged with Stanley we knew there would be some changes, but we had no idea Stanley, which is known for their hand tools, would be all but replaced by first Bostitch, and now DeWalt. But in fact the news is true; the DeWalt name will soon be found on a number of hand tools. DeWalt and hand tools just seems odd to me, but I am sure B&D has a plan. I guess it would help DeWalt if their yellow tools out numbered the other tools in one's tool bag; after all, we often buy the same tools our coworkers own.

DeWalt will be offering over 100 products in their hand tool line, so it is probably safe to say that many of them will be the same or very similar to what Stanley was offering. But they do have some new goodies as well, including a 15 Ounce Framing Hammer DWHT51138 ($59.99) , a 1.25 inch, 25 Foot Short Tape DWHT33385 $24.99, a Power Tool Case with Tote DWST24070 $25.00, a Folding Retractable Utility Knife DWHT10035 ($9.99) and multiple Heavy-Duty Adjustable Wrenches ($10.99 – $34.99). You will start seeing these tools in stores starting in June.

If you are hungry for more details, check out the press release after the Read More.