Tool Blog

There has been a lot of talk about track saws lately with both DeWalt and Makita coming out with versions to compete with Festool. A bigger selection of a tool is always good news, but with three major tool companies out with three great saws it makes things difficult when trying to make a choice. JLC has a nice review of the track saws from Festool (TS 55), DeWalt (DWS520), and Makita (SP600K). The article has some good information for anyone looking into getting one of these systems, and will hopefully make the...

DAP has come out with a brand new line of advanced sealents named DAP 3.0. This new line of sealents has a number of new features that should make the job of caulking much easier. DAP 3.0 features a new Kwik Dry technolgy that allows the caulking to come into contact with water after just 3 hours of drying. Now you can wait to fix that leaky roof untill just a few hours before the storm. It can also be applied in temprature ranges between 35°F to 140°F. Unlike silicone DAP 3.0 can be painted with both latex and...

Ever find that you just cant seem to hold on to your wooden handled tools. Or maybe you can but you just want more comfort. The Air-Grip is a cold-shrink grip that you can apply to any of your tools handles between 3/4" and 1-7/8". The Air-Grip also features a tacky grip that will keep your tools in your hands even in wet or humid conditions. Simply slip your handle into the tube, unravel the plastic endoskeleton and the Air-Grip wrap tightens itself around the handle. Useful for shovels, rakes, axes, and many more tools....

Pelican makes ultra tough cases as well as ultra tough flashlights, now Pelican has cool ultra tough Remote Area Lighting Systems, or RALS for short. The 9450B Remote Area Lighting System combines our tough 1510 Case with 16 x 1 watt LEDs mounted in an aluminum heat sink. All items are stored inside the case and assemble in minutes. The aluminum pole extends to a height of 83" to provide 1280 lumens of light for any area. The rechargeable battery has 9 hours of life at maximum output tailing off to low light level at...

I recently had an opportunity to test out the Stout X-Band Saw and Cutting Station. Let me start out by say that the X-Band Saw is like no other saw on the market. How so? Well, you have the ability to use the saw as both a portable hand held band saw, and a small band saw station when using the available Cutting Station accessory. When you first pull the X-Band out of its case you realize how small it is. Hopefully the photo of the X-Band in hand can give you an idea of its size....

Using my keen reporting skills I have come across some interesting news. It looks like Dremel is toying with the idea of making a cordless 12 volt version of their Multi-Max Oscillating Tool. It would be compatible with all of the current Dremel Multi-Max accessories, and run at 10,000 to 21,000 OPM with a variable speed motor. Right now the kit looks to include a one hour charger, a hard case, and 8 assorted accessories at around $140. So the question is... will this tool ever make it to market. Dremel Multi-Max...

Makita has added a new 3/8" crown stapler to its 18 volt LXT Lithium-Ion line. The new BST221 was designed for a wide rage of tasks, including furniture, upholstery, roofing, wrap, etc. The BST221 can drive 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 3/4", and 7/8" length staples (3/8" crown); and will also utilize Arrow® T50 type staples. Makita also says the stapler has enough power to drive staples flush into hardwoods like oak, maple, and cherry. It weighs in at 5.1 pounds at just 9-7/8" long, and is available as a Kit (BST221) with 2 batteries,...

Click to enlarge{yoogallery src=[/images/stories/yoogallery/makita_2705/]} Press Release - MARCH 25, 2009 La Mirada, CA - Makita U.S.A., Inc., manufacturer of high quality industrial power tools and accessories, is proud to announce the release of its new 10" Contractor Table Saw, model 2705. The new table saw is also available with a portable table saw stand (model 2705X1). The new saw combines a range of convenience and ease-of-use features with large capacity "The new tool-less blade guard system is easy to adjust and remove," said Joe Soto, product manager - pneumatics and residential...

I dont know if this is a good thing or a bad thing but I have signed up for twitter. For some reason I have not been one to get all crazy about social websites, but I guess it is time to get on the bandwagon just like everyone else. Be sure to check me out if you are on twitter, and sign up if you are not. The address is not hard to remember https://twitter.com/ToolRank

When it comes to storage cases that can handle the worst types of abuse, Pelican is the first name that comes to my mind. Used by everyone from the military to movie production crews, even small businesses and home users. I use a Pelican case to store my camera gear at home, because I know it will be safe from just about any natural or unnatural disaster it may encounter. Pelican has a cool new mobile tool chest, the 0450. If your job requires you to take your tools on the go,...