Tool Blog

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...

Today DeWalt announced the brand new DWS780 12-inch sliding compound miter saw. The saw does look very similar to the older DW718 miters saw, and if you compare the two carefully you will notice that some parts are mirrored. I have had a few days of use with the older model saw, but it was years ago and I hardly remember if it had any design flaws. Because the saws are so similar looking, there were probably only minor changes made to the saw, but having not used the new DWS780 it is impossible to say...

I wondered how long it would be until Bosch came out with a track saw of their very own, and now I know. It turns out that Bosch Germany will be releasing two track saws in a matter of just a couple of months. Good news for other track saw owners is that they will use a track and saw configuration that is compatible with Festool, Makita, and other tracks and saws on the market. The saws are going up against some pretty big competition with Festool, but according to the specs, Bosch has...

Congratulations to Jennifer McCullar, winner of the Channellock Tool Roll #3 This month up for giveaway is a Limited Edition 125 Anniversary 5-Piece Channellock tool roll set that has been engraved with "1886-2011-- 125 Years Strong." This set is so limited, that when Channellock sent me the tool roll to try out, my own set did not have the special engraving. This 5-piece set of tools is perfect for your average homeower/DIYer or even a professional tradesman. The roll has tools that can help you conquer almost any task....

Math gets in the way of great woodworking projects. Yeah, I know it might be hard for some of you to believe, but amazing looking furniture was being built long before the masses knew the wonders a+b=c and all that jazz. Sure a tape measure comes in handy when you need to divide 73-3/16 by 5, but that is only because we were never taught the ways of old. So what can replace a tape measure and the knowledge math? How about two sticks and a hinge, or what is commonly known as a "sector". So...

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...

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. ...

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...

Makita has added yet another tool to their ultra compact line. Makita's new entry to their line is the Model WT01 3/8-inch Impact Wrench. These are a little less common then your standard impact driver, but they have the same general function. The advantage of the impact wrench is its ability to handle sockets without the need for adapters. The WT01 offers 1,000 in.lbs. of torque in a tool that is only 6-3/8" long and weights only 2.1 lbs. The impact wrench uses a Makita-built motor that provides veritable speeds of 0-2,300 RPM's and 0-3,000 IPM's....