Tape-Ease is a new product that wants to eliminate the problem of your tape measure coming unhooked when you are trying to measure the lengths of jobsite materials. It is a rubber grip that slips onto your existing tape measure and gives it more hooking power.
We all know how handy cordless circular saws can be, but we also know that they are usually lacking when it comes to overall power and battery run-time. Makita, continuing to expand their new 2x 18-volt (36V) system, showcased their new 2x Cordless 7-1/4" Circular Saw (XSH01Z) that I am sure addresses some of the cordless circular saw shortcomings that we have all come to know and dislike.
Not too long ago Skil came out with a new Magnesium Worm Drive Saw, and people on the internet quickly noticed that it looked less like previous Skil saw designs and more like the worm drive saws by Bosch. Well that news wasn't that surprising considering both brands are part of the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation. Now Bosch has announced that they too have come out with a new Magnesium Worm Drive Saw (CSW41), and except for the colors and some branding it looks just like the Skil MAG77LT. So did Bosch copy Skil who copied Bosch, or did Bosch just let Skil go first?
Milwaukee Tool is expanding their M18 Lithium-ion system even further with the introduction of their new M18 Cordless Compact Blower. Delivering 100 CFM and 160 RPM with a variable speed trigger and three speeds, Milwaukee says the 0884-20 is the most powerful compact cordless blower in its class. Though that shouldn't be too difficult because the class is pretty small.
Bosch does a pretty good job at updating their laser levels, bringing us models with better specifications to replace previous models. This time around Bosch has announced the GLL 2-15 Self-Leveling Cross-Line Laser Level that looks to be replacing the older GLL2-40 with improvements to laser range.
As more people are concerned about dust levels on the jobsite or maybe just interested in keeping their customers' homes clean, Bosch has announced new 9-gallon (VAC090S and VAC090A) and 14-gallon (VAC140S and VAC140A) dust extractors with semi-automatic or automatic filter cleaning options. Each vac is also compatible with Bosch's Click & Go System, making it easy to keep your tools, accessories and vac together.
Ridgid has announced that they are coming out with a new LM-400 Advanced Laser Measurer that uses Bluetooth technology to transmit measurements directly your smartphone or tablet. Using their free app you can add the measurements directly to a photo or create a floor plan.
If you have ever used a traditional permanent marker on the jobsite you probably already know that the marker tips don't last very long. Milwaukee has introduced a line of Inkzall Permanent Markers that have been optimized to work where others markers have failed. Taking the usability of the Inkzall a step further, Milwaukee also included a Stylus that can be used with touch devices such as iPad, iPhones, and other smartphones.
Just a few months after announcing their new 10-inch Axial-Glide Miter Saw, Bosch is continuing to expand their miter saw line with the addition of the new CM8S 8-Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw. Bosch says they are answering user demands by coming out with a lightweight compact saw for greater jobsite convenience and portability.
Being able to flush-cut on a reciprocating saw is a much sought-after feature, so much so, that in addition to the extra-flexible blades that make the feature possible, DeWalt designed a saw around the feature. But do you really need a special saw or hard to use flimsy blades? A company called Marlow Dynamics thinks they have a better way.
