The Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Association trade show has just come to a completion and Marc from Homefixated was there to cover all of the latest tools news and after show parties. Marc discovered some really cool tools while making his rounds, one of them being the tool-less blade change Bosch Multi-X that I wrote about a couple of months ago.
Update: Website and additional photos added.
Early next year Swanson Tools will be launching a new professional line of hand tools called Savage. Now I always figured Swanson tools were already for professionals, so I guess this new line of tools will be for more professional professionals, not just your everyday run of the mill professional.
Many of the clamps that we own and use are designed to remain parallel during the clamping process. The parallel faces on these clamps are great in ensuring that whatever we are clamping remains secure and square; but what if we want to clamp something that is not square, maybe a round closet rod, or a tapered chair leg?
I have always found that if your tools are easy to see, and each tool has its own place, then it is easier to spot a missing tool or one that is out of place. Not only does a system like this keep you better organized, but it many cases, it is more productive. Old sayings like "A place for everything and everything in its place" really do work.
A good roller stand is must-have for anyone working with long or wide materials, and while the Ridgid Flip Top stand doesn't exactly 'roll', it has a unique design and some great features that make it one of the best portable out-feed stands I have used. Because of the features offered in the Ridgid Flip Top Stand, it was an obvious choice to make it a Tool-Rank Pick.
It was a couple of years ago when I first wrote about the Veto Laptop bag, but somewhere down the road the bag was discontinued. Now Veto is back with two new versions of the laptop bag, and it looks like they made a few changes. From the outside, the bags look nearly identical to the regular Veto bags with slight changes to the handle and a now non-hook&loop shoulder strap that now uses a clip to stay in place.
The Model LT bag is the smaller of the two and is pure laptop bag with no room for hand tools. One side of the bag features four large neoprene pockets, two horizontal magnetic flap pockets, two PDA/Phone pockets, a few pen pockets and more. The reverse side contains a large padded slot that safely places the laptop (up to 17") in the middle of the bag, while a second outer compartment features six smaller neoprene pockets, two mesh tablet pockets, and three file folder pockets. In total, the LT has 34 pockets.
The larger Model XLT is very similar to the LT bag. The first side of the bag is the same as the first side on the LT, with the four large neoprene pockets, two horizontal pockets, etc, but this time, the padded laptop slot is also on this side. The reverse side now features many large neoprene pockets and a mixture of smaller pockets that can all be used to house hand tools. To accommodate the tools, the XLT is a couple of inches wider than the LT. The XLT offers a total of 47 pockets.
Both models are coming soon, so keep an eye out for pricing and availability.
Veto Pro Pac
Veto Pro Pac Bags - Amazon
Every day it seems some new app comes out that makes smartphones even smarter. They are used to solve many problems people come across throughout the day, soon we will be able to add laser measuring to that list.
A new smartphone app is being developed by Andrew Leyden called Phaser Tape that uses a separate laser module to deliver surprisingly accurate measurements. The app works by using the lasers from the module and the phone's built in camera to determine the correct distance. The Phaser Tape offers a measuring distance of between 30 - 50 feet depending on camera resolution, with an accuracy of ± 1/4-inch or better. The great thing about using a smartphone for measuring, is the ability of the app to do so much more than a regular laser distance measurer can do, such has almost unlimited measurement memory, advanced calculations, the ability to instantly email measurements and photos, and more.
The Phaser Tape is still in development and for $35 you can help to get the project rolling and be one of the first to get the Phaser Tape when it is completed. The donation includes the Phaser Tape laser module and App. Works with iPhone or Andriod phones.
Jobsites are full of many hazards, and one of those hazards could be waiting to find a home in your truck tire. I am talking about a single nail or screw that has fallen out of someones toolbag or a dropped screw box, something so small that can ruin your day if it ends up in the wrong place. If you are lucky you end up with only a slow leak and have a way to inflate your tire.
Porter-Cable has announced a new High-Pressure/High-Volume Inflator that can not only run off of a standard vehicle 12-volt outlet, but can also go cordless and run off an 18-volt Porter-Cable slide-style battery if the 10-foot DC power cord is not long enough for you. The PCC583B Inflator offers a high-pressure option that delivers up to 120 psi if pressure, ideal for inflating tire and such, and a high-volume option that can inflate/deflate larger items at a low PSI; think air mattress.
Another nice feature is the automatic shut-off function that can be set to shut off the inflator when it reaches the desired pressure. This is a nice feature that should make inflating your car tires a lot easier. All of the reading on the PCC583B are done on an LCD that can also be used to check the pressure reading on already inflated items.
The PCC583B will be available in November and is expected to retail for $49.97
PCC583B Inflator - Lowe's
2x4 Basics, the company that brought us the simple 2x4 shelving system, is ready to prepare us for a season full of fireplace use. They make a number of systems that make use of easily accessible 2x4s, and one of those systems turns 2x4s into a handy firewood rack.
Oddly enough, or maybe just showing smart business practices, the 2x4 Basics fireplace rack components appear to be the same as those used in their shelving system. The components are made of durable structural resin and come with a lifetime warranty. Assembly of the fireplace rack looks as simple as simple could be. 2x4s in the system require only 90 degree cuts, and besides a saw, the only other tool needed is a screwdriver. All the hardware you need to build a complete rack is included.
The length of the rack can be customized to fit your needs, and can be stretched up to 8-feet. If you feel the need to separate your wood, a second kit can be added on top to add additional wood stacking space. The basic kit costs around $13, but $30 gets you the ShelfLinks system which can be used to make up to three firewood racks.
2x4 Basics 2x4 Basics Firewood Rack 2pc - Amazon 2X4 Basics ShelfLinks 6pc - Amazon
Usually when you need some extra heat, it is because you are in a cold remote area. Sometimes there is power nearby, but if their isn't, your forced air heater is pretty useless. Mr. Heater wants you to have a truly portable forced air heater, and has accomplished it with their HERO model.
HERO delivers 35,000 BTU's of propane burning heat and can be used an entire workday (8 hours) on a single charge of its built in battery. While the battery does make the unit more portable, it can also be charged and run off of the power adapter at the same time. Using a 20 lb tank of propane, the HERO can be run for a total of 12 hours, can heat up to 800 square feet of space, and remains cool to the touch on the outside. Besides being portable, Mr Heater also designed the HERO to be quieter than other heaters on the market. Their Quiet Burner Technology claims to be half as loud as traditional forced air heaters. I would say the only downside I can see is the long 5.5 hour charge time.
The MH35CLP HERO heater retails for about $170, and includes a 10-foot hose and regulator. If you have this model or plan on getting one, let us know how it works out.
Mr Heater HERO Mr Heater HERO - Amazon
