One of the handiest tools we use is the nail set. I mean how ugly would our trim look with nails sticking out, or even worst, trim with hammer dents? So now that we have established how great they are, how can they be made better? Bostitch came up with a simple solution that improves upon the classic design, and does so without breaking the bank.

Their new 58-500 nail set doesn't appear to be any different at first glance. It is only when you take a closer look that you notice it is in fact two nail sets in one. They have taken a cue from the handy reversible screwdriver and applied the same concept to their nail set. On one side of the double-ended insert is a 1/32-inch nail set and on the reverse side is a 1/16-inch nail set. The nail set insert is held in place with a 1/4-inch chuck similar to those found on quick-change drills. This makes flipping the set quick, but also allows users to use the nail set as a handle for screwdriver bits in a pinch.

The Bostitch 58-500 is priced at under $10. You can also find this same nail set branded by Stanley as the 58-501.

Bostitch via The Hardware Aisle
[:cicn:] Amazon Bostitch 58-500 - Stanley 58-501

The one thing that makes or breaks a level for me is the ability to accurately read the vials. The easier the vials are to read in varying lighting conditions, and against different backgrounds, the better the level. This is why the new Opti-Vision levels from Kapro look really impressive. With this level they have ditched the normal green vials and have gone with a clear liquid that somehow produces a red bubble. Kapro has taken the Opti-Vision to the next level by removing the variable of different vial backgrounds, by using their own permanent white background. This white background gives users the best viewing contrast, no matter the work conditions.

The Opti-Vision vials can be found on the new 905 Condor Levels from Kapro, but unfortunately it doesn't look like they are being sold in the USA as of now. Hopefully it wont be long until these hit our store shelves.

Opti-Vision

Woodpeckers, makers of precision woodworking tools, has announced that for this week only they will be accepting orders for some pretty cool limited run T-Squares. The squares are machined from solid billet aircraft grade aluminum and can be purchased in both metric and imperial sizes. Each square is machined with precision in mind and features micro-fine 1mm holes that the tip of a pencil can fit through. These holes are spaced 1/32nd of an inch apart for the imperial version, .5mm apart for the metric version and run the length of the the square. Users are able to use the holes in the squares to accurately draw layout lines for mortises, tenons, cabinet hardware, and much more.

If you are interested in ordering one of these, they are available in 3", 6", 75mm and 150mm sizes, starting at $29.99. Orders will be accepted until Friday November 26th 2010.

[:cicn:] Woodpeckers

Pavers look great and last a long time, but they are so often underused because of the high cost of labor. This is unfortunate, because these works of art offer almost endless pattern choices and beautiful design options. In Europe, where brick pavers are commonly used on road ways, any way to speed up this labor intensive job is always welcomed.

In Europe this once slow and tedious task is now a breeze thanks to the Dutch made Tiger-Stone. This brick laying machine takes most of the manual labor out of the job thanks to great engineering. The Tiger-Stone works by gravity feeding a pattern of bricks down a chute and onto the roadway while moving backwards. This pattern is set by 1 or more workers that ride on the machine. The width of the chute can be adjusted to accommodate varying street sizes up to 6 meters wide. A sensor on the back allows the Tiger-Stone to follow a curb automatically without human steering.

Could this be the answer to brick or stone streets in the USA?

Tiger-Stone (Dutch) – via inhabitat

The great thing about using pole saws is the ability to trim your trees without having to actually be in the trees. Their long extension lets us work safely on the ground or from a ladder. With all the great things these saws offer, there is also some bad. Because of the long reach, it is often hard to get any downward pressure on the saw blade to make a cut. My Father and I know all about this; just last month we were trying to cut a branch with no success.

In comes Husqvarna to the rescue with the introduction of their gas powered chainsaw on a stick. Their version of the pole saw consists of a chain saw at one end and a powerful 1.2 HP, 25 cc engine at the other. This setup provides great cutting power, along with good balance even when fully extended to its maximum length of 12-feet. In an age of gas power it seems almost silly to spend the time and effort to try and trim trees by hand anyways. The engine uses Husqvarna's E-Tech II technology that reduces the tools emissions to rates that are below current standards without compromising power. Also making an appearance is Smart Start, a feature that reduces pull cord effort by 40%.

The Husqvarna 327PT5S is intended for the likes of professional tree trimmers and orchard owners, and is unfortunately priced out of range for most homeowners with an MSRP of $500.

Husqvarna

When an impact driver is just not enough power for you, now you can get it done with one of the new Bosch Impact Wrenches. Their new 18V lithium-ion impact wrenches weigh in at 6.7 lbs. and offer 500 foot-pounds of torque, with a total head length of 10-inches. Bosch is offering the new wrench with three different chuck choices. The IWTH180-01 uses a 1/2-inch friction ring for quick and easy socket changes, the HTH181-01 uses a 1/2-inch detent-pin for positive accessory retention and the HTH182-01 uses a 7/16-inch quick change for tool-less accessory removal and works with common 7/16-inch hex accessories.

The wrenches feature a magnesium front to protect the tool during toughest of working conditions, and an all metal gear train drives the motor at 1,900 RPM. The impact and anvil system provides the wrenches with 2,100 impacts per minute. This make the tool perfect for applications such as driving large lag screws, performing assembly and repair, and removing and installing wheels. A new task Bosch discovered these wrenches are great at, is drilling with their new NailKiller auger bits. With the impact wrench these large bits can be used with only one hand.

To put the new wrenches over the top, Bosch also threw in an LED light that activates when the trigger is slightly depressed. Each tool comes with two 18V lithium-ion FatPack batteries, a 30-minute charger, and a hard carrying case with socket storage. Because the wrenches use Bosch's Flexible Power System, they are also compatible with their 18V SlimPack batteries. All three models will be available later this fall through authorized retailers.

Sorry for the lack of news this week, I have been battling a headache all week. I thought I would post a bit of entertainment today, because I know I could sure use it.

One common trend that manufactures have been doing these past couple of years has been videos of their radios surviving some amazing destruction and abuse. I am not sure which brand starting doing these first, but they are something we have all come to love. The latest to get a beatdown, is the Bosch PB360 radio. After a trip to Wrigley Field, the radio gets to participate in a game of baseball.

So if we all love these videos, and they seem like they would be great advertising, why don't we see these same type of "tests" performed on actual tools? Come on and show us what they are made of.

[:cicn:] Amazon

ToolRank user SulSaw posted a really cool video in the TR forums that showcases the first zero clearance flush cutting circular saw. The Straight Flush was designed and built by a professional contractor of 15 years, who was looking for a faster way to do his job.

If you thought the tool bags from Veto were cool, you will probably love the new Dr. Wood bag from Occidental Leather. If you don't like the price of the Veto bags, you will absolutely hate the price of the Dr. Wood, at over $450. But lets take a look at the Dr. Wood, maybe its worth is hiding inside.

First off, like all Occidental Leather bags, it is made in the USA. So if the other high end bags are priced in the $200 range and are made in China, the price for the Dr. Wood isn't far off. To make the bag strong, Oxy uses a cold rolled steel frame that is formed by hand. The bottom of the bag uses super strong high-density thermoformed polyethylene, and the sides and main body of the bag are made of padded 1050 denier ballistic nylon. You will also notice the trademark leather used as reinforcements and spiffy looking accents.

Oxy touts the bags as having a home for every conceivable tool used by a contractor. While that might be a stretch, the bag does have a total of 88 pockets and holders, and can probably hold every hand tool one would need on a job. The problem, the bag weighs 15 and a half pounds empty. Imagine how much it would weigh when all 88 pockets are filled up.

Occidental Leather

No, its not a 10-inch axial glide like many are hoping for, but it is new none the less. Or is it? It appears to be exactly the same as the previous 4410 except for the trigger handle. Instead of using the user rotatable handle, the 4310 uses a fixed handle. I was never a fan of the old handle anyways, so this is no loss. There might be some other minor changes, but basically it is the same saw. The 4310 will retail for less, so this new model appears to be a way for Bosch to offer the saw at a better value.

So now on to the cool news. Bosch has also announced a new miter saw stand. I really liked their old TracRac miter stand, and have been using it for many years now. The new GTA3800 is not a direct update to the TracRac, because it used part from TracRac truck racks, but it does share it s basic design.The biggest improvement appears to be the miter saw mount. It looks like they are much easier to use, and are built better.

Bosch says the saw stand has a material capacity of 16-feet, but unless you are cutting 16-footers in half, I have my doubts. I always use a material stand at each end to be able to cut 16-foot trim. Each end support uses smooth rollers that are adjustable in height to match your miter saw's height. Both supports also feature integrated repetitive stops.

Bosch also chose again to use aluminum for their stand. So not only is it compact at 62", but it is also light, weighing in at 41 lbs. Light but strong, the GTA3800 can support up to 300 lbs. Some people assume that these foldable compact stands can not handle 12" miters saws, but that is not the case at all.

Bosch 4310 Miter Saw – GTA3800 Saw Stand
[:cicn:] Bosch 4310 - Amazon