Most of the tools that get covered here at ToolRank have to do with construction; because well, I am a construction worker. Every once in a while I throw in a garden tool just for fun, but for the most part automotive tools get left out. This injustice to automotive tools ends today with the announcement of some new lithium-ion cordless tools from Matco.

Matco has announced their Infinium line of cordless tools that were specifically developed for professional automotive technicians that require the power of pneumatics but the portability of cordless. Headlining in the Infinium line are three cordless impact wrenches. Their 1/4-inch impact wrench runs off of 10.8-volts and produces 55 foot-pounds of torque. Their 3/8-inch wrench runs off of 14.4-volts and their top dog, the 1/2-inch wrench uses 18-volts to produce 425 foot-pounds of working torque at a weight that is under 7 lbs.

Other tools in the Infinium line include a 10.8V mini polisher and drill driver, a 14.4V drill driver and grease gun, and a 18V axle grinder and power shear. Each tool can be purchased as a kit (with battery and charger) or they can be purchased as tool only.

MatcoTools

The latest radio from Ridgid seems to be almost indestructible. In a video released by Ridgid, they went all out in a series of radio abuse tests. They dropped cinder blocks on it, used it to break boards, ran it over with a truck, and even threw it off of a roof top. All of that and it still survived.

There is not much information out about the new radio, but at the end of the video they do give us a little. From what they tell us, it looks like it will be the first jobsite radio that not only works with iPod's, but it also chargers them. It even has a remote control that will operate the iPod.

 

We all have different body types, and we all have different tool needs. So what do you do if you just can't seem to find a toolbelt that has everything you want, exactly where you want it? You make your own, of course. That is... if you have a background in industrial sewing.

m@tt over at the Contractor Talk message boards put cost, speed, and simplicity aside and decided he was going to start from scratch and make his own toolbelt. Putting his industrial sewing skills back to work, he designed and built one of the coolest toolbelts I have ever seen. He went all out on quality and used 3 layers of 1000 denier Cordura on all of the main parts, used Mil. spec webbing on the belt and as extra reinforcement, and topped it off with an all aluminum belt buckle. All of the bags are removable, so he can mix and match his pouches and layout depending on the job. And check out the spade bit and screwdriver holders. Amazing is all I can say. Full gallery after the Read More.

Via Contractor Talk

One of the greatest tools that is used by both professionals and homeowners alike is the simple yet handy tie down strap. Without these, many expensive antiques and building supplies would have been lost to the poor knot tying skills that plague those of you that slept through knot tying 101. We Scouts have nothing to worry about.

Ratcheting tie down straps are great and all, but how often do you find yourself reaching for one, only to find it in a tangle. Or what do you do with all of the excess strapping after you have secured your load. The Strap Sack is the solution to both problems. After attaching the Strap Sack to your strap, you have a storage bag that is always there when you need it. Use it to store the strap when it is not in use, or better yet, use it to keep the excess strapping from blowing in the wind. They can be purchased in a number of different colors at a price of $15 for a set of 4. They also have a larger version for 2" straps for $12.99 for a set of 2.

[:cicn:] Strap Sack

There once was a time when small trim saws were sought after tools, but it seems as though they died off as people moved to bigger (better?) saws. Well, Makita is bringing the compact trim saw back; this time in a 12V lithium-ion form. So why are trim saws so great anyways? It is as simple as size and weight.

With the new Makita SH01W 12V cordless saw you only get a maximum cutting depth of 1-inch at 90-degrees, and 5/8-inch at 45-degrees, but when you are cutting sheets goods, this is plenty. Of course you can also cut drywall, pegboard, particleboard, and much more. At a weight of only 3.3 lbs you can keep this in your toolbox and always be ready in case a cutting need appears. Makita says the saw can make approximately 70 cuts of 1/2" x 12" plywood at 90-degrees (basically 70-feet). This is obviously not enough for production work, but seems ideal for maintenance workers, cabinet installers, and other people with light duty cutting needs.

I mentioned that the saw can be purchased as a combo kit, so also included is the Makita 12V cordless drill-driver (FD02W). This little drill uses a Makita-built motor that provides up to 200 inch-pounds of torque, with two variable speed settings (0-350/0-1300 RPM), and 18 clutch setting for your driving needs. Like most Makita tools it also features a LED surface light. The FD02W weighs in at 2.2 pounds and is only 7-7/16" long.

The combo kit (LCT208W) can be purchased now for around $200, and includes the 3-3/8" saw, 3/8" drill-driver, one battery charger, and two 12V lithium-ion batteries. Also included is a tool holster, a 20 tooth carbide tipped blade, #2 Phillips bit, and a contractor storage bag.

[:cicn:] Amazon

In a somewhat weird move that seems to mirror what big brother Bosch has just recently done with the OIS adapter, Dremel has announced that they are also releasing a universal adapter for their oscillating accessories. This is weird because these companies (which are both owned by the same parent company) will be competing with each other for oscillation blade sales. This seems odd to me, but I am sure they know what they are doing. It could be as simple as greater availability.

The Dremel Multi-Max Universal adapter will allow all Dremel Multi-Max blades and accessories to be used with all current oscillation tools on the market, including Bosch, Craftsman, Fein, Masterforce and Ridgid. One notable advantage the Mulit-Max accessories have over other manufacturers blades is the Quick Fit blade design. Quick Fit allows users to adjust or completely remove blades and accessories without having to remove the screw on the tool. This feature alone cuts quite a bit of time off of installation.

Dremel has already started selling their universal adapter, which can be found in most hardware stores and home improvement centers. Suggested retail is $4.99, so it is cheap enough to get you out of a jam when you need some blades for your non-Dremel.

I wrote about retractable tool tethers the other day, but what if you are looking for something a little cheaper and a bit simpler? If you want to get super simple, you could just use a bit of rope, but there are better solutions out there that don't break the bank.

Lee Valley sells a tether that costs under $10 and still offers the bungee effect that will reduce the sudden stop at the end of a fall. With a heavy tool, the sudden stop after a fall could cause you to lose your balance and could possibly lead to a fall for yourself. So how heavy of a tool can you use? Well, the tether has a breaking strength of almost 375 lbs, so more then you can carry. The tether has a relaxed length of 2-feet and a total length of 6-feet. With this type of tether you will likely need a belt hook or similar to keep the tool on you, if not, you might set the tool down and forget about it when you walk away.

The tether costs only $7.20 and comes with everything you need to attach it to your belt, and a verity of different tools.

[:cicn:] Lee Valley Tool Tether

Bosch has been really impressive this past year with their advancements in laser technology. First they came out with the GLL2-80 which was an amazing product that projected a self leveling solid 360-degree laser line in both horizontal and vertical planes. Now, Bosch has announced the GLL3-80 laser, which adds a third vertical axis laser line to the original Gll2-80's horizontal and vertical lines. The addition of the third axis gives the GLL3-80 laser the ability to project 90-degree "square" lines on the floor, walls and ceiling at the same time. The old version could only do square lines on walls.

Just last month my Father and I were trying to figure out how we could accomplish what the GLL3-80 can do, by using an old 5-point laser and a newer cross-line laser. Even when using multiple lasers, we could not come up with something that would work very well for his needs.

The GLL3-80 takes everything that is great about a five point laser (squaring, plumbing points) and combines it with everything that is great about a cross-line laser (solid lines on two axes), then kicks it up a notch with its 360-degrees of greatness. This makes me very happy as a finish carpenter.

The GLL3-80 comes complete with a hard carrying case, the WM1 micro-adjustable positioning bracket,  and an instruction manual.  AA batteries included. Look for it in stores later this fall.

Marvel is looking to bring the comic that is the Incredible Hulk back to TV with a new series, and is doing extra duty to protect its trademark before the new show makes its way to our living rooms.

What does this have to do with power tools? Well, it turns out that Marvel is not very happy with Evolution Power Tools and the similar Hulk logo used on their Hulk air compressor. Evolution Power Tools has already successfully gone through the trademark process, even though Marvel was in protest.

Marvel has recently filed a lawsuit against Airbase Industries, the parent company of EPT, at the Ohio District Court. Their main complaint seems to be the "confusingly similar" colors and a "nearly identical" logo used on the Hulk compressor. Take a look at the photos below and see how similar the logos and colors actually are.

Via ToolStop

If you ask me what the best art, architecture, design movement is, I would say it is the Art Deco movement. I just love the combination of clean flowing lines mixed with hard geometric shapes. Gerber must also like the Art Deco style, because they have incorporated it into their Gerber FIT multi-knife.

The Gerber FIT mimics the classic look of an art deco locomotive with its front facing head light and aerodynamic body, but in the case of the knife, it uses a bright 25-lumen LED powered by a AAA battery. The knife is pretty minimal in features and is likely meant as an everyday carry. It does have a total of 10 tools on board, but as with all pocket knives they count every little thing as a tool. For example, the photo above shows at least 5 tools: a bottle opener, the LED light, a two ended screw driver (two tools), and a hex nut driver. Also listed is a two-edged blade, tweezers, and scissors.

The knife isn't set to be released until February of 2011, so you have a few months to save up for the $50 price tag.

Thanks to Nate for the tip.

Via Fast Company