The first new compressor from Campbell Hausfeld comes in at a size of 26 gallons. It is a nice size compressor for use around the garage or at the shop. It sports a couple cool features that set it apart from the rest. The first being "Rapid Inflation Technology" which first fills the hose to 115 psi so you can get started, then fills the rest of the tank, so you will be ready for longer periods of use. Another nice feature is an easy to read regulator gauge. The gauge also has icons on it that help you to select the right amount of pressure for the job.

The second compressor is an 8 gallon wall mount unit - model WL6750. If you don't have room on the floor, this might be just what you need. It also has the same regulator gauge mentioned above, and both compressors use an easy to use regulator control knob.

The regulator knob is 2X larger and has soft rubber touch points to make it easier and more comfortable for the user to adjust air pressure. The regulator will click at 5-10 PSI intervals to set the pressure and keep it where you want it.

If 8 gallons isn't enough for you, the WL6750 can be expanded up to two times with additional 8 gallon take away tanks - model ET2000. Using all three tanks you end up with 24 gallons, or you can remove the tanks and have 8 or 16 gallons of air to take to the local race track or anywhere you might need portable air.

Both compressors and tanks will be available this July.

Campbell Hausfeld Compressors
Campbell Hausfeld Compressors - Amazon

Makita has long been an innovator when it comes to cordless impacts, so it comes as no surprise that they have added even more features to their new BTD144 18 volt impact, and at the same time were able to shorten the length by 1/4-inch from the previous BTD141.

The main new features for the BTD144 are the 3-speed selection switch, and a new brush-less motor design. With the speed selection switch, users will now be able to select a lower amount of speed and impacts for jobs that require a more delicate touch. Select the Soft Impact setting (0-1,300 RPM and 0-1,300 IPM) and you wont have to worry about stripping or breaking small screws. The Hard Impact setting (0-2,600 RPM and 0-3,400 IPM) acts like an impact normally would, and the Medium Impact setting (0-2,000 RPM and 0-2,800 IPM) is for everything in between. The new brush-less motor is said to provide longer battery life, up to 20% and is the reason for the shorter overall body length of 5-1/2". Makita was also able to increase the maximum torque to 1420 inch pounds, up from 1330.

The BTD144 also features a built in LED light that has pretty much become the standard for Makita cordless tools, but it also includes something we didn't expect to see... an independent on/off switch for the LED light. Now you don't have to hold the trigger open to get a bit of extra light (something I do all the time).

The complete kit which includes two 3 Ah LXT lithium ion batteries, charger, and tool case, has an MSRP of $349.99. Tool only (BTD144Z) is priced at $189.00

For more information please visit Makita Tools
Makita BTD144 - Amazon

In the past, when you needed a 20 degree paper tape collated nailer, your choices were very limited, but now with the introduction of the Duo-Fast DF350S you have literally doubled your choices.

As with most newer nail guns, the DF350S has all of the features you should expect, like tool-less depth drive adjustment and a dual trigger for both sequential and bump fire nailing (of course bump firing is the fun mode). A tool hook is also something I look for in my nail guns and the DF350S has one that you can hang on both rafters as well as your tool belt. The DF350S also features anti-dry fire, which is a mode that prevents the gun from nailing when it is almost out of nails.

As mentioned earlier, the DF350S uses paper tape collated nails, which eliminates the flying debris and reduces the jamming, that occurs while using plastic collated nails. The DF350S is designed to use nails from 2" to 3-1/2" in smooth, ring or screw shank with shank diameters of .113, .120, .131 or .148 and can hold up to 70 nails at a time or two full 30-count strips.

Duo-Fast Construction
Duo-Fast DF350S - Amazon

America's favorite do it all spray, WD-40, introduces a newly designed alternative to their classic aerosol spray can. The new non-aerosol design is said to allow for more spray control; anywhere from a few drops to a steady spray. The Trigger Pro is also not bound by aerosol disposal regulations. I guess now it can technically be taken on airplanes; just not in your carry on luggage. Don't blame me for getting arrested if you do.

"Millions of people use WD-40 to maintain and repair equipment, but some of our on-the-job users work in environments where aerosols are prohibited. Some also prefer the unique attributes of a non-aerosol product," said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing for WD-40 Company. "WD-40 is committed to providing its industrial end-users innovative solutions and options, and WD-40 Trigger Pro gives them what they need to get the job done."

WD-40
WD-40 - Amazon

The Work Sharp sharpening system has been a good option for anyone looking for a powered sharpening system on a budget. We usually don't think of $100 as a budget price, but when the competition is selling for $350 - $600, $100 is a great price.

One of the things the Work Sharp system was missing that the competition has, is the ability to sharpen knives. This is a problem no more with the addition the the Sharpening attachment for the WS2000. For around $35 the knife attachment uses abrasive belts up to 3600 grit to get your knives nice and sharp. They even say it will sharpen serrated knives. I hope we can see a knife attachment soon for the WS3000; we don't want to see anyone left out.

Work Sharp website
Work Sharp - Amazon

Are you still using a hammer to drive your nails? Well stop. Pneumatic nailers are easier and faster to use, and with advancements in technology, they are becoming more and more affordable for even the lightest users. Plus, your purple thumb will thank you.

Campbell Hausfeld is a huge name when it comes to air tools. They make just about everything air tool related and they have just announced 3 new air nailers. "After extensive consumer research, we set out to totally redesign the tools so they make it just as easy to get professional results for the first-time user as they do for the professional. These new nailers have numerous innovative features that do just that." said Chuck Shoemaker, director of new product development for Campbell Hausfeld.

• Framing Nailer (Model CHN70899) 34 degree clipped head nailer uses 2" to 3-1/2" nails from .113 - .131 in. diameter.
  
• Finish Nailer (Model CHN70699) 15-gauge 35 degree angled nailer uses 1" to 2-1/2" nails.
  
• Brad Nailer (Model CHN70299) 18-gauge straight nailer uses 5/8" to 2" nails.

The three new nails guns have a number of features usually only found in professional nail guns. Features such as anti-dry fire, which prevents the gun from firing when it is out of nails. A quick clear latch makes it easy to clear a nail jam if it occurs. Some of the brand new nail gun features include a laser dot that will help the user place the nail right where they want it. When installing millwork, it is always best to attach your trim to wooden studs, the 15 gauge nailer has a built in stud finder that eliminates the need for an extra stud finder.

For more information on the Campbell Hausfeld nailers visit www.chnailers.com.

Build Priceless Memories with Inexpensive Projects this Father’s Day

SKIL and Lowe’s Partner for Building Memories Contest

MT. PROSPECT, IL – Make this Father’s Day special by spending a lot of time with Dad instead of a lot of money. SKIL Power Tools and LOWE’S Home Improvement are offering inexpensive projects designed to provide hours of priceless memories for kids and dads alike. In addition, you can take advantage of the opportunity to enter your family fun project into the SKIL Building Memories Contest for a chance to win one of more than a hundred different prizes.

Kids and moms can surprise dad by choosing one of four project plans and getting all the materials they need at participating LOWE’s locations. The project plans are available both in LOWE’s stores and at www.SKILBuildingMemories.com, along with a complete list of materials and tools they will need. Then, all you need to do is capture the building and bonding process with video or photos and enter your completed project for a chance to win. Plans range in difficulty level and are appropriate for children ages 4 and up. Entries will be judged based on the quality of the completed project shown. The top entry for each project plan will be awarded an all-expenses paid trip for four to a Worlds of Discovery park of their choice. Worlds of Discovery Parks to include, SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Diego, SeaWorld San Antonio,  Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Discovery Cove, Aquatica, Sesame Place, Adventure Island and Water Country USA.Prize package includes hotel accommodations, roundtrip airfare and more.

Just in time for Father’s Day, the contest kicks off May 11 and ends July 10. Eight second-place winners will each receive a SKIL Benchtop Workshop including a table saw, miter saw, drill press, grinder and band saw; 20 third-place winners will receive a SKIL 18V Lithium Ion Combo Kit; and 100 fourth-place winners will receive a SKIL Power Wrench. Winners will be notified by mail on or about September 1, 2009.

For official Building Memories contest rules and for additional information visit www.SKILBuildingMemories.com.

We spend a lot of time looking at expensive professional tools here at Tool-Rank, and we sometimes forget that you can get great tools at a low price. The new SKIL Lithium Ion tools fit this criteria by offering 18-Volt Lithium Ion technology, lighter weight, and a compact design at a price that is friendly to your average DIYer, and contractor. SKIL has a number of new tools 18-volt lithium ion tools that should fill most of your cordless tool needs.

The 18 Volt Lithium Ion 1/2 In. 2-Speed Drill/Driver (Model: 2895LI-02) delivers up to 400 in-lbs of torque with its all metal gear train and features a two-speed gear box. It also has a 1/2-inch chuck that allows it to use a wide range of drill bits. The 20+1 chuck allows the user to screw into a number of materials. Also included are some extra features that just make life easier, like removable bit storage, bit size index, built-in level and side-assist handle. It comes ready to go with a carrying case and two double-ended bits. MSRP is $109. The drill/driver is also available with two batteries. MSRP $149.

The 2 Piece 18 Volt Lithium Ion Drill/Driver and 5-3/8-inch SKILSAW Combo Kit includes SKIL's 18-Volt Lithium Ion 5-3/8-inch SKILSAW and Drill/Driver. The 5-3/8-inch SKILSAW has a bevel range of zero to 50 degrees which is helpful for those tricky cuts. It has a cutting depth of 2-7/16 at 90 degrees and 1-15/16 at 45 degrees, and can crosscut up to 50 2x4s on a single charge. The saw also features a patented anti-snag lower guard which reduces snags with narrow cut-offs. The SKIL 18 Volt Lithium Ion 2-Piece Drill/Driver and 5-3/8-inch SKILSAW Combo Kit has a MSRP of $199.

The SKIL 18 Volt Lithium Ion 4-Piece Combo Kit includes the 1/2-inch 2-Speed Drill/Driver, 5-3/8-inch SKILSAW, Orbital Reciprocating Saw and pivoting-head flashlight. SKIL's 4-Piece 18 Volt Lithium Ion Combo Kit has a MSRP of $259.

Already own some SKIL cordless tools? Don't worry, SKIL's new lithium ion PowerPlus batteries are compatible with older SKIL cordless tools. The battery has a MSRP of $69 and battery + charger $99.

Check out all of these tools at SKILTools.com
SKIL Tools - Amazon

Are you looking for a 10" dual bevel sliding compound miter saw with great cutting capacity, and don't want to sell your first born to be able to afford it. The Makita LS1016 is probably the saw for you. Most of the specs are what you would expect from a 10" except for the large 4-3/4" vertical cutting capacity which is much larger then their saws previous 3-5/8".

The LS1016 saw also uses a new rail system from Makita that uses 6 linear ball bearings that are said to deliver smooth, solid and adjustment-free accurate cuts. The four steel rails enable the saw to keep its large cutting capacity, but also remain compact. You can barely see in the photo that the saw has two lower sliding rails, and two upper sliding rails.

This looks like a great new saw from Makita Tools, that is packed with a lot of features at a price that is still affordable. The only problem I see is the bevel being limited to only 45º on each side. When cutting large base on the flat, extra degrees past 45 are needed. I would like to see a bevel stop at 45º with the ability to go past.

Makita Tools

This is great news... Bosch has finally come out with a full line of pneumatic fastening tools aka nail guns, and compressors. Anyone that uses nail guns all day (like I do) knows how much a great gun can make a difference, so I hope these gun are great. One more brand to help improve nail gun technology is great news.

The new Bosch pneumatic line uses a new Full Force Technology to drive the fasteners. From my understanding other nail guns use the built up pressure of the driving head to push the driver back into place after each shot. What this does is add resistance to the driving force. Full Force Technology uses one burst of air to drive the driver, and a second burst of air to reset it. This allows the full force of the driving action to be used each time.

So what has Bosch included in this new line? How about 7 new nailers: Full Head Framing Nailer, Clipped Head Framing Nailer, Coil Roofing Nailer, 15 Gauge Angled Finish Nailer, 16 Gauge Straight Finish Nailer, 18 Gauge Brad Nailer, 18 Gauge Narrow Crown Stapler, As well as 5 new air compressors from 3 gallon up to 8 gallons.

I will be checking these out when they hit the stores. No info on release date or prices yet.

Bosch Pneumatic Tools