Better Li-ion Batteries Through Algorithms?
OK, so the recent advances in lithium-ion batteries have been both encouraging… and also a lot of science fiction. On […]
Porta-Nails 470A Pneumatic Flooring Nailer Review
Having both refinished and laid my share of flooring, going from a manual nailer to a pneumatic is a bit of a jump – but a welcome one. As anyone who has done flooring knows, the two tools work in basically the same way, but with one exception. With a manual flooring nailer, the very act of beating on the rubber ram cap drives the ratcheting mechanism which sends the cleat into the wood until it’s all the way in. With most decent floor nailers, the ratchet will then reset when the nail is at the correct depth. Porta-Nails’ 470A Flooring Nailer is a pneumatic model which uses 89-90 PSI of air pressure to drive the nail into the flooring with a single, less-aggressive strike.
Leviton OBC Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter AFCI Receptacles
The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires Arc fault circuit breakers or interrupters (AFCIs) in many areas of the home. This includes […]
DC Comics Adds Craftsman Tools Superhero at Comic Con
“The Craftsman Technician”? Really? OK, I suppose that this isn’t the first time product placement has hit the comic book […]
GearWrench 120XP 3-Degree Arc Ratchet Preview
GearWrench, a brand of Apex Tool Group, which has been in the news lately, announced the launch of the brand new 120XP Ratchet – which is the first ratchet we know of to feature 120 positions. That means that for every full rotation, it can turn fasteners with a swing arc of as little as 3 degrees. Talk about getting into tight spaces… the way the GearWrench 120XP does it is through the use of double-stacked pawls which provide an ultra-narrow swing arc. With less of an arc required to “click” the ratchet, you can insert your tool into tighter areas and reach fasteners in severely limited access applications.
PA Convention Center Loses $15 million Over a Cordless Screwdriver
We’re not out to alienate unions or make any specific commentary about pro- or anti-union affiliation, but a recent occurrence […]
Black & Decker Gyro 4V Max Cordless Screwdriver Review
It’s rare that I see a tool that catches me off guard and presents something truly “new” or innovative. With the Black & Decker Gyro, innovation is at its core. The question is whether or not the new gyroscopic features are helpful or a hindrance. One thing is for certain, however, you’ll get more “play” time with this tool in terms of its effects as a party favor of attention-grabber than you will from any other powered screwdriver. And you can really use it thanks to some solid and simple thinking on the part of Black & Decker’s engineers.
Delta 23-199 8-inch Benchtop Grinder Preview
Delta Power Equipment Corporation introduced two new bench grinders this week. The larger of the two is the 8-inch Model 23-199, which features a patented tool-less quick change nut and tool-less wheel cover so you can swap out or change grinding or polishing wheels quickly and easily. The grinder runs at variable speed and has a front-mounted speed dial to dial the grinder in from 2,000 to 3,400 RPM. The Model 23-199 also features a cast iron base to give it more stability and holding power and which also serves to reduce vibration during use. Four rubber feet are also included to help prevent movement. The full-size clear safety shield utilizes thumb screws for easy adjustment.
Ryobi 1.5Ah and 4.0Ah 18V Lithium+ Batteries
As we’ve now seen Milwaukee RedLithium batteries and Metabo 4.0Ah batteries (and overseas DeWalt) the newly updated higher power density […]
Automatic Self-Guiding Router a Reality?
We’re not sure who or what this tool will ultimately target, but Alec Rivers, a Ph.D. student at MIT, developed […]