Tool Reviews by Tool Archives

July 29, 2011 0

Bosch D-Tect 150 Wallscanner Preview

We recently got back from Bosch’s Global Leadership Tour media event and were fascinated by all the new tools they are working on. One tool that we saw LAST year, however, was the Bosch WallscannerD-Tect 150. This tool uses Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) radar technology and is the first detector at a sub-$1000 price point that detects rebar, water-filled PVC, copper piping (non-ferrous metal), wood studs and live wiring. The BoschD-Tect 150 does more than detect these materials, though, it gives the user material type, depth, and relative width information. The D-Tect 150 works through concrete, wet concrete, and even deep concrete up to 6″. In fact, you can use it in any of seven surface modes.

July 29, 2011 0

DeWalt DWHT33385 25ft Tape Measure Review

by Thomas Gaige

Many might think that once you have used one tape measure, you have used them all; and to this person I would say that you really need to try out the DeWalt DWHT33385L 25ft Tape Measure. This tape measure includes a number of features and upgrades that most casual users and professionals will quickly appreciate. The blade lock is among the best we have used and the extra large blade tip makes hooking the tape super easy on just about any side. With a 13 ft stand out, reaching and working by yourself is easier thanks to the rigid blade.

July 27, 2011 0

Blaklader Bantam Shorts with Utility Pockets Review

by Thomas Gaige

While not all jobs allow for shorts on the job site, if you are so lucky as to be able to wear them in hot weather, we would suggest checking out the Blaklader Bantam Shorts with Utility Pockets for sure. There are plenty of work shorts to choose from, yet few offer the features, pockets and comfort that Blaklader does. Since I live in the southeastern United States and it is in the middle of July, the timing was perfect for the arrival of the Blaklader Bantam Shorts. I immediately put them on and what jumped out at me was that, after a few minutes, I realized that they were as comfortable as one of my work t-shirts that had been washed hundreds of times – and these came right out of the box! Just like the full pants version with their outside utility pockets, these shorts also include them and they are just the right size and in the right location so that they quickly become second nature to use. There are some pockets behind the utility pockets that also allow them to be tucked away when not needed. It is hard to find faults with the Bantam Shorts since they have pockets in the right places and details that make life on the job easier

GyrosGuard Rotary Tool Safety Shield installed

July 27, 2011 0

GyrosGuard Rotary Tool Safety Shield Review

by Thomas Gaige

If you have ever used a mini cutoff wheel with a high speed rotary tool, you just might know what it’s like to have tiny pieces of a cutoff disk thrown at you when it breaks. To ensure a safer user experience with just about any rotary tool on the market, the GyrosGuard Rotary Tool Safety Shield offers protection, visibility and performance for rotary tool users. This unique blade guard does not impede visibility, yet offers complete coverage of the cutting wheel or blade. Thanks to an ingenious spring loaded design, and an easy to operate thumb stud that makes opening the guard easy, you can access and cut the material that you are working on. Along with the GyrosGuard Rotary Tool Safety Shield, Gyros Precision Tools offers a complete line of rotary tool accessories and miniature tools.

Milwaukee M12 Thermal Imager Preview 2260-22

July 26, 2011 0

Milwaukee M12 Thermal Imager 2260-22

by Clint DeBoer

Possibly the most interesting tool of the entire 2011 Milwaukee Media event was Milwaukee’s new M12 Thermal Imager. With a maximum 4 hours of run-time, and dual cameras (it takes both a digital camera still and a thermal image at the same time) this is a whole new style of product for the M12 line. When you pull the trigger, the two images are immediately stored onto the included 2GB SD memory card. In this way you have a reference image and the thermal image for each location. What we also liked was that you can view either mode when you pull the trigger, so its easy to focus on what you need to in order to survey a site for insulation needs or weatherization.

Recall: Homelight Powercare and EZ Clean Surface Cleaner Attachments

July 23, 2011 0

Homelight Powercare and EZ Clean Surface Cleaner Attachments Recall

by Clint DeBoer

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with Homelight Consumer Products has announced a voluntary recall of the […]

July 18, 2011 0

7-inch Swanson TOSB01 Speed Bevel Review

by Clint DeBoer

When Swanson sent us their newest 7″ Speed Bevel, we didn’t realize the new inexpensive orange ABS plastic composite square would quickly become our all-around go-to tool for odd jobs and miscellaneous angle measurements. Swanson, who brought us the original Speed Square, built some new innovation into the Speed Bevel. While it doesn’t excel in build quality, it does have a really good function as a low-cost multi-purpose solution for finding angles, making quick cut measurements, and serving as a stop-gap protractor.

July 17, 2011 0

Duo-Fast DF150-CS Button Cap Stapler Preview

by Clint DeBoer

If you’ve ever done a roofing job (and most of our readers seem to have some knowledge of this type of work) you’ve laid down button caps to secure felt to a rooftop. That job is made simpler with the addition of pneumatics. We’ve tried several different systems, like the Fasco America SideWinder Windstrips Stapler we reviewed last year. Now, Duo-Fast has a new product, the DF150-CS Button Cap Stapler. This system allows you to shoot staples and plastic button caps at the same time. As you can imagine, it’s perfect for roofing felt applications as well as housewrap. Most jurisdictions not locked to Broward County rules will allow the use of a tool like this on roofing felt and housewrap.

Porter-Cable 1 Gallon Quiet Trim Compressor C1010 Preview

July 8, 2011 0

Porter-Cable C1010 1 Gallon Quiet Trim Compressor Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Having a full sized 4-gallon compressor for framing and other construction projects is great, but what about the smaller job where you don’t want a larger compressor that takes up lots of space and is bulky to maneuver? For that, Porter-Cable has introduced its new heavy-duty, one-gallon, 135 Max PSI quiet trim compressor (model C1010). This is the kind of tool you want to bring with you to do punch lists and smaller trim work, making it perfect for general contractors, trim carpenters, and remodelers. It’s even suitable for woodworkers, wanting a lightweight tool for furniture assembly.

July 7, 2011 0

DeWalt DCD985L2 20V MAX Premium Hammer Drill Review

by Thomas Gaige

With almost 500 in-lbs of torque, a three-speed transmission, ratcheting chuck and a new level of ergonomics, the new DeWalt DCD985L2 20V MAX Lithium-ion Premium Hammer Drill kit is a must-have tool. This new five-pound drilling and driving machine can handle just about any fastener, drilling, and hammer drilling application you can think of. With the smart battery technology of the 20V MAX platform and the built-in electronics, you can be assured that your cordless DeWalt tools will last and preform better than the current 18V tools. We suspect that this drill will quickly become the tool of choice for many of the tradesmen and contractors that opt for the new 20V MAX lithium-ion battery platform.