Cordless Power Tool Reviews Archives

December 2, 2010 0

Makita LXFD01CW 18V Compact Li-Ion Driver-Drill Kit Preview

Makita released the new 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2″ Driver-Drill (model LXFD01CW). The new LXFD01CW is the latest release in Makita’s 18V Compact Lithium-Ion platform and delivers more power with less weight and improved ergonomics for a range of drilling, driving and fastening tasks. In addition to a general weight reduction, the Makita LXFD01CW has one of the fastest charge-times on the market at just 15 minutes. If this bears out to be true, that is pretty fast.

November 24, 2010 0

Milwaukee 2426-22 M12 Multi-tool Kit Review

by Clint DeBoer

Last year we did an oscillating multi-tool shootout, where we compared all of the various brands and measured them to see which performed in a way that set them apart from the pack. We were able to really determine the good values on the market and make recommendations based on intended use and user goals. That part of my life was done, or so I thought, until a couple companies, including Milwaukee Electric Tool, released new multi-tool products. But, like the famous line from the Godfather, “just when I thought I was out… they pull me back in.” And just like that, I’m back in the world of multi-tools. This time around, it’s the Milwaukee M12 Cordless Multi-tool Kit (2426-22). The kit comes with 2 RedLithium batteries, a charger, a few accessories, and – most importantly – an adapter that lets almost anyone’s accessories fit onto the tool.

November 17, 2010 0

Milwaukee 6519-31 Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit Review

by Thomas Gaige

There are a few select products that define entire market segments such as what Skillsaw is to circular saws, Xerox is to copiers and what the Milwaukee Sawzall is to reciprocating saws. Milwaukee’s new 6519-31 Reciprocating Sawzall stays true its original roots, yet boasts more power, longer stroke length, less vibration, and a bargain value price point.

November 10, 2010 0

Bosch 4310 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw Preview

by Clint DeBoer

The new 4310 10″ dual-bevel sliding miter saw from Bosch builds off the success of its award-winning predecessor, the 4410 and has many of the same features and specifications. Ideal for woodworkers, finish carpenters, remodelers and others, Bosch’s 4310 packs big-saw performance into a more compact and affordable 10″ chassis. The make-or-break measures of any miter saw are the power and speed to get the job done, and the 4310 seems to deliver. Operating at 4,800 RPM (800 RPM faster than the nearest competitor) and powered by a gutsy 15-amp motor, the Bosch 4310 seems to want to sit at the top of its category in a big way.

November 2, 2010 0

Makita 12V Lithium-Ion Combo Kit LCT208W Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Makita just released its contribution to the 12V world with its 12V max Lithium-Ion Cordless 2-Piece Combo Kit, model LCT208W. The new combo kit features a tiny but versatile new 3-3/8″ Circular Saw with a range of cutting capabilities, paired with a powerful and compact 3/8″ Driver-Drill. The new LCT208W is the first of what seems to be a growing line of 12V max cordless solutions that deliver pro power and pro speed in a fairly compact size.

October 13, 2010 0

Milwaukee M12 Palm Nailer Kit 2458-21 Preview

by Clint DeBoer

It didn’t take long for us to be amazed at the power and efficiency of Milwaukee’s new M12 Palm Nailer when we saw it at the company’s 2010 Press Event. The tool is literally a 12V lithium-ion powered palm nailer that can drive 12D and 16D nails into 2×4 studs flush without any problems – we know because we demoed it and were just as surprised as anyone reading this article. The M12 Palm Nailer provides a portable solution to professional nailing applications without the hassle of an air compressor or hose. It also makes a joke out of those cordless 12V autohammers made by Craftsman and Ryobi. For whatever reason, this palm nailer hits hard, while those other tools come off feeling like they couldn’t do more than hang a picture with a finish nail.

October 5, 2010 0

Black & Decker CHV1510 15.6V Cordless Dustbuster Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Black & Decker launched a redesigned line of one of its most well-known products, the DustBuster. It was over 30 years ago when Black & Decker debuted the original cordless hand vac that has now become ubiquitous to homeowners across America. The redesigned Dustbuster line promises to be just as popular with five models in sizes, features and colors to fit every lifestyle. The one we’re looking at today is the 15.6V CHV1510 Cordless Hand Vac (CHV).

October 5, 2010 0

Black & Decker EGBL108K 10.8V Ultra Compact Li-ion Drill First Look

by Clint DeBoer

The new sub-compact, or ultra compact line of tools is really starting to take off. They offer greater power and an incredibly small size. Black & Decker has finally entered the fray with its new EGBL108K (also known under model# LDX112C) Ultra Compact 10.8V/12V Lithium Ion Drill. Featuring a 10.8V Lithium Ion battery, this drill allows users to go places their bulkier 18V tools couldn’t venture. All things considered, this small but powerful drill seems like a nice addition to any tool kit. In fact, if the kit sells at typical Black & Decker price points, we’d estimate a street price of under $100. The shape of the tool is unique, giving it a bottom-positioned, front-loading battery. The net result is a sort of U-shaped design that keeps the weight off the back end and balances out the tool – though at the expense of increased bulk and an awkward stance.

September 10, 2010 0

CEL Power8 Workshop Cordless Benchtop Tools Review

by Clint DeBoer

When we first got a glimpse of the Power8 Workshop we couldn’t believe what we were seeing. It seemed impossible to combine all of the tools that the product comes with into a small, easily portable case. It was both amazing to see, and also hard to imagine the engineering and care that had to be taken to ensure everything worked so well together. This is also the first cordless bench-top system we’ve ever heard of, and the interoperability of the tools is simply something you have to experience to appreciate. For anyone who has very restrictive space requirements, having a single cordless tool that can handle the duties of table saw, drill/driver, jigsaw, drill press, circular saw and more is something that we thought only Michael Bay’s Decepticons or Autobots would be able to pull off.

August 30, 2010 0

Metabo KSA18 LTX 18V Cordless Circular Saw Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Metabo Corporation, an international manufacturer of professional grade portable electric power tools and abrasives for industrial, construction and welding applications, has introduced a new cordless circular saw with a high efficiency motor. The KSA18 LTX cordless circular saw is ideal for projects that require fast straight cuts with relative accuracy through heavy material like cutting paneling, ripping lumber and making cross, miter and angled bevel cuts.