Power Tool Reviews Archives

November 1, 2011 0

Dremel MM40-01 Multi-Max Oscillating Tool Kit Preview

Having reviewed the popular (for good reason) Dremel Multi-Max 6300 Oscillating Tool last year and it really became one of our go-to tools for undercutting, cutting in electrical boxes and various other task for which a multi-tool is perfectly suited. Because Dremel was first to market following the release of the Fein patent, its accessories are very popular and found in just about any hardware store or home improvement warehouse. Even with all that behind it, we thought we were pretty much at the end of the Dremel story. I mean, they have both a corded and cordless model – so what else is there? Apparently more power. The company has tweaked their Multi-Max 6300 corded tool into two brand new models. Today we’re taking a sneak peek at the new MM40-01 Oscillating Tool Kit – paying particular attention to their new tool-less blade change.

October 26, 2011 0

Kobalt KT200A 18V Compact Drill Driver Review

by Frank McCaulley

When we went to Kobalt’s Press Event in New York where they debuted the new line of 18V Li-ion tools, one of the things we were most impressed with was the Compact Drill Driver. This was a tool that, while not perfect, took a lot of cues from successful products that had come before it. Kobalt’s first foray into the world of Cordless Power Tools didn’t appear to be so introductory as some other manufacturers’ have been. They more or less leapt right into the second generation tools, making themselves more competitive than if they had debuted a product lacking many of the features and qualities we now come to expect.

Paslode 900600 Cordless 16-gauge Angled Finish Nailer Review

October 24, 2011 0

Paslode 900600 Cordless 16-ga Angled Finish Nailer Review

by Thomas Gaige

Going cord-free with trim nailers is the way to go, and the Paslode 900600 Cordless 16-gauge Angled Finish Nailer makes this easy to do. This nailer is best suited for the pro that focuses on remodeling and trim work. With an excellent line of sight and an angled nail magazine, getting fasteners into difficult-to-reach places is easy and can be done with great precision. The idea of not having to drag around a compressor, cords and hoses is a very compelling argument for going cordless. Not to mention, this Paslode is lightweight, compact, comes with a built-in hanging hook and is incredibly easy to use. This nailer makes our list of must-have tools!

October 24, 2011 0

Paslode IM250A LI Cordless 16-gauge Angled Finish Nailer Review

by Clint DeBoer

We already did a pretty thorough review of the Paslode 900600 Cordless 16-gauge Angled Finish Nailer last year. That was an excellent tool (still is) and it transformed, in my mind, the potential for what a finish nailer could be. Apparently, however, that was the dry run – regardless of how great a run it was. This year, Paslode released an update/replacement that has more than a few tweaks to the former tool. They’ve been listening to their users and we have to say, these tweaks – present in the new IM250A LI – really refine this tool into something special.

DeWalt DW059HK-2 18V Cordless XRP Impact Wrench Preview

October 20, 2011 0

DeWalt DW059HK-2 18V XRP Impact Wrench Preview

by Clint DeBoer

DeWalt has some pretty powerful impact drivers and wrenches, but their new DW059HK-2 18V XRP NiCd Impact Wrench with Hog Ring Anvil is nearly twice as strong as their existing DC821KA 1/2″ Impact Wrench. The DW059HK-2 was designed from the ground up as a brand new tool that could hold up to (and thrive in) extremely high-torque applications. We’re talking the stuff undertaken by real pros, be they mechanics, contractors, plumbers, or maintenance professionals. The wrench can also be purchased as a standalone tool (model number DW059HB) for those who don’t need a battery or charger.

Milwaukee M12 Cordless 3/8" Ratchet 2457-21 Preview

October 19, 2011 0

Milwaukee 2457-21 M12 Cordless 3/8 in Ratchet Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation continues to expand the versatility of their M12 Li-ion system with the introduction of the M12 Cordless 1/4″ and 3/8″ Ratchets. At only 10-3/4″ long and 1.9 lbs, these new tools are the most compact and powerful ratchets in their class, providing an ideal fastening solution for automotive mechanics and maintenance-repair professionals desiring maximum performance, portability and productivity.

Milwaukee M12 Cordless 1/4" Ratchet 2456-21 Preview

October 19, 2011 0

Milwaukee 2456-21 M12 Cordless 1/4 in Ratchet Preview

by Clint DeBoer

October 14, 2011 0

Milwaukee M12 Cordless Jig Saw Kit 2445-21 Preview

by Clint DeBoer

Jigsaws can be very inexpensive and occasional-use tools, or they can be the thing you reach for at all times to solve a whole suite of difficult cutting challenges. In our case, we find that the tool really determines which viewpoint you have. Take the new Milwaukee M12 Cordless High Performance Jig Saw (2445-21), for example. This new jigsaw was shown off to us at the 2011 Milwaukee Press Event and we really haven’t stopped thinking about it. The new jigsaw is incredibly simple in design – but in a good way. It has a “Hybrid Grip” design, which Milwaukee pitches as the best combination of features from a top handle and barrel grip jig saw. And really, the handle is unique and it provides ample grip, while giving you really good balance while making cuts. The tool is also very small and handles well. It weighs just 4.1 lbs and is only 8.75″ long from base to front. From our inventory of the market, this looks to be one of, if not the most, compact cordless jigsaw that targets professional users. While the Milwaukee 2645-22 M18 Jig Saw we reviewed earlier this year provides more power, this M12 model is infinitely more flexible and portable.

October 10, 2011 0

Kobalt 18V Li-ion 4-tool Combo Kit Review

by Clint DeBoer

When Kobalt Tools gets into the power tool business, it’s going to draw attention. This for a variety of reasons, but the most obvious is because Lowe’s already has some excellent value tools already within its walls (Porter-Cable comes to mind). On top of that, Kobalt is billing its new tools as being “tougher than dinner with your mother-in-law”. Now, I like my mother-in-law, so I probably would have went with “tougher than dinner with your soon-to-be-fiance’s father”, but you get the implication. By setting the bar high – and making “toughness” the primary focus, Kobalt’s new line of Lithium-ion power tools were something we really were looking forward to getting our hands on. Of course, the press event was scheduled and held at an art museum… so I guess what Lowe’s is communicating to the tool world is that their new power tools are tough AND pretty. In either case, just what can you expect from the new tools? Lots, if our hands-on experience with them has anything to do with it.

October 10, 2011 0

Bosch ROS65VC 6″ Random Orbit Sander Review

by Clint DeBoer

We first got our hands on the new Bosch ROS65VC-6 6″ Random Orbit Sander with Vibration Control at their 2011 Media Event. Since then, we pretty much have been unable to take our hands off it. What fascinated us about the tool is that, when used side-by-side with other sanders, it truly did significantly reduce vibration. This yielded better control and, perhaps more importantly, less fatigue on the hands during use. We’ve used a lot of orbital sanders in our day and having a product that cuts out the vibration to this extent is worth its weight in gold – which is good, because this new sander from Bosch will cost you nearly that much.