Power Tool Reviews Archives

October 11, 2010 0

Skil Octo Sander 7302 Preview

Skil Power Tools recently launched its new 7302 Octo Multi-Finishing Sander. The novel thing about this particular sander is the presence and inclusion of eight assorted attachments. The options make it uniquely suited to sand hard-to-reach areas and multi-task by hitting multiple surfaces at once, or more effectively sanding particular, or hard-to-reach places. Skil also added something it calls Pressure Control Technology to the 7302. The technology involves a series of pressure control lights that indicate when the user is pressing too hard, too light or just right. It’s a neat idea that is meant to help keep scars and marks off the wood and ensures optimal surface smoothness.

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 19, 2010 0

DeWalt DW368 Heavy Duty 7-1/4″ Lightweight Circular Saw Review

by Thomas Gaige

It might sound like a misnomer to say both heavy-duty and lightweight in the same sentence but this is exactly what DeWalt calls its DW368 Heavy Duty 7-1/4″ Lightweight Circular Saw. This saw has been a mainstay on job sites for many years and for good reason. With a decent set of features, a reasonably cost and plenty of power, many construction workers have chosen this as their sidewinder of choice. While we normally like to review the latest and greatest products that come to market, sometimes is fun to step back and see what the average Joe is using and why.

September 15, 2010 0

Milwaukee’s New SawZall Ax Blades

by Clint DeBoer

When we attended Milwaukee Tool’s 2010 Press Event to check out their new line of tools and accessories, we were forbidden by NDA to talk about their newest line of SawZall Ax blades. This week, the company released us from that and we can now show off the innovative new wood cutting SawZall Blades. They come in both standard and “The Ax” profiles, which delivers a very fast cut with the ability to survive cross-cut nail impacts. The Ax also has one of the quickest plunge cuts of any blade we’ve seen. Take a look at the design of the individual cutting blades and you’ll see how they are made to ride backwards over a nail and not catch, breaking the teeth

September 13, 2010 0

RIDGID SeeSnake CS1000 Digital Recording Monitor

by Clint DeBoer

The CS1000 by Ridgid is the fast, convenient way to record, report and deliver still images and video digitally. Just grab it and go! The CS1000 camera control unit is a purpose-built monitor that allows you to digitally record and report on your inspections in the field. With the CS1000, you have the flexibility you need to take full advantage of digital recording technology.

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.

August 27, 2010 0

Ridgid 65′ SeeSnake microDrain w/Sonde First Look

by Clint DeBoer

Ridgid has some good professional and consumer response to their SeeSnake microDrain and microReel Inspection Systems. Now the company has announced a new addition to their microDrain line in the form of a 65′ microDrain w/sonde. Inspired by the feedback from professional tool users (pool service, plumbers, chimney inspection, etc.) to lengthen the microDrain, the company developed the D65S.

August 25, 2010 0

Porter-Cable PCL120DDC-2 12V Compact Lithium Drill/Driver First Look

by Other Tom

The 12 Volt MAX Compact Lithium 3/8″ Drill/Driver (PCL120DDC-2) features a single sleeve check with spindle lock, variable speed trigger, two-speed gearbox, and a reported 1,200 rotations per minute. Add to that an included belt clip that can be relocated on either side of the tool, a magnetic bit holder, an LED worklight, and two included batteries, a 30-minute charger, and a soft-sided case and the $90 price tag looks pretty reasonable. Pair it with the forthcoming Impact Driver (PCL120IDC-2) for a considerable savings.