Often, power tools are where it’s “at”. When people visit the site, they want to know who makes the best corded and cordless power tools. This includes drills, drivers, hammer drills, saws, lights, sanders, multi-tools, best shop vacs, and more. These powered tools have reduced the time it takes to complete many jobs and tasks tradesmen work on every day. Our power tool reviews take the most recent tools and talk about how they rate and rank in the industry. Our reviews are targeted and written for the tradesman and business owner. Our goal is to allow the Pros a chance to see which recent developments in the industry are increasing productivity and which are just gimmicks. We also want to help you know which power tools are best overall. For this, we have round-up articles to find the best cordless hammer drill, best impact driver, and the best reciprocating saw. If these don’t help you find the best power tools, we don’t know what will.
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.
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.
The Milwaukee 8975-6 11.6 Amp Dual Temperature Heat Gun might look a little like your wife’s hair dryer but it really is a serious hand-held high heat throwing machine. With two temperature settings of 570 and 1,000 degrees F, you can pretty much peel the paint off of almost anything without having to worry about the issues that come with open flames. With a continuous duty rating, you can also plan on being able to work this tool non-stop for as long as you need it.
The Ridgid table saw has been popular among those looking for a tool offering a tremendous bang for their buck. While they have two currently shipping models (and likely no more until the ridiculous table saw lawsuits stop) this review deals largely with their portable jobsite table saw. This saw has a strong, best-in-class 15-amp motor with soft-start, so it is sure to last a very long time while reducing motor wear and those annoying breaker trips. A single height and bevel adjustment handwheel allows for quick setting of blade height and bevel, but of course, doesn’t offer the control of a dual wheel system found in larger cabinet saws.
A miter saw stand will greatly improve both the usability and the capability of your saw. The Ryobi Miter Saw stand, pithily dubbed the Quickstand (model #A18MS01), is one of the more inexpensive and yet functional products you’ll find on the market. The miter saw stand has 400 lbs. of holding capacity, so it’s equipped to not only hold a large miter saws, it can support the saw while also provided enough strength of nearly any type of material you’re likely to cut. The stand is made of steel, and it folds up and down so you can tuck it away when not in use, plus this makes taking it to the jobsite all the more easy.
Senco’s new Fusion tools combine the best of pneumatic and cordless technology. The Fusion cordless tools are available in 15 gauge angled and 18 gauge straight. What makes them impressive is that they eliminate the disadvantages associated with traditional gas and battery powered nailers. Fuel cell replacement costs, trigger response time, charge capability and excessive tool weight are virtually eliminated with these new models.
The first generation of Bosch’s 12V line of tools was impressive, but the fact that just about three years later they released a third generation impact driver means that they are coming after the market with a vengeance. The case in point would be the brand new PS41-2A Impact Driver. For this review I was able to solicit the second-gen PS40-2A from a friend and therefore face off the newer model against its predecessor. The results definitely proved that the new impact driver didn’t just get smaller, it got more powerful – as the revised specs indicate.
Bosch MRC23EVSK 2.3 HP offers 10000-25000 RPM, Trigger Control System for enhanced control, afterlock microfine depth adjustment for easy & precise adjustments at any plunge setting. Also, the tools includes fixed-base depth adjustment that features continuous microfine adjustment range & wrench for adjustments through top of optional router table, a bright LED Lighting for enhanced visibility in bit area while the 2-Stage Quick Clamp System is for fast tool-free conversion, plus soft-start that reduces start-up torque. In addition, Bosch variable speed dial for matching speed to workpiece and task while Constant-Response Circuitry which maintains constant speed under load, provides overload protection, also plunge base has contoured soft grip handles for enhanced control and comfort at all plunge depths while fixed base has threaded holes for mounting to router table positioned in Bosch 4-hole pattern and common 3-hole pattern. Also, Power Switch and Rugged carrying case.
Bosch 1617 EVS router features a 12 amp, 2-1/4-horsepower, no-load 8000 to 25000 rpm motor. Its exclusive precision centering system delivers accurate, repeatable cuts at any depth setting. The router includes a microfine bit depth adjustment with re-settable indicator ring and an adjustable sub-base. The router is made of strong, lightweight, all-magnesium construction. It features a precision self-extracting collet system, quick templet guide-change lever, and one-piece armature shaft for accuracy and long bit shank capacity.
Bosch 11335K 35-Pound 1-1/8-Inch Jack Hammer Kit features an impact force of 34 ft.-lbs and powerful 1750 W motor. This tool also includes an exclusive active vibration control shock absorbing top handle reduces vibration by up to 40%, an in-line Design with multiple grip positions for maximum performance in angled, horizontal, and vertical applications. Also, it offers large main handle that increased control and handling, well positioned lock on switch, a 360° Articulating Auxiliary Handle that provides a wide range of movement along with operator comfort, Carrying Case with Wheels for convenient storage and easy transportation, 2 Way Tool Retainer that accepts standard 1-1/8″ (28mm) hex, air tool steel with retaining collar or Bosch internal locking combo stee, plus all Metal Housing for jobsite durability.
