What time is it? It’s time for another Tool News Nirvana; that’s what time it is! And this edition of TNN is filled to the brim with the latest and greatest tool goodies as always. We’ve got great new impact bits and drivers from Irwin, Milwaukee expands their utility knife program and Bosch brings it all together with two new tools—the 18V oscillating tool and a groovy jobsite radio. So get comfy, kick your shoes off and stay awhile for this month’s Tool News Nirvana. [Read more...]
Tool News Nirvana – Irwin Performance Series Bits, Milwaukee Fastback II/Blades, Bosch 18V Oscillating Tool & Jobsite Radio
Tool News Nirvana – Bosch Demo Hammer, Dickies Tool Bags, New Bosch Grinders and Harley-Davidson/Craftsman Tool Storage
I hope you’ve got your vaccination! Because it’s time for another tool infected episode of Tool News Nirvana! We’ve got sick grinders and demo hammers from Bosch, Dickies unveils its cure for the common tool bag and Harley and Craftsman get ill together with their limited edition tool storage products. So get plenty of rest, be sure to take your vitamins and roll up your sleeve for your big shot of Tool News Nirvana. [Read more...]
Thin and Long – Bosch Extra Long Jigsaw Blades Review & Corbel Test
Just like certain “movie” stars, some tool accessories are known for their girth, and others for their length. Jigsaw blades aren’t typically known for either. If you’re looking to cut a meaty piece of wood and you don’t happen to have a bandsaw handy, your options have been pretty limited. Bosch recently released their Precision line of extra long 10 inch jigsaw blades and we found ourselves wondering whether they had much practical use, particularly for doing what you often do with jigsaws; cutting curves. With our curiosity piqued, we asked Bosch if they could send a few blades our way to review. We were pretty sure they could cut a thick piece of wood straight, so we set out to test these with curvaceous cuts that would have been a challenge even with a portable bandsaw. [Read more...]
Tool News Nirvana – DeWalt’s 12-20V MAX Charger/Radio, Bosch Half-Sheet Orbital Sander, General Tools Crown Molding Jig & Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Tool Bags
Earlier in the week, we published what some of our more discerning readers may have realized was an April Fools edition of Tool News Nirvana. We thought we’d follow that up with an actual TNN. So, here we go again with another chock-full-of-tools edition of Tool News Nirvana. This episode features a three-ring circus of tools that would be perfect for any contractor, cabinet shop or even a basic home woodworking shop – as well as big “circus tent” sized tool bags to store them all away in. While we may lack the smelly clowns, conniving carnie rats and cheesy midway games, this TNN’s “circus of tools” is sure to make you the tool “ringmaster” of any building project – without the funky circus smell of elephant poop and stale popcorn. So step right up folks and see the bearded lady we affectionately call Tool News Nirvana. [Read more...]
Tools News Nirvana – Wild New Tools, Rumors and News from Bosch, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita and Even Congress & HomeFixated
The tool news is coming fast and furious lately. In this particular addition, we have some of the most interesting, innovative and downright surprising tool announcements this year. Also, while we normally try to steer clear of politics here at HomeFixated, we’re making an exception this week. Our politicians in Washington are working on new laws that could effect any tool owner, and we’re doing our part to mobilize the citizen army of tool users. [Read more...]
Tool News Nirvana – Milwaukee Tool Giveaway, Powermatic New Drill Press, Stanley PowerLock Tape Turns 50 and Bosch’s Demolition Hammer Duo
Welcome friends to another delicious Tool News Nirvana. This jam-packed episode is filled with sweet tools from some big names in tool technology – and your chance to win some of them. Milwaukee is giving away $5,000 worth of their M18 RedLithium 2.0 and XC 4.0 battery packs. And if that’s not enough to whet your appetite, Home Fixated is giving away Milwaukee tools too. That’s right! We’re giving away the brand-spankin’ new M12 FUEL ½-in Drill Driver kit – $200 worth of tool hotness! Grab a bite of Powermatic’s new drill press, sprinkle in the 50th anniversary of Stanley’s iconic PowerLock tape measure and cram it all in with two Bosch demolition hammers and we’re already about to burst at the seams. So loosen your britches, put another notch in your belt and open wide for another big helping of Tool News Nirvana. [Read more...]
Tunes to Go – Bosch 12v PB120 Job Site Radio Review
Bosch has been in the job site radio game for years now. Their PB360 radio is legendary for it’s durability. A built-in roll cage had Bosch comfortable enough to have our friend Beth from ToolSkool hurl it off a raised platform. Bosch also staged several more robust stunts including launching it from a trebuchet. As cool and durable as the PB360 is, it’s also a bit like carrying a loaded milk crate around. If you’re just looking for some nearby tunes or talk radio and you’re not looking to rock out the whole block, the PB360 might be seen as overkill. Enter the new and far more portable 12v PB120 job site radio. [Read more...]
World of Concrete 2013 – Power Tools and Accessory Highlights
The World of Concrete held every February in Las Vegas is one of the most fun trade shows that I attend. Besides providing a welcome respite from the Colorado cold at the peak of winter, it gives me a chance to run a lot of power tools and equipment in a hands-on setting. Most of the tool brands get booths outdoors in the front parking lot of the convention center to allow show participants to drill, chip, break, and cut concrete to their hearts’ content. A few of the major brands bring their full line of corded and cordless construction tools as well as their related accessories so folks can also try out the latest circular saws, impact drivers, and bits and blades. And it all takes place in a carnival-like atmosphere with the sun shining, the music blaring, and excited attendees shouting over the din of dozens of jackhammers. [Read more...]
Bosch Debuts at CES in Vegas – German Tools, Appliances & Sustainability Get Sexy
Over the last several years I have flirted with going to the Consumer Electronics Show. It’s one of the biggest shows of its kind in the world, and a mecca for any person or company serious about electronics. Plus, it’s in Vegas. Long story short, when Bosch recently invited me to the show to bear witness to their first ever foray into the crazy world of CES, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. Our full coverage of CES in general will post shortly on HF, and in the meantime, you can check out over 60 tweets and photos we posted covering the show live). Since a lot of our time was focused on Bosch, we’re kicking off our CES coverage with them. A lot of people just think of power tools, wiper blades and maybe dishwashers when it comes to Bosch. My visit to the Bosch virtual “house” at CES opened my eyes to the multitude of industries Bosch is involved with, many of which have some application in the home. CES isn’t known for power tools, so what exactly was Bosch showing off at CES? Read on for all the details. [Read more...]
Bosch FNS138-23 Pin Nailer Review – Prepare to Meet Your Match!
Every so often, I get an uncontrollable urge to empty a box of matchsticks and attach them to something. Aside from being an indication that my meds may require further adjustment, the latest episode seemed a perfect opportunity to check out the latest (and smallest) entrant to Bosch’s lineup of air nailers, the recently-released FNS138-23, which had just arrived in the Home Fixated executive suite. [Read more...]
