Get a sneak preview of the next big things coming from DeWalt right here, right now. This is tool journalist Michael Springer checking in with an exclusive industry report just for Home Fixated readers. I just returned from DeWalt’s annual media event where they take us behind the curtain to show off what the brand will be releasing in the next year — and beyond. I can’t reveal everything I saw, but I will share what I am not sworn to secrecy about. [Read more...]
DeWalt Media Event Coverage 2013 – The Latest Tools and News
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...]
Hit It! The Four Hammers Every DIYer and Home Remodeler Should Own
Many millennia ago, the first prehistoric DIY caveman got a flash of inspiration, picked up a rock, and brought it crashing down on something. In the process, he probably also crushed his thumb, which was likely responsible for the first prehistoric string of obscenities (“Son of a stinking pterodactyl-breath Neanderthal, that HURTS!!). Ever since then, striking tools, in the form of hammers, have played a major role in shaping our world. And not just by flattening our thumbs; although the hammer is generally thought of as “just a tool,” its inherent danger and destructive potential, as illustrated in the following video, shouldn’t be ignored… [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...]
Tool News Nirvana – Makita Xtract Vac, Veto Pro Pac, DeWalt Handheld Radar, Senco Collated & More
G’Day tool mates! You are cordially invited to another thick-as-a-brick edition of Tool News Nirvana. In this heavy-duty edition, you’re invited to take a look at Makita’s new Xtract Vac jobsite wet/dry vacuum, the Veto Tech Pac-1 (a unique backpack for your tools), DeWalt’s 12 volt Max lithium ion hand-held radar scanner, Zircon’s Metalliscanner rebar finder and Senco’s 2” DuraSpin collated Screwdriver. So settle in and get ready for a trip down under (this paragraph) and check out the latest tools this month has to offer. [Read more...]
Tool News Nirvana – Rockwell’s BenchJaws and 16V Drivers, Rockler Mini Silicone Brushes, DeWalt Large Angle Grinders, Milwaukee Rebrands and More!
Welcome to another fine and dandy edition of Tool News Nirvana. This fantastic TNN is slapped full of good tools, good deals and a good amount of cash, including a chance to win a $500 gift card from our sponsor Rockler! Throw in some nifty angle grinders from DeWalt, a cool new bench clamp and 16V powered drill/drivers from Rockwell and you’ve got a collection of tools that might make Norm Abram at least raise an eyebrow with a hint of jealousy. So settle in and get your latest and greatest tool news fixation! [Read more...]
Tool News Nirvana – Contests Galore from Bosch, Duluth Trading & Blaklader, New Makita 18v Hammer, Free Pants and More!
Wow, this issue of Tool News Nirvana is jam-packed as usual. Maybe not unlike your workspace. Awesome, congrats! Why would your horrifyingly unorganized workspace be awesome? Because it might lead to you $1000 in Bosch Click and Go gear to get that space organized, that’s why! We also have contest action from Duluth Trading and those makers of sweet pants: Blaklader. Aside from a zillion things you can win, we’re also including new tools from Makita, Milwaukee, Delta, DeWalt and Klein. And, of course, it’s Roctoberfest at Rockler. May this latest edition of HomeFixated news bring you one step closer to Tool News Nirvana. Read on for enlightenment! [Read more...]
DeWalt DCF895C2 20V MAX Brushless 3-Speed Impact Driver Review
Usually when I buy a tool, it’s to replace an older one that’s gone to the great Tool Crib in the Sky (or, sometimes, in the other direction). Other times, it’s to fill a need for a specific job, e.g. a hammer drill for making connections to concrete. Once in a great while, I get lucky and stumble across a tool I never even considered getting—mostly because I was unaware of how said tool could simplify some task and make my life even more of a carefree paradise. [Read more...]
DeWalt 12V Max Cordless Pivot Reciprocating Saw
When the “powers that be” at DeWalt offered Home Fixated the chance to try out their 12V Max Cordless Pivot Reciprocating Saw, we jumped. This reciprocating saw is a light-duty powerhouse. At just over 3 lbs. it’s ergonomically designed and easy to handle — light enough for single hand operation, though I felt more comfortable using both hands. (That’s what she said.) It has two well placed, rubber handgrips at the trigger and behind the blade and works really well for cutting lighter weight wood, sheet metal, plastic, Formica and of course sheetrock. If what you need is precision control and some finesse on the cut, this reciprocating saw does the job. [Read more...]
