Welcome to another edition of Tool News Nirvana, where we talk about what’s new and hot in tools, DIY, and home ownership while listening to “Smell Likes Teen Spirit.” Today we have some goodies from Milwaukee, Bosch, Paslode, and Gorilla Glue along with info on a bunch of contests that you can enter for cool things from Bosch, Lowe’s, and even us! Are you here now? Shall we entertain you? Alright then, load up on guns (or don’t), bring your friends, and check out this news while Kurt Cobain rolls in his grave!
Enter Now (like, this second!): Lowe’s & Houzz $50,000 Dream Kitchen
Hello, Hello, Hello, How Lowe’s … is going to make your day with this contest! Today, February 13th, is the LAST day to enter, so get your sweepstakes entry in now! With just a couple clicks of the mouse and some tapping of your fingers on the keyboard, you could be the lucky duck who wins a $50,000 custom dream kitchen, designed and built by Houzz and outfitted by Lowe’s. There are official rules to be read, but it’s basically an enter-your-name type of form (one per email address) that is open to residents 18 and over in the United States. Just like becoming a reality TV star, there’s no talent required! LAST CHANCE TO ENTER is tonight, February 13th, so don’t delay!
Milwaukee’s New Cordless Tools are Brushless
At first, Milwaukee sounds as if it’s also embracing grunge today, doing away with brushes to get that authentic ’90s anti-hygiene look. But what we’re actually referring to is brushless motors, which are quickly becoming all the rage among tool manufacturers. What is a brushless motor and what’s the benefit to you? Hell if I know. Ok, I sort of know, thanks to How Stuff Works and this brushless 101 article from our friend Stu over at ToolGuyd. The extremely oversimplified gist (that you are all welcome to correct me on) is that regular motors are highly mechanical, relying on the push and pull of magnets to turn parts. In order to maintain momentum, internal brushes are used to goof with these magnets (technical term: reverse their polarity) so that the moving parts are continually getting a boost of the tug and pull energy to keep the motor turning. Tools with brushless motors still use magnets, but the polarity is switched with an internal computer chip, thus removing brushes from the equation (and the tool) entirely. This gives you a longer lasting tool (brushes are known to wear out), a lighter tool (less parts!), and a peppier tool (computer chips apparently let you amp it up). Sorta get it?
Well, Milwaukee gets it and is now giving it to you with the release of two new tools: the M18 FUEL™ ½” Drill/Driver (2603-20/22) and M18 FUEL™ ½” Hammer Drill/Driver (2604-20/22). Both of these tools come equipped with technologies that sound like energy drinks or men’s razors and are most effective when written in ALL CAPS: POWERSTATE™ brushless motor, REDLITHIUM™ battery pack, and REDLINK PLUS™ intelligence. All you really need to know about these advances is that, according to Milwaukee, they mean the tools “deliver up to 10X longer life, 25% more power and 50% more run-time for the professional tradesman.” YEEEEAAAHHHH! They’re not available until March, so until then, you can just stare at pictures of them on Milwaukee’s website.
Gorilla Glue Will Now Make You Go A Lot Less Ape
If you reach for your glue and find it hard, it’s hard to find (motivation), and then you find yourself saying “oh well, whatever, nevermind” (to a project). (Yeah, that was a groaner. Alright – no more cheesy Smells Like Teen Spirit references from here on out! ) If Andy Rooney were alive, I feel like this is bit of news from Gorilla Glue would get the old curmudgeon applauding. I can just envision him sitting among his stacks of paper at his desk, winding up the complaint machine: “Don’t you hate it when you go to reach for your glue, but it’s dried and hardened in the cap?” Yeah, we all hate that Andy. WE HATE IT SO MUCH. No, really, we do! We review Gorilla Glue products now and again, and it appears the company has heard Andy Rooney from beyond the grave: they are outfitting their glue with a new cap that is engineered to avoid clogs, improve usability and longevity, and is just all-around easier to open. Here’s a video about it:
The cap is currently featured on Gorilla Glue’s 2-ounce product with hopes to roll it out across the line.
Bosch’s Bits Get Tougher
Hey home owner, have any framing, decking, nut setting, sheet metal or drywall work in your future? Magic Eight Ball says: Signs Point to Yes. Well, there you go. Now that we’ve confirmed that you’ll likely be doing these tasks in upcoming DIY projects, let’s talk about why I brought it up! Bosch has recently released a new line of Impact Tough bits, sockets and hole saws that offer users a “one-stop shop for high-torque accessories.” Here’s the scoop, direct from their press release:
The forged tip of Impact Tough bits means a more consistent fit with Phillips® head, Torx® head and square head fasteners. A hardened high-grade steel core provides extended bit life for all Impact Tough options. The specially designed torsion zone absorbs torque stress and reduces bit fracture. A better fit with the fastener results in less breakage of the tip and reduced stripping (cam out) of the screw head. Nut setters feature a brass magnet holder for a more secure fit. Sizes range from 1″ to 6″ for Phillips head and 1″ to 2″ for Torx options, plus 1″ to 3-1/2″ for square heads.
In other words, if you’re going to be putting your impact driver through some abuse, Impact Tough bits will handle it. An array of sizes and styles are available, but this Bosch SBAD21 Impact tough Insert Bit 21-Piece Set is a good start.
Paslode Pumps Out A New Nailer
Are you like me and have the upper body strength of a small Muppet? Have a nailing job on the horizon? Freaked out by pneumatic nailers? If so, you may want to invest in Paslode’s latest: A fuel-powered Cordless Framing Nailer System with Lithium-ion battery, the CF325Li. A Lithium-ion battery, fuel cartridges, and Paslode’s engineering have resulted in a relatively lightweight nailer that is easier to hold, easier to control, and operates more quickly and efficiently. The CF325Li, a name that just rolls off the tongue, drives 50% more nails per charge (up to 6,000) and holds a charge five times longer than the comparable CF325 with a Ni-Cad battery. It charges in just one hour, and features a two-minute quick charge that will drive up to 200 nails when you just can’t wait an hour to finish a project. Sweet!
The CF-325Li is retails for under $400, includes a carrying case, safety glasses, rechargeable Lithium-ion battery and charger, and a warranty.
Bosch Daredevil Contest – Enter at your Own Risk!
Do you work hard and play hard? Take a photo of yourself getting hard (AT WORK! AT PLAY! NOT ANYTHING ELSE!) and submit it with a description to Bosch’s contest website and you could win some fun Daredevil prizes like Bosch Daredevil Drill Bit Set, a Daredevil Circular Saw Blade, or a Daredevil T Shirt. Weekly winners will be selected from now until February 29, 2012. American and Canadians 18 and up can enter, although additional rules do apply. Almost anything goes (ALMOST) – like a picture of you working on a job site or getting a big reno done, or a shot of you living large in a dune buggy or ripping down a ski hill. Good luck!
There’s Still More Stuff To Be Won!
Looking for another contest? Your wish is our command with this Genie PowerMax 1500 garage door opener and Closed Confirm remote! We mentioned these stellar products in our Garage Door Opener 101 article and now we want you to experience the magic that is Genie. With a value of nearly $300, it’s our monthly Homefixated reader prize! All you need do is comment in any of our posts and / or subscribe to our newsletter during the month of February, and you’ll be automatically entered. No bottle rubbing required!
