This latest episode of Tool News Nirvana is chock full of contests from Bosch, Festool and our buddies at OneProjectCloser. It also has a hint of danger with a massive recall of certain Stihl gas-powered yard products. And, of course, more new tool news from Milwaukee, Makita, DeWalt. Plus a new Porter Cable compressor you can almost fit in your back pocket. Check out all the tool-sational details!
Bosch Pro or Not So Pro Contest
Bosch says, “We’ve all seen it — the schlock repair solution that’s meant to be a temporary hold, but ends up being permanent. We also want to recognize a job well done — the craftsmanship that comes with great pride.” 
New Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2″ Driver-Drill Kit
With hints of more product releases on the way, the LXFD01 is Makita’s latest release in the 18V LXT Lithium-Ion platform. The kit includes the driver-drill, 2 ea. 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery, 30 minute Rapid Optimum Charger (ENERGY STAR qualified), tool case, and tool belt clip. Model LXFD01Z is the bare tool only. Here are a few stats straight from Señorita Makita (actually, from Makita’s PR team):
The LXFD01 is powered by a Makita-built 4-pole motor with bigger front end ball bearings, and delivers 480 in.lbs. of Max Torque and 290 in.lbs. of PTI Torque. The new planetary gear system and transmission has been redesigned for increased durability in a more compact size, so the LXFD01 is only 7-9/16″ long and weighs only 3.8 lbs. The LXFD01 has 16 clutch settings and a variable 2-speed all-metal transmission (0-400/0-1,500 RPM) to cover a wide range of drilling and driving applications. The improved ergonomic design with a new rubberized soft grip delivers increased comfort on the job, and the built-in L.E.D. light illuminates the drilling surface for applications in dark spaces and close quarters.
Massive Stihl Recall On a Broad Range of Gas Powered Tools
New Milwaukee Rotary Hammers
Milwaukee has announced a trio of new Rotary Hammers including: 5263-21 – 5/8″ SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Kit, 5262-21 – 7/8″ SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Kit, and the 2605-22 – M18™ Cordless 7/8″ SDS Plus Rotary Hammer. Boasting compact sizes, lighter weights, faster drilling, greater durability and harder impacts, Milwaukee is letting the superlatives fly! The 5263-21 is described as the most compact rotary hammer in it’s class, and Milwaukee’s Anti-Vibration System keeps you isolated from the power. Look for these via our sponsors OhioPowerTool.com and TylerTool.com when they hit the market.
OneProjectCloser Hosts Before & After Contest for Habitat
This is the fourth before and after series our friends over at OneProjectCloser.com have run to raise support and awareness for Habitat for Humanity. Ethan Hagan claims, “We really believe in Habitat’s mission, and we’ve seen how their efforts can transform a community.” Uh-huh. Pssssst, we think it’s all just an elaborate ploy to hide Ethan’s fetish for looking through before and after pics. Either way, if you’d like in on the action, just submit a before/after story with pictures. OPC will pick the best submission each week and the winner gets a $50 gift card PLUS they make a $100 donation to Habitat in the winner’s honor. The series runs through the summer at which point they open up the voting for the best entry. That grand prize winner receives an additional $150 gift card. You can find all the details here at OneProjectCloser.
DeWalt Wearable Backing Flap Discs
If you’re into welding or metal work, you’ll be happy to hear DeWalt has announced new wearable backing flap discs which are reported to last 2 1/2-times longer than standard flap discs. DeWalt also states 40 percent faster speed stats than standard flap discs. A new exclusive wearable backing wears away at the same rate as the cloth which improves product and reduces waste. If you like seeing sparks fly, you need to check out DeWalt’s promo video here, it has more sparks than the Fourth of July:
PORTER-CABLE® Launches Compact, Low-Noise, One-Gallon Trim Compressor
Earlier this week PC announced the introduction of its heavy-duty, one-gallon, 135 Max PSI quiet trim compressor, model C1010. When it comes to compressors, we’re all over anything that’s truly quiet. Highlights include: .75 standard feet per cubic minute (SCFM) at 90 pounds per square inch (PSI) and 135 Max PSI. Porter Cable even says at 71 decibels (dBA), “professionals can talk over the unit while it’s in-use.” It doesn’t say how loud they need to talk, but we’re optimistic this pint-size wonder (which weighs in at a mere 24 pounds) works at a hush. An oil-free, long-life pump keeps things clean and low maintenance. Stay tuned for a possible upcoming review.
Big Prizes from Festool This Month
For the month of June Festool has a sweet pairing of the sweepstakestaculous TS 55 Plunge Cut Saw and CT 26 Dust Extractor. This powerhouse combo of Festool goodness retails for over a grand. Enter to win (and find a link to official details) via the Festool Sweepstakes portal.
Thanks for the mention, and that Stihl recall is quite a bummer. Hopefully the fix is as simple as a new cap that doesn’t distort.
No sweat Joe, looks like a fun contest! The Stihl recall does sound like a major bummer. When the quantities run into the millions of units, even just a gas cap swap sounds like a pretty major undertaking. The good news is it does not sound like anyone has been injured thus far . . . catching on fire during yard work would not be cool!