Through the decline of many larger trade shows over the last decade, the members-only STAFDA show has remained the best place to see the most professional tool brands all under one roof. STAFDA stands for Specialty Tool And Fasteners Distributors Association and their annual show serves to connect manufacturers with distributors and dealers who move their products out in the market. Lumberyards and other building-supply companies make up a lot of the membership so the focus of the show is geared toward the pro. I like it that way since there are no displays of plastic lawn chairs, gazing balls, or gopher poison to trip over – just pure tools, fasteners, and equipment for getting some real work done. Here’s a breeze through what was new and notable from the major brands. Read More
Fein
Fein MultiMaster Start Q & Dust Collection Kit Review
After the downright onslaught of oscillating tools and accessories that have flooded the tool market in recent years, it’s time to get back to our roots with the company that started it all. That’s right, “Das Original”, the Fein MultiMaster. Back in my formative years of home improvement, my mentor and tool guru Richard described an almost mystical tool. It was from Germany, orange, really expensive, and could do things no other tool could. I was intrigued. That intrigue naturally led to a purchase of my first Fein MultiMaster many, many years ago. Despite it’s age, it continued to serve me well. But that age also started to reveal a few wrinkles; in particular the lack of a tool-free accessory change, and the very frustrating loosening of accessories under load with the original hex-key accessory design. It was time to see what Fein is shipping out their doors these days, which led us to this review of both the Fein MultiMaster Start Q, and their optional Dust Collection Kit. Read More