Welcome to the spring break edition of News Nirvana! Whether or not spring has sprung in your neck of the woods, we’re here to bring you a ray of sunshine and a little bit of warmth with these hot new tools. Just like a beach full of spring breakers, this edition of News Nirvana is packed full and ready to party. We’ve brought along new tools from Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch and Klein, so get your bathing suit on, grab a cold beverage and don’t forget the suntan lotion – it’s the Spring Break edition of News Nirvana!
DeWalt Gyroscopic Screwdriver and Conduit Reamer
Just like the line to the bathroom at a spring break dance club, DeWalt is ever expanding, and its popular gyroscopic tool line has grown even more with the introduction of the 8V MAX Gyroscopic Screwdriver and Conduit Reamer. We had the pleasure of reviewing the previous model gyroscopic screwdriver back in September and we really liked the way it handled, with a few hesitations on the whole gyro tech concept. The latest model just released is the first professional grade, battery powered integrated screwdriving and conduit reaming tool that’s designed specifically for commercial electricians. It retails for $139 and comes with two battery packs and a charger. Look for it later this month on Amazon or at your fav DeWalt retailer.
Klein All-Purpose Pliers
It wouldn’t be spring break if there weren’t any strippers, and thanks to Klein and their new all-purpose pliers, we can now strip, cut and loop 8-16 AWG solid and stranded wire. The new Kleins appear to be very similar to the Milwaukee 6-in-1 pliers that HomeFixated’s editor is rumored to love. Klein’s durable pliers are built using forged steel so you’ll be cutting wires and not dulling your pliers. The patented spring loaded dual-material Journeyman handles makes it easy to grip and use all day long without wearing your hands out. Senior Product manager for Klein Tools, Gary Lalla had this to say about this nifty wire cutting tool:
“Multi-functional tools like the All-Purpose Pliers are becoming more popular among electricians. These tools save time, save money and save space in the tool belt.” When we asked him if he would do a keg stand with us, he politely refused the offer and promptly had his secretary put us on the “No Future Calls” list.
Milwaukee M12 FUEL HACKZALL
Milwaukee Tool continues to name its tools with the suffix “ZALL” as well as expand its award-winning Fuel tool line with the introduction of the M12 Fuel Hackzall. With the use of RedLink Plus intelligence software, Powerstate brushless motor and the RedLithium XC4.0 battery pack, according to Milwaukee: the HACKZALL is up to 70% faster cutting than competitive 12v recips and delivers more power under load than some competitive 18v recips – that’s quite an impressive feat for being a super compact 12V saw. Coming to a retailer near you this May, the M12 FUEL HACKZALL will be available as a kit or bare bones. Learn more about this sweet handheld cutting tool at the Milwaukee Tool website.
Bosch 18V Drill/Driver and Hammer Drill/Driver
While it can’t cure the hangover kickback from too much pizza and an all-night beer pong contest, the new Bosch Drill/Drivers featuring Active Response Technology can cure the kickback of a powerful drill. These two innovative new drill/drivers and hammer/drill drivers feature an integrated sensor that limit the tools’ rotation and reduces any dangerous situations where the motor can create too much torque and rip the tool from your hands (or worse yet, twist or break parts of YOU). Any dangerous movements that are detected by the sensors immediately cuts the power to the motor and stops it from kicking back. We’ve seen this tech demonstrated in person, and it’s very impressive. Both tools are compatible with the Bosch 18V Lithium-Ion battery packs and are available as the drill/driver set for $279 or as a hammer drill/driver for $299. Look for them in stores this May and visit BoschTools.com to find a retailer near you.
Makita Dust Extraction Solutions
What’s messier than a college spring break party the next morning? Probably not much. But when you do use rotary hammers and other demolition tools, it can be tough to keep the mess where you need it most – in the trash. Makita attempts to solve the dilemma of messy applications with their new Dust Extraction Solution kit. This six-piece kit is for use with the sold separately jobsite vacuum and is compatible with their SDS-MAX rotary hammers and demolition hammers. Help control the mess of demolition with this dust extraction accessory kit as well as all of Makita’s other great dust extraction tools and equipment. Take a look at MakitaTools.com for more information.
Now that you’re through this party edition of New Nirvana, don’t forget to hydrate!
