Tool News Nirvana – Festool Giveaway, Makita Multi Tools, Milwaukee Driver & More

We’re glad to see Makita finally stepping into the very crowded Oscillating Multi Tool market with two new tools – both engineered for cutting, sanding, scraping, grout removal, and more.  In this edition of Tool News Nirvana we also share news of a HomeFixated/Festool Sortainer giveaway, a new 18V impact driver from Milwaukee Tools – a new addition to their recently launched M18 FUEL™ family. Finally, Klein Tools has come out with a new tool with an embarrassing name. 

HomeFixated’s May Giveaway – Festool Sortainer

The 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Multi-Tool Kit

This baby from Makita, Model LMT025, can run up to 15 minutes on the 18V Lithium-Ion battery that powers 50+ tools in the Makita family.  A variable speed control dial ranges from 6,000 to 20,000 OPM, and this plus the soft start feature make it easier to match the speed to the application.  The 3.2 degree oscillation angle allows for faster and more aggressive cutting and sanding.  There’s an L.E.D. light directed at the work area and a small diameter barrel grip.  Other features include a large on-off slide switch that locks on, and an included clamp system and adapter for accessories.

The full kit includes two 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries and charger plus 14 accessories for cutting and sanding. If you want the tool only, without the batteries and charger, you can buy the LXMT02Z which includes the tool, 1 plunge cut blade and 2 accessory adapters.

http://youtu.be/1ZA91CBZYeE

The New TM3000CX5 – Less Vibration and Lower Noise

This corded tool is powered by a 3.0 AMP motor with soft start, and features the same variable speed control dial (6,000 – 20,000 OPM) and 3.2 degree oscillation angle as in the cordless Model LMT025, as well as the same on-off locking slide switch and clamp system and adapter for accessories. The electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load for smoother work. Goodies designed for comfort and convenience include reduced vibration (6 m/s²) and lower noise (74dB), and a small diameter barrel grip.

http://youtu.be/mAkfo4AiDBI

We do have to say that the 18V battery looks a little bulky for the cordless, compared to 12V variants we’ve typically seen for Multi Tools, and unfortunately it doesn’t look like Makita went with a tool free accessory change with either model. The upside: the 18V recharges in only 30 minutes.

Milwaukee® M18 FUEL™ 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver

Here’s another new Brushless 18V battery-powered tool from Milwaukee Electric Tool, a part of the new M18 FUEL™ collection, whose cordless tools all include these (we know, cool-sounding, right?) features:

• POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor
• REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack
• REDLINK PLUS™ Electronic Intelligence
• Proprietary 3-Mode DRIVE CONTROL™ feature

The folks at Milwaukee tell us that the new brushless motor and Electronic Intelligence thingamajiggy delivers longer motor life – up to 3X as long, plus as much as 50% more runtime.  There’s also a 3- mode DRIVE CONTROL™ that lets you switch gears from a precise job like fastening small machine screws to a heavy duty job like driving big ol’ lag screws. The 3 mode option is something we liked on DeWalt’s new brushless driver, so hopefully Milwaukee’s switch delivers the same great flexibility. The brushless motor delivers a whopping 1600 max in-lbs of torque and 0-2900 RPM – a powerful tool.

The REDLITHIUM™ batteries give longer runtime, power and recharges than other batteries, and stand up to extreme job-site conditions including climates as low as 0°F.  A fuel gauge on the battery lets you recharge before you hit the “Oh s#*t!” moment.  A multi-voltage charger is included and works with both M12™ and M18™ batteries.

Klein Tools Stubby Multi-Bit Screwdriver 

The full name is actually a Klein Stubby Multi-Bit Screwdriver/Nut Driver with Square Recess Bit, but why add insult to injury?  Well, we guess since Klein Tools has been around since 1857, they can call their tools any darned thing they want.

This new tool just may give our favorite low-clearance screwdriver a run for the money.  Klein’s is called “stubby” because it has just a 1-1/4″ shaft, so it can get into confined places.  Do not go there…  Anyway, the versatile driver shaft holds 4 universal tips and converts to 2 sizes of nut driver.  Made of high-quality tempered steel with a torque-proof anchor in the handle, it’s durable but also comfortable in the hand (Stay with the discussion, here!) due to its cushion-grip handle.

The bits include: #1 square recess, #2 square recess, 3/16” slotted, #2 Phillips plus ¼” and 5/16” nut drivers.  The tips are manufactured with square edges to fit screw openings securely and resist slippage.