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

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homefixated-tool-news-nirvanaWe’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

festool four drawer sortainer
Win this month's prize and you'll be the king or queen of organizing your shop
Continuing in our monthly tradition of giving away awesome things to our loyal readership, we’ve teamed up with Festool as the sponsor of our May Giveaway. If you’re tired of fasteners, parts and hardware floating around every nook and cranny of your garage, shop or truck, listen up. One lucky HomeFixated subscriber or commenter will win a four drawer Sortainer this month. Check out all the details on our Free Stuff Giveaway page.

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

Makita Multi-ToolThis 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

Milwaukee M18 FUEL ImpactHere’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 

Klein screwdriversThe 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.

Klein Stubby Screwdriver
They weren't kidding
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About Brad

Brad Baker is Vice President of Operations at Miller Woodworking in the Los Angeles area, designers and builders of custom cabinetry and interior millwork for the rich and famous. They make the impossible, and their work has been featured in fancy schmantsy architectural glossies more than a few times. All that high end creative stuff aside, he maintains a strong spiritual belief that the real sign of a good woodworker is all 10 fingers. He and his wife Ann Baker co-write for HomeFixated. Ann is CEO of Publicity Pros, a firm that provides “All Things Publicity” services and training for small businesses. She’s a hopeless nerd who revels in anything and everything having to do with the technology of attracting attention. And, no joke, she loves to bake.

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2 thoughts on “Tool News Nirvana – Festool Giveaway, Makita Multi Tools, Milwaukee Driver & More”

  1. I would like to try one of these new FUEL cells, but had to re-invest in rejuivinating my old batteries. It is shame that I but a large V18 kit just before the M18 kit came out. I am kind of stuck with the old stuff right now.

    Reply
  2. Brad, Can you find out if Milwaukee is developing an M18 version of it’s multi tool? I’ve used a friends Makita 18 volt multi tool and liked it. I’m a FUEL guy now so I’m waiting for Milwaukee. Anything you can dig up on this would be great!

    Reply

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