What time is it? It’s time for another Tool News Nirvana; that’s what time it is! And this edition of TNN is filled to the brim with the latest and greatest tool goodies as always. We’ve got great new impact bits and drivers from Irwin, Milwaukee expands their utility knife program and Bosch brings it all together with two new tools—the 18V oscillating tool and a groovy jobsite radio. So get comfy, kick your shoes off and stay awhile for this month’s Tool News Nirvana.
Irwin Performance Series
Nothing fires us up more than a screwdriver bit that’s stripped out. So when Irwin launched its new line of impact performance series nut drivers and screwdriver bits, we were stoked. It’s not often that simple tools like nut drivers and socket bits are improved upon, but Irwin seems up to the task.
Whether it’s a square recess, Torx or Phillips, when these bits are in an impact driver or drill, they can really take some abuse. Irwin has designed these nifty bits, socket drivers and nutsetters with impact tool users in mind. Using heavy duty, cold forged steel, Irwin’s new Performance Series bits are designed to last up to three times longer than conventional bits. And with a black oxide finish, these bits are not only corrosion resistant, but they also look pretty cool too. You can buy these bits in sets, in bulk or one at a time at most tool supply centers throughout the US and Canada. Prices range from $1 to nearly $40 for these super strong (and pretty) bits.
Milwaukee’s Fastback II and New Blades
Like a hot knife through butter? More like a Fastback II through drywall. Or rope, plastic, wood, cardboard, etc… or through your fingers if you’re not careful!
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of using the original Fastback from Milwaukee, then you’re in for a treat with the Fastback II. Just like the old Fastback, the new utility knife includes all of the old features that made the original Fastback a great utility knife. With it’s newfangled magnetic blade storage, it makes the old Fastback look like a butter knife.
Throw in the new line of Milwaukee utility blades and you’ve got a utility knife perfect for any hardworking construction worker or weekend DIY warrior alike. These new blades are made from micro carbide deposited metal, and are designed to last three times longer than standard carbon blades.
Here’s what Ryan Schwoegler, the product manager for Milwaukee Tool Corp. has to say about these new utility blades:
“During our field research process, professional contractors challenged us to deliver a utility blade solution that matched the quality and durability of the Milwaukee FASTBACK™ Utility Knife. We were up to the challenge and delivered a utility blade that offers significantly longer life than standard carbon utility blades and drives greater jobsite productivity.”
We liked this knife so much; Milwaukee sent us a pre-production model to review. Take a look at what our esteemed editor Marc had to say about this nifty new utility knife from Milwaukee.
Bosch MXH180 Oscillating Tool and the PB180 Jobsite Radio
Grinding, Scraping, cutting and sanding—these jobs typically require multiple tools to get each task done. That’s where oscillating tools like the Bosch MXH180 come to the rescue. But more often than not, battery driven oscillating tools just don’t have the butt kicking power that’s needed to really rip into your next home improvement project.
Not with the new 18V MXH180. Thanks to the new EC brushless motor design, Bosch boasts the MXH180 has the best in class run time, 30 percent more power and a 65 percent longer run time than previous oscillating tool models. Just attach your favorite accessory and you’re ready to produce over 20,000 oscillations per minute!
While you’re sanding, grinding, chipping or cutting away with the Bosch MXH180, you can drown out the noise with their new PB180 jobsite radio. It uses the same 18V battery pack system as their other 18V tool line, so you can easily play your favorite jams anywhere you go.
And with two 5-watt neodymium speakers, jam you will. Tune into your favorite station or use the auxiliary plug in to play all of your MP3’s with ease. It’s also compatible with the Bosch L-Boxx-2 Click & Go storage systems so you can tote it easily with your other tools. Buy it soon for a suggested retail price of just $99 or less and get your jobsite groove on.
A lot better tools, then we had 20 years ago.