What separates us from the rest of the apes? Besides the fact that we aren’t (too) afraid of fire; we use tools — power tools that is. And here at Homefixated.com, we have your fix for the coolest new power tools and accessories that any tool monkey is sure to love! Not that you’re a monkey. This episode of Tool News Nirvana features two new tools from Milwaukee — the M12 HAMMERVAC and the 18V compact impact wrench, JET’s new 1221VS woodworking lathe, the Klein Klaw pump pliers and Festool’s TS55 REQ Plunge Saw as well as a few other surprises that are sure to make any tool lover beat his chest like a silver back gorilla in heat!
Milwaukee’s M12 HAMMERVAC Universal Dust Extractor
Drilling into concrete surely blows, but when dust gets into your eyes, nose and mouth, that really sucks. The Milwaukee M12 HAMMERVAC is the first dust extractor designed to fit most major brands of hammer and rotary drills – not just Milwaukee tools alone.
Powered by the M12 RED LITHIUM battery pack, this cool new tool features a 3-position switch. The auto-on feature is designed to ensure you suck up of all that pesky dust as soon as you turn on your drill. And with a replaceable HEPA filter, you can suck up dust more effectively than a monkey can groom its mate.
JET’s 1221VS Woodworking Lathe
For every season turn, turn turn – your woodworking projects. Spinning spindles, turning threads or just monkeying around with some ornamental woodworking just got easier with JET’s 1221VS woodworking lathe. The 1221VS has three speed ranges (from 60 to 3600 RPM’s), a 1 HP motor and an exclusive ratchet belt system that allows the user to turn at low RPM’s and still have plenty of torque to perform intricate and delicate turnings.
Throw in a digital readout, a spring-loaded spindle lock and a five year warranty and you’ve got a well-rounded lathe that’s perfect for the home woodworker or the professional shop alike. JET has also partnered with the American Association of Woodturners to offer a one-year electronic membership for purchasers through December 31, 2013 (find out more here). Priced at $799.99, you can find more information and a retailer through jettools.com.
Klein Tools Klaw Pump Pliers
First Knipex, then Irwin, then Milwaukee and now Klein? The push-button pump plier market is filling up fast with competitors! When we first reviewed Knipex and Irwin’s pump pliers, we were impressed with these unique push-button style locking pliers. Now that Klein Tools has their own version, we’re just as excited.
With two styles (the quick-adjust and the classic style) available, Klein’s Klaw pump pliers have more than just a nifty name. Like other pump pliers, Klein’s Klaw pump pliers have a narrow and compact set of jaws that allows users to reach into recesses that other channel locking style pliers just can’t access. But unlike other pump pliers, Klein’s Klaw employs multiple points of contact for superior gripping power (or so they say).
“The curved jaw really makes this tool impressive” says Senior Product Manager Gary Lalla. “It grabs multiple points around the pipe or bolt so you have very little chance of slipping.”
The quick-adjust set comes in a 10” and 12” model while the Classic Klaw pump pliers comes in 7”, 10” and 12” models so you can be sure that no matter what sized pipe, nut or bolt you’re working with, you won’t need super-human gorilla strength to get the job done.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Compact Impact Wrenches
The new M18 FUEL compact impact wrenches are available in two sizes and have three anvil-style options for various applications and users. For quick socket changes for users who work on the ground, Milwaukee recommends the 2655B ½” ball-pin anvil or the 2654 3/8” friction ring anvil. For maximum socket retention for overhead workers (or monkeys) who don’t want to lose their sockets, the 2655 features a ½” pin detent anvil. Check out more details from their website right here.
But what really sets these tools apart from the crowd is that they use their newest power source—the REDLITHIUM 2.0 and XC4.0 battery packs. Get the battery charger monkey off your back with these high powered battery packs. According to Milwaukee:
Milwaukee REDLITHIUM™ 2.0 & XC4.0 batteries provide up to 2X more run-time and recharges than standard Lithium-Ion batteries. REDLITHIUM 2.0 & XC4.0 also delivers best-in-class performance in extreme job-site conditions. With Milwaukee durability built into each pack, the REDLITHIUM 2.0 & XC4.0 battery operates cooler and performs in climates below 0°F/-18°C with fade free power. A battery fuel gauge also displays the remaining charge for less down time on the job.
Festool TS 55 REQ Plunge Cut Saw
This is not your standard circular saw. Replace your bulky table saw with this cool tool that offers a flat housing for cutting flush against walls, micro-adjustable depth stop for ultra-precise cuts and a unique guiderail system that allows users to get a perfect splinter free cut with zero tear out every time. A riving knife helps to position the blade into existing cut lines with ease so you don’t need to second guess yourself when making multiple cuts on the same material. Hook up a vacuum or dust extraction system and you’ll be able to make cuts anywhere and everywhere, without monkeying up the area with sawdust and debris. Check out the video below to see it in action:
Festool SYS-Cart, SYS-Toolbox and SYS-Roll
Festool SysLite Giveaway
Speaking of Festool. It just so happens that we’re giving away one very sweet SysLite at the end of the month. Assuming you’re reading this in February of 2013, you still have just enough time to enter simply by providing a useful comment on any HomeFixated article, or subscribing to our handy-dandy weekly email updates. Check out the details on our Free Stuff Giveaway Page, where we also make product comparisons to the Kama Sutra.
