I’ve taken over the helm on Tool News Nirvana again, and that means: 1) This issue is later than usual 2) You can expect even more boring, uninspired copy to accompany all the mind-blowing news covered in this issue. We’ve got a nationally recognized holiday (almost), sweet new tools from Milwaukee, Makita, DeWalt, etc., chances to win FREE stuff, and more!
Happy National Tradesman Day!
Irwin would like to officially remind you to hug, kiss, snuggle (or just shake hands) with your favorite tradesman (or woman) today. Technically, they don’t actually use the words “hug, kiss or snuggle” in their suggestions, but depending on who you are, hugs might be still be appreciated. Donuts and handshakes are good too. Before you continue the vital business of reading our latest installment of Tool News Nirvana, take a moment to recognize some of the many tradespeople that keep our country moving. You can also check out all the latest National Tradesman Day action on the official FB page.
Free Amplifi System from Briggs & Stratton
HomeFixated is giving away a cool new Amplifi hose-empowering system this month! That’s right, we said “empowering.” Let’s face it, your hose is lonely with just water pressure. It has less power than than your battery-operated toothbrush, but it craves more. It wants to be like one of those mega-PSI pressure washers. Well, hook your hose up to a B & S Amplifi system, and suddenly, you’re hose becomes mad with more power than it ever dreamed of. Our friends over at Tool Skool shot this nifty video review (and are also giving away an Amplifi this month):
Milwaukee Rocks New M12 Cordless ½” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer
At a mere, “don’t call it petite” 3.9-pounds and 9-inches in length, this is one spry rotary hammer. Don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s weak. I had a chance to go hands-on with this tool this summer and was definitely impressed with the performance it kicked out. It’s ideal for drilling in tight spaces and all-day use for trades including, electricians, MROs and commercial remodelers. According to Rick Gambaccini, Group Product Manager and part-time Capo for the infamous Gambaccini organized crime family, “This is the world’s first sub-compact rotary hammer for the professional trades, bringing users a cordless tool in what used to only be available in corded.” You can pick up M12™ Cordless ½” SDS Plus Rotary Hammer Kit 2412-22XC or the tool-only 2420-20 next month!
Makita’s New Beefy 18v Cordless Sander
Don’t you hate it when your random orbit sander’s cord randomly orbits in your way? Cordless sanding can sometimes leave a bit to be desired when it comes to runtime and power, but Makita is out to change that. Check out their new LXOB01 1/8″ random ordbit action, 18v sander. It promises “Corded Performance without the Cord” and a runtime up to 40 minutes on low or 20 minutes on high.
http://youtu.be/DaRrBjo6W2I
You can pickup the new 18v Cordless action via our sponsor Tyler Tool for $110 for the tool only, or around $280 for the full kit in all its cordless splendor.
Like Makita on Facebook
Companies are begging for Facebook likes right and left. But we like it when they bribe us for their likes with cool prizes. Makita is offering a new prize each day through Sept 30th on their new Like Us on Facebook contest. We spot some sweet cordless tools, a wicked Makita RC truck, and lots of other fun prizes. We’ll let you guess what you need to do for a chance to win (here’s a clue, it does not involve auctioning a kidney or offering your first-born).
Black & Decker Launches 20V MAX Platinum Lithium Vacuums
What do you think of when you hear “platinum”? Rings? Precious metal investing? Rappers’ jewelry? Well, start adding vacuums to that list! If you were a DustBuster fan back in the day, you’ll be happy to hear B & D is stepping up their hand vac action with their Platinum Series vacuums, incorporating lithium technology. B & D says this new vac lineup “places consumers at the intersection of luxury and style.” Unless the vac feeds me bonbons, massages my hand while I hold it, or incorporates a cup holder, I’m not really sure how luxurious it can be. But the new vacs do look stylish. They promise to maintain strong suction over long runtimes, which presumably will help you avoid that sad feeling that sweeps over you when you run out of vac charge and there are still wood shavings or your child’s cereal spill to cleanup before your significant other gets home. The Platinum series features three units, sure to fit the most discerning user’s needs: The BDH2000FL, BDH2000SL, and BDH2000L. The all-new 20V MAX* Platinum BDH2000FL, BDH2000SL and BDH2000L Black and Decker Vacuums
Lowes Idea Exchange
Here’s your chance at Facebook fame (or infamy) without having to do anything humiliating on camera while your “friends” post the evidence to Facebook. Lowes recently launched their Idea Exchange, which gives folks the chance to post their most creative, useful and clever ideas for the home and garden for others to learn from. Ideas are categorized via Spaces (eg. what room the idea is for), Difficulty and Time. The Google Maps-style navigation is a little wonky, but other than that we think its a great way to come up with some fun weekend projects. Join in the fun at Lowes Idea Exchange.
NEW ROCKWELL OSCILLATING MULTI-TOOLS Get Hyper
Rockwell is stepping up their oscillating game with some new multi-tool action. Innovations include the “industry’s first” Universal Fit™ system that enables three new Sonicrafters®, as well as a Shop Series Sonictool™, to accept other brands’ accessories without adapters. Not content for a mellow, relaxed tool-free accessory change, they’re also busting out a new Hyperlock™ tool-free (quick-release) feature on two new Sonicrafters, RK5139K and RK5140K. It provides one ton of clamping force to prevent slippage of blades and other accessories. We’re hoping it doesn’t take one ton of pressure to open that thing! I generally bench press just slightly under a ton, so my opinion is that one ton of clamping force sounds like a lot! Rockwell also has ramped up the amps in its new corded oscillating multi-tools, increasing their power and cutting efficiency. The Sonicrafter X2 (RK5140) leads the way with an increase from 2.3 to 3.0 amps. The Sonicrafter (RK5139) jumps from 2.3 to 2.5 amps and the Shop Series Sonictool increases from 2.0 to 2.3 amps. More details at RockwellTools.com
New DeWalt Angle Grinder Sports Innovative Guard
DEWALT announces the launch of a new 4 ½” Small Angle Grinder, and you say, “So what?” Well, my cynical reader friend, this isn’t just any old angle grinder.
The One-TouchTM Guard feature is new to DEWALT’s line of grinders and allows the user to simply turn the guard to adjust its position. This can be done without the need to push buttons or open latches for movement. “While in manufacturing shops and on jobsites, we saw the need for the user to continually move the guard depending on the application,” said Jeremy Torok, group product manager, DEWALT. The new 4 ½” Small Angle Grinder is ideal for mechanical contractors, concrete repair contractors and fabricators who need to perform a variety of applications in tight spaces such as grinding and beveling steel, grinding welds, cutting pipe and steel plate and concrete surface prep. The slim, ergonomic body design with a circumference smaller than 7” allows the tool to fit into tight spaces.
The One-Touch action has eight detents to make the adjustment even easier. And, the grinder also sports DeWalt’s Quick-Change Wheel Release which lets you change wheels without hunting for that annoying little wrench you’re always losing! The DWE4011 4 ½” Angle Grinder is expected to retail for a very reasonable $59.00 wherever DeWalt products are sold.
I didn’t get the platinum versions because they’re not yet available but I did get the B&D vacuum in the center because my last one which was just awful died…and WOW…it actually has suction. Enough to pull my finger against the opening and not just let go as every other hand vac I’ve ever owned has been.
I noticed however that when I uplugged the old transformer that it was very hot and had actually turned the plastic brown which is a bit concerning. Since I had bought that one about 6 years ago or so I would have thought that they would’ve opted for a new transformer but it’s not. I’ll keep an eye on it.
Otherwise kudos on this one.