UPS just dropped off another box of power tool goodness, the Milwaukee M18 Hacksall along with a couple of Boar Blades. More once we have had time to check this guy out.
Link: Milwaukee 2625-21CT M18 18-Volt Hackzall Reciprocating Saw Kit
Link: Boar Blades 7X761 Bi-Metal Reciprocating Blade
It is no secret that I have hearted the recent explosion of Lith-Ion powered microtools from manufactures like Bosch and Milwaukee. The good news I am not alone in my admiration of these tools as they have proven to be a retail sucess as well. This means the 2nd generation of these tools are starting to roll of out the factories bringing some much appreciated improvements. The Bosch PS21 is a perfect example that you can no longer judge a power tool by its size.
At first glance, you might be wondering what the heck was Bosch thinking? This looks like a toy! But just see what the guys over at Tool Snob had to say…
“First off, the power out of this little tool is incredible. Not to mention that it’s smaller than the competition. We were stunned when it had no problem sinking a 6″ Timberlok screw into a 2×6. We tried out a few of the other 12-volt drivers we have around (including the older Bosch PS20) and the results were pathetic in comparison, they could hardly even sink the screw half way. We then used the PS21 as our primary tool building a workbench and it had no problem dealing with 3″ screws. Sure, it’s not as fast at a 14.4-volt, but it’s getting there.”
All we can say is WOW!
Link: Bosch PS21-2A 12-Volt Max Pocket Driver
Last year I had a deck added onto my house but opted not to have the contractor add stairs, thinking they were not necessary. I was wrong. So this weekend, I put my DIY skill to use adding two steps on. Around the house I do not do much woodwork, so the only saw I have is an old and cheap Craftsman circular saw that I have had for years. For the size projects I generally tackle it has been fine, unfortunately not so this time out.
I needed to cut a few 45 degree angle where the stairs wrapped around a post and continued to the other side of the deck. For some reason, my Craftsman just did not want to behave. The blade kept flexing, distorting the cut no matter what I tried. Finally I had to go borrow my buddy’s saw to finish. Which lead to this research project, finding an affordable unit that did not compromise on features or performance.
And the winner is…The new Skil HD 5687. It combines properties of both worm-drive and sidewinder saws. It uses a sidewinder motor and housing to keep the weight to a very manageable 10.8 pounds plus the profile and handle style or a worm-drive model, all for less the $90. Sure is it not as sexy as say the Bosch 1677MD 
Link: Skil HD5687-01 20 Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw Kit
Popular Mechanics has just posted a detailed review on 10 of the most popular cordless drills currently on the market. Their pick was the Makita 18V BHP454. The testers selected this drill as one of the best power tool they had ever used. The praise did not stop there. Highlights include: “Some talented engineers designed its high-torque motor and drivetrain to squeeze every ounce of performance from the battery. It also exhibits excellent industrial design. For a large and heavy drill, it’s well-balanced and handles easily due to a nicely shaped handle with lots of rubber overmold.”
At over $100 less the Ryobi 18V P203 was the editor’s pick for best value. “This tool punches holes and socks down fasteners with the best of them. We liked almost everything about it, from its stone-simple magnetic bit holder to battery-charger icons that actually make sense. The tool’s relatively low price paired with its performance make it the ultimate homeowner drill.”
Amazon had the best prices we could find for either tool. The Ryobi is available as part of a 4 piece kit that includes 2 batteries, charger, reciprocating saw, circular saw, worklight and carrying case for a very reasonable $299. The Makita kit includes the drill, 2 batteries, handle charger and case for $343. If you don’t need the handle or case you can go with the tool only configuration for $125 and add two batteries and a charger for about another $150, saving about $75.
Grab It: Makita BHP454 18-Volt LXT 1/2-Inch Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Drill Kit
With the deluge of tool releases this fall, the RS35, the new professional grade demolition reciprocating saw from Bosch slipped by us. And that would have been a shame because this is one wicked saw that is loaded with features. For starters it is powered by 15 amp motor to give you the muscle to cut through about anything. Then add in an anti-vibration system that combines an anti-vibration handle with counter balance technology reduces vibration by up to 80%. Sounds pretty good right? But that is not all. An all new lockjaw blade system that makes it extremely easy swap out blades with a just a push and twist. Finally, Bosch added a dial speed control the provides fixed speed adjustment to optimize cutting in different applications and materials. Looks like a winner to us. Grab It: Bosch RS35 15 Amp Demolition Reciprocating Saw 
If you are looking to get your holiday shopping started “early” or for a little Halloween treat for yourself, you could do a whole lot worse than the Dremel Duo set. The package includes a 7.2v cordless driver, that has a surprisingly satisfying amount of power plus a cordless stylus tool.
The ergonomics are pretty much perfect. I am not going out on a limb to say that these are the most comfortable Dremel tools I have ever used. You also get a storage/charging base and some various bits and tips too. If you are in the market for a new rotary tool or ready to upgrade from your corded model, we whole heartedly endorse this combo.
Grab It: Dremel Screwdriver / Stylus Combo
Bosch has just released perhaps the ultimate in multi-tasking cutting tools with PS-50. It’s it part of the company’s 12v ultra compact line so batteries and chargers will be compatible. Designed to be a direct competitor with the Fein MultiMaster the PS-50 can even handle the Multimaster’s accessories.
The PS-50 is a monster in just about any detail cutting or sanding task you throw at it. Features include a no-mar nose to protect your work, variable speed control (5,000 – 20,000 RPM’s) and a fuel gauge to aid charging.
Grab It: Bosch PS50-2B 12-Volt Max Multi-X Carpenter Kit
This is one of our all-time favorite containers. It collapse to next to nothing for easy storage, the hard shell adds the needed durability other containers of this style lack (plus we think it makes for easier dragging) and the large 30 gallon capacity makes this container ideal for all sorts of jobs from sorting evidence to cleaning up yard clippings. You will want more than one, trust us.
Grab It: Fiskars 30-Gallon Hard Shell Base Kangaroo Gardening Container
Yes we have been drooling over the new lines of ultra compact tools, who wouldn’t be? But not to worry! Sure the Kool-Aid is strong, but we know you still need and want full size, professional tools. So how about we get started with this beast, the Bosch 36 Volt Lith-Ion Rotary Hammer Drill?
This baby eats concrete for breakfast. It boasts an SDS-Plus bit system for tool-free bit changes and automatic bit locking for dust protection and maximum energy transfer. The integrated Vario-Lock positioning rotates and locks the chisel into any one of 36 different positions — and the integral clutch helps minimize torque reaction as you shift tasks and speeds. The 11536VSR has a 1-inch solid bit capacity and a 2.5-inch core bit capacity, and it offers an impact force of 2.2 ft./lbs. It has a no-load speed of 0-960 rpm and a no-load impact rate of 0-4,2600 bpm.
The kit includes 360-degree auxiliary handle, carrying case, one-hour charger, depth gauge, and two Litheon batteries. And don’t over look the value of Lith-Ion batteries either. They provide consistent power until empty – no slow death Ni-Cads here, and they can recharge to 80% in 30 minutes or 100% capacity in an hour.
Grab It: Bosch 11536VSR Litheon 36 Volt Lithium-Ion 1-inch SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer
While the name of this product is a bit dull and boring, the applications are endless. The CO2 tank, which refillable and replaceable, attaches to a regulator that accepts any standard air hose. That means all your favorite air tool like nailers, staplers and the like are now field ready. The kit comes with a ten foot coiled air hose, CO2 cylinder – good for up 1500 shots and a handy belt clip.
Grab It: Kobalt Portable CO2 Regulator
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