In mid-October I attended the Remodeling Show in Chicago. Among the exhibitors were a number of tool companies and I shot video of some of their tools being demonstrated. Read more
Tool Test: 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Impact Drivers
For this article my crew and I tested 18 lithium-ion impact-driver kits. Some companies sell the same tool in two kits – each with different batteries – and in such cases we tested both versions. We used all the drivers for several months, trading them around so that everybody had experience with each one. Read more
Tools Up Close: Big Cordless Circular Saws
For this article we tested four higher-voltage saws – 36-volt models from Bosch, DeWalt, and Hilti, and a 28-volt model from Milwaukee. We used them while framing and siding a house and for building a deck. Later, we performed a test to see how many cuts each saw could make per charge. Read more
Tools Up Close: Festool CT 26 Vacuum
About a year ago my remodeling company had an opportunity to test the new CT 26 Dust Extractor. This product was not entirely unfamiliar to us, because our stable of vacuums already included some older Festools. Read more
Launch Time 2011: Milwaukee 18-Volt Rotary Hammer
Milwaukee's M18 Cordless 7/8-inch SDS Plus Rotary Hammer should find its strongest market among mechanical contractors who work on commercial jobs, but it will be of interest to any tradesperson who drills a lot of small holes in concrete. Read more
Product Watch: Dirt Diverter
Changing a clogged vacuum filter is a dirty, messy job, and the cost of replacing collection bags adds up over time. The Dust Deputy installs in line with your vacuum's hose and diverts virtually all of the debris into a containment bucket, extending the life of the filter and reducing the need to change bags. Read more
Product Watch: Easy Scriber
Most carpenters scribe with a compass or a small block of wood. That works fine but requires a practiced hand to keep the pencil line parallel to the scribed surface. The M.Power Perfect Butt Profile Scriber makes the task easier. Read more
Fall 2011 Product Watch
Drop cloth; many-pocketed work pants; fiber-cement gauges; safety railings; hardhat holder; miter saw; roll-up knee protection; sticky gloves; more Read more
Launch Time 2011
Throughout the year, the Tools of the Trade staff sees and tests hundreds of tools. We're especially busy now, because it's the season when many companies introduce new tools and unveil them at the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association show held every November. On the following pages is a preview of 18 new tools and accessories that will be showcased at this year's event. Plenty more new tools will be introduced at the show, and we'll be there to check them out and report on what we see in our magazine and newsletter and on our website. Stay tuned. Read more
Tools Up Close: Festool CT 26 Dust Extractor
About a year ago my remodeling company had an opportunity to test the new CT 26 Dust Extractor. This product was not entirely unfamiliar to us, because our stable of vacuums already included some older Festools. Read more
Putting Young Tradespeople to the Test
Every June thousands of students from high school and college vo-tech programs travel to Kansas City, Mo., to compete in the SkillsUSA championships. Most compete in a single trade such as cabinetmaking, sheet-metal work, or welding, but some participate in the multi-trade TeamWorks event. Read more
