November 3, 2008
We had a busy October here, particularly with all the oscillating tool mania going on. We tested out the new Dremel Multi-Max and the Bosch PS50, both of which we liked, but we're still considering whether or not the short battery run-time on the Bosch is a deal breaker or not. The corded Dremel, surprised us with its power and price (about $100), which is enough to make it October's Tool of the Month.
We also checked out some really nice Bosch jigsaw blades that we highly recommend, as well as a very nice storage system called the Lift-N-Lok. There was also the Crocodile Saw, but we're trying to forget about that one.
For November, we'll be looking at the new Rockwell Oscillating tool, Paslode's cordless framer, and a few other things that we'll keep under wraps for now.
Tool of the Month
All Reviews
Benches, Stands, and Storage
Bits and Blades
Demolition Tools
Distractions
Hand Tools
How-To
Measuring & Marking
Monthly Roundup
Oscillating Tools
Painting
Power Tool Accessories
Power Tools
Promotions
Sanding
Snow Removal
Work Lights
October 1, 2008
September is done and we're still in the middle of projects that were slated for a July finish date. The grass isn't planted, the retaining wall is still falling down and the painting is looking like it might have to be postponed to next Spring. Oh well, at least the tree guy was here today so the woodshed is looking pretty good.
The September Tool of the Month is a hands-down, no-brainer, 'this is as easy as it gets,' Milwaukee Hackzall. Not only is this the coolest thing we looked at all month, it might be the best thing we've seen all year. It's an amazing little tool that has endless uses and we recommend it to anyone with a pulse. Read our review of it here.
Tool of the Month
All Reviews
Air Tools
Benches, Stands, and Storage
Building Materials
Cordless
Distractions
Glues and Adhesives
Hand Tools
How-To
Lawn/Garden
Lithium-Ion
Measuring & Marking
Monthly Roundup
Oscillating Tools
Painting
Power Tools
Promotions
September 2, 2008
We're not huge fans of August. It's too hot to do much outside and we just find ourselves overbooked all the time. There's a lot of living crammed into August. We prefer the mellower months of October and November when we start preparing for the winter and we're not sweating through three shirts a day.
We only reviewed one tool this month so it's no shocker that Ze-Vo EndCuts gets the Tool of the Month. It's a gimmie, but even up against tough competition, it would still get the prize. If you've never heard of it, we highly recommend it.
All Reviews
Air Tools
Benches, Stands, and Storage
Distractions
Hand Tools
How-To
Painting
Plumbing
Power Tools
Promotions
Work Lights
August 1, 2008
July is done and we can practically smell all of the tool companies gearing up for their fall releases (it's an odor similar to WD-40). So far the tool that we're the most excited about is the Dremel Multi-Max, their new oscillating tool. There are also some others rumored to be coming down the pipeline, but we'll get to those next month.
We reviewed a handful of tools this month and are giving our monthly award to the little, goofy-looking Zip Sander. It's a great little idea and very well executed. It's also under $10.
Tool of the Month
All Reviews
Air Tools
Bits and Blades
Distractions
Glues and Adhesives
Measuring & Marking
Oscillating Tools
Power Tools
Promotions
Safety
Sanding
Tool News
July 1, 2008
June was pretty fun around here. If you were paying attention, we gave away three Dremel tools for Father's Day. Other than that, we got to test out a few very cool tools. Skil's Power Cutter is yet another great offering from a company that is totally on a roll, but the Tool of the Month goes to Duo-Fast's Cordless Framer. We wrote the review for this one the other week, and since then, we've continued using the tool and it keeps proving it's worth.
This next month we're looking to post up reviews of Festool's Trim Router, Paslode's new Roofing Gun, a few of Campbell Hausfeld's new pneumatic tools, and a few other cool items we've got in the shop.
Tool of the Month
All Reviews
Power Tools
Hand Tools
Air Tools
Benches, Stands, and Storage
Demolition Tools
Distractions
Glues and Adhesives
Lawn/Garden
Monthly Roundup
Painting
Promotions
June 2, 2008
May is in the bag and it's likely that you've got some projects underway. Hopefully they're proceeding according to plan (but we all know it's likely that they're not).
The May tool of the month is the Artillery Pry Bar System. If you're looking for that chest-swelling, shingle ripping, clapboard trashing, deck devastating feeling, the Artillery in a class by itself.
In June, we're hoping to get reviews up for Skil's new Power Cutter, Duo-Fast's gas nailer, and Paslode's roofing gun. If we're lucky, we're going to also try to squeeze in Festool's MFK 700 Modular Router.
Tool of the Month
All Reviews
Air Tools
Demolition Tools
Distractions
Hand Tools
How-To
Lawn/Garden
Power Tool Accessories
Power Tools
Promotions
Routers
Sanding
May 1, 2008
April is over and the summer projects are in the planning phase. Judging from the traffic to our review of the Wagner Paint Crew Plus, a lot of you are thinking about painting the house. Good luck with that one.
Our tool of the month goes to the C.H. Hanson Chalk Hog. The Paslode Framer is a great tool and the two TKTools that we looked at were also cool, but once again, C.H. Hanson shows that even the most mundane of tools can be redesigned and improved.
Tool of the Month
Reviews
Air Tools
Benches, Stands, and Storage
Distractions
Guides
Hand Tools
Lawn/Garden
Power Tool Accessories
Power Tools
Promotions
March 31, 2008
February 29, 2008
Another month in the bag.
With the International Builder's Show, things have really started picking up in the tool world. All the big guys are releasing new products and some of them are looking pretty cool (like Milwaukee's 15 Amp Sawzall). There's a lot more coming in March, so stay tuned.
We only reviewed one tool in February, so it's a no-brainer that the Bosch JS5 is the Tool of the Month. But even against the stiffest competition, this jigsaw would have been a contender. It's a nice, compact unit and it delivers the quality that comes with any Bosch jigsaw.
Tool of the Month
Bosch JS5 Jigsaw
Reviews
Bosch JS5 Jigsaw
New and Interesting Tools
Stanley #1 Odd-Job
10C Crew Charge and Pro Charge
Gorilla Gripper
Robert Larson Shavehook (Molding Scraper) Set with 3 Blades
Skil XBench Deluxe Kit
Paslode Powerframer 350 Framing Gun
Ridgid Job-Site Radio / Race Scanner
Milwaukee 15 Amp SuperSawzall
New and Interesting Accessories
Knaack Monster Box
UFO Ballistic NailScrews
Campbell Hausfeld 25-Piece Accessory Kit with Case
Triton Multi-Stand
Bosch Concrete Drilling and Anchor Kit
Trade Shows and Promotions
Ridgid's 2.5-Gallon Aluminum Compressor for $49
International Builder's Show
Dirt Cheap Black & Decker VPX Tools at Home Depot
International Builders Show Part II
Distractions
Crane Accident
February 1, 2008