Tool News
July 30, 2010
Ohio Tool Racing Championships 2010
It's time to start thinking about the second annual Power Tool Drag Races put on by the Columbus Idea Foundry. If you've never seen any Power Tool Races, it's sort of like Mad Max meets the Lilliputians from Gulliver's Travels; it's post apocalyptic and dangerous, but it all happens below knee level. The whole thing is a great pu-pu platter of creativity, deconstruction, reconstruction, adaptation, and teeth-grinding danger.
Here is some great news coverage of last year's event (great, minus the ha-ha, chortle-chortle mindless banter of the newscasters at the end). It gives a good idea of the people and sights you can expect to see.
So if you live in Ohio, or any state that touches Ohio, or any state that contains any of the letters, "o," "h," "i," or "o," you should mark August 31st on your calendar and head to the races.
For more information (including classes on how to make your own racer), visit www.toolraces.com
July 26, 2010
Milwaukee 2010 Product Symposium
The reason we were so light on posts last week is that we were lucky enough to be at Milwaukee's annual Product Symposium. While there, we ate some great food, hung out with a solid group of our tool-writer pals, enjoyed a lot of great conversations with the Milwaukee crowd, and most importantly had the opportunity to get a look at this year's line of new tools.
The nitty-gritty of the event has been covered by a few of our fellow compatriots here and here, so we're going to stick to just a few thoughts on some of the new items that we saw...
Continue reading: "Milwaukee 2010 Product Symposium"
July 12, 2010
Channellock Unveils a New Website
Channellock, makers many fine pliers and wrenches, have just sent out word that they've completely redesigned their website. We remember the old one and can only say that the new one is a VAST improvement. Not only is it easy to navigate with all the right tool information, but they also have a virtual tour of the Channellock factory which has to be one of the cooler things we've ever seen on a tool company website.
Check out the site here or go straight to the factory tour here.
Channellock tools Amazon
June 28, 2010
DeWalt Releases 12-Volt Max Tools
Last week, we were privileged to be invited to the Baltimore HQ of DeWalt for the launch of their new line of 12-volt tools. While there for the two-day event, we took in a Orioles game (from the Jim Palmer Party Suite...woot!) had a few brews at the hotel bar with some of our fellow tool writers, and the next morning, got to check out the tools.
There are seven tools in the release. They are:
1. DCF610S2 1/4" Screwdriver
2. DCD7102S 3/8" Drill/Driver
3. DCF815S2 Impact Driver
4. DCF813S2 Impact Wrench
5. DCT410S1 Inspection Camera
6. DCT414S1 IR Thermometer
7. DCL510 Work Light
The most interesting thing that DeWalt did with these tools was to opt to use the traditional rectangular battery configuration as opposed to the cylindrical style that Bosch and Milwaukee use. This allows for the handle to be thinner (because the battery isn't in it) and for the weight of the tool to be distributed on both sides of the grip, making for a much nicer hold. The Hitachi tools released over a year ago did the same thing, but they left on the battery stem which DeWalt got rid of as well.
We've never had any complaints about the balance on the Milwaukee or the Bosch tools, but when you're holding one of them in one hand and a new DeWalt in the other, the difference is significant. There is no question that the DeWalt feels better and much lighter, due to the smaller handle and weight balance. In fact, we were almost veering towards the opinion that DeWalt might have made the handles too small. We've got some pretty massive paws and our little finger was snugged up right against the battery. With gloves on, the fit would be even tighter.
The tools all have some nice touches to them; the inspection camera has a removable screen; the drivers can handle a 1" bit and have a smart LED configuration that lights up the work area without shadows; and the tools have nice little belt hooks where appropriate. The drills and drivers were powerful when stacked up against the competition and the flashlight has a fantastic design.
But of the tools, there wasn't much that we hadn't seen before. But that's fine and, in a way, it's DeWalt in a nutshell. They're not a company that's going to throw the long ball and create a tool for every known micro-niche of the HVAC world like Milwaukee is prone to do. No, DeWalt has more of the everyman feel. They're about tough tools for the tradesman, and the tools that they make are the kind that can hop from a plumber to an electrician and then over to a carpenter. There wasn't much flair at the event, but there didn't need to be.
So as it stands now, the tradesman-ready 12-volt world is as such: Makita released a nice driver and a drill/driver and nothing else, which renders them a bit impotent for someone looking for a system to plug into. Hitachi came out of the gate strong with a variety of tools (a mini-recip and a nice right-angle impact driver), but has since been located napping behind the barn. Bosch started strong then seemed to lose their way but now appear to be gearing up again with the release of their incredible PS31-2A drill/driver. DeWalt is now fully into the fray with a solid line of tools and they're no doubt researching (and probably already testing) their next wave. And then there's Milwaukee who is apparently looking into releasing a 12-volt tool for every single action that has ever been taken on a job site. It's interesting to watch all of this develop and we're sure that another chapter in the 12-volt saga will be written in a month when we pack up and head out to Milwaukee for another one of these events.
Oh, and one last thing to all you people who live in Baltimore...get over yourselves and go out and root for your baseball team! Even if they completely blow, you'll still be out and experiencing a game. The one we were at had an attendance so low it didn't even look like there was enough revenue generated to pay the electric bill for the Jumbo-Tron. We live in the vicinity of the over-expensive and always-packed Fenway and don't understand why, if you have the ability to hit up a game, you wouldn't. Also, if you start going now, when they win the Series in fifteen years, you'll be able to say you stuck with them through the worst of it (and boy, oh boy, this sure is the worst of it).
There will be more info on the tools at DeWalt.com/12vmax
June 10, 2010
Multi-Function Power Tools
Here's an article we wrote a bit ago for Popular Science. I was in the June print edition and we just stumbled across it online. It's about three new multi-function power tools. If you're up on your Tool Snobbing, you'll already be familiar with them; the Ridgid JobMax, the Rockwell H3, and the new Skil Flooring Saw.
Read the article here.
Subscribe to Popular Science here or here.
November 2, 2009
Stanley Agrees to Acquire Black & Decker
Well, this is interesting. Stanley Tools has just agreed to acquire (or gobble, if you prefer) Black & Decker, which includes DeWalt and Porter-Cable. The new mega company would have an estimated worth of 8.4 billion dollars. Fax Max is now Massive Max.
We checked out an article at WSJ and it looks like the deal isn't set in stone yet and some feel there might be anti-trust issues to deal with:
The deal does raise issues about limiting competition, said David Balto, former policy director at the Federal Trade Commission under President Bill Clinton. "There are very straightforward antitrust concerns," Balto said. "These are clearly the two major American handtool makers and they compete quite directly on a wide variety of products."
The merger "would hit every handyman in the wallet," said Balto, who isn't connected with the deal.
That last part is awesome!
But we shouldn't jump to any conclusions yet. It'll take some time for the dust to settle on this one, so at this point we can only sit back and watch.
More information at Fine Homebuilding
October 4, 2009
We're Moving
If you've been wondering why we've been so lame about updating the website, it's because we're in the middle of moving. It's all been very hectic and time-consuming, and unfortunately the website has suffered a bit. At the moment, we've sold our house and are now officially homeless for a week. We close on the new place this Friday. The two real estate transactions have been so bizarre and manic that even Donald Trump would be unsettled. We're going to be updating the site this week, but we might end up taking a day off here and there. Thanks for the patience...
September 23, 2009
Krenov Scholarship Fund Drive at Tool Crib
We mentioned the passing of James Krenov the other day. At the time we didn't get into any details on his life, but one of the things he is known for is that he founded the Fine Woodworking Program at the College of the Redwoods.
So in memory of the self-described 'stubborn old enthusiast,' Tool Crib is donating $5 to the scholarship fund for every comment and newsletter comment that they get (until Oct 15th). They've got a cap of $300, so it would be nice to make sure that they hit that mark, which would mean that some young woodworker might get a chance to go to a great school. For more information on how to activate the donation, click here.
In addition to the scholarship drive, Tool Crib has put together a marvelous compendium of Krenov links. If you've never heard of him and are wondering why we're making such a big hooplah, you can learn more about him there.
We snagged the image from the College of the Redwoods Fine Furniture page (here).
September 17, 2009
James Krenov RIP
James Krenov died a week ago yesterday. His Cabinetmaker's Notebook, sort of a Zen and the Art of Cabinet Making, was a book that really hit home with us when we first read it, and still to this day, it provides inspiration and clarity.
Around originality there is no doubt a law of diminishing returns; nowadays there has to be. Though maybe we are drowning not so much in the original as in the imitation, in just things. For many of us originality is a pressure; we are being pushed around by people wanting something new, different. Then there's the other pressure of doing the new without borrowing too much from the old, or at least without getting caught at it. Students are forever running to libraries to get various books - on peasant art, Scandinavian modern, Shaker, Colonial, Indian - one this and one that. They fill their heads with all these images, and then frantically try to come up with something of their own. As though you put these ingredients in a kettle, add water, stir, and cook for two hours. What do you get? Pottage. Pea soup.
There's a nice rundown of his life over at Fine Woodworking (here).
Cabinetmaker's Notebook at Amazon
August 25, 2009
Toolmonger's 7000th Post
Toolmonger, the older brother of the tool blogs just last week posted up their 7000th entry. They've been around the longest, but still, this is an insane mile marker. To put things in perspective, we put up, on average, one post every Monday through Friday. At our current rate, we would need almost 27 years to make it to our 7000th post. 27 freakin' years! To say that there is a lot of activity over there is an understatement.
We've met Chuck and Sean and have to say that they're really great guys and we give them a big round of applause for all of their efforts over at Toolmonger. So go and check out the 'Toolmonger 7000th Post Retrospective" at their always impressive site.
Toolmonger 7000th post here.
July 20, 2009
Tool Snob Interviews Tools.com
There's a new tool website in the mix. Tools.com recently launched a beta version and are aiming to become a one-stop online resource for the tool consumer. We sent a few questions over to Jim and Alex, the founders of the site and they were nice enough to take the time to answer them.
First, can you give us a brief description of Tools.com?
Tools.com aims to be the largest comparison engine dedicated solely to tools and hardware. We like to think of Tools.com as a great place to research a tool, buy a tool, or just browse and drool over tools.
What caused you to want to start the site?
We were approached by our partners to develop a customer-focused handyman's website to manage the enormous inventory of tools that are sold online.
Where do you see the site in five years?
We'd like not only to provide users with a powerful price comparison engine for tools but also evolve into a one-stop location for information, instructions, and content. For example, if you're building a deck, we'd like you to get all the tools, the plans, questions answered, and even the cold beer at the end of the day from Tools.com.
How on earth did you manage to score that URL?
There are two stories. One is that we won it on a riverboat poker game from Mr. Tools in the late 1890s. The second one is that our partners owned the domain name and approached us with it.
How do you see Tools.com as being different from other sites like ToolCritic and Tool-Rank (or even the comments section at Amazon) that are also in the process of generating review driven tool databases?
We see ourselves as larger and broader than Tool Critic and Tool-Rank, but more focused than Amazon. We think you'll see more differentiating factors as we build out the site.
We saw on the site that you guys are DIYers. Can you expand on that? What sort of projects do you guys tackle? Any horror stories?
I'm always tinkering around the house and drop what I'm doing to fix something when I think of it. I just put up two walls in my new apartment and completely neglected everything else in my life until the project was finished. As far as horror stories, ask Alex why he's not allowed to use an impact wrench.
What are some of your personal favorite tools?
Every time I use a Dremel, I think, this is all I would need on a desert island, but Josh always keeps a Leatherman in his pocket so you can decide.
If Tools.com was an animal, which one would it be and why?
A goat. Because their needs are so simple but they give so much - just like Tools.com. You know?
Check it out for yourself over at Tools.com. At this point they're interested in feedback, so if you have thoughts, they welcome your emails. Or if you want, you can tell us what you think of their site in the comments section of this post and at the end of the week, we'll pick a random comment and if it's yours, we'll send you one of the tools we've got kicking around the shop. So yeah, let us know what you think of tools.com and you might win a little something from Tool Snob.
July 14, 2009
Tool Snob Wins Coveted 'Tool Talkie' Award
The guys over at CopTool have just put together their first Tool Talkie awards, where they give props to a number of us other Tool Bloggers out there. Tool Snob is honored that we walked away with the 'Most Trusted Reviews' Award. We spend a lot of time trying to present relevant reviews that are helpful to you, the tool consumers, and the acknowledgment from CopTool makes us feel like the weed-smokin', endorsement-losin' guy in the photo.
The winners of the Tool Talkies are all on a megafeed available over at the article.
Check out the Tool Talkies here. Thanks CopTool.
(shameless Quid Pro Quo alert!) If you're buying tools online, always think about Ohio Power Tools as a place to purchase.
July 3, 2009
Craftsman Wants Your Ideas
Correction 2: This is the first Innovation Showcase. Previously, Craftsman had invited inventors to submit ideas, but this is the first time that they're offerring the opportunity to come out to the Sears HQ and actually present them in person (which is much cooler). Sorry for representin' and then misrepresentin'.
Correction: This ain't the first Innovation Showcase. Thanks to ToolDork for the smackdown.
This year Craftsman is going to hold their first Innovation Showcase in which you, the average wood butcher will be able to present your tool ideas to them for possible marketing and inclusion into the Craftsman line. It's a great opportunity for all you inventors out there. The press release is as follows....
For more than 80 years, Craftsman has supplied customers with the most innovative tools on the market. For the first time, Craftsman is hosting a showcase where innovators can present their most unique product ideas for possible Craftsman merchandising.
Craftsman is looking for tool innovations in the hand tool, power tool, lawn & garden and tool storage categories. If you have an idea that you think will make the cut, send a brief description (100 words or less per product) that indicates which category your idea(s) falls into and the market need it fulfills, to the below email by July 13, 2009. Products do not need to be in finished form and you can submit as many as you like. All correspondence will be completely confidential.
If determined a good fit for Craftsman, you could be invited to register for the Showcase, where you will have 30 minutes to an hour to privately present the product(s) at Sears' headquarters in Hoffman Estates, IL to a panel of judges from the brand management, product development, and product management teams. Your product could be chosen to be put in development by Craftsman.
All participants are responsible for their own travel accommodations, shipping and/or transportation costs.
Submit product description to Louise Chang, Craftsman Innovation Showcase Coordinator, at lchang1@searshc.com
More information on Craftsman Tools at Craftsman.com.
June 15, 2009
New Tools From Milwaukee
Last week we were lucky enough to go out to the Milwaukee Tools HQ to get a glimpse at some of the new releases they've got all geared up for this year. As one of our favorite tool companies, they didn't disappoint with the sheer variety and usefulness of their new tools and accessories.
A few of the highlights of what we saw were...
18-Volt Cordless Bandsaw - They're still putting the finishing touches on this one, but were nice enough to let us try it out and, honestly, it's the kind of tool that makes us wish we had taken up plumbing instead of carpentry. It's got a whole lot of power but it's light enough to easily work with both above your head and in tight spaces. Having an awareness of how people will be using it, Milwaukee has made the shoe retractable, so the tool is able to cut a pipe that's already attached to a wall. It's one of those tools that makes your chest swell a bit when you hold it. There will also be a corded version available and both will be hitting the market probably in October.
Shockwave Driver Bits - This is one of those ideas that, once you hear it, you wonder why it took so long for someone to think it up. Driver bits built specifically for impact drivers. Anyone who spends time on a job site these days (like we do), knows that impact drivers are taking over. That said, they really do a number on driver bits so Milwaukee has tailored this new line to withstand the abuse. In addition to other features, the new bits have a slight degree of flexibility in order to handle the added intensity of the impact driver.
Cordless Tubing Cutter - Much like their copper pipe cutter from last year, this one is a real niche tool. We tried it out and it had no problem slicing up pex and pvc. It has a great feel and possibly the power to do a little topiary sculpting as well.
Testing and Measurement Tools - This is a new area for Milwaukee, but judging from what we saw, they're going to quickly establish themselves in the market. Of the tools, the most interesting is the Sub-Scanner which is sort of like an amped up, battle-crazed stud finder. It can be used to find studs and pipes in walls and ceilings, as well as rebar in concrete. The cool thing about it is that it lets you know the exact depth of what it is you're finding, so if you only have one option for placing that pipe hanger, you'll know that only a 2" screw will work because of the rebar that's hidden in the wall.
Those are just some of the highlights and by no means a complete overview of what we saw. Milwaukee is also rolling out some nice 12-volt LED flashlights, a 12-volt power port, a very cool looking mini-radio, oh and about a thousand new grinders.
Follow the action over at Milwaukee Tools.
Milwaukee tools at Amazon
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Megapro 13-in-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver - Review
