Power Tools

How To Pick Your Power Tool: Hitachi, Milwaukee, Bosch, Ryobi

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So you need a drill, jigsaw or sander, but you've only bought hand tools and you typically avoid the power tools aisle. Well, you're probably thinking: Where do I start? Doug Mahoney of the great blog Toolsnob helped us compile a quick and easy guide to help anyone buying power tools.

The most important consideration is value -- a personal equation involving cost, durability and lifestyle. A Bosch battery drill might cost $200, and it's going to withstand the beating of daily labor. But a Black & Decker might cost a quarter of that and as long as you're not planning on dropping it from a 20' extension ladder, it might be the right choice for you. I don't buy into the idea that the most expensive tools are the best because it depends on what you're using it for and how often you use it.

Take into account these other issues before your power tool purchase.

Ergonomics
This one is really important to me. If you're going to be doing a lot of work with a tool, it's got to be easy on your hands. This ties into safety as well. An awkward tool is a dangerous one.

Cost
Like I said above, high price or low price doesn't really matter as much as what I'll be asking the tool to do. It's a trade-off. The most durable, precise tools tend to be the most expensive.

| October 27, 2009 | Comments ()

Take This Tool Advice from Norm Abram

Check out this video of Master Carpenter Norm Abram being interviewed at last years AWFS show by Popular Woodworking magazine. Great insights into his favorite tools and techniques.

Tools Norm Abram Value's the Most
Table saw - because it touches each project
Joiner - straighten rough lumber
Surface Planer - required to keep everything level and square

| October 13, 2009 | Comments ()

Bosch Mini-Drills Drive to the Top

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A couple weeks ago we won a Bosch PS20-2A from a giveaway by HomeFixated.

It's an awesome little drill and perfect for around the home. Wired recently did a round-up of mini-drills and included the slightly bigger brother of our Bosch, the Bosch PS30-2A. They declared it their winner and if it shares the same attributes (which it looks like it does) with the PS20 then we couldn't agree more.

We'd also love to get our hands on the Ridgid R92008. With 240 lbs. of torque this driver is definitely a cross-over to entry-level drills.

| September 23, 2009 | Comments ()

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Cool Tuesday Tools

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+ Klenk Ratcheting Screwdriver

+ Milwaukee Battery Tool Charger: AC home and DC auto

+ DAP Pro Caulker

+ Router Bit Storage Options

+ Win a Bosch PS20


| August 4, 2009 | Comments ()

SKIL 18V Cordless Drill Review

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You've still got time to make your Dad happy and enter our Father's Day giveaway for a chance to win a 4-piece Combo 18V Cordless Powertool Set from SKIL.

Our friends at One Project Closer have saved us from cracking open the box by doing a great review of the 18V cordless drill driver. The biggest assets? Lightweight and powerful! What more do you want from a powertool!

| June 18, 2009 | Comments ()

Serious Bandsaw Skills

You'll never guess what he's making until the final reveal. We're curious as to what other ways he's put his bandsaw skills to use. Apparently he sells a kit that includes urethane tires and an Olsen blade which really makes your bandsaw hum.

More from Woodworking in Action.

[via Toolsnob]

| June 15, 2009 | Comments ()

Father's Day Giveaway from SKIL, Home Depot & Energizer

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Wouldn't your Dad be happy this year to find out you've got him the SKIL cordless tool set of his dreams or maybe a $100 gift certificate to use at Home Depot or even an Energizer Professional Hard Case flashlight?

This Father's day we've teamed up with SKIL, Home Depot, and Energizer to offer 3 lucky winners a chance to win one of these prizes and bring a smile to your Dad on his day.

| June 5, 2009 | Comments ()

Saved by the Drill

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In most situations a hole in the head isn't a good thing but in this case it was the only option to save a boys life. He had fallen while riding his bike and was immediately brought to the hospital where doctors diagnosed he had bleeding on his brain which needed to be relieved immediately.

They were not equipped with neurological drills but the doctor acquired a simple hand-held drill from the hospital maintenance room and with the help of a specialist over the phone he proceeded to drill into the boys skull to relieve the pressure.

Tags:  drill, safety, surgery

| May 26, 2009 | Comments ()

Keep Your Power Tools Running

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As we fire up our spring projects it's clear that we need to wipe the dust off some of our power tools and give them a once over to make sure they are in good operating condition which means they are safe to use and effective.

Here's a starting point for checking your tools for any damage or wear and how to recognize when they need repair. One of the most common issues are worn power cords which can be dangerous and should be fixed immediately, learn how to repair the cord yourself.

| April 6, 2009 | Comments ()

Craftsman Mini Circular Saw

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Toolsnob brings us this miniature version of the circular saw from Craftsman. It's available from Sears and boasts a 3-inch saw rated at 2800 rpm. It can be used in 3 positions and goes for $100.

| January 14, 2009 | Comments ()

 

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