New Product Showcase: Power tools
Do you want to engage customers? Then turn them loose in the power tool aisle. Whether they need to cut, drill, drive or grind, there’s something to make their job easier. The more power, the better, but new innovations in the category are responding to market and job-site demand for lighter, faster and more ergonomic tools to help get the job done. Here’s a rundown.
Milwaukee Sub-Scanner M12 Cordless Detection Tool Kit
Brookfield, Wis.-based Milwaukee’s Sub-Scanner M12 Cordless Detection Tool is a heavy-duty pistol grip detection tool for professional commercial and industrial applications. Powered by the Milwaukee M12 lithium-ion battery, the 2290-21 can detect rebar up to 6 in. deep in concrete, as well as the location and depth of materials beneath gypsum, ceramic tile and marble. The scanner features a high-contrast white and black display and backlight for easy reading and auto-calibration for all surfaces. In addition, the Sub-Scanner Detection Tool has a four-wheel design for durability and smooth, accurate measurement. ( milwaukeetool.com )
Simple Man Products Spyder Scraper
North Kansas City, Mo.-based Simple Man Products has found a new use for the reciprocating saw with the Spyder Scraper. The scraper is designed to fit easily and securely into all brands of reciprocating saws to provide the user with the power to get scraping done fast. The Spyder Scraper is ideal for scraping linoleum, paint, rubber backed carpet, vinyl flooring and wallpaper. The scraper comes in three widths: 2 in., 4 in. and 6 in. The Spyder Scraper is also available in a three-pack. The product’s blade is even capable of being re-sharpened. ( simplemanproducts.com )
Makita 18V LXT Li-ion Brushless Motor Impact Driver
La Mirada, Calif.-based Makita brings innovation to its 18V LXT Li-ion line with the new Brushless Motor Impact Driver. The driver’s brushless motor delivers 1,420 lbs. of torque with increased motor efficiency to provide 20% longer battery life per charge. The smart system alerts users with a battery warning light as well as the built-in LED light flash when it’s time to recharge the battery. The new Impact Driver features a three-speed selection switch, which provides the user with precise fastening control for a wide range of applications and a one-touch, one-quarter-in. hex chuck for simple bit insertion. ( makita.com )
RotoZip ZipSaw
Mount Prospect, Ill.-based RotoZip has combined the best features of an angle grinder and a flush cut saw into one tool: the ZipSaw. The ZipSaw’s slim, ergonomically designed body features a front-grip area and side-assist handle. A soft grip helps to ensure user comfort, while built-in dust collection reduces airborne debris for a cleaner work area and improved visibility. The 7A grinder motor and drive train combine with a number of accessories and are compatible with all RotoZip wheels as well as standard 4-in. grinder wheels. Pair the ZipSaw with XWheels or Zip Wheels, and you can tackle straight, curved or notched cuts in a variety of materials, including tile, wood and metal. ( rotozip.com )
Hitachi NC40G 1.5-in. Gas-Powered Concrete Nailer
Hitachi’s new Gas-Powered Concrete Nailer operates on a fuel rod and cordless battery, offering complete portability through the elimination of the air hose and compressor. Unlike powder-actuated tools, gas-powered tools do not require licensing. The nailer features a two-step nail feeder for quick and easy loading and a dry-fire lockout to prevent blank drives. The removable nose cap allows for improved traction when driving pins through slick material such as steel sheet or wet concrete, and the dust cover helps keep the tool clean, reducing maintenance. Compact and lightweight at 8.2 lbs., the nailer features an ergonomic clastomer-covered handle, which provides a comfortable and secure grip. ( hitachipowertools.com )
Black & Decker Next Generation 12V Smart Select Drill
Towson, Md.-based Black & Decker has released its next generation of 12V Smart Select Drills. The SmartSelect Clutch makes it simple and easy for DIY users to choose their project icon, and the drill automatically adjusts the power and speed for optimal results. The drill features a metal chuck for durability and a two-speed Gear Indicator indicates high or low settings. The high-torque mode delivers 130 lbs. of force. ( blackanddecker.com )
Porter-Cable 12V MAX Compact Lithium ClampSaw
Jackson, Tenn.-based Porter-Cable’s new 12V MAX Compact Lithium ClampSaw is a unique, compact and lightweight saw for applications not accessible with large reciprocating saws. The ClampSaw includes a distinctive clamping shoe that holds small diameter objects for fast and accurate cuts. The ClampSaw also features a three-position adjustable handle for maximum versatility for cutting applications in confined spaces. The pivoting handle enables the ClampSaw to have a minimum length of 9.5 in. and a minimum height of 3.5 in. Weighing less than 3 lbs., the tool offers control in various cutting positions. ( deltaportercable.com )
Skil 7A Flooring Saw
Mount Prospect, Ill.-based Skil introduced its 7A flooring saw designed to cut through hardwood, laminate and engineered flooring up to 8-in. wide and three-quarter-in. thick. The Skil Flooring Saw smoothly makes miter cuts from zero to 47 degrees and also quickly transitions to a fixed saw, allowing rip cuts to width. The flooring saw saves time, energy and money by allowing users to make cross, miter and rip cuts with just one tool—right on the floor. The lightweight tool is designed for transport to use at any project location. The saw also detents at zero, 22.5 and 45 degrees, and comes with a die-cast aluminum miter and rip fence and innovative locking system. ( skil.com )
Ryobi 5-in. Portable Flooring Saw
Ryobi has introduced a versatile tool that replaces both table and miter saws for flooring applications at a fraction of the cost. The dust collection system accepts standard 1.25-in. vacuum attachments, allowing users to make the cuts in the same room they are laying the floor. All residual dust is directed away from the user. The sliding head provides maximum cross-cut and miter capacity from -15 degrees to 45 degrees, and the spindle lock provides easy single-wrench blade changes. The saw’s tool-less dual-function fence provides accurate rip, cross and miter cuts. The saw is available exclusively at The Home Depot. ( ryobitools.com )
DeWalt 12V Max Lithium one-quarter-in. Screwdriver
As part of Baltimore-based DeWalt’s 12V Max Lithium line, the new DFC610S2 one-quarter-in. screwdriver features a one-handed hex chuck, which accepts 1-in. bit tips. At 6.5 in. long and weighing in at 2.2 lbs., the compact, lightweight tool fits into tight areas where a typical drill/driver will not. The new driver also features three carefully positioned LED lights, providing visibility in dark places without shadows. The driver’s motor reaches up to 1,050 rpm and is capable of driving 2.5-in. drywall screws into construction-grade 2x4s. ( dewalt.com )
Bosch 12-in. Dual Bevel Glide Miter Saw
Farmington Hills, Mich.-based Bosch released a new innovative upgrade to the traditional miter saw sliding mechanism with its new 12-in. Dual Bevel Glide Miter Saw. The new saw introduces a dual-beveled glide arm, which saves up to 12 in. of workspace, allowing the saw to work near walls. The machined cast glide system offers durable precision without constant recalibration. The arm’s 12 sealed ball bearings maintain constant smoothness and control without sawdust and dirt getting into the mechanism. The saw features up-front bevel controls, allowing for faster adjustments by eliminating the need to ever reach behind the tool. There is also a one-touch lock/ unlock expanding fence. The saw has expanded cutting capacity, up to 14 in. for cross-cut and 6.5 in. for vertical and crow cut capacity. ( boschtools.com )