Tools of the Trade Online delivers hands-on tool test results and reviews of professional power tools, pneumatic tools, hand tools, and construction equipment, plus continuous coverage of the tool industry, tool technology, and tool design trends.
The online edition of TOOLS of the TRADE magazine delivers hands-on tool test results and reviews of professional power tools, pneumatic tools, hand tools, and construction equipment, plus continuous coverage of the tool industry, tool technology, and tool design trends.
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Saturday, May 19, 2012

Tool Test: 18-Volt Drill/Drivers

Today's cordless drills are significantly better than the ones I used four or five years ago — they have more power and greater runtime, and take less time to charge. Many of them are lighter, too. The most obvious change has been the move from nicad to lithium-ion batteries, with lithium-ion becoming the de facto standard for pro-grade tools. But it's not just the batteries that have gotten better; now motors are smaller and more efficient, and chargers charge more effectively, because they communicate with the batteries.

Construction News

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ToolHounds

Hammer Museum

Most carpenters still carry a hammer on their toolbelt. But even those who pound a nail the old way once in a while would probably admit, if pressed, that hammers are beginning to seem sort of, well, last century.

more . . .

Tools

Cutting and Sawing

Makita LXSL01 Miter Saw
Over the past decade or so, a revolution of sorts has been occurring within the cordless tool industry. ...

more . . .

Fastening

16-Gauge Fusion Nailer
In my work as a finish carpenter, I use a variety of nails: 18-gauge brads for molding and trim, 15-gauge ...

more . . .

Drilling / Driving / Breaking

18-Volt Drill/Drivers
Today's cordless drills are significantly better than the ones I used four or five years ago — ...

more . . .

Shaping and Surfacing

Makita Lithium-Ion Planer
Makita's new lithium-ion powered planer, the first of its kind, can do everything its corded brother ...

more . . .

Leveling and Measuring

Sola Focus Vial Level
Sola's new Focus Vial Level is designed with a strong emphasis on readability.

more . . .

Pneumatic Tools / Compressors

Remote Air Regulators
The H4X Remote Air Hub solves several problems associated with pneumatics on job sites. Instead of ...

more . . .

Cordless Tools

Makita LXSL01 Miter Saw
Over the past decade or so, a revolution of sorts has been occurring within the cordless tool industry. ...

more . . .

Bench / Shop Tools

All-Terrain Material Cart
We have limited access on a lot of our jobs; it's not unusual for us to have to park out on the street ...

more . . .

Equipment / Ladders / Safety

Tool Pak ToolVest
When you work near the road, you need to wear some kind of high-visibility clothing.

more . . .

Hand and Specialty Tools / Accessories

All-Terrain Material Cart
We have limited access on a lot of our jobs; it's not unusual for us to have to park out on the street ...

more . . .

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