DIY powertools Review
19 September 2008
The Dewalt DC810KL is a heavy-duty cordless impact wrench. It features a powerful fan-cooled motor that delivers up to 215 Nm of max torque and up to 3000 impacts per minute for heavy duty fastening applications. Its all-metal gearing gives efficient power transmission and long tool life, while the aluminium-front housing offers better heat dispersion and longer motor life. DIY enthusiasts will also enjoy the improved variable speed switch and electronic motor brake that gives them complete control for both setting and removing fasteners. In addition, the rubber-coated grip reduces surface vibration and user fatigue.
If it's saws that you are interested in, then the Dewalt DWS520KR is for you. The parallel plunge allows the user to maintain a smooth and constant hand position while cutting, while a 48-tooth blade gives a fine and accurate finish with very little breakout in laminates. In addition to these features, the rail adjustment allows the saw to be adjusted accurately to the rail and the anti-kickback function stops the saw from moving backwards along the rail, as well as helping to stop the saw from climbing out of the work piece when making plunge cuts.
As far as drills are concerned, a good option is the Dewalt DC727KL compact cordless drill. This device is a powerful 18-volt combination tool for hammerdrilling and screwdriving applications. According to the manufacturer, it has a compact, lightweight design as well as 17-position adjustable torque control for consistent screwdriving into a variety of materials with different screw sizes. There are two speed settings - variable speed and reverse switch for controllable use, and there is an ergonomically-designed trigger and rubber grip. In addition, this drill has a 13 mm single-sleeve keyless chuck with automatic spindle lock for quick and easy bit change with one hand.
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DIY powertools Review
20 August 2008
For drilling in hard concrete, the Bosch PBH 3000-2 FRE has a 750-watt motor and pneumatic hammer system with a single impact energy of 2.8 joules. It is not only ideal for drilling through hard materials as the user can operate the function switch to adjust the machine to the special task of hammer drilling, drilling without impact, screwdriving or chiseling. This hammer provides speeds of up to 1,450 revolutions per minute in first gear and up to 3,000 revolutions per minute in second gear. Maximum drilling diameters are 26 mm in concrete, 30 mm in wood, and 13 mm in steel.
Meanwhile, the Bosch Router POF 1200 AE has a power input of 1200 watts, offering high work progress. The Bosch Speed Electronic technology on this new tool covers a working range between 11,000 and 28,000 rpm. It uses the SDS quick-change system which enables the user to insert template guides with a bayonet lock without the need for additional tools. The sturdy aluminium sole plate is equipped with a guide rail adapter made of plastic, which does not leave any marks, even on sensitive wooden surfaces. The two large, ergonomically shaped handles fit comfortably in your hand, while the switch-on lock is integrated in the right-hand handle and is easy to operate.
Also new by the same manufacturer is the Bosch Fine Spray System PFS 65. It enables the user to apply brilliant coats of paint three times faster than with the conventional, arduous paintbrush method, meaning that shutters, doors, garden fences or wooden toys are quickly spruced up. The new Bosch Fine Spray System is also perfectly suitable for spraying pesticides on plants. It works with SprayControl Technology, a low-pressure system where an air jacket focuses the paint mist when spraying, so that the user consumes up to 15 per cent less paint. In addition, the air jet speeds up the drying of paint, so that hardly any tears occur and a second coat can be instantly sprayed over the coat of paint already applied.
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| Swedish DIY retailer to open in UK
22 July 2008
Clas Ohlson, one of Scandinavia's best known DIY retailers, is to open in the UK this year, it has been announced.
The Swedish giant will open two to four stores in Britain.
One contract, in Croydon in south-east London, has already been signed, with the store scheduled for opening in the third quarter of 2008-09.
The chain specialises in houseware, power tools, hand tools, leisure and electrical items and has a product offering which exceeds 15,000 lines.
It operates almost 90 stores in Scandinavia with another 13 openings currently in the pipeline.
Mark Gregory, managing director of Clas Ohlson UK, said in a statement: "I am optimistic concerning Clas Ohlson's opportunities to establish a position in the UK market.
"Since no other player offers the distinctive mix of product range in similar retail locations, many British consumers will appreciate Clas Ohlson's entry into the market."
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| DIY powertools Review
22 July 2008
Bosch's new range of powertools will be welcome news for all DIY enthusiasts who have been waiting for something fresh on the market. Bosch Cordless Screwdriver IXO is one such product, which is always ready for use because of its lithium-ion technology. Thanks to the built-in LED, your workpiece is always well lit and clearly visible. This tool offers an automatic spindle lock for manual tightening or loosening of screws and softgrip for a better and more comfortable hold. It weighs only 0.3kg, so it's light and compact for you to enjoy doing jobs around the house. Screw diameter is 5mm, and battery voltage is 3.6V.
Meanwhile, the Cordless Universal Cutter XEO lets you slice through up to 6mm of decoration materials, cardboard or carpet effortlessly and quickly without a cable. It's always ready for use thanks to lithium-ion technology, and the self-sharpening cutting blade makes blade changes a thing of the past, offering continuously good cutting performance. This tool weighs 0.4 kg including battery and has a charging time of 5 hours. That may seem like a long time, but it isn't because a fully-charged battery gives 150 minutes of cutting time. Make sure you keep this one away from children!
The PBH 3000-2 FRE in Bosch's Rotary Hammer line gives you powerful hammering in concrete and masonry. It also offers features for chiselling and drilling. The concentrated power enables you to drill into even the toughest of materials quickly and easily – regardless of the feed pressure. This tool is fast, powerful and versatile with 2-speed gearbox and alternate chuck. With impact energy of 2.8 joules, this hammer will do all the work for you. The speed control function using the trigger switch and setting wheel is perfect for material-specific working. The machine weighs 3.6kg.
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| DIY powertools Review
23 June 2008
For DIY enthusiasts, Hitachi Power Tools has introduced the second tool in its new 10.8-volt series, the WH10DL 10.8 Volt Lithium Ion Micro Impact Driver. Light and compact at only 2lbs in weight and 5.5 inches in length, the WH10DL 10.8 Volt Lithium Ion Micro Impact Driver gets into tight places where conventional drills cannot. With many features designed for comfort, control and convenience, the WH10DL 10.8 Volt Lithium Ion Micro Impact Driver fits easily in any tool belt and packs enough punch to smoothly drill and drive into wood, metal and concrete for everything from heavy-duty construction to finish cabinetry. This gives users a comfortable control and a secure grasp, while the well-balanced tool weight keep the user's hand and forearm in alignment to reduce fatigue over time.
Alternatively, one can opt for the Bosch Impact Drill Driver PSB 700 RE. Weighing a little more than four lbs, it can drill a diameter of 6.2 inches through concrete, 4.7 inches through steel and 11.8 inches through wood. With a higher power of 700 watts, the Bosch Impact Drill Driver PSB 700 RE has an ergonomically shaped grip and is as comfortable for left-handers as it is for right-handers. Other features include two-speed gears - high torque in first gear, and high speed in second gear. There is also a speed control for material-specific jobs, using the trigger switch and setting wheel.
If steel drilling is what you're interested in, then Dewalt's D21620K is the one for you. With a power input of 700 watts, the D21620K is a magnetic driller delivering high level performance for fast, clean and accurate drilling into steel. Features include two mechanical speeds for optimised performance and a push-button reversible press handle which offers tool-free handle set-up. The compact and light weight unit is both easy to transport and gives users an easy and comfortable position for drilling. Since it doesn't have a volt switch, there is no inadvertent restart after power failure.
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| DIY powertools Review
20 May 2008
With Father's Day less than a month away, sales of DIY powertools could be set for an increase. The celebration of paternity is on June 15th - which could leave just enough time to get orders in online for that special gift missing from dad's toolbox. The Skil 3.6V Lithium Ion Power Cutter is one option, promising to shear its way through hundreds of different kinds of material. These range from wallpaper to more sturdy fabrics such as plastic fencing or carpet. The lightweight device is suggested for both indoor and outdoor use - ideal whatever the weather chooses to do this summer.
Four new models have also been added to the range of Skilsaws available from the firm, helping to cater for differing power needs. The more conservative models come in at 13 amps, while 15-amp models are available if a little more grunt is desired. Product manager for Skilsaws Gregg Mangialardi says: "If your father needs a new circular saw for his projects, there's no better choice than the Skilsaw to make sure he gets the job done right." The likelihood of that happening could be increased even for the most disaster-prone of dads as two of the new models are equipped with laser guidance.
Meanwhile, the Skil X-Bench is portable yet sturdy, providing a compact workstation for up to 750 pounds (340 kg) of materials. The surface is 23 inches by 53 inches and supported by steel legs to ensure the structure remains robust. Two clamps are also supplied, meaning materials can be secured to the work surface to eliminate the risk of them slipping while being worked on. Skil previously extended its range of spirit levels with new models including the Skil 594, a level of a metre in length, along with 80 cm and 60 cm versions for more compact spaces.
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| DIY powertools Review
02 April 2008
A revolution in DIY tools could be underway with the launch of the Click Change Tool Holder, according to the manufacturer. The device holds carbide inserts securely in place without the need to tighten any screws or change any parts. Instead, an internal spring mechanism provides the necessary grip to prevent the carbide insert from moving. A one-touch mechanism allows the device to lock down with a pressure of more than 8,000 pounds per square inch, while a button on the side of the unit releases the internal lock - with Click Change advising that this means the insert can be changed in as little as five seconds.
For more hands-on DIY, the new DeWalt DC901KL might be just the trick. The heavy-duty hammer drill is part of a product family from the firm which promises lighter weight and greater performance. The lifespan of the drill should also be greater than other models thanks to the inclusion of a phosphate lithium ion battery which DeWalt advises can be recharged "two times more" than its NiCad counterparts. A mode selector allows the user to switch to a conventional drilling setting, or to use the device as a powered screwdriver, while three different speeds cater for the needs of various drilling media - ranging from wood to concrete.
If the need is not for drilling but for polishing, the Varilex WSF 1600 angle grinder might be a better option. This is aimed at a range of different grinding and polishing tasks, manufacturer CS Unitec says, with discs ranging in size from four to seven inches supported. Like the DeWalt DC901KL, a number of different speed settings are available, with a sensitive control function available to select that which is most appropriate. By reducing the speed, CS Unitec suggests that the lifespan of the discs can be extended, while the noise produced by the unit during use may be limited.
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| Power Tool Review
07 March 2008
Spring is upon us and homeowners across the UK will soon need to venture into the garden and survey the winter's chaos. For those who need to undertake substantial pruning, help is at hand in the form of the Black and Decker Alligator. The 18V lopper is designed to provide a safe, swift and effective way of addressing overgrown bushes and trees. Not only can it deal with live plants but it can also help to manage fallen branches brought down by inclement weather. Because the device is cordless, there is no risk of cutting through an attached electrical cable when working and the 1.7 ampere-hour battery allows for 150 cuts of branches with 3.5 cm diameter. The Black and Decker Alligator also features patented jaws that enclose the moving chain for added safety.
Gardeners who need to undertake somewhat more substantial improvements may find that the JCB 1800w chainsaw could offer valuable help in achieving their desired effect. A 12 m/s chain speed is combined with a low kick back for performance alongside control. Additional safety features include a chain brake and hand guard, while the JCB 1800w chainsaw comes fully assembled for added reassurance. Furthermore, an automatic chain oiler means that to some extent the tool maintains itself, with a blade storage sheath cover protecting and ensuring safety when not in use.
Alternatively, for those who simply need to tidy up some hedges, Stihl may have the solution they are seeking. The STIHL HLE 71 is designed to provide substantial reach with an overall length of 254 cm, while weighing less than six kilograms. Its blade is adjustable through 125 degrees, meaning that it can also be usefully employed trimming ground-covering plants. Supplied with a loop handle, soft grip and harness, this tool is designed to be both far-reaching and manoeuvrable, providing a wide working range useful to those struggling with difficult conditions.
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| DIY powertools Review
04 February 2008
As always, recent weeks have seen a plethora of new tools hit the market, ranging from solutions for the enthusiastic amateur to products for a more professional DIYer. One mid-range product launch is the Model DC-310NC II from DoAll, a band saw with a number of features to help the operator get the most out of their materials. "Ergonomically located" controls are enhanced further by the inclusion of a six-inch TFT display with a touchscreen interface, which is capable of adjusting the feed rate and feed force, making sure the material being sawn is sent past the blade at the optimum pace.
Fine edge detail may be tackled using Rex-Cut Cotton Fiber Quick Change Discs, which the manufacturer claims last up to 25 times as long as their resin fibre counterparts. The multi-part construction of the discs includes cotton fibres impregnated with abrasive particles. As the disc wears down during use, new abrasives are exposed, helping to ensure the material continues to be eroded and polished for as long as possible. The discs may be used for materials such as aluminium which have sharp edges in need of sanding down. Diameters of up to three inches are available, with one, 1.5 and two-inch versions also on offer.
Finally in this month's round-up, Kulver has released its new Smart Multi Torque Screwdriver System, which promises to replace up to eight traditional screwdrivers in a single unit. The smart system may be programmed to fasten up to 200 screws in sequence, without the need for a computer when defining where each is located on the material to be screwed. By incorporating a holding tray for bits and sockets into the base, the screwdriver is capable of automatically switching to a different bit, allowing it to automatically fasten different sizes of screw without the need for human attention.
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| DIY powertools Review
14 January 2008
Powertools enthusiasts looking to get their hands on some of the latest component parts could welcome the launch of a number of new products in recent weeks. M K Morse has a new circular saw blade on the market which has been designed to slice its way through stainless steel. The 14-inch blade is part of the company's Metal Devil range and with 90 cutting teeth should be more than enough to get through small bar stock and strip metals. While the product might not have the grunt to get through thicker sheets, there is an element of precision which may not be offered by more powerful blades, with M K Morse promising "smooth, clean cuts" from this blade.
Lathe users might be keen to hear about the Rota NCS six-jaw power chuck from Schunk, which helps to reduce deformation of the media during lathing through "very precise" clamping - even of components which are not circular. Permanent lubrication is incorporated into the design to ensure no key parts are worn down or begin to stick during a project, with the unit hermetically sealed to prevent contamination and reduce the need for attention in the future. Overall axial run-out accuracy is stated as within 0.01 mm, leading Schunk to term the product "a superior lathe chuck for high-precision serial production".
Curtis universal joints (u-joints) now come with a specially-designed boot to shield the joint itself from corrosive materials and dirt. The products are aimed at industries where such components typically have a shorter lifespan, due to regular washing with corrosive or abrasive fluids. "By blocking access to the working components of the u-joint, boots prevent accelerated wear cause by dirt and erosion," Curtis asserts. The joints are available in sizes ranging from three-eighths to four inches and could be useful for food processing, conveyors and textiles equipment.
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