Tool-Rank.com Power Tool Blog

Two New Compressors & One Storage Tank From Campbell Hausfeld

Chris Rodenius — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:02:00 +0000

The first new compressor from Campbell Hausfeld comes in at a size of 26 gallons. It is a nice size compressor for use around the garage or at the shop. It sports a couple cool features that set it apart from the rest. The first being "Rapid Inflation Technology" which first fills the hose to 115 psi so you can get started, then fills the rest of the tank, so you will be ready for longer periods of use. Another nice feature is an easy to read regulator gauge. The gauge also has icons on it that help you to select the right amount of pressure for the job.

The second compressor is an 8 gallon wall mount unit - model WL6750. If you don't have room on the floor, this might be just what you need. It also has the same regulator gauge mentioned above, and both compressors use an easy to use regulator control knob.

The regulator knob is 2X larger and has soft rubber touch points to make it easier and more comfortable for the user to adjust air pressure. The regulator will click at 5-10 PSI intervals to set the pressure and keep it where you want it.

If 8 gallons isn't enough for you, the WL6750 can be expanded up to two times with additional 8 gallon take away tanks - model ET2000. Using all three tanks you end up with 24 gallons, or you can remove the tanks and have 8 or 16 gallons of air to take to the local race track or anywhere you might need portable air.

Both compressors and tanks will be available this July.

Campbell Hausfeld Compressors
Campbell Hausfeld Compressors - Amazon

Work Sharp 3000 Woodworking Tool Sharpener Review

Chris Rodenius — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:59:00 +0000

Introduction

It is always fun to test out tools for review, but it is especially fun when you know the tool you will be testing is something you need, or will make life easier. Such is the case with the Work Sharp 3000. Like me, I am sure a lot of carpenters have tools such as chisels and hand planes that get used and abused at work on a daily basis; but how often do those tools get the good sharpening they need to perform at their best. In the past I have used everything from belt sanders to mini grinders to try and get a half decent edge on a chisel, but have never even come close to a true square sharp edge. Even brand new chisels do not have a nice clean sharp edge that will last, that is unless you are spending the big bucks on chisels.

Drills: How Small Is Too Small?

Chris Rodenius — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:51:00 +0000

I don't know what you would use this for, but you have to be impressed and amazed by the design and craftsmanship that went into building this. Check out the video after the Read More.

Flickr user s8 via engadget

eBay Treasures: Scroll Saws

Chris Rodenius — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:12:00 +0000

Are you looking for a great deal on a scroll saw? eBay has a good selection from time to time, with choices that range from the very worst of the worst to the best of the best and sometimes quality is in the eye of the beholder.

Take a look at this 1931 24" Delta scroll saw for example. The current bid is only $20 and $60 for shipping. With a little luck you could own this antique scroll saw for your personal tool collection or home projects.

Need something with a lot less rust? How about a top of the line Hegner Multimax 22V Variable Speed Scroll Saw Package. The starting bid on this beauty is only $1095.00 with $98 for shipping. It may seem like a high price for a scroll saw, but you are actually saving around $700 because the saw is a "barely used" demo unit. It comes with everything you need to get started, including blades, a stand and even includes a 5 year warranty. For more information on Hegner Scroll Saws check out Advanced Machinery.

I am still searching for a great deal on a scroll saw for myself, preferably a Hegner for around a hundred bucks.

Hegner - Amazon

Amazon: 3-Foot Ladder Only $111+ Per Foot

Chris Rodenius — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:23:00 +0000

What is with the price on this Werner Ladder... Over $300 for a 3-foot ladder?

At first I thought this was a mistake by Amazon, but when I did a search on Google for the same model number. I got some results that were not much cheaper ($262 - $286). Since it does not appear to be made of gold or silver, I can only assume that it is some type of limited collectors edition... or maybe like electronics, smaller means more expensive.

Ladder For The Man With Money To Burn - Amazon

LumberJocks Summer Build-Off Starts July 1st

Chris Rodenius — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:35:00 +0000

Twice a year LumberJocks (a woodworking community) hosts build-off contests for its members. Each contest is different and asks the community to build useful and unique woodworking projects. This summer's task is to build a Garden Bench.

Whether you live in an apartment or on a grand estate a garden bench is the perfect place to sit, relax, and savour life's gifts. Create the ideal bench for your outside environment and join our Summer Awards! Be sure to describe why you selected the design and show us the finished product in its new home.

While most contests only reward the top 1-3 entries, LumberJocks rewards the top10. Prizes include

1st place - 5-Piece Picture Frame Bit Set & Build-A-Box Value Package by Eagle America
2 nd place - Archive DVDs by Fine Woodworking
3rd place - Stock Electric Branding Iron by Custom Branding Iron
4th place - SkilSaw by Skil
5th place - Home Run Four Pak and Maple Marking Gauge by Major League Woodworking
6th place - BowlSaw by Steussy Creations
7th place - $75 Certificate by Lee Valley
8th place - Lit-ion Power Cutter by Skil
9th place - Lit-ion Screwdriver by Skil
10th place - $25 Certificate by Lee Valley

The contest runs for the entire month of July, so you better get started on your Garden Bench today. Head over to LumberJocks for complete rules and details.

The Solution To Smashed Cords And Hoses

Chris Rodenius — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:09:00 +0000

Check out this great new soon to be tool called Thin-Air. I say soon, because the Thin-Air is still in the final prototyping stage. It is pretty obvious from the photo as to what it does, but if you are a bit confused, I will explain. The Thin-Air is the solution to the pinched or flattened cords and hoses you get while running them under doors. It looks like this could also be mounted on the side of the door, for those occasions where you need to keep the floor clear for other trades. The Thin-Air is also a finalist in DIY Cool Tools Search for Americas Coolest Tools Contest, so be sure to vote.

What do you think of this tool, and would you buy it? Let us know in the comments below.

Makita's New 18V LXT 3-Speed Impact BTD144

Chris Rodenius — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:46:00 +0000

Makita has long been an innovator when it comes to cordless impacts, so it comes as no surprise that they have added even more features to their new BTD144 18 volt impact, and at the same time were able to shorten the length by 1/4-inch from the previous BTD141.

The main new features for the BTD144 are the 3-speed selection switch, and a new brush-less motor design. With the speed selection switch, users will now be able to select a lower amount of speed and impacts for jobs that require a more delicate touch. Select the Soft Impact setting (0-1,300 RPM and 0-1,300 IPM) and you wont have to worry about stripping or breaking small screws. The Hard Impact setting (0-2,600 RPM and 0-3,400 IPM) acts like an impact normally would, and the Medium Impact setting (0-2,000 RPM and 0-2,800 IPM) is for everything in between. The new brush-less motor is said to provide longer battery life, up to 20% and is the reason for the shorter overall body length of 5-1/2". Makita was also able to increase the maximum torque to 1420 inch pounds, up from 1330.

The BTD144 also features a built in LED light that has pretty much become the standard for Makita cordless tools, but it also includes something we didn't expect to see... an independent on/off switch for the LED light. Now you don't have to hold the trigger open to get a bit of extra light (something I do all the time).

The complete kit which includes two 3 Ah LXT lithium ion batteries, charger, and tool case, has an MSRP of $349.99. Tool only (BTD144Z) is priced at $189.00

For more information please visit Makita Tools
Makita BTD144 - Amazon

Win $1200 Worth Of Your Favorite Tools

Chris Rodenius — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:37:00 +0000

Do you need tools, but are strapped for cash? Or maybe you're just too cheap to buy them for yourself. If you borrow more tools then you own, now is your chance to get some that you can call your own.

CPO Outlets, which sells certified pre-owned tools as well as new tools from all the major brands, is running a bunch of contests this summer. You could win up to $1200 to spend on CPO stores from most of the major brands, including Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee and more. Here is where it gets good... you can enter the giveaway for each brand, to increase your chances.

Here is how to enter. Head over to CPO Outlets, and click over to one of their different brand stores. Look for the Summer Sweepstakes banner or link in the sidebar, and fill out the entry form. Next, go to another store - lather, rinse and repeat. Good Luck

Magic Cabinet Screwdriver

Chris Rodenius — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:23:00 +0000

Check out this amazing screwdriver from SKG Tools. Using its mystical powers it can magically be used on #1 - #3 Phillips head screws as well has #1 - #3 PoziDrive screws. Sweet. OK... maybe it doesn't rely on magical powers, but you have to be impressed with the engineering that went into a single bit that can be used to drive 6 different screw heads.

Anyone working with Euro style cabinet hinges knows that using a Phillips screwdriver on PoziDrive screws, just doesn't work very well. But, switching back and forth when you are also installing door pulls that use regular Phillips screws can be a pain. Problem solved. This great screwdriver is priced about the same as a regular #2 PoziDriv screwdriver, so if it works, it would be a great replacement. It can be found Online at Duluth Trading for $16.50.

If anyone knows of an online distributer of more SKG Tools, please let us know in the comments

SKG Tools

Win $500 Worth Of Lenox Tools

Chris Rodenius — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:45:00 +0000

Lenox is giving away $500 worth of Lenox tools as well as some prizes for the runners up. All you have to do to enter is follow LenoxTools on twitter (and you should already be following ToolRank) or add them on Facebook. Very Simple. Good Luck.

Duo-Fast 20-Degree Paper Tape Collated Nailer

Chris Rodenius — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:35:00 +0000

In the past, when you needed a 20 degree paper tape collated nailer, your choices were very limited, but now with the introduction of the Duo-Fast DF350S you have literally doubled your choices.

As with most newer nail guns, the DF350S has all of the features you should expect, like tool-less depth drive adjustment and a dual trigger for both sequential and bump fire nailing (of course bump firing is the fun mode). A tool hook is also something I look for in my nail guns and the DF350S has one that you can hang on both rafters as well as your tool belt. The DF350S also features anti-dry fire, which is a mode that prevents the gun from nailing when it is almost out of nails.

As mentioned earlier, the DF350S uses paper tape collated nails, which eliminates the flying debris and reduces the jamming, that occurs while using plastic collated nails. The DF350S is designed to use nails from 2" to 3-1/2" in smooth, ring or screw shank with shank diameters of .113, .120, .131 or .148 and can hold up to 70 nails at a time or two full 30-count strips.

Duo-Fast Construction
Duo-Fast DF350S - Amazon

New WD-40 Trigger Pro Non-Aerosol

Chris Rodenius — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:24:00 +0000

America's favorite do it all spray, WD-40, introduces a newly designed alternative to their classic aerosol spray can. The new non-aerosol design is said to allow for more spray control; anywhere from a few drops to a steady spray. The Trigger Pro is also not bound by aerosol disposal regulations. I guess now it can technically be taken on airplanes; just not in your carry on luggage. Don't blame me for getting arrested if you do.

"Millions of people use WD-40 to maintain and repair equipment, but some of our on-the-job users work in environments where aerosols are prohibited. Some also prefer the unique attributes of a non-aerosol product," said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing for WD-40 Company. "WD-40 is committed to providing its industrial end-users innovative solutions and options, and WD-40 Trigger Pro gives them what they need to get the job done."

WD-40
WD-40 - Amazon

Tool-Rank's New Look

Chris Rodenius — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:09:00 +0000

You might have noticed that I have changed a bit of the look to the site over the weekend. The layout is basically the same, with the changes being mostly cosmetic. The biggest change is to the main menu. In the past you had to click on each tab in the menu the reach their sub-menus. Now you can easily access every tab and sub-menu from every page. This reduces the amount of clicks it takes to get to curtain pages.

What do you think of the new look?

I hope you enjoy the new menu and the new look. Please, if you notice any problems, let me know via the contact page or the support forum.

Spout Popper Caulking Tube Cutter

Chris Rodenius — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:12:00 +0000

The Spout Popper is a small Guillotine type cutter that is specifically designed to cut open caulking and similar type adhesive tubes. The Spout Popper offers 3 bead sizes to choose from via an adjustable selector, and also features a built in seal puncturer. It uses standard utility knife blades as the cutter blade, so you never have to worry about finding replacements.

I usually don't care for unitask tools, but I think this tool has its place for painters, and other trades that do a large amount of caulking. The best part is that you can buy one Spout Popper and keep it next to your box of caulking so the whole crew can use it.

Would you use it?

Spout Popper

Quick Tip: DIY Stud Finder On The Cheap

Chris Rodenius — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:14:00 +0000

When I say cheap and mean the best kind of cheap, FREE. If you are reading this, it is probably pretty safe for me to assume that you own a computer. If you have the same luck that I have with hard drives, it is also very likely you have a couple dead or retired ones around the house. Inside these hard drives are a couple very powerful neodymium magnets aka rare earth magnets. With these magnets you will be able to detect metal studs from behind drywall and other materials. You can also use these magnets to detect wood studs by locating the screws used to attach the drywall to the studs. Where ever you find a screw, you find a stud. Depending on the strength of the magnet, you could find buried electrical boxes from behind cabinets. You could even find the studs behind solid plaster walls, by locating the nails used to attach the lath.

So get those old hard drives out, and crack them open. The hardest part will be removing the glued on magnets from the hard drive, other then that, it is just a matter of removing a few screws.

If you are lucky enough not to have a hard drive crash on you, don't worry, you can easily find these magnets in stores and online. With magnets, size matters. The bigger the magnet, the stronger it is. Neodymium magnets also use a grading system to measure how strong they are, the higher the N-number the stronger the magnet. Currently an N52 is the strongest magnet you can get. You can get these magnets CHEAP. On eBay for example, you can get a 1" cube N50 magnet for under $12 and has a holding strength of over 100 lbs.

Neodymium Magnets - Amazon

Skil Introduces A New 7-1/4” Skilsaw

Chris Rodenius — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:52:00 +0000

People now more then ever before are looking for tools at a great price. They want to be able to finish those jobs at home without paying someone to do the job for them, but they might not have the proper tools. Skil has a new 7-1/4 inch circular saw out that might be just what you are looking for. The new HD5687 from Skilsaw has a good bit of power at 15 amps, a nice long 8-foot cord, and weights in at only 10.8 pounds.

Some key features include:

51° Bevel Adjust w/Positive Stop at 45° for increased accuracy
"Worm Drive-Style" Handles-Proven Design Provides Comfort and Control
Rear View Depth Adjustment for clear visibility & quick cut-depth changes
Professional AC-DC Switch
Patented anti-snag lower guard reduces snags when making narrow cut-offs

Surprisingly, Lowes beats out the online stores on price. You can pick the HD5687 at Lowes for just under $90

Skil Tools
Skil HD5687-01 - Amazon

C.H. Hanson Reinvents The Level

Chris Rodenius — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:41:00 +0000

The level has been around for hundreds of years, and its design has not changed much; until now. C.H. Hanson has taken a little bit of aviation technology and incorporated it into their new level design by replacing the standard vial with a 2-toned black and white self leveling ball.

"It might be an understatement to say there have been very few changes in the level category over the years," said Walt Sedlacek, C.H. Hanson vice president marketing and product development. "But now with the introduction of the Precision Ball Level, there is a tool that is innovating the category by showcasing multiple new features never seen before on a level."

The ball, which is floating in some type of liquid, will always remain level with the horizon. This new level design allows it to do a few things other levels can not. Using the markings around the ball, you can easily measure angles and pitches. This would come in handy anytime you need to set something at a specific angle. You can also use this feature to check and match existing angles and degrees. The thing I like the most, is the high visibility the ball design offers.

For more information and a video visit C.H. Hanson

New Stanley FatMax Lighted Levels

Chris Rodenius — Fri, 29 May 2009 21:21:00 +0000

Lights on a level might seem like a gimmicky idea to some, but if you have ever done any leveling in a room with poor lighting (like just about every jobsite I have been on), you know what a pain it can be to read the vials on your level. The problem is then amplified if you are leveling against a dark wall. To solve this problem, I have used the light from my cell phone to shine on the vials in some situations where extra light was needed.

Stanley FatMax has introduced a new line of lighted levels that feature built in lights for both vertical and horizontal vials, as well as lights along the length of the level. Not to be outdone by anyone, the levels also have built in rare earth magnets that make the leveling of metal door frames, and etc. a breeze. The FatMax Lighted Levels are available in 3 sizes: 16-inch, 24-inch, and 48-inch and run on 3 AA batteries.

I haven't been able to find prices or a place you can buy these except for the 16-inch at QVC, which also has a video of it in action.

Stanley Levels

Work Sharp 2000 Gets A Knife Sharpening Attachment

Chris Rodenius — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:00:00 +0000

The Work Sharp sharpening system has been a good option for anyone looking for a powered sharpening system on a budget. We usually don't think of $100 as a budget price, but when the competition is selling for $350 - $600, $100 is a great price.

One of the things the Work Sharp system was missing that the competition has, is the ability to sharpen knives. This is a problem no more with the addition the the Sharpening attachment for the WS2000. For around $35 the knife attachment uses abrasive belts up to 3600 grit to get your knives nice and sharp. They even say it will sharpen serrated knives. I hope we can see a knife attachment soon for the WS3000; we don't want to see anyone left out.

Work Sharp website
Work Sharp - Amazon