If you spend your day using an SDS hammer drill to drill and install heavy-duty anchoring systems then you may be VERY interested in these new bits!

DEWALT’s SOLID ROCK CARBIDE™ SDS Plus Bits are designed for mechanical contractors, plumbers, electricians, concrete forming, tilt wall contractors, glaziers and other maintenance and repair professionals who are tasked with drilling anchor holes in reinforced concrete.

The SOLID ROCK CARBIDE™ SDS Plus Bits features twice the carbide than standard SDS Plus bit has.

Manufactured using an innovative welding system to affix a whole piece of carbide to the tip of the flute.   This completely covered carbide drill tip is touted to be a more durable bit with a longer lifespan, isn’t that what we all want in drill bits?

The solid carbide tip improves the durability of the SDS drill bits, and obviously cuts down on bit tip breakage.

Look for these drill bits anywhere DEWALT SDS products are sold.

DEWALT Solid Rock Carbide SDS Drill Bit is a post from Tool Box Buzz

It’s DEWALT’s new Adjustable Depth Setter (DWA5537DS) and Dust Collector (DWA500DC)  combined together as a proprietary Depth Control and Dust System.

What does that mean?

The DWA5537DS Adjustable Depth Setter is designed to work with DEWALT’s 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch and 5/8-inch SDS Plus drill bits.

The DWA5537DS allows for controlled drilling depth, and provides accurate depth stop.

The DWA500DC Dust Collection System flushes tightly against the material your drilling into and collects the dust  and debris.

Think how nice this would be for overhead drilling!

Let’s face it no safety glasses will protect you from overhead concrete dust, unless your wearing enclosed safety goggles, and who wears those?   No one I know!

The Depth Control and Dust System was designed to be used with SDS Plus drill bits and is ideal for contractors in the mechanical, electrical and plumbing fields who perform overhead drilling applications such as installing drop-in anchors to hang pipes and conduit.

The DWA5537DS Adjustable Depth Setter and DWA500DC Dust Collector will be available in February 2012.   The DWA5537DS will come with a 1/2-inch SOLID ROCK CARBIDE™ SDS Plus Drill Bit (DW5537) and retail for $39.95.

The DWA500DC will be sold separately and retail for $19.95, but must be used in conjunction with the DWA5537DS.

DEWALT Depth Control and Dust System is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Anderson, SC, January 31, 2012 – DELTA® Power Equipment Corporation, a designer and manufacturer of benchtop and stationary woodworking machinery and dust management systems, is introducing a new 1-1/2 HP Portable Cyclone Dust Collector, Model 50-905 with state-of-the-art performance and a unique, convenient Chip Barrel System.

The new DELTA® Cyclone Dust Collector has a powerful 1-1/2 HP, 240V, 1 phase motor that produces 10 inches of static pressure with 810 CFM restricted and 1,638 CFM unrestricted (120V control box conversion kit, Model 50-907, is also available).

It is designed with cyclonic action to separate and force large particles into the chip barrel (32 gallon capacity) while small dust particles are trapped in the 1 micron canister filter and lower bag. The unique and convenient chip barrel system simplifies the emptying of the bag and repositioning the barrel with a leak free seal. The large bail-type handle lifts the barrel into position for operation – no tools required – and drops it for easy access and bag disposal.

The top filter cleaner crank rotates to knock down particles into the bag as they build up on the inside of the canister, prolonging canister life and efficiency. The user can connect up to two machines with the two 4-inch dust ports or remove the manifold to use as one 6-inch dust port to connect to a central dust collection system.

It comes with a remote control (batteries not included) which offers convenience for on/off and timer programming. The timer settings go from 1 hour to 15 hours, allowing the user to set the unit with confidence that, while away, the unit will clean the air in the shop and then turn itself off.

One new accessory that woodworkers will want is the Model 50-906 Dust Collector Floor Sweep Attachment so you don’t have to pull out a shop vac to clean your shop floors. Other available accessories include: 50-736 three-pack of dust bags for canister; 50-737 three-pack of chip bags for barrel; and 50-738 canister filter.

The new DELTA® 1-1/2 Portable Cyclone Dust Collector, Model 50-905, comes with a barrel, two dust port covers, one canister filter, two plastic dust bags, three plastic chip bags and four locking wheels.

It has a suggested retail price of $1299.99 and is backed by a Five-Year Warranty. For more information, customers can visit www.DeltaMachinery.com or write to customercare@dpec-na.com.

Delta 1-1/2 HP Portable Cyclone Dust Collector Preview is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Over the last year at Tool Box Buzz you may have seen the other posts on the M12 Cordless Heated Jacket. The first post was when we initially heard of the product. Then came a review a few months after its release. This jacket has been through everything and after a year of use is still one of our favorite tools.

Milwaukee M12 Cordless Heated Jacket Kit 2331

Model 2331 Features and Specifications

• Up to 6 hours of continuous heat per battery charge
• Water and Wind Resistant
• 3 Heat Zones distribute heat to core body areas
• 3 Heat Settings Plus Warm-up Feature
• Includes 1 M12™ REDLITHIUM™ Battery and 30 minute charger
• Soft shell exterior with fleece lining on cuffs and collar
• Comes in size Medium through 3XL
• Also available in Realtree Camo (2333) and Black (2336) in Canada

Evaluation and Performance

It is an understatement to say that working in cold weather is tough on a person. This jacket makes it a lot more bearable and even comfortable. I have been using this jacket in the cold since December of 2010. It has been subjected to 40s with rain to snowstorms to double digits below zero. It has handled them all.

• Long lasting heat - The battery lasts a full 6 hours and warms the core of the body adequately the entire time. The warm-up cycle gets the jacket up to temperature very fast so the initial chill when first stepping out into the cold is very short. The lining of the jacket is quite warm by itself, sometimes I find myself not even having the jacket on.
• Ease of use - The jacket has only one button. Push for 3 seconds to turn on. It goes into warm-up mode. After a few minutes it goes to medium heat mode. Press the button to cycle through the other heat modes. Hold for 3 seconds to turn off. The battery compartment is conveniently located on the left side of the jacket just behind the hand pocket. The battery can be changed while wearing the jacket.
• Looks good - Even after a year of regular use (in the cold months) it still looks really good. I get a lot of compliments on it and it is very professional looking.
• Light - At 2.6 pounds the jacket is not any heavier than a normal work jacket even with the battery. A great perk of the M12 line is that the batteries do not weigh much. Even after wearing for hours I cannot feel it weighing me down
• Accurate Fit - The jacket in the XL size is an accurate fit. It has a little extra wiggle room for some layering without getting tight and is very comfortable. It accommodates my long torso without looking like a belly shirt.
• Makes outdoor work bearable - The best part of this jacket is that it really takes the  chill out of working outdoors. It really shines during those times where I’m not working fast or hard. First thing in the morning, right after lunch, and towards the end of the day.
• Durable - Overall the jacket is very durable. After a year of use there is no visible wear. Zipper still works very well. I did have an issue though with the jacket shorting out when I would sit down.

Overall Impression

In the winter this tool cannot be beat. There are a few situations that I think the jacket really shines in, 1.) slow, finicky tasks either outside or in a cold building and 2.) stepping out of a warm vehicle onto a jobsite. It is perfect for a project manager, tradesman, or DIY-er. My most common task is working in my unheated garage and it does an awesome job!

I did have one fairly significant issue with the jacket. At the beginning of this most recent winter the jacket would shut off when I would sit down. I contacted Milwaukee through their Twitter account and one of their product managers called me back. He assured me that they have had no issues with this product and they were really curious what was happening with my jacket. They sent me a new one at no cost and then had me return mine so they could investigate. No questions asked. They could have ignored me but instead made it right. I will continue to buy red because they stand behind their products and engage their customers.

Brief Video with my Thoughts

Where To Buy

The new M12™ Cordless Heated Jacket is available at almost all major tool supply locations that carry Milwaukee Brand Tools. One notable exception is in store at Home Depot. You can also buy it online on Amazon at the following link:

• Milwaukee 2331-XL M12 12-Volt X-Large Heated Jacket Set

Milwaukee M12 Cordless Heated Jacket Long-Term Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Earlier last Fall Porter-Cable introduced several new tools including a Compact 18 volt Drill/Driver, Model PCL180CDK-2. They sent us this new drill/driver to test and evaluate which we’ve been doing in our new workshop. Below are my thoughts on this delightful new offering from Porter-Cable.

Features and Specifications

• All metal 1/2 in. keyless chuck offers excellent bit retention and jobsite durability
• Integral L.E.D. work-light provides additional light to work area for greater visibility
• 2-Speed high torque/high speed gearbox (0-350, 0-1,500 RPM) for increased productivity and for heavy applications
• High output motor delivers 424 in/lbs of torque – The power to complete jobsite applications more efficiently
• 22 Position clutch allows the user to properly set torque which reduces over-driving and stripping of fasteners
• Compact 8.1 ” Drill length easily fits into tight drilling and fastening applications
• 3.8 lbs with LX battery pack reduces user fatigue during extended periods of use
• Contoured handle with over mold provides better fit in user hands and minimizes rubbing and vibration
• Low Impedance 1.3 amp/hour Lithium Ion Batteries optimizes drill performance by providing more energy to tool during heavy applications
• 30 Minute Multi-volt charger quickly charges both Lithium Ion and NiCD batteries to keep the user working
• Compatible with Porter-Cable Lithium Ion and NiCD battery packs allows user to use all Porter-Cable 18 volt batteries regardless of chemistry

Performance

There are more cordless drills on the market than sock choices at the store! Seriously I feel bad for folks trying to pick out a cordless drill these days as the process must seem daunting at best. However, the beauty of such competition is the end result of more powerful, more useful and more comfortable tools. Porter-Cable has proven that with the PCL180CDK-2.

I’ve spent the last couple months testing this drill/driver in my new woodshop. I’ve used it while building cabinets, assembling machinery and general shop tasks. I’m really impressed with the drills power, speed control and adjustable clutch. This drill/driver has such a range of speed and torque that I can drill holes in multiple materials (wood, aluminum and steel were tested) and also install all kinds of screw types.

Compact & Comfortable

The real wow factor for me on this drill/driver is the compact size and comfort. Most serious 18V drill/drivers today are huge, heavy and not always well balanced. On the contrary, this little devil is light-weight and extremely comfortable. This is impressive to me when you consider it has an all metal chuck and some serious power.

One of the tasks that I’ve been using this drill for is pocket screw joinery. As you can see above I’ve been using it to drill pocket screw holes for cabinet frames. Kreg Jig drill bits are large and auger lots material (look closely at all the saw dust). It takes a decent drill to do this efficiently and the PC PCL180CDK-2 does it with ease. I also love to use it when installing the actual pocket screws because I can set the clutch just right so I don’t blow out the screws in the face frames. This is something that I previously had a hard time with on larger 18V drills.

Video Review

Check out a short video on my thoughts about the Porter-Cable PCL180CDK-2 18V Drill Driver.

Overall Impression

Overall I’m very impressed with the Porter-Cable PCL180CDK-2 18V Drill Driver. I have a wall of cordless drill/drivers in my shop and I find myself picking up this one over and over again. The reason is simple, it’s light-weight, comfortable and more compact that many of the other ones. Combine that with the power and speed of this drill and it’s a winner.

This drill/driver is perfect for lots of different applications and users. I would recommend it for both professionals and DIY’ers. It’s great for tradesmen in the field, in the shop, and around the house. If you’re looking to buy a smaller/compact 18V drill driver than this one should be on  your short list. Priced around $160 it’s a good value as well.

Where To Buy

If you’d like to buy this drill/driver than I recommend you check out the pricing and availability at Amazon. I’ve included a simple affiliate link below for your convenience.

• Porter-Cable PCL180CDK-2 18V Cordless 1/2-in Lithium-Ion Drill Driver Kit

Porter-Cable 18 Volt Lithium Ion Drill/Driver Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

MAX USA CORP

The NF565/16 will shoot 16 Ga. Finish nails from 1 1/4”-2 1/2” in length and weighs in at only 3.5lbs.

The new tool includes dial adjustable depth control to set the nail right every time, no mar contact tip to protect the work surface, easy jam clearance, carrying case, easy twist air deflector and a belt hook.

The new NF565/16 also features a switchable fire mechanism to go from single shot to contact fire.  You can select the fire mode for your application.

Applications include finish work, cabinetry, door and window casing, paneling, flooring, furniture assembly and case back assembly.

MAX USA CORP. is headquartered in Mineola, NY, and is owned by MAX CO., LTD. which is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. MAX is recognized as a market leader in quality manufacturing of pneumatic nailing tools for over 65 years. MAX has several divisions employing more than 1,400 people worldwide including 140 R&D engineers.

MAX USA CORP. is distributing the NF565/16 through professional tool and nail dealers.

New MAX 16 Ga. Finish Nailer NF565/16 Preview is a post from Tool Box Buzz

DEWALT announced their 20 volt lineup earlier this summer and it’s been making quite a splash around the industry. The new lineup equates to longer run times, faster speeds, better ergonomics and improved features. With the constant developments by all the competition in the industry end users are reaping the benefits all the time as seen with DEWALT’s 20V MAX lineup.

If you’re a contractor or serious DIY’er this is a cordless platform that I highly recommend. So I’m really excited to announce our latest giveaway here on TBB. The folks at DEWALT are donating a 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw! One lucky reader is going to win this awesome tool.

20V MAX Reciprocating Saw Features

• 4-Position Blade Clamp allows for flush cutting and increased positional versatility with tool free blade changes.
• 1-1/8″ stroke length delivers a fast cutting speed.
• Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm provides increased blade control and faster cut speeds.
• Pivoting adjustable shoe extends blade life and allows depth of cut control.
• Rubber over molded comfort grip delivers optimal comfort and control
• Double oil sealed shaft resists contamination and increases durability.

How To Enter The DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw Giveaway

Would you like a chance to win your own DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw? There are THREE different ways to enter this contest and you may enter each option once per household. Bonus – You can also enter over at Home Construction Improvement!

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY!

You may enter each one of the following 3 options once per household. PLEASE ONLY LEAVE ONE COMMENT, You can list all your entries and we’ll total them up. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE Multiple comments.

1. Leave a comment below telling us how you would use the DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw.
2. Facebook – Visit our Facebook Fan Page and LIKE us. Leave a comment on the wall telling us what you think of the DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw.
3. Newsletter Sign-Up – One of the best ways to keep up to date with our great giveaways, home improvement advice and tool reviews is signing up for our FREE weekly newsletter. In order to qualify for this entry you MUST sign-up and finish the opt-in process after you receive the welcome email. To sign up follow this LINK.

Fine Print

Entries must be received by 11:59 PM EST on January 31, 2012. The winner will be announced on February 1, 2012.

Only residents of the U.S. are eligible. One entry per household per each method above for a maximum total of three. Spam entries will not be counted. Spam entries are determined at the sole discretion of Front Steps Media.

DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw Giveaway is a post from Tool Box Buzz

It seems that hammers have been reborn in this Country over the last year. We’ve seen major improvements and offerings from nearly all the manufacturers of hammers. Today is no exception as I introduce you to an entire lineup of hammers from Hart Hand Tools. They sent us one of their hickory and steel hammers to check out and we think you’re going to love them.

Key Features

• Angled Face Design drives nails more efficiently with every swing
• Innovative Side Nail Strike is perfect for driving nails in tight spaces, such as between studs
• Side Nail Pull offers enough leverage to remove 16d nails in one fluid motion.
• Thumb Indent for a better grip and maximum control on a precision strike
• Magnetic Nail Set for duplex and standard framing nails

Quality Materials & Great Features

In a super competitive world of tools the name of the game these days is quality products that offer great features at a reasonable price. Hart hammers have got that figured out!

This entire lineup of hammers are built from some great materials made to last through thick and thin of construction. Once you pick up one of their hammers you’ll quickly realize they are built to last. Whether it’s the Grade A hickory version or the steel shaft I was very impressed.

The Hart hammers also offer all the latest and greatest in hammer features. I’ve become a huge fan of the side nail pull and the magnetic nail sets and can’t imagine a good hammer without them today.

The Hart Lineup

As you can see above Hart has created an extensive lineup of hammers. These hammers will be available starting this month in select Home Depot stores as well as online at HomeDepot.com (not all of them appear online yet). The lineup includes:

• Hickory – 18 oz., Smooth Strike Face, Straight Handle – Buy Online
• Hickory – 21 oz., Smooth Strike Face, Straight Handle – Buy Online
• Hickory – 21 oz., Milled Strike Face, Curved Handle
• Hickory – 21 oz., Milled Strike Face, Straight Handle
• Hickory – 23 oz., Milled Strike Face, Straight Handle – Buy Online
• Hickory – 25 oz., Milled Strike Face, Curved Handle – Buy Online
• Steel – 21 oz., Milled Strike Face – Buy Online
• Steel – 25 oz., Smooth Strike Face – Buy Online
• Fiberglass – 21 oz., Milled Strike Face

Hart Hammers Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Rockler has become one of my favorite stores now that I’m building a workshop. If you have a workshop, woodshop, or even hobby shop these guys have EVERYTHING! Last month they sent me their all new Universal Clamp-It Kit to review.

I’ve always been a firm believer than no single shop can possibly have enough clamps. Clamps make it possible for a single person to build most anything by themselves and this new offering from Rockler falls into that category. The Universal Clamp-It Kit is a versatile kit that includes two clamps and a 90 degree assembly square. Paired together these pieces offer an unlimited number of uses including:

• Picture frames
• Window casing
• Cabinet face frames
• Shelving
• Zero clearance fences for power tools

Quality Materials

One of the things that impresses me most about Rockler products is the quality. The Universal Clamp-It Kit is no exception. The clamps are made from really nice aluminum, heavy duty threaded bolts and quality handles. The assembly square is made out of some sort of high impact plastic and it’s incredibly stiff. I tried my best to deform it and I had zero luck.

Easy To Use

Another thing that I can appreciate from Rockler is the ease of use for their products. You don’t  need to be a rocket scientist to figure out this clamping system. As you can see above I used the kit while building some cabinets for my shop and installing a zero clearance fence on my table saw.

Overall Impression

I really like the Rockler Universal Clamp-It Kit. It’s a very affordable kit that offers great quality products that are easy to use and very versatile.

I only have one very small comment/suggestion for the design. I’d like to see the length of the “J” bolt be longer. The short end that’s seen in the fence above would be more effective if it were closer to 1-1/2″ or 2″. This would help keep the sacrificial fence tight at the bottom near the table surface.

If you have a small woodshop or workshop this is a kit that would come in very handy. If you’d like to buy it you can follow the link below to Rockler:

• Rockler Universal Clamp-It Kit

Rockler Universal Clamp-It Kit Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Torque wrenches are types of tools that are used to place a torque onto a fastener. The types of fasteners that are used with this kind of tool are usually nuts and bolts. You may think that this sounds like a job for a screwdriver. But, basic screws and the nuts and bolts needed for this job, are not the same things. These wrenches have internal mechanisms that and are more like a socket kind of wrench.

This tool was first invented to prevent the over-tightening of bolts. What constitutes a torque wrench is that it is used when closer control of the tightening of bolts is needed. The torque can be measured to enable the operator to match the requirements of certain application methods.

Types:

There are multiple kinds of this tool available. Read further to learn the features of the main types.

• Beam: This has a straight indicator bar. The main shaft is bent according to the amount of force on the handle. The display on this tool indicates torque of around 18 N.m or 160 inch-pound. The simplest model has a long lever between the head and the handle. It is constructed from a material that can bend according to the torque to which it is applied. This model is not only very simple, but it is affordable and very accurate.
• Deflecting Beam: This uses the mechanism of placing torque on a deflecting beam, instead of a spring coil. This model is safer, and is more durable. The readings are also very accurate.
• Click: This has a calibrated clutch. The clutch slips when the necessary level of torque is reached. The most widely used varieties have a spring or a ball detent. The ball detent exerts the force. The click model is one of the most popular as it is very precise because of the instant release once the needed torque level has been met. There are variations in the models of this type, according to different torque levels and applications.
• ”No Hub’: This type is most commonly used by plumbers. They use it tighten the bands on soil pipe couplings. These have been manufactured so as to automatically stop when the torque level of clamping bands is reached. It has a T handle and it also includes another handle to loosen these clamps.
• Electronic: These have electronic digital display indicators of the torque. You can select the type of unit the torque is to be measured in. It can also save several measurements on an internal memory. The saved measurements can be transferred onto a computer or printed directly. This is very handy for people or companies that have quality assurance policies or process documentation. There are models of this type of wrench used in the automotive manufacturing industry because they can measure angles as well.

Now that you are familiar with different kinds of torque wrenches, you can select the one that best suits your needs and the task for which it is intended.

Company Profile:

Screwfix is the UK’s largest direct and online supplier of trade tools, accessories and hardware products. With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, we despatch tens of thousands of parcels every week for next day and weekend delivery to tradesmen, handymen and serious DIY enthusiasts all over the UK.

Click here to view the full range of torque wrenches from Screwfix.com

Looking For A Torque Wrench? is a post from Tool Box Buzz