ACME Tool Purchase Link Here: Milwaukee M12 Underhood Light – Model 2125-20

When working under the hood of a vehicle, whether it be for work or leisure, having the right lighting is important.  The M12 underhood light is designed to put bright LEDs exactly where you need them so you are not wasting time looking for the right bolt, nut, or connector.  It cuts the need for power cords and/or holding that small flashlight in your mouth to free up your hands.

Milwaukee’s M12 Underhood light is made from sturdy aircraft aluminum for the most rugged work environments. The frame is expandable from 47″ up to 78″, fitting a wide variety of cars and trucks. Another nice feature is that the light comes detached from the expandable frame for independent use.

The hooks at the end are made with Milwaukee’s patented Finshguard protection, offering long-lasting protection from scratches against your vehicle’s finish.

Additionally, Milwaukee provides a large gripping surface for better underhood positioning, allowing you to get the right light in the right spot.

The Underhood light has 2 settings: High and Low. When paired with a standard XC 5.0 M12 battery, users will get an estimated 8hrs of runtime on low and 4hrs of runtime on high. High output will offer 1350 lumens, and low output will shine around 600 lumens. Coupled with the length of the light, these lumens project a broad illumination of your work area, rather than small beams of light from a flashlight.

Cordless tool advantages are everywhere. They are on every job site in every profession. One of the key advantages of this cordless light is the elimination of the cord having to hang down and rub up against the front quarter panel of the vehicle you are working on. Not to mention the trip hazard it prevents. Anyone who has spent time working on vehicles knows the annoyances of cords, hoses, and cables on the ground.

Not only made for working under the hoods of vehicles, but I also find that the M12 Underhood light works perfectly for additional outside lighting. Remodeling or emergency work does not stop when the sun goes down.  I used the light to provide area illumination off the Magnum rack of my F150 pickup truck during a recent service call at night. The light was secured to my rack in the same fashion as it secures to the hood and I was able to rotate the light to the best angle to illuminate my workspace. When I was done, I moved the light onto the top of my toolbox and had great coverage while i was cleaning and reorganizing my tools.

When disconnecting the light from the frame, you’re able to use the light as a standalone. You have the option to hang the light by the metal hook that stores it out of the way when not in use. it. You can also just use the free-standing light as a light saber when you have some free time!

If you spend your work days or even your free time under the hood of a vehicle, the Milwaukee M12 Underhood light is a must-have. Having a work area that is properly lit not only provides better sight, but it also creates a safer work environment.  Eliminating the mess of cords and the old flashlight-in-your-mouth trick, the M12 Underhood Light will certainly brighten your day, pun intended.

The Milwaukee M12 Underhood Light can be purchased at ACME Tool for $219.00 with the link provided in the top heading.

The post Milwaukee M12 Underhood Light first appeared on Concord Carpenter.

ACME Purchase Link Here: Wiha 32Pc Mini Ratcheting Bit Set Model 76889 and Wiha 32pc GoBox Security Bit Set

Wiha is known for its specialty in precision fastening solutions. The Wiha 32pc Ratcheting and Bit Set Model 76889 and the GoBox Security Bit Set offer an assortment of bits to provide the versatility to handle a vast range of fastening applications.

Wiha 76889 Kit Components

The following bits are offered in the 32-piece Mini Ratcheting and Bit Set.

Screenshot

Philips Sizes: #1, #2, #3
Square Sizes: #1, #2, #3
Torx Sizes: T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40
Hex Metric Sizes: 3.0mm, 4.0mm, 5.0mm, 6.0mm
Hex Inch Sizes: 1/8″, 9/64″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″, 1/4″
Pozidriv Sizes: #1, #2, #3
1/4″ hex to 1/4″ square adapter
72 Tooth Ratchet
Bit Holder/ Extension

Wiha 74958 Kit Components

The following bits are offered in the 32-piece GoBox Security Bit Set.

Security Hex Sizes:2.5mm, 3.0mm, 4.0mm, 5.0mm, 6.0mm, 5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 9/64, 5/32
Security Torx Sizes: T8, T9, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40
Philips Sizes: #0, #1, #2
Slotted: 3.5mm, 5.5mm
Spanner Sizes: #4, #6, 8#, #10
72 Tooth Ratchet
Bit Holder/ Extension

The Wiha 32-piece bit sets are extremely compact and come in a durable metal case for great protection. This small case offers a blow-molded bit holder for secure storage. This case fits in your pocket for quick repairs, your tool pouch/tool bag for when you need a bit, or your tool cart with our power tools, so you always have the right bit for the right job, in the right place!

Screenshot

All of Wiha’s bits are precision-machined for tighter tolerances to avoid cam-outs due to wobbling and avoid damaging the fasteners.

The set comes with a 1/4″ x 3.5″ bit ratchet. The ratchet has a rapid thumb action lever, giving the operator fast rotation changes. The ratchet has 72 teeth and a 5-degree arc. Users can get into tight workspaces and still have room to ratchet.

The GoBox set comes with a 1/4″x 2-5/8″ magnetic bit holder. This magnetic bit holder offers a secure grip and has a quick bit release at the bottom, eliminating the bit coming out at the end of fastening.

Having the right bit for the right application without having to comb through loose bits or several bit sets has been key for us.  These bits are small, allowing tight access.  For anyone who does automotive work, these tight spots are very frequent and cumbersome.

Having a good quality bit set is important not only for us doing automotive work, but for anyone who is doing fastening or loosening fasteners. Cheap bits break, rusted fasteners strip, and round out Hex or Torx fasteners under high torque. The saying is “Buy once, cry once” when it comes to expensive tools or accessories, but these Wiha bits are under $40, and certainly are cheaper than your additional time and labor when you don’t have the right bit for the right application.

The Wiha Mini Ratcheting and BitSet is a must for my tool cart. Working on several types of automotive tasks has proven to me that having the right bit for the right fastener is important.  Time is money.

To purchase these Bit Sets, here are the links from ACME Tools at the top of this article.

The post Wiha Precision Bit Sets first appeared on Concord Carpenter.

Olight ArkPro Ultra vs. Milwaukee 2016R Flashlight Comparison

Today, we’re pitting two modern, flat-profile EDC lights head-to-head to see which deserves a permanent spot in your tool belt: the Olight ArkPro Ultra and the Milwaukee 2016R.  Both lights ditch the classic cylindrical design for a slim, pocketable footprint, but they take very different approaches once you turn them on.

Let’s break down the core specs and pricing:

Price:

The Olight ArkPro Ultra comes in at around $100–$110, while the Milwaukee 2016R sits at a more budget-friendly ~$70.

Size & Weight:

The Olight is slightly more compact at 4.88 inches long and ~4.2 oz, compared to the Milwaukee at 5.27 inches and ~5.0 oz.

Belt Clip:

Both flashlights have belt clips, the Olight has a two-way/pocket clip to allow the flashlight to sit deep in your pocket but its dual-direction design allows it to clip onto the brim of a baseball cap for hands-free headlamp use or secure tightly onto a belt, vest, or backpack webbing. The Milwaukee clip alows the flashlight to sit deeply in your pocket.

Brightness & Beam:

Olight pushes 1,700 flood / 800 spot lumen via dedicated dual emitters. It features a floor light option and a spot with halo option. Milwaukee delivers 1,300 lumen in Boost mode through a single variable flood light beam.

Charging:

Both flashlights have a USB-C port, and a rubberized dust port cover. OLight charging port cover is better designed and seems more durable. OLight charging port cover  is better designed and seems more durable. Olight also can be charged with their magnetic proprietary charger. Both lights have LED indicators for battery light.

Olight Green Laser

UV Light Option |Olight

The Olight ArkPro Ultra additionally features a ZWB2 “Black Glass” filter over the UV emitter. This is a game-changer for inspections: standard UV LEDs can leak visible purple light that washes out contrast, while the ZWB2 filter blocks that unwanted “noise,” making it much easier to spot Weld-On P-68 UV Glow Primer during plumbing inspections.

While the primer appears clear to the naked eye—avoiding the messy purple stains associated with traditional products—it glows a vibrant purple under UV light. This makes it easy to quickly and professionally confirm that the pipe has been properly prepared for a secure bond.

Furthermore, the independent laser button allows you to operate the Class 1 green laser simultaneously with any other light source. That’s a really nice feature!

Green Laser:

Both lights offer a green laser side switch that can be turned on and operated in conjunction with the flashlight.  To the naked eye Olight seems brighter while Milwaukee seems crisper and cleaner.

Durability:

Milwaukee is rated slight more robust at IP67 and a 6-foot drop rating.  Olight brings IPX7 waterproofing, 6-foot drop protection, and an O-Aluminum body for high scratch resistance. When it comes to real-world operation on the jobsite, Milwaukee is way more intuitive and easier to use. There’s no learning curve—just pick it up, hit the button, and you have light. Olight gives you tons of features, but navigating between all the modes takes a little getting used to and I found myself fusing with the selector lever when wanting to turn on the flashlight.

Where that extra complexity pays off on the Olight ArkPro Ultra is raw versatility.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee doubles down on practical trade tools. Beyond simple USB-C charging and robust IP67 dust/water protection, it includes a laser-etched imperial and metric ruler right on the housing. It’s a great touch, though in future versions, I’d love to see Milwaukee take it even further by integrating a small torpedo level bubble and a dual magnet setup on the body to make hands-free layout work even smoother.

Final Thoughts

If you want maximum features, inspection UV tools, and premium scratch resistance, the Olight ArkPro Ultra is a tech-packed option at around $100. But if you want a ~$70 everyday carry light that is way more intuitive, easier to use, robust and built for simple jobsite utility, the Milwaukee 2016R is tough to top.

Which one are you throwing in your pocket? For me I’m reaching for the Milwaukee for the fast simple operation.

Olight ArkPro Ultra vs. Milwaukee 2016R Flashlight Video

The post Flat-Profile Flashlight Showdown: Olight ArkPro Ultra vs. Milwaukee 2016R first appeared on Concord Carpenter.

Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown Deadbolt Lock | A Contractors Take

As a contractor, I see more and more people gravitating toward keyless entry points on their homes and outbuildings.  Keyless entry, like this Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown has shifted from a luxury to a standard.

Homeowners realize keyless access isn’t just about ditching keys, it simplifies daily routines, eliminates lost-key headaches, and gives secure, controlled access to family members.

Homeowners also want keyless convenience, but they also care about classic styling and bulletproof simplicity. Kwikset is targeting that exact sweet spot with their SmartCode 270 Capetown Electronic Deadbolt. It’s an electronic lock offering keyless entry without forcing you to manage Wi-Fi hubs, Bluetooth pairing, or smartphone apps.

Here’s a breakdown of the Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown, who it’s actually for, and what to watch out for when installing it:

Specifications and Features | Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown

• Grade 2 BHMA Certification: Certified for solid residential security and durability (tested up to 2.5x stronger than basic builder-grade Grade 3 hardware).
• Stand-Alone Keypad Access: Program up to 50 custom user codes, 10 one-time guest codes, and 1 master code directly on the door.
• Auto-Lock Customization: Can be set to automatically lock behind you after 30 seconds, 1 minute, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, or 10 minutes.
• Simple DIY Installation: Runs on 4 AA batteries (approx. 1-year battery life). No wiring required—just a Phillips screwdriver.
• SmartKey Security®: Allows you to re-key the cylinder yourself in seconds to match your existing Kwikset house keys.
• Price: $128

Who In Our Audience Wants the Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown

We see three types of folks that will gravitate toward the Kwikset Smartcode 270.

The Workshop Access:

That’s me, this lock is a home run for a shop access door. When you’re carrying armfuls of lumber, sheets of plywood, or heavy tools out to a truck, you don’t want to dig keys out of work pants and you certainly don’t need app notifications or Wi-Fi alerts every time you step into the shop. At $128, it gives you keyless access and solid security without wasting money on smart features you’ll never use in a workshop.

The “Keep It Simple” Homeowner:

That’s also me, but many OLDER [anti-computer or Ap] people I know. These people want simple keypad access for unloading groceries or letting kids in after school, but explicitly do not want their front door tied to a smartphone app or internet connection.

The Landlord:

Like higher end locks, this lock supports 50 user codes and 10 single-use codes without needing internet access at the property.
You can hand a sub-contractor or helper a code and delete it later directly on the keypad.

What I like about the Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown

Kwikset hit the nail on the head by designing this lock alongside their Capetown mechanical levers, making it easy to grab a matching lock-and-lever combo pack for a clean, cohesive entry upgrade that looks right. Since there’s no Wi-Fi module built into this unit, you won’t waste time dealing with app connectivity glitches, dropped network signals, or waiting around for firmware updates to download. Best of all, Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown feature is a massive time-saver on the job site or around the homestead—it lets you re-key the new deadbolt to match your existing house or shop key in about 30 seconds, keeping extra keys off your ring and saving you a bundle in locksmith fees.

What’s The Downside on the Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown

On the downside, you get zero remote access with the ,Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown meaning you can’t lock or unlock the door from your smartphone while away or double-check if you remembered to lock up before calling it a night.
Like most motorized higher-end deadbolts, it’s also sensitive to door alignment—if your door shrinks or swells with seasonal weather changes or your strike plate isn’t lined up dead-center, the motor will strain, throw an error, and bind up.

You’ll want to make sure your door latches easily and smoothly [no rubbing] before mounting the hardware.
Finally, keep battery dependency in mind: while Kwikset rates the battery life for a full year, cold shop environments or a binding deadbolt will drain those four AA batteries much faster, so it’s smart practice to keep a physical backup key just in case. I personally have a key lockbox hidden in my shed just in case.

Concord Carpenter Overall Thoughts

If you want to ditch physical keys on your front door or workshop without dropping $250+ on complex smart tech, and subscription costs then the Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown hits the price point and functionality right on the head. Just ensure your door jamb and strike plate are square during installation, so the deadbolt throws smoothly without grinding the motor.

The post Kwikset SmartCode 270 Capetown | What Makes It Different first appeared on Concord Carpenter.

Osight SE Micro Red Dot Sight  | A Sight For Sore Eyes!

As I get older, my eyesight isn’t quite what it used to be. I’ve always been an iron sight traditionalist—there’s a simplicity to steel sights that I’ve trusted for decades. But as my eyes age, acquiring front-post clarity gets harder, and transitioning to a red dot simply helps me stay on target faster and with far less strain.

When Osight released the original Osight with its magnetic charging hood, I felt it was gimmicky and wasn’t entirely sold on the extra clutter. The new Osight SE, however, strips away the gimmicks and delivers a streamlined, utility-focused, fully enclosed red dot built specifically for micro-compact carry pistols.

A Major Improvement: The Side-Loading Battery Tray

The single biggest operational improvement on the Osight SE is the addition of a side-loading battery tray.

• No Unmounting Required: Changing the battery no longer requires removing the entire optic from the slide, eliminating the hassle of re-zeroing your sight or reapplying thread-locker.
• Standardized Power: It runs on a readily available CR1620 battery rather than proprietary charging accessories.
• Low Power Indication: Built-in visual alerts notify you when battery power is low before it dies.

Key Specifications & Features

• Footprint: Standard Shield RMSc pattern. Drops cleanly onto optics-ready micro-compact slides like the Glock 43X MOS, Sig Sauer P365 series, and Springfield Hellcat.
• Emitter & Construction: Fully sealed system housed in CNC-machined 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum. Protects internal components against dust, moisture, and debris.
• Optics: Features an a spherical glass lens delivering clear, zero-distortion, and parallax-free viewing across a  () window.
• Reticle System: Versatile multi-reticle layout featuring a 2 MOA Dot, a 32 MOA Circle, or a combined Dot-and-Circle reticle.
• Power & Efficiency: Motion-activated sensor (“Shake-Awake”) powers up immediately upon movement and auto-shuts off after 3 minutes of inactivity to extend battery life up to 75,000 hours (in Mode 3 Dot-only mode). Includes 10 brightness settings (8 Daylight / 2 Night Vision).
• Weight & Dimensions: Compact footprint measuring  () and weighing just  ().

Practical Maintenance & Field Usability

The enclosed optical tube keeps debris out while providing an ultra-low deck height for co-witnessing with factory iron sights. A standout practical detail is lens accessibility: unlike traditional open dots or deeply recessed hooded optics that force you to dig around with a Q-tip, the Osight SE’s outer lenses sit flush enough for quick, hassle-free cleaning with a simple wipe of a shirt corner or microfiber cloth.

Area For Improvement

Duty-Level Stress Limits: While rated IPX7 waterproof (1 meter submersion)—making it perfectly suitable for heavy rain, carry sweat, and standard range work—it lacks the extreme drop-test durability required for hard duty abuse.

Price

• MSRP: $199.99
• Included in Box: Optic with CR1620 battery, adjustment tool, cleaning cloth, screw box with multiple screw sets, and user manual.
• Osight SE Purchase link: https://www.olight.com/s/V54A8M

Overall Thoughts

For traditional shooters transitioning into optics to compensate for changing vision, the Osight SE provides a clear, easy-to-pick-up sight picture that is remarkably easy to maintain. The switch to a standard side-loading battery port is a massive win for practicality, offering solid zero retention and real-world value for everyday carry without demanding a $400+ investment.

The post Osight SE Micro Red Dot Sight Review first appeared on Concord Carpenter.

There are certainly many good paints available to DIYers, from several well-known companies.  But here I want to tell you why Sherwin-Williams is the best place for DIYers to get their paint.  Now, if you know anything about the paint industry, you’re saying, “Huh?  Sherwin-Williams caters to professional painters, not DIYers.  The paint departments of big box store and regional hardware chains are what cater to DIYers.”  That is all true, but that is precisely why DIYers should get their paint at Sherwin-Williams.  Let me explain.

What is Sherwin-Williams?

Most trade/construction outlets will sell to both pros and DIYers.  Some, like the big box retailers, are set up to mostly sell to DIYers, although they have programs for pro accounts.  Others are designed to focus on pros and commercial accounts, although they solicit and are happy to serve walk-in DIYers.  Sherwin-Williams is in this latter category.

About the mid-nineties Sherwin-Williams began to aggressively acquire other paint, coatings, and related industries in what had until then been a fragmented market, composed of a patchwork of regional paint brands.  This strategy was competently executed and has catapulted Sherwin-Williams to the leader in the coatings industry, dwarfing most competitors in size.  One hundred years after they started using the iconic “Cover the Earth” logo, Sherwin-Williams became poised to do just that!

It’s this size that allows them to dominate the professional painters market, both local one-person operations and large national and international paint/construction operations (most of which you’ve never heard of).  They offer the largest selection of coatings (not just paint), and they have a field force that services on-site construction projects with sales, deliveries, and training.

Why Sherwin-Williams Size and Pro Focus Benefits DIYers

Even though Sherwin-Williams is pro-focused, they actively solicit DIY customers.  Most Sherwin-Williams stores have extended hours and are open weekends.  Their many social media accounts reach out to DIY painters.  Check out their consumer-focused Instagram page, for example – if it doesn’t make you want to go and paint something, you need help!

You will get excellent, pro-level advice.  This is probably the most important differentiator that Sherwin-Williams provides to DIYers.  The manager of a Sherwin Williams store may well have 20 to 30 years of experience.  That’s not just 2-3 decades of selling paint, it’s 20-30 years of talking with pro painters day-in and day-out.  It’s hearing every day what works and what doesn’t in the real world.  The person behind the counter at a big box store may or may not be knowledgeable about paint (I’ve heard both good and sketchy advice given out there), but they certainly don’t have that level of experience and knowledge.

No one at Sherwin-Williams has an incentive to sell you a product that isn’t ideal for your application.  The slight store profit from selling you an $80 gallon of paint rather than a $60 gallon won’t even register on the store’s annual financials.   The store would much rather have you recommend Sherwin-Williams to your friends because you had a good experience there.

I’ve been in my local Sherwin-Williams quite a bit over the last 30 years, and I’ve never seen a non-professional treated with anything but courtesy and genuine helpfulness.

They make excellent products.  If there’s one thing that Sherwin Williams’ pro customer base hates, it’s call-backs.  These are time-wasting profit- and reputation- killers, and any product that results in them doesn’t get pro business.  Since Sherwin-Williams dominates the pro trade, it’s obvious that their products are top-notch.  That’s hardly a surprise since Sherwin-Williams’ size allows them to fund a lot of R&D.

They are conveniently located.  Sherwin-Williams has over 5400 retail stores and branches.  That’s twice as many as The Home Depot has.

They have the widest selection of products.  If you have an unusual situation, Sherwin Williams is more likely than anywhere else to have the paint (or other coating) solution.

Sherwin-Williams is cost-competitive.  Yes, paint seems expensive, but it’s probably the least expensive item on a remodel, or for a small outlay you can completely update the look of a room, even if you pay full retail price.  But you don’t need to.  Sherwin-Williams has a free PaintPerks program that gets you 10% off purchases as well as an initial credit, and they routinely have sales of up to 40% off.

Sherwin-Williams has outstanding color palates.  Their curated collection of historic, Arts & Crafts, mid-century, colonial, and other color palates have done a lot of the work for you in choosing colors and combinations, or just getting inspiration.  To appreciate how valuable this is, you have to understand that there’s a whole field of color theory (not to be confused with color psychology, which a different legitimate field) that explains which colors work together.  (My artist wife has educated me to this fact.)  Most people just go to the paint store and pick a color that they think they will like…with the predictable not-very-good results.  As a large company, Sherwin-Williams can afford to employ professional architectural artists to develop colors and combinations that work beautifully together for whatever style of home you have or want to take inspiration from, and make this knowledge available to you for free.

These Sherwin-Williams curated palates have become something of an industry standard.  You’ll often see magazines or websites devoted to design or to a particular style use them.  Many designers do, too.  Most stores stock brochures for each palate.

Lots of tools.  Sherwin-Williams has many tools on their website to help you choose colors for specific applications.  Their color visualizer tool allows you to paint stock pictures of different rooms with any color combination, or you can upload a photo of your own space and paint areas of it with any color (my wife and I found this tool invaluable when remodeling our current home).  They now have AI tools on their website, as well as both free and fee-based consultation available (the fees are very small).  There so many free tools and information on the website that it takes some time to go through.

Free education.  When I was taking guitar lessons years ago, my teacher told me that the guitar is an instrument that’s easy to play badly, and difficult to play well.  The same applies to painting.  Yes, anyone can slap paint up on a wall, but having the job come out well requires some skill and knowledge.  Sherwin-Williams has an extensive section of their website filled with tutorials on every aspect of painting.  If you’re new to painting, or just never got professional tutelage in it, well…it’s all yours, again for free.

Take Advantage of the Pros’ Experience

Try to go to a Sherwin-Williams store at times other than first thing or late in the workday on weekdays.  That’s when the pros are there getting stock for their jobs, and you’ll get more staff attention at other times.

Now, Lowes sells some Sherwin-Williams paint lines.  Certainly the Sherwin-Williams products there are certainly of good quality, and you’ll well there in that regard.  But if you can get to a Sherwin-Williams store, you’ll find more resources.

Whether you’re a production pro or a new homeowner, you’ll do well at Sherwin-Williams.

Full disclosure.  I have no financial interest in Sherwin-Williams whatsoever, and have received no consideration of any kind for writing this article.  I do have a cousin that works for the company, and a (now deceased) uncle that did.  They have no idea that I am writing this – these are just my observations and opinions.

The post Sherwin-Williams Best for DIY first appeared on Concord Carpenter.

Hilti SC 30WR-22 7-1/4″ Cordless Circular Saw Review: 8 Weeks of Jobsite Testing

We recently brought the new Hilti 22V Nuron 7-1/4″ Circular Saw SC30WR-22 to our job site to test its performance on an active remodeling project. After putting this saw through its paces over the last eight weeks, we have a clear handle on where it excels and where it could use a little refinement.

Full Youtube Video Review

First Impressions | Hilti 22V Circular Saw

This saw is a huge step forward for Hilti. Previous Hilti cordless circular saws were undeniably durable, but they often lagged behind competitors like Milwaukee, Makita, and DeWalt in power and cutting speed. The SC 30WR-22 changes that narrative.

What Works Well | Power Under Load

The biggest headline here is raw power. Hilti has been quietly unlocking more potential out of their Nuron 22V platform with every tool release, and the  Hilti 22V Nuron 7-1/4″ Circular Saw 30WR-22 is a prime example.

Where previous models felt slightly underwhelming under heavy loads, the Gen. 2 saw rips through tough stock without flinching.

Cutting:

The entire crew commented on how smooth and effortlessly it cuts. We pushed this saw through triple-stacked plywood and dense Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). While you can hear the motor work under stress, it cuts smooth and effortlessly.

Smoothness was the standout feedback from our team. Power delivery is linear, vibrations are minimal, and the electric brake stops the blade almost instantly.

Impressive Runtime: 

Powered by a single high-capacity Nuron pack, runtime was impressive enough that battery swaps were a non-issue during extended framing tasks.

Balance & Comfort: 

Despite its power, the weight isn’t noticeable because the tool is so well balanced. Our team noted that the handle ergonomics make the saw comfortable to use.

Build Quality: 

True to Hilti’s reputation, the saw feels built like a tank. The depth and bevel adjustments are smooth and precise, and the overall fit and finish are top-tier.

Fast Electric Brake: 

The electronic blade brake is a standout safety feature, halting the 7-1/4″ blade from 4,700 RPM in about two seconds. This rapid stop prevents leg-snags and accidents when lowering the tool, while drastically speeding up next-tasks, by letting you set the saw down instantly. Because it uses electronic counter-torque rather than mechanical friction pads, there are less parts to wear down over time.

50° Bevel Capacity: 

The 50° bevel capacity on the Hilti is a major practical upgrade for unpredictable remodeling work. Going beyond standard 45° limits allows us to back-bevel out-of-square lumber or cutting steep roof pitches and compound rafter cuts without secondary hand cuts. 

Hilti pairs this range with smooth controls and crisp positive detents at 22.5° and 45°. A fast bypass catch prevents accidental overshooting past 45°, while releasing it unlocks the full 50°. Together with high-contrast, easy-to-read shoe markings, dialing in precise intermediate angles is fast and effortless in any lighting condition.

The Rafter Hook Evolution

On the previous generation, the rafter hook slid along the top, frequently colliding with the thumb safety lock and forcing you to swap sides.

Hilti fixed this by moving to a fold-away rafter hook that tucks neatly under the body when not in use. While it completely eliminates the safety switch interference, it feels a bit over-engineered; the hook opening is slightly narrow, making it a little clunky to catch on a standard 2x on the fly.

While functional, we all agreed that the rafter hook isn’t quite as refined or durable-feeling as those found on rival saws.

Game-Changing Dust Collection (With an 80% Boost)

Dust extraction has always been a core tenet of Hilti’s concrete and masonry tools, and they’ve brought that engineering rigor directly into their carpentry line.

3 Major Dust Control Improvements

1. Twist-Lock Connection  -> Replaces loose friction fits   |
2. Internal Air Channeling   -> Directs suction to cut point   |
3. Efficiency Boost            -> Up to 80% dust capture rate  

Proprietary Locking Port:

Say goodbye to loose friction-fit vacuum hoses popping off mid-cut. The new rotating, twist-locking port hooks securely to Hilti extractors and standard job site vacuums.

Internal Air Channeling: 

Rather than just pulling ambient air through the upper guard, Hilti redesigned the internal shroud with a dedicated channel that focuses suction directly at the cut source. 

Efficiency Boost:

Hilti claims an 80% increase in dust collection efficiency, and in practice, it’s remarkably clean for a circular saw.

Areas for Improvement

Sight line Obstructions: 

To achieve that industry-leading dust collection efficiency, Hilti had to add bulk to the internal blade shroud.

The Trade-Off:

The bulkier shroud significantly obscures the line of sight directly to the blade.

Our entire team all agreed that the sight line isn’t quite as open as comparable circular saw models.  They felt that the upper guard design can obscure the blade, making it harder to track line-cuts from certain angles.

If you cut strictly by tracking the notch on the shoe plate, you’ll have no issues—the markings are crisp and accurate. However, if you like to lean over and eye the blade contacting the cut line, the shroud forces a wider angle than you’re likely used to with competitor saws.

Cost

 The Hilti circular saw will run you approx. $400 as a bare too and double that with a mid sized battery and basic charger.

Final Verdict | Hilti 22V Nuron 7-1/4″ Circular Saw

Overall Impression

In true Hilti fashion, the build quality feels overbuilt in the best way possible. The Hilti 22V Nuron 7-1/4″ Circular Saw isn’t just a minor incremental update—it’s a complete shift into top-tier cutting performance. By fixing their historical power gap while setting a new standard for jobsite dust extraction, Hilti has crafted a phenomenal 7¼-inch saw.

If you are already on the Nuron platform or demand maximum dust control on production sites, this saw is an easy buy. Just be prepared to adjust your viewing angle if you like to keep your eye directly on the teeth while you cut.

Hilti 22V Nuron Circular Saw Video Review

The post New Hilti 22V Nuron 7-1/4″ Circular Saw first appeared on Concord Carpenter.

MAX HN90F Framing Nailer & AKHL1320E Compressor Review

Framing houses today involves more than standard lumber. Framing crews use heavy-duty engineered lumber such as LVL and LSL, along with dense Advantech sub-flooring. Metal connectors and hold-downs are also used. Many 100-PSI framing nailers struggle to sink nails into LVLs. Carpenters must rework nails with a hammer, slowing progress. This process wastes significant time on site.

We put the MAX PowerLite system through its paces on the jobsite, pairing the AKHL1320E high-pressure compressor with the HN90F coil framing nailer. Specifically, the system operates across three core pressure specifications:

• Compressor Maximum Tank Pressure: Up to 500 PSI.
• High-Pressure Tool Operating Range: 170 PSI to 320 PSI (15 to 23 bar), which powers tools like the HN90F framing nailer.

What Makes It Different

The core technology behind this setup is the AKHL1320E compressor. Unlike standard job-site compressors operating between 90 and 135 PSI, this unit charges double-walled tanks up to 500 PSI using an ultra-quiet DC brushless motor setup. Despite a compact 38.9-pound footprint, the machine packs extreme air density. It remains light enough to move easily and is protected by a rugged outer roll cage.

Versatile Air Connections

The control panel features four hose connections:

• Two standard-pressure regulators for running traditional 100-PSI finish nailers.
• Two high-pressure couplers designed specifically for MAX PowerLite tools.

That versatility means you do not need to pack two compressors on the truck to handle both heavy framing and general pneumatic tasks.

Connecting to those high-pressure ports is the MAX HN90F coil framing nailer, which immediately impresses with its lightweight and ergonomics. Because high-pressure air creates significantly more force out of a smaller cylinder, MAX engineered this tool to weigh roughly 30% less than a typical 100-PSI framing gun, keeping the overall physical profile drastically smaller.

Whether toe-nailing joists overhead or shooting into sub floor, that reduced mass translates directly into less shoulder and wrist fatigue.

Its compact size relative to other coil framers makes nailing together window framing packages on the deck considerably less tiring.

Recoil is remarkably crisp and low-kick, driving every nail flush even through stubborn material. The clear magazine door gives an immediate line of sight on nail capacity, and the depth-of-drive wheel combined with the selective actuation switch makes fastener depth and speed selection simple.

Power To Drive Into Hard Materials

On the jobsite, the performance advantages of this setup are unmistakable. The MAX HN90F nailer drives fasteners into engineered lumber with zero hesitation, avoiding the half-set nails that force carpenters to return to sink fasteners flush. Runtime between compressor cycles is impressive because the high-pressure air storage acts like a much larger air volume reserve in a compact footprint. Recovery time is rapid, allowing multiple framing guns to run simultaneously on high-production lines without starving the tools for air.

Cost

The MAX USA PowerLite 500 PSI 2HP 3.3 CFM/3 CFM High Pressure Air Compressor can be purchased here at ACME TOOLS for approximately $1500.00

The MAX USA High Pressure Coil Framing Nailer, model HN90F can be purchased here at ACME TOOLS for approximately $644.00

Final Thoughts

The trade-offs come down to ecosystem investment and proprietary hardware. Entering the PowerLite system requires committing to a premium ecosystem. It includes dedicated high-pressure hoses and specialized quick-connect fittings. These components will not interchange with standard shop fittings.

It represents a serious financial commitment aimed straight at professional framers. For crews seeking maximum daily output, the MAX PowerLite AKHL1320E and HN90F deliver strong performance.

The post MAX PowerLite System Review: 500 PSI Framing Power first appeared on Concord Carpenter.