Product Focus: Power Tools
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Compact magnetic base drill
The Fein JMC USA 90 compact magnetic-base drill establishes new benchmarks in size, power, weight and versatility, Fein sources report. Its low-profile design and high-powered motor make this the ideal drill for making up to 1 3/8-inch diameter holes in the tightest spaces. The 1,100-watt motor offers high-speed stability with forward/reverse rotation. Its ergonomic design allows a 3/8-inch ratchet to be fitted on either side of the drill while maintaining a low weight for ease of handling in constricted situations such as working on vehicle frames or narrow metal beams. The magnetic base drill comes in a plastic carrying case, with a coolant hand pump, 3 1/8-inch centering pin, touch guard, safety strap, swarf hook, side handle and ratchet handle.
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AC brushless grinder
Hitachi Power Tools recently introduced the G12VE AC brushless 4 1/2-inch variable-speed angle grinder. With its small grip diameter, it is more comfortable to use all day. Its AC brushless motor is smaller, but provides the same or higher power output than larger brushed motors. The brushless motor eliminates carbon brush and armature maintenance, which translates to longer life. The AC brushless motor is less affected by power drop when used with longer extension cords. The unit’s internal controller circuit provides electronic overload protection, anti-kickback protection, soft start and zero-voltage restart to protect the user.
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Magnesium left-blade circular saw
The Skilsaw Sidewinder saw’s reputation as a light weight, easy to manage and compact circular saw has been modified to offer users the Southpaw model, a left-blade option that offers some users better visibility than right-blade Sidewinder saws. The SPT67M8-01 7-1/4-inch left-blade model comes with a 24-tooth Skilsaw carbide blade and a multi-function wrench that stores in the foot of the saw. It delivers 2 7/16-inch-deep cuts at 90 degrees, 1 7/8 inches at 45 degrees and 1 1/2 inches at 56 degrees. It weighs 8.95 pounds and has a 10-foot cord for job site maneuverability.
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10 1/4-inch circular saw
Makita’s new 10 1/4-inch model HS0600 circular saw is built for today’s framer who is using more engineered lumber, 3 1/2-inch I-joists and 4x4s in residential and commercial construction. It delivers 15-amp power, 3 13/16-inch capacity and 4,300 rpm blade speed and effectively expands Makita’s circular saw offering.
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Mini grinders
Walter Surface Technologies now offers the Mini-Grinder and Super 5 small angle grinders for work in smaller metalworking and MRO shops. They feature improved power and ergonomics, are AC/DC compatible and come with the Quick-R release system for fast, tool-free wheel changes. The Mini-Plus, Walter’s most versatile grinder, eliminates the need for multiple tools. It has Powerguard overload protection, Dynamax rpm monitoring, Variable Dialspeed and Stabilizer technology, all which add comfort and increases the life of the tool up to 30 percent and the life of grinding or sanding discs up to 200 percent.
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Angle grinders with slip clutches
Metabo has released a new series angle grinders with Safety Slip clutches and anti-vibration and auto-balance systems in a rat-tail design that enhances user safety even further, sources report. This design allows the operator to grip the grinder more securely than body-grip versions while allowing for higher leverage, longer reach and a more comfortable grip. The models also have a tethering point or Drop Secure System for use when working at height. The new rat-tail angle grinders are available in 4 1/2-, 5-, 6- and a unique 7-inch version. The 4 1/2- through 6-inch versions are based on a 1,700 watt, 14.5-amp motor for superior power; the 7-inch WEPB 19-180 uses a new 1,900 watt, 15-amp motor in a small angle-grinder platform. At 6.4 pounds, this tool is half the weight of a 7-inch large angle grinder.
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Limited-access cut-off machine
The Stihl TS 440 Cutquik cut-off machine combines world-first technology and expanded wheel guard adjustability. It is versatile enough for general construction applications and a powerful choice for limited-access cuts, Stihl sources report. The 66.7 cc unit can cut bottom portions of walls, corners, underside of in-ground concrete, ductile iron, vitified clay and steel pipes. The adjustable guard features the world-first sensor-activated Stihl Quickstop wheel brake technology that can stop the rotation of the cutting wheel in fractions of a second if kickback occurs. Electronic water control allows for easy and efficient adjustment while cutting. The X2 air filtration system is maintenance-free, maintaining a 99.96 percent cleaning efficiency. The ElastoStart starter handle has a built-in shock absorber that helps reduce starting effort; its anti-vibration system helps reduce operator fatigue and provides a more comfortable working experience.
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Cordless concrete nailer
DeWalt’s Max DCN890 gas-free cordless concrete nailer can be used to fasten steel to concrete or steel to steel. It’s ideal for commercial framing and tracking, mechanical and electrical installations and insulation surface prep applications. It eliminates the need and frustration of maintaining and storing fuel cells on the job site. The fully-electric tool has a wider operating temperature and altitude range and its design makes the tool highly consistent and easily serviceable. A brushless motor provides up to 600 shots per charge on a 5.0-Ah DeWalt battery, driving 3/4-inch .102 fasteners into concrete.
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Five-in-one drill driver
The Bosch FlexiClick system is a five-In-one drill/driver that can help trade professionals meet the need for speed with a time-saving tool that delivers high-quality drilling and driving. The tool comes with four professional-grade attachments: a 3/8-inch keyless chuck, a locking bit holder, a right-angle attachment and an offset-angle attachment. The attachments allow the tool to perform jobs that range from hanging cabinets to electrical box installation to pre-drilling holes in hardwood. Improved motor technology and advanced gear design close the loop on next-generation cordless tools that add greater efficiency to increased power and torque. Advances in EC brushless motors are providing 2X longer tool life, longer runtime and virtually no maintenance.
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Cordless nailer line
Hitachi’s pneumatic and cordless engineers have collaborated to produce a top-of-the-line cordless finish and framing nailer series that offer the end user a pneumatic feel in a true cordless, gas-free body. The system relies on Hitachi’s Air Spring drive system that can be found in its new NR1890DR cordless plastic-collated framing nailer and NR1890DC cordless paper-collated framing nailer. The trend of improving user comfort and producing lighter weight tools resulted in Hitachi’s new compact and light weight 3.0-Ah battery. The model BSL1830C is 3/4 inches smaller and 0.6 pounds lighter than a traditional 3.0-Ah battery.
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9.0 amp-hour Li-ion battery pack
The new Milwaukee M18 RedLithium high-demand 9.0 amp-hour battery pack represents the industry’s largest step toward full corded replacement on the job site to date, Milwaukee sources report. The new battery pack instantly increases the performance of users’ current M18 cordless tools, delivering more work per charge and more work over the life of the pack than any other tool battery on the market regardless of voltage. It works with the entire 150-plus-tool Milwaukee M18 platform.
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Heavy-duty Li-ion power
Driven by its Lithium High Density (LiHD) Technology, Metabo is experiencing tremendous growth in cordless sales. It now offers a 7.0 amp-hour LiHD battery that offers the necessary power and run time in an 18-volt platform for heavy-duty jobs. However, customers are also demanding more compact tools and batteries for standard applications, so Metabo created an innovative compact 18-volt 3.5 amp-hour LiHD battery that can deliver more run time than a full-size 4.0 anmp-hour standard Li-ion battery. For super heavy-duty applications, its exclusive 36-volt LiHD technology delivers 2,400 watts of power for the industry’s most powerful cordless systems such as the Metabo 9-inch cordless angle grinder. Metabo has developed a multi-bay charger and is the only supplier today to offer a true industrial solution for up to eight batteries, 18-volt or 36-volt, in any mix, and charge them at the same speed at the same time, Metabo sources report.
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Cable termination tool
The Ridgid RE 6 cable termination tool that sources claim is the world’s most versatile cable termination tool just got better with the addition of the Ridgid LR-60B latching round-die crimp head. The new head uses color-coded 6-ton U-style dies to crimp lugs and splices from 8AWG up to 600 MCM copper and 350 MCM aluminum in five seconds, and is classified to UL 1976. It has a slim, compact design with 360-degree head rotation that allows for access and maneuverability in tight spaces. Crimp dies quickly snap into the head, don’t require a push button or adapters to change dies and have a quick-release latching system for maximum efficiency.
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Hybrid sanders
Festool adds three hybrid sanders – the delta-shaped DTSC 400, the 5-inch ETSC 125 and the rectangular RTSC 400 – to its cordless power tool line. The sanders are balanced with a unique ergonomic battery for optimum performance and handling that provides up to 30 minutes of run time at full power. Each sander has an idle speed from 6,000 to 10,000 rpm and includes Festool’s integrated Jetstream dust extraction technology. Their balanced design, formed, rubberized grips for comfort and control and guards protect the pads and surfaces from damage. A highly effective pad brake with integrated carbide inserts provides optimal pad control.
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Digitally controlled torque wrench
Hilti will be introducing the SAW6AT torque wrench that uses a smartphone-sized “brain” that slides between the torque wrench and the 22-volt battery pack, empowering the tool to offer Mechanical Safe Set control for fastening torque accuracy. Users can scan the QR code on the Hilti fastener box and program the torque wrench to consistently deliver precise fastener torque. The unit signals when the fastener has been torqued correctly with a green light, then auto-stops the tool and emits a tone. When the unit is introduced, it will allow users or others to download torque records for building and certification documentation.
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Countertop drain cleaner
The Electric Eel Model CT countertop drain cleaner has a unique variable-speed motor control that gives the operator maximum cable control and exceptional cleaning power from 75 to 350 rpm with constant torque. It can clean 3/4- to 21/2-inch diameter drain lines up to 50 feet. The DC motor provides quiet, powerful and dependable operation. Standard unit features a hand-tightened Jacobs chuck. It is also available with a two-way automatic cable feed that keeps hands off the rotating cable. Cable guide hose eliminates cable whipping and helps keep work areas clean. Stainless steel cable drum will not rust and resists denting. Its well-balanced, heavy-duty steel tubular frame allows for vertical or horizontal operation. A built-in GFCI on its 20-foot cord protects operator from electrical shock. Air-operated foot switch and cord assembly offer ease of operation. Runs1/4-, 5/16- and 3/8-inch cable.
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Corded grinders
DeWalt launched 15 new grinders that are made in the USA with global materials and feature multiple sizes and trigger types. Many adhere to OSHA respirable silica dust requirements. The smallest new grinder, the 4 1/2- to 5-inch model DWE 43114 high-performance cut-off/grinder with E-clutch, shuts the grinder off if the wheel pinches or stalls. Its Dust Ejection System technology clears dust and debris for extra protection. The largest new grinder is the 6-inch model DWE46144N high-performance cut-off/grinder. It features the E-Clutch system, Dust Ejection System technology and Power-Off Advanced Overload Protection. The “N” designated model features a no-lock paddle; a trigger version is also offered.
These products appeared in the November-December 2017 issue of Pro Contractor Rentals magazine. Copyrighted--all rights reserved.
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