WEN 61720 3/4-Inch to 2-Inch 18-Gauge Brad Nailer Review

Nail guns exist in a very crowded market and there’s pretty much a nail gun to suit every single scenario. At the end of the day though, most hobbyists and home-improvement enthusiasts will want to choose just one nail gun and that means they’re going to want something that easy to operate and that is versatile.

Is the WEN 61720 3/4-Inch to 2-Inch 18-Gauge Brad Nailer the nail gun that you’re looking for? It’s certainly a very affordable option, very light and convenient and not too hard on the eyes. We spent some time testing the product for the review and here’s what we found…

Product Description: Super Light and Breezy

One of the most important things when looking for a nail gun is the lightness and the ergonomic. Many applications will involve using these tools for long periods, whether you’re looking at roofing or you’re building your own furniture. That means you need something that you can use for long stretches without getting exhausted.

The good news is that the WEN 61720 3/4-Inch to 2-Inch 18-Gauge Brad Nailer is a small, light and colourful device that you’ll be happy to use for extended periods. The color is a nice bright blue and yellow which we enjoy but it’s actually surprisingly powerful accounting for its small size.

This is pneumatic tool, which means you’re going to need an air compressor to run it. The good news is that these can be found very cheaply these days and you can get some very small ones too. Air compressors last a long time and will be useful for a range of applications, so it’s a worthy addition to your tool set.

This is still entry level though and won’t be incredibly powerful. Still though, the WEN 61720 3/4-Inch to 2-Inch 18-Gauge Brad Nailer should be suitable for fireing 18-gauge brads.

It also has a good capacity with a 100-brad capacity. In our tests it performed very well with only the occasional jam. The good news is that a quick-release magazine provides you with easy access to the head, which means you can unjam your jams. You also get a depth adjustment feature, soft nose (to avoid damaging the material you’re nailing) and a carry case.

Pros and Cons: Amazing for the Price

This is an entry level nail gun, make no mistake. It’s not going to be up to the most demanding tasks and if you’re a professional, then you might want something more powerful to ensure that there is no job too big to handle.

But we’ve still a lot of positive to say about this nail gun and in particular, we’re really impressed with just how powerful it is considering the price. The WEN 61720 3/4-Inch to 2-Inch 18-Gauge Brad Nailer is remarkably cheap. It’s still very well made though, surprisingly powerful and with all the features you could need. The quick release magazine is a particularly well-thought-out addition and wins this model some more brownie points.

Finally, the design is the other pro. It’s so light, so easy to use and so ergonomic that you can happily spend all day nailing down the backs of wardrobes without getting wrist strain.

As mentioned, one con is that you may experience the occasional jam, but this is pretty par for the course with a small, entry level nail gun. The other con is that you’ll need an air compressor. This is normal but it does add to the price if you don’t have one already.

The other downside of course is that this is limited in terms of its maximum power. That means you’re going to struggle nailing into some materials and you may want to upgrade in future. But for hobbyists and a little home improvement, it should be up to most jobs. And more to the point, at this price it hardly matters!

Conclusion: More Than Meets the Eye

To look at, this is a rather unassuming nail gun that is somewhat plastic – although it looks nice with it. And that is what you’re getting too – there are no advanced features here and it certainly isn’t the most powerful in the world.

But in terms of entry level nail guns, this is one of the best. The only caveat is that air compressor – you may want to consider a battery operated tool if you want to save the additional expense or avoid having to carry an extra gizmo.

source http://www.toolerant.com/wen-61720-34-inch-to-2-inch-18-gauge-brad-nailer-review/

Black & Decker BDCCS20B: A cordless circular saw worth the money?

Black and Decker tools have come a long way in the last 20 years or so, and are no longer regarded as strictly “homeowner only” tools but are instead finding themselves used more and more prominently in workshops and on job sites in the professional realm.

The Black & Decker BDCCS20B cordless circular saw is a prime example of a more professional version of the Black and Decker tool line up, the kind of tool that carpenters, woodworkers, and other experts can turn to in a pinch but certainly the kind of tool that DIYers, weekend warriors, and woodworking enthusiasts can rely on whenever they tackle a new project.

Certainly not the very best cordless circular saw available, but perhaps the very best cordless circular saw at this price point, the Black & Decker BDCCS20B is definitely well worth looking at least a little bit further into.

Check out this quick review for more inside information about this circular saw!

Initial Impressions

The first thing that you’ll notice about this Black and Decker tool is that it is a lot heavier and a lot more “premium” feeling the and most every other Black and Decker tool out there in the last 15 years or so.

That’s because the engineers at Black and Decker have definitely started to introduce better and better construction materials, smarter design, and more reliable components into their premium level tools, and the Black & Decker BDCCS20B circular saw is a perfect example of this new forward thinking approach.

Not the heaviest cordless circular saw out there by any stretch of the imagination, this unit is still pretty lightweight, still easy to control, and will not fatigued you quite as much as some of the other more hefty and premium options available on the market.

You shouldn’t have to worry about cruising right through most construction materials (though anything larger than a 2×6 might heat the unit up a little bit), but all in all this is a tremendously impressive unit that won’t let you down – as long as you respect and understand its shortcomings and don’t push the limits of this unit outside of its comfort zone.

Standout Features

The introduction of a 20 V lithium-ion power plant makes this Black and Decker cordless circular saw a bit of a heavy duty unit, though it still isn’t quite as powerful as corded options are (but what cordless tool ever is?).

The lithium-ion battery is going to recharge really, really quickly (we are talking about going from dead to a full charge in about two hours or so), though the you should only really be able to expect between four and five hours of consistent use out of a full battery.

This is quite a bit short of what the professional cordless circular saw options out there bring to the table (with most promising at least eight hours of run time on a single charge), but for hobbyists and enthusiasts this is plenty of juice to get most weekend projects done.

The included multipurpose circular saw blade that this unit comes with is plenty enough to choose through construction materials but also accurate and find enough to help you cut through finish materials, though it isn’t going to produce quite as clean or as consistent a cut as some of the higher quality (and admittedly more expensive) finish blade options out there.

This is a rip saw through and through, but there’s not any shame in that. If you need something that you can kind of beat without feeling bad about putting it through its paces, this is the cordless circular saw you’re going to want to reach for – especially at this price point!

Pros

• Tremendously lightweight, the Black & Decker BDCCS20B isn’t going to fatigued you very much when you are using it for extended amounts of time. The ergonomics with this circular saw are also pretty impressive, giving you complete control for precision cuts.
• You really cannot beat the price point of this particular cordless circular saw from Black and Decker. Comparable units are easily going to cost two, three, and even four times as much as this circular saw. It offers plenty of “bang for your buck”.
• The lithium-ion battery power plant system gives you extra juice for heavy duty cuts but also guarantees a relatively long run time between chargings. You’ll have to invest in a secondary battery for sure, but that’s a no-brainer with any cordless tool.

Cons

• At the end of the day, the Black & Decker BDCCS20B just isn’t going to be able to go toe to toe with some of the more powerful and higher-quality cordless circular saws from companies like DeWalt and Makita. It just doesn’t have that level of quality or those kind of precision components, but it also doesn’t have a considerably higher price tag to make those things possible.
• There is always a risk of this relatively lightweight cordless circular saw binding in the middle of heavier construction materials, so that’s something that you’re going to need to be aware of right off the bat. As mentioned above, definitely don’t try to push this circular saw out of its comfort zones. You’ll almost always regret it with a safety issue.

Who’s going to be able to get the most out of this tool?

Homeowners, weekend warriors, and DIY enthusiasts will be able to make the very most out of this budget focused cordless circular saw. Professionals will definitely want to spend a little bit more to get a higher-quality unit, but this circular saw can still be used for light work without having to blow up your budget.

Final Verdict

Inexpensive, relatively compact, and plenty capable, there are a lot of things to really appreciate about the Black & Decker BDCCS20B cordless circular saw. You’ll want to purchase a second battery (at least one extra), the rapid charging module, and some higher-quality circular saw blades to get the most out of this unit, but it’s a pretty accomplished tool designed for homeowners and amateurs.

source http://www.toolerant.com/black-decker-bdccs20b-a-cordless-circular-saw-worth-the-money/

DEWALT Bare-Tool DC390B Review: Light and Shadow

As the DIY craze sweeps the nation with no sign of dying out there are more and more people who are doing at home repairs or projects. For some of these people it might not matter what kind of tools or equipment they use – they simply borrow needed supplies from a neighbor or a friend. Others may do more research into what they need for ease of having it in their own home whenever they want to work on their project. These handymen will go beyond the regular hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and nail guns. As they venture into doing more and more work around the house they will often find themselves in need of a good circular saw.

Circular Saws are often battery operated (to keep the user from accidentally cutting the cord as they work), and able to be manipulated into tight spaces. The problem with battery operated versus corded saws lies in the power that the saw has. No matter the power source, most circular saws are perfect for ripping lumber, hard and softwood, particle board and plywood when you’re building. When choosing a circular saw it’s always a good idea to go with a trusted name like DeWalt. Established companies will stand by their products and make sure that they will be covered by a warranty. Especially for the new user, warranties are useful as you learn your way around your new tools.

So who needs this tool?

As we’ve discussed, this tool is perfect for the handyman who needs to rip large pieces of wood. It’s perfect if you’re renovating a room in your house, such as your bathroom. The DeWalt DC390B can be used to cut lumber to frame out your room then immediately used to cut the plywood that will be used to cover the floor. It comes with a left-mounted blade that makes it easy for most users to see exactly where they’re cutting and to follow a line as they work. Even carpenters by trade love this circular saw. It helps them quickly cut the wood that they need to finish projects for their customers. This saw would be particularly helpful in building a deck. It would be an easy thing for the user to line up all the wood that needed to be cut and quickly work down the row, getting everything ready to build at once.

The DeWalt DC390B is superior to other circular saws in a few ways.

• The design and balance of this circular saw are perfect. There’s just enough weight and heft to it that it doesn’t bounce around when making long cuts, but it is light enough for the average user to handle it easily without quickly becoming too tired to continue working. Not everyone understands the importance of a well-weighted circular saw, but the danger of having one bounce up from the cutting surface while still running can’t be understated.
• Another wonderful safety feature is that the blade stops spinning quickly after use. When the blade continues to spin freely it’s easy to accidentally keep cutting the wood you’re working on, or even worse, part of your body. DeWalt thought this through when they made sure that this circular saw would be as safe as possible to operate.

Like anything though, the DeWalt DC390B does have some drawbacks.

• Like any cordless tools, the battery life of this circular saw is lacking. Some users, like professional handymen, may find that having multiple batteries on hand and constantly charging is one way to get around this issue. For others that won’t be something that can be done easily, as the spare batteries are quite expensive. Constantly keeping the saw charging when not in use is one way to work around this issue, although many users will find that to be too much of a pain to do consistently. Nobody wants to worry about their tools not working right in the middle of a big project, and the battery dying can be very frustrating.
• There’s also no case that comes standard with the DeWalt DC390B. Cases can be picked up easily and cheaply, but for someone who travels with their tools this is something that they should consider. When you pay a lot of money for quality products it’s important to protect them. If the circular saw is simply left in your garage or basement for at-home projects then a case might not be as important to you as it is to someone who will travel with it.
• Another concern is that since the battery doesn’t last very long the circular saw itself won’t be as powerful as another one that is corded or comes with a stronger battery. Again, this is something to consider depending on how often and for how long you’ll be using the saw. Spare batteries are the easy (but expensive) way around this problem. Due to the fact that the batteries run out quickly and the saw loses power it’s not possible to simply force the saw to finish a difficult cut like you can with a corded saw. Once this circular saw is done and stuck you are left with the only option of trading out the battery or waiting for it to charge. Corded saws can be manually powered through a hard cut, which means no extra wait time for the user.

Conclusion

For the average user the DeWalt DC390B seems like a wonderful fit. It’s not the most expensive circular saw on the market and does come with some wonderful reviews of users who swear by using it. The design, ease of use, and affordability all need to be weighed against the power and battery life. Although DeWalt stands behind it’s products with a wonderful warranty, that warranty won’t apply to a users’ frustration over how quickly the product loses power when in use. For the quick and easy project around the house this seems like an affordable option. But for the more regular user or the professional, extra batteries don’t seem to be optional.

source http://www.toolerant.com/dewalt-bare-tool-dc390b-review-light-and-shadow/

Review: Roberts Model 10-600 Professional Electric Stapler!

An electric stapler can be very useful for upholstery. If you like making furniture, then no doubt you will occasionally find yourself wanting to add a pattern or some color. Maybe you want to attach a cushion? In short, maybe you don’t want to make do with a hard wooden chair…

The question then is how you go about attaching that material element to your woodwork. And the answer is with an electric stapler. But that’s not all you can do with an electric staple gun. These tools are also very useful for installing sheets of installation, installing carpet and even hanging LED lights. These are one of those tools that make life easier and even if you don’t realize you need one, once you get one, you’ll find that lots of applications and uses suddenly present themselves.

The question though, is how you go about choosing an electric stapler and how you ensure that you are getting a tool that will perform well and handle everything you need it to. Is the Roberts Model 10-600 just such a tool? We tested it for a while and here’s what we have to say…

Product Description: Well Made and Good to Use

This is a nicely made staple gun that looks quite attractive actually in polished chrome and red. It also comes with a carry case, which is always a nice additional touch and can be handy for storage and transportation. The handle is comfortable enough to hold and the trigger is easy to reach. It’s also light enough to use, though this isn’t as big a dealer generally with a staple gun as it is with a nail gun.

Note that his is a pneumatic tool. That is to say that you’re going to need an air compressor to get it to work. If you don’t already have an air compressor, then you should factor this into the overall price. However, an air compressor is generally a very useful tool and can be bought fairly cheaply – it’s something that any home improvement aficionado should own anyway!

To use, the Roberts Model 10-600 offers a great experience. It rarely misfires (though this does happen on occasion and is more common with staple guns vs nail guns) and doesn’t tend to jam. It’s more than powerful enough for the vast majority of tasks and it is light and good to use. In our tests we found it reliable and pleasant and one reviewer with arthritis said she had no problem with it – so that’s a pretty good testament!

Pros and Cons: Awesome on the Whole

The big pro with the Roberts Model 10-600 is that it works incredibly well and is reliable. What more can you ask for really?

This is a light and easy to use tool that is plenty powerful enough and that doesn’t tend to jam or misfire. As mentioned, misfires as a little more common with staple guns so it will happen, but it’s really not a big deal.

While this is true though, there are always going to be a few caveats with any tool and this is no different. For us, the Roberts Model 10-600 worked perfectly and was a joy to use but there are a couple of complaints about faulty units. This is a common issue to be fair though and you shouldn’t let it put you off too much – it just means that the company could possibly stand to improve its quality control.

The only other issue that one review mentions, is that if you put a staple in the wrong place it will be a struggle to get out. But that just shows you how powerful it is!

Conclusion

Overall, there isn’t really much you need from a staple gun. It just needs to put staples in your materials reliably. The Roberts Model 10-600 does that and so it comes with our full recommendation. This is a well made staple gun that works reliably, doesn’t tend to misfire and comes with a nice carry case. There aren’t many fancy features but you don’t really need any for a staple gun.

source http://www.toolerant.com/review-roberts-model-10-600-professional-electric-stapler/

NuMax SFR2190 21 Degree Framing Nailer Reviewed!

There are some tools you’ll keep in the workshop and rarely use. These are your specialist tools that aren’t going to be that practical on a daily basis, but which are rather specialist tools that you bring out for particular purposes.

The nailer is no such tool. This is something you’re going to be bringing out on a highly regular frequency if you’re a professional and for a range of tasks. Hobbyists may use these a little less often but will still find they have a surprising number of applications. So, it needs to be good! Is the NuMax SFR2190 21 Degree Framing Nailer up to the task?

Product Description: Nailed It!

If you’re looking for a powerful and capable framing nailer, then this is it! A framing nailer of course will save your arm when it comes to firing lots of nails and is far easier to use for long stretches when compared with something like a framing hammer. It’s also very useful when you need to get into tight spaces and can be used in a surprisingly wide variety of scenarios when you’re tightening up furniture etc.

This specific device has a range of useful features. It has an adjustable depth for instance, which makes it easy to switch between different sized nails. There’s also a very useful jam removal hole, which will make it easy for you to quickly solve any jams and get right back to work! But it is well made enough that this isn’t much of an issue anyway, as it hardly ever jams! You’re also unlikely to experience misfires.

The nailer may be a little heavy for some but it is very well made and very durable. It is light and dark grey with a comfortable handle and a rather large head. It looks like a quality piece of equipment for the price.

Pros and Cons: Not the Best but Not Bad!

This is a great framing nailer for many reasons. The price is very welcome for instance, the power is good and the system is easy to use. You can adjust the pressure and it goes plenty high enough for the vast majority of applications.

But there are downsides too. There’s no bump fire switch and rather you need to swap the trigger out (the bump fire trigger is included). That’s not a big deal but could take a little more time for production nailing. The depth adjuster is a little stiff at times and there’s no specific jam removal tool. This again isn’t the end of the world but it is a bit of a disappointment considering that most of the biggest brand names do include a jam tool for this price. But this is less of a problem than you might think, seeing as it hardly ever jams. We have run a good few hundred nails through it in our testing and found that it hasn’t jammed once – so that’s very positive.

It’s also important to consider that there’s no belt hook or ladder hook and that the tool can be occasionally inconsistent depending on the hardness of the wood and how you hold it.

One more odd and annoying feature we found is that the magazine would stop when it gets down to three nails. Of course, that isn’t the end of the world, it essentially means that the nailer has a slightly (3 nails) smaller capacity in practice.

But while it’s not a deal breaker, it’s certainly an odd choice and would be better were that not the case. Who knows what is going on there!

Conclusion: A Great Purchase

In short, this is a great purchase for those looking to save money but who still want some good power and performance from their framing nailer. This won’t jam on you, won’t misfire and will be powerful enough to handle the vast majority of jobs. Nevertheless, it is also very affordable and not too heavy. There might seem like a lot of negative points in this review but these are small niggles rather than serious issues. On the whole, you’re getting something that is powerful, reliable and that never misses a beat. That is really what matters and for the price, we really were very impressed with this nailer!

How does it compare? Read this!

source http://www.toolerant.com/numax-sfr2190-21-degree-framing-nailer-reviewed/

PORTER-CABLE 382 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander Review

Sanding off a piece of furniture is a great way to improve the finish and to prevent splinters and imperfections. It ensure that your surfaces are level and gives everything a professional sheen that makes it look like it came from IKEA.

A belt sander is a highly powerful sanding tool that will allow you to create curved edges and perform a range of other applications. But for hobbyists and casual DIY fans, that’s going to be overkill. Instead, an orbital sander might prove to be more appropriate and in that case, you can do a lot worse than the PORTER-CABLE 382.

We decided to put the PORTER-CABLE 382 through its paces for a few days to see how it would measure up to other products and whether or not we could recommend it. We’ve found that it’s a great tool for a lot of reasons and can recommend with only a few reservations.

Product Description: A Good Design All Round

The PORTER-CABLE 382 isn’t terribly attractive to look at in all grey and does have a couple of design faux-pas in our opinion. Other than the color choices, the off putting thing for us is that the wire comes from the top of the device. This means that it’s going to get in the way more than it would in another location and that can be slightly problematic when you’re using a tool that requires manual dexterity. There’s also no handle as such, just an area to grab around the top of the device.

That’s not a deal breaker though and actually, during our review process, we found it to be satisfying to hold and relatively easy to operate for the most part.

The sanding speed meanwhile is very good and there is dust collection here too, which will allow you to collect dust as you go and then throw it out.

Pros and Cons: Very Good but Not the Best

The best thing about the machine is the decent performance and high RPMs. This really does sand things down quickly for the size and cost and is very enjoyable to use on the whole. If you have been using belt sanders until now, then you might find that this makes certain jobs a whole lot easier. Of course it’s still not as powerful as a belt sander and you can’t use it to create rounded edges etc. It will just about remove paint but this can take a while.

It does what it sets out to, is light and easy to use and comes in at a very fair price.

But as mentioned, there are a few design mistakes here too though and it’s certainly not perfect. We don’t love the wire positioning for example and we also find the color a little off-putting. Something else we noticed is that during extended use it can get a little hot and unfortunately the majority of that heat seems to be just where you hold it…

Another issue is the dust collection attachment which is a bit loose, drops a lot of dust and fills up very quickly indeed. So, there are a few cons here as well…

Conclusion: Consider the Rest

This isn’t a bad orbital sander and it will certainly make sanding quick, easy and a little more fun. But as mentioned, it’s also not the best. If you’re in the market for an orbital sander, then you might want to shop around.

And that’s really the most damning thing we can say about the PORTER-CABLE 38: it’s just not as good as some of the competition. Take the BDERO100 from Black and Decker for example. That comes in a little bit cheaper, it doesn’t get hot, the wire comes out the bottom and it has a much nicer looking design that is actually appealing to use.

When there are clearly better options on the market, it’s hard to recommend this and especially as the Black and Decker model is a little more powerful. Some people also say that the last PORTER model was also superior.

So, shop around and look for something better. But if you do end up getting the PORTER-CABLE 382, it will still do a good job. Make sure to read this review to find the best random orbit sander.

source http://www.toolerant.com/porter-cable-382-5-inch-random-orbit-sander-review/

Hitachi NP35A Gauge Micro Pin Nailer Review

The Hitachi NP35A Gauge Micro Pin Nailer is a versatile micro pinner that is perfect for cabinetry, furniture, carpentry or a range of other home improvement applications. In case you’re unsure precisely what a micro pinner is, it is essentially a tool that is well suited to letting you attach small 23-gauge headless pins into light, delicate materials. It works well on baseboards, crown molding, chair rails and more – whereas something more powerful or a bigger nail might look unsightly or cause damage.

Why not use a hammer you cry! Well, you can of course use a hammer and if you’re going to very gently tap away, then you can usually do this without any risk of causing damage. But with a micro pinner, you’ll get the same job done much quicker (often these applications require a lot of nails to be added) and you’ll reduce the likelihood of causing damage to the material. That’s because a micropinner will insert the nail in a single, short, sharp burst of pneumatic pressure which will come from a separate air compressor. If you find yourself doing this a lot, then this can improve your end products, save you time and make your woodwork that much more enjoyable. It can also be useful for holding things together during glue ups and has various other applications too.

With all that said, let’s take a closer look at the Hitachi NP35A Gauge Micro Pin Nailer and see if it is a good fit.

Product Description: Quality, Durable Product With Useful Design Features

In short, the Hitachi NP35A Gauge Micro Pin Nailer knocks it out the park and should offer everything you need it to. The Hitachi NP35A Gauge Micro Pin Nailer is a well put together micro pinner/23 gauge micro pinner. It looks good quality, feels very durable but is also light and comfortable to use over long periods.

There are many useful design features as mentioned and in short, it has everything you could ask for. That includes a soft nose tip to ensure you don’t mark your softer material. This is especially important for a pinner, seeing as you will be working with soft woods! It’s quiet too and pleasant to use with no powerful jolt and the low pin indicator is easy to see. The minimum specified pin length is 5/8” but actually while we were testing it, we found that it worked just fine with 3/8” pins too – so it overdelivers in that regard!

Pros and Cons: Affordable But Reliable

There are few cons worth noting here. The only thing is that it isn’t as big a brand as some of the competition and this can be off-putting for some people. It is made in Taiwan and it seems that the company didn’t invest in an English writer.

But the good news is that Hitachi hasn’t cut corners where it matters. The product feels surprisingly high quality and as mentioned, it is very good to use. Most importantly is that during our review period, we didn’t have any jams or misfires.

Other than that, the pros include the easy access to the magazines which slide in and out very nicely, the automatic adjustment to different pin sizes and of couse the price.

Conclusion: Quality Where it Matters

The Hitachi NP35A Gauge Micro Pin Nailer is not the most expensive nailer but there’s no reason to buy the most expensive nailer when it comes to pinners. You don’t need that much power and there’s ample here on offer. Operation is smooth and reliable and the tool is light and pleasant to use.

When buying cheaper products, it can sometimes be worrying as you wonder if the company has cut corners resulting in inferior performance. The good news is that any corners cut here are not essential and this tool works well at the lower price point and is a handy thing to have around.

In short, we can recommend the Hitachi NP35A Gauge Micro Pin Nailer – buy with confidence! And if you’re on the fence about whether or not to get a pinner, just wait until the next time you have to hammer in hundreds of tiny pins and then ask yourself how much more quickly you could have finished that job…

source http://www.toolerant.com/hitachi-np35a-gauge-micro-pin-nailer-review/

Rockwell RK3441K Review: The best compact circular saw ?

Professional carpenters, woodworkers, and other crafts people understand just how important it is to invest in power tools that offer the most amount of versatility and adaptability on a jobsite, but all of these experts also know that every now and again you need a specialist tool capable of handling a certain set of tasks better than anything else every now and again.

The Rockwell RK3441K is absolutely one of those specialist tools, the kind of 4 ½ inch compact circular saw that you may not find yourself reaching for anywhere near as often as your tradition also cordless or corded circular saw, but a specialty device that comes in handy in a pinch when you need to make precision cuts in small spaces or on smaller pieces of material.

Not sure if you need – or should – add the Rockwell RK3441K to your toolbox just yet? Is it the best compact cirular saw for the money ? Check out this quick guide and in-depth review to determine whether or not this is the kind of power tool worth investing in.

Initial Impressions

Pretty much everything about this subcompact circular saw looks and feels completely different than most every other traditional circular saw out there, but that’s by design!

With just 4 ½ inch diameter blades capable of being used in this circular saw, we are talking about a unit that can fit in much smaller and much more compact spaces. This is going to open up a lot of utility that wouldn’t have been possible with a larger saw, making difficult cuts almost effortless.

Sure, the 5 AMP motor is only going to spin this saw blade at speeds of 3500 RPM when it’s at load, but that’s plenty enough to work through most pieces of plywood and finish material and trim. You’ll be able to make quick work of baseboard, crown moldings, and other pieces of furniture of finish work with this saw – cuts that would have been a lot rougher with a more powerful tool.

But how does the Rockwell RK3441K stack up against more full size units when it comes to cutting through material like 2x12s, for example?

Well, according to independent comparisons the only real difference between this 4 ½ inch circular saw and full-size circulars going all the way through a 2×12 is about a half a second of speed – though you do lose a little bit of control because of the lightweight material used to construct this saw and the lack of heft to keep you on line.

Standout Features

The absolute biggest standout feature that the Rockwell RK3441K brings to the table has to be the fact that it is tremendously smaller and tremendously lighter (not to mention a lot cheaper) than the overwhelming majority of other circular saw options that are currently available on the market today.

By making the choice to invest in this particular unit you’re abandoning a lot of extra bulk and a lot of extra weight that just isn’t necessary for all but the most challenging of cuts and heaviest duty material.

Sure, you probably won’t be able to comfortably cruise right through thick panels of oak with this circular saw the way you would with a more traditional unit, but if you are tackling lighter weight material and softwoods this is going to cut right through them like a knife through butter.

Other standout features include the ergonomic design of this unit, the effortless every dexterous operation that it offers, and the dust collection system that helps you more effortlessly manage and keep your workspace clean.

Pros

• Incredibly lightweight construction materials eliminate a lot of extra weight on a tool that can be almost too heavy to use comfortably, though there are some sacrifices on control and power.
• The 5 AMP motor drives this blade at 3500 RPM to the bathroom most construction materials without any real trouble at all, though this isn’t quite powerful enough to be used consistently as a trim or finish saw.
• Ergonomic design and ambidextrous operation make the Rockwell RK3441K super simple and straightforward to use for those that are both right hand and left hand dominant. This makes precision cuts a lot simpler for those that are left-handed without forcing them to purchase a left-hand strong circular saw at almost exorbitant prices.

Cons

• This is nowhere near the most powerful or the most capable circular saw you’re going to find on the market today, and much more of a “niche” style device. It probably isn’t going to become your daily driver for ripping through construction lumber on a jobsite anytime soon.
• You’ll be able to cut right through softwood materials without any challenge, wind comes to working on hardwood materials like oak and the like you’ll have to upgrade to a more powerful and more traditional unit.
• The price is attractive when compared to more traditional circular saws, but is a little bit on the more expensive side of things when you’re talking about a niche device that may not be used every day.

Who’s going to be able to get the most out of this tool?

Professionals, carpenters, and woodworkers will be able to use the Rockwell RK3441K on a routine basis for sure, but the folks that will probably be able to get the very most utility out of this compact circular saw have to be homeowners, DIYers, and those that are going to be slapping together the occasional construction project and will not have to depend on this circular saw every day for hours at a time.

Final Verdict

When you get right down to it, specialty tools and niche devices usually fall into two different and distinct camps – the ones that are incredibly useful in a pinch and the ones that are almost never handy in any situation, including the one that they have been designed for.

The Rockwell RK3441K isn’t a novelty saw by any stretch of the imagination, but instead a capable, powerful, and impressively compact saw that you can trust to get specific tasks done without any difficulty.

source http://www.toolerant.com/rockwell-rk3441k-review-the-best-compact-circular-saw/

CST/Berger TLM100 Review: Handheld Laser Distance Measure

The CST/Berger TLM100 is a hand-held laser distance measurer that is well-suited for use around the home, for basic DIY tasks and for hobbyists. Like other laser measures, it allows you to quickly get a highly accurate reading when measuring distance and works by using a laser. Here, the laser is projected from the front of the device and will then travel in a straight line to your chosen end point. Once it makes contact with the wall, the pillar or whatever else you are trying to measure, it will be reflected and bounce directly straight back. The device will time how long this process takes and that way, you’ll be given an accurate measure of the distance!

This can be useful for tiling estimations, for making window fittings considerably easier, for painting, for hanging wallpaper, for laying carpets and for measuring gaps for furniture. There are plenty more options and applications for laser measures too, but is the CST/Berger TLM100 a good pick?

Product Description: Basic Specs With Good Performance

The CST/Berger TLM100 has a range of 100 feet, meaning that you can use it to measure distances 100 feet long and no larger. This in turn means it is really best for indoor applications. The minimum distance is 2 foot, meaning that it may not be precise enough for some woodworking applications.

Within that range, it has a good accuracy of 6mm (meaning that it will be accurate to within 6mm). This is not industry leading but it is a good number for the price.

The device does have some other decent bells and whistles. For instance, it comes with a graphical LCD screen and has a decent case with rubber grip to ensure that a) you don’t drop it and b) it won’t break if you do drop it.

The device is light at 12.8 ounces and small enough to be slung in a bag or even to slip into a pocket (with definite, noticeable bulge).

Pros and Cons: Not the Most Powerful or Functional but Good for What it Does

• The pros of this device revolve largely around the convenience, the small size and the price. On the other hand, the cons tend to revolve around the lack of advanced features.
• This device is very quick and simple to use. In our testing, we found it to be quick to pull out and very accurate with just the touch of a button. That’s good news of course because it saves a lot of time and means that you aren’t waiting for things to boot up or find your way around complicated interfaces. The battery life is good too and the exterior – though not particularly attractive – is great in terms of ergonomics and durability.
• This is better than the comparable product from Stanley and anything cheaper is likely not a true laser measure but rather an ultrasonic measure – these aren’t as accurate and you need to be very careful when buying!
• On the downside though, there are really no bells and whistles here. There is no fold out attachment which means you’ll have to hold it in place and rely on your steady hands. There’s no on-board memory, 100 foot isn’t a huge range and there’s no attachment for a tripod.

Conclusion: What do You Want From a Laser Measure?

As is always the case, the suitability of this device for you is going to depend entirely on your intended use case scenario and the kind of work you do. It ultimately comes down to what you expect to get from a laser measure and what you’re using right now.

If you’re comparing this to a top of the range laser measure, then of course it’s going to lack advanced functionality. But if you’re currently using a tape measure and a pencil, then this will be a huge step up that will improve your accuracy and your productivity. It saves time and makes more accurate measurements.

It’s not over-designed and it really is the bare minimum in terms of what you can expect to get from a laser measure. But for the right kind of user, that’s going to be perfectly fine and possibly even desirable. A great choice in 2017 and 2018!

source http://www.toolerant.com/cstberger-tlm100-review-handheld-laser-distance-measure/

The best Roofing Nailer Review: BOSTITCH RN46-1

The BOSTITCH RN46-1 roofing nailer is a nailer that, as the name suggests, is intended specifically for use on roofing. If you’re going to find yourself on your hands and news driving nails into your roofing, then you want to make sure you have a trusty and reliable tool up there to help you. Apart from anything else, you really want to minimize the number of times you end up going up and down that ladder!

And if it’s a reliable roofing nailer you’re looking for, then this product should be more than up to snuff. We spent a few weeks with it to give it a proper run and we found that it was highly reliable, very powerful and had a number of smart features to make it that much more convenient. Let’s take a closer look in this full review….

Product Description: Reliable, Sturdy and Well Designed

The title says it all really: the BOSTITCH RN46-1 roofing nailer is a reliable tool that is sturdy and has a number of useful design features.

To look at, this is a nicely put together nailer with a yellow and black chassis and a rubber handle to grip. It is a pneumatic nailer, so of course it needs to be attached to a compressor. If you don’t have one of those already, then that’s going to slightly increase the price so that’s worth considering for those new to nailers. Pros are already going to have one of these though and they’re a good investment seeing as they’ll be useful for a range of pneumatic tools.

The device is light enough at just 5.8 pounds, which is an important consideration when you’re using it for extended periods. And it is also very powerful and reliable. Capable of up to 410 in/lbs of force at 100psi, this should have no problem with most roofs or nails. It is also capable of driving up to 100 nails, although an interchangeable trigger will allow you to change firing modes if you don’t want to fire too many at once!

The magazine is also relatively high capacity for a roofing nailer and can hold 120 coil nails at once. The magazine is also ‘quick load’ so it should be easy to change when you do need a top up.

Pros and Cons: Lots of Pros for Pros

When it comes to the pros and cons, the BOSTITCH RN46-1 roofing nailer is mostly pros. BOSTISCH make great nailers and this is no different.

While you can get lots of specs from the manufacturers, what they won’t tell you is what it is really like to use in a real-world setting. That’s why we tested the device to find that out for you!

And we’re happy to report that the BOSTITCH RN46-1 roofing nailer is a powerful and accurate tool that will reliably drive nails home with no problems. In our time with it we didn’t experience any jams or misfires and it’s something that all the reviews on Amazon seem to agree with.

We’re also happy to say that the device is great to use. It fits very comfortably in the hand and is light enough to use for a long time without growing tired.

So, what of the downsides? There are always downsides… In this case though, they’re really not so bad. Everything it claims to do, it does well and you’ll be able to rely on this nailer to keep on nailing without error. Of course, you might be able to get more power, a bigger magazine or fancy extra features for more money but that is about it. It’s also worth noting that this is a roofing nailer and whether you want something specific or more general is another point to consider.

Other than that – nailed it!

Conclusion: Perfect for Roofing

In short, this is a really, really good nailer from a company that makes really, really good nailers. It does everything should and is powerful, reliable and well designed. There are more powerful nail guns out there and there are bigger magazines – but for the price this gives you everything you could need and top notch performance.

 

source http://www.toolerant.com/the-best-roofing-nailer-review-bostitch-rn46-1/

BOSTITCH N66C-1: The best Coil Siding Nailer? Read this Review!

The BOSTITCH N66C-1 1-1/4-inch to 2-1/2-inch Coil Siding Nailer is a powerful nailer that can be used to drive wire weld and plastic inserted coil nails. It is a reliable performer that will handle the vast majority of jobs you can throw at it and that has a number of good design features that make it an all-round great choice for many home improvement fans and other professionals

But of course, just because it’s a good nailer, that doesn’t mean it’s the right nailer for you! We put this tool through its paces for a few weeks to see how it held up on repeated use and so that we could deliver you an in-depth review!

Product Description: Never Fail to Nail

To look at, this already feels like a relatively premium nail gun with a nice glossy orange finish and a very ergonomic handle that feels good in the hand. This is an important point, seeing as you can find yourself using these for long periods and it’s crucial that they don’t get uncomfortable to use after a while. It uses an aluminium housing, so it is a little more high-end than a plastic tool but it’s also not going to weigh a ton. This is again important if you plan on using the tool for a long time.

To use, the nail gun is powerful and precise. It will work with a large number of siding materials, including soft woods and steels and in our tests it never backed down from a fight. The pressure is of course adjustable and has a range of 70-120 PSI. This will ensure that the nails go in to the right depth and provides a driving power of 515 in/lbs. It can work with nails of a variety of sizes and will also work with a range of air compressors.

For those who are new to nailers, do note that this does require an air compressor. If you buy this tool on its own, then it won’t have a power supply and for that, you’ll need a battery operated nailer (these are rarer and less powerful). Air compressors are a good investment: they are useful for a wide range of different applications and they are relatively affordable and last a long time. Just don’t buy this tool without one!

Pros and Cons: Siding Made Easy

The positives here are the lightweight construction, easy use and impressive power. This is a nailer that you’ll be happy to use for extended periods and that’s also possible thanks to the impressive 350 capacity magazine. This means you can go a long time without needing to reload.

It also has a redirectable nozzle, which means you can ensure that the exhaust isn’t blown in your face. This is a nice touch, as it can get pretty irritating after a while otherwise! The soft foot is also useful to prevent damage to softer woods.

Most importantly, this product is very reliable. We never had any jams during our review and we never experienced any misfires.

Of course, it’s also important to remember that this is a siding nailer specifically. That means it is designed to be used to add siding to your home or to fix up what you already have. Does that mean that it won’t work for a range of other applications? Not at all – but it is worth noting that it isn’t designed as a general ‘all round’ tool specifically.

The only other downside is that there is no switch for changing the nature of the trigger – you need to switch them out manually. Not a big issue!

Conclusion: On Your Side

To conclude, the BOSTITCH N66C-1 1-1/4-inch to 2-1/2-inch Coil Siding Nailer is a great choice if you need to nail down some siding. It’s affordable and reliable. Unlike some other products, we never had any problems with jams or misfires and the design is very smart with a few clever touches. Of course you might be able to get a little more power at a higher price but you’ll see diminishing returns. For siding in particular, this is a great buy and comes highly recommended.

source http://www.toolerant.com/bostitch-n66c-1-the-best-coil-siding-nailer-read-this-review/

BOSTITCH MIIIFS Pneumatic Floor Stapler Review

The BOSTITCH MIIIFS 1-1/2-Inch to 2-Inch Pneumatic Floor Stapler is a stapler that is particularly designed for stapling into the floor – just in case the name didn’t give it away!

This is ideal for stapling down hardwood flooring and in the right scenario can save you a lot of time and effort that you would otherwise have to spend on your hands and knees. In fact, working with flooring can be particularly gruelling when it means crawling around on the floor and this is why it’s such a good idea to get a powerful and reliable tool that can make the job quicker and easier for you.

This is just such a tool and it features some very high-end construction and performance. If you’re a professional and you often work with flooring, then it might just make a very worthy addition to your arsenal.

As ever, we’ve been using the BOSTITCH MIIIFS 1-1/2-Inch to 2-Inch Pneumatic Floor Stapler for a while now in order to put it through its paces and see if it really performs as well as you could hope it to. In this review, we’ll report on our findings…

Product Description: Power and Precision

To look at, the BOSTITCH MIIIFS 1-1/2-Inch to 2-Inch Pneumatic Floor Stapler is nothing special. It is an orange tool that doesn’t have much to it in terms of parts and that has a long and oddly shaped handle. If you haven’t used a floor stapler before, then you may not be used to the appearance. It’s heavier than it looks though at 11.2 pounds and that’s thanks to the very solid construction. The BOSTITCH MIIIFS 1-1/2-Inch to 2-Inch Pneumatic Floor Stapler is made using aircraft grade aluminium, so you know that it isn’t going to get damaged over time. But if you’re worrying about the hard material against your lovely wooden floors, then rest easy. This has a nice soft rubber tipped foot to prevent scratching.

In terms of the specs, this delivers some serious horsepower as its weight and construction suggests. It can produce up to 420 inch/lbs of driving power and uses a high speed mallet-actuated operation to get the job done. It is designed for working with ½” to ¾” finished or unfinished hardwood flooring and in that context it performs incredibly well.

Pros and Cons: Serious Power for Professionals

If you’re a homeowner or a hobbyist, then you won’t need this kind of high powered specialist machine. If you like flipping houses or you work in wooden flooring though, then it will be a life saver.

The pros of this machine are its power, its relative speed and the surprisingly comfortable design. It’s also great just how durable the tool is thanks to the great high quality materials that have been used. And that durability means that the BOSTITCH MIIIFS 1-1/2-Inch to 2-Inch Pneumatic Floor Stapler is able to come with an impressive 7 year warranty. So if you rely on this tool for your living, then it won’t let you down.

Another plus is that you get some extra parts in the box – a floor guard, graphite mallet, adapter and two base plates.

We had zero complaints during our time with it but one Amazon review mentions that a screw started to come loose after a while and that it was quite hard to access to repair. This is likely a one-off though.

The only other con is the price – but this is a professional piece of equipment, so that shouldn’t be an issue for most looking at it.

Conclusion: We’re Floored

Overall, the BOSTITCH MIIIFS 1-1/2-Inch to 2-Inch Pneumatic Floor Stapler is an excellent tool that is going to be a real must for flooring professionals. Other than the slightly high price, there’s not much negative to say about this machine. This will only real appeal to professionals in certain industries but if you find yourself doing this kind of work, you can’t go wrong with this powerful, reliable and well-made tool.

source http://www.toolerant.com/bostitch-miiifs-pneumatic-floor-stapler-review/

DeWalt DCS391P1 Review: A fantastic cordless circular saw!!

When it comes to power tools – especially cordless power tools – DeWalt seems to knock it out of the park with every new option they bring to the market.

These black and yellow tools are some of the most popular professional grade power tools with contractors, carpenters, tradesmen, and craftsmen around the world, and for good reason. Powerful, competent, consistent, and with a reputation for being finely constructed using only the highest grade components and materials available, it just doesn’t get all a lot better than this.

The DeWalt DCS391P1 is certainly one of the (if not THE) best cordless circular saws money can buy right now. Check out the rest of this quick review to find out why!

Initial Impressions

Like all other DeWalt power tools, this particular circular saw (cordless circular saw) has been engineered with professional craftspeople in mind above all others.

That means you’re going to get plenty of power out of this cordless unit. You’re going to get a heavy duty (and some would say flat out heavy) cordless circular saw that can chew through timber and 2x4s, 2x6s, 2x8s, and 2x12s (as well as 4 x 4 posts and more) without any trouble whatsoever.

This unit leverages a 20 V MAX lithium-ion 5.0 AH battery, the kind of brand-new lithium-ion battery technology that recharges from completely dead to completely full in about 90 minutes. You’ll be able to get eight full hours of consistent use out of this circular saw on a single charge. This circular saw kit doesn’t come with a rapid charger, though one is available and is definitely worth investing in.

Standout Features

One of the most impressive standout features that the DeWalt DCS391P1 leverages to separate itself from the rest of the pack has to be the almost effortless blade change out system that still offers safety, security, and stability.

This toolless system allows you to go from saw blades that are designed to rip through rough construction materials and plywood to those that can help you with your finish carpentry and then back again in about 45 seconds, all without having to search around for a bunch of tools that you don’t have on hand.

Another incredible feature has to be the high-strength yet very lightweight magnesium shoe that provides a lot of extra stability to your cutting surface without adding a bunch of extra weight to a cordless circular saw. The reason that so many people switch from corded circular saws to cordless circular saws (aside from having to drag those cords all over the job site) is because corded options are so heavy.

This saw is almost featherlight compared to most every other option out there!

Pros

• Powerful 5250 RPM motor provides plenty of power and tremendous speed to sip right through almost every construction material imaginable, including rough carpentry materials like 2x4s and finished wood materials like stained oak.

• Overall ergonomic design, magnesium shoe, and simplified control scheme makes it this circular saw effortless to operate in a variety of different situations and configuration spirit you’ll be able to use this as a workforce style circular saw, never really noticing any letdown in power or performance compared to some of the more expensive and heavier corded saws out there.

• The toolless swapout of different blades makes it really easy to go from rough carpentry saws to finish carpentry saws and then back again without having to worry about hunting down tools and proprietary accessories that slow work down on the job site.

Cons

• You are always going to have to pay a premium for DeWalt power tools, and this cordless circular saw is no exception. This particular model can be almost twice as expensive as some of the closest competitors, but if you are looking for a professional grade tool to be used in professional settings you simply can’t afford to cut any corners (no pun intended).
• Weighing in at about 8 pounds or so, this definitely isn’t the lightest weight cordless circular saw you’re going to come across on the market today. As we highlighted above, this is a workhorse style tool, one designed for heavy duty application, so expect it to fatigue you at least a little bit as the work day goes on.

• The lack of a rapid charging unit (or a second battery) in this particular kit is a bit of a downer, especially at this price point. You want to purchase both of these accessories, sold separately, to round out your investment in the DeWalt DCS391P1.

Who’s going to be able to get the most out of this tool?

With plenty of different cordless circular saw options available on the market today there is a bunch of stiff competition going up against the DeWalt DCS391P1.

But if you are a professional that relies on your power tools to earn a paycheck, or if you are serious about only using the highest quality cordless power tools to round out your arsenal in your home workshop, you probably won’t find many other options out there better than this DeWalt.

Capable, consistent, and with one of the best warranties in the business – not to mention the sterling silver reputation for DeWalt power tools in the construction and trade industries – there aren’t too terribly many other premium level cordless circular saws that can come close to everything the DeWalt DCS391P1 offers.

Professionals will be able to get the very most out of this cordless circular some, but amateurs, hobbyists, and woodworkers will also be able to unleash the power and performance brought on by this tool.

Final Verdict

At the end of the day, professionals need to be able to count on the power tools that they have to get the job done right the first time around, and that’s exactly what the DeWalt DCS391P1 is going to make happen.

Yes, you’re going to have to pony up a little bit of extra cash upfront to get the most out of this DeWalt power tool but many would agree that it is worth every single penny. We think you will, too.

source http://www.toolerant.com/dewalt-dcs391p1-review-a-fantastic-cordless-circular-saw/

Lifetime 4428 Height Adjustable Folding Utility Table Review

If you’re just getting into home improvement, DIY and/or woodwork, then you’re going to need to get yourself a workbench of some sort. This is somewhere that you’re going to find yourself spending a lot of time indeed and hopefully enjoying what will quickly become one of your favorite ways to pass the time; so you need to get it right.

And you also need to get it right to ensure that you’re going to avoid any potential safety risks and that you’re going to be able to enjoy maximum comfort and convenience.

We’ve found this bench for you – the Lifetime 4428 Height Adjustable Folding Utility Table – because we think it is a great bench for those who don’t have one yet and something that a lot of people can use. Read on to learn more about it…

Product Description: Convenience and Functionality

This bench stands up to 4ft high but as the name suggests, is adjustable, meaning that you can change the height to suit. There are actually three different height settings, which are 22-inch, 29-inch and 36-inch. Each position locks conveniently into place to keep your table steady and rigid at the height that you need it.

The table also has the benefit of being foldable for easy transport and storage. It will fold directly down the middle while the legs fold inward and in this mode, it has a convenient carry handle. The table is a smart white and is very durable and strong thanks to its powder coated steel and high-density polyethylene.

Pros and Cons: How This Table Just Made Your Life Easier!

We get it: with the best will in the world, woodwork and home improvement are not the most social hobbies. If you happen to live with anyone else: your other half perhaps or maybe housemates, then you can quickly end up grating on their nerves.

This is a hobby that’s loud (constant hammering, drilling and sanding), it takes up lots of space, it costs a lot of money and it makes a lot of mess (even with dust collection bags…).

Thus, you’ll likely have the occasional disagreement. That disagreement goes along the lines of: ‘you’re not setting up a workshop in here!’ or ‘why does the entire garage have to be taken up by your junk?’. It’s not nice for anyway because it means that you can’t enjoy your hobby to its fullest and your co-habitants need to deal with clutter everywhere. It’s a compromise in the best case scenario.

But with a bench like this that can be easily folded, you have something of a solution. This bench will allow you to hammer, saw, sand and do whatever else you need to and then simply fold it and store it away behind the sofa or in a cupboard.

The other big advantage of this table is that the height is adjustable. That means that you can set it at the right level for the job you’re doing and not have to stoop over or reach upward. This is a big boon actually and will make life a lot easier. Finally, the durability is going to be something that puts your mind at rest when you’re putting all your weight on it.

But there are downsides too. The white color is definitely an acquired taste for example, especially if everything else in your workshop is in natural wood colors. Likewise, this table isn’t actually designed specifically for woodwork and this might be off putting for some.

Conclusion

To conclude then, the Lifetime 4428 Height Adjustable Folding Utility Table is a handy table that can help you to enjoy your hobby that bit easier. You can keep it out the way when not in use and then unfold it when it’s time to get to work. The best part though, is that this goes beyond being a simple table and actually lets you adjust the height to the best level for the job. We’ve worked on it for a while and it has proven sturdy and reliable. It’s a great deal that will help you to enjoy your hobby without upsetting the rest of the household!

source http://www.toolerant.com/lifetime-4428-height-adjustable-folding-utility-table-review/

Leica Disto E7400x Review: A Trusty Sidekick?

We’ve reviewed a few different laser measuring devices on this site and have seen everything from the very basic to the most advanced. The Leica Disto E7400x finds itself slap bang in the middle as a highly accurate laser measuring tool but without the flamboyant extras such as the camera for outdoor use.

Product Description: Accurate and Solidly Built

We’ve used a few of these devices in our reviews and as always, the Leica Disto E7400x impresses with its build quality. The company proudly boasts that you can drop the gadget from 2 meters without causing any damage and as soon as you hold it, you’ll believe it! Add in the IP65 certified water and dust protection and you have a device that should last as long as you need it to.

The actual appearance is less impressive. It looks a lot like an old phone and is small, boxy and rubber. At least the small size is compact and easy to carry around – and the red and black make for a nice colorscheme.

To use the Leica Disto E7400x, you simply pull out the folding extension at one end and then use that to lay it flat against whatever you want to measure – whether that’s a piece of wood or an alcove in a room. Either way, it will then present you with a highly accurate reading that you can take to the bank.

The device is capable of 1/16” accuracy at 265 feet and also includes height tracking, smart horizontal and more algorithms and sensors to ensure it knows where it is pointing and what angle you have it at. It will remember its last 20 measurements and is quick and easy to use.

Pros and Cons: Basic but Good

So, there are no high end features here. A 20 item memory isn’t exactly amazing and the lack of level is a disappointment. There is also no camera or touchscreen, which is something you would get if you were to fork out for the truly expensive models.

But then again, these issues may not be a problem depending on your use case scenario. The camera functionality is really mainly useful for outdoor use and is frankly a little slow and awkward in its implementation.

For this price, you’re getting the things that really matter – the top end accuracy and useful features like the tilt sensor for measuring things that you can’t actually reach – point the laser and move it up and down to get the measure of a given banner or wall.

For many people, there just isn’t a need for any more features than that – but this does still represent a marked and useful step up from something like the D110 (the most basic model). And you still get all of the other great benefits that are common from Leica Disto laser measures. We love the inclusion of the IP65 resistance and think that will come in particularly handy in highly dusty home workshops.

We reviewed this over a period of a few weeks and we found it made taking measurements into a quick and easy joy.

Conclusions: A Handy Device to Keep Around

If you’re happy with the boxy design, lack of level and lack of camera functionality, then the Leica Disto E7400x is a very easy measuring tool to recommend. It has all of the most essential features for a product in its category, it is very well made and will stand the test of time.

You know how some products are expensive and yet they come with problems? It might be because they have so many features they keep going wrong, or maybe it’s due to QC issues at the manufacturing plant.

But then on the other hand, you have those ‘old reliable’ tools that just always work. Perhaps it’s a trusty drill driver, or maybe you have an old camera that has been taking awesome pictures for the last 10 years.

The Leica Disto E7400x has potential to be one of those trusty sidekicks and to our mind, offers one of the best balances when it comes to performance, durability and price. It’s not going to break the bank but it has incredible accuracy and it just works.

 

source http://www.toolerant.com/leica-disto-e7400x-review-a-trusty-sidekick/

Black & Decker BDERO100 Review

For years and years, Black and Decker tools really weren’t appreciated by professionals and craftspeople that relied on only the highest quality tools to help them complete their projects with a high degree of precision and consistency.

When we play all of our cards right out on the table, most people find – or found – Black and Decker tools to be much more geared towards homeowners and “casuals” that were only ever going to have to reach for these kinds of tools a handful of times each year (if that) and weren’t really looking for the kind of consistency or precision that professional craftsmen demand.

Today though, Black and Decker has almost completely revolutionized the premium level of the tools that they make available. Sure, they still pump out consumer grade options at ridiculously low price tags, but their craftsmen and professional line of tools – like the Black & Decker BDERO100 – have gotten much, much better.

Initial Impressions

The first thing that you are going to notice about the Black & Decker BDERO100 is that it has been almost completely reengineered and redesigned compared to all of the other random orbit sanders available from this company, and that’s great news!

This sander is very compact (especially as far as 5 inch orbital sanders are concerned), quite powerful, and crafted using high-quality materials that guarantee longevity that the Black and Decker brand just couldn’t promise in the past.

Combine all of that with a tremendously lower price tag compared to its closest competitors – we’re talking about the Black & Decker BDERO100 costing a third of what competing products cost while still producing almost identical results – and you’re looking at a random orbital sander here that you just can’t afford to sleep on any longer.

This isn’t to suggest that this Black & Decker model is the best in the business, but you shouldn’t just ignore those black and orange tools any longer. That’s sure.

Standout Features

You are going to get plenty of power (consistent power) out of this particular Black and Decker 5 inch random orbital sander. With an OPM rating of just north of 8000, you should be able to tackle all kinds of different jobs from refinishing a porch to sanding down and cleaning pieces of furniture come all the way to tackling the finest sanding jobs necessary for polishing and perfecting coats of polyurethane applied to your latest woodworking project.

Now, it is important for us to highlight the fact that this random orbital sander has been designed and engineered right from the factory to hit that wheelhouse of price and performance that hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts are after. That means this probably isn’t going to be the main workforce sander in your professional woodworking operation or the kind of random orbital sander you’ll want to bust out on all of your carpentry projects, either.

But because it uses the standard configuration of vent holes that almost all (but not every) popular random orbital sanders use for the hook and loop sanding pads it accepts you’ll be able to add this to your arsenal of tools without having to purchase proprietary sanding pads just for this device.

That’s definitely a big benefit and one of the standout features that you will come to appreciate from this particular setup.

Pros

• The Black & Decker BDERO100 is tremendously lightweight, very compact, and ergonomic. This makes it a very attractive option to use overextended amounts of time, regardless of whether or not you are using it in the shop or out at a jobsite.
• The components inside of the Black & Decker BDERO100 sander make it one of the most reliable and durable, though you probably aren’t going to be able to get 10+ years out of this sander the way you would be able to with more premium brands. But for its price point this is an attractive option for sure.
• The ability to use standard configuration look and loop sanding pads in an almost infinite amount of different grit types makes this Black and Decker a no-brainer for those that will only it ever occasionally need to take advantage of the utility it brings to the table.

Cons

• Even though this 5 inch random orbital sander doesn’t have an extended primary control handle like some of the other options on the market today, the actual handheld base is a little bit on the larger side which makes it a challenge for individuals with smaller hands to grip and control. Overextended amounts of time using this tool fatigue is definitely going to set in.
• Some have complained that this random orbital sander gets a little bit “jumpy” because it is so lightweight, which means you may have to apply a little bit of extra pressure and downward force while sanding. This could leave swirl marks behind unless you go back and re-sand the entire project with finer and finer grits.

Who’s going to be able to get the most out of this tool?

Professionals in the carpentry and woodworking world probably aren’t going to have too many Black and Decker tools laying around a but this just might be one of those tools that make their way into more workshops as word gets out about what it’s able to offer.

At the same time, this is very much a DIYer and homeowner grade random orbital sander that’s not intended for extended and prolonged use (or daily abuse) the way that professional and craftsmen grade tools are.

Final Verdict

The Black & Decker BDERO100 guarantees that the market will have a very attractive and inexpensive sander option available for homeowners, DIYers, and weekend warriors to add to their tool collection

Sure, there are other more expensive options out there that the occasional user could reach for – random orbital sanders that have more power, more consistency, and a better reputation for longevity – but you just won’t find many other options that offer the blend of power and performance this unit offers at this price tag.

source http://www.toolerant.com/black-decker-bdero100-review/

Women in Construction: It is DISGUSTING how the USA lags behind Cambodia!

A lot has changed in the last three decades: everyone is on the Internet, we all carry around high-speed computers in our pockets, and tapes and CDs are virtually non-existent. Yet, the plight of female construction workers remains the same. In the ‘80s, about three percent of construction workers in the United States were women. Today, whether they are building condos in the suburbs or high-rise downtown hotels, construction crews are still about three percent female according to a recent report from the National Women’s Law Center.

Why is that? What can we do to make construction a more female-friendly trade? And, as a real estate mogul, President Trump must be well aware of the issues facing female construction workers. What should he do about the issues these women are facing?

Problems Women in Construction Face

Discrimination – beginning in education programs and continuing all the way up the employment chain – is the main reason for the low percentage of women in the construction industry. Instead of being encouraged to enter traditionally male programs like construction, young women are often explicitly steered or at least subtly encouraged to work in occupations that align with traditional gender stereotypes in career and technical education (CTE) programs.

Once they get through their (CTE) programs, women next face discrimination as they try to join apprenticeship programs, which are run like “old boys’ clubs” that operate to exclude women and minorities. Research shows that women leave these apprenticeship programs at higher rates than men because of sexual harassment, lack of child care, and hostile work environments.

Once women clear the hurdles of education and apprenticeship, 88 percent of female construction workers experience sexual harassment at work according to a study by the U.S. Department of Labor. This is much more than the 25 percent who experience such treatment in the general workforce.

Basically, women face barriers to well-paid jobs, negative stereotypes about their ability to perform construction work, sexual tension injected into work contexts, and supervisors and other officials who are not willing to do anything about it.

How Does the US Compare to the Rest of the World?

 

The state of female construction workers in the US is pitiful when compared to other countries around the world. For instance, Cambodia is experiencing a massive construction boom. With little future in the agricultural trade, more women are moving to the cities. One-third of all construction workers in Cambodia are female. Unfortunately, despite their large numbers, women still face a wage gap and sexist attitudes in the workplace.

The situation in similar in nearby Thailand where women make up 40 percent of the migrant construction workforce in the country. However, with the level of sexual harassment these women face, it is almost a prerequisite that they have a husband to protect them.

 

 

What Changes Does the US Need to Make?

Back in the United States, it is clear that policymakers need to increase their efforts in making sure that women have equal opportunities in construction. As the nation continues its economic comeback, it is crucial that we ensure women are not left out of high-wage jobs that can contribute to their economic security. There are numerous federal agencies that can address and alleviate the challenges female construction workers face:

• Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) – About 20 percent of the civilian workforce is under the jurisdiction of the OFCCP. This agency should increase its monitoring and oversight of contractors and strengthen the affirmative action requirements for women in construction.
• Office of Apprenticeship – Apprentices and apprenticeship programs in all 50 states are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship. They have the power to remove obstacles that female apprentices face.
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws that prohibit discrimination against an employee or job applicant based on gender. The Commission can increase its public education and enforcement of sexual harassment protections.
• Department of Education – The Office of Civil Rights within the Department of Education also enforces several laws that prohibit discrimination in federally funded programs. Prioritizing retention and recruitment of women in nontraditional STEM and CTE courses requires vigorous enforcement of the existing civil rights laws.

Trump Needs to Deliver on His Promises

Who ultimately oversees all of these federal agencies? Our very own President Trump. Though not directly in charge of these offices, Trump chose the officials who fill the leadership positions, and he has considerable sway over the policies of the OFCCP, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Education.

During his campaign for president, Trump regularly deflected claims that he was sexist or a misogynist by claiming that many of his best executives were women. A New York Times article even profiled some of his female employees who insisted he was a champion of women. During a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau back in February, he vowed that helping women in the workforce would remain a priority for his administration.

But so far, it appears Trump is all talk. In fact, his actions show that he is working against women’s rights in the workforce. For example, in March, he used an executive order to revoke Obama-era protections for women workers.

President Trump needs to show that he is as good as his word and enact laws, such as the 2014 Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces law that forces construction companies with federal contracts to engage in fair hiring practices, take sexual harassment claims seriously, and provide female construction workers with equal pay.

Resources for Women Interested in Construction Work

The bottom line is that the construction industry needs more women, especially in leadership roles. Fortunately, there are a number of organizations that realize this and are providing resources to help get women involved. These include the National Association of Professional Women in Construction, National Association of Women in Construction, and Women Construction Owners & Executives (WCOE) USA.

Women interested in construction should also check out blogs like Tradeswomen.net, Constructing Equality, WCOE Blog, and The National Center for Construction Education and Research Blog.

The construction trade continues to be one of the most highly discriminatory industries in the world, but as women and men of all backgrounds put pressure on policymakers, including President Trump, equality is sure to follow.

source http://www.toolerant.com/female-construction-work/

Makita BO5041K Review

No shop is really complete without a random orbit sander, but with so many different options out there to pick and choose from finding the right one can be a real hassle.

Every major tool manufacturer puts out a random orbit sander, and all of them promise that theirs is going to be the most powerful, the easiest to use, and the one capable of producing the most consistent results.

But, from our perspective, the Makita BO5041K random orbital sander is one of the best money can buy today. Perfect for professionals and amateurs alike, this is a powerful, capable, and flexible sander that will boost the finished quality of your woodworking projects by quite a bit.

Initial Impressions

Look, there just aren’t a lot of people – professional woodworkers and finish carpenters unlike that are ever going to describe ANY random orbital sander as “sexy”. This is much more of a workhorse kind of tool, one designed to remove a considerable amount of material in a hurry while making the job of the finish guy a lot easier.

But there’s just something about this random orbital sander from Makita that has us glowing about the overall design and aesthetic, and it sure isn’t that now all-too-familiar Makita blue paint job!

Beautifully designed and incredibly ergonomic, you’re going to really appreciate the foresight and thought that went on behind the scenes at Makita to make of this 5 inch random orbital sander one of the most frequently reached for tools in our arsenal when it comes time to rough sand or finish sand any of our woodworking projects.

Ambidextrous use is really easy, the extra “power handle” gives you total control even when you are using rough or grits of sandpaper, and the integrated dust collection system never really gets in the way no matter how you are handling this sanding instrument.

The same things cannot be said about a lot of the other industry-leading orbital sanders out there, and this attention to detail and design/utility is something that we are really happy about with this Makita.

Standout Features

As far as standout features are concerned, we were at least a little bit nervous about the way that the primary handle was configured right off the bat – but it quickly became one of our favorite things about the overall design of this sander, especially when used with the “pistol grip” power handle.

You’ll always be in complete control over this random orbital sander (even with tougher grits and when you kick it into high gear at 12,000 OPM), and a lot of that is because of the intelligent design of the primary handle and the way that the pistol grip works.

Combine all of this with a tremendously energy efficient operation and the dust collection system that we mentioned above that just flat out works (you’ll be amazed at how clean your work surface and work area is and how long you can go before you have to dump out the bag) and you have something really special here.

It’s also nice that this Makita random orbital sander accepts all traditional sanding pads designed for 5 inch random orbital sanders, instead of going with a proprietary venting system like some of the other popular sanders on the market do.

You won’t ever feel like you are pigeonholed into purchasing specific (and unnecessarily expensive) sanding pads when you go with the Makita BO5041K.

Pros

• The power of the tool is variable, giving you the ability to flip between a range of 4000 to 12,000 OPM depending upon the type of sanding you’ll be doing
• Standardized sanding pads will work right out of the box with the Makita BO5041K, saving you quite a bit of money and avoiding a lot of headache
• The dust collection system keeps you and your workspace clean and the intelligently designed dual handle mechanism eliminates a lot of fatigue

Cons

• The carrying case for the Makita BO5041K isn’t exactly the most intelligently designed and certainly isn’t large enough to hold any more than five extra sanding pads at any point in time
• Like most other Makita tools, you’re going to have to pay a little bit more to take advantage of a premium tool that should last years longer than most others
• Some have complained about the balance of this random orbital sander, but most have doubled back on their initial reviews to say that they handle takes a bit of getting used to but once that “get to know you” block of time has passed the Makita BO5041K is actually quite effortless to use

Who’s going to be able to get the most out of this tool?

Professional woodworkers, finish carpenters, boatbuilders, and serious enthusiasts are going to get the most out of this particular random orbital sander, but honestly this is a premium tool designed and engineered so well that most any one that needs a 5 inch random orbital sander will be able to get more than their money’s worth out of this equipment.

DIYers and homebuilders may not get quite as much utility out of this specific unit, and may blanch a little bit at dropping a little more than $100 on a woodworking tool that isn’t going to be a mainstay on their workbench, but we feel that Makita tools are worth the premium price tag.

Final Verdict

At the end of the day, there are plenty of different options out there to begin choose from when it comes time to invest in a random orbital sander, especially one as compact as this 5 inch unit.

And while there are certainly other options out there that are less expensive, you would be very hard pressed to find any random orbital sander that offers the kind of power, consistency, and intelligent design that this Makita BO5041K brings to the table.

It may not be the perfect random orbital sander out there (if a tool like that even exists), but it is certainly one of the best options available on the market today at any price point.

source http://www.toolerant.com/makita-bo5041k-review/