ToolGuyd » Reviews

Channellock 4-in-1 Combo Ratcheting Wrenches Reviewed

Stuart — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:45:01 +0000

A few weeks ago we introduced Channellock’s new 4-in-1 ratcheting wrenches. These wrenches feature four sizes in a single wrench, which each end sharing the ratcheting mechanism. This makes the wrenches light and compact, and we couldn’t wait to put them through some rough and intense testing.

Before we get started with the review, please bear in mind that while new to Channellock, this wrench design is also available in other flavors, a point we previously neglected to mention. They’re made in the USA, and are available in 2-piece SAE and metric kits.

Design

Each wrenches consist of two electro-plated steel sides with a plastic spacer sandwiched in between them. (Or at least it looks and feels like plastic.) This gives the wrenches a nice wide cross section. The ratcheting mechanisms are coarse and exposed, but they feel extremely robust and durable. Wrench sizes are engaved in the handles and are easy to read.

In order to prevent the over-torquing of fasteners with the smaller wrench sizes, the tools are somewhat on the short size. This means that if you need to use the larger wrench sizes, you’re not going to have as much leverage as you would with separate combination wrenches or sockets.

Comfort & Performance

As mentioned, the wrenches are fairly wide and very comfortable to use and hold. The ratcheting mechanism is pretty smooth (but coarse), and the direction-select levers are quick and easy to toggle.

Their low-profile heads are compact and can reach most tight spaces with ease. Although I know that the larger sizes will require additional elbow grease to loosen or tighten fasteners, I never really felt the need to exert extra effort.

One of the things I greatly appreciate about these wrenches is that they’re incredibly compact, much moreso than Dog Bone style wrenches. Using a rubber band or two, the wrenches can be nested close together, and they take up hardly any space in a portable tool kit.

Because of the ratcheting mechanisms’ open-style, users must pay a bit of attention to keeping the tools clean. The wrenches have an engraved reminder that they should be cleaned and oiled regularly. Just something to keep in mind.

Conclusion

These are very well-built ratcheting wrenches that are compact and very convenient to use. They’re great for general purpose use and for on-the-go tool kits, but they won’t completely replace standard combo wrenches for heavy-duty applications due to their shorter size.

Channellock’s 4-in-1 ratcheting wrenches are very well-built, and we definitely recommend them. If you’re looking for an all-in-one (or two) type of combination tool, these should be at the top of your list. What would we not recommend them for? Heavy duty applications that require greater torque than these tools can comfortably apply.

Channellock SAE Ratcheting Wrench Set via Channellock (841S)
Channellock Metric Ratcheting Wrench Set via Channellock (841M)

Thank you to Channellock for providing the sample for this review unconditionally. Review samples are typically given away, donated, or in some cases kept for further testing or benchmark and comparison purposes.

Ridgid JobMax Cordless Tools Summary Review

Stuart — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:00:04 +0000

By now you’ve probably heard all about Ridgid’s new modular JobMax cordless power tool system. Featuring a universal handle and interchangeable tool heads, the JobMax system is designed to be versatile and affordable. But how well do the tools actually function?

We’ve been reviewing the JobMax system for some time now, and have come to a conclusion – it’s pretty darn awesome. Not only do the tools usually perform as well as other brands’ standalone components they’re downright versatile. This review sums up our general opinion of the JobMax system and will springboard into individual reviews later on.

Power Base Handle

The heart of the JobMax cordless tool system is the Power Base Handle which houses the battery, motor and variable speed trigger.

Individual tool heads can be connected to the power base handle straight on, or rotated at 90°, 180° and 270° angles. We really came to appreciate the 4 directional head positions when working in very tight or cluttered areas.

The ergonomics of the power base handle are pretty good and the reversible variable speed trigger is large and easy to toggle. Without a tool head attached to the power base handle, its trigger locks, preventing accidental power-drain during transport or storage.

There is a noticeable shift in balance when tool heads are attached to the power base handle due to the weight of the tool heads’ metal encased transmission and gearbox. One hand operation is thus less than perfect, but doable.

12 Volt 3/8″ Drill Driver

Technically this is not part of the JobMax system, but is bundled in with Ridgid’s general purpose JobMax combo kit. The driver is a bit chunky and heavy but is pretty well balanced with a slight tendency to lean forward.

It features a 3/8″ chuck, a 2-speed gearbox (0-320 and 0-1300 RPM), and 17 clutch settings + drill mode. The clutch adjustment was a pleasure to use with the dial positively clicking in at each setting.

Overall the drill/driver is an impressive general purpose workhorse and outputs a whopping 240 in lbs of power, but it does lack the compact size and ergonomics of current generation drill/drivers.

Multi-Tool Oscillating Head

Ridgid’s oscillating tool head is just right. It comes with a few sanding and cutting accessories to get you started, and has a near universal adapter that accepts Bosch and Dremel branded accessories. It’s well balanced, relatively compact and lightweight. Coupled with the power base handle’s 4-angle head and variable speed trigger, this is one JobMax tool that get easily go head to head with competitors’ standalone multi-function tools.

Auto-Hammer Head

Ridgid’s version of the auto hammer is very bulky and a bit larger than other auto hammers on the market. It also seems to be a bit more powerful than the other versions when it comes to driving larger nails, but it’s also just as loud.

3/8″ Right Angle Drill

Ridgid was going for “ultra compact” when they designed this right angle drill head. It features a 0-550 RPM gearbox and no adjustable clutch. The drill worked fairly well, but it couldn’t quite match Milwaukee’s RA drill which offers greater speed (0-800 RPM) and a clutch.

3/8″ Square Drive Ratchet

This is another JobMax tool head that Ridgid designed just right. It looks a little bulky but it’s actually quite compact and doesn’t have too much trouble reaching into tight areas. The ratchet is driven at 0-220 rpm, and I was pleasantly surprised at how versatile the tool was. This was easily my favorite JobMax tool attachment.

Right Angle Impact Driver

One-handed operation of this tool just isn’t possible given the weight of this tool head. I haven’t used the right angle impact driver too much, but from what I’ve seen so far it’s a VERY nice driver. While most of the other tool heads feature a nice textured grip, this one has a soft rubbery sleeve that’s even more comfortable. Best of all, the RA impact driver is extremely compact.

The general purpose and right angle combo kits are still available, and we’ve noticed a full selection of individual tool heads available at Home Depot for those that want to build their own combo kits.

Additional Ridgid JobMax Coverage via ToolGuyd

Bausch & Lomb Watchmaker’s Loupe

Stuart — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:45:39 +0000

When working on some small parts the other day, I pulled out my trusty Bausch & Lomb watchmaker’s loupe. With a 4x magnification, this loupe provides an ample field of view and depth of focus. For greater magnification needs, I head on over to a 10-40x opical inspection microscope, although I’m considering a digital USB microscope for future work.

The best thing about these glass-lens and plastic-bodied loupes is that they’re fairly cheap for the great level of performance they provide. I did accidentally pop the lens out of a loupe once or twice, but they snap right back in. For the most part these loupes are very securely constructed.

Bausch & Lomb Loupes via Amazon
Product Info via Bausch & Lomb

Beta Engineers Hammer Hands-on Review

Jeff — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:30:03 +0000

As part of my shop rebuild, I have been researching and buying several new hand tools for quick use, like my go-to screwdrivers. These tools are intended to be hung on a pegboard for easy access and will be used to perform a variety of tasks, quickly and efficiently. My latest tool acquisition is a Beta shop hammer.

I was looking for a general purpose hammer that could drive a quick nail, perform light metal work, and be easy to hold for metal punch and cold chisel work. After a bit of research I ultimately decided on a Beta #1370/400 engineer’s hammer. Keep reading for my full hands-on review.

First Impressions

My new enginner’s hammer is a fine example of Beta’s manufacturing experience. It feels remarkably balanced in my hand, and the hickory handle is smoothly finished and varnished. The 112mm face hammer’s total length is 12″, which is just right for quick work. At 19.7 ounces, the hammer’s weight is also “just right” for light and easy shop work.

The hammer’s head is machined to close tolerances and close examination revealed no gouges, burrs, or other defects. Its main striking face is approximately 1″ squared and features an even angled bevel around its edges. The opposite end of the head is pointed and tapered to a smooth rounded tip, perfect for shaping sheet metal. Aside from the polished face the hammer head is finished with a flat black coating.

Conclusion

After using my new Beta hammer for two weeks, I couldn’t find any issues or complaints with it. I’ve used it to drive nails, set nail heads, chisel wood, and violently beat up my lawnmower.

I’m quite happy with my new Beta shop hammer. It provides everything I need in a quick, efficient tool that can be used on a moments notice and I expect it to provide many years of service.

This particular hammer (1370/400) is listed at $19 on Amazon, but it’s usually priced a bit less at under $15. If you keep your eye on it, you may be able to snag this size for less during one of Amazon’s short-lived sales.

Beta 1370/400 Engineers Hammer via Amazon
Beta Engineers Hammer Complete Lineup via Amazon
Product Info via Beta

About Beta

Beta Utensili orginates back to the 1880′s in Northern Italy where Alessandro Ciceri founded a metal forge. Today Beta is a highly regarded tool manufacturer with heavy influence in many racing circuits, including F1, Gran Prix, Motocross, Karting, F1 Boat, and even America’s Cup.

Senco Fusion Nailer First Impressions

Stuart — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:47:32 +0000

We recently received a Senco Fusion angled finish nailer for review, and after charging its 18V battery this morning I felt compelled to fire off a few test nails. Driving in those first nails was extremely satisfying.

My first impression was that the Senco did not at all seem short on power, although it did feel a bit heavier than a typical pneumatic finish nailer. While there are other cordless nailers out there, including fully electric and fuel-powered versions, the Fusion is the first to feature a built-in air supply.

It’s safe to say that I am thoroughly impressd with the tool’s features and performance, although it will take a more rigorous review before I arrive at a solid conclusion.

Senco Fusion Nailer Overview via ToolGuyd
Product Info via Senco
Senco Fusion Nailers via Amazon

Wiha Pocket Folding Ruler Review

Jeff — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:30:17 +0000

Wiha offers quite a few sizes and styles of folding rulers. Their smallest size, model #61601, is sized just right for stowing away in a pocket, tackle box, or tool box. These folding rulers are waterproof, flexible, and extremely durable. Or are they? Jeff was kind of enough to put one of these rulers through a rigorous review process to find out.

For the month of July, Wiha is offering these pocket rulers on sale for $3.83, after 50% savings. Always on the lookout for a small and easy to carry ruler, I decided to give the Wiha folding pocket ruler a try.

Background

Traditionally made from wood, folding rulers have not changed much since Anton Ullrich invented them in 1851. Folding rulers are comprise of a stack of ruler segments that are attached at each end with pivot hinges. Each segment, except for the first and last ones, are connected to two other segments – one above and one below. This construction enables a large ruler to collapse into a much small package that can fit in one hand, or in this case a pocket.

Features

Wiha’s pocket-sized ruler is 39-1/2 inches (100 cm) long and is dual marked with 1/16″ and 1mm/1cm markings. At 5″ x 9/16″ x 9/16″ and weighing about 1.5 ounces, the ruler really is pocket-friendly.

Construction & First Impressions

The ruler is made from molded plastic with 30% added fiberglass for stability and flexibility. Its hinges are constructed with a combination of plastic rivets and stainless steel pins. There is no play or wobble in the joints when the ruler is folded closed or open, and I was able to flex it from end to end with no memory effects or other issues. The inch and metric markings are deeply embossed, crisp and easy to read. The markings give the ruler a nice textured feel.

Ultimate Folding Ruler Torture Tests

To really put the ruler to the test, I fully extended it and let my three year-old grandson play “Jedi Warrior” with it in the back yard. After an hour I was sure the ruler would be broken into a hundred pieces. The ruler was still in one piece but covered with dirt, sand, and somehow, dog poop. After a quick cleaning with normal soap and water, the ruler looked like it just came out of the package. No damage from a normal, rambunctous three year-old.

Chemical Resistance Tests

In addition to being waterproof and scratch resistant, Wiha claims that their rulers are chemical and solvent safe. We all know what certain chemicals can and will do to plastic. With this in mind, I was quite hesitant to test my brand new ruler with chemicals. To perform as thorough a review as possible, I went ahead with the tests anyway.

First, I tried turpentine, then carb cleaner. Both chemicals were applied to the ruler and then wiped off rather quickly. Although there was no visible issues (e.g. no melting plastic or color smearing), I wouldn’t recommend soaking these rulers, or anything with a plastic construction in these or other chemicals or solvents.

Conclusion

I really liked this ruler from the start. It’s small, very lightweight, and will easily fit in any pocket. If you’re thinking that 39-1/2 in. or 1 meter is too long for your needs, remember that the ruler can be folded open as little or as much as needed. The markings are very easy to read, especially for older, eyeglass-wearing DIY’ers like myself. This ruler should be quite handy to carry when junking around yard sales and trips to the local home center.

Wiha Folding Rulers (larger sizes) via Amazon
Product Info & Direct Sales via Wiha

Photos & Review by JeffD

Photo Gallery

Porter Cable Cordless 18V Circular Saw Review

Stuart — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:30:30 +0000

As you may recall, we’ve been reviewing the various tools included in Porter Cable’s Lithium-ion cordless tool kit. Today, we’re going to be reviewing their cordless 6-1/2″ circular saw.

I’ve got to hand it to the engineers over at Porter Cable – their 18V lithium-ion cordless drill driver really blew our expectations out of the water. Build quality, features, performance – Porter Cable got it all right. Can the same be said about the cordless circular saw? Keep reading to find out!

Features

As far as we can tell, Porter-Cable’s Li-ion circular saw (PCL186CS) is nearly identical to the Ni-Cad version (PC186CS). The circ saw features a 3700 RPM motor and drives a 6-1/2″ blade with 5/8″ arbor.

At 90° the saw has a reasonable maximum cutting depth of 2.1 inches. At 45°, the saw’s 1.7 inch cutting depth can still handle 2x lumber easily. The saw can be set to a 50° bevel and features an adjustable cutting depth.

To operate the saw, a two-way safety button must be depressed before you can squeeze the trigger. This is pretty standard on cordless saws.

One feature that is not standard on all cordless saws is an electric brake that stops the motor quickly when the trigger is released. It was quite surprising to find this featured in a “value oriented” power tool, but you won’t hear us complaining!

Performance & Use

Porter Cable includes two batteries with the Li-ion combo kit: one LX battery (1.3 Ah), and one EX (2.6Ah) “extended capacity” battery. As is true for other cordless circular saws, it is best to use the larger capacity battery whenever possible. If it is depleted during a project, use the LX battery while the EX recharges.

As mentioned, a safety switch must be pressed before the tool can be used. It is located just above the trigger and is actually quite comfortable to use. Once the trigger is squeezed, you can release the safety switch and reposition your thumb or forefinger around the tool’s handle. The ergonomics of the safety-trigger-handle configuration is definitely a plus.

Unlike most cordless circular saws on the market, Porter Cable’s is a “right-handed saw.” This means that the saw blade is on the right side of the tool. Most sidewinder style circular saws are right-handed saws, although there are a few left-handed models available. Left-handed saws provide an improved line-of-sight for right-handed users, but require users to reach across the top of the saw blade.

At the front of the saw’s shoe is a red cut line marker with 0 and 45° indicators. To be quite honest, I would have preferred notches in the shoe instead, although the marker is relatively easy to see. The front of the shoe is not graduated.

One thing that must be said – the shoe is much more robust than originally anticipated. It felt thick and solid enough that it won’t be warped or damaged under typical use. I’m not sure it’s durable enough for the jobsite, but it’s definitely more than strong enough for home DIY use.

Bevel and depth adjustment knobs are rubberized and easy to loosen and toggle. They’re a bit on the small side, but this posed no real issue, even when wearing gloves. The knobs are about the same size as the ones used on Dewalt’s cordless saw. The bevel and depth settings can be adjusted at 5° and 1/4-inch intervals, respectively.

Both handles are large, comfortable, and lined with a soft-feeling rubber grip. A raised-bump texture effect on the left and right sides of the handle provides a nice and secure finger-tip grip. Porter Cable could have gone with hard molded plastic, but it was nice to see that they put extra thought into ergonomics and user comfort. The base of the handle is large and also features the same soft rubber surface.

While other DIY-level circular saws (Ryobi 18V One+) are built to use smaller 5-1/2″ blades, the Porter Cable is built for 6-1/2″. This means that replacement and upgrade blades are going to be far easier to find. An 18 tooth 6-1/2″ ATB blade, well suited for softwood, plywood, MDF, and OSB, is included in the kit. Changing the blade is relatively quick and easy with onboard tool storage and a spindle lock.

Quite frankly, the saw is a pretty decent performer. No, it does not have the power of a corded model, so don’t even think of cutting through yards and yards of 4×4 hardwood with it. Still, it cuts through pine studs, plywood, and 1x hardwood like butter.

Vibrations were at a minimum, and the saw’s handle design was not at the least bit tiring. As mentioned, the saw features an electric brake which stops the blade as soon as the trigger is released. The brake worked well, but if you don’t want to use it, you can ease up pressure on the trigger half way and the blade will start slowing to a stop.

Conclusions

Over the course of the past few months, we used Porter Cable’s cordless saw interchangeably with other corded and cordless models. It is built well, fully featured, and performs even better than expected.

Not that it claims to be one, this is by no means a pro-level saw. The upper guard blade is plastic, and the shoe, while robust, is not as structurally reinforced as those on many pro-level saws. Additionally, the bevel and depth adjustments are not as fine-scaled as one would find on a pro-level saw.

Most of the cost-cutting compromises were made to features intended more for the jobsite than the average intermediate or even advanced DIY user. DIYers don’t really need magnesium upper guards, super-durable saw shoes, or finer adjustment scales. In our tests cutting ply, 2x studs and beams, and 1x hardwood, the saw performed impeccably, and that’s what really counts when it comes to DIY use.

Whether included as part of a NiCad or Li-ion combo set, or as a standalone upgrade (that one also includes a laser guide), Porter Cable’s 18V cordless saw offers decent performance at an incredible value. Heck, the Porter Cable costs less lower than to upgrade from another brand’s standard cordless circ saw to the one with a blade brake!

Although it’s not quite built to professional jobsite standards, this saw is well built to a reasonably high quality, and it offers great performance at a consumer-friendly price.

In what looks to be a growing pattern, Porter Cable has impressed us yet again.

Lowes carries this saw as a standalone upgrade or as part of a Li-ion or NiCad combo set.

Li-Ion Combo Kit Details via Delta Porter Cable
Standalone Saw Upgrade Details

Thank you to Porter Cable for providing the sample for this review unconditionally. Review samples are typically given away, donated, or in some cases kept for further testing or benchmark and comparison purposes.

Sam’s Club Seville 24″ Wall Cabinet – Reader Review

Jeff — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:30:11 +0000

Reader JeffD was kind enough to share with us his review of the heavy duty Seville wall cabinets sold at Sam’s Club. Jeff bought six of these cabinets for $58 each (a killer price!), and has evaluated them with authoritative detail.

If you recall, these cabinets are 24″ wide x 28″ tall x 12″ deep, and feature an adjustable shelf, door, and 200 lb overall load capacity. From the sounds of it (e.g. 10 minute easy assembly), and with a $58 pricetag (including shipping) these are some rockin’ cabinets! Following is JeffD’s full hands-on review:

Seville 24” Wall Cabinet Review

I recently purchased six of the Seville 24” Wall Cabinets from Sam’s Club for $58 each, plus free shipping. Originally I planned on buying four units but my wild redhead spousal unit allowed me to snag another two cabinets!

Packaging/Parts:

The cabinets are the assemble-yourself variety and arrive flat in the carton. Each panel/part is enclosed in a separate plastic bag. Styrofoam inserts surround everything for a tight fit. Every piece was intact and accounted for. A cheap, but adequate phillips screwdriver is included, which is all you need to assemble the cabinet. The screw bags held the proper amounts and were easy to identify.

Construction:

The outer shell is painted in a light gray ripple finish. A bit light for my shop, but at these prices we need to make sacrifices. All panels are sturdy and engineered to provide 200 pounds of capacity when assembled. The catch system for the door is magnetic…and it has a stainless door? Obviously it’s not a decent grade of stainless since the magnets do provide enough pull to keep the door shut.

Assembly:

The instructions are basic exploded view drawings, but they are easy to decipher and follow. Start to finish was 10 minutes for my first cabinet. I did cheat a little. I didn’t use the enclosed cheapie screwdriver. I used my SO ratcheting driver. Every panel lined up and fit correctly. No stripped inserts or screws. One shelf with brackets is included, which is minimal at best. Two shelves would be ideal.

Installation:

The cabinet comes with enough lag screws to attach the hanger brackets on wooden studs, 16” on center. My shop wall is concrete block so I attached the brackets with concrete anchors, three per bracket, two brackets per cabinet. No matter which method you use, the cabinet comes with a full scale drawing for proper bracket spacing. After you install the hanger brackets, the cabinet just slides down and hangs in position. While working on a four cabinet run I did have to use a soft rubber mallet to coax the cabinets flush a tad.

Conclusion:

Sure, these are basic wall cabinets, but aren’t most wall cabinets just a shell with shelves and a door? I would have liked two shelves, but I’ll be sure to make time for another project. Easy assembly and installation really helps someone to like these units. No headaches, no cursing, no stomping around.

For the money, these cabinets are hard to beat.

Review by JeffD
Photos by JeffD, used with permission

Thank you to JeffD for the very detailed review. I’m going to have to agree,

Craftsman Ratcheting Elbow Wrenches Hands-on Review

Stuart — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:00:02 +0000

With their pivoting box ends, Craftsman’s ratcheting elbow wrenches are anything but ordinary. Possibly inspired by similarly styled indexable ratchets, these elbow wrenches are designed for use in tight spaces and situations where a fastener may be obstructed.

Curious about whether these new wrenches were innovative, gimmicky, or both, we set out to review them. In the end, we ended up liking the wrenches quite a bit!

Elbow Wrench Features

Craftsman Ratcheting Elbow Wrenches

The primary benefit of the elbow joint is its ability to reach around obstacles to access fasteners. With a 180° range of motion, the pivoting box end can also tighten or loosen engaged fasteners with an easy push-pull motion of the wrench.

Although push-pulling one of these wrenches is quite easy on the hands, it is not exactly efficient for high-torque situations. For these jobs, the wrenches’ elbow joints can be locked into one of 13 set positions every ~15° with the push of a button.

Craftsman Ratcheting Elbow Wrench Engaging Hex Bolt

As Craftsman says, lock it for leverage and getting around obstructions, unlock it to speed fasteners on or off with a piston action.

Initial Impressions

To be honest, push-pulling these wrenches felt a bit unnatural at first. However, using the wrenches in such a manner was not too difficult to get a feel for. Before long, it felt natural to use the wrenches in their intended manner. To be fair, about half the time they were used, the wrenches’ box ends were locked in at 0°.

Craftsman Ratcheting Elbow Wrench Open End

After toying with the unfamiliar ratcheting elbow joint for a bit, I examined the build and finish quality of the wrenches. To my surprise, I was quite impressed. The wrenches felt sturdy and comfortable to hold, and the chrome finish was nearly impeccable.

Performance

As mentioned, once I got passed the wrenches’ learning curve, I was using them as intended with relative ease. At first I was a bit hesitant to really torque the ratcheting mechanism, but it seemed to handle my superhuman strength without so much as a hiccup.

Craftsman Ratcheting Elbow Wrench Compared to Other Wrenches

Compared to similarly sized Craftsman and Gearwrench wrenches that were on hand, the ratcheting elbow wrenches were longest. This provided me with a bit of comfort – if the wrenches couldn’t handle some tough use, they would have been built a bit shorter. Right?

Speaking of wrench lengths, the set’s packaging claims “up to 30% longer for more leverage” and shows a ratcheting elbow wrench lined up next to a Craftsman raised panel wrench. Not a fair comparison at all.

Craftsman Ratcheting Elbow Wrench Side View

The sides of the wrenches, somewhat square and rounded off, are comfortable to hold and really press one’s hand against. The box and open ends may look a bit bulky, but were found to be comparable in size to the ends of other ratcheting wrenches.

Just to sum it up, these wrenches feel strong, well designed, well built, and they function exactly as advertised.

We managed to find a few scenarios that made good use of the wrenches’ unique design. Some of those fastening jobs could have been accomplished differently, but it became clear that the wrenches’ elbow jointed box ends saved a bit of time and effort in the end.

Country of Origin

Craftsman Ratcheting Elbow Wrench Showing Country of Origin

In contrast to Craftsman’s previous commitment, these wrenches are made in China.

Conclusion

These Craftsman ratcheting elbow wrenches are available in 7-piece SAE (5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16 inches) and metric (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17 mm) sets. Regularly priced at $100 per set, these are not starter wrenches, although performance-wise they’d probably be up to the challenge.

If you plan on encountering many fastener obstructions, then you’ll probably get a lot of use out of these wrenches. That’s not to say that they cannot serve as a general-purpose wrench set, but most users would benefit more from a larger assortment of non-ratcheting combination or reversible ratcheting wrench sets in that regard.

Aside from one wrench out of seven being a bit stiff at first, we couldn’t find any flaws with these wrenches. Given their respectable quality and innovative utility, we recommend ‘em!

Craftsman Ratcheting Elbow SAE Wrench Set via Sears
Craftsman Ratcheting Elbow Metric Wrench Set via Sears

Craftsman provided the review sample unconditionally. Review samples are typically given away, donated to a local charity, or in certain cases retained for future review, benchmarking, or comparison purposes.

Check out our photo gallery on the next page!

C.H. Hanson Remedies Potential Ball Level Crosshair Issue!

Stuart — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:00:49 +0000

Last month we posted an update to our review of C.H. Hanson’s Precision Ball Level. In our experience, the ball level worked exactly as advertised, and looked to be very solidly made. In our update, we discussed a slight design flaw that made new levels susceptible to damage under certain conditions – perhaps careless handling at the retail level.

Since the initial review, a few readers mentioned publicly and via email that the crosshairs on all or most of the ball levels they encountered at stores were slightly worn away. We confirmed this during several regular trips to our local Lowes stores.

We recently received word that C.H. Hanson had remedied the slight design flaw of these levels and will replace any affected units. Whereas the crosshair marker was originally on the outside of the polycarbonate ball level shell, it is now printed on the inside.

In a comment, C.H. Hanson mentioned that as with all of our products, we stand behind them 100%..if you have a damaged level, Lowes will replace it for you or we will as well.

C.H. Hanson Ball Level via Amazon
Product Info via C.H. Hanson

Hands-on Review of Dremel’s New Cordless Rotary Tool

Stuart — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:15:50 +0000

Dremel’s new 8200 cordless rotary tool is powered by a brand new 12V-max Li-ion battery, making it the fastest and most powerful cordless tool of its kind. The 8200 is not exactly compact, but its battery allows it to be used for many jobs where a corded tool would be inconvenient or impossible to use.

We are avid fans of Dremel’s rotary tools, so when we found out they were releasing this new 12V model, we had to try it out! For this hands-on review, we used the 8200 for all types of cutting, grinding, and sanding jobs we would typically use a corded Dremel for.

Features

Variable speed 5,000 – 35,000 RPM
Separate on/off switch and speed control
Comfort grip
Battery fuel gauge
1 hour 12V-max charger
Electronic brake

Design & First Impressions

Check out that rubberized grip!

My first impression of the Dremel 8200 was “wow, it’s big.” Although its product description lists the 8200 as “slim” and “compact”, I wonder what Dremel was comparing it to. Yes it is slimmer than previous models, but it’s nowhere near as slim as a flex shaft. That said, the tool has a very solid feel to it. It is easy to grip, and the rubbery grip has a secure non-slip feel to it. I had some concern about the rubber grip being a dust magnet, but it’s not – it cleans easily.

I did notice one thing about the tool’s design that I was less than happy about – there is no way for a user to replace the motor brushes. I’m not sure what this will mean in the long run, but it’s something to keep in mind. Dremel’s corded models usually feature access panel that make it easy to install user-replaceable brushes.

Switches & Controls

Speed control and battery fuel gauge

Dremel’s engineers have definitely put some thought into redesiging the switches and knobs. I don’t remember there ever being a collet lock that was quite this easy to hold. The power switch is a slide toggle, and is very easy to operate, even with a gloved hand. Gone is the dial speed control that you may be used to. Instead, this model features a new sliding switch that moves with ease but not by itself. The speed control slider is set in a recess, which reduces the chance of accidentally moving it from its setting.

Performance

The first time we used the 8200, we discovered that it has an electronic brake. This feature isn’t mentioned in the tool’s product description, but it is definitely a welcome touch.

Dremel was not kidding when they said they designed the 8200 to be ergonomic. No matter how I changed my grip, the tool felt comfortable and secure to hold and use. The 8200 is a bit bulky though, so if you’re looking for a lightweight cordless rotary tool for delicate or detail work, check out the 7.2V Dremel Stylus instead.

We used the 8200 to sand, grind, cut, polish, and shape wood, plastic, aluminum and steel sheet metal. Our finding: the 8200 really hauls. I don’t know where Dremel is getting the extra power from, but the 8200 performs nearly as well as a corded rotary tool.

Battery, Charger & Case

Dremel battery and charger

Based on the design similarities between Dremel and Bosch’s 12V batteries, the two sister companies swapped a few cordless secrets between themselves. It looks like this cooperation is already bearing additional new products.

Hopefully Dremel will eventually follow Bosch’s examples and bundle their cordless tools with soft cases instead of awkwardly designed blow molded cases. I would much rather have more open space for a second battery and additional accessories than the special special dedicated for the charger.

Included accessories (not shown is a cutting guide)

Dremel includes a modest starter selection of accessories with the 8200 kits, but not as many as a beginner might need. Beginners should factor in an additional $20 into the price for one or two general purpose or specialty accessory kits.

Conclusion & Recommendations

It looks like the Dremel 8200 cordless rotary tool can really hold its own against corded models, and it blows older cordless versions straight out of the water. This is reason enough to give the 8200 a glowing recommendation. Not only does it provide heaps of power, Dremel’s new 12V-max Li-ion battery holds up for a very decent amount of time (we’re still testing it to come up with a repeatable number).

The sample we tested (8200-1/28) included a single 12V-max battery, but there is also a kit that includes two (8200-2/28). One battery packs enough of a charge to last for quite a few small operations. If you plan on using the tool for a long time, consider the two battery kit or a corded rotary tool.

We are quite pleased with the Dremel 8200. For the first time, Dremel has actually produced a cordless rotary tool that can be used interchangeably with corded models. All of the accessories and attachments should fit, and the 8200 has more than enough muscle to keep up. The 8200 is one heck of a comfortable and powerful solidly built rotary tool that we have absolutely no issues with. In other words, we definitely recommend it!

The two 8200 combo kits are available now and are priced at about $100 and $150 for the one and two battery kits. The 2-battery kit also includes a right angle attachment that is ordinarily priced at $20 separately.

Dremel 8200-1/28 Cordless Rotary Tool Kit via Amazon
Dremel 8200-2/28 Cordless Rotary Tool Kit via Amazon
Product Info via Dremel

Dremel unconditionally provided the product sample featured in this review. Review samples are typically given away, donated to a local charity, or in certain cases retained for future review/benchmarking/comparison purposes.

We’ve added a photo gallery on the next page if you’d like to check it out:

Bosch Power Box 360 Jobsite Radio Hands-on Review

Stuart — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:30:01 +0000

A few weeks ago, we talked about Bosch’s new Power Box 360 music/power center, and how it claims to “re-define” jobsite sound. The new Power Box 360 features four speakers and a subwoofer, modern media connectivity options, and quite a few snazzy features. While that sounds great on paper, how does the Power Box 360 perform? In short, it’s FANTASTIC!

We recently had the pleasure to review the new basic version Power Box PB360S. No, we didn’t throw it down a flight of concrete stairs (yet), but we did put it through a rather rigorous evaluation.

With a 14.5″ x 14″ x 13.5″ frame and 25 lb weight, the Power Box 360 is a bit bulky but still highly portable. Once you wrap your hand around the large comfortable handle, you forget all about its weight.

Front of Bosch Power Box 360 Basic

Here’s a full breakdown of the Power Box’s features:

Multimedia & Sound Features

4 speakers + subwoofer projects sound in full 360° direction
Over 2x more sound than previous generation Power Box
Digital signal processing for improved radio clarity and sound quality
20 FM and 10AM presets
Equalizer with 4 presets plus custom mode
Flexible rubber-coated FM antenna

Connectivity

Plays MP3s and WMA files
SD/SDHC/MMC cards
USB thumb drives & storage devices
Two internal and external aux/line-in ports for connecting CD players, MP3 players, cell phones, satellite radios, netbooks/laptops, etc.
Line-out port

Power Center

4 x 120V AC power outlets (deluxe version has 4 x GFCI) with 10A total max output
12V DC car adapter plug (protected by a user-accessible fuse)
Powered USB
Charges Bosch 14.4V and 18V Li-ion batteries
Can be powered by 120V AC (6-foot cord) or 14.4V or 18V Li-ion battery

Overall Quality and Impressions

Bosch Power Box 360's Backlit LCD

Bosch claims that the new Power Box can be used anywhere, charge anything, play everything, and be heard everywhere. With its aluminum and rubber roll cage and weather resistant design, the Power Box 360 can certainly endure tough jobsite conditions complete with moisture, dust and debris. Although designed for the jobsite, the Power Box 360 is just as at home out on the deck for a barbecue, down at a campsite, or on a shelf in a home garage or shop.

Roll Cage Support

On first inspection, we were very thoroughly impressed with the indestructible look and feel of the Power Box 360. Suspended within a sturdy aluminum roll cage connected to the unit with thick pieces of hard rubber, the Power Box 360 can, without a doubt, endure quite a bit of shock impact. We checked out the older Power Box’s specs, and it is said to be rated for 10 foot jobsite drops. If its predecessor’s wimpier design can handle a 10 foot drop, I can only imagine what this one can absorb!

Bosch did an exceptional job of guarding and protecting the Power Box 360′s various plugs and ports from the elements and jobsite conditions. Most audio ports are hidden inside the multimedia bay, while an input, line-out and the 12V DC car adapter charger are on the outside. These external connections are all protected by rubber plugs that actually feel quite robust and durable.

Battery Charging Bay Latched Closed

Both the multimedia bay and battery charging bay are protected by latching plastic doors, complete with easy to clean rubber seals. The four power outlets are in turn protected by two rubber-lined plastic doors that are spring-closed.

Bosch did a phenomenal job of weatherizing the Power Box 360′s various ports and compartments. The same goes for the plugs and knobs on the front of the unit – nothing is getting in there under normal or even unanticipated operating conditions. With an IP dust and moisture resistance rating of 54, the Power Box 360 is dust protected and can resist splashing water from all directions. (See Wikipedia for more info.)

Spring Loaded Power Outlet Cover Held Open

Sound Quality & Media Options

The sound that comes out of this unit is incredible. 360° sound? Definitely, and it can project crisp volume at a reasonable distance. At a distance of about 10-20 feet, the unit was kept at a volume of 5-9 out of 20. No distortion was heard at higher volumes.

Power Box 360 Subwoofer View

I think that the subwoofer is definitely a nice addition, but its performance fell a little shorter than expected. The sound quality of the Power Box 360 is definitely improved by the sub’s presence, but the bass didn’t sound or feel as anticipated. Overall, I was still very pleased with what I heard.

The controls on the front of the unit have a responsive soft rubber feel and are easy to press with gloves on. On opposite sides are two knobs, also easy to operate with a gloved hand.

We tested every audio connection of the Power Box 360, and they all worked flawlessly. The only thing I did not like about the media bay was that my smartphone was barely too large to fit. FM and AM radio sounded clean and crisp, with only one weak FM signal requiring a few seconds of antenna adjustment.

You can connect a portable MP3 player to the Power Box 360 with the included 1/8″ stereo audio cable, or load MP3s onto an SD/SDHC card or USB flash drive.

Open Media Bay

The easiest way to get your tunes into the Power Box 360 will be with an SD card or USB drive; all you need to do is simply drag and drop your MP3 files onto the card or flash drive, and you’re good to go. You may want to keep the included audio cord stashed inside the unit in case a friend of colleague wants you to plug in their MP3 player, cell phone, or other device with a standard headphone jack.

Conclusion

Bosch’s Power Box 360 totally rocks! The sound was very impressive for a jobsite radio, but its subwoofer was slightly disappointing given my enormously high expectations. Bosch provided enough independent audio connections that anyone could have asked for, and all worked effortlessly. Slap in a USB drive, SD card, and portable music player, and you can cycle through the inputs without having to open up the media bay.

The Power Box can be powered with a 14.4V or 18V Li-ion battery, and serves as a charger when plugged in. Since I don’t have any Bosch Li-ion batteries on-hand, I couldn’t test charging times or battery life. Upgrade to the deluxe version and you get 4 GFCI outlets instead of 4 standard ones.

What more can be said? Bosch’s Power Box 360 looks good, sounds great, and challenges you to drop it down the stairs while you throw dust and water at it. We highly recommend it!

We reviewed the basic version. Upgrading to the Deluxe version gets you backlit control buttons, a remote control, GFCI outlets and a Sirius satellite radio dock.

Bosch Power Box 360S Standard via Amazon
Bosch Power Box 360D Deluxe via Amazon
Product Info via Bosch

Bosch unconditionally provided the product sample featured in this review. Review samples are typically given away, donated to a local charity, or in certain cases retained for future review/benchmarking/comparison purposes.

For a few extra photos, check out our photo gallery on the next page.

Kobalt 17 Gallon 1.5HP Compressor Review

Brian — Mon, 31 May 2010 14:00:53 +0000

A few weeks ago I met up with Brian, a ToolGuyd contributor, and I spotted a Kobalt compressor (model 236005) in his shop. This unit is no longer available for sale at Lowes, but I’ve recently seen quite a few of them for sale on Craigslist and ebay, and carbon-copy units are still available at other retailers.

Based on our discussion, it became clear that this wasn’t a compressor many would want to consider buying at full price, or even used at a huge discount. Following is Brian’s review of the unit, including a discussion of how he handled some of the major problems he’s had with it.

I purchased this 17 gallon 1.5HP Kobalt air compressor in 2005 as a closeout sale at a local Lowes Home Improvement warehouse. Since then, the air compressor has seen very little use in a non-commercial environment.

When I first used the air compressor, I noticed how incredibly loud the unit is. When it comes time to fill up the 17 gallon tank, don’t plan on being in the garage without hearing protection handy, you’ll need it. Oil-free compressor pumps are going to be loud, but this unit was perhaps way too loud.

After a couple of light-duty uses, I noticed the regulator started to get loose. Initially, I considered that the regulator was just breaking in and would free up a little with continued use. Well that wasn’t the case at all - as it loosened more and more , I realized that the regulator was started to strip out! After examining it, I noticed that the regulator was made up of very light grade aluminum.

The fine threaded plastic knob attached to the regulator had completely stripped out of the aluminum block after simply using the regulator properly. It’s not like it was abused or mistreated. To repair the threads, I completely disassembled the regulator and re-threaded the aluminum block to accept a coarser thread. One threaded rod and rubber knob later and the regulator worked much better than the factory setup.

Kobalt 17 Gallon 1.5HP Air Compressor Regulator & Gauges

When the air compressor fills the tank to 150 psi red line, the unit automatically shuts off. If the unit is left full, it will slowly leak at both the hose connection and at the safety relief valve. After some time the tank will drop down to about 120-125psi, while continuing to leak. I have made proper adjustments and tightened all connections, but the unit still leaks. It is only a matter of time before the leaks get worse.

In the last year or so, the air intake port became loose and now needs tightening every time I use the unit. The compressor vibrates so much when pumping air that it always works the connection loose.

Conclusion

Given the quality and performance issues I’ve experienced with this compressor, I certainly wouldn’t buy it again – even at a discount. Despite its flaws, this unit still serves my needs enough that I cannot justify purchasing a larger or costlier unit. For my next compressor, I will probably try a smaller unit or at least one that is built a lot better than this one.

The compressor came bundled with an air tool kit, and for the most part those tools haven’t disappointed me yet.

On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this product a 6. Its only redeeming quality was that it was fairly inexpensive (and now I know why).

A little googling reveals that some other Kobalt compressors, such as their 1.5HP 26 gallon unit, also suffer from a stripped regulator manifolds and leaky connections.

Milwaukee M12 Cordless Drill a Solid Performer

Stuart — Fri, 21 May 2010 12:45:47 +0000

Steve from over at the ShopNGarage blog & forum recently reviewed Milwaukee’s M12 cordless drill and driver. The review was overwhelmingly positive, confirming our expectation that the M12 3/8″ drill is a very solid performer.

As we also noticed in our own review of Milwaukee’s similarly featured 3/8″ right angle drill, Steve mentions that the drill’s chuck felt the best out of all the drills [he] tried.

Check out the review at the ShopNGarage Forum
Milwaukee M12 2410-22 3/8″ Drill Driver Kit via Amazon
Product Details via Milwaukee

Porter Cable 18V Li-Ion Cordless Drill Review

Stuart — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:45:16 +0000

A few weeks ago, we received a Porter Cable 18V Li-ion cordless combo set to review. Since then, we have been putting the tools through a rigorous review process, starting with the cordless drill.

Seeing as how the drill will be many users’ most frequently used tool, we spent quite a bit of time evaluating its performance. Our conclusion is very, very surprising – I would even go on to call it shocking!

At the beginning I was not optimistic about this drill at all. As I discussed in my analysis of the new lineup a few months ago, these tools appear to be mid-level tools meant to compete against Craftsman’s C3 and Ryobi’s One+ cordless tool lineups. I had automatically assumed that Porter Cable made some sacrificed in the tools’ features, performance, or quality to be able to price them so competitively.

Features

Porter Cable offers two 18V drills – this one (PCL180D), often bundled in Li-ion sets, and another (PC1800D) that’s bundled with their NiCad sets. Both tools accept batteries of either chemistry, but are designed a bit differently with the Li-ion version being a bit more compact and lighter, and with about 25% less torque.

The drill features 24 clutch settings (23+drill), 2-position gearbox (0-350 & 0-1200 RPM), 325 in-lb torque, variable speed trigger, 1/2″ metal single sleeve chuck, LED worklight, 30-minute Li-ion charger, and weighs 3.8 lbs with a length of 8.5 inches.

Porter Cable’s NiCad version of this drill has an additional 8 clutch settings, which I didn’t really miss on the Li-ion version at all.

Operation & Handling

There is a LOT about the drill’s operation to talk about. First, it is really well balanced. Almost as compact as other 18V Li-ion drills (e.g. Dewalt), the drill was still fairly lightweight when matched with its compact battery. I immediately really liked the single sleeve chuck as it makes inserting and removing bits quicker and easier. The sleeve is made of metal, not plastic, and has a very comfortable knurling.

The adjustable clutch was easy to adjust, and was fairly accurate – no complaints here. I also had no problem toggling the gearbox speed selector or the forward/reverse direction push-switch.

You can pretend that the LED worklight isn’t there. It doesn’t get in the way, but because it’s so far away from the end of the tool, much of its light only serves to shadows the clutch and chuck. It may come in handy every now and then, but if you need workpiece lighting, wear a headlamp.

Performance

This is where the drill really impressed me. As mentioned, I was initially very skeptical about the drill’s performance. So, before the formal testing began, I tried drilling a few holes in 6061 aluminum bar. The key word is “tried”. After a few failed attempts. I junked the brand new Irwin drill bits I had been using, and switched to my trusty Pilot Point Bits. The drill plowed through the aluminum with relative ease with a 1/4″ bit.

I then moved to oak, pine, plywood, PVC, ABS, and sheet steel. I had expected for the drill to bog down a little due its slightly lower than expected 325 in-lbs torque rating, but it handled the tasks with ease.

It was difficult to gauge battery life for the drill, but the 1.3Ah compact battery provided enough power for dozens of holes/driven fasteners. The combo set inclues one compact battery, and one extended-capacity battery, so there will be power to spare while the compact battery recharges. Users expecting to use the drill for extended periods of time, especially overhead, will definitely want to purchase an extra compact battery.

One more note about the battery – there are a few online reviews reporting that they don’t run well or charge when very cold. This may be something to consider, but if this is a widespread problem, I have not been able to replicate it. If anyone can suggest a controllable test method aside from putting the batteries in the freezer, I would be willing to consider it.

For the sake of thoroughness, I used this drill for every driving and boring task over the course of a few weeks. While this does not constitute professional construction work, the drill was used for almost every DIY task you can imagine. The only instances where the drill bogged down a bit and just couldn’t finish the job, was when I tried to drill large or deep holes in steel. Then again, this is an 18V cordless drill – it’s just not built for that, but I of course had to try anyways.

This drill is exceptionally well built. I’ve used other brands’ mid-level drills before, and have never been really impressed with their loose keyless chucks and out-of-round holes caused by low tolerances and runout. For what it’s worth, those were all NiCad versions with 2-sleeve chucks, but that really shouldn’t make a difference.

After quite some time testing the drill, I cleaned it up, inserted a dowel rod into the chuck, and tried to show in a 2 second photograph how little runout there was. Maybe it’s because I am so used to the over-hyped haphazardly built imprecise “value priced” drills being thrown at consumers, but Porter Cable really impressed me with this drill.

I don’t know about you, but I was one of those people who refused to acknowledge the new Porter Cable portable hand tool lineup. The brand underwent a redesign around the fall of 2008, and Porter Cable’s professional cordless tools gradually disappeared from store shelves. All of a sudden, these new 18V tools started popping up at Lowes, with the widespread opinion that they were rebadged Black & Decker Firestorm tools.

We plan on finishing up our evaluation of the Porter Cable combo kit’s other tools this month, and will continue using this drill to see if its great performance holds up.

Conclusion

I almost cannot believe how impressed I am with this drill. It is well built, and performs very well – much more so that anticipated. Between my original assumptions of this “value” consumer-targeted drill, and past handling of abused and broken display units at my local Lowes, I was expecting to find this drill to be a decent drill for casual DIYers or homeowners. Instead, I find myself strongly recommending this drill for serious users.

Is this a pro-level drill meant for all-day contractor use? Not really, but it comes close and proved to be one heck of a great drill!

Porter Cable’s PCL180D Lithium-ion drill can be purchased separately, bundled with an impact driver, or the 4-piece combo set we’re currently reviewing.

Porter Cable’s PCL418C-2 four piece 18V Lithium-ion cordless combo set is priced at $270.
Product Info via Porter Cable
Porter Cable 18V Li-ion Drill via Amazon

Porter Cable provided this combo set to us for review. Review samples are typically given away, donated to a local charity, or in some cases retained for future review/benchmarking/comparison.