According to Milwaukee these tools integrate three ground-breaking cordless technologies to deliver up to 10X longer life, 25% more power and 50% more run-time for the professional tradesman.  Sounds like a winner to us.  Milwaukee has combined their exclusive POWERSTATE™ brushless motor, REDLITHIUM™ battery pack, and REDLINK PLUS™ intelligence to deliver drills that will outperform all other 18V drills on the market, while being over 1” shorter and lighter than leading competition.

Here is what impresses us.  Both the drill/driver and the hammer drill have a whooping 725 in-lbs. of torque.  That is a huge jump over existing 18V platforms.  The new POWERSTATE™ brushless motor works harder, lives longer, and converts energy into power and torque more efficiently than leading competitors. The POWERSTATE™ motors also reduce noise and cools more rapidly, delivering years of maintenance-free performance.

Milwaukee REDLITHIUM™ batteries provide significantly more run-time, power and recharges than any other Lithium product on the market. REDLITHIUM™ also delivers best-in-class performance in extreme job-site conditions. With Milwaukee® durability built into each pack, the REDLITHIUM™ battery operates cooler and performs in climates as low as 0°F/-18°C with fade free power.
REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence hardware and software is the world’s most advanced system of cordless power tool electronics that will maximize performance and protect the user’s investment. REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence is a best-in-class system that integrates full-circle communication between tool, battery and charger, and constantly monitors this internal network to maintain ideal conditions.

In addition, all M18™ FUEL products will include the new multi-voltage charger to allow users to charge all M12™ and M18™ batteries with one charger. The new drills also come with an all metal ratcheting locking chuck for maximum grip, bit retention and durability, as well as a new contoured soft grip that gives users the ultimate comfort during prolonged use.
OK here is the bad news.  This system is not available until March of 2012.  We know it is only a month away, but we are excited and want to see this in action now.  Check out more about Milwaukee’s fuel system and other Milwaukee tools at milwaukeetool.com/fuel.

M18 Fuel Specifications

M18 FUEL™ 1/2″ Drill/Driver Kit (2603-22)

• Volts: 18V
• Torque: 725 in-lbs
• Speed: 2 Speed
• RPM: 0-550 / 0-1,850 RPM
• Chuck Type: 1/2″ Metal Single Sleeve – Ratcheting Lock
• Tool Length: 7.9”
• Tool Weight (w/ XC battery):4.9 lbs

2603 M18™ FUEL 1/2″ Drill/Driver, (2) M18™ HIGH CAPACITY REDLITHIUM™ Battery Packs and Multi-Voltage Charger

M18 FUEL™ 1/2″ Drill/Driver Bare Tool (2603-22CT)

• Volts: 18V
• Torque: 650 in-lbs
• Speed: 2 Speed
• RPM: 0-550 / 0-1,850 RPM
• Chuck Type: 1/2″ Metal Single Sleeve – Ratcheting Lock
• Tool Length: 7.9”
• Tool Weight (w/ compact battery):4.4 lbs

2603 M18™ FUEL 1/2″ Drill/Driver, (2) M18™ COMPACT REDLITHIUM™ Battery Packs and Multi-Voltage Charger

M18 FUEL™ 1/2″ Hammer Drill/Driver Kit (2604-22)

• Volts: 18V
• Torque: 725 in-lbs
• Speed: 2 Speed
• RPM: 0-550 / 0-1,850 RPM
• BPM: 31,450 BPM
• Chuck Type: 1/2″ Metal Single Sleeve – Ratcheting Lock
• Tool Length: 8.1”
• Tool Weight (w/ XC battery): 5.0 lbs

Includes 2604 M18™ FUEL 1/2″ Drill/Driver, (2) M18™ HIGH CAPACITY REDLITHIUM™ Battery Packs and Multi-Voltage Charger

M18 FUEL™ 1/2″ Hammer Drill/Driver Bare Tool (2604-22CT)

• Volts: 18V
• Torque: 650 in-lbs
• Speed: 2 Speed
• RPM: 0-550 / 0-1,850 RPM
• BPM: 31,450 BPM
• Chuck Type: 1/2″ Metal Single Sleeve – Ratcheting Lock
• Tool Length: 8.1”
• Tool Weight (w/ compact battery): 4.5 lbs

Includes 2604 M18™ FUEL 1/2″ Drill/Driver, (2) M18™ COMPACT REDLITHIUM™ Battery Packs and Multi-Voltage Charger

12 Volt MAX Pivot Reciprocating Saw (DCS310S1) - It looks sort of like the Porter Cable PCL120CRC-2 and has the following specs: 9/16-inch stroke length, 0-2,700 strokes per minute (RPMs), and a 12 Volt MAX* 1.5 Ah battery.  It has an LED light YAY!

“The DCS310 will be available in April 2012 at Lowe’s and independent distributors. The kit (DCS310S1) will feature one DCS310 reciprocating saw, one 12 Volt MAX* 1.5 Ah Lithium Ion battery pack, one 30-minute charger, one four-inch six TPI wood cutting blade, one four-inch 18 TPI metal cutting blade and a kit bag. The kit is expected to retail for approximately $149.00. The DCS310 will also be offered in a variety of 12 Volt MAX* combo kits, including the DCK212S2 ($199.00), a two tool combo kit featuring the 12 Volt MAX* 3/8” Drill/Driver (DCD710), and the DCK413 ($279.00), a four tool combo kit complete with the 12 Volt MAX* Drill/Driver (DCD710), 12 Volt MAX* 3/8” Impact Wrench (DCF813) and the 12 Volt MAX* LED Work Light (DCL510).”  Check out The Dewalt Owners Group for full coverage.

Corded Reciprocating Saw (DWE357) – I really like the out of the box thinking on this, the new design makes it 20% shorter than traditional reciprocating saws.  10 amps, 2800 stories per minute and a 1/ 1/8″ blade stroke length all in the palm of you hand and best of all it fits between the rafters.

“The reciprocating saw will be available at home centers and through the independent channel in the second half of 2012. The DWE357 is expected to retail for approximately $129.00, and will come standard with a three-year limited warranty, one-year free service contract and 90-day money-back guarantee.”  Check out the Dewalt Owners Group for Full Coverage.

The first announcement is two new corded auto feeds, model number DS325AC and DS340AC.  Both kits include an industrial grade aluminum auto feed screw attachment, an extension pole for standing applications, a nylon bag and some bits, plus the screwdriver.

Basically this is a system that saves time for the user.  The auto feed system saves time by eliminating the reloading of fasteners individually.  The Senco screwdriver is an in-line feed system which you can see by the pictures below

The difference between the two screwdrivers is the RPM.

Senco DS325AC

RPM – 2500

Applications - Sub-floor, sheathing, wood and composite decking, heavy gauge metal to metal applications

Price – $219

Warranty – 1 Year

Senco DS340AC

RPM - 4000

Applications – High speed application: Sub-floor, sheathing, decking, light gauge metal

Price - $199

Warranty - 1 Year

Both tools are designed to be used with one hand, but if you do prefer two hands, there is cushion grip.  The screwdrivers have a variable speed trigger, 360 degree adjustable handle, 10′ power cord, no mar nose and a toe-nail nose piece to prevent slipping.

The auto-feed attachment can be removed to drive individual screws if the user needs.

 Senco’s Three new Attachments

Now if you would prefer not buying the kit and turn your screwdriver into an auto-feed system, then these might just be the attachments for you.  According to Senco you don’t have to worry about jams or misfeeds, plus there is an easy to use depth adjustment.  All three attachments have an aluminum frame and hold up to 50 screws.

DS110

Application – Metal to Metal applications like wall panel, decking, metal truss and more

Screw Size – 5/8″ – 2″

Price – $69

Notes – Slim design great for corners and channels.

DS210

Application – Wall and Ceiling Applications

Screw Size - 5/8″ – 2″

Price – $65

DS310

Application – Variety of applications like subflooring, decking, drywall and more

Screw Size - 5/8″ – 3″

Price – $109

Notes – 21″ extension pole and 360 degree adjustable grip handle included.

Press Release:

DEWALT® Offers a Premium Line of SDS Plus Bits – SOLID ROCK CARBIDE™ Bits for Long Life and Increased Durability*
TOWSON, Md. (February 2, 2012) – In continued support of professionals tasked with drilling holes in hard and reinforced concrete, DEWALT offers its expansive line of SDS Plus Bits, which includes SOLID ROCK CARBIDE™ SDS Plus Bits. The SOLID ROCK CARBIDE™ bits are designed for mechanical contractors, electricians, plumbers, forming and tilt wall contractors, glaziers and other maintenance and repair professionals. For durability and long life, these bits feature two times more carbide than standard SDS Plus drill bits decreasing the downtime caused by flute or tip breakage.
“When using standard SDS Plus bits for heavy-duty anchoring applications, many users voiced concern about their short lifespan and durability issues, which lead to downtime on the jobsite,” said Maurice LaPointe, product manager, DEWALT. “With two times more carbide than standard SDS Plus drill Bits, the SOLID ROCK CARBIDE™ bits are specifically designed to withstand difficult drilling applications, and provide long life and durability.”
The SOLID ROCK CARBIDE™ SDS Plus Bits are manufactured using an innovative welding system to affix a whole piece of carbide to the tip of the flute. The solid carbide tip significantly improves the durability of the bits, cutting down on bit tip breakage during concrete drilling.

ACME Tools must have some serious connections with the boys in Red.  They are the first to have the new M-18 Fuel drills available for sale.

The links are active.

Ships within 7 to 10 business days.

Milwaukee® Launches New Thermal Imager

1/8/12

MILWAUKEE, WI – Milwaukee Tool Corporation continues to expand their Test and Measurement line and M12™ LITHIUM-ION system with the introduction of the new 160×120 Thermal Imager, powered by M12™. Ideal for professional preventative maintenance and troubleshooting applications, the new tool features 160×120 pixel, high resolution thermal images, a visual camera for standard pictures, and the broadest temperature range in its class
(-10° to 350°C/ 14° to 662°F) for unmatched productivity.

“Designed from the ground-up with the professional tradesman in mind, this tool is faster, more versatile and easier to use than any other tool in its class,” says Jon Morrow, Director of Marketing, Test and Measurement for Milwaukee Tool Corporation. “Users are able to capture a thermal & visual image on every trigger pull and toggle between the two with the simple push of a button. With an easy, 5-button interface and a no blur, no wait display that updates the screen image 60 times a second, this tool is easy to use and delivers professional quality… all for an outstanding value of only $2,500 suggested retail.”

As a complete problem-solving solution, the 160×120 Thermal Imager kit also includes the simple and powerful Thermal Imager Report Software that makes analyzing images and generating reports quick and easy. Users can easily download images from the Thermal Imager with the included 2GB SD card or USB connection port. By simply switching SD cards, users can even take the tool back into the field while someone else generates the report to minimize downtime. All images use the versatile JPEG file format that can be used with any graphics program for added convenience.

Powered by REDLITHIUM™ battery technology*, the new 160×120 Thermal Imager leverages Milwaukee’s M12™ battery system for quick charging and easy field replacement.  By using the M12™ battery, the tool is compatible with the entire Milwaukee M12™ System of professional power tools and there is less downtime on the jobsite as the battery charges 5 times faster than the closest competitor.

With the introduction of these new products and plans to grow the Test and Measurement line in the future, MILWAUKEE® remains unwavering in their commitment to the trades, and will continue to offer innovative solutions in safety, performance and productivity.

Features:
2260-21 M12™ 160×120 Thermal Imager Kit
• Capture  thermal & visual images on every trigger pull
• Crisp, high resolution thermal images for professional users
• PC software built from the ground up to quickly analyze images and rapidly create reports
• All images use  versatile JPEG file format
Includes 2260-20 160×120 Thermal Imager, Thermal Imager Report Software and Manuals on CD-ROM, 2 GB Memory Card, USB Cable, (1) M12™ RED LITHIUM™ Battery Pack, 30-Minute Charger, SD Card Reader and Carrying Case

*REDLITHIUM™ Battery Technology
Milwaukee’s new REDLITHIUM™ batteries provide up to 40% more run-time, 20% more power and 50% more recharges than other Lithium products on the market. The new technology will also operate in extreme temperatures as low as 0°F/-18°C and will run 20% cooler, with fade free power and no memory effect.
About Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
Milwaukee Tool Corporation, a Brookfield, Wisconsin-based subsidiary of Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. (TTI) (HKEx stock code: 669, ADR symbol: TTNDY) is an industry leading manufacturer and marketer of professional, heavy duty power tools and accessories.  Products include the legendary SAWZALL® reciprocating saws, M12™, M18™ & M28™ LITHIUM-ION cordless tools, HOLE-HAWG® drills, portable band saws, circular saws, driver drills, hammer drills, rotary hammers, grinders, sanders and a line of Test & Measurement tools.  Accessories include SAWZALL® blades, SWITCHBLADE® self-feed bits, BIG HAWG® hole cutters, THUNDERBOLT® drill bits and SHOCKWAVE Impact Duty™. For more information on the full line of Milwaukee® power tools and accessories, please call 1-800-SAWDUST or visit www.milwaukeetool.com.

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Here is the info from Metabo

We have a compiled a list of the best Tool Blogs to check out in 2012.  This is like the Oscars for Tool Bloggers, making the TIA Ultimate Tool Blogs list means you have finally made it to the big league.   No, not really.  It means that you have no life and bust your hump every day writing content in hope that one day you might actually turn this into a full time job.  In all seriousness these guys and girls bust their humps everyday to give us good reading material, let’s support them all.

In no particular order:

ToolGuyd.com – Stuart really has some great content, very unique finds and honest reviews.

OneProjectCloser – You down with OPC?  Yea, you know me! OPC is an awesome source for How-To’s and more

CharlesandHudson.com - Great articles over here and not just tools

aConcordCarpenter.com – Rob knows carpentry and lucky for us who don’t, he writes about it

HomeFixated.com – If you read this blog while drinking your morning coffee, chances are you will spit coffee all over your pc screen because this site is funny!

CopTool.com – The official tool blog of Ohio Power Tool

Tool-Rank.com - Great layout and informative

DewaltOwnersGroup.com - The mecca for DeWALT fans everywhere

ToolSnob.com – Unique posts and great articles

ToolBoxBuzz.com - Nicely laid out and good reviews

ToolStop.co.uk - Europe’s number one tool blog and home of the tool spy

ToolMonger.com – ToolMonger has been around forever and have some great articles

ProToolReviews.com – Dont let the ads fool you, there is some really good in depth tool reviews here

ToolsInAction.com – 2 humps who talk about tools

RidgidForum.com - Mass tool forums

You may have seen some of his videos posted on TIA in the past few months.  Thanks to Dremel we recently got a chance to have a Q and A with Chip Wade from HGTV’s Designed To Sell.  Here is our interview:

1. How did you get your first big break?
   I was working as a structural engineer at a residential building co. and answered a random casting call.  I thought it was for a simple cameo appearance as a local professional, but it ended up being for an actual role as the lead carpenter on the show Designed To Sell for an initial 52 episodes.  Needless to say, I gladly accepted the new opportunity and am still enjoying the best job in the world 5 years later.

2. Do you drive a truck? If so, what kind?
   Yes.. ford f150 king ranch.  I love my truck, I would buy it again today.  I will always have a truck, no matter what.  If you are the type that likes to do anything yourself, a truck is an absolute must have.
3. Who else have you worked with in the industry?
   I’ve worked with a few great brands including Mohawk, Oldcastle, Dremel and 3M.
4. Do you work with any charities?
   Habitat for humanity..  I have done several big buildouts with them, one recently where I did an entire cul-de-sac similar to what I do for Curb Appeal the Block. It was a great experience.
5. What will you work on next?
   I am working on my new show, but unfortunately, I cannot share any details yet. Stay tuned! Not allowed to say the name yet.

Dremel Questions

1. What is your all-time favorite tool?

The new Dremel Saw-Max is the ultimate tool for any home improvement or DIY project. As a compact, handheld saw one third of the size and weight of a traditional circular power saw, this new tool enables easy, one-handed operation and allows users to work on detailed projects and in tight spaces like never before – that’s probably what I like best about it.

2. What’s your favorite Dremel accessory?

Dremel just released a variety of new accessories, including new EZ Lock Sanding Discs, which are my personal favorite. These are designed to last twice as long and remove twice as much material as their non-EZ Lock counterparts, and will definitely take your rotary tool’s capabilities up a notch. I use them on small and large scale projects.

3. What’s your favorite room to work on in the house? (ie: Kitchen, bathroom, etc.)
   My favorite room to remodel is the kitchen because it always makes the most difference in the way the family lives.
4. What’s one room in the house you think home owners are hesitant to update?

Dremel actually surveyed folks about this just this year. The results revealed the No. 1 room homeowners would most like to update is the kitchen; however the bathroom tops the list as the No. 1 home area consumers actually plan to renovate this year. Given those stats, I’d say home owners are most hesitant to update the kitchen because they think it has to be a large, time-consuming project. In reality, a few quick updates can really make a big difference – like installing a new backsplash or turning a wooden cabinet into a glass-front cabinet – small fixes that don’t take a ton of time.

5. What’s a quick fix for homes this winter?

I’d start winterizing the home by checking for obvious cracks in the home using caulk, expanding foam and weather stripping to seal holes or cracks around doors and elsewhere. Also be sure to check the attic – make sure you have sufficient insulation to keep heat inside as it rises to the top of the house. A good rule of thumb: if you can see the framing, you are probably losing energy & should replace insulation. You might also consider winter insulation kits for leaky windows. There are many more tips for the winterization process, but these are a few good ways to get started.

Be sure to check out Chip’s website ChipWade.com and Dremel.com