Latest Cordless Tool News

Like me, you probably didn't make it to the World Of Concrete trade show in Las Vegas. But this is OK, we still have news on some new tools from Bosch that add to their growing cordless line. Both tools are in the 18 volt Litheon line, the first being a 4-1/2" Angle Grinder, and the second is an SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer. The Bosch Litheon line is ever growing, but it still has a ways to go to catch up to Makita. Bosch looks to be doing things right with the new CAG180 Angle...

Introduction Porter-Cable first announced their ultra compact line of 12-volt tools back in August of 2010. They were one of the last of the major brands to make tools in the ultra compact category, but they had a few extra features that set them apart, as well as a lower price. One tool in the new line that caught my eye was their version of the ultra compact reciprocating saw; it had a new simple clamping feature that looked like could really come in handy. Porter-Cable was awesome enough to send their ClampSaw to...

Makita has been an industry leader when it comes to cordless lithium-ion tools, and were the first to come out with the tools we categorize as "Compact". These Compact tools run off of 18 volts of power, but use a smaller battery, and the tools themselves are smaller in size. Makita has announced that they have come out with a new 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver that is even smaller in size then previous models, by 7/16", and weighs in at only 3.3 lbs. Small and light is good, but according to the specs, the tool...

When an impact driver is just not enough power for you, now you can get it done with one of the new Bosch Impact Wrenches. Their new 18V lithium-ion impact wrenches weigh in at 6.7 lbs. and offer 500 foot-pounds of torque, with a total head length of 10-inches. Bosch is offering the new wrench with three different chuck choices. The IWTH180-01 uses a 1/2-inch friction ring for quick and easy socket changes, the HTH181-01 uses a 1/2-inch detent-pin for positive accessory retention and the HTH182-01 uses a 7/16-inch quick change for tool-less accessory removal and works with common...

Sorry for the lack of news this week, I have been battling a headache all week. I thought I would post a bit of entertainment today, because I know I could sure use it. One common trend that manufactures have been doing these past couple of years has been videos of their radios surviving some amazing destruction and abuse. I am not sure which brand starting doing these first, but they are something we have all come to love. The latest to get a beatdown, is the Bosch PB360 radio. After a trip to Wrigley Field, the...

Most of the tools that get covered here at ToolRank have to do with construction; because well, I am a construction worker. Every once in a while I throw in a garden tool just for fun, but for the most part automotive tools get left out. This injustice to automotive tools ends today with the announcement of some new lithium-ion cordless tools from Matco. Matco has announced their Infinium line of cordless tools that were specifically developed for professional automotive technicians that require the power of pneumatics but the portability of cordless. Headlining in...

The latest radio from Ridgid seems to be almost indestructible. In a video released by Ridgid, they went all out in a series of radio abuse tests. They dropped cinder blocks on it, used it to break boards, ran it over with a truck, and even threw it off of a roof top. All of that and it still survived. There is not much information out about the new radio, but at the end of the video they do give us a little. From what they tell us, it looks like it will be the first jobsite...

There once was a time when small trim saws were sought after tools, but it seems as though they died off as people moved to bigger (better?) saws. Well, Makita is bringing the compact trim saw back; this time in a 12V lithium-ion form. So why are trim saws so great anyways? It is as simple as size and weight. With the new Makita SH01W 12V cordless saw you only get a maximum cutting depth of 1-inch at 90-degrees, and 5/8-inch at 45-degrees, but when you are cutting sheets goods, this is plenty. Of...

Every time Dremel comes out with a new rotary tool I get that warm fuzzy feeling inside. I don't know why, maybe because it is one of those tools that you know can always get you out of a jam. That is, if you remember to have it on the job when you need it. This is also the reason I love the fact that it is cordless, no cords means it is practically setup right out of the case. The 8200 is Dremel's first Rotary tool that is compatible with all Dremel accessories and attachments, so the gap...

I recently had an opportunity to test out the Stout X-Band Saw and Cutting Station. Let me start out by say that the X-Band Saw is like no other saw on the market. How so? Well, you have the ability to use the saw as both a portable hand held band saw, and a small band saw station when using the available Cutting Station accessory. When you first pull the X-Band out of its case you realize how small it is. Hopefully the photo of the X-Band in hand can give you an idea of its size....