18 volt News & Reviews

In need of moving some air without having to be tied down with long extension cords? Makita has you covered with the introduction of their new BCF201Z 18-volt LXT cordless fan. With it you have a hassle free way to dry mud, or just keep cool in the summer.

We have been hearing rumors about the new Bosch 4.0 batteries for a few months now and we have even seen some press releases for European tools that picture the new batteries. Now we have received word that the new batteries will hit European stores next month.

Back when Makita first announced their 36V rotary hammer 3 years ago I wondered why they just didn't make the tool run on two 18v batteries. I am sure they had their reasons, and maybe they expected to have more 36v tools out by now, but the 18v line is super popular and it just makes sense to have a tool that runs on the most popular battery.

Flashlights are always handy to have around and the music from a radio seems to make the day go by faster, so why not combine the two into one compact package? Besides, you can't show off your slick dance moves in the dark.

Almost exactly 3 years ago Makita announced their first 36-volt cordless tool, and today we got word of a new 36-volt rotary hammer that I assume will take its place. There is also news of a new Makita 18-volt rotary hammer that is brushless and even has an on-board HEPA vac option.

How much power do you really need from an impact driver? Unless you are running lag bolts, you really don't need as much as the top of the line impact drivers offer. The race to be the most powerful will never end, but that doesn't mean that you need to participate in that race. You might just need something like Bosch's new IDS181 Impactor, an Impact Driver for driving screws.

Back in January 2011 I reviewed the Porter-Cable 12-volt Clampsaw and really liked the Clampsaw feature. I liked the feature so much that the Clampsaw was chosen as a ToolRank Editors Pick. The tool did have its problems, but I suspect Porter-Cable took their time to address these for the 18-volt version (PCC475B).

The city named Milwaukee may be known to many folks as the brewing powerhouse, but the brand name Milwaukee is known to many tradesmen as the tool powerhouse. Remembering back to my first mornings on a job site, where I noticed electricians gathered around a train of brown gang boxes, and where plumbers congregated similarly nearby, and where HVAC guys and pipe fitters too stood ready to lift open those heavy brown lids, and notably when the lids raised and arms rushed in, out came the stout red cases with the name Milwaukee in prominent white. Last...

Oh great another cordless LED work light. And when I say oh great, I mean it in the good way. Oh Great!!! Having enough light while working is a must, so I am always happy to see new and better lights coming out. The New 18-volt Makita LXLM03 12 LED work light (flashlight) is looking like a nice step in the right direction.

It looks like the battle of 18V cordless oscillating multi-tools has officially begun. Porter-Cable is taking their oscillating tool design, with tool-less accessory change, to their 18-volt lithium-ion cordless line and is going up against Makita.