18 volt News & Reviews

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...

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....