LED News & Reviews

A couple of months ago I teamed up with Weller to give away one of their brand new soldering irons that feature built in LED lights. Not only were they kind enough to let me give one away to you fine Tool-Rank readers, but they also sent me one so I could see for myself if those new LED lights made a difference.

sym•po•si•um [sim-poh-zee-uh m] n. a dynamic conference organized for the discussion of the latest innovative Milwaukee tools Before highlighting a sample of the many great tools revealed in this event held last week, it was helpful for me to first check my dictionary for the proper usage of the word; and though Webster might not have defined it exactly this way, having first-look at Milwaukee's latest innovative tools indeed made the Milwaukee tool new product symposium a dynamic conference. With expert product managers showcasing tools like the latest M18 FUEL cordless line; a M18 cordless LED...

There is no question about it, Coast makes some really great LED flashlights in a number of different product lines to meet the needs of your average user all the way up to those whose lives depend on them. There was one thing missing though, rechargeable flashlight options; but it looks like that will soon be covered as well.

It has been a couple of months since I started my 72-Hour kit build, which uses the Bosch Click & Go L-BOXX system to store and organize all of my survival supplies. It was a bit of work in getting all of the supplies together, getting everything organized and publishing the content here on Tool-Rank, but in the end I feel better prepared to handle a disaster of any kind.

Let us pretend that you have just survived a natural disaster but you can no longer use your house the way you used it just a few days before. The power is out, you have no running water, and you have no heating. This sounds a lot like what has happened, and is still happening, on the East Coast. For these reasons and more, it is a good idea to have a small tool kit that you can use to help you survive until you can rebuild.

The Makita LXT 18V Cordless line continues to grow with some surprising additions to their website. The new tools include a next generation LXT hammer drill, next gen LED work light that can handle more jobsite abuse, and a surprising new cordless random orbital sander.

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).

Sometimes when we want to get a sneak peek at possible future tools, all we have to do is take a look at what is coming out in Europe. We don't always get what is offered, but when Bosch Germany announces new tools we take notice.

When the power unexpectedly goes out due to the weather or a natural disaster, you realize pretty quickly if you are prepared or not. If you are not prepared and the power goes out at night, you are left scrambling for a flashlight, candles and a match, or any other source of light. Not only can your search for light in pitch black be difficult, but it can also be very dangerous. This month Tool-Rank has teamed up with Coast Portland to help you become more prepared for a power outage by giving away one of their...

Bosch has always been a class leader in jigsaws and they are the brand that many professionals turn to first, so when they announce new jigsaws, everyone takes notice. At their recent media event, Bosch debuted their new JS572E Top-Handle Jig Saw and JS572EB Barrel-Grip Jig Saw, and Bosch did not leave anything out.