Bosch's Saw Ambition: Gadget Of The Week
Proving that the golden age of lithium-ion power tools is just getting started, Bosch's Litheon 36V 1651 Two-Speed Reciprocating Saw ($349) sets a new standard for both speed and endurance. At its top cutting speed of 3000 strokes per minute, it ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Update: Lithium-Ion Power-Tool Domination
The lithium-ion power tool revolution roared to life two years ago this month when Milwaukee Electric Tool introduced its brawny 28-volt products. Other manufacturers soon jumped in. Now the power tool market is awash in lithium-ion technology. ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Tool Watch: Most Powerful Stick Driver
This isn't the only lithium-ion stick driver out there. But Makita's 7.2V Lithium Ion Cordless Impact Driver with LED Light ($99) is the most powerful stick model we've tested, offering the kind of impact driver function normally found only in ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Home Toolbox Essentials: Skill Set
When I tallied up the tools in my box, I counted 61 items with a combined weight of over 50 pounds. Of course, some things are multipiece, such as the set of high-speed-steel twist drills in a fold-out metal case. I think I've got a good little ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Tool Watch: Simple, Heavy-Duty Pliers
The best innovations are often the simplest, like the curved profile of these Angled 8-in. Diagonal Cutting Pliers ($34), which let you place the head flush against a flat surface while gripping the handles securely. This tool is handy for ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Wish List: Laser Level
It's a clear sign of progress when you can get an affordable self-leveling laser level with its own 9.5-ft. telescoping pole for easy use at practically any job site. Stanley's CLL with Laser Pole ($129) runs on three AAs, and projects bright ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
New Tool: Better Carpenter Pencil
Carpenter pencils have met their match in this Multipurpose Marking Tool ($5). It's a solid chunk of graphite composite that lets you draw thin or wide lines on everything from drywall to metal. It has multiple sides and 12 corners, so when one ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Cutting Class: The Ultimate Saw Test
All circular saws include kerf-indicator notches at the front of the base, one for 0 degrees and one for 45 degrees, to make it easier to align the blade with a cutline. These vary in accuracy. The best method for cutting straight is to simply ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Home Gadget: Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper
Like a mini assembly line, Irwin's Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper ($25) speeds things up through division of labor. An adjustable stopper keeps the wire where you want it. Squeeze the handles, and a pair of clamps presses the wire against notched ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
Time Machine: 79 Years Later, The Powermop
Seventy-nine years ago this month, PM featured amateur mechanic Arthur Capron's plans for an electric floor scrubber. Making this homemade, plug-in scrubber would have been no small feat — Capron's plans required two interlocking brushes, a small ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
2006 National Hardware Show Editor's Choice Awards
The Stout Tool Corp. introduces the first one-handed, cordless bandsaw for cutting pipe and metal. It's the model STX-250--a 9 lb, 18 volt tool that cuts stock up to 2.5 inches in diameter. And, in conjunction with its Cutting Station accessory ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
How To Build A Toolbox: Simple Diy Woodworking Project
For generations, tradesmen of all persuasions have been banging together simple wooden boxes for their gear. Long and narrow for easy carrying, these toolboxes were little more than five boards and a heavy dowel handle. They were the ultimate in ... [... more]
Popular Mechanics |
