Product focus: Hot Products in 2007

Check out the products that Contractor Tools and Supplies readers have asked about most in the past 12 months.

28- and 18-volt Li-ion tools
DeWalt expands its lithium-ion (Li-ion) tool line with the addition of 28- and 18-volt batteries and tools that join its 36-volt tool line.

The three voltage systems use DeWalt’s proprietary Nano technology, and provide users with an extensive range of power tools for the wide scope of jobsite demands. The battery systems provide an optimized power-to-weight ratio, maximum battery durability and cycle life, as well as productivity enhancing features, report DeWalt sources.

The 28-volt power tool platform will be available Fall 2007 and the 18-volt platform will be backward-compatible with DeWalt’s 18-volt cordless power tools. The Li-ion batteries have unique nano-phosphate cells that provide increased battery durability and cycle life. DeWalt tests peg the batteries average life at 2,000 recharges. Item 145

1/2" hammer drill with anti-vibe technology
Milwaukee Electric Tool now offers its new 5380-21 1/2" hammer drill with Anti-Vibration System (AVS) technology and a soft-grip handle that significantly reduces vibration and user fatigue. Switches easily between hammer-drill and drill-only modes and its variable-speed, two-finger trigger provides maximum speed control. The 9-amp motor and heavy-duty metal gear case produce up to 24,000 low/56,000 high bpm and up to 1,500 low/3,500 high rpm. Item 146

Utility bar
Stanley offers the 4-in-1 tool it calls FUBAR for prying, splitting, board bending and striking jobs. It is one-piece forged steel for increased durability. Two-tiered jaws are designed to grab common dimensional lumber and decking and the tool has a beveled nail slot for pulling and prying nails. Its textured grip offers excellent comfort and control, even when wet. The tempered steel prevents chipping. Item 147

PEX connecting tool
Ridgid offers the compact series jaw for Murray heavy-duty stainless steel PEX clamps that works with the Compact 100-B pressing tool. Ideal for making quick connections on 3/8" to 1" potable water and radiant heat applications. Tool weighs only 7.5 lbs. and is powered by a 14.4-volt Ni-MH battery. The 90-degree swivel barrel offers increased working visibility. Item 148

Overhead anchor
Powers Fasteners offers the Snake anchor for replacement or drop-in work. Instead of requiring the installer to use a hammer to set the anchor into the hole, which is awkward, the Snake anchors are driven into place with an impact driver. Small cordless impact drivers work well and reduce installation time to 20 percent of a conventional drop-in anchor. The Snake anchor comes with its own setting socket that won’t overdrive the fastener and meets requirements for building codes. It will soon be recognized for use with strength design and applications in cracked and uncracked concrete, report Powers sources. Item 149

Crescent wrench
Cooper Hand Tools added innovative design to its 100-year-old Crescent wrench brand. The new RapidSlide wrench features a slide in the center of the handle in place of the standard corkscrew mechanism so users can easily adjust the jaw with one hand. Item 150

Boom lifts
The Ultra Series from JLG features a work envelope that provides more outreach above 50' than any other boom lift. The 1,000 lb. lifting capacity allows for more workers, materials or power tools to be carried while Workstation in the Sky accessories help you get more done. Item 151

Pipe hangers
Sammys and Sidewinders are patented pipe-hanging devices from ITW Buildex that provide approved and time-saving installation in wood, steel and concrete. The Sammy X-Press hanger provides direct installation of threaded rod in 22- to 20-gauge metal deck and 18- to 16-gauge purlin, eliminating the time and expense of a traditional trapeze. Item 152

Pneumatic torque wrench
WrightTorque wrenches from Wright Tool Co. are continuous-turning, high-speed pneumatic torque wrenches that save time and money. They are ideal for applications in confined areas requiring high torque at a specific value. Users preset the torque value, which shuts the wrench off automatically when it is achieved. Item 153

Li-ion 1/2" drill-driver
Makita’s BDF452HW is unique in design and performance. The 18-volt Li-ion battery reaches full charge in just 15 minutes, four times faster than the competition. The Makita-built motor delivers 450 in.-lbs. of torque. At 3.5 lbs., it has the best power-to-weight ratio of any compact drill-driver on the market. This drill-driver adds to the Makita LXT Series of more than 30 models featuring the new 18-volt LXT Li-ion battery technology. Item 154

Wood-boring bits
Irwin introduces SpeedBor Max wood-boring bits with a unique tri-flute with cutting spurs for maximum speed, ease and durability. The full screw tip allows the bit to self-feed, providing even cleaner holes with less effort. Item 155

18-volt Ni-MH metal-cutting combo pack
Panasonic offers the EYC156GQW cordless metal cutting combo pack that includes its 18-volt cordless metal saw that can cut 1/8" to 2 7/32" material, a window for a good cut view, electric brake and a shaft lock button for easy blade replacement. The drill-driver delivers full torque at any speed, has a 15-stage clutch plus drill position, heavy-duty keyless chuck, variable speed control, two-speed gearbox, electric brake and a quick-charging system. The recip saw has a 7/8" stroke length and 0 to 2,700 spm. Work light included. Item 156

Oscillating cutter
When circular saws, jig saws or reciprocating saws just won’t cut it and a chisel means considerable manual labor, the Fein SuperCut oscillating cutter bites through effortlessly and in record time. The Fein FSC 2.0 oscillating tool is the tool that will get you out of a jamb, report company sources. Item 157

Published in the July/August 2007 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.

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